State of the Game

Home , Abner Mares, Adonis Stevenson, Alan Minter, Alex Leapai, Ali Raymi, Amateur boxing

STATE OF THE GAME

THEOUR BIBLE EXCLUSIVE OF BOXING DIVISION-BY-DIVISION ANALYSIS

THE BIBLE OF BOXING ®

MAN OH ★HALL OF FAME 2014 MANNY PACQUIAO PROVES HE ISN’T FINISHED OSCAR P.76 DE LA HOYA THE RING AT PEACE WITH REMEMBERS RUBIN CARTER, HIMSELF, CAREER MICKEY DUFF P.40 P.80

TH 25 BEST I ANNIVERSARY: FACED: THE HALL’S EVOLUTION P.48 FELIX TRINIDAD

JULY 2014 JULY P.20

$8.95

83 CONTENTS | JULY 2014

Rubin “Hurricane” FEATURES Carter, the former middleweight contender who maintained he was wrongly convicted of murder and ultimately won his freedom, died on April 20.

Oscar De La Hoya (left) and Felix Trinidad enter the International Boxing 48 Hall of Fame in June. HALL OF FAME

40 DE LA HOYA: NEW CHAPTER THE ‘GOLDEN BOY,’ FINALLY AT PEACE WITH HIMSELF, SAYS HE’S BACK By Ron Borges

48 25TH ANNIVERSARY THE BOXING HALL OF FAME HAS BECOME AN ICONIC DESTINATION By Bernard Fernandez

54 STATE OF THE GAME THE RING MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL DIVISION-BY-DIVISION BREAKDOWN By David Greisman

76 PACMAN’S STATEMENT MANNY PACQUIAO PROVED AGAINST TIM BRADLEY THAT HE ISN’T FINISHED By Norm Frauenheim

80 MICKEY DUFF: 1929-2014 THE BRITISH PROMOTER WAS AN UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTER By Gareth A Davies

83 RUBIN CARTER: 1937-2014 ‘HURRICANE’ GAINED INTERNATIONAL FAME BY FIGHTING FOR HIS FREEDOM By Tim Smith

CARTER: FPG/GETTY IMAGES; DE LA HOYA/TRINIDAD: THE RING MAGAZINE FPG/GETTY IMAGES; DE LA HOYA/TRINIDAD: CARTER: COVER PHOTO / GREG GORMAN

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 3 DEPARTMENTS

6 RINGSIDE 7 OPENING SHOTS 96 12 COME OUT WRITING 15 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES Unbeaten junior Jabs and Straight Writes by Thomas Hauser featherweight Shelly Vincent 20 BEST I FACED: FELIX TRINIDAD overcame By Anson Wainwright daunting challenges with 22 READY TO GRUMBLE the help of boxing. By David Greisman 25 OUTSIDE THE ROPES By Brian Harty 27 PERFECT EXECUTION By Bernard Hopkins 32 RING RATINGS PACKAGE 86 LETTERS FROM EUROPE By Gareth A Davies 90 DOUGIE’S MAILBAG By Doug Fischer 92 NEW FACES: CALLUM SMITH By Tom Gray 94 SWEET SCIENCE By Scott LaFee 96 WOMEN’S BOXING By Thomas Gerbasi 98 AMATEUR BOXING By Joe Santoliquito 100 RINGSIDE REPORTS By Norm Frauenheim 106 WORLDWIDE RESULTS 108 COMING UP 112 FROM THE ARCHIVE 114 AT THE FIGHTS AT RINGTV.COM

SUGAR RAY’S TAKE BEST I’VE FACED: RAY LEONARD PACQUIAO ANALYZES THE TOP MANNY PACQUIAO WELTERWEIGHTS FOR REVEALS HIS TOP THE RING OPPONENTS IN 10 GO TO: http://bit. CATEGORIES ly/1hlql53 GO TO: http://bit. ly/1l3O3nL

DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RINGTV @RINGMAGAZINE

THERINGDIGITAL IAN TRAVIS IAN TRAVIS BARNARD HTTP://INSTAGRAM.COM/RINGTV#

4 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 7.14 / RINGTV.COM 5 RINGSIDE By Michael Rosenthal PERFECT SITUATION VOLUME 93, NO. 7 | JULY 2014

FOUNDER for six installments of the Nathaniel Fleischer feature, starting with the jab (1888-1972) in this issue. The plan is to EDITOR meet with Hopkins every six Michael Rosenthal

months so we can give you ASSOCIATE EDITOR Perfect Execution year round. Douglass Fischer Santoliquito felt fortunate CONTRIBUTING EDITOR to play a role in the project. Brian Harty “Bernard is like a ART DIRECTOR professor,” he said. “You get Lamar Clark a tingle up your spine as he CONTROLLER breaks this stuff down. He Deborah L. Harrison makes you see things that you normally wouldn’t see. CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Kenneth J. Gudaitis He’s a true master. And the man took time out of his ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Robert Gasparri training for a major f ght to 213-233-2952 His Excellency Bernard Hopkins spend time with us. We were there [email protected]

left us shaking our heads once again for around four hours. SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES after his convincing victory over “He doesn’t have an entourage, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Beibut Shumenov on April 19. doesn’t show up in a limo. You PUBLICATIONS P.O. BOX 433122 BHop made a major light don’t have to get through a Palm Coast, FL 32164-3122 heavyweight titleholder almost thousand people to get to him. He’s 800-846-6438 [email protected] half his age look desperate with his a true treasure.” three decades of experience, his ring Perfect Execution will look a lot BACK ISSUES 215-643-3087 OR ONLINE AT intelligence and more than enough like it did in the past, with photos RINGTV.COM physical ability at 49 to follow his illustrating the moves Hopkins brain’s instructions. explains. We have an added feature DIGITAL EDITION INQUIRIES 215-541-2770 No one, not even Floyd this time around, though: video. [email protected] Mayweather Jr., understands RingTV.com’s videographer, SEND EDITORIAL COMMENTS TO: the sweet science better than the Bill Emes, worked side by [email protected] marvelous Executioner-turned-Alien. side with Santoliquito while or P.O. BOX 251753, That’s why THE RING Magazine Hopkins demonstrated and Los Angeles CA, 90025 editors knew exactly who to explained the fundamentals of approach after we decided to the sport, which will allow you THE RING (ISSN: 0035-5410), Vol. 93, NO. 7 (JULY 2014), is reinstitute something akin to Perfect to watch and listen to Hopkins published monthly by Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC, PO Box 90254 Brooklyn, NY 11209. Periodicals postage paid Execution, the feature in which as he goes through his moves. at Brooklyn, NY 11209 and additional post off ces. Postmasters: Send change of address notices to: THE RING, P.O. Box 433122, Hopkins used to give step-by-step Just scan the QR code on Page 27 Palm Coast, FL 32164-3122. Single copy price $8.95 in U.S. and Canada (£4.95 in the UK). Subscription price $58.70 in the U.S., boxing lessons on our pages. or go to http://bit.ly/1mNWeH8, $127.10 in Canada and Mexico, $143.70 in remaining countries. Not responsible for the loss or non-return of unsolicited articles And Hopkins being Hopkins – which will open the video page, and or photographs, which will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing the proper amount of one of the most accessible f ghters soak it all in. postage. The entire contents of this magazine are copyright ©2014 Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC. No part of in spite of his success – readily We believe the new version of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Publisher is not responsible agreed to take part even as he was Perfect Execution provides you with for the accuracy of the content of advertisements appearing in this magazine, nor the delivery or quality of merchandise or preparing for the Shumenov f ght. an unusual tool to understand what services offered. No endorsement of any such advertisement is intended or implied. Advertisers and agencies assume liability Regular contributor Joseph you’re seeing when you watch a for claims arising from the content of their advertisements. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRES AND RATES: (213) 233-2952. U.S. and Santoliquito arrived at Joe Hand’s f ght or to improve your technique Canadian distribution by Kable Distribution Services Inc., 14 Wall Street, Suite 4C, New York, NY 10022. International distribution Gym in downtown Philadelphia one if you box. And our friend Bernard by Worldwide Media Service Inc., 115 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010, UK distribution by Comag Tavistock Rd., West Drayton,

Saturday in March to get material Hopkins made it possible. Middlesex UB77QE, England. Printed in U.S.A. IMAGES ROB CARR/GETTY HOPKINS: JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES; PACQUIAO:

6 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 THE LIGHTER SIDE OF A SERIOUS SPORT

Dionesia Dapidran- Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao’s mother, left nothing to chance as her son prepared to face Tim Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas. 8 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 LARS BARON/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES middleweight titleonApril19. Konecny toretain hisWBO sided decisionoverLukas defning victoryafterhisone- unbeaten butstillwithouta Peter Quillin(right)remained 10 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Washington, D.C. bout onApril19in title-unifcation light heavyweight Shumenov intheir elusive forBeibut was fartoo Hopkins Bernard COME OUT WRITING

KUDOS TO Alexander. Instead he chooses to devoted the rest of his adult life to PACQUIAO f ght Maidana, who lost to Khan helping other wrongfully I have to tip my hat to Manny and is yet another f at-footed, convicted criminals. Pacquiao for his win over tough wide-punching slugger who f ghts Kenneth L. Zimmerman Tim Bradley. I had the f ght three with his face out in front of him. Huntington Beach, Calif. rounds apiece going into the Mayweather has used retirement, seventh round. Then I watched a false allegations of steroid use, MARTINEZ BY KO more mature Manny really box the pricing himself out of the f ght, My belief is that Miguel Cotto’s brakes off Bradley for the rest of demands that Pacquiao drop Bob best nights in boxing came the f ght. I had a little trepidation Arum and Manny’s recent losses at welterweight while Sergio for Manny going into the rematch. (and victories) as excuses to dodge Martinez’s came at middleweight. It appeared to me as long ago as Pacquiao. Kudos to Manny for Because of that natural size the Sugar Shane Mosley f ght that taking on dangerous opponents and difference and the fact that Cotto he was slipping a bit. I attributed it giving the fans what they truly want is prone to fade late in f ghts while to all the wars he has been in since and deserve. Martinez comes on strong during 2002. But he is a special f ghter and Ron Stecher the championship rounds, I can his focus and determination were Lincoln, Mass. see only one outcome on June 7: there in the rematch with Bradley. It Martinez stopping Cotto late. was the best he has looked since the CREDIT DUE Ross Finlayson Antonio Margarito f ght. That being For the past decade, every time Scotland said, in my opinion, he would not be Manny Pacquiao won a big f ght, I able to defeat “Money” Mayweather would hear reasons from so-called MARTINEZ BY KO II if they were to f ght. experts as to why the victory was Miguel Cotto is in way over his Dave Maez not impressive. The opponent was head against Sergio Martinez. This Aurora, Colo. “past his prime,” “coming off a older, puffed up (at 160 pounds), loss,” “just tried to survive” or “they slower version of Cotto will be no NO SURPRISE fought at a catchweight.” None of match for the f eet-footed, though Manny Pacquiao’s victory over those reasons can be used in the older Martinez. And puh-lease Tim Bradley told most of us what Tim Bradley rematch. Bradley was don’t feed me that “But didn’t you we already knew, that Pacquiao an undefeated champion in his see Cotto his last time out against was the clear winner of both f ghts prime and Top 3 pound for pound. Delvin Rodriguez?” nonsense. We and still has a lot left in the tank. There was no catch weight, and all know that Rodriguez is a C Manny defeated a tough, younger, “Desert Storm” was trying his best f ghter at best. We’ve seen Cotto undefeated boxer in Bradley. to knock Manny’s block off. Those fair well against some decent He took Bradley’s best punches, “experts” should give credit where southpaws (Zab Judah and Chop neutralized his quickness, and credit is due and accept the fact that Chop Corley), but against world clearly outboxed him in the second Pacquiao is a special, once-in-a- class southpaws like Manny half of the f ght. If he gets another generation f ghter. Pacquiao and Austin Trout, he took f ght with Juan Manuel Marquez Victor Rivero L’s. This f ght will mirror those. and defeats him in similar fashion or Pacif ca, Calif. More specif cally, I see it playing stops him, Manny would certainly out similarly to the Pacquiao f ght. deserve yet another “Fighter of the HURRICANE Martinez will be too fast, lighting Year” award for avenging losses Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who the slower, smaller man up with against two dangerous opponents. recently passed away, was like a cat combinations to the head and body. Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather with nine lives. He went from petty Cotto will get off in spots to the Jr. continues to duck a f ght with criminal, to top notch boxer, to body and land a couple of good left Manny, has recently dodged Amir convicted murderer, to being a folk hooks to keep the crowd in it before Khan and has never even hinted at hero (after being freed from prison he tires out at the higher weight and any interest in legitimate opponents when it was determined that he was gets pummeled to a late stoppage. such as Danny Garcia, Sergio wrongly convicted), to being an Kevin Moragne Martinez, Bradley or even Devon author, to being a humanitarian who Greensboro, N.C.

WRITE TO THE RING! Come Out Writing, The Ring, P.O. Box 251753, Los Angeles, CA 90025 [email protected] ★ Emailed letters will include a writer’s email address unless a city and state of origin is provided. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity.

12 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 DOWNLOAD APP AND PREVIEW THE DIGITAL EDITION FOR FREE!

iPad Android

iPhone Kindle Fire

SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF A SERIOUS SPORT

The pitfalls of open scoring were on display during the f ght between Danny Garcia (left) and Mauricio Herrera in March.

JABS & STRAIGHT WRITES BY THOMAS HAUSER

The March 15 title bout between Danny Garcia OPEN SCORING and Mauricio Herrera in Puerto Rico was an interesting and competitive fight. But ALL WRONG it was tarnished by the judges and by what the WBC ANNOUNCING TALLIES calls “open scoring.” Under open scoring, the DURING THE FIGHT ONLY judges’ scores are announced to LEADS TO TROUBLE the crowd after the fourth and eighth rounds. Most athletic AP PHOTO/RICARDO ARDUENGO

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 15 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

commissions in the United States weighed in on the day of a refuse to use it. But the governing Bob Arum f ght, instead of dehydrating commission in Puerto Rico has been known to lash out so much, they’d f ght at a allows it. at adversaries. But part of the higher weight class like they There are several problems with promoter’s charm is that he did in the old days when open scoring. says what he thinks about his boxing was boxing.” First, a f ghter who knows that own f ghters, too. That was That led to Arum being he’s comfortably ahead late in a on display at a recent press asked if he thought boxing f ght will be even more tempted conference in New York. should go back to 15-round to hold and run than is currently Asked if he would advise championship contests. the case. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. with “I was against the change Second, as a f ght progresses, a regard to which trainer he to 12 rounds when it judge whose scorecard is at odds should hire, Arum answered, happened,” he said. “But I with those of the other judges “Chavez is not the kind of guy don’t see any reason to go might try to bring his or her card you advise which trainer he back to 15. Fifteen rounds closer to the others rather than should go to. You advise him to might be less exciting because score on the basis of what he or go to a trainer and hope you at the f ghters would be pacing she is seeing in the ring. least get that accomplished.” themselves more.” Third, under open scoring, Then Arum came down hard Then Arum got a look in his judges might be even more on Mikey Garcia and Orlando eyes that signaled something susceptible to crowd intimidation Salido for failing to make good was coming. than they are now. weight for championship f ghts. “Besides,” he added. “It’s bad And last, open scoring He opined, “This whole idea enough watching Guillermo eliminates the drama inherent of f ghters weighing in the day Rigondeaux for 12 rounds. Who in the time-honored tradition of before a f ght is insane. If they wants to watch 15?” ★ announcing the result at the end of a f ght. In Puerto Rico, Herrera was competitive with Garcia from the opening bell. All four Showtime commentators who scored the f ght – Al Bernstein, Steve Farhood, Paulie Malignaggi and Brian Kenny – gave the nod to Herrera. But the judges scored it Will differently. After four rounds, Anthony Garcia had a 40-36, 39-37, 38-38 Joshua be edge. After eight rounds, it was different? 78-74, 77-75, 75-77. It’s bad enough for fans to have a bad decision thrown in their ecognizing that athletes 2013 Nicholas Cuesta faces after a f ght. It’s worse to R were getting bigger, the 2012 Andrew Coleman know that mischievous forces are Golden Gloves added a super 2011 Cam Thompson at work while a f ght is unfolding. heavyweight division for 2010 Roberto Morban In the end, Garcia was awarded competitors over 201 pounds 2009 Lenroy Thompson a 116-112, 116-112, 114-114 in 1982. 2008 Tor Hamer majority-decision triumph. Bigger but not better. Not 2007 Nathaniel James “It was a good f ght,” one National Golden Gloves 2006 Felix Stewart Malignaggi said afterward. “It’s super heavyweight champion 2005 Gregory Corbin too bad that two of the judges has enjoyed a distinguished pro 2004 Raphael Butler missed it.” career to date. 2003 Travis Walker Forget about open scoring. The National Golden Gloves 2002 Malcolm Tann Boxing needs competent, honest super heavyweight champions of 2001 Lonnie Zaid ★ scoring. the new millennium have been: 2000 Steve Vukosa IMAGES SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES; JUSHUA: HULTON ILLASTRATION:

16 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 Counter Punch ‘Hiya, champ. Hiya, champ.’ Still makes me feel good.” (published by Joe Louis: “Jackie [Robinson] is my hero. He don’t bite Triumph Books) his tongue for nothing. I just don’t have the guts, you might is a collection of call it, to say what he says. And I don’t talk so good either. 84 columns that That’s for sure.” Ira Berkow wrote Trainer Whitey Bimstein (bemoaning the dwindling ranks about boxing for of Jewish fghters): “Now that any kid can get a job, they The New York Times got no ambition.” and the Newspaper Jake LaMotta (while working as a bouncer in a strip club Enterprise before Raging Bull turned his life around): “I love women, Association between but I’m turned off here. You seen one topless broad, you 1967 and 2005. seen ’em all.” British promoter Mickey Duff (referencing Larry Holmes Berkow wrote with a nice, and sometimes cutting, touch. just before Holmes fought Mike Tyson): “Doesn’t he look After Mike Tyson was knocked out by Buster Douglas, the good? There are three ages of man: young, middle age, and scribe wondered if Iron Mike might henceforth refer to doesn’t he look good.” himself as “the second baddest man on the planet.” Roy “Cookie” Wallace (after being knocked down four Writing about the star-studded crowd that attended the times en route to a sixth-round stoppage at the hands second fght between Joe Frazier and George Foreman, of Bob Foster): “I got up from three knockdowns by the Berkow recounted, “Elizabeth Taylor was at ringside. She champ. Not many men can say that.” once held the title of Beauty Champion of the World, and Hasim Rahman (after Lennox Lewis said that Rahman she may still lay claim to it but not in very many states. She had knocked him out with a “lottery punch”): “There are has had for years a problem with making the weight. There more Powerballs where that one came from.” is a roundness to her face and a fgure that could stand Andrew Golota (when it was pointed out that he some roadwork.” had arrived for an 11 o’clock interview at 11:58): “But Berkow also has an ear for good quotes. A few of my is still 11.” favorites are: Sandy Saddler (12 years after retiring from boxing): Jack Dempsey: “Some people still call me champ. I was “I’m fne and well off. You know it couldn’t be any other champ for six years, 1919 to 1926 – that’s seven years, isn’t way, because bad news travels fast, and no one ain’t heard it? That’s long enough. But they’re nice people. You know, nothing about me.” H QUICK QUIZ « 1. WHO WAS JOHN SHOLTO DOUGLAS?

2. JAMES JEFFRIES WON A 25-ROUND DECISION OVER TOM SHARKEY IN A HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT ON NOV. 3, 1899 AT CONEY ISLAND IN BROOKLYN, N.Y. WHAT RECORD WAS SET THAT DAY?

3. WHO HAD A LONGER REACH, FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION SANDY SADDLER OR HEAVYWEIGHT

KING ROCKY MARCIANO?

to 68. to Athletic Club in England. In the mid-1860s, he lent his name to rules that would become the the become would that rules to name his lent he mid-1860s, the In England. in Club Athletic

3. Saddler’s reach exceeded Marciano’s, 70 inches inches 70 Marciano’s, exceeded reach Saddler’s 3. time. that until history in fght any of 1. Douglas was the ninth Marquess of Queensbury and one of the founders of the Amateur Amateur the of founders the of one and Queensbury of Marquess ninth the was Douglas 1. H H

guidelines for modern boxing. boxing. modern for guidelines 2. Jeffries-Sharkey had a live gate of $60,300, the largest largest the $60,300, of gate live a had Jeffries-Sharkey 2. QUICK QUIZ ANSWERS: QUIZ QUICK H

Thomas Hauser can be reached by email at [email protected]. His most recent book (Refections: Conversations, Essays, and Other Writings) has just been published by the University of Arkansas Press.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 17 ROLLROLL WITHWITH THETHE PUNCHESPUNCHES

A MONTHLY BOXING LIST

This month: The last time we gave you classic quotes in this space was in the December 2012 issue. Here are 10 more 10 from an endless list. FRANK BRUNO: and was in bed before the “Boxing is just show room was dark.” business with blood.” GEORGE FOREMAN: “The ques- “BARBADOS” JOE WALCOTT: tion isn’t at what age I want “The bigger they are, the to retire, it’s at what income.” harder they fall.” LARRY HOLMES: “All fghters MIKE TYSON: “Everybody has are prostitutes and all pro- a plan until they get punched moters are pimps.” in the face.” WHITEY BIMSTEIN: “Show me « HOWARD COSELL: “Down an undefeated fghter, and goes Frazier! Down goes I’ll show a guy who’s never Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” fought anybody.” JOYCE CAROL OATES: JOE LOUIS: “They can run, but “Boxing is a celebration of they can’t hide.” the lost religion of masculinity NOTE: Bob Fitzsimmons is all the more trenchant for its typically credited with saying being lost.” No one will forget Howard Cosell’s famous call. “The bigger they are, the MUHAMMAD ALI: “I’m so fast harder they fall,” but many that last night I turned off the sources indicate that Walcott light switch in my hotel room used the term before him. ADVANCED DEGREES

Degrees of separation between fghters of the past and their more contemporary counterparts. THE RING thought it would be interesting to try to link the late middleweight contender Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who fought from 1961 to 1966, with middleweight and light heavyweight great Bernard Hopkins. We did so in seven steps. We then challenged reader Gregg Morgan, a whiz at Advanced Degrees, to do it in fewer steps. He came through, doing it in only fve.

« RUBIN CARTER fought … EMILE GRIFFITH, who fought . . . VITO ANTUOFERMO, who fought . . . LARRY MCCALL, who fought . . . JOE LIPSEY, who fought … BERNARD HOPKINS »

18 EMAIL YOUR ADVANCED DEGREES TO [email protected]. THE BEST AND WORST IN BOXING FROM THE PAST MONTH WHAT BOXERS ARE INTO OUTSIDE THE SPORT

By Michael Rosenthal By Anson Wainwright

MANNY PACQUIAO GOOD WBO welterweight titleholder The United States had more heavyweights MUSIC Ð “Shakira, Bee Gees and Ashanti.” in THE RING Top 10 than any other country at the time this was H CAR Ð “Mercedes Benz 350SL is written. That might not mean much given Wladimir Klitschko’s my favorite one to drive.” H FOOD Ð dominance and the questions surrounding the three Americans, “Steamed white rice, grilled steak cooked No. 6 Chris Arreola, No. 9 Deontay Wilder and No. 10 Bryant well done, grilled or steamed asparagus Jennings. Still, as a boxing fan who grew up watching the likes of and broccoli, grilled or broiled fsh, beef Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, I’m optimistic that Yanks might broth, fresh melon and bananas.” H TATTOOS Ð “On my left again hold their own in the sport’s glamour division. You’ll know shoulder I have the names of my wife and children and on one by the time you read this how Arreola did in his rematch with forearm a streaking comet.” H ATHLETE OUTSIDE BOXING Ð H MOVIE Ð Bermane Stiverne for the vacant WBC title. Arreola has talent and “Carmelo Anthony.” “Authentic Chinese martial arts H VIDEO GAME Ð fre in the ring but spotty results. Jennings, who was scheduled to movies. Bruce Lee is a favorite.” “Temple Run.” fght the capable Mike Perez on May 24, seems to be rounding into a good heavyweight but is still developing. I’m most excited GEORGE GROVES Super middleweight contender about Wilder. The 6-foot-7 Alabaman is the least polished of the three but has the kind of punching power that stops opponents MUSIC Ð “My favorite band are Green and wins fans. The point? We Americans have hope. Day. I do like The Black Keys and Arcade Fire.” H CAR Ð “I drive an Audi S8. Dream car would be a Mercedes SLR.” H FOOD Ð “I love Iranian food, but it piles on the BAD weight. I have grown to love salads, too, It seems we could fll the magazine each and chocolate is my weakness.” H TATTOOS Ð “I have a large month with items about judges who turn in inexplicable cards. tattoo on my stomach and lots of lucky charm tattoos on my arm.” We don’t want to bore you with the same material month after H ATHLETE OUTSIDE BOXING Ð “Andy Murray because tennis month. At the same time, we want to bring as much attention looks hard graft. Usain Bolt because I believe he’s clean and as possible to poor scoring in hopes it will lead to improvement. unstoppable. And Mo Farah because he’s a tremendous athlete and This month’s worst card was turned in by Gustavo Padilla after a cool, down to earth guy.” H MOVIE Ð “I have loads. Snatch, The the Bernard Hopkins-Beibut Shumenov fght on April 19. The Departed, Troy, Goodfellas, Shawshank Redemption and of course Panamanian, who has more than two decades of experience, Rocky.” H VIDEO GAME Ð “I never play any video games, but if somehow turned a one-sided victory by Hopkins into a split I’m in an arcade, it’s always Pac-Man.” decision by scoring the fght for Shumenov 114-113 (seven rounds to fve). The only advantage Shumenov had was that he threw LAMONT PETERSON more punches than Hopkins, which doesn’t mean much when so IBF junior welterweight titleholder few land. We all know who won that fght and that Padilla did a MUSIC Ð “Slow Dance.” H CAR Ð “I drive poor job. As a result, we’re instituting here and now a new feature a Dodge Charger. I’d most like to have a that we’ll call POOR JUDGE-MENT, a list of horrible scorecards Ferrari or an Audi R8.” H FOOD Ð “Pizza that we’ll continually update. Padilla’s card is the frst entry. It and tacos.” H TATTOOS Ð “I have two. won’t be the last. One says ‘Team Pete’ and the other is a pharaoh.” H ATHLETE OUTSIDE BOXING Ð “Lebron James.” H MOVIE Ð “Troy.” H VIDEO GAME Ð “I play WORSE all sorts of games. It would be hard to pick one.” We lost two signifcant boxing fgures this past month, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and Mickey Duff. We could’ve lost a third. Former 130-pound titleholder RING POLL THE Carlos Hernandez, one of my favorite people in boxing, suffered A MONTHLY POLL PERCENTAGES: a rattlesnake bite on his leg while running the evening of April OF OUR RINGTV.COM HOPKINS BY 23 and was rushed to a hospital. His leg swollen and numb, he READERS received morphine and other drugs for the pain as well as several DECISION 43.21 vials of antivenom. He struggled for a few days but the antivenom RingTV.com readers STEVENSON BY KO ultimately did its magic and “Famoso” recovered. No surprise evidently believe in 33.20 that he battled through it. I’ll never forget his fght against Vicente BHop? We asked: What Escobedo in 2009, his last one. Many were concerned going into would be the result STEVENSON BY the fght because Hernandez had taken so much punishment in DECISION 16.88 recent bouts. And it started poorly for Hernandez, who took some of a fght between hellacious shots early. However, instead of folding, he gave one Adonis Stevenson HOPKINS BY KO of the most courageous performances I’ve ever seen. He not only and Bernard 4.82 survived but nearly won a pitched battle of wills. The crowd – and Hopkins? Here is how

CARTER: CENTRAL PRESS/GETTY IMAGES; HOPKINS: MADDIE MEYER/GETTY IMAGES; PACQUIAO: JEWEL SAMAD; GROVES: SCOTT HEAVEY; PETERSON: PATRICK SMITH PATRICK PETERSON: SCOTT HEAVEY; JEWEL SAMAD; GROVES: MADDIE MEYER/GETTY IMAGES; PACQUIAO: CENTRAL PRESS/GETTY IMAGES; HOPKINS: CARTER: normally jaded writers – gave him a standing ovation afterward. you responded. DRAW 1.89 No rattler is going to take him down.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 19 BEST I FACED By Anson Wainwright

happened,” he said. Today, Trinidad makes occasional public appearances – often at schools FELIX – and spends time cultivating fruit and vegetables in his garden. He graciously agreed to speak with THE RING about the best he faced in 10 key categories.

TRINIDAD BEST BOXER Roy Jones Jr.: I have great respect for Roy Jones. He is a elix Trinidad will the IBF title. The banner year saw be remembered Trinidad win THE RING Fighter of F as one of the the Year award. biggest-punching He then stopped William Joppy welterweights in to win the WBA middleweight history and an belt in his home-away-from-home, icon in his native Puerto Rico. Madison Square Garden in New “Tito” burst onto the scene as York, giving him a world title in a a 20-year-old in 1993 when he third weight class. relieved Maurice Blocker of his IBF Trinidad (42-3, 35 knockouts) welterweight title in devastating would go 2-3 in his final five fashion, knocking Blocker out cold in fights, losing badly to Bernard the second round. Hopkins, Winky Wright and Roy It was the start of a fantastic run Jones Jr., but he had already that saw Trinidad become one of established his International the most popular fighters of his Boxing Hall of Fame credentials. generation – in Puerto Rico and He’ll be inducted this June. beyond – because of his success, Interestingly, with all of Trinidad’s exciting fighting style, charisma great victories, he considers his and humility. loss to Jones his best performance. Trinidad would make 15 successful Trinidad lost widely on the cards and defenses of his welterweight title, went down twice. second only to Henry Armstrong’s “This match could have been 18, and reigned a division-record declared in favor of either of us, seven years. Among his victories even with the knockdowns,” he said during that run, he stopped Oba through a translator. “It was a very Carr and Yori Boy Campas, and tough and close match for 12 rounds. outpointed Pernell Whitaker, Oscar I fought a fghter that had been a De La Hoya and countryman Hector heavyweight champion, and it was Camacho Sr. the biggest weight I fought at. The De La Hoya fight, in “Also, the fght with Fernando which he took the WBC belt from Vargas, which is one of the classics of boxing’s “Golden Boy,” was at the boxing. The people from HBO sent time the biggest non-heavyweight me a letter like a week after the fght fight ever in terms of pay-per-view congratulating me and saying that buys at 1.4 million. it was the best fght in 25 years that Trinidad would vacate his they had televised on their network.” welterweight throne and make a Trinidad fought most of the best brief pit stop at junior middleweight between 147 and 160 pounds but in 2000, when he took the WBA said he would have liked to face Julio crown from David Reid and stopped Cesar Chavez and Terry Norris. Fernando Vargas in perhaps his most “I had signed a contract spectacular performance to win to fght Chavez, but it never

20 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 complete boxer with tremendous boxing experts discuss who the was never knocked out in skills. He has fast, strong hands and best defensive fighters are, the his whole career, and he fought good incredible refexes. name of Pernell Whitaker is always punchers. I remember that I wasn’t in the conversation. We knew that able to knock him out, but he got to BEST JAB he was very good defensively, so feel my punch and I hurt him twice. Winky Wright: Of all the we came prepared for the fight. I He is one of the best Puerto Rican boxers that I fought, the boxer that am the only one that has beaten fghters to step in the ring. best used the jab is Winky. His jab Whitaker convincingly. I won 11 of bothered me all night. the 12 rounds. BEST PUNCHER David Reid: I should say BEST DEFENSE BEST CHIN besides me. David Reid had the Pernell Whitaker: When Hector Camacho Sr.: He power to knock me out, he hit hard. When I fought him, he hit me with some good punches in the early rounds. He won an Olympic gold Felix Trinidad (right) medal by a knockout even with the said that Hector fact that in amateurs you fght with Camacho Sr. was headgear and the gloves are more tough and fast. cushioned, which made the punches Trinidad outpointed his fellow Puerto less powerful. Rican in 1994. FASTEST HANDS Camacho: You know he was known for his quickness in the ring. Of the boxers I fought, I have to go with Camacho. He had fast hands and a good jab.

FASTEST FEET Camacho: It was hard to cut the ring off when I fought him. He was skillful. His fast feet also helped him when he was hurt and made it hard to hit him.

SMARTEST Whitaker: Whitaker was the smartest. To go the distance with me he had to be intelligent. He used his small height as an advantage, bending down almost to the floor, and he knew when to grab on.

STRONGEST Reid: As I said, he hit hard, but he is also physically strong.

BEST OVERALL Jones: I fought the best of the best, but if I had to choose one, it needs to be Roy Jones. He is one of the most dominant boxers in

AL BELLO the last decade and he went on to become heavyweight champion.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 21 READY TO GRUMBLE By David Greisman

matches that very well would’ve excited had they ever existed. WE SHARE But here’s the thing: They get away with all of this because we allow them to. We’re fguratively paying for it because, well, we THE BLAME literally still pay for it. We didn’t get Mayweather- THE FACT THAT FANS CONTINUE TO LAY OUT MONEY EVEN THOUGH WE DON’T GET THE FIGHTS WE WANT CONTRIBUTES TO THE PROBLEM

e are part of the problem W because we refuse to take part in a solution. Sure, we’ve faulted the fghters and their egos for not wanting to give up too much in negotiations and not wanting to get too little, for refusing to travel, for seeking too much money, and for not being willing to give a prospective opponent a shot. We’ve pointed our fngers at the stubbornly childish promoters who overprotect their interests and whose “cold war” has long been detrimental to the sport. We’ve understood the consequences of the competition between networks. We’ve made the mysterious and powerful boxing adviser Al Haymon into a villain. It has been so easy for us to assign blame for the fghts that can’t get made or simply don’t get made. Those bouts include the white whale that was Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao and the potentially delayed duel between light heavyweight sluggers Adonis Stevenson and Sergey Kovalev, never mind numerous other

22 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 Pacquiao because the two sides Stevenson is willing to hold out because he knows that his fans couldn’t agree, and they dug in for more money for a Kovalev in Quebec will still show up, he their heels because they didn’t fght and perhaps burn bridges knows Showtime will pony up have to make a deal, not when with HBO because the alternative the money, and Showtime knows we’ve continued to contribute is just as viable and possibly that we will watch. to their eight-fgure paydays even more lucrative. He can fght We almost always watch. We through our pay-per-view and on Showtime and hope to face rarely speak with our remote ticket purchases. Bernard Hopkins later this year controls and our wallets. We refuse to miss out on major events. We cannot resist this sport, even if this sport does so much to resist us. At least Pacquiao and Mayweather have each been in interesting matches in the past few years, and at least Stevenson vs. Hopkins would be an intriguing pairing. Yet on far too many other occasions we are subsidizing substandard products, losing out on first- rate programming and settling for second-best or worse, all because something is better than nothing when it comes to sating our hunger for The Sweet Science — even if The Sweet Science is leaving a sour taste in our mouths. Even worse is when our fandom for a fghter means we think like a manager, reciting and justifying the many excuses for why a certain bout against a certain opponent should not happen. Some of us have even latched onto individual sides in the promotional rivalry between Golden Boy and Top Rank or the network competition between HBO and Showtime, treating this as the boxing version of Twilight’s Team Jacob and Team ED MULHOLLAND/GOLDEN BOY/GOLDEN BOY VIA GETTY IMAGES Edward, all of which is ftting, as this monstrosity is sucking us dry. I believe in supporting the men and women who put themselves in danger partially for their own enrichment and partially for our entertainment. But if you Fighters such as Floyd want the biggest and best fghts Mayweather Jr. might to happen and wonder why so take more risks in choosing opponents if many of them don’t, it’s because fans didn’t buy into less- we are the fools who continue to than-ideal matchups. be parted with our money.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 23 READY TO GRUMBLE

Even though the result this time was rightly in his favor, Manny Pacquiao still seems to lose when he wins. The storylines following Pacquiao’s rematch victory over Timothy Bradley weren’t solely involving a clear decision over one of the best welterweights in the world and one of the better boxers in the entire sport. Rather, people also wondered why Pacquiao hadn’t been able to knock Bradley out. They asked whether Pacquiao still would’ve triumphed had Bradley not hurt one of his legs and had Bradley stuck to the game plan that had brought him early success. They noticed that this older Pacquiao is not quite the Pacquiao of old. His past performances are apparently a hard act to follow. The bar was raised with four particular wins, starting with Manny Pacquiao evidently competes against both his opponents and the his stoppage of David Diaz and fghter he once was. continuing through his drubbing of Oscar De La Hoya, his clubbing of Ricky Hatton and fght with Juan Manuel Marquez. his spots instead of picking his his clobbering of Miguel Cotto. And then came the robbery loss foes apart. Those brought him four wins in in the frst Bradley fght and the Then again, the styles do three weight classes, but people one-punch knockout defeat in the matter, as do the circumstances. still attached a “yeah, but” when fourth Marquez bout. There are certain opponents who describing them. Suddenly people were asking will not be subject to the same PACQUIAO/BRADLEY: JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; TRINIDAD: ROBERT LABERGE/GETTY IMAGES Yeah, Diaz was a titleholder, if Pacquiao was done, a silly kind of punishment that Cotto but he was slow and made-to- question given whom the losses and Margarito were. And it’s order, they said. Yeah, De La came against and how, and given no surprise that the Marquez Hoya was once a huge star, but that they followed a run that no knockout means Pacquiao is he was a drained shell of himself. one else at the time had come increasingly aware of getting Yeah, Pacquiao knocked Hatton close to matching. That question caught with a counter. cold to become the 140-pound was shown to be all the sillier The Bradley win was a great champion, but Hatton was a when people watched Pacquiao one, even if it wasn’t a gripping limited mauler who ran into the outbox a handpicked opponent one. As much as we want to punch. Yeah, Cotto was very in Brandon Rios and then asked contrast the Pacquiao of the good, but Cotto had to drop if he was back. present with the Pacquiao of the a couple pounds to meet the Neither question was necessary. past, the more apt comparison catchweight. Yes, the 35-year-old Pacquiao is to look at how Pacquiao It continued. Pacquiao didn’t appears to be slipping somewhat, measures up with, and against, stop the defensive Joshua Clottey. but that’s because he was at such his fellow fghters. He beat up Antonio Margarito a high level before. He might not He may never again match the but forced Margarito to make be the whirlwind he once was, best of what he once was, but he 150. He took yet another close active for the entire three minutes still belongs in against the best of and arguable decision in the third of every round. Now he’s picking who there still is.

24 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 OUTSIDE THE ROPES

By Brian Harty

the meantime, Puerto Rico’s Banco view broadcast slingshotting hexes Popular relaxed a demand that Tito at Tim Bradley from ringside? Oh, immediately pay off $2.9 million of that was Manny Pacquiao’s mom, the debt. Dionesia, whose antics immediately went viral on the internet. Not In Mexico, former junior middleweight that Manny needed any magical champ Canelo Alvarez angrily assistance. He had already received dissolved his relationship with the blessing of former President Felix Trinidad is engaged longtime broadcast partner Televisa Bill Clinton, who called Pacquiao in a different after he was accused of causing “a great role model” on the Jimmy kind of fght. the December 2013 death of then- Kimmel Live! show. sparring partner Javier Jauregui. With the foundation of its bold theory Another boxing fan you might attributed to “a witness,” Televisa- not expect: Pablo Picasso. Cecile BROKEN owned magazine TV y Novelas Eluard, the 95-year-old daughter claimed the 40-year-old Jauregui had of French surrealist poet Paul BOND absorbed too many blows as Alvarez Eluard, happily recalled in a prepared to meet Alfredo Angulo on recent interview going to fights March 8. Alvarez covered Jauregui’s with the cubist painter and family elix Trinidad earned almost funeral costs after the former friend, whom she described as “so F $90 million over the course lightweight titleholder died of a stroke. absolutely not abstract!” of his multiple-division reign yet was somehow staring at a bank Tony Ayala Sr., who trained his four Even more surreal was Republican balance on the other side of zero in sons – Tony Sr., Mike, Paulie and senator Elbert Lee Guillory April. The culprit, he alleged, was Sammy – as well as former titleholders opposing an anti-cockfghting bill in Jose Ramos, his former translator. Jesse Benavides, John Michael Louisiana because it might endanger Now called a fnancial planner, Johnson and Gabby Canizales, died “a legitimate sport known as chicken Ramos had for some years been at 78 on April 10 in San Antonio as a boxing.” That’s right, chickens exclusively entrusted to nuture the result of complications from diabetes. wearing gloves instead of razor Trinidad fortune. blades fght each other while ringside Initial reports portrayed Ramos as Amid increasingly severe tensions veterinarians watch carefully. Just a fnancial neophyte who foolishly with Russia, former heavyweight like real boxing! A confused Sen. J.P. invested all of Tito’s eggs in a single, Vitali Klitschko withdrew from the Morrell, the Democrat who introduced faming basket. A complaint fled in presidential race in Ukraine to lend the bill, replied, “I have no knowledge Puerto Rico by the Trinidads presented his support to a single opposition whatsover on chicken boxing.” That a more complex, Bernie Madoff-esque candidate, Petro Poroshenko. makes all of us. fgure. The common ground seems to The situation was still developing be this: Tito got hosed. at press time. Meanwhile, Russian Arthur Abraham knows animals, Basically the complaint alleged and Ukrainian fghters got along just though. Dangerous ones. And heavy Ramos was using Trinidad’s money to fne at the World Series of Boxing metal. The super middleweight buy government bonds, which he then quarterfnals in Moscow. titleholder (at least at press time) used as collateral to extend credit adopted a baby Persian leopard lines, which he used to buy more There wasn’t much peace at brother named Shiva at the Berlin zoo, then securities, all the while profting from Wladimir Klitschko’s press posed with the indifferent cat while transaction fees and commissions. conference for his fght against holding a sign saying “Mein Pate When the bonds market in Puerto Alex Leapai on April 26. American ist Arthur Abraham” (My Godfather Rico collapsed late last year, Trinidad heavyweight Shannon Briggs is Arthur Abraham). Abraham also was stuck with tens of millions in showed up, whipped off his shirt and announced that German heavy worthless investments and tens of called Wladimir out. Klitschko said, metal band Edguy would play as millions more in credit debt. Numbers “I’m gonna eat your fst,” Briggs did a he walked in for his May 3 fght in the press put his total loss as high Hulk-like fex ... it was weird. against Nikola Sjekloca. In the as $63 million. past, his walk-ins have featured live Ramos denied the allegations And who was that crazy sorceress perfomances by The Scorpions. and said the truth will come out. In seen on the April 12 HBO pay-per- Rock on, King Arthur.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 25

PERFECT EXECUTION

Boxing Lessons From Bernard Hopkins THE JAB YOU WORK EVERYTHING OFF THE JAB By Joseph Santoliquito

Good boxing demands good technique. A missed step here, an off-balance shot there, and you could be looking up from the canvas. The sport is as much about foot positioning as it is punching power. It’s a ballet of fists and feet, of the whole body functioning as one. To achieve that, one must master the fundamentals. Perhaps no one today has a better understanding of the basics than future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, which is why we asked him to play the leading role in a resurrected version of “Perfect Execution.” Each month in THE RING Magazine, Hopkins will demonstrate a particular skill and explain how to execute it. Photographs of Hopkins and assistant Danny Davis will help you understand the moves. Also, for the first time, we will IT’S BACK have an accompanying video on our website, RingTV.com, Bernard Hopkins’ popular how-to series on boxing fundamentals which will allow you to watch returns in this issue and will appear and listen as Hopkins imparts each month. We’ve added a video his wisdom. component to the feature. To This month: The jab, the most watch and listen to Hopkins giving instruction, just scan the QR code basic punch that sets up all

JANISE VALENTIN above or go to http://bit.ly/1mNWeH8. other blows. »

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 27 PERFECT EXECUTION Boxing Lessons From Bernard Hopkins 1 CATCHER’S MITT JAB

2 3

2 SPLITTING THE GUARD

1 3 BODY JAB

LESSON 1 LESSON 2 LESSON 3

“You work everything “When a guy has a tight “There is a reason why off the jab, defense and defense and you’re coming you want to freeze him, offense. You don’t see in, you have to time him and you can do that with me get countered with and come in straight splitting the guard with anything my opponent with your jab. Again, the jab. 1 You want to might throw. 1 It matters everything works off the aim right at his torso. This where my elbow is, tucked jab. It’s your sword. 1 is a very effective jab with tight to my body, 2 and Here, I come up on an an aggressive opponent where my chin is. Notice angle, as you’ll notice coming straight at you.” that’s tucked in tight, here what I’m doing with too. This is what I call Danny. You want to break the catcher’s mitt jab. 3 up their guard. That pops I caught Danny’s jab and the head out of the guard. I countered with my jab. You can set up everything You can counter to the after that.”

JANISE VALENTIN torso or to the face.”

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 29 PERFECT EXECUTION 4 WHAT NOT TO DO

LESSON 4

1 “This is the incorrect way 3 to throw a jab, because you can easily get countered off of it. If you don’t bring back your jab fast enough, you can get in some trouble. 2 Notice here, 2 when Danny pulls his jab back, he brings back his left hand low. I see the opening and can quickly counter off of that. Be aware that when you throw the jab, it has to come back fast to where it originally started. 3 If it’s brought back down, you can counter off the top of that. It’s how Max Schmeling caught Joe Louis

the f rst time they fought.” ★ JANISE VALENTIN

30 RINGTV.COM / 7.14

THROUGH FIGHTS OF RATINGS PACKAGE APRIL 20, 2014 FIGHTER OF THE MONTH | RATINGS ANALYSIS | POUND FOR POUND | THE RING RATINGS

Manny Pacquiao might not be the fghter he once was but he was still too good for Tim Bradley.

Think about what Manny FIGHTER Pacquiao did in his rematch JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES OF THE MANNY against Tim Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas. MONTH The Filipino hero was 35, one fght removed from a one-punch PACQUIAO knockout loss and perceived to be in decline. He was facing By Michael Rosenthal a gifted, undefeated opponent

32 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 who was in his prime and POUND FOR POUND: Manny Pacquiao in the ratings at No. 8 after a on everyone’s pound-for- (No. 7 last month) regained some unanimous decision over Khabib pound list. At best, this was old ground, rising to No. 4 after Allakhverdiev (No. 7 last month) a 50-50 proposition for beating Tim Bradley by unanimous on the Pacquiao-Bradley card. Pacquiao, who might’ve decision (even Bradley agreed this Allakhverdiev dropped to No. 9, and faced the end of his career time). Bradley (No. 3 last month) fell No. 10 Selcuk Aydin was pushed off had he lost. to No. 5, and Wladimir Klitschko the list. And what did the old man (No. 4 last month) was elevated to cover the vacancy. Juan Manuel LIGHTWEIGHTS: No change. do? He turned in Marquez held his spot at No. 6, with JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS: a dominating performance, Sergio Martinez (No. 5 last month) No change. winning a one-sided dropping to No. 7. FEATHERWEIGHTS: decision that no one – No change. HEAVYWEIGHTS: Odlanier Solis including Bradley – JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS: Scott (No. 7 last month) lost a split would dispute. Quigg (No. 6 last month) rose to No. decision to unrated veteran Tony Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 4 after swiftly dismissing Tshifhiwa Thompson, who has become knockouts) might not Munyai (unrated) with an impressive somewhat of a gatekeeper. be what he once was second-round knockout. Solis dropped off the list, and but, at maybe 80 or 90 undefeated American Bryant BANTAMWEIGHTS: percent, let there be no Paulus Ambunda Jennings took the No. 10 spot. was replaced at No. 10 by once- doubt that he remains beaten Japanese 118-pounder CRUISERWEIGHTS: No change. formidable. As in their Ryosuke Iwasa, who scored a frst fght, which Bradley LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS: Bernard majority decision over Richard won by a controversial Hopkins (No. 1 last month) had Pumicpic (unrated) in Tokyo. decision, Pacquiao was nowhere to go on the list after JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS: No change. too good and too quick unifying two titles, but Beibut for what we can now call Shumenov fell from No. 4 to No. 6 FLYWEIGHTS: No change. an inferior opponent. He after a humbling 12 rounds with The was busy, accurate in spite Alien. No. 5 Juergen Braehmer and JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS: In just his sixth of Bradley’s defensive No. 6 Chad Dawson both moved up pro fght, Naoya Inoue (No. 9 last skills and in command a notch as a result. month) took down a formidable titleholder in Adrian Hernandez for most of the fght. SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change. Particularly striking were (No. 4 at the time) by sixth-round TKO. Inoue jumped to No. 5, his defensive numbers: MIDDLEWEIGHTS: Curtis Stevens pushing Johnriel Casimero into dropped from No. 8 to No. 9 after Bradley connected on only the spot vacated by Hernandez, a dubious, come-from-behind 19 percent of his punches who fell to No. 6. Naoya’s younger stoppage of unrated Tureano in their frst fght, only 22 brother, Takuma – who has only Johnson in Philadelphia. Marco percent in the rematch, well TWO pro fghts – then took the No. Antonio Rubio gained a spot, below the welterweight 10 spot with a unanimous decision from No. 7 to No. 6, after a 10th- over Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr. (No. 10 average, according to round knockout of Domenico last month). CompuBox. (Pacquiao Spada (unrated). It was the 36th connected on 35 percent.) 12-rounder of Rubio’s career. STRAWWEIGHTS: Mexico’s Francisco Bradley had his moments Rodriguez (unrated last month) JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change. but moments generally flew in under the radar to upset don’t win fghts. No, it was WELTERWEIGHTS: Pacquiao (No. 3 Merlito Sabillo (No. 6 last month) Pacquiao’s night. I won’t last month) returned to his home at and take his title by 10th-round suggest that it was his No. 1 with the conclusive win over TKO. Sabillo fell to No. 9, which greatest night. It’s hard to top his Bradley, who dropped from No. 1 bumped China’s only rated fighter, victories over Oscar De La Hoya to No. 2 and pushed Marquez from Xiong Zhao Zhong, off the list. and Ricky Hatton when he was No. 2 to No. 3. Shawn Porter then Rodriguez entered at No. 7, which at his peak. jumped from No. 6 to No. 4 after a pushed Jesus Silvestre from No. 7 to No. 6. Silvestre later fell to At the same time, given the fourth-round stunner against Paulie No. 10 after a mysterious split- facts going into the fght, this Malignaggi, who was bumped from No. 8 to the brink at No. 10. decision loss in an 8-rounder will be remembered as one of the against Eduardo Martinez, which most important victories of his JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS: Undefeated lifted fighters No. 7 through No. 10 career. Las Vegan Jessie Vargas arrived up a spot each.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 33 THROUGH FIGHTS OF APRIL 20 FOR WEEKLY UPDATED RING RATINGS, GO TO RINGTV.COM

Heavyweight Kubrat Pulev remained unbeaten with a third-round TKO of Ivica Perkovic on April 5.

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

C WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO C YOAN PABLO HERNANDEZ C ADONIS STEVENSON C ANDRE WARD Ukraine | 61-3-0 (51 KOs) Cuba | 28-1-0 (14 KOs) Canada | 23-1-0 (20 KOs) U.S. | 27-0-0 (14 KOs) 1. KUBRAT PULEV 1. MARCO HUCK 1. BERNARD HOPKINS 1. CARL FROCH Bulgaria | 20-0-0 (11 KOs) Germany | 37-2-1 (26 KOs) U.S. | 55-6-2 (32 KOs) U.K. | 32-2-0 (23 KOs) 2. ALEXANDER POVETKIN 2. KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK 2. SERGEY KOVALEV 2. MIKKEL KESSLER Russia | 26-1-0 (18 KOs) Poland | 49-2-1 (35 KOs) Russia | 24-0-1 (22 KOs) Denmark | 46-3-0 (35 KOs) 3. BERMANE STIVERNE 3. DENIS LEBEDEV 3. JEAN PASCAL 3. ARTHUR ABRAHAM Canada | 23-1-1 (20 KOs) Russia | 25-2-0 (19 KOs) Canada | 29-2-1 (17 KOs) Armenia | 39-4-0 (28 KOs) 4. TYSON FURY 4. OLA AFOLABI 4. JUERGEN BRAEHMER 4. ROBERT STIEGLITZ U.K. | 22-0-0 (16 KOs) U.K. | 20-3-4 (9 KOs) Germany | 43-2-0 (32 KOs) Russia | 46-4-0 (26 KOs) 5. ROBERT HELENIUS 5. GRIGORY DROZD 5. CHAD DAWSON 5. GEORGE GROVES

34 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 MIDDLEWEIGHTS JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS WELTERWEIGHTS JR. WELTERWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 160 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 154 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 147 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 140 LBS

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

HOW OUR RATINGS ARE COMPILED

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

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 35 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 | 20-3-0 (10 KOs) 1. ANSELMO MORENO 1. OMAR NARVAEZ 1. ROMAN GONZALEZ 1. DONNIE NIETES Panama | 35-2-1 (12 KOs) Argentina | 41-1-2 (22 KOs) Nicaragua | 39-0-0 (33 KOs) Philippines | 32-1-4 (18 KOs) 2. SHINSUKE YAMANAKA 2. CARLOS CUADRAS 2. JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA 2. KAZUTO IOKA Japan | 20-0-2 (15 KOs) Mexico | 29-0-0 (24 KOs) Mexico | 25-2-0 (18 KOs) Japan | 14-0-0 (9 KOs) 3. KOKI KAMEDA 3. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 3. BRIAN VILORIA 3. MOISES FUENTES Japan | 32-1-0 (17 KOs) Thailand | 27-3-1 (25 KOs) U.S. | 33-4-0 (19 KOs) Mexico | 19-1-1 (10 KOs) 4. MALCOLM TUNACAO 4. TEPPARITH SINGWANCHA 4. EDGAR SOSA 4. JOHNRIEL CASIMERO Philippines | 33-3-3 (20 KOs) Thailand | 26-3-0 (16 KOs) Mexico | 49-8-0 (29 KOs) Philippines | 19-2-0 (11 KOs) 5. HUGO RUIZ 5. ZOLANI TETE 5. JUAN CARLOS REVECO 5. NAOYA INOUE Mexico | 34-2-0 (30 KOs) South Africa | 18-3-0 (16 KOs) Argentina | 33-1-0 (18 KOs) Japan | 6-0-0 (5 KOs) 6. JOSEPH AGBEKO 6. JUAN CARLOS SANCHEZ JR. 6. MORUTI MTHALANE 6. ADRIAN HERNANDEZ Ghana | 29-5-0 (22 KOs) Mexico | 17-2-1 (9 KOs) South Africa | 30-2-0 (20 KOs) Mexico | 29-3-1 (18 KOs) 7. JAMIE MCDONNELL 7. ARTHUR VILLANUEVA 7. TOSHIYUKI IGARASHI 7. PEDRO GUEVARA U.K. | 23-2-1 (10 KOs) Philippines | 25-0-0 (14 KOs) Japan | 18-2-1 (11 KOs) Mexico | 21-1-1 (14 KOs) 8. TOMOKI KAMEDA 8. OLEYDONG SITHSAMERCHAI 8. GIOVANI SEGURA 8. FELIX ALVARADO Japan | 29-0-0 (18 KOs) Thailand | 53-1-1 (19 KOs) Mexico | 32-3-1 (28 KOs) Nicaragua | 18-1-0 (15 KOs) 9. JULIO CEJA 9. FELIPE ORUCUTA 9. HERNAN MARQUEZ 9. ALBERTO ROSSEL Mexico | 26-1-0 (24 KOs) Mexico | 29-2-0 (24 KOs) Mexico | 36-4-0 (26 KOs) Peru | 32-8-0 (13 KOs) 10. RYOSUKE IWASA 10. DAIKI KAMEDA 10. MILAN MELINDO 10. TAKUMA INOUE Japan | 17-1-0 (10 KOs) Japan | 29-4-0 (18 KOs) Philippines | 30-1-0 (12 KOs) Japan | 2-0-0 (0 KOs)

STRAWWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 105 LBS

THE RING POLICY ON RATED BOXERS WHO TEST tests positive and he waives his right to have the “B” sample tested then the POSITIVE FOR PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS boxer shall immediately be removed from the ratings. A boxer whose “A” sample tested positive and is awaiting the results of his THE RING will remove from its ratings any rated boxer — including a cham- “B” sample will not be allowed to f ght for a championship or rise in the ratings. pion — if such boxer at some point undergoes drug testing (Olympic-style or A boxer who is removed because of a positive test will have the opportunity otherwise) and that boxer tests positive for a performance-enhancing drug. to earn his way back into the ratings after any suspension period is completed. In the event that a boxer has undergone testing in which the boxer pro- A boxer who is dropped also may be reinstated if the testing agency vides two samples (“A” and “B”) and the boxer’s “A” and subsequent “B” subsequently reverses its decision or a court of competent jurisdiction f nds samples test positive for a performance-enhancing drug or if his “A” sample that the test result was invalid. 37 JAPAN PHILIPPINES 2 - 4 RINGTV.COM RINGTV.COM RUSSIA / KAZAKHSTAN U.K., MEXICO...... U.K., 2 MEXICO, MEXICO, THAILAND ..... 3 U.S...... U.S. 5 U.S...... U.S. 7 7.14 U.K. U.K...... 3 AUSTRAILIA JAPAN ...... JAPAN 3 U.S...... U.S. 3 ARMENIA MEXICO, MEXICO, ...... JAPAN 3 MEXICO ...... 2 UKRAINE RUSSIA, POLAND, GERMANY ....2 GERMANY POLAND, RUSSIA, JAPAN ...... JAPAN 4 U.S...... U.S. 7 U.K...... U.K. 3 MEXICO ...... 3 U.S. U.S...... 3 U.S., MEXICO ...... U.S., 3 THAILAND MEXICO...... 4 5 - 9 POLAND Floyd Mayweather is No. 1 at Jr. both 147 and 154 pounds. WELTERWEIGHT WELTERWEIGHT JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT FEATHERWEIGHT JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT BANTAMWEIGHT JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT FLYWEIGHT JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT STRAWWEIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CRUISERWEIGHT LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT The U.S. is particularly dominant in the The U.S. welterweight and junior junior welterweight, Yanks the in which middleweight divisions, than more That’s fghters. 19 rated have for Mexico. total except any other country’s fghters in is who has the most rated Here division. each DIVISION DOMINANCE 10 - 19 1 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 4 15 SOUTH AFRICA JAPAN GERMANY CAMEROON DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DOMINICAN PUERTO RICO PUERTO UNITED KINGDOM CUBA 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 3 0 1 1 2 0 1 2 1 17 U.K. U.K. 20 - 29 ARGENTINA COLOMBIA MEXICO CANADA NICARAGUA UNITED STATES 30 OR MORE JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS LIGHTWEIGHTS JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS FEATHERWEIGHTS JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS BANTAMWEIGHTS JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS FLYWEIGHTS JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS STRAWWEIGHTS TOTAL HEAVYWEIGHTS HEAVYWEIGHTS CRUISERWEIGHTS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS MIDDLEWEIGHTS JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS WELTERWEIGHTS neither gained nor lost any fghters. That leaves That leaves neither gained nor lost any fghters. a look. Here’s behind the U.K. Japan only two DIVISION The U.S. and Mexico continue to dominate the continue to dominate and Mexico The U.S. 3 involving for No. race but an interesting ratings Japanese brothers – Two is on. and Japan the U.K. – were Inoue Takuma and junior fyweights Naoya since last month while the U.K. added to the ratings U.K. VS. VS. JAPAN U.K. 1 1 2 1 2 THROUGH FIGHTS OF APRIL 20 OF FIGHTS THROUGH 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 9 7 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 2 29 17 15 10 36 * China, Nimibia China,

UNITED STATES UNITED STATES SPAIN SPAIN TURKEY VENEZUELA MALAWI MALAWI PANAMA PERU GHANA JAMAICA CONGO DENMARK FINLAND KAZAKHSTAN KAZAKHSTAN RICO PUERTO BULGARIA CAMEROON CAMEROON COLOMBIA REPUBLIC DOMINICAN 2 POLAND ARMENIA AUSTRALIA UKRAINE NICARAGUA CANADA CANADA GERMANY THAILAND SOUTH AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA ARGENTINA CUBA JAPAN JAPAN PHILIPPINES RUSSIA MEXICO UNITED KINGDOM * Includes two ratings for Floyd for Floyd ratings * Includes two (junior middleweight Mayweather Jr. and welterweight). Out (from last month): and Turkey

BY COUNTRY RATED RATED FIGHTERS

WARD: HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: BOB LEVEY THROUGH FIGHTS OF APRIL 20

FOCUS ON …

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS THE RING staff members’ current A breakdown of THE RING Top 10 in one division each month, champions in the original eight plus a list of f ghters on the cusp of breaking through. This weight classes. month: the 130-pounders.

Mikey Garcia leads rated junior lightweights in knockouts (28).

Anselmo Moreno

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

DOUG FISCHER RINGTV.COM EDITOR HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: ANDRE WARD MIDDLEWEIGHT: GENNADY GOLOVKIN

WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. GARCIA: TOM PENNINGTON/GETTY IMAGES; MORENO: HARRY HOW/GOLDEN BOY/GOLDEN BOY/GETTY IMAGES LIGHTWEIGHT: MIGUEL VAZQUEZ FEATHERWEIGHT: GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

MOST WEEKS RATED: ROMAN MARTINEZ 291 BANTAMWEIGHT: ANSELMO MORENO FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ FEWEST WEEKS RATED: SERGIO THOMPSON 7 OLDEST: TAKASHI UCHIYAMA 34 LEM SATTERFIELD RINGTV.COM STAFF WRITER YOUNGEST: JUAN CARLOS BURGOS 26 HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO MOST FIGHTS: BURGOS AND MIKEY GARCIA 34 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: ANDRE WARD FEWEST FIGHTS: RANCES BARTHELEMY 19 MIDDLEWEIGHT: SERGIO MARTINEZ HIGHEST WINNING PERCENTAGE: GARCIA AND BARTHELEMY 100 PERCENT WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. LOWEST WINNING PERCENTAGE: TAKAHIRO AO 86.2 PERCENT LIGHTWEIGHT: MIKEY GARCIA MOST KOS: GARCIA 28 FEATHERWEIGHT: GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX FEWEST KOS: DIEGO MAGDALENO 10 BANTAMWEIGHT: ANSELMO MORENO LONGEST CURRENT WINNING STREAK: GARCIA 34 FIGHTS FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ ON THE POUND-FOR-POUND LIST: NONE Note: This is how the weights break down: Heavy- TITLEHOLDERS IN THE TOP 10: UCHIYAMA (WBA), GARCIA (WBO), ARGENIS MENDEZ (IBF), TAKASHI MIURA (WBC) weight includes cruiserweight, light heavyweight includes super middleweight, all divisions mid- ON THE CUSP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER): DAIKI KANEKO, JOSE PEDRAZA, ORLANDO SALIDO, dleweight through f yweight include the “junior” FRANCISCO VARGAS, BRYAN VASQUEZ versions, and f yweight also includes strawweight.

38 RINGTV.COM / 7.14

★ ★

2014 HALL OF FAME ★ ★ ‘I’M AWAKE AGAIN’

Oscar De La Hoya seems to IMAGES JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY HOW/GETTY IMAGES ; INSET: HARRY have a new lease on life. OSCAR DE LA HOYA, AT PEACE WITH fter all the HIS BOXING CAREER AND HIMSELF, SAYS championship A belts won and ‘I’M GOING TO BE INVOLVED LIKE NEVER all the millions BEFORE’ IN GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS upon millions earned, after all By Ron Borges the accolades and all the sometimes unruly acclaim, even after all the successes in boxing and business, the f rst victory remains the golden one and the last – the victory over himself – remains the most important for Oscar De La Hoya. The year 2013 was a mixed blessing for a tarnished Golden Boy. It is the year he was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame on the f rst ballot and the year another relapse into the fog of alcoholism sent him back into rehab only days before his f ghter, Canelo Alvarez, was to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a bout that would break the record De La Hoya and Mayweather set for gross pay-per- view income six years earlier. Yet 2013 was more than a familiar pattern of ups and downs, of boxing triumphs and real-life defeats. It was the year De La Hoya did what he’d been trained since he was 5 years old never to do. It was the year he surrendered. For an alcoholic or anyone ravaged by the demon of addiction, that is the only chance you have. Only in admitting defeat is there a shot at victory. But what f ghter can admit such a thing? What champion ever had his hand raised who hadn’t denied the soothing voice of defeat whispering to give up? Who can be a successful f ghter if he is willing to admit the f ght is lost? That was the conundrum Oscar De La Hoya sparred with for years before he f nally accepted that in one part of his life defeat was actually victory. “This is the f ght of my life,” said De La Hoya, who spoke at length in two interviews with THE RING. “I’ve f nally surrendered to it. I kept going in and out and in and out [of rehab], hurting my family, hurting

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 41 ‘I’M AWAKE AGAIN’

myself, doing these things that are checked himself into a treatment None of that stopped him from not me. How can I stop? I fnally center again. It was not the frst time drinking. None of it stopped him realized I don’t have no bottom. but the hope is it will be the last. He from being an occasional cocaine Addicts talk about their bottom all attends almost daily AA meetings, abuser. None of it stopped his the time. My bottom was death. But some as early as 5 a.m., to try and problems. Yet boxing did allow him surrender? That was impossible. make that a reality, to try and win one escape. “My whole life was training the fght you can never win but “I was pretty fortunate to be free myself NOT to surrender. I didn’t cannot afford to lose. to beat somebody up in the ring,” understand this is a different fght. “All these resentments from the said De La Hoya. “It was a way of This is a fght where I have to lace past I’d carried for so long,” he said. letting out my frustrations. That’s up the gloves every day knowing you “I was a volcano way overdue to why I lasted so long. If I didn’t have never win this fght. It never ends. erupt. I was a volcano that needed to boxing, who knows where I’d be? I It’s not like getting in with [Julio erupt. I didn’t know how to express know I wouldn’t be here.” Cesar] Chavez or [Shane] Mosley or my feelings to my father (Joel, a “Here” encompasses many places, [Felix] Trinidad. No one raises your stern taskmaster who frst pushed including next June in Canastota, hand. You have to admit in this fght his son into boxing). I couldn’t share N.Y., the home of the International you don’t have the power to win. All my emotions with my family. So I Boxing Hall of Fame. He fought his my life I thought I had that power. I escaped. I was very good at it.” way there just as he’s fghting his don’t know how it happened, but it For years, he said, boxing was way to a sober life. Yet of all those fnally became clear to me my ego is his release. Inside the ring he was world titles the one that counts the not my amigo.” free from the fears that enveloped most is the frst one. The golden one. De La Hoya chuckled at those fnal much of the rest of his life. Free The pure one. words. He had, he says, through a from emotional pain he could not “Oh, the gold medal!” De La Hoya power greater than himself, fnally shoulder or face. Free from the says immediately when asked if he learned the truth. “My ego is not my normal rules of society, too. Free, could only retain one victory, which amigo!” It sounds simple but when frankly, to punch someone in the would it be. “That one was for glory, all the successes in your life have face and make them feel the pain he for honor, for my mother. That’s the been fueled by a lethal combination was carrying. one that started it all. That silhouette of fear, fre and frst-person thinking, Those emotions, plus his own in the Golden Boy Promotions logo it is not. hard-earned skills and tremendous is me, and the gold edge around it is “I was tired,” De La Hoya said punching power in his early years that gold medal.” of his recent acceptance of the as a junior lightweight, lightweight The Golden Boy’s story was sobering realities of addiction. and welterweight, made him an always tinged with sadness as well as “I didn’t want to be this athlete- 11-time world champion in six success. A boxer since the age of 5, celebrity who people shake their weight divisions. Those skills, De La Hoya was born into a fghting heads at and say ‘How can he let plus Hollywood good looks and a family. His grandfather, father this happen?’ I fnally had to see dramatic back story of the kid from and brother all boxed but none as who I was. I wasn’t the boxer. I East L.A., who carried his sport well as he did. He was 234-6 as an wasn’t the celebrity or the owner of on his back for a decade, made amateur and by the age of 17 winner a powerful promotional company. I him wealthy – at one point, in the of the 1990 U.S. Nationals and the was an alcoholic. I’d done all those estimate of Forbes magazine, he was Goodwill Games. But the luster of other things. I accomplished a lot in worth $175 million. He was also a those successes that year was dulled boxing but I also have a disease. fghter who, with Mayweather as the by learning his mother, Cecilia, was “If you’re blessed, you just say B-side, set the all-time pay-per-view terminally ill with breast cancer. one day, ‘OK.’ You don’t deny it no sales record of over 2.5 million buys Always his strongest supporter, she more. I had to let my guard down on May 5, 2007. died that October but not before and admit I cannot do this on my That night would end with telling her 17-year-old son that own. How do you do that? You give Mayweather winning a split decision her dream was that he would win in. I’d been knocked down before. in a fght that shattered the previous Olympic gold. Now I’d been knocked down harder. pay-per-view buy rate of 1.99 Less than two years later, their Now what?” million set by the Evander Holyfeld- story now the backdrop for his Less than fve days before Mike Tyson rematch. It is believed growing popularity, De La Hoya Mayweather-Alvarez the answer De la Hoya grossed $52 million that stood sweaty and wet-eyed in the became clear when he issued a press night, the highest purse in boxing middle of a ring in Barcelona, Spain, release saying he had voluntarily history at that time. his hand raised after defeating

42 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 HIGHS AND LOWS Oscar De La Hoya had many ups and downs in his professional career. He won 11 world titles (including a RING belt) in six divisions and went 24-5 in 29 championship fghts but also lost some of his biggest matchups. Here are his greatest successes and disappointments.

SUCCESSES 1. Fernando Vargas (KO 11, 2002): De La Hoya’s most satisfying victory.

2. Ike Quartey (SD 12, 1999): Proved his mettle in an unforgettable fnal round.

3. Julio Cesar Chavez I (TKO 4, 1996): Torch was passed from one generation to the next.

4. Rafael Ruelas (KO 2, 1995): It all started when De La Hoya won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics. Became a star on the biggest stage. 5. Pernell Whitaker (UD 12, 1997): Found a way to German Marco Rudolph for the fght in the street. I was afraid of beat a legend. gold. Later that day he gathered getting beat up. When I thought with family and friends to eat lunch about college, I was afraid to go. DISAPPOINTMENTS not far from the arena. It was hosted The only thing I wasn’t afraid of 1. Felix Trinidad (MD 12, 1999): by Hall of Fame boxing trainer Lou was boxing. I was never afraid in the Duva, who believed he had signed ring. It was the only place I wasn’t. Most believe he was cheated in his De La Hoya. He was wrong, but When I would lace up those gloves, I biggest fght. that day the Golden Boy was born. felt I was in control of my life. If you 2. Manny Pacquiao (TKO 8, “When we got home, there were hit me in the face, it was on. I was thousands of people waiting for us going to hit you back. 2008): The image of him being at the airport,” De La Hoya recalled. “I have a picture of myself on pummeled was disturbing. “I couldn’t believe it. I was a kid. my wall boxing when I was What did I know? It really was 5½. I have the same look of 3. Bernard Hopkins (KO 9, about the glory. I think that was determination on my face I had 2004): The then-Executioner was maybe the last pure Olympic team later. I was going to win.” too big and too good. we had. We weren’t fghting for Soon he knew he was also going contracts. We were fghting for pride. pro, an idea that began to dawn on 4. Floyd Mayweather Jr. That’s all gone now. Now all these him after returning from the 1992 (SD 12, 2007): Might’ve won had kids think about at the Olympics is Olympics and taking that gold he kept jabbing. signing pro contracts. medal to his mother’s grave. When GETTY IMAGES “I said I would go home and go he returned, there were always 5. Shane Mosley II (UD 12, to college but the truth was I was messages waiting. 2003): Some believe De La Hoya afraid. I was always afraid. I didn’t “I started getting phone calls from did enough to win. 3.14 / RINGTV.COM 43 7.14 / RINGTV.COM 43 ‘I’M AWAKE AGAIN’

people, and I didn’t know how they got my number,” De La Hoya said. “They were all talking about money.” De La Hoya made his pro debut three months later, on Nov. 23, ‘IT WASN’T DIFFICULT 1992, at the Forum in Inglewood, TO FIGHT MY IDOL. Calif., then the home of the Lakers. Sixteen years later they would erect a I’D BEEN TRAINED seven-foot statue of him outside the TO DO IT. I’D BEEN new home of the Lakers, the Staples Center. It would stare back at one of TRAINED TO TAKE Magic Johnson. In a sense, both were ALL THE EMOTION magic and tragic, their private lives at war with their public personas. OUT OF IT. BOXING De La Hoya’s success was WAS MY JOB. MY immediate and spectacular. By his 12th f ght, he was a world champion, BUSINESS WAS TO stopping WBO junior lightweight HURT GUYS.’ titleholder Jimmi Bredhal in the 10th round. He had been a pro less than a — OSCAR DE LA HOYA year and a half. Two more f ghts and he was lightweight champion. And by May 1995 he had unif ed the title by crushing Rafael Ruelas in two rounds. Thirteen months later he would stand across the ring from his boyhood idol, challenging Julio Cesar Chavez for the junior welterweight title at Caesars Palace. He was 23 and a rock star. The two f ghters made a 13- The second time I beat him (two 1-1 at the time), yet to some he had city, seven-day pilgrimage across years later) he was bleeding again. become a symbol of nothing they America on two Caesars’ jets to He didn’t say nothing. understood or appreciated. hype what was at the time the “It wasn’t diff cult to f ght my idol. “I was a pretty boy to them,” De biggest non-heavyweight title f ght I’d been trained to do it. I’d been La Hoya said. “I didn’t look like a in history. Chavez was 96-1-1 with trained to take all the emotion out of fighter. I didn’t have my nose flat. more than three times as many it. Boxing was my job. My business I didn’t bleed enough in the ring. stoppages (74) as De La Hoya had was to hurt guys. You didn’t think I’d beaten Chavez, but I couldn’t f ghts (22). He wore his crown with about any other emotion.” please them.” a champion’s arrogance. Despite his growing success after One such person was De La Hoya’s De La Hoya would defeat him winning the lineal welterweight title father, with whom he had a prickly in four bloody rounds, learning in with a hotly disputed but unanimous relationship for years. The father, it the months leading up to the f ght decision over Pernell Whitaker two seemed, was never able to be just a that meeting your idol is not always f ghts later, De La Hoya had become father. Boxing is a hard place devoid what you hoped. He also learned a lightning rod as well as boxing’s of emotion. It is the hurt business, that defeating Chavez would cause biggest draw. He opened up an and for years it hurt the son to never a segment of the Latino boxing entirely new fan base that included hear his father’s praise. audience to turn on him. women in droves, but also garnered That didn’t come until after the “It wasn’t what I expected the enmity of a portion of hardcore oddest of nights: Sept. 18, 1999. De it would be, but I have always Latino fans. La Hoya was in Las Vegas to face respected Chavez as a f ghter,” De His pay-per-view numbers were his greatest challenge, undefeated La Hoya said. “I still do. I idolized astounding, he was undefeated and IBF welterweight champion Felix him. When I beat him the f rst time, had twice faced down Chavez, the Trinidad, in a unif cation showdown he got cut in the f rst round and said epitome of Latino machismo, and between undefeated stars. It set he’d been cut in training. I guess so. beaten the unhittable Whitaker (40- a pay-per-view record for non-

44 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES develop theplanthatallowedhim Bernard Hopkinswoulduseto giving himthekindofboxinglesson away thef nal threerounds. looked likehewasrunning, giving attacked andthemoreDeLaHoya more hedid, theharder Trinidad instruction to “box, move.” The f ghting, takingliterallyhiscorner’s De LaHoyaforthef rst ninerounds. heavyweights andwasdominatedby he tellsmeI’m a greatf ghter? That f ght. If nally lose, andthat’s when father toldmeI’dfoughtabeautiful to me. Iwasdevastated. Then my couldn’t believetheycoulddo that punched alocker. Istartedcrying. I room Iwentberserk,” hesaid. “I enraged andstupef ed. decision, leavingDeLaHoya Trinidad wasawardedamajority to destroy Trinidad, yetsomehow “When Igotbacktothelocker He outlanded Trinidad, 236-116, Then, inexplicably, hestopped Cesar Chavez. the great Julio twice beating the torch by De LaHoyatook felt reallygood, butIresentedthat but theyf nally faced offonSept. he’d beensoblatantly disrespectful, would neverf ght Vargas because At onepoint, DeLaHoyasaid he between thetwoofthembut bile. 15-month layoff, therewasnothing time DeLaHoyareturnedfrom a Whatever thetruthofthat, by the in themountainseastofLos Angeles. snow driftwhenbothweretraining laughed athimafterhefellintoa was justtryingtomotivatehimself.” anything tohim?Ihavebelievehe best ofmyknowledgeIneverdid “How couldhehatemewhentothe me somuch,” DeLaHoyasaid. the juniormiddleweighttitle. old rival, Fernando Vargas, tounify two f ghts afterDeLaHoyafacedan was therematchthreeyearslater, outcome. What wasmoredebatable and DeLaHoyadoesn’t disputethe the nightinf nal tworounds, a splitdecision, appearingtocarry the best, andhewasthebest.” the f ghts Iwanted. Iwantedtof ght a diff cult opponent, butthosewere He couldpunch. IknewMosleywas world. Hewasfast. Hewasstrong. he mayhavebeenthebestin was agreatf ghter. Forafewyears opponent,” DeLaHoyasaid. “He understood thenandacceptstoday. a considerableproblemDeLaHoya moving uptwoweightclassesposed La Hoya’s sixamateurlosses, and amateur days. Mosley, anoldnemesis fromtheir on lightweightchampionShane De LaHoyathenchosetotake relinquished itratherthanfacehim. the WBC titleafter Trinidad in lessthanayearhewasawarded rematch, butitneverhappened, and It’s inthepast. You can’t changeit.” feel thatway. Iletthatresentmentgo. anymore. OnlyrecentlywasIableto decision foralongtime. “I stillcan’t believe Vargas hated He wassoonalsothewinnerof “Shane Mosleywasaverydiff cult Mosley hadinf icted twoofDe De LaHoyabadlywanteda “I don’t haveanyangeraboutit Vargas onceclaimedDeLaHoya pattern. DelaHoyawouldwinone that seemedtostunevenMosley. on allthreecards, anannouncement 127, Mosleywasa115-113winner De LaHoyaoutlandinghim221- Even thoughCompuBoxstatshad this timelostaunanimousdecision. Hoya wasbackinwithMosley, and punches. Two f ghts later, DeLa stopped afterasalvoofunanswered him inthe11thbeforeboutwas left hookinthe10thanddropping f ght, badlywobbling Vargas witha took overinthesecondhalfof after sixrounds, butDeLaHoya quarrel withthat. event “Bad Blood.” Noonecould 14, 2002. The promotersdubbedthe De LaHoyadidn’t f ght forayear problems outside theringgrowing, f ght,” DeLaHoya said. Only DeLaHoyaknewwhy. was controllingthetempowith it. through thelatteratatimewhen he why heabandonedhisjabhalfway Mayweather f ght. Manywondered Ricardo Mayorgaandsetupthe before comingbacktodismantle are allthatcountinboxing.” couldn’t breathe. Those 10seconds 11 seconds, butfor10secondsI ninth round. Iwasallrightafter hit mewiththatbodyshotinthe I washoldingmyownuntilhe so muchbiggerthanme. Ithought at him, Ithought ‘Uh, oh!’Hewas ring withhimandIhadtolookup beat Hopkins. ButwhenIgotinthe thought Iwasfasterandcould camp,’” DeLaHoyasaid. “I separate weightclasses. boxer towinchampionshipsinsix 160-pound titletobecomethef rst Felix Sturmtowinthe WBO “was probablyagift” inoutpointing after beinghandedwhathenowsays the middleweighttitletoHopkins losing anill-advisedchallengefor f nal sevenf ghts. That included and losethenext, going3-4inhis That wasthebeginningofanodd The boutwassurprisinglyeven With timerunningoutandhis “I gotoldinthemiddleofthat He wouldnotf ght for20months “I wasconf dent intraining 7.14 / RINGTV.COM 45 ‘I’M AWAKE AGAIN’

before winning a tune-up and Over time Schaefer became then announcing he would face more the face of Golden Boy than boxing’s hottest commodity, Manny the Golden Boy. In recent years Pacquiao, on Dec. 6, 2008. Pacquiao Schaefer and rival promoter Bob was boxing’s pound-for-pound Arum, who promoted De La Hoya champion but was moving up from in his early career, became involved 135 to 147, a jump De La Hoya felt in a very public rivalry that has led would be too much for him. them to do no business together What he didn’t realize was moving since 2009 despite the prominence down from 154 for the frst time of their companies. in seven years would be even more De La Hoya is ready to change daunting for him. that, he says, and is ready to reassert “I thought there was no way himself to put his company back in he could beat me,” De La Hoya line with the values for which it was De La Hoya has recalled. “He was too small. But I established 12 years ago. That could an impressive hadn’t been 147 in seven years. I take some doing given that Schaefer collection of belts. went on this weird diet. I was eating told the Los Angeles Times one day only kangaroo meat and venison. after De La Hoya publicly said he’d Someone said it matched my blood like to work with Arum on a Saul THE TITLES type. I lost so much weight, I was Alvarez-Manny Pacquiao match down to 142 a month before the that, “I have no interest in dealing Oscar De La Hoya won 11 fght. Lightweights were beating me with Bob Arum. major world titles in six up in the gym. You look back and “Last I checked I was CEO, wonder what you were thinking.” unless Oscar wants to change that,” divisions. Here they are. Schaefer said. “... If he wants to Whatever he was thinking he knew 1994 – WBO junior lightweight change that, since he’s the majority once the fght began that Pacquiao’s (TKO 10 Jimmi Bredahl) trainer, Freddie Roach, had been shareholder and decides he wants right when he said he was shot. to fre me, I can’t stop that. I’m the 1994 – WBO lightweight (KO 2 Unable to pull the trigger and his CEO. What’s higher the CEO or the Jorge Paez) legs all but gone, De La Hoya took a president? He’s the president. It says harsh beating for eight rounds before in my contract I’m the CEO. I run 1995 – IBF lightweight (KO 2 retiring on his stool, his head bowed. the business.” Rafael Ruelas) He was 35 and well aware he That bold statement came 24 1996 – was fnished as a boxer. But he had hours after De La Hoya told the WBC junior welterweight already insured his future. Six years Times the problems between (TKO 4 Julio Cesar Chavez) Schaefer and him had been worked earlier De La Hoya founded Golden 1997 – WBC welterweight (UD 12 out and that Schaefer had agreed to Boy Promotions, which has become a Pernell Whitaker) driving force in the sport. Originally a contract extension through 2018. his own fghts were the backbone Schaefer immediately disputed that, 2000 – WBC welterweight of the enterprise, but as his career telling boxingscene.com the same (awarded vacant title) wound down, he and CEO Richard day that, “I am not aware of signing Schaefer began to sign a vast array a contract extension recently, so I 2001 – WBC junior middleweight of talent, including partnerships with have no idea what Oscar is talking (UD 12 Javier Castillejo) Hopkins and Mosley. about. I know that Oscar, as part of 2002 – By then he also had two children his recovery, is making friends with THE RING junior (adding a third in January) with Arum, and I support him if that is middleweight (TKO 11 Fernando his wife Millie Corretjer, a former what he wants to do, but I have no Vargas) interest in working with Arum.” Puerto Rican pop star; a Grammy- 2002 – WBA Junior middleweight Those diametrically opposed nominated CD; and growing real (TKO 11 Fernando Vargas) estate holdings that included the comments from the president and ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES offce building that housed GBP in CEO of the company seemed to at 2004 – WBO middleweight (UD downtown L.A. But as he continued least refect a fssure that may be 12 Felix Sturm) to battle his demons, De La Hoya more diffcult to repair than De La gradually became less and less Hoya hoped. 2006 – WBC junior middleweight involved in his company. “Boxing gave me everything,” De (TKO 6 Ricardo Mayorga)

46 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 La Hoya said of both the sport and do so. Then new apples grow. Believe me, the company that bears his image There is no disputing Golden I’ve shaken that tree many times. I’m and name and once also bore his Boy’s power in the marketplace, but not afraid to do it. belief that doing what was best what has been highly debated of “Being a promoter is very diffcult, for boxing and its fans was good late is how much De La Hoya had but I have to go back to my roots business. “When I started Golden to do with it and whether the split with the fghters. Golden Boy Boy, it was a bold move, but I that developed between Schaefer Promotions is a business, but it’s not approached it the way I approached and him will grow wide enough a business of screwing the fghters. boxing – being aggressive and for Schaefer to leave. Some have It’s promoting the best fghters and believing in myself. I believed speculated that Schaefer might join the best fghts. It’s why I got into Golden Boy would be successful, and forces with the most powerful man this. My motivation has always been, it has been. It gave me something to in boxing, Al Haymon. ‘let’s be fair.’ Greed is a bad thing. be involved with, but not making “There’s no question Richard has It’s not good for nobody.” a comeback [to the ring] was very said a lot of disloyal things to Oscar De la Hoya always said his diffcult. I didn’t have to come and the company on its face lately,’’ company would be transparent, back for money or because I had one rival promoter remarked. “How letting his fghters know exactly something to prove. I just loved the does it help your company to say what a promotion earned and what challenge. I loved the fghting spirit. publicly most of our fghters aren’t was left after expenses. He says It’s in my DNA. with us [contractually], they’re with fghters asking questions doesn’t “Many mornings I’d wake up Al Haymon?’’ bother him because he asked thinking, ‘Maybe I can do this That’s a question for which questions himself as a fghter and today.’ The problem was then I’d there as yet seems no clear answer. feels they are entitled to answers. run fve miles and couldn’t get out But fragmented relationships are Most importantly, with his of bed for two days. My joints were commonplace in boxing, and both personal fight ongoing but now aching. My ankles were faring up. De La Hoya and Schaefer have under control, De La Hoya says They were indications my time had acknowledged a rift. However that he’s back. passed, but I kept fnding excuses repairs itself, one thing is clear. “Golden Boy Promotions is me,” to make that comeback. I was “I started Golden Boy to help he said. “Golden Boy Promotions is searching for it. boxing, and I’m not even close my company. I’m awake again. I’m “Sitting ringside at our fghts, I’d to accomplishing that goal,” De clear-minded. I’m motivated. I fnally think, ‘I can beat that guy.’ I could La Hoya said. “I’ve hired people, feel grateful for so many things. I beat anybody sitting at ringside, but and I’ve fred people. People come feel alive. I’m not going nowhere. I fnally came to realize it was OK to and go left and right. If people are Somebody woke up the sleeping accept I’d had my time. I’m working faithful with me, honest with me, giant. I’m going to be involved on that every day, to feel at peace we can live happily ever after. Eric like never before. Promoters and with myself.” Gomez, my matchmaker, has been managers never laced up the gloves. One thing he does seem at peace my friend since I was 5. We’ve They don’t know what it’s like. I with is reasserting himself as the been through thick and thin. He’s know what a fghter is feeling. I driving force behind Golden Boy never done me wrong. If he saw me know when they are happy and Promotions even as Schaefer appears on the ground, he’d pick me up. when they’re sad. I think like a to be in confict with De La Hoya’s Unfortunately in boxing you don’t fghter. There’s absolutely nothing vision. Formed at the height of his have too many like that. wrong with that. own boxing powers, Golden Boy has “I’ve seen many people start in “I feel at peace with myself. I grown to become arguably the No. 1 boxing with good intentions, but just started to feel that. When I promotional company in the sport. things happen. I believe you can be was a kid, I was angry all the time. It has exclusive deals with Barclays successful in this business without That was part of those bottled Center in Brooklyn and Fox Sports pettiness. I believe everybody can up emotions. I’ve fnally let those 1 for its Monday Night series, in co-exist. If it’s done right, everybody go. I’m making amends to a lot of addition to a multitude of dates with can make money and be successful. people. I feel very positive. I want Showtime. That last relationship But you have egos. Pride gets in to use boxing as a vehicle to be of solidifed after HBO banished the way. If you have two elephants service, to impact people with the Golden Boy in the aftermath of fghting, everybody around them same disease I have. The sky’s the Mayweather’s defection from the suffers. Unfortunately it happens. limit for Golden Boy Promotions.” network, the last straw in a number Sometimes you have to shake the And, one hopes, for the Golden of Golden Boy-affliated fghters to tree until the bad apples fall out. Boy, too.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 47 ★ ★

2014 HALL OF FAME

★ ★ A cavalcade of boxing greats have graced the grounds of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, including (above left to right and bottom) Marvin Hagler, Julio Cesar Chavez, Willie Pep, Jake LaMotta, Jersey Joe Walcott and Muhammad Ali. YEARS 25 AND COUNTING THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME STARTED MODESTLY AS A TRIBUTE TO CARMEN BASILIO BUT EVOLVED INTO ‘BOXING HEAVEN’ By Bernard Fernandez

It began as a vague notion that morphed into an intriguing idea, then a focused project and, f nally, into an amazing reality. The International Boxing Hall of Fame, located in the tiny Village of Canastota in central New York, will commemorate its 25th anniversary from June 5 through 8. That the IBHOF has endured so long and so successfully – or that it came into existence at all – would be described by some as a bigger upset than Buster Douglas’ knockout of Mike Tyson. But Ed Brophy, who has served as executive director of the IBHOF since its inception, doesn’t believe it’s any kind of upset at all that the shared dream of he and a lot of other Canastota residents eventually was fulf lled just off Exit HAGLER/LAMOTTA/CHAVEZ: RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES; ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY THE RING MAGAZINE ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY IMAGES; RICK STEWART/GETTY HAGLER/LAMOTTA/CHAVEZ:

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 49 25 YEARS AND COUNTING

34 of the New York State Thruway. Isn’t boxing largely about underdogs with an unconquerable fghting spirit who somehow beat the odds and rise to the occasion? Guys, for instance, like Canastota’s most famous son, the late former welterweight and middleweight titlist Carmen Basilio? “Carmen didn’t have the physical gifts of some of the other great champions, but he had the desire,” Brophy said in recalling the revered “Upstate Onion Farmer,” who was 85 when he died on Nov. 7, 2012, in Rochester, N.Y. “But he had that burning desire. He worked hard, he was dedicated, he had a big heart. We (the small army of volunteers who were and continue to be the driving force behind the IBHOF) always remind ourselves in diffcult times, ‘This is how Carmen accomplished his goals.’ “If you truly believe in something and you work very hard to make it happen, you Oscar De La Hoya (left) will join his former promoter, Bob Arum, in the International surely have a much better chance Boxing Hall of Fame. Floyd Mayweather Jr. will do the same after he retires. of it actually happening.” During one of boxing’s golden eras, the 1950s and into the all of my life, but I’ve heard of of a tough and sometimes 1960s, Carmen Basilio, who Canastota since I was maybe 8 unforgiving sport. had served in the Marines from years old,” actor Danny Aiello, “I am one of, I think, 42 neph- 1945 to 1947, was a source of then 64, said in 1998, the year ews,” Billy Backus, himself a for- civic pride in his hometown of he served as grand marshal for mer welterweight champion, said Canastota. He was so tough, so the IBHOF’s annual Parade of of his uncle Carmen in 2013. resilient, that he participated in Champions. “I always knew that “I’m the only crazy bastard that THE RING’s Fight of Year fve the frst opportunity I had to get took up boxing. Everybody else consecutive times, from 1955 here, I would come.” went to school. But we all had a through ’59, a streak that is A self-described “frustrated hero. Carmen was our hero. He highly unlikely to be matched, amateur fghter,” Aiello said he was the star of the family.” much less broken. And whenever accepted the grand marshal gig It was with the idea of com- he stepped inside the ropes for specifcally because it afforded memorating the achievements his many televised bouts – his him the opportunity to be near of Basilio, and to a somewhat fnal record was 56-16-7, with 27 his idol, Basilio. For a lot of lesser degree Backus (who, his knockouts – this son (one of 10 years, and for a lot of visitors brief reign as a 147-pound titlist siblings) of Italian immigrants, who came from near and far, notwithstanding, is not among his battle-tested face a virtual Basilio was the IBHOF’s most the IBHOF’s 121 “Modern” road map of scar tissue, was endearing constant, a pied piper inductees), that some of Canas- always introduced as being from of pugilism who embodied all tota’s citizens decided something the town he helped make famous. of what fght fans have come to needed to be done to pay a “I’ve lived in New York City believe are the highest virtues visible, lasting tribute to those 50 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 51 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 “We didn’t look down the road look down the road didn’t “We “Our board of directors and “Our board of directors and Put it this way: Baseball and does not ft all, and maybe that and maybe that does not ft all, is a good thing. at Cooperstown as any driving force for what we wanted to do,” Brophy “The Village stressed. of Canastota looked frst and foremost within its own heart. It was never our intention to imitate what someplace else had “Blinky” Palermo. Other Other Palermo. “Blinky” inductees include promoter Don King (who did time on a manslaughter conviction), (convicted of Tyson Mike a rape) and Jake LaMotta, charter inductee in 1990 who acknowledged that he threw a fght to Billy Fox in 1947. screening committee decided that fghters should be judged primarily on the basis of their accomplishments in the ring,” Brophy said 20-plus years ago, when the question of who or be considered for who shouldn’t induction on idealistic grounds “Our board was frst broached. is very comfortable with the guidelines that were established.” boxing are different animals, just as Cooperstown and Canastota are different in their One size apparently own way. statistics-worthy players as players as statistics-worthy Joe “Shoeless” and Pete Rose once while boxing, Jackson, “red light district dubbed the York by New of sports” is Cannon, columnist Jimmy its selection less discerning in at least so far as it process, adherence pertains to the strict of conduct. to a moralistic code in Among those enshrined late Sonny the IBHOF are the who was arrested Liston, won the 19 times before he in heavyweight championship 1962 and had indirect ties to two most organized crime’s notorious boxing manipulators, Frankie Carbo and Frank you. Another signifcant Another signifcant Brophy, for one, rejects some of some of rejects for one, Brophy, “If the Hall of Fame was in, “If the Hall of Fame was in, Aaron Pryor, the former junior the former junior Aaron Pryor, like a dream that comes “It’s difference is that baseball’s difference is that baseball’s for various Hall has barred, such otherwise transgressions, sport was “invented” by Abner Abner by “invented” sport was a Union general Doubleday, and that War, during the Civil the frst game – played under rules he presumably had drafted Point – took West as a cadet at place in a cow pasture there in fgure The inspirational 1839. founding of the for Canastota’s at the very least Basilio, IBHOF, and quite an was a real boxer, accomplished one at that. say, New York City, I don’t think think I don’t City, York New say, many Too it would feel the same. different things to do or see all about boxing it’s Here, there. for these four days.” the parallels that are frequently drawn between Cooperstown For one thing, and Canastota. Fame was Hall of baseball’s founded in Cooperstown in 1936 in large part because of the erroneous belief that the said during the 2013 Induction Induction said during the 2013 can get hooked. “You Weekend. you’re If you come once, probably going to want to come year after year after year. one of the greatest it’s me, To feelings you could ever have to I look come to this special place. forward to it like a little kid The looks forward to Christmas. They fans here just take you in. embrace welterweight champion from champion from welterweight who was inducted Cincinnati said in 1996, into the IBHOF Induction he has attended 18 after falling in love Weekends it is so with Canastota because close-knit and accommodating make the for the fghters who a as if it were annual trek there, family reunion. he here,” true every time I’m It has been suggested in some It has been suggested in some They say big oaks from They say big oaks from “A press conference was conference was press “A and Los Angeles couldn’t Angeles couldn’t and Los possibly duplicate. the warm, fuzzy feel of a small- the warm, America that metropolises town Chicago City, York like New that evokes images of Norman that evokes images of Norman Rockwell paintings and Currier Each has and Ives lithographs. along mostly winding back along mostly winding back Cooperstown is another roads, pleasant and even smaller hamlet (population: 1,852) Located just 49 miles from Located just 49 miles from Canastota as the crow flies and 71 miles away by car in nearby Cooperstown, N.Y., N.Y., in nearby Cooperstown, site of the National Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame. inspired and spurred into action inspired and spurred into action by another little miracle that had taken root and flourished actually pull this off? quarters that Canastotans were outside of the village itself outside of the village itself could possibly have imagined that a place with a population of roughly 4,000 souls could desk and a telephone. There There desk and a telephone. was much work to be done, and what reasonable person IBHOF began as a small offce IBHOF began as a small offce Hall that Town in Canastota comprised little more than a was far more grandiose in its was far more grandiose in its vision of what the future might the hold than in its execution, and Backus. Following little acorns grow. which that press conference, a little boxing showcase” and and a little boxing showcase” money to scrounge up enough of Basilio commission statues Museum,” said Brophy, who who said Brophy, Museum,” frst idea, noted that the original “put on was to foated in 1982, Canastota would actively work actively work Canastota would International on establishing an and Boxing Hall of Fame held in February of 1984 to of 1984 to held in February of Village announce that the men and, through extension, to to through extension, men and, boxing itself.

THE RING MAGAZINE 25 YEARS AND COUNTING CLASS OF 2014 done to pay tribute to another longtime promoter of amateur The 12 boxing f gures who will sport. There was never a thought and professional boxing. So, be inducted into the International of comparing what we wanted to really, we’ve had a hundred Boxing Hall of Fame in June do with Cooperstown.” years of history with boxing. All well and good, but the The sport has been good to us, National Baseball Hall of Fame and we’ve been good to it.” MODERN gained instant credibility, despite It took those five years – the Last bout no earlier than 1943 Abner Doubleday’s dubious many mom-and-pop fundraisers JOE CALZAGHE credentials and Cooperstown’s were augmented by a bank out-of-the-way location, because loan and some corporate OSCAR DE LA HOYA its f rst induction ceremony sponsorships – for Canastota FELIX TRINIDAD in 1939 was graced by such to come up with the $150,000 superstars as Babe Ruth, Ty necessary to buy a parcel of OLD-TIMER Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy land and construct a museum. Last bout must fall between 1893 Mathewson, Honus Wagner, Floyd Patterson, Kid Gavilan and 1942 Nap Lajoie and Tris Speaker. and Joe Frazier were among the GEORGE CHANEY What Brophy and his fellow notables attending the ribbon- dreamers had to wonder, during cutting at the museum’s 1989 CHARLES LEDOUX all the spaghetti dinner and opening. Yet the litmus test – MIKE O’DOWD bake-sale fundraisers in the f ve that first induction class a year years leading up to the off cial later – had yet to prove it could PIONEER opening of the IBHOF, was this: draw in boxing’s equivalents Last pro bout in or before 1892 If we build it, will people come? of Ruth, Cobb, Mathewson, TOM ALLEN “There were no assurances, Johnson and Wagner. just a heartfelt drive by Village To the amazement of a lot residents to do something good of skeptics, the big names NON-PARTICIPANT for boxing, because boxing did come. In force. Of the 53 EUGENE CORRI, referee deserved such a place,” said charter inductees, 20 of whom BARRY HEARN, promoter Brophy, who pointed out that were in the Modern category, RICHARD STEELE, referee Canastota’s ties to boxing 14 lent their names, legitimacy predated Basilio, and by quite and physical presence to the a bit. proceedings. How’s this for OBSERVER “The historic Erie Canal is a lineup of heavy hitters? GRAHAM HOUSTON, a water passageway through Muhammad Ali, Henry journalist the State of New York,” he Armstrong, Basilio, Billy Conn, NEIL LEIFER, photographer continued. “It goes right Bob Foster, Gavilan, Emile through Canastota. In the early Griff th, LaMotta, Archie days, in the 1800s, there was Moore, Jose Napoles, Willie THE BIG THREE AND STEELE a lot of bare-knuckle boxing Pep, Sandy Saddler, Jersey Joe The International Boxing in and around Canastota. Walcott and Ike Willams were all Hall of Fame Class of 2014 In the 1930s and ’40s, high on the stage to accept their Hall features three true stars school boxing was popular of Fame rings and applause from – Oscar De La Hoya, Felix and Canastota had a team that an audience of around 5,000 CALZAGHE Trinidad and Joe Calzaghe always fared very well. Some f ght fans. – and a prominent referee, of our high school boxers went “That was our f rst induction Richard Steele. You can on to star at the intercollegiate class, so we were basically a read about De La Hoya level, at Syracuse University and startup operation,” said Brophy. on Page 40 of this issue. To read feature stories on other schools. The IBHOF has undergone two TRINIDAD Trinidad, Calzaghe and “Carmen and Billy were, of major expansions since then. Steele, scan the QR codes course, our world champions, Induction Weekends now draw at left or go to http://bit.ly/ but we also had Dickie upwards of 20,000 for a full QaZ6Qh (Trinidad), http:// DeVeronica, who was a ranked slate of activities that includes bit.ly/1nQaFYQ (Calzaghe) welterweight. Tony Graziano, the Banquet of Champions, a STEELE and http://bit.ly/1hypdLL the owner of Graziano’s Italian theme night at the Rusty Rail, a (Steele). restaurant in Canastota, was a golf tournament, a f ve-kilometer 52 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 “Fun Run” with the champions, a silent auction, a card show, autograph sessions, the parade and, of course, the actual induction ceremony. “The turnout has steadily grown. Some induction years are more well-attended because a certain inductee or inductees have a higher profile, but that’s the way it is with every Hall of Fame. This year’s Induction Weekend should also draw well because of who’s being inducted (Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad and Joe Calzaghe are the headliners) and our 25th anniversary celebration, but really we consider each and every year to be equally important. Induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame is the sport’s highest honor. We try very hard to make it a magical occasion not only for the honorees, but for our visitors.” Philadelphia-based promoter J Russell Peltz, a 2004 inductee, spoke for many when he described what it means to him to make his annual trek to paradise. “Every time I get to the toll booth I think, ‘Welcome to boxing heaven,’” Peltz said. Rocky Balboa … er, “And that’s what Canastota is: Sylvester Stallone was inducted in 2011. boxing heaven.”

INAUGURAL CLASS Billy Conn OLD TIMER Sam Langford Some of the most legendary Bob Foster Abe Attell Benny Leonard boxers in history comprised the Joe Frazier Jack Britton Terry McGovern inaugural class of the Interna- Kid Gavilan Tony Canzoneri Barney Ross tional Boxing Hall of Fame. And Emile Griff th James J. Corbett Gene Tunney many of them showed up for Jake LaMotta Jack Dempsey Mickey Walker their induction in 1990, giving Joe Louis George Dixon Jimmy Wilde the upstart organization instant Rocky Marciano Jim Driscoll credibility. Here is that class: Carlos Monzon Bob Fitzsimmons PIONEERS RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES Archie Moore Joe Gans Jack Broughton MODERN Jose Napoles Harry Greb Jem Mace Willie Pep Muhammad Ali Peter Jackson Daniel Mendoza Sugar Ray Robinson Henry Armstrong James J. Jeffries Tom Sayers Sandy Saddler Carmen Basilio Jack Johnson John L. Sullivan Jersey Joe Walcott Ezzard Charles Stanley Ketchel Ike Williams

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 53 Wladimir Adonis Klitschko Stevenson

Floyd Juan Manuel ★ Mayweather Jr. Marquez Canelo Alvarez STATE OF T

By David Greisman

Bernard Hopkins ★

Sergey Kovalev

Guillermo Manny Carl Froch Rigondeaux Pacquiao

54 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 Mikey Garcia Carl Frampton

Miguel Cotto and Sergio Martinez ★ Andre Ward Tim Bradley E OF THE GAME

Compiled by David Greisman, Martin Mulcahey and Anson Wainwright ★

Gennady ur annual State of the Game re- Golovkin port provides 17 snapshots of O boxing’s weight classes, and each one presents a complex image. There are the titleholders and stars in the foreground, looming large when it comes to the business and the belts. There are the contenders who provide depth. And then there are the pros- Deontay Wilder pects, some who are prominently positioned and the rest lurking distant in the background. Boxing writers David Greisman, Martin Ruslan Mulcahey and Anson Wainwright worked to f t Provodnikov as many details as possible into a limited frame — in this case, each picture was worth between 400 and 500 words. They turned to the rankings, the coverage and their own observations so as to provide overviews of each division as it existed in mid-April, focusing on the f ghters who you should know now and the faces you can expect Terence to see more of in the future. » Crawford

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 55 HEAVYWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

Wladimir Klitschko carries the heavyweight division on his broad shoulders. 57 RINGTV.COM RINGTV.COM / 7.14 This list is as of April 20 and includes April 20 and includes This list is as of Seven countries from last year’s list, list, Seven countries from last year’s Five new countries are on the list this on Five new countries are THAILAND ...... 2 UNITED KINGDOM ...... 2 ARMENIA ...... 1 CAMEROON ...... 1 ...... CANADA 1 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ...... 1 ...... KAZAKHSTAN 1 ...... PANAMA 1 POLAND ...... 1 ...... SPAIN 1 UKRAINE...... 1 meanwhile, are now off: Australia, due to Australia, off: now are meanwhile, middleweight title loss; China, Daniel Geale’s as minimumweight Xiong Zhao Zhong was due to the defeat of defeated; Colombia, whose Chris John Jhonatan Romero; Indonesia, due to the defeat of gone; Namibia, is now as Ambunda; Nicaragua, bantamweight Paulus his junior fyweight Roman Gonzalez vacated as up in weight; and Puerto Rico, belt to move Martinez lost his junior lightweight title. Rocky Note: IBF WBC, WBA, and RING champions “interim” with no WBO titleholders, and WBA “regular” nor titleholders included, is also a there titleholders in divisions where titleholder. “super” UNITED ...... STATES 12 ...... JAPAN 8 MEXICO ...... 6 RUSSIA ...... 4 ARGENTINA ...... 3 CUBA ...... 3 PHILIPPINES ...... 3 ...... GERMANY 2 SOUTH ...... AFRICA 2 FOR THE RECORD... FOR TITLEHOLDERS BY COUNTRY a total of 56 fghters with are There from 20 countries. For and they hail titles, world fve countries the top year, the second straight Russia Mexico, Japan, the United States, are up to tie Cuba moving Argentina with and Cuba, for that ffth spot. Armenia, Abraham as Arthur regainedyear: after Cameroon, a super middleweight title; with Canada, a belt at 168; Sakio Bika won Adonis Stevenson becoming light heavyweight a title Martinez won as Kiko Spain, champion; thanks Thailand, at junior featherweight; and Sor Rungvisaito junior bantamweight Srisaket Amnat Ruenroeng. and fyweight H

ARTUR SZPILKA KO 6 MIKE MOLLO DESERVES A TITLE SHOT PULEV KUBRAT MOST FUN TO WATCH TYSON FURY UP ON THE WAY GLAZKOV VYACHESLAV DOWN ON THE WAY TOMASZ ADAMEK BEST FIGHT OF 2013 WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO WLADIMIR BEST BOXER KLITSCHKOWLADIMIR MOST PROTECTED LUCAS BROWNE IS HE STILL AROUND? FRANS BOTHA MATCHMAKER’S DREAM WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO WILDER VS. DEONTAY BEST PUNCHER Kayode, Fres Oquendo, Samuel Peter, Samuel Peter, Fres Oquendo, Kayode, Thompson Odlanier Solis (who Tony just beat) and Antonio Tarver. is opportunity for younger heavy- That’s weights to work their way up. good news for prospects early in their careers such as Olympic gold medal- Anthony Joshua of the United ist Olympian Domi- Kingdom and U.S. The more young heavy- nic Breazeale. given the wealth weights the better, former cruiserweights of old names, and past failures who otherwise fll including but sadly up the rankings, Steve not limited to Ruslan Chagaev, Lateef Kevin Johnson, Cunningham, topped Tomasz Adamek, Andy Ruiz Adamek, topped Tomasz will need to lose weight in order to and Robert Helenius re- compete, mains undefeated but has lost any momentum he once had because of injury-related inactivity. THE FUTURE Jennings and Wilder, Guys such as Fury have demonstrated that there here have long been long been here have to the two constants division: the heavyweight brothers on Klitschko

fght one another on May 24. Mean- fght one another on May 24. Glazkov recently Vyacheslav while, sora in a rematch this summer. Also Also sora in a rematch this summer. in the mix are Bryant Jennings and who were scheduled to Mike Perez, ment than that of fellow unbeaten ment than that of fellow unbeaten who will meet Fury, Tyson prospect former title challenger Dereck Chi- Wilder is the fashiest of the po- Wilder the but he isn’t tential contenders, also Kubrat Pulev, There’s only one. whose résumé is better for the mo- has to offer as top opposition. THE DEPTH stopped all 31 of his opponents but stopped all 31 of his opponents but whose power and chin are still untested against whatever this division Stiverne won the frst time around. Stiverne won the frst time around. The winner will be mandated to de- who has Wilder, fend against Deontay title vacated by Vitali was set to be was set to be Vitali title vacated by flled via a May rematch between Arreola; Bermane Stiverne and Chris pleasing performances ever in a division that has seen plenty of stinkers. Alex Klitschko was scheduled to face the Meanwhile, April 26. Leapai on hopers, though he did dominate top though he did dominate top hopers, Alexander Povetkin last challenger year in one of the least aesthetically THE STARS Klitschko continues to dispatch no- whose imperfections make them un- deserving of carrying the torch once Wladimir departs. other these days rather than waiting than waiting other these days rather The bad news is for a Klitschko fght. marquee that what was once boxing’s division still seems full of candidates fourth world title and/or at Klitschko. fourth world title and/or at Klitschko. many of these The good news is that to face each boxers are more willing Klitschko with three world titles and world titles and Klitschko with three pretenders a horde of contenders, for a shot at the and prospects vying Klitschko recently retired to focus to focus Klitschko recently retired That however. on politics in Ukraine, Wladimir leaves RING Champion T near one else anywhere top and no Vitali them. good enough to dethrone

SCOTT HEAVEY - THE FA/THE FA VIA GETTY IMAGES CRUISERWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

those bouts, though, including last year’s win in which he came off the canvas early to stop Rakhim Chakhkiev. His frst fght in 2014 had not yet been set. Finally, there’s Denis Lebedev, who lost his title by an 11th-round knockout to Guillermo Jones last year but regained it after Jones tested positive for a banned substance afterward. The fght was ruled a no-contest. An April rematch was canceled when Jones tested positive yet again. Yoan Pablo Hernandez THE DEPTH has been RING Afolabi was competitive even while champion for more than two years. coming up short in his three bouts with Huck. He deserves consider- ation. So, too, do six fghters with he allure of the cruiser- one loss on their records. Grigory BEST PUNCHER weight division, for the Drozd suffered his only blemish in MARCO HUCK T brief time it has been 2006. He, in turn, recently handed around, has been the BEST BOXER Mateusz Masternak his only setback. fact that its fghters have the power YOAN PABLO Chakhkiev was stopped in eight by of boxers who generations ago HERNANDEZ Wlodarczyk last year. Dmytro would’ve been considered heavy- MOST PROTECTED Kucher dropped a close decision weights combined with the speed PAWEL KOLODZIEJ to Ilunga Makabu in 2013 as well. and activity rarely seen in today’s Makabu hasn’t lost since his pro de- big men. That selling point still IS HE STILL AROUND? but. His fellow South African, JUAN CARLOS GOMEZ hasn’t garnered the 200-pound divi- Thabiso Mchunu, begged last year sion much attention in the United MATCHMAKER’S for a shot at Eddie Chambers, got it States, but most of the talent is from DREAM and won. Chambers has since depart- Europe anyway. And they are draw- MARCO HUCK VS. YOAN ed back to heavyweight, and we may PABLO HERNANDEZ ing well enough overseas to keep soon be saying so long to familiar them competing against each other DESERVES A 40-somethings Arslan, Silvio Branco at cruiserweight instead of making TITLE SHOT and Giacobbe Fragomeni. And the the leap into the land of the giants. GRIGORY DROZD less said about Glen Johnson and Roy Jones Jr., the better. MOST FUN THE STARS TO WATCH RING Champion Yoan Pablo MARCO HUCK THE FUTURE Hernandez returned last year from A pair of light heavyweights from an extended layoff and scored a ON THE WAY UP the United Kingdom have jumped up THABISO MCHUNU win over Alexander Alekseev. He 25 pounds: Tony Bellew beat Valery was supposed to return in March, ON THE WAY DOWN Brudov in March, while Nathan

only to pull out because of a medi- GIACOBBE FRAGOMENI Cleverly had not yet debuted at 200. HERNANDEZ: MARTIN ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES cal condition that left his stomach And then there are undefeated pros- BEST FIGHT lining infected. Marco Huck’s title OF 2013 pects with various levels of pro expe- reign has now lasted more than four GUILLERMO JONES rience: Pawel Kolodziej is 33-0 and, years, though he may very well have KO 11 DENIS LEBEDEV at 33, needs to step up; Yunier remained at heavyweight in 2012 Dorticos is 16-0 and has knocked out had he not lost controversially to Firat Arslan. everyone he has faced; and Olympic Alexander Povetkin. Huck wrapped Krzysztof Wlodarczyk is approach- gold medalist Oleksandr Usyk was up his trilogy with Ola Afolabi last ing four years with his belt, which an amateur heavyweight, where the year, fnishing 2-0-1, and then start- has only been defended six times in limit is 200 pounds, and turned pro ed 2014 with a rematch win over that span. He has traveled for half of late last year as a cruiserweight. H

58 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

or years, light heavy- BEST PUNCHER Dawson hasn’t resurfaced since his weight was the division SERGEY KOVALEV knockout loss. British fghters Na- of aging stars who re- than Cleverly and Tony Bellew ap- F BEST BOXER fused to leave the stage: BERNARD HOPKINS pear to be headed to cruiserweight. Bernard Hopkins, Glen Johnson, Cleverly is coming off a knockout Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver. MOST PROTECTED loss to Kovalev. Bellew, who was Then came a youth movement, with JUERGEN BRAEHMER stopped by Stevenson last year, Chad Dawson and Jean Pascal tak- IS HE STILL AROUND? knocked out Valery Brudov in his ing turns atop the throne. Now even EDISON MIRANDA frst fght at 200 pounds in March. they have fallen from the top, and And Juergen Braehmer seems con- only Hopkins remains with two MATCHMAKER’S tent to remain in Germany, getting DREAM world title belts once again around paid decently to face lower-tier op- ADONIS STEVENSON VS. his waist. Hopkins is joined by a cast SERGEY KOVALEV position. of newcomers and familiar faces. DESERVES A THE FUTURE THE STARS TITLE SHOT Andre Ward moving up from 168 ANDRZEJ FONFARA Adonis Stevenson and Sergey to the bigger challenges of 175 Kovalev have seized power with MOST FUN TO WATCH seems inevitable, though Ward has power. Stevenson stopped Chad SERGEY KOVALEV not sounded as if he is in any rush. Dawson with one punch last year Meanwhile, several undefeated ON THE WAY UP to become THE RING champion ELEIDER ALVAREZ prospects are on the rise: Eleider and, with additional knockout vic- Alvarez, who is originally from tories over Darnell Boone, Tavoris ON THE WAY DOWN Colombia but now calls Montreal Cloud and Tony Bellew in 2013, he CHAD DAWSON home; Thomas Williams Jr. of the was named THE RING Fighter of BEST FIGHT United States; Olympic gold medal- the Year. He is scheduled to defend OF 2013 ist Egor Mekhontsev and former against Andrzej Fonfara in late ANDRZEJ FONFARA amateur champion Artur Beterbiev, May. Kovalev also scored four stop- KO 9 GABRIEL both of Russia; and Swedish pros- pages in 12 rounds in 2013, plowing CAMPILLO pect Erik Skoglund. Many foreign through Gabriel Campillo, fighters are now signing with Cornelius White, Nathan Cleverly over Lucian Bute and could be American promoters, though the and Ismayl Sillakh, and he began angling for a fight with fellow European market remains a viable 2014 with a win over Cedric Agnew. Quebec attraction Stevenson. one at light heavyweight. H Yet the anticipated Stevenson- Kovalev fght may be held up by the politics of promoters, networks and money, particularly as Stevenson is hoping to face Hopkins next and then Kovalev later. The 49-year-old Hopkins easily defeated Beibut Shumenov in April, unifying the Everyone wants WBA belt with a world title that to see Adonis Hopkins picked up from Tavoris Stevenson Cloud last year and then defended (pictured) fght Sergey Kovalev. against Karo Murat.

THE DEPTH Shumenov will need to rebuild and show if he actually belongs among the top fighters at 175. The limited but entertaining Fonfara takes a big leap up in class by taking on Stevenson. Former champion Pascal is waiting in the wings fol-

STEVENSON: VINCENT ETHIER PHOTOGRAGHE STEVENSON: lowing his January decision win SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

Carl Froch-George Groves II was expected to draw as many as 80,000 fans to Wembley Stadium.

60 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 FOR THE RECORD...

uper middleweight BEST PUNCHER became Andre Ward’s CARL FROCH RANKING S division the moment he upset Mikkel BEST BOXER ANDRE WARD THE Kessler in the opening round of the Super Six World Boxing Classic in MOST PROTECTED 2009, and he sealed that status with STANYSLAV KASHTANOV DIVISIONS his win over Carl Froch in the fnale IS HE STILL AROUND? in 2011. In the years since, Ward and PETER MANFREDO JR. Froch have remained the Nos. 1 and 2 guys at 168, although there has MATCHMAKER’S THE WEIGHT been more talk about a rematch than DREAM CLASSES 1-17 there has been actual movement GEORGE GROVES VS. JAMES DEGALE II toward one. Meanwhile, others are BASED ON jockeying for position and attention, DESERVES A THE QUALITY reminding us that while the top two TITLE SHOT fghters are quite clear, this is more JAMES DEGALE AND DEPTH than a two-person division. MOST FUN OF THE BOXERS. TO WATCH THE STARS CARL FROCH Ward has fought only twice since ON THE WAY UP 1. FLYWEIGHT beating Froch, impressing by domi- JAMES DEGALE nating and stopping the admittedly 2. WELTERWEIGHT drained then-light heavyweight ON THE WAY DOWN champion Chad Dawson in 2012 THOMAS OOSTHUIZEN 3. JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT and then returning from an injury BEST FIGHT 4. JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT with a decision win over Edwin OF 2013 Rodriguez late last year. His next CARL FROCH UD 12 5. MIDDLEWEIGHT bout had yet to be announced, a sit- MIKKEL KESSLER uation that might be partially the re- 6. LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT sult of Ward’s attempts to part ways with his promoter. As for Froch, should be made. But those aren’t 7. JUNIOR his four post-Ward wins included a the only signifcant names: James FEATHERWEIGHT beatdown of Lucian Bute, a revenge DeGale, who barely lost to Groves decision over Kessler, and a contro- in 2011, is looking ready for prime 8. SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT versial stoppage of George Groves time, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s that saw Froch go down hard early move to 168 could make for some 9. CRUISERWEIGHT on. Froch and Groves were sched- intriguing pairings. 10. BANTAMWEIGHT uled to meet again on May 31. THE FUTURE 11. FEATHERWEIGHT THE DEPTH We’ll see whether Anthony Dirrell Another titleholder is Sakio Bika, will get another shot. We’ll wonder 12. JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT who hasn’t been good enough whether Andre Dirrell will remove to beat the best but is still good himself from the side of the milk 13. HEAVYWEIGHT enough to be a litmus test for other carton. And we’ll wait to fnd out 14. LIGHTWEIGHT prospects and contenders. His belt whether Kessler wants back in the was stripped away from Ward and mix. One prospect, Badou Jack, 15. STRAWWEIGHT was most recently defended in a must attempt to rebound from a LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/GETTY IMAGES draw with Anthony Dirrell. And frst-round knockout loss to Derek 16. JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT then there’s Arthur Abraham, who Edwards. The verdict isn’t in yet seemed destined for the scrap heap. on several others, including Fedor 17. JUNIOR Abraham edged Robert Stieglitz in Chudinov, Jesse Hart, Brandon BANTAMWEIGHT their rubber match, picking up a Gonzales, StanyslavFloyd ‘Money’ Kashtanov, Mayweather sanctioning body title in the pro- Gilbert Ramirez Sanchez and cess, and perhaps a fourth fght Maxim Vlasov. H

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 61 MIDDLEWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

BEST PUNCHER GENNADY GOLOVKIN

BEST BOXER: SERGIO MARTINEZ

MOST PROTECTED: DANNY JACOBS

IS HE STILL AROUND? BRONCO MCKART

MATCHMAKER’S DREAM: SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. GENNADY GOLOVKIN

DESERVES A TITLE SHOT: MARTIN MURRAY

MOST FUN TO WATCH: Gennady GENNADY GOLOVKIN Golovkin was expected at ON THE WAY UP: press time PATRICK NIELSEN to face Julio Cesar Chavez ON THE WAY DOWN: Jr. on July 19. FERNANDO GUERRERO BEST FIGHT OF 2013: DARREN BARKER SD 12 here is a clear champion- and aggravated injuries dating back DANIEL GEALE ship lineage at middle- to his 2012 win over Julio Cesar T weight that dates back Chavez Jr. Golovkin, who is likely to more than a decade, face Chavez this summer, has built was scheduled to fght Matthew from Bernard Hopkins to Jermain a bandwagon after four knockout Macklin on May 24. Taylor to Kelly Pavlik to Sergio wins on HBO and two overseas in Martinez. But as the sanctioning Monte Carlo. Peter Quillin picked up THE FUTURE bodies began to take their belts away his world title in 2012 with a rarity: So much is unknown. Is Martinez from these champions, that brought scoring six knockdowns but win- healthy enough to reign much lon- more attention to a wealth of new ning by decision. He made his third ger? Will Golovkin fulfill the hype titleholders and contenders compet- defense with a near-shutout decision of the heir apparent? And when ing outside of the United States, par- over Lukas Konecny on April 19. will the titleholders stop feasting ticularly in Europe. The champ need And Felix Sturm, a longtime fxture on the lower tiers of challengers not be the proverbial straw that stirs at 160, once again holds a belt after such as Andy Lee, and begin to face the drink, a reality that allowed for his surprising stoppage of Darren each other? Beyond the titlehold- the rise of a power-puncher named Barker, who suffered another hip in- ers, it would be interesting to see Gennady Golovkin while Martinez jury and subsequently retired. some of the also-rans meet cur- sat on the sideline, recovering rent contenders or pair off against from injuries. Their collision now THE DEPTH each other, with names including Martinez: Jeff Bottari/Getty Images; Alverez: Naoki Fukuda seems inevitable, though they There are a few fghters highly de- Lee, Sergio Mora, Hassan N’Dam are not the only middleweights serving of title shots. One is Murray, N’Jikam, Marco Antonio Rubio, worth monitoring. who fought to a draw with Sturm Sam Soliman and Curtis Stevens. and came up just short against Mar- Meanwhile, keep an eye on whether THE STARS tinez. Another is Daniel Geale, who Daniel Jacobs and Matt Korobov GOLOVKIN: NAOKI FUKUDA Martinez is scheduled to defend held a belt for two years until his will finally graduate from prospect against Miguel Cotto on June 7 in close, thrilling battle with Barker status. And let’s continue to moni- what will be the champion’s frst in 2013. Both Murray and Geale tor the progress of Ryota bout back since April 2013, when would likely be looking at Golovkin Murata, Patrick Nielsen and Billy he barely edged Martin Murray despite the potential danger. Geale Joe Saunders. H

62 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT

es, Floyd Mayweather well for him; the various titlehold- BEST PUNCHER Jr. is THE RING cham- ers should be lining up for a chance JAMES KIRKLAND Y pion and still holds a at a payday, and Alvarez’s team will pair of world titles. But be able to pick among what they BEST BOXER: his jaunts to 154 are based on busi- FLOYD feel are the most winnable and sell- MAYWEATHER JR. ness opportunities, and so his name able bouts. doesn’t loom heavily over the junior They’ve courageously picked MOST PROTECTED: middleweight State of the Game. And Erislandy Lara, a boxer who is tal- BRIAN ROSE now that the extravaganza that was ented but not always an entertaining IS HE STILL AROUND? Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez is boxer and who has been waiting YURI FOREMAN behind us, we can fnally focus on for Canelo for years. They fght on fguring out just who the best boxers July 12 in Las Vegas. Lara topped MATCHMAKER’S DREAM: are in a division where many of the Angulo in a thriller and Austin Trout CANELO ALVAREZ VS. titleholders and contenders have yet in a snoozer last year. Lara had been JAMES KIRKLAND to face each other. scheduled to face former titleholder Ishe Smith this May but wisely DESERVES THE STARS pulled out once the Canelo oppor- A TITLE SHOT: JERMELL CHARLO Miguel Cotto’s role here is tunity arose. Demetrius Andrade uncertain, what with his coming recently picked up his belt with a MOST FUN TO WATCH: challenge of middleweight decision over Vanes Martirosyan and JAMES KIRKLAND champ Sergio Martinez. That leaves is scheduled to meet unproven man- ON THE WAY UP: Alvarez as by far the biggest name datory challenger Brian Rose on June JERMALL CHARLO even though his loss to Mayweather 14. And then there’s Carlos Molina, left him without his title belts. He who was supposed to defend his belt ON THE WAY DOWN: returned to pay per view in March, against Jermall Charlo in March ALFREDO ANGULO this time as the clear A-side, domi- only to be arrested on warrants and BEST FIGHT OF 2013: nating Alfredo Angulo and coming held for allegedly being in the United ERISLANDY LARA TKO 10 out largely unscathed. That bodes States illegally. ALFREDO ANGULO

THE DEPTH James Kirkland remains a spots when the division’s depth was player at 154, though a less thinner: Smith was scheduled to fght visible one with fewer op- Ryan Davis on May 2, and the man tions thanks to his parting he beat for a belt, Cornelius with Golden Boy and signing Bundrage, wants one more crack with rapper/promoter 50 at a title. Anthony Mundine, the Cent. Kirkland returned from Australian former rugby player who a long layoff with a Decem- previously contended at 168 and ber destruction of Glen Tapia 160, suffered a major setback in his on HBO, and his next bout push to be considered among the ma- hasn’t been set. The Charlo jor players at 154, getting knocked twins are on the verge of title down fve times by Joshua Clottey shots; Jermall was supposed and losing a decision in April. to have one against Molina, while Jermell is coming THE FUTURE off a good victory over Though Brian Rose will challenge Gabriel Rosado. Demetrius Andrade for a world Martirosyan lost to title, those who saw Rose struggle Andrade and is now seeking against Javier Maciel last year Brothers to navigate his way back into doubt his chances. Other prospects Jermell contention. Also rebuild- are working their way up, including (pictured) ing is Trout, who had a bad Jack Culcay, Tony Harrison, and Jermall 2013 with losses to Alvarez Damian Jonak, Willie Nelson, Charlo are both fast-rising and Lara. There are a pair of Chris Pearson, Sergey Rabchenko H CHARLO: PATRICK SMITH PATRICK CHARLO: 154-pounders. elders who briefy held top and Julian Williams.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 63 WELTERWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

loyd Mayweather Jr. has long been fond of Floyd F saying that all roads Mayweather Jr. lead to him. Fortunately has never been that hasn’t meant a traff c jam in the involved in a welterweight division. It isn’t one of close f ght at 147 pounds. those cases where f ghters refuse to face each other while hoping for the biggest opportunity and payday of their careers, which is a good thing, considering the pool of talent at 147. There are plenty of intriguing matches that can be made between the various titleholders, contenders and prospects. And that depth helps ease the pain of us not being able to see boxers with Top Rank, including Tim Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez

64 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 FOR THE RECORD... LONGEST REIGNING and Manny Pacquiao, take on those BEST PUNCHER within the sizable stable of promo- KEITH THURMAN TITLEHOLDERS tional rival Golden Boy. BEST BOXER: FLOYD THE STARS The list below showcases the game’s 10 MAYWEATHER JR. Pacquiao, who lost a controversial most established titleholders (RING, WBA, WBC, IBF or WBO). A few of last year’s names decision to Bradley and a highlight- MOST PROTECTED: LEONARD BUNDU are gone: Chris John, Vitali Klitschko and reel knockout to Marquez in 2012, Moruti Mthalane. Reigns are through April returned last year with a decision IS HE STILL AROUND? 20, 2014 and do not include interim titles or over Brandon Rios. If that win served VIVIAN HARRIS “regular” titles in a division with a “super” to keep his career alive, then his next titleholder (For example, Gennady Golovkin victory showed that Pacquiao still be- MATCHMAKER’S won the WBA’s “regular” title in 2010, but DREAM: FLOYD longed toward the top of the pound- MAYWEATHER JR. VS. there was a “super” titleholder into 2012). for-pound list. Pacquiao topped MANNY PACQUIAO Bradley in their April rematch, winning a unanimous decision without DESERVES A TITLE SHOT: KEITH THURMAN WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO dispute over a very good opponent. RING, IBF, WBA, WBO HEAVYWEIGHT The loss doesn’t hurt Bradley badly, MOST FUN TO WATCH: 96 MONTHS but it also doesn’t bring him the MANNY PACQUIAO benefts that winning would’ve. He ON THE WAY UP: ANSELMO MORENO should be back in another big fght FRANKIE GAVIN WBA BANTAMWEIGHT sooner rather than later. 71 MONTHS Mayweather, whose 2013 brought ON THE WAY DOWN: wins over Robert Guerrero at 147 VICTOR ORTIZ MARCO HUCK and Canelo Alvarez at 152, had a WBO CRUISERWEIGHT BEST FIGHT OF 2013: May 3 date with Marcos Maidana, TIM BRADLEY UD 12 56 MONTHS who was fresh off a big win over RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV Adrien Broner. It is the third fght ANDRE WARD in his six-bout deal with Showtime, RING, WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT which means Mayweather’s career Ortiz in January. He was to meet 53 MONTHS could come to a close at the end of Amir Khan on the Mayweather- 2015. Marquez was scheduled to Maidana undercard, with the winner TAKASHI UCHIYAMA face former 140-pound titleholder potentially in position to meet WBA JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT Mike Alvarado on May 17. The win- Mayweather. Other junior welter- 51 MONTHS ner of Marquez-Alvarado could end weights could soon join Khan in up getting Pacquiao in his next bout. moving to 147, as Danny Garcia and SERGIO MARTINEZ RING MIDDLEWEIGHT Lamont Peterson might enter the 48 MONTHS THE DEPTH ranks in the not-too-distant future. Then there are a handful of others THE FUTURE KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK who have belts or used to have them. WBC CRUISERWEIGHT Shawn Porter had his best perfor- British contender Kell Brook is on

CHRIS TROTMAN/GOLDEN BOY/GOLDEN BOY VIA GETTY IMAGES 47 MONTHS mance yet with an utter demolition the verge of a title shot as he is the of Paulie Malignaggi in April. mandatory challenger for OMAR NARVAEZ Devon Alexander (who lost to Porter’s belt. Other prospects are WBO JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT Porter) and Robert Guerrero (who still in the development process 47 MONTHS lost to Mayweather) have not yet and have yet to establish them- returned from their defeats. Keith selves as full-fledged contenders, MIGUEL VAZQUEZ Thurman continues to entertain, is including Olympians Frankie IBF LIGHTWEIGHT coming off an enjoyable stoppage of Gavin and Errol Spence, as well as 44 MONTHS Jesus Soto-Karass and was scheduled Roman Belaev, Jose Benavidez, to face Julio Diaz on April 26. Luis Eddie Gomez,Floyd Konstantin ‘Money’ Mayweather Pono- YOAN PABLO HERNANDEZ Collazo announced that he was back marev, Brad Solomon, Chris van IBF CRUISERWEIGHT with a one-punch win over Victor Heerden and Mikael Zewski. H 31 MONTHS

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 65 JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

Herrera this past March. The power- RING champion punching Matthysse still belongs in Danny Garcia the picture; he was expected to return leads a still-strong this spring against John Molina. Also 140-pound division. around is Lamont Peterson, who still has a world title thanks to last year’s loss to Matthysse coming at a 141-pound catchweight. Peterson topped Dierry Jean in January. And then there is Ruslan Provodnikov, who had a fantastic 2013 despite going 1-1. His one loss was at welterweight to Bradley in the Fight of the Year, and then he moved down to 140 and stopped Mike Alvarado. He faces Chris Algieri on June 14.

THE DEPTH Adrien Broner evidently saw his loss to Marcos Maidana as a sign that he should drop down from 147; he was scheduled to face the smaller of the two unrelated Carlos Molinas at 140 on May 3. Conversely, Brandon Rios was among the potential opponents initially mentioned for Pro- vodnikov, but Rios may not be able or years, the junior wel- BEST PUNCHER to make the weight anymore. Zab terweight division has LUCAS MATTHYSSE Judah is also still around, though his F gone from being packed good performance in defeat against full of talent to then BEST BOXER: Garcia last year only led into a poor DANNY GARCIA losing many of those names to the showing against Paulie Malignaggi allure of major paydays that tend to MOST PROTECTED: in December. Those were the rest of be available up at 147. That’s no dif- CESAR CUENCA the big names. Several other fghters ferent now, given that welterweight are hoping to join them. offers the possibility of Floyd IS HE STILL AROUND? PAUL SPADAFORA Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao THE FUTURE (and the certainty of seven fewer MATCHMAKER’S Thomas Dulorme defeated Karim pounds to lose). Among the names DREAM: Mayfeld in March to get one step RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV that made the jump in recent years closer to a title shot. Jessie Vargas VS. LUCAS MATTHYSSE are Devon Alexander, Tim Bradley, took a nice step by outpointing Marcos Maidana, Paulie Malignaggi DESERVES A Khabib Allakhverdiev in April, and Victor Ortiz. Amir Khan is do- TITLE SHOT: although the decision was contro- ing the same, and Danny Garcia and LUCAS MATTHYSSE versial. Other contenders include Lamont Peterson have spoken of MOST FUN TO WATCH: Cesar Cuenca, Herrera, Johan Perez moving up eventually as well. Fortu- RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV and Viktor Postol. Selcuk Aydin has nately, their migration hasn’t left the moved down to 140 from welter- 140-pound division barren. ON THE WAY UP: weight and was scheduled to fght ANTONIO OROZCO Postol on May 17, while former light- THE STARS weights Antonio DeMarco, Henry

ON THE WAY DOWN: GARCIA:CHRIS TROTMAN Garcia remains THE RING OLUSEGUN AJOSE Lundy and John Molina have moved champ, though the high point that up. And then there are a handful of BEST FIGHT OF 2013: was his September win over MIKE ALVARADO UD 12 de veloping prospects, including Alg- Lucas Matthysse was followed with BRANDON RIOS ieri, Frankie Gomez, Amir Imam, An- a narrow escape against Mauricio tonio Orozco and Jose Zepeda. H

66 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 LIGHTWEIGHT

his is the division that BEST PUNCHER Far more entertaining is Ray brought us Diego SERGIO THOMPSON Beltran, who might have deserved Corrales vs. Jose Luis to win against Burns last year but T BEST BOXER: Castillo back in 2005, TERENCE CRAWFORD left only with a draw. He defeated Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan late replacement opponent Arash Diaz in 2009 and, more recently, MOST PROTECTED: Usmanee in April. Jorge Linares last year’s epic battle between Omar JUAN DIAZ could be back in the title picture Figueroa and Nihito Arakawa, plus IS HE STILL AROUND? following his title-elimination victo- the dramatic comeback John Molina PAULUS MOSES ry in March over Arakawa. A man had in stopping Mickey Bey. Never- who stopped Linares two years ago, theless, right now there isn’t much MATCHMAKER’S Sergio Thompson, scored a victory DREAM: to be excited about. For one, there over Ricardo Alvarez on the same isn’t much star power at lightweight. OMAR FIGUEROA VS. JORGE LINARES card. Finally, former titleholder Beyond that, there are multiple guys Juan Diaz has fought four times who are the complete antithesis DESERVES A since his comeback began last year, of those who took part in the fan- TITLE SHOT: but he hasn’t faced high-quality op- RAY BELTRAN friendly fghts mentioned above. position yet. And even though there are several MOST FUN TO WATCH: recognizable names at 135, many of OMAR FIGUEROA THE FUTURE them have shown themselves to be a Junior lightweight titleholder Mikey level or two below being considered ON THE WAY UP: GHISLAIN MADUMA Garcia had been considering a move top talents. to 135 to face Gamboa, but nego- ON THE WAY DOWN: tiations for that fght fzzled. Let’s THE STARS RICKY BURNS talk then about others who actually One bright spot is Terence BEST FIGHT OF 2013: do call lightweight home. Anthony Crawford, who burst onto the scene OMAR FIGUEROA UD 12 Peterson returned in March, and his last year with a win at 140 over NIHITO ARAKAWA inactivity may be a thing of the past Breidis Prescott on HBO, then ap- now that he’s healthy, and particu- peared on the network twice more. larly now that he has signed with That earned him a title shot, which isn’t winning over fans or network adviser Al Haymon. Other prospects he won in March, defeating the big- executives. The same can be said in this division include the unde- gest ticker seller that the division for Richar Abril, who was arguably feated Karl Dargan, Robert Easter, had: Scotland’s Ricky Burns, who robbed against Brandon Rios back Ghislain Maduma, Ivan Redkach had been fortunate to hold onto his in 2012. Abril picked up a belt last and Felix Verdejo, plus one- and belt in his previous two defenses. year with a win over Sharif Bogere, two-loss guys Bey, Bogere, Daniel Crawford can’t be considered a but he hasn’t returned since. Estrada and Shafkov. H star just yet. Neither can Figueroa, though his war with Arakawa was a good place to begin. Figueroa was scheduled to return on April 26 in a title defense against Jerry Belmontes. Yuriorkis Gamboa also calls 135 home, but he’s rarely seen these days. He beat Darleys Perez in June 2013 and hasn’t fought again since.

THE DEPTH There are two other titleholders, though one hesitates to list them as stars. Miguel Vazquez has made six Terence successful defenses since 2010, in- Crawford (right) became a major cluding a February decision against player by taking previously unbeaten Denis Shafkov. Ricky Burns’

CRAWFORD: MARK RUNNACLES CRAWFORD: But while he keeps winning, he WBO title. JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

Since losing to Uchiyama, Miura went on to capture a belt last year, defended it with an entertaining and brutal bout against Sergio Thompson in which both men went down, and then fought once more on the final day of the year on a card that also featured Uchiyama. Neither has fought so far in 2014. Garcia, meanwhile, has quickly run out of network-acceptable opponents during his brief stint at 130. He won his belt with a knockout of Roman Martinez in November, then outpointed Juan Carlos Burgos in January. A potential move to 135 to face Yuriorkis Gamboa never got past the negotiation process. Now WBO titleholder Garcia has filed a lawsuit against Mikey Garcia (left) is Top Rank, which may lead to in need of a high- him being sidelined. profle opponent. THE DEPTH Rances Barthelemy looks prom- his wonderfully global BEST PUNCHER ising, though his second-round sport has become more TAKASHI UCHIYAMA obliteration of titleholder Argenis accessible to fans be- Mendez was rightly overturned T BEST BOXER: cause the internet al- MIKEY GARCIA because the knockout blows came lows us to watch fghts featuring, after the bell. A rematch should say, two enjoyable 130-pound title- MOST PROTECTED: come in June. Orlando Salido is on holders from Japan. But one unfor- ROMAIN JACOB his way up to 130 after coming in tunate thing about this global sport IS HE STILL AROUND? overweight for his March bout with is that those two Japanese titlehold- MALCOLM KLASSEN Vasyl Lomachenko. Juan Manuel ers and a very good American junior Lopez bought himself at least one lightweight have had little cause MATCHMAKER’S more appearance as the B-side after DREAM: MIKEY GARCIA to cross the Pacifc in either direc- a second-round knockout in his re- VS. TAKASHI UCHIYAMA tion to meet each other. That’s a match with Daniel Ponce De Leon shame, because Takashi Miura and DESERVES A in March. Takashi Uchiyama — who fought TITLE SHOT: each other in 2011, with Uchiyama RANCES BARTHELEMY THE FUTURE winning — are entertaining fghters MOST FUN TO WATCH: Javier Fortuna was scheduled to face who deserve a wider audience. And TAKASHI MIURA Juan Antonio Rodriguez at the end it would be great to see how fellow of May. Bryan Vasquez beat Jose titleholder Mikey Garcia would fare ON THE WAY UP: Felix on the Pacquiao-Bradley II JOSE PEDRAZA against them, and vice versa. The undercard in April. Will Tomlinson good news? Desperate times call ON THE WAY DOWN: is looking to bounce back from his for desperate measures, and Garcia DANIEL PONCE DE LEON March loss to Jerry Belmontes. Ditto needs an opponent. for Diego Magdaleno, who came up BEST FIGHT OF 2013: TAKASHI MIURA UD 12 short against Roman Martinez last THE STARS SERGIO THOMPSON year. And then there are up-and- Uchiyama has held his title for four comers Jomthong Chuwatana, Joel GARCIA: ELSA years and has scored six stoppages Diaz Jr., Adrian Estrella, Romain in his eight defenses. He tastes the yet to remain there. Miura is one of Jacob, Rikki Naito, Jose Pedraza, canvas himself on occasion but has the opponents who put him there. Francisco Vargas and Liam Walsh. H

68 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 FEATHERWEIGHT

he 126-pound division BEST PUNCHER Other recent featherweights seem went through a serious JHONNY GONZALEZ to be changing divisions: Javier shakeup in 2013. Long- Fortuna, Daniel Ponce De Leon and T BEST BOXER: time titleholder Chris Ronny Rios have moved up, while NONITO DONAIRE John suffered his frst pro defeat, a Hozumi Hasegawa dropped down knockout against Simpiwe Vetyeka, MOST PROTECTED: for a title shot at 122. and subsequently retired. RING GARY RUSSELL JR. champion Mikey Garcia failed THE FUTURE to make weight for his win over IS HE STILL AROUND? CELESTINO CABALLERO Russell and Lomachenko are the Juan Manuel Lopez and has since biggest names, but there are others departed to the junior lightweight MATCHMAKER’S worth mentioning: Nicholas Wal- division. Abner Mares was shock- DREAM: ters and Joel Brunker remain un- ingly defeated by Jhonny Gonzalez NONITO DONAIRE VS. ABNER MARES beaten, Lee Selby continues to win by a frst-round technical knockout. in the United Kingdom, and Marvin And Nonito Donaire, who moved DESERVES A Sonsona surprised many with his up to featherweight after his loss to TITLE SHOT: beautiful uppercut knockout of for- NICHOLAS WALTERS Guillermo Rigondeaux at 122, didn’t mer beltholder Akifumi Shimoda. look so hot in his rematch with Vic MOST FUN TO WATCH: On the fringe are Jayson Velez and Darchinyan before ultimately getting JHONNY GONZALEZ Rene Alvarado. Velez suffered an the TKO win. injury that canceled a title shot ON THE WAY UP: against Ponce De Leon last year, VASYL LOMACHENKO THE STARS and that may have been a blessing Donaire and Vetyeka were sched- ON THE WAY DOWN: in disguise, as his return win over uled to face one another on May BILLY DIB Dat Nguyen last October, while 31. Gonzalez and Mares were ini- entertaining, didn’t leave anyone BEST FIGHT OF 2013: tially supposed to have an immedi- SIMPIWE VETYEKA TKO convinced that Velez belongs yet in ate rematch, but Mares got hurt in 12 DAUD YORDAN the title picture. And keep an eye training camp and both likely will out for Oscar Valdez. H now return against other foes before meeting again. Evgeny Gradovich surged into the picture last year with a close win over titleholder Billy Dib, then defended his Nonito Donaire belt with a pair of victories in Ma- was scheduled to challenge cau, including a dominant victory for Simpiwe over Dib in their rematch. He could Vetyeka’s WBA end up benefiting from Bob Arum’s title on May 31. desire to promote in Russia.

THE DEPTH Gary Russell Jr. and Vasyl Lom- achenko have agreed to fight on June 21 for the WBO title vacated by Salido, a compelling matchup of gifted young fighters that will bring attention to the division. This will be Russell’s first significant test. Lomachenko, a two-time Olym- pic gold medalist, jumped nearly straight into the fire not long after he turned pro by challenging veteran titleholder Salido, who was overweight on the scales and dirty in the ring. Lomachenko neverthe-

DONAIRE: SCOTT HALLERAN DONAIRE: less looked competitive in defeat. JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

even if the boredom wasn’t wholly his fault. His frst appearance of 2014 had not yet been set. Mean- while, Leo Santa Cruz topped Cristian Mijares in March for his second successful title defense. He may soon end up in an interesting collision with contender Carl Frampton, who made quick work of former 108- and 115-pound titleholder Hugo Cazares in April. Frampton scored a stoppage last year over Kiko Martinez, who went on to plow through titleholder Jhonatan Romero later that year. Martinez won his second defense in April against former 118- and 126-pound titleholder Hozumi Hasegawa. Also, undefeated contender Scott Quigg needed just two rounds to take out Tshifhiwa Munyai in April, the Englishman’s second Is Guillermo Rigondeaux consecutive second-round knockout. too good for his own good? THE DEPTH From there, we get to the loser’s bracket, which is made up of rec- very once in a while, BEST PUNCHER ognizable veterans coming off of a division will have a KIKO MARTINEZ defeats. Mijares has dropped a pair true champion who to Victor Terrazas and Santa Cruz. E BEST BOXER: has fallen out of favor. Terrazas lost in the third round GUILLERMO This is true for Guillermo Rigon- RIGONDEAUX to Santa Cruz last year. Jeffrey deaux, a two-time Olympic gold Mathebula has a pair of losses to medalist and phenomenal talent MOST PROTECTED: Nonito Donaire and, more recently, who rose to the top of 122 last year ANDRES GUTIERREZ Martinez. Then there are Fernando with his win over Nonito Donaire. IS HE STILL AROUND? Montiel and Vic Darchinyan, who The fact that he appears to be an ALEXANDER MUNOZ recently fought at higher weights, exceptional boxer is to his beneft and Chris Avalos, who has two and his detriment. He can be as un- MATCHMAKER’S losses but has been working his way hittable as he wants to be, and that DREAM: GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX VS. LEO back into contention. can make him unwatchable. HBO SANTA CRUZ isn’t overly interested in spotlight- THE FUTURE ing him anymore. His promoter, DESERVES A TITLE One big question is where Rigon- SHOT: CARL FRAMPTON Bob Arum of Top Rank, doesn’t deaux will go if he and Top Rank hesitate to criticize him publicly. MOST FUN TO WATCH: end up parting ways, and whether Rigondeaux, then, is very high risk LEO SANTA CRUZ that could mean better things for with very little reward. As a result, him. As for those older names that ON THE WAY UP: the division is being driven by the are on the way down, they may JESSIE MAGDALENO goings-on of a handful of other end up being supplanted by any of

titleholders and contenders. ON THE WAY DOWN: a number of undefeated prospects. RIGONDEAUX: JOE KLAMAR VICTOR TERRAZAS Among these up-and-comers are Kid THE STARS Galahad, Andres Gutierrez, Jessie BEST FIGHT OF 2013: Rigondeaux’s December win over CARL FRAMPTON TKO 9 Magdaleno, Roman Morales, Yoan- the too-hesitant Joseph Agbeko left KIKO MARTINEZ dris Salinas, Genesis Servania and a poor taste in people’s mouths, Rey Vargas. H

70 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 BANTAMWEIGHT

or a brief time, there BEST PUNCHER McDonnell topped Hall back in was a great amount of SHINSUKE YAMANAKA 2011 when both were prospects. attention brought to the A rematch between them would be F BEST BOXER: bantamweight division ftting. Malcolm Tunacao, who was ANSELMO MORENO thanks to Nonito Donaire and also fyweight champion way back in the Showtime tournament involv- MOST PROTECTED: 2000, is now 36 years old, ancient ing Joseph Agbeko, Vic Darchinyan, DIEGO RICARDO for the lighter weights. Neverthe- Abner Mares and Yonnhy Perez. Leo SANTILLAN less, he put up a good fght against Santa Cruz also frst caught notice IS HE STILL AROUND? Yamanaka last year before getting while competing at 118. But even TOMAS ROJAS stopped in the fnal round. Julio though all of the above have since Ceja dropped a close decision to MATCHMAKER’S moved on, there remains a ridicu- McDonnell last year but still be- lously deep pool of international DREAM: SHINSUKE YAMANAKA longs in the picture. And Liborio talent that is deserving of attention VS. ANSELMO MORENO Solis seems a likely entry into the even if that attention isn’t going to mix at 118 given that he was over- come from the mainstream boxing DESERVES A weight for his win over the third TITLE SHOT: fans in the United States. There are Kameda, junior bantamweight Daiki. JAMIE MCDONNELL power-punchers and skilled boxers, plus big stars, veteran contenders MOST FUN TO WATCH: THE FUTURE and promising prospects. SHINSUKE YAMANAKA But wait — there’s more! Among ON THE WAY UP: the unbeaten bantamweight pros- THE STARS RANDY CABALLERO pects are Paul Butler, Randy Japan has a pair of titleholders at Caballero, Juan Carlos Payano, 118 in Shinsuke Yamanaka and ON THE WAY DOWN: Diego Ricardo Santillan and Tomoki Kameda. Yamanaka, who CHRISTIAN ESQUIVEL Rau’shee Warren. Then there’s was scheduled to return on April BEST FIGHT OF 2013: Ryosuke Iwasa, whose sole defeat 23, won his belt in 2011 and has JAMIE MCDONNELL MD came against Yamanaka in 2011. defended it in five victories since, 12 JULIO CEJA Ambunda also has just one loss, with only Darchinyan lasting the against Tomoki Kameda last year. H distance against him. Kameda, one of three fighting brothers, picked up his title last year with a decision over Paulus Ambunda, then outpointed Immanuel Naidjala in December. The dean of the division, though, is Anselmo Moreno, whose title reign has lasted nearly six years and through 12 successful defenses. The skilled boxer’s only loss came in 2012, when he jumped to 122 and challenged Mares. Anselmo A proposed bout against Moreno Koki Kameda won’t hap- has been a pen; Koki is moving down dominating to 115. fgure in the division for almost six years. THE DEPTH Stuart Hall holds the fourth sanctioning body belt, one that was stripped from Ja-

MORENO: HARRY HOW HARRY MORENO: mie McDonnell last year. JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

tween David Sanchez and Breilor Teran fts into the picture. And then there are a few fghters coming off losses: Kaovichit, who is now 37; Felipe Orucuta, who dropped a split decision to Narvaez last year; and Sanchez, who may want to consider jumping up to bantamweight.

THE FUTURE Narvaez turns 39 this July, pretty old for any boxer but ancient for these smaller weight classes. Despite that, there hasn’t been any indication that he’s about to hang up his gloves. Meanwhile, there’s always the possibility of lighter fghters moving up to 115 to give them an additional three pounds of relief. And prospects from within the junior bantamweight ranks include Sho Ishida, Teiru Kinoshita, Ivan Morales, Rex Tso and Arthur Villanueva. H

Omar Narvaez is one of the few bright BEST PUNCHER spots in a relatively SRISAKET SOR weak division. RUNGVISAI

BEST BOXER: nly three pounds hasn’t faced other notable contend- OMAR NARVAEZ separates the ju- ers of late. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai MOST PROTECTED: O nior bantamweight earned his belt by stopping Yota ARTHUR VILLANUEVA division from the Sato last year, defended it against fyweights, but you won’t hear any- Hirofumi Mukai and is scheduled to IS HE STILL AROUND? WANDEE SINGWANCHA where near the kind of excitement meet mandatory challenger Carlos when people discuss the 115-pound Cuadras on May 31 in a battle be- MATCHMAKER’S weight class as you do when they tween two men with high knockout DREAM: rave about 112. There’s just no- percentages. And Kohei Kono just KOHEI KONO VS. where near the depth or star power became the division’s other title- KOKI KAMEDA at junior bantamweight, where one holder with a March knockout of DESERVES A fghter has reigned for years and Denkaosan Kaovichit. TITLE SHOT: where the other top names rarely ZOLANI TETE stay there for long. THE DEPTH MOST FUN TO WATCH: Zolani Tete knocked out Juan SRISAKET SOR THE STARS Carlos Sanchez Jr. last November RUNGVISAI The one constant at 115 is Omar and is in line for a shot at a vacant Narvaez, who was a longtime title- title. That title previously belonged ON THE WAY UP:

IVAN MORALES JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES holder at fyweight before moving to Daiki Kameda, one of three fght- up and capturing a belt in this divi- ing brothers, but he decided to drop ON THE WAY DOWN: sion in 2010. He has defended it the belt earlier this year. He could’ve HIROYUKI HISATAKA successfully nine times, and the only unifed it last year in a bout with BEST FIGHT OF 2013: loss in his entire career came when Liborio Solis, except the overweight ZOLANI TETE KO 10 he moved up to bantamweight to Solis wound up winning that bout JUAN CARLOS SANCHEZ challenge Nonito Donaire in 2011. by split decision. We’ll see whether JR. Narvaez is a very good boxer, but he the winner of a May 24 fght be-

72 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 FLYWEIGHT

ou know you have a BEST PUNCHER bout this July; Edgar Sosa, who great division when ROMAN GONZALEZ hasn’t been back since losing to you can take nearly any Yaegashi in December; Juan Y BEST BOXER: two fghters from the Carlos Reveco, whose lone loss AKIRA YAEGASHI Top 10, match them up and have came in 2007 against Brahim an interesting pairing. The fyweight MOST PROTECTED: Asloum; former titleholder Moruti division makes us hardcore fans into JUAN CARLOS REVECO Mthalane, who lost to Nonito the proverbial kid in the candy store, IS HE STILL AROUND? Donaire in 2008, regained a belt lat- and it somehow continues to get CARLOS TAMARA er on, and who just came back this even better as more names move to March from an 18-month layoff; 112. Let’s not waste any more space MATCHMAKER’S and Milan Melindo lost to Estrada DREAM: and instead move right to it. last year but shows promise. ROMAN GONZALEZ VS. KAZUTO IOKA Even outside the top 10, there’s THE STARS Luis Concepcion, who hasn’t lost Akira Yaegashi has been the RING DESERVES A since his first-round defeat to champion for a year now, topping TITLE SHOT: Marquez in 2011, which was a re- ROMAN GONZALEZ Toshiyuki Igarashi, who beat Sonny match of their battle from earlier Boy Jaro, who shocked Pongsaklek MOST FUN TO WATCH: that year. As for Marquez, he had a Wonjongkam. Yaegashi, a former JUAN FRANCISCO bout scheduled for April 26 above titleholder at 105, has made three ESTRADA the flyweight division. And then successful defenses of his belt here ON THE WAY UP: there’s Roberto Domingo Sosa, who at 112. Juan Francisco Estrada MILAN MELINDO came to 112 after losing a title bout is just 24 years old but has two at 115 last year. world titles, which he won by edg- ON THE WAY DOWN: ing Brian Viloria last year. He was KOMPAYAK THE FUTURE PORPRAMOOK scheduled to make his second de- It’s not like you need more, but fense, against Richie Mepranum, on BEST FIGHT OF 2013: here are a few other flyweight April 26. Estrada’s last loss came GIOVANI SEGURA TKO 10 prospects: Oleksandr Hryshchuk, at 108 against Roman Gonzalez, HERNAN MARQUEZ Kevin Satchel and Froilan Saludar. an undefeated cult favorite power- They’re not the most likely names puncher who has recently come to to be the future of the 112-pound flyweight in the hope of capturing fought since September; Viloria, division, though, and there are bet- a belt in his third weight class. And once again rebuilding and expected ter candidates who might eventual- then there’s Kazuto Ioka, who beat to have his second post-Estrada ly rise up from the lighter ranks. H Yaegashi in a wonderful brawl at 105, moved up to 108 and is now coming to 112. He was scheduled on Roman Gonzalez May 7 to challenge title- (left) brings added star power to a very holder Amnat Ruenroeng, strong division. who topped Rocky Fuentes earlier this year.

THE DEPTH Giovani Segura bounced back from losses to Brian Viloria and Edgar Sosa by winning the division’s best fght of 2013, stopping Hernan Marquez in the f- nal round. He’s aiming for a shot at Estrada, which is almost guaranteed to be a war. Elsewhere in the Top

GONZALEZ: JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY IMAGES JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY GONZALEZ: 10 are Igarashi, who hasn’t JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT STATE OF THE GAME

That same night, prospect Felix Alvarado suffered his frst pro de- Naoya Inoue made a huge feat, though that decision loss came impression by against a top opponent in Ioka. taking Adrian Hernandez’s title THE FUTURE in his sixth fght. The aforementioned Sakkreerin went on to lose his next bout, an over-the- limit contest against Naoya Inoue’s younger brother, 18-year-old Takuma, who took an eight-round decision. He was 2-0 as of this writing, as is his countryman Kosei Tanaka. Among others with more pro experience are Paipharob Kokietgym, who is 23-0, and the 32-8 Alberto Rossel, whose losses came years ago to familiar names such as Ivan Calderon, Hugo Cazares, Lazarte, Vusi Malinga and Viloria. Rossel has fought in several weight classes but has held an interim title at 108 for nearly two years now and has not yet stepped up against the best of what his division has to offer. H he big names come relation to Moises. Casimero is com- and the big names go. ing off a pair of successful title de- BEST PUNCHER T Among the list of for- fenses in 2013 and is the same fghter JOHNRIEL CASIMERO mer 108-pounders now who beat Luis Lazarte in Argentina BEST BOXER: at 112 are Roman Gonzalez, and then survived a violent post-fght MOISES FUENTES Kazuto Ioka, Juan Francisco riot. Meanwhile, look out for Naoya Estrada, Giovani Segura, Edgar Sosa Inoue, who stopped Adrian MOST PROTECTED: and Brian Viloria. Akira Yaegashi Hernandez in April, winning a ALBERTO ROSSEL skipped the division completely, world title in what was just his sixth IS HE STILL AROUND? moving from strawweight to fy- pro fght. MUHAMMAD RACHMAN weight. But these migrations haven’t left the junior fyweight a barren THE DEPTH MATCHMAKER’S and desolate division. There are still Hernandez’s loss to Inoue brought to DREAM: a few familiar names at 108, plus DONNIE NIETES-MOISES an end his second title reign at 108. FUENTES II a pair of brothers who are quickly Pedro Guevara has won three in a making themselves known. row since dropping a split decision to DESERVES A Casimero back in 2012, with one of TITLE SHOT: PEDRO GUEVARA THE STARS those victories coming against former Donnie Nietes and Moises Fuentes 105-pound titleholder Mario MOST FUN TO WATCH: fought to a draw in March 2013. Rodriguez. Any thought that former ADRIAN HERNANDEZ Fuentes is Nietes’ mandatory chal- strawweight titleholder Nkosinathi ON THE WAY UP: lenger, and their rematch is our selec- Joyi would also contend at 108 INOUE: MASASHI HARA/GETTY IMAGES NAOYA INOUE tion for matchmaker’s dream. Fortu- might be out the window after Joyi’s nately we were scheduled to get that stunning knockout loss against the ON THE WAY DOWN: sequel on May 10, with THE RING unheralded Rey Loreto earlier this NKOSINATHI JOYI 108-pound championship expected year. Rising former 105-pound title- BEST FIGHT OF 2013: to be at stake. Also, on May 3, titleholder Ryo Miyazaki was also felled DONNIE NIETES D 12 holder Johnriel Casimero was set to in three, his defeat coming against MOISES FUENTES face Mauricio Fuentes, who is of no Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr. in December.

74 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 STRAWWEIGHT

ears ago, perhaps BEST PUNCHER another undefeated fghter from Ni- the only strawweight JESUS SILVESTRE caragua, and even his nickname, “ that all but the most Chocorroncito,” is reminiscent of Y BEST BOXER: hardcore of fght fans HEKKIE BUDLER Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. His could name was Ivan Calderon, a lone blemish is a draw against very small but very skilled boxer. MOST PROTECTED: Sabillo last year. Denver Cuello Since then, we’ve gotten the power- ALI RAYMI hasn’t returned from an injury, which punching of Roman Gonzalez IS HE STILL AROUND? contributed to his close decision loss and entertaining action involving TAKASHI KUNISHIGE to Xiong last June. We’ll see whether Akira Yaegashi, Kazuto Ioka and Sabillo or Xiong can regain a foot- a handful of others. There still MATCHMAKER’S hold in this division or if they decide DREAM: aren’t as many eyes regularly on the to move up. 105-pound weight class as there are HEKKIE BUDLER VS. CARLOS BUITRAGO on the major divisions, but there are THE FUTURE competitive bouts to be made that DESERVES A Ryuji Hara is 17-0 (10 KOs) and are worth watching, and that makes TITLE SHOT: working his way up through the CARLOS BUITRAGO this a division worth following. rankings. Wanheng Menayothin has MOST FUN TO WATCH: nearly twice as many fghts as Hara THE STARS CARLOS BUITRAGO and the same number of knockouts This is a division in fux where the as him, and it’ll be interesting to ON THE WAY UP: top names regularly change. None RYUJI HARA see how he fares once he steps in of the current titleholders had their against a fellow contender. Finally, belts in 2012. Katsunari Takayama ON THE WAY DOWN: the less said about Ali Raymi, the won his in March 2013 when he XIONG ZHAO ZHONG better. He’s 20-0 with 20 KOs, all in outpointed Mario Rodriguez, who BEST FIGHT OF 2013: the frst round, but the consensus is had just knocked out Nkosinathi MERLITO SABILLO D 12 that his record and reputation have Joyi, whom Takayama lost to back CARLOS BUITRAGO been manufactured. He’s 40 years in 2012. Hekkie Budler won a va- old and not at all the future. H cant title this past March, and his sole defeat came in a split decision three years ago up at 108. Oswaldo Xiong Zhao Zhong Novoa stopped Xiong (right) of China is on Zhao Zhong in February, the comeback trail the biggest win by far for after losing his title to Oswaldo Novoa. a fghter whose record before then was 12-4-1. And Francisco Rodriguez Jr. took it to Merlito Sabillo and took his title in March, knocking him down early and stopping him late.

THE DEPTH Jesus Silvestre has fve losses on his record, though three came against very good opponents – Donnie Nietes, Paipharob Kokietgym and then-titleholder Ryo Miyazaki – one came early, and the most recent (and most puzzling) was an eight-round split

GONZALEZ: JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY IMAGES JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY GONZALEZ: decision. Carlos Buitrago is Manny Pacquiao wasn’t too old to beat Tim Bradley in their rematch on April 12. JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES STATESMAN THE ELDER been calledcountless things. But two decadesin thering, hehas up andintoretirement. Over nearly prof le thatwouldf nally triphim It lookedlikethejaggedpiece ina which appearedtobefullofperil. 12 rematchagainst Tim Bradley feared, broughthimtoan April knockout artist, fromfearlessto kid togambler, fromrisktakerto but remainsascompellingever. not beasdynamicordangerous evolving faceofaf ghter whomight to makethemallf t intheever- belong together. Yet hecontinues His manysideslookasiftheydon’t little, isacollectionofcontrasts. Pacquiao, apoliticianwhosays If thatsoundslikeapuzzle, itis. comfortable inthebullypulpit. is af ghter whohasneverbeen minister andFilipinocongressman, Manny Pacquiao,celebrity Pacquiao’s careerfromstreet By BRADLEY DOMINATE MATURITY TO EXPERIENCE AND RELIED ON PACQUIAO MANNY DIMINISHED A SOMEWHAT NormFrauenheim TIM TIM who surprised him earlywithan of smarts. not asmartf ghter, heshowed plenty a conferencecallthatPacquiao was after PaulieMalignaggisaidduring could neverbe. A coupleweeks a f ghter thatmanythoughthe Bradley in2012, Pacquiaobecame a controversialsplitdecisionfor that manythoughtwasstolenin a pieceofthewelterweighttitle 112 victorythatregainedhim Roach said. without astoppage. during hiseighthstraightf ght when Pacquiaolookedordinary knockout. There wereevenmoments had promised. There wasno that PacquiaoandFreddieRoach over Bradley. Itwasn’t everything himself withaunanimousdecision found anotherwaytore-invent get someseriousconsideration. was arealchanceretirementwould a 2-to-1favorite, whichmeantthere being done. Pacquiaowaslessthan f a was just he chance from away ght oddsmakers thoughttherewasareal said so. Punditssuspectedso. Even code. Itmeanshe’s f nished. Bradley there alongsidejumboshrimp. can putcompassionateboxerright pound listoftheoxymoronic, you impossibilities. Onthepound-for- and boxingareoneofthose never compassionate. Compassion He hadtoagainst Bradley, With a116-112, 118-110, 116- “Sometimes, alittlesloppy,” But itwon’t, becausePacquiao To callaf ghter compassionateis It wasmomentwhenitlookedas Pacquiao offhisfeetinthefourth. hand fromBradley, wholifted The f ght turnedonarockingright aggressive pursuitofaknockout. perhaps presidency onholdfora to runfortheFilipino Senateand It meanshecanputhisambition a grown-upandfoughtlikeone. he possessedasayoungman. He’s without theblindingedgeof speed great. Hehaslearnedhowto f ght rite ofpassagefromverygood to victory overBradleyrepresentsa was thedifferencethistimearound.” f ght,” Bradleysaid. “His experience today’s Pacquiaoknowsit. carried Pacquiaooutofharm’s way. have swiftlyfoundanangleand legs, stillagileandtireless, might right thatknockedhimout. Younger there inthewayofMarquez Pacquiao alsomightnothavebeen quick hands. Then again, ayounger Bradley withangles, footspeedand might haveproceededtooverwhelm counterattack. A youngerPacquiao than justlaunchaninstinctive that itwastimetoadjustrather Bradley’s punchservedasawarning vulnerabilities. down andface-to-facewithhisown Manuel Marquezputhimface Garden Arena inLas Vegas, Juan the sameringatMGMGrand’s he didinDecember2012, when, in if Pacquiaomightwinduptheway Above all, Pacquiao’s rematch “He hitmeharderinthef rst But thatPacquiaoisgone. And As itturnedout, however, 7.14 / RINGTV.COM 77 THE ELDER STATESMAN

couple of years. Compassion was never an issue, especially against the once-beaten Bradley, who has never been stopped. If anything, it was there before the opening bell when Pacquiao’s mom, Dionisia, blessed her son in the dressing room in a scene that was included in the HBO’s pay-per- view telecast. Throughout training camp, Pacquiao sang hymns in the morning before sparring. On the morning of the 12-round bout, he and his devout entourage sang “Jesus, We Enthrone You.” In the days before the fght, Bradley trainer Joel Diaz argued that Pacquiao couldn’t abandon his compassionate nature, not even for 12 rounds. Diaz speculated that Pacquiao’s compassion is the very reason he continues to fght. Otherwise, Diaz said, he would have retired after getting knocked out by Marquez. “People need him to fght,” Diaz said. “He’s got an entourage as big as a major corporation. If he quits boxing, those people lose their paychecks.” No one, not even Bradley, disputed the decision in the rematch. Diaz’s suggestion is that Pacquiao could never be a corporate shark. He’s too compassionate to lay anybody off. to Filipino tax authorities and the three, maybe four more fghts. “The dude is too nice,” Bradley Internal Revenue Service. A ffth bout with Marquez said after the weigh-in when, during Pacquiao purchased 2,200 tickets appears likely if Marquez beats the ritual face-to-face pose, Bradley for friends and followers to attend Mike Alvarado in June at the urged him to promise a knockout. the rematch, according to advisor old Forum in Inglewood, Calif. “He can’t even tell me he’s going to Michael Koncz. That amounted Pacquiao sounded as if he is as knock me out.” to about $1 million, or 1/20th of eager to show that the knockout But compassion isn’t the Pacquaio’s $20 million guarantee. loss to Marquez was as much of equivalent of a glass chin. Instead It’s not known how much he paid an aberration as the split-decision of a dangerous fragility, Bradley for rooms, food and travel. But you loss to Bradley was lousy scoring. If discovered that it might have made get the idea. Pacquiao’s compassion Bradley represented some unfnished Pacquiao stronger. As he gets older, is expensive. He has to fght. But for business, so does Marquez. the Filipino idol, who will be 36 in how much longer? But the biggest bit of unfnished December, becomes more of a father While standing in the ring after business involves the most tiresome fgure. Pacquiao, whose wife, Jinkee, outscoring Bradley throughout subject of all. No matter what was in the Philippines and was most of the fnal six rounds, he Pacquiao does or says, there is always expecting their ffth child during told former HBO analyst Larry the Floyd Mayweather Jr. question. the Bradley rematch, has more to Merchant and others that he It wasn’t addressed in the ring fght for than ever. That comes at a foresaw two more years, which during the aftermath of a decision cost, and there already have been would bring him to 2016 and that this time generated no questions about Pacquiao’s fnances a potential run for a seat in the argument, not even from Bradley, amid reports that he owes money Filipino Senate. That could mean who congratulated Pacquiao 78 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 79 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 “If you ask me, I’d rather fght I’d rather fght “If you ask me, he After a grown-up victory, “If people operate in good faith “If people operate in good faith excuses for it not happening “Any still it’s anger, Arum’s Despite Arum, who at 82 still loves a fght, loves a fght, who at 82 still Arum, all you want about “Write The thuggery reference was he felt at home there, despite despite he felt at home there, the signage that said he was in house. somebody else’s “I started at the he said. here,” I and where I start, MGM Grand, will fnish.” sounded like the only grown-up in the room. condemned by those who consider condemned by those who consider Arum But it a racial euphemism. back down. wouldn’t and want to get something done, Arum said. everything is possible,” no reason to take threats “It’s and preconditions and say that Everything can be is immutable. and everything should negotiated, think there’s I don’t be negotiated. a downside for anybody about sitting down and making it happen. I really don’t. in my is posturing and exhibits, the same thug mentality mind, that we saw in the MGM hanging posters for a fght that is three weeks I’ve never seen that in my away. never been done before. That’s time. in a I wouldn’t thuggery. That’s million years think of asking any venue to do something like that.” He said a venue Pacquiao likes. public should do. If you (the media) media) If you (the do. public should not tell the public fght, want that buy per view and not to to buy pay We is no other way. There tickets. to sit down are prepared tomorrow to work at a table with his people, the fght.” out the conditions for to sounds as if he wants the streets. take his battle out onto controversial He even used some street language. and all this fghts with no-hopers give “We’ll Arum said. thuggery,” HBO will give you you quality fghts. But you want to close quality fghts. your eyes to thuggery in this sport.” Arum responded with a parting Arum responded with a parting “The only people that can make The controversy, just the latest just the latest The controversy, An elevator decorated with a An elevator decorated with a MGM offcials During the week, Bradley, ever gracious, was the the was ever gracious, Bradley, I been in the only time “It’s is the public, if they boycott that if they boycott that is the public, Arum roared nonsense on May 3,” what the “That’s into a microphone. fueled by Golden Boy scheduling fueled by Golden Boy scheduling a Maidana news conference at a casino restaurant on the MGM’s foor about nine hours before opening bell to Pacquiao-Bradley. shot during what fgures to be his last news conference at the MGM for He also asked that fans stage a while. a a boycott of Mayweather-Maidana, event. View Showtime Pay Per Floyd Mayweather fght Manny evident during the post-fght news evident during the post-fght news conference when he pointed out announced at that the crowd, It’s was short of a sellout. 15,601, not often that a promoter says He also said there was no sellout. a Mexican Tecate, it was unfair to beer sponsor for Pacquiao-Bradley. is a sponsor rival, Tecate a Corona, for Mayweather-Maidana. Rank-Golden Boy Top in the was further Promotions feud, Bradley said of his suite. “It should “It should suite. Bradley said of his have an elevator.” poster, Mayweather-Maidana of course. began to take down some of the signage. Mayweather-Maidana which prompted But not all of it, Rank Top The Arum to continue. promoter threatened to sue the A sure sign that he was MGM. still considering legal action was Wednesday in a rant that went on on in a rant that went Wednesday conclude and didn’t for four days news conference until the post-fght At the frst Sunday. early on a introduced Arum news conference, of MGM President Richard Sturm, as the Entertainment and Sports, up posters and “president of putting wrong fght.” decorations for the MGM. only one to thank the staircase,” a hotel room with a Arum ripped the MGM at Arum ripped the MGM at Pacquiao beat Bradley in what Pacquiao beat Bradley in what “I think about that, but I don’t but I don’t “I think about that, the formal news conference on the formal news conference on appeared to be at least one for appeared to be at least one for the May 3 Mayweather-Marcos Maidana fght. image was all over the MGM image was all over the MGM For every Grand during fght week. there Pacquiao-Bradley poster, has become Mayweather’s house. house. has become Mayweather’s Arum, Much to the dismay of Bob Mayweather’s promoter, Pacquiao’s percent I want that fght. But it But it percent I want that fght. My telephone line depends on them. seven days a week.” is open 24 hours, know if that fght will happen,” know if that fght will happen,” 100 “If you ask me, Pacquiao said. moments, Pacquiao arrived at the Pacquiao arrived at the moments, post-midnight news conference only to hear the question all over again. after getting 32 stitches for a cut after getting 32 stitches for a cut sustained above his right eye from fnal a head butt in the bout’s for a well-deserved victory. But But for a well-deserved victory.

JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES REMEMBERS MICKEY DUFF: A BRITISH1929-2014 ORIGINAL

THE LATE MICKEY DUFF WAS A SUCCESSFUL BOXER, MATCHMAKER, PROMOTER AND MUCH MORE By Gareth A Davies

Mickey Duff, Britain’s most prominent boxing promoter between 1965 and the early ’80s, died on March 22. He was 84. He has been described by those who worked with him since his passing as “the ultimate hustler.” “If Damon Runyon had written a British version of Guys and Dolls, Mickey Duff would have certainly been one of the main characters,” Hall of Fame boxing scribe Colin Hart, who knew Duff for 50 years, told me. The comments were meant as a compliment. Duff had a touch of genius for ducking and diving as well as any of his champions in the ring. He was also a prolifc gambler. And he always seemed to get his way by hook or by crook. He lied his way to getting a boxing license as a teenager, aged 15, but then went on to become matchmaker, manager and promoter, delivered with a Machiavellian desire to make the most money for himself – and Mickey Duff stood behind his fghters. many British Duff boxed for four years fghters immediately after World War II, (including Joe fghting in the London Schools Awome here) during his Championships before turning colorful career. pro. He changed his name to

prevent his father from hearing IMAGES EVENING STANDARD/GETTY

80 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 of his new exploits. 1964 they opened the Anglo- and certainly I doubt we will see He fought professionally American Sporting Club at the his like again,” Block said. 44 times as a lightweight and Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, and “These qualities made him welterweight, losing only eight brought Robinson back for an formidable competition, and it times, according to boxrec.com. eight-rounder. might be said that until Frank But he knew he was not good Duff did not fear upsetting Warren began to assert himself enough to become a champion the underworld even though in sport in the ’80s he really and retired at only 19 before he notorious East End gangsters The was without equal. He once told suffered any damage. Krays once sent his wife a fower me that when he was younger He later managed 19 world box containing dead rats after he he never had a telephone book. champions. But that was only the banned them from attending one He kept everyone’s number in tip of his pugilistic iceberg. of his shows. his head. Monek Prager was born in But his empire began to “His work was his life, and 1929 in Tarnow, Poland, the crumble, and he eventually apart from gambling he appeared son of a rabbi. His parents retired from promoting after to have little outside interests,” immigrated to England in 1938, the rise of Frank Warren, who Block continued. “In the days feeing from the rise of the had partnerships with ITV and before mobile phones he once Nazi Party and mounting anti- Sky, while Eddie Hearn, Frank told me that the only time he Semitism in central Europe. Maloney and Barney Eastwood relaxed was waiting to board or Prager, soon to be “Mickey were also becoming successful. actually fying on airplanes. Duff,” arrived at East India Warren was Duff’s bête noire. “He said it never bothered him Docks in 1938 with two words The dislike was fueled when if there was a delay as he was of English: “Thank you.” Frank Bruno was lured away perfectly happy until the plane After his four-year stint as from Duff with big money landed, and then he could get a boxer, then a brief stint as a offered by satellite television going again.” salesman, Duff went into boxing – Sky Sports – as pay per view Block believes Duff was “a as a manager and promoter. He took hold. boxing great” and “a master of worked for Jack Solomons, then Duff claimed that he had always timing and knowing when to joined forces with Harry Levene, been loyal to the BBC, and make that big match for one of Jarvis Astaire, Mike Barrett counted it as “one of my major his boxers.” and the British Broadcasting mistakes.” Famously, he said: “If The retired Schwer, Duff’s fnal Corporation, with whom they you want loyalty, get a dog.” project, recalled Duff fondly, had an exclusive contract. His powers as a promoter insisting he had “learned so much It led to the formation of a began to wane in the late ’80s; a about life and business.” cartel, which controlled rights decade later, with no television “Our frst meeting was when to the most important venues deals to fnance his bouts, he I was 19,” Schwer said. “He in London and was a near had only one fghter on his saw me box for Young England monopoly within British boxing books, Billy Schwer. He retired against Young Yugoslavia at the until the early ’80s. permanently in 1999. Hilton Hotel. After the fght, and Until Duff, the boxing Warren, who referred to the he said to my dad, “if you ever world was dominated by pugnacious Duff as “a boxing think about turning pro to come Solomons, who had promoted legend” in his tribute column and see me.” the fght between Randolph in The Sun newspaper, told Two years later he turned pro. Turpin and Sugar Ray Robinson me Duff was “one of the most They sat down at Duff’s offce in which Robinson lost his important fgures in post-War on Wardour Street, in the heart middleweight title. British boxing. At his pinnacle of Soho, London’s bustling Duff was determined to he was one of the most astute Theatre district. succeed and his influence grew matchmakers.” “He was a grafter, a Jewish in the ’50s. “I think I was Erstwhile British Boxing Board businessman,” said Schwer. “I fighting an inferiority complex Secretary Simon Block also paid spent a lot of time with Mickey. born out of having to struggle,” his respects. We few over to Hong Kong and he noted in his memoir, Twenty “Mickey was a larger than life sat together – 14 hours, non- And Out (1999). character, and his mental agility, stop chatter – and then we few Teaming with entrepreneur knowledge and his instinct for to Vegas and sat next to each Astaire in the 1960s proved and judgment of the sport, made other again. I was very much into to be an inspired move. In him a unique and a world fgure, business, and I loved fnding out

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 81 A BRITISH ORIGINAL

about how he hustled, how he one afternoon. The place was was there putting out the seats. put the deals together. He made empty except for Billy and Harry There wasn’t a minute detail of things happen. Wiley. Mickey could see that the boxing business he did not “One of my stories about Harry was trying to teach Billy know about.” Mickey … I kept asking him for to be a fancy-dan boxer, which With his wife of more than 50 money. I always had some idea was never going to work. And, years, Marie, Duff had a son, about how I could get paid more. anyway, he would have lost Gary. Mickey would not let him He used to say, ‘Billy, you must all his support. People loved box. “If my son had wanted to be Jewish.’ I’d like it known that watching Billy because of his box, I would have waited until he never took the 25 percent, slam-bam style. he was asleep then broken his ever, which he was entitled to. He “Mickey started going off at hands,” he said. always took less with me. Harry saying, ‘that’s not the Top Rank promoter Bob “He was a fghter, he was a f---ing idea’ and going off on Arum called him “a bulldog.” survivor. You’ve got to respect Harry something awful. Harry “Oh Jesus, I had so many him. He stepped into the ring and got very hurt, and he said, dealings with Mickey,” recalled had a day of being a professional ‘Mickey, remember I trained Arum. “I first met Mickey when fghter. And he was a hustler. I Sugar Ray Robinson.’ And we brought Muhammad Ali spent a lot of time with him. He Mickey looked at him and said, over to England to fight Henry had a world of knowledge. The ‘How many fghters have you Cooper at Arsenal Stadium. impact he’s had on boxing ...” trained, Harry?’ ‘I don’t know,’ That’s when I met Mickey and Colin Hart indeed had spent a Harry replied. Mickey replied, Jarvis, and I did tremendous great deal of his career learning ‘Just take an educated guess.’ He amounts of work together over from Duff. said, ‘Oh, about 500.’ ‘Why did the years with Mickey, whether “He was a friend of mine for you only make one Sugar Ray it was Alan Minter, John 50 years, but he wasn’t just a Robinson then?’ Mugabi or Jim Watt. friend; he was my mentor,” said “He was full of wisecracks “We did a lot of fights Hart. “What little knowledge and wisdom. He was born with together. I don’t know about I’ve got about boxing, most of it. He got into serious trouble a hustler, maybe that has a it I learned from Mickey Duff. gambling. He was brilliant when bad connotations. Mickey was He was arguably the greatest he gambled on boxing because very driven and a bear cat. matchmaker in history. So you understood it, but on the [Promoter] Eileen Eaton and good that Madison Square table he once owed Caesar’s myself used to make fun of Garden begged him to be their Palace a big sum of money. He him because he couldn’t relax, matchmaker, Las Vegas had was very worried, and they were really a bulldog. Mickey was a taken over as the capital of after him for it. real character.” boxing by then but he turned It was veteran sports writer Duff was inducted into the them down because he did not and editor Alan Hubbard International Boxing Hall of want to live in America. who called Duff “the ultimate fame in 1999. “Billy Walker was the biggest hustler.” There were around 70 people name in British boxing at one “I grew up journalistically at Duff’s memorial service time, “The Blonde Bomber.” He with him,” explained the highly- a few days after his death. sold out Wembley nine times, respected former sports editor of Among the boxers there were which is still a record, but he The Observer, who still pens a Schwer, Duke McKenzie, Henry never won a title. Billy had no weekly column, often on boxing. Wharton and Bobby Neill. defense, so they realized that “He could have played the Final word to Colin Hart, his they had to do something. So part of any hustler in any flm. associate, friend and ally for we spoke to George, Billy’s He was as tough and sharp as five decades. brother and manager, and they any of his boxers. I remember Hart wondered about one agreed that Mickey would go to him saying once: “He’s no thing. “Now that Mickey has New York and get Harry Wiley, matchmaker. He couldn’t match gone through the Pearly Gates,” who used to train Sugar Ray the cheeks of his own backside. he said, “I bet the first thing Robinson, to come over and “He knew every nut and he tried to do is make a match teach Billy some defense. bolt of the business,” added between Jack Dempsey and Joe “They were working in the Hubbard. “I remember he had Louis. That’s what he’s up to, I gym off Cambridge Circus, Alan Rudkin fghting up in north bet you.” and Mickey walked in there Wales in a small hall. Mickey Mickey Duff, RIP.

82 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 REMEMBERS RUBIN ‘HURRICANE’ CARTER: 1937-2014 THE FIGHT OF A LIFETIME

RUBIN ‘HURRICANE’ CARTER’S GREATEST VICTORY WAS REGAINING HIS FREEDOM By Tim Smith

There were many sides to Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. To some people he was a menacing, ferocious middleweight contender. To others he was the epitome of African-American men who had been falsely accused and wrongly convicted. To many he symbolized the indomitable spirit of man’s fght for freedom. All of those facets of Carter’s persona came fooding back into the public consciousness after he died from prostate cancer at his home in Toronto on April 20. He was 76. “To see a guy who had enough courage and fortitude to be able to say that this is something I didn’t do and stand up for it through all those years is amazing,” said Bernard Hopkins, the 49-year-old IBF and WBA light heavyweight champion. “Hopefully his legacy lives on. I Rubin “Hurricane” Carter became respect the guy more for what he a symbol for the did out of the ring than what he wrongly convicted. did in the ring.” Carter never earned a DAVID MCNEW DAVID

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 83 THE FIGHT OF A LIFETIME

middleweight title, but he was witnesses who were impeached. a champion to many who seek The better word is that he was justice when the scales are tipped railroaded. He defnitely was against them. His boxing career railroaded. The Passaic County RUBIN CARTER: was derailed by a 19-year prison prosecutor’s offce decided that term in New Jersey on a murder he was going to prison, and they THROUGH THE YEARS conviction that was dismissed sent him to prison.” 1937 – Born on May 6 in Clifton, N.J. twice on the grounds of According to the defense, 1951 – Sent to a juvenile reformatory prosecutorial misconduct before on the night of the murders for assault. a judge fnally freed him. He Carter ran into Artis, whom he 1954 – Escapes from the reformatory and became a cause celebre, garnering called a casual acquaintance, at enlists in the Army, where he begins boxing. the support of social activists, another bar a few miles away 1956 – Discharged from the Army and soon celebrities and musicians from where four people – three arrested for escaping from the reformatory, for from around the world. Bob white men and a white woman which he is incarcerated. More trouble – including Dylan wrote a hit song, “The – were shot. He was giving Artis muggings, assault and robbery – leads to more Hurricane,” about Carter in a ride home when they were time in prison. 1975, stirring greater interest in stopped by the Paterson police, 1962 – Upon his release from prison, he his case. who said Carter’s white Dodge becomes a professional boxer at 24. When he was fnally released sedan looked like the murderers’ 1963 – Climbs into THE RING Magazine in 1985, Carter moved to getaway car. Other than being middleweight ratings and scores his biggest victory, Canada and worked with black, Carter and Artis didn’t a frst-round TKO of Hall of Famer Emile Griffth. the group that helped get his match the original description 1964 – Loses a unanimous decision to convictions overturned. They of the killers. Neither the male middleweight champ Joey Giardello in his only founded Innocence International, survivor nor the woman, who title fght. a nonproft organization that died from her injuries a month 1966 – Loses a unanimous decision to Juan works to free prisoners whom later, was able to identify them. Carlos Rivero in his fnal pro fght. Finishes his it considers wrongly convicted. Two months later they were career with a record of 27-12-1 (19 knockouts). A movie about Carter’s life, both charged with murder. The 1966 – Two males fatally shoot two men and a starring Denzel Washington, prosecution called it revenge woman in a bar on June 17 in Paterson, N.J. was produced in 1999. for a black bartender who was 1967 – Carter and fellow suspect John Washington was nominated for killed by a white man earlier Artis are convicted of murder and sentenced to life an Academy Award. that evening. Two men who in prison. Through it all, there was always said they were committing a 1974 – After witnesses recant testimony the question of whether Carter burglary near the Lafayette against Carter, a motion for a retrial is fled, but is and his acquaintance, John Artis, Bar and Grill claimed they saw initially denied. were indeed involved in the Carter and Artis leaving with 1975 – Bob Dylan records the protest song murder of two men and a woman guns in their hands. They later “Hurricane” in support of Carter. at the Lafayette Bar and Grill recanted that testimony. 1976 – The verdict is overturned and Carter in Paterson, N.J., on the early “Two trials and the witnesses at is released to await a new trial. Carter and Artis morning of June 17, 1966. both were shaky. He was treated are retried and found guilty again. Artis is paroled in 1981. Jerry Izenberg, a longtime very unfairly in terms of getting a sports columnist for the Newark- fair trial,” Izenberg said. 1982 – Upon appeal of the second based Star-Ledger, knew Carter Some still dispute Carter’s conviction, the Supreme Court of New Jersey affrms Carter’s conviction. and followed both his boxing innocence, however. They point 1985 – career and his odyssey through out that the two verdicts weren’t Released from prison at 48 after a federal judge grants a writ of habeas corpus fled the New Jersey justice system. overturned because of evidence, by his attorneys. Another appeals court upholds the Izenberg remembers that when but rather on procedural decision, and the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to the case frst went to trial, there grounds. Others point to hear the case. were doubts about Carter’s guilt. inaccuracies in the movie version 1999 – The Hurricane, a movie starring Denzel “There are two things here with or bring up his criminal history. Washington as Carter, premieres. Hurricane Carter. Is he innocent Still others mention allegations 1993-2005 – Living in Toronto, and how is he treated?” Izenberg that Carter beat a woman in a runs the Association in the Defence of the said. “I can’t say he was framed, hotel room while out on parole Wrongly Convicted. although he might have been. It’s awaiting his second trial. 2012 – Reveals that he has prostate cancer very diffcult to say. There were Whatever the forces that put and is given only months to live. 2014 – Dies on April 20. 84 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 REMEMBERS RUBIN ‘HURRICANE’ CARTER: 1937-2014

him there, it’s what Carter son in to the police. Carter was decision that earned him a $20 endured inside, while fghting placed on two years’ probation. purse. Carter was a 5-foot-8 his convictions for 19 years, that He was 11 years old. bundle of raging muscle, who turned him into an icon. At age 14 he was charged with dressed in all black and entered He refused to yield to the stabbing a man who he said tried the ring with a hooded robe to dictates of prison life. He to sexually assault him and was intimidate his opponents. He was wouldn’t wear the prison sent to Jamesburg State Home a brawler in the strictest sense. uniform or eat the prison food. for Boys. After three years, “I liked him very much. He Displaying an iron will, Carter he escaped and landed at an could fght,” Izenberg said. “If would not relent in his pursuit to aunt’s house in Philadelphia. He you have to rate him, you have have his conviction overturned. joined the Army and became a to say he was a good fghter. Hopkins, who spent fve years paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Once Hollywood got a hold of in a Pennsylvania prison on Division in Germany, where he him, he was Jack Johnson. And an armed robbery charge and began to box. He went a reported if you get Denzel Washington to another nine years on probation, 51-5 (with 35 knockouts) and play a fghter, you don’t make said taking that kind of stand in became the Army’s European him a bum.” prison is unheard of. junior welterweight champion. Carter had two big bouts “That’s very diffcult because before going to prison. He they put you in a hole until they ‘WHAT [CARTER] knocked out Emile Griffth, break that spirit that you’re STOOD FOR WAS the welterweight champion holding on to. They will call it moving up to contend for the rebelling,” Hopkins said. “You BEYOND BOXING. I’VE middleweight crown, in 1963. A have to get hungry some time, BEEN THERE, AND I year later, Carter lost a decision and the physical part takes over. UNDERSTAND. IT TAKES to middleweight champion Joey To be able to say that you’re not A LOT TO STAND UP Giardello in Philadelphia. going be spiritually and mentally Hopkins spoke to Carter at broken while you’re physically TO PEOPLE WHO ARE a book signing in Philadelphia in prison takes a very strong TRYING TO TAKE AWAY to promote Carter’s person. He didn’t accept that YOUR FREEDOM.’ autobiography when Hopkins he was guilty so spiritually he – BERNARD HOPKINS was starting his quest for the wasn’t there. Yes his body was middleweight championship. there, but he never gave up that After he was discharged from “I had come home from he’d be free.” the Army, he made his way back prison, and we spoke about Carter became the fghter in to Paterson, where New Jersey that during a 15- or 20-minute prison that he might have been authorities tracked him down conversation,” Hopkins said. if his boxing career hadn’t been and arrested him for escaping “We talked about Philly fghters, interrupted. Izenberg said Carter from the reform school. He was which he knew all about, being went through a metamorphosis. sentenced to 10 months at the from New Jersey. He was really “There were two halves to Annandale Reformatory. giving me some knowledge him,” Izenberg said. “He was Shortly after being released about training and not taking violent, even vicious at times. He from the reform school, he anybody for granted.” hit people, men and women. It was charged with snatching a Hopkins walked away didn’t matter. But he was also a woman’s purse and assaulting from that conversation with very bright man.” a man on a street in Paterson. overwhelming respect for Carter’s Carter was born in Clifton, He served four years in Trenton indomitable will and spirit. N.J., on May 6, 1937, and State Prison. He began boxing “What he stood for was beyond trouble was close on his heels. again and caught the attention boxing,” Hopkins said. “I’ve His father, Lloyd, was a deacon of fght managers, who played been there, and I understand. It in the Baptist church, and he up his criminal past to promote takes a lot to stand up to people put Carter to work at the age him as the menacing destructive who are trying to take away of 8 cutting and delivering ice. force – thus the nickname “The your freedom. He fought that When he learned that Carter and Hurricane” – in the ring. for years. It was like him saying, some other boys had stolen some A day after he was released ‘You might take my boxing clothes from a store in Paterson, from prison, he made his pro career, but you’re not going to N.J., Lloyd Carter turned his debut, winning a four-round take my life.’” MICHAEL BRADLEY/GETTY IMAGES

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 85 LETTERS FROM EUROPE

James DeGale (left) is the latest in a long line of British fghters to join Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

BATTLE LINES

IT APPEARS BOXERS They say never leave it in the association. He followed light- DEFECTING TO hands of the judges. This one weight Ricky Burns, who left EDDIE HEARN WILL looks inevitable, though: James Warren for Hearn last year. HAVE TO PUT UP A FIGHT DeGale and Nathan Cleverly are Hearn seems intent on stack- surely headed toward a judge’s ing his stable and cards in his By Gareth A Davies decision, but most likely in a exclusive contract with broad- court of law. caster Sky Sports and its pay- It has been a time of upheaval per-view platform. on the U.K. scene once again, Meanwhile, rival broadcaster with DeGale and Cleverly BoxNation, the boxing sub- breaking from long-term pro- scription channel part-owned by motional deals. Warren, could argue that it has In April, former WBO light shown the biggest fghts from heavyweight champion Clever- around the world this year – ly completed a shock move to including the ring appearances of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Sport Manny Pacquiao, Floyd May- stable, splitting with promoter weather Jr. and Amir Khan.

Frank Warren after a 9-year Cleverly called it “Chapter 2,” JORDAN MANSFIELD/GETTY IMAGES

86 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 joining Hearn ahead of a come- is made for me, but with George the scorecards. back fght at cruiserweight that and I, it is personal. I get angry In his frst defense, Hall, 34, was tentatively scheduled for talking about him. I’m ready for retained the title when a clash of May 17 at press time. whoever is there, but I’m concen- heads with Martin Ward resulted The move up to the 200-pound trating on Brandon Gonzales,” in a two-round technical draw. division came after Sergey Kova- said DeGale. Now comes a different chal- lev took Cleverly’s WBO light Promoter Mick Hennessy lenge altogether. Hall and Butler heavyweight title with a brutal claimed with alacrity that law- have been sparring partners, and fourth-round stoppage defeat yers may become involved. “The the champion claims to have last August. Cleverly needs to agreement [with DeGale] had had the better of the challenger. rebuild both his confdence and several years to run, and we had But how often have gym fghts his frame. put him into an excellent posi- translated to the same outcome The obvious road ahead is tion on the world super middle- under the bright lights in front of a rematch with Tony Bellew, weight stage. a baying crowd? another Hearn fghter, who made “Unfortunately the company “Butler is a very good fght- his cruiserweight debut with a has been given no alternative er. His performances have got thrilling knockout of veteran but to put the matter into the himself into this position, but Valery Brudov in mid-March. hands of its lawyers and we are he’s also talked himself into Enmity has existed between currently considering our legal this fght by making derogatory Cleverly and Bellew dating back options against DeGale.” comments. I’ll make him eat his to a rowdy, ill-tempered press Hennessy added that legal words,” said Hall. conference before the former action against Hearn may There will be plenty of back- claimed a points victory in a also follow, or even against ing for Butler. The 25-year-old defense of his light heavyweight the broadcaster or sanctioning has no missteps since his 2011 belt in 2011. body involved. pro debut; he’s undefeated in 15 Cleverly believes it is “inevi- fghts with a 60 percent KO rate. table” that he will fght Bellew H The move up to bantamweight again. “We’re on a collision came this year after success at course,” he said. Reigning IBF bantamweight junior bantamweight, where he On the eve of the Cleverly champion Stuart Hall has a fasci- claimed the British and Com- move, Warren told me that Clev- nating defense against challenger monwealth titles. erly was “still under contract.” Paul Butler in an all-British sum- He caused a major stir in his DeGale soon followed, mer showdown June 7 at New- bantamweight debut in March becoming the next in castle’s Metro Radio Arena. against Argentine Oreste Bern- the long line of British fghters Hall will not give up the title abe Nieva, who had never been to join Matchroom. lightly, though Butler looks to be The carrot had been dangled: the growing force. It’s set to be DeGale would face Brandon an explosive clash, pitching con- U.K. TOP 10 Gonzales in a fnal eliminator for trasting styles. Hardened Hall is 1. CARL FROCH the IBF super middleweight title the solid, respected world cham- 2. AMIR KHAN on May 31 at Wembley Stadium. pion; Butler the young upstart, 3. KELL BROOK Part of the deal was that the 2008 fashy, unbeaten. 4. CARL FRAMPTON Olympic gold medal hero was Hall, a former British and 5. GEORGE GROVES offered the winner of Carl Froch Commonwealth bantamweight and George Groves if he defeated champion, won the vacant IBF 6. TYSON FURY Gonzales, who trains with Andre crown in dramatic style when he 7. SCOTT QUIGG Ward and Amir Khan. defeated teak-tough South Afri- 8. MARTIN MURRAY DeGale is intimidated by nei- can Vusi Malinga last December. 9. JAMES DEGALE ther Groves nor Froch. Groves The reformed Ibiza “party an- 10. NATHAN CLEVERLY beat him three years ago by a ra- imal” was brave and inspired in Five more (in alphabetical zor-tight decision, his only career one of the great performances in order): Paul Butler, Billy Joe loss, though like many ringside, I a British ring. With his left eye Saunders, Stuart Hall, Ricky Burns, had the fght by a point the other totally closed and grotesquely Jamie McDonnell. way for DeGale. swollen, and cuts above both, he Through fghts of April 20 “Carl is an easier fght as he battled away to claim the belt on

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 87 LETTERS FROM EUROPE

previously stopped. Butler set about him with fast, stinging jabs, powerful right hands and vicious body shots. The South American was f nished off in the fourth, with a sickening left hook to the ribs. Butler has been hailed in some quarters as “the new Ricky Hatton” in part because of his vicious attacks alternating between head and body. There are strains of Barry McGuigan here, too. Confidence oozes from Butler, who offers respect to the champion but adds that he’ll “smoke [Hall’s] boots.” Big talk. Hall and Butler’s respective promoters, Dennis Hobson and Frank Warren, expect a British classic. “Paul is a very accomplished fighter, and I think he’s a future world champion, but I believe this chance has come too early for him and against the wrong opponent,”said Hobson, who promoted Ricky Hatton’s career for four fights. “Stuart has got everything Scott Quigg’s recent second-round knockout of Tshifhiwa Munyai (right) brought you need in a world champi- him closer to a showdown with Carl Frampton. on. He’s incredibly strong, he’s brave and his boxing skills are hugely underrated. He’ll ★ that took his legs from under- be on top of Butler from the neath him. opening bell.” Another tussle for supremacy Cazares miscalculated and was Warren believes Butler’s “ice in the division above, between counted out, but he was clearly cold determination” will edge it Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg, hurt. He was hitherto unbeaten for him. continues. Both have had f ne at junior featherweight, a former “Stuart has age, physical victories in recent weeks. two-weight world champion and maturity and experience on his Frampton cemented his posi- had not been stopped since 1999. side, but that is countered with tion as mandatory challenger for The Northern Irishman, al- Paul’s youth, confidence and the WBC junior featherweight ready ranked No. 1 in the junior aggression,” said Warren. title held by Leo Santa Cruz featherweight division (under “And while it is a calculated with a second-round knockout Champion Guillermo Rigon- gamble on both Paul and my of Mexican Hugo Cazares on deaux) by THE RING Magazine, parts, I see similarities to when April 4. has pledged to meet Santa Cruz,

Naseem Hamed went to Steve Frampton came out aggres- 25, who is unbeaten in 28 f ghts, ALEX LIVESEY/GETTY IMAGES Robinson’s Cardiff backyard to sively, landed heavy shots in the any time, any place. take his WBO world feather- opening round and then, after There is already interest from weight title.” seemingly hitting Cazares in the Golden Boy Promotions. Fascinating assessment thigh to deaden the Mexican’s “We believe we have a great from Warren. Hamed schooled leg in the second, f oored his op- chance against Santa Cruz, and Robinson. ponent with a vicious left hook we are very, very comfortable

88 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 is “a student of the game.” He weight contender Juergen Braeh- said Frampton pores over tape mer in Rostock, Germany. of Julio Caesar Chavez, Roberto Three victories at 175 pounds Duran, Alexis Arguello, Alfon- had renewed Maccarinelli’s vigor so Zamora, Carlos Zarate and after a torrid period in his career Salvador Sanchez. during which his father passed He’s also a sparring addict. He away and his son was diagnosed had 200 rounds ahead of the Ca- with autism. zares contest. “Carl likes to spar But it was to be a diffcult loads and loads and loads, and night in Germany for the valiant he’s a bit like Mike McCallum. Welshman. He was stopped due He used to spar 15 rounds every to a gruesome eye injury, his time he sparred.” Frampton does right eye having closed after a explode with the leather when clash of heads with southpaw he attacks. And he has a spite technician in the opening round. about him. As the fight wore on, the Just a couple of weeks after right side of Maccarinelli’s face Frampton’s impressive showing, began to swell up into a gro- in Manchester, Quigg made a tesque mask. Maccarinelli was statement of his own by stop- unable see out of his damaged ping South African Tshifwa eye by the end of the second Munyai in the second round. round. Trainer Gary Lockett Although Munyai was a late allowed him to go on in spite replacement, the South African of three inspections from the was expected to be a test. Yet ringside medic. the 25-year-old Quigg dropped By the end of the ffth, Lockett Munyai with a hard left hand in began unwrapping his charge’s the opening round, and refer- gloves. He had seen enough in ee Howard Foster Jr. had seen spite of Maccarinelli having enough and halted the contest buckled Braehmer’s legs a couple about that fght, and we’re happy when Munyai hit the canvas for or three times. to travel anywhere,” said Mc- a second time. “I can’t let you go on Enzo,” Guigan, Frampton’s manager. The victory brings Quigg, he said. “Your face looks awful, Frampton is, in a sense, al- unbeaten in 30 fghts, closer to it’s too bad.” ready proven at the elite level. a world showdown with Framp- Maccarinelli, 33, dropped to He has already beaten IBF ton, although it appears the 38-7 on his career record, and titleholder Kiko Martinez, who rivals are aiming to meet when ranked No. 7 by the WBA, it is appears intent on avoiding him. they are both world champions. diffcult to see where he might McGuigan has tried to negoti- “I wanted to make a state- get another world title shot. ate a title fight but accuses the ment. No one’s ever done that to Braehmer, the 35-year-old Spaniard of being “a time-wast- Munyai. I’ve gone in there and champion, moved to 43-2. er.” Some of the same criticism demolished him,” said Quigg. “I’m not going to say I would is being leveled at domestic have won, but I do believe it rival Scott Quigg, who sits H would have been a different behind only Rigondeaux in the story, a lot harder for him,” WBA’s rankings. Is it fnally all over for said Maccarinelli. “Leo Santa Cruz is in a differ- Enzo Maccarinelli? Lockett and his charge need to ent league to Scott Quigg,” said Six years after Maccarinelli’s think hard. “Enzo and I will sit McGuigan. “We believe he’s the high-profle cruiserweight title down now,” said Lockett, “and guy to go for. That’s the most ex- showdown against David Haye, decide whether he wants to carry citing fght in the [junior feath- followed by a couple of years on with his career.” erweight] division. Everybody in of being on the wrong end of boxing is salivating about it as a topsy-turvy KOs, the 33-year- Gareth A Davies is Boxing Cor- potential fght.” old had a chance at redemption respondent for The Telegraph, McGuigan told me his charge when he fought light heavy- London.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 89 for facing the Filipino icon twice and for doing “what top fghters are supposed BEST OF to do – challenge themselves” and asked if Pacquiao’s revenge victory over “the legit welterweight champ” DOUGIE’S adds to the PacMan’s legacy? DOUGIE’S REPLY: I don’t agree that Bradley was “the legit welterweight MAILBAG champ.” He held the WBO belt, while THE RING – and most of the boxing world – recognizes Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the 147-pound division’s true RINGTV.COM DOUGIE’S REPLY: Morales wasn’t gifted champion. But there’s no denying that EDITOR’S POPULAR with the natural talent and athletic “Desert Storm” entered Saturday’s COLUMN NOW ability that Donaire has but he was a rematch as one of the top two or three far more complete fghter with better welterweights in the world, as well as APPEARS IN THE technique and a more active style. a Top 3 to 5 pound-for-pound rated RING MAGAZINE If we’re talking about a mythical fghter. Bradley was also coming off of matchup at 122 pounds, we have a Fighter of the Year-worthy 2013, so By Doug Fischer to keep in mind that Donaire began career momentum, along with youth, his career at fyweight and probably was in his favor. peaked at bantamweight. I think he However, despite the fact that Pac- Since 2001, RingTV.com Editor lost some of his phenomenal speed quiao was 1-2 (including a devastating Doug Fischer has held an ongoing and world-class power once he KO loss) in his last three bouts and dialog – which occasionally stepped above 118 pounds. Morales, entering his mid-30s, he soundly beat becomes heated debate – with boxing on the other hand, was at his fastest Timmy. I scored it 116-112 (8 to 4 in fans from around the world in at 122 pounds and he probably rounds) for Pacquiao. I only scored “Dougie’s Mailbag.” punched hardest at that weight, Rounds 1, 4, 5 and 11 for Bradley. The editors of THE RING are where he scored eight consecutive Of course this latest victory fur- periodically compiling excerpts from WBC title-bout stoppages (including ther enhances PacMan’s legacy. Re- Fischer’s online column from previous Daniel Zaragoza and Junior Jones). venge/redemption victories against months to appear in the printed edi- I think “El Terrible” may have had quality opposition always do. tion. The following excerpts are from some trouble with Donaire’s speed, Despite his considerable accomplish- the April 4, 11 and 14 editions of the movement and unorthodox style early ments, most fans would not consid- Monday and Friday mailbag. in the fght, but once he got warmed er Lennox Lewis to be one of the up I think he’d outwork and punish Top 10 to 15 heavyweight champs Donaire to a unanimous decision. in history if he hadn’t avenged his OZZIE, from Garden Grove, Calif., asked Your other mythical matchups: losses to Oliver McCall and Hasim Fischer to settle a boxing debate he • Chavez Sr. vs. Cotto at 140 – Rahman and his controversial draw often has with his friends who believe Chavez by UD or late TKO in a with Evander Holyfeld. that former RING 122-pound champ very good fght. And you’re absolutely right that Nonito Donaire would have defeated • Ricardo Lopez vs. Michael we should give Bradley his props for Erik Morales if they were able to face Carbajal – Lopez by clear UD in the effort he gave during 24 rounds each other in a junior featherweight a good fght. with one of the best fghters of the bout. Ozzie believes that Morales, a • GGG vs. Gerald McClellan past 20 years. I don’t think this loss former beltholder at 122, 126, 130 – Golovkin by late TKO in a hurts his budding legacy. His record and 140 pounds, would have handled grueling but technical pow- still has the names of two frst-ballot the “Filipino Flash.” Fischer gave er-punching shootout. hall of famers (Pacquiao and Juan his thoughts on the Morales-Donaire • De La Hoya vs. Cotto 140 or 147 Manuel Marquez) on it along with mythical matchup and four others that – The Golden Boy by clear UD at his considerable accomplishments at JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES Ozzie brought up: Julio Cesar Chavez 140; by unpopular SD at 147. 140 pounds. Sr. vs. Miguel Cotto at 140 pounds, Bradley will be back, and I look Ricardo Lopez vs. Michael Carbajal, forward to watching him grow from Gennady Golovkin vs. Gerald McClellan KEN, of Cork, Ireland, was delighted that his latest experience. and Oscar De La Hoya vs. Cotto at 140 Manny Pacquiao won his rematch with I’ll even give Bradley props for try- and 147. Tim Bradley. Ken gave Bradley credit ing to take out Pacquiao, although it

90 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 He won three RING Fighter of the Year awards during the 2000s, plus he was the BWAA’s Fighter of the Decade (2000s). However, what makes Pacquiao special to me is the way he rebounds from losses. After losing the WBC fyweight title to Medgoen Singsurat (on the scales before getting stopped in the ring), Pacquiao went unbeaten in his next 15 bouts, winning a 122-pound title from the formidable Lehlo Led- waba, defending that IBF strap against tough veterans Agapito Sanchez and Jorge Julio, and beating Marco Antonio Barrera for THE RING (and lineal) featherweight championship. Pacquiao took on Marquez immediately after beating Barrera, who was rated in everyone’s pound-for-pound Top 3 when they fought. I’ll always respect him for having the balls to do this. Marquez was at his best at featherweight, and he had been avoided by all the stars of the division (Naseem Hamed, Barrera and Erik Morales) for many years. Whether you think Doug Fischer says that revenge victories – like Manny Pacquiao’s decision over Pacquiao won the fght, or should Tim Bradley in their rematch – greatly enhance a fghter’s legacy. have lost to Marquez, or if you think the draw was fair (as I do), you have to give the dynamic little southpaw was absolutely the wrong thing to do. natural 147-pounder at all. The fact props for taking on Barrera (57-3 at that he won his frst title at fyweight the time) and Marquez in back-to- is what makes his welterweight run back bouts if you have any respect or JUAN, a longtime boxing fan from special. The fact that he’s a former understanding of the sport. Tijuana, Mexico, says when he thinks featherweight champ makes his ac- One fght after the Marquez draw, about Pacquiao’s featherweight and complishments at 147 impressive. Pacquiao took on Morales at 130 junior lightweight fghts against the But keep in mind, all-time wel- pounds and lost a close decision in a legendary Mexican trio of Erik Morales, terweight champs such as Henry classic fght. What did he do after that Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Armstrong, Kid Gavilan and Jose setback? He ran off 15 consecutive Manuel Marquez, and then considers Napoles began their pro careers at wins that included two stoppages his victory over an elite fghter in his featherweight and lighter. of Morales, rematch decisions over prime like Bradley, he can’t help but Is Pacquiao one of the greatest of all Barrera and Marquez, titles at 130, believe the Filipino star is one of the time? I guess it can be argued that he 135, 140 (if you count THE RING greatest fghters of all time. Juan, who is given the history he’s made, such as title that Ricky Hatton held – and you says he’s been watching boxing for winning titles in eight weight classes should) 147 and 154, plus knockouts 27 years, adds that Pacquiao’s run at or being the frst fyweight champ of Oscar De La Hoya, Hatton and welterweight is a historic feat that will to win a featherweight title (and all Miguel Cotto. That’s a badass streak. not be replicated. those major belts at heavier weights). I don’t even have to mention the Personally, I don’t think he is. Not decisions over Top 5 contender Joshua DOUGIE’S REPLY: I don’t think his wel- yet, anyway. I think he had a part in Clottey, future Hall of Famer Shane terweight run is all that spectacular. the Mayweather fght not happening Mosley, and Margarito (who probably It’s been good, but it doesn’t stand out when it should have, and that counts had close to 20 pounds on him on among the all-time great 147-pound against him in my mind, just as it fght night). title runs. counts against Floyd. Pacquiao is defnitely one of the What’s certainly notable about his There’s no doubt that he’s one of most impressive competitors that I’ve welterweight run is that he isn’t a the best fghters of the past 20 years. had the privilege to cover.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 91 NEW FACES

Callum Smith has the composure of a fghter who grew up around the sport.

THE ESSENTIALS The Smith brothers are an CALLUM Age: 24 institution in their home city of Weight class: Super middleweight Liverpool, England. Four acclaimed Height: 6 feet 3 inches professional fghters, three of whom Stance: Orthodox have held or hold British titles in their SMITH Hometown: Liverpool, England respective weight classes with the Record: 9-0 (7 knockouts) other, Callum, unanimously touted as By Tom Gray Biggest Strengths: Crushing the most talented of them all. power in both hands H very effec- A series of controversial decisions, tive on the inside for a tall man H in the ring and out, prevented maturity belies pro experience. Callum, the youngest of the Smith Biggest question marks: Recent clan, from participating in the hand injuries H tends to fght on London Olympics in 2012, but his the inside despite regular height sharp rise within the paid ranks has and reach advantages H recuper- created real electricity in British ative powers untested. boxing circles. Nine fghts, seven knockouts, six

92 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 3 MORE of them in the frst round. power, but when he turned pro and “It’s fattering that fans are touting got the proper technique in his shots, me as the next big thing, and it’s nice you saw the results. TO WATCH that my dedication to the game is “Callum can keep it long but he being recognized,” Smith said. “Still, also fghts extremely well inside for I can’t get ahead of myself because such a tall fghter (6 feet 3 inches). SCOTT CARDLE better fghters than me have failed to His body punching is tremendous, win world titles.” particularly the left hook, but what LIGHTWEIGHT If Smith’s humility were audible, it impresses me most about him is his (14-0, 3 KOs) could probably pop ear drums. The discipline and desire to learn. 24-year-old is as down to earth as “I have him studying footage of Cardle, from Blackpool, any fghter. However, his undoubted tall fghters like Mark Breland, and England, is a sharpshooting talent speaks for itself. It was his he’s always 100 percent focused in boxer with quick refexes all-around ability that caught the the gym. He watches his brothers and the ability to win in many attention of one of the U.K.’s biggest (Paul, Stephen and Liam) in sparring, ways. The 24-year-old was promotional frms. and when we were out at the Wild a standout amateur who has “Callum is a real gem as a Card [Boxing Club] in L.A. he never steadily improved since turning professional, and this is only the left the side of the ring. professional in 2012. He is beginning,” said Eddie Hearn, the “He’s not cocky or big-headed trained by Joe Gallagher. head of Matchroom Promotions. and always works himself to the “He obviously comes from great bone. There’s no ego with Callum. stock, but what impressed me most He is very unassuming and the exact THOMAS STALKER about him was his composure inside opposite of what he is in the ring – a the ring. ruthless knockout merchant.” JUNIOR “He won his frst two fghts by Smith’s October win over Acosta WELTERWEIGHT decision, and then this lethal power was just one part of the fast-tracking came out of nowhere. There was a process. Hearn believes he can knock (7-0, 2 KOs) run of six frst-round knockouts, the down every wall put before him, and Stalker, from Liverpool, last of which came against Patrick more signifcant tests are imminent. England, was the captain of the Mendy. This guy had never been “We want Callum to reach the British Olympic team, which stopped in 21 fghts, and Callum Top 15 with a governing body and achieved record-breaking simply destroyed him. then look towards eliminators before success at London 2012. This “We then stepped him up against targeting a world title shot,” Hearn clever southpaw didn’t win a Ruben Acosta, who had challenged said. “That’s probably a seven- or medal but remains unbeaten Robert Stieglitz for a world title, and eight-fght plan from where we are as a pro. And a serious injury he didn’t lose a second of a round. It now, but the time will pass quickly.” suffered in training is now was a signifcant jump, but I’m led The fghter remained understated, behind him. by his trainer, Joe Gallagher, who but icy, when asked about what sees much more than anyone else in promises to be a lucrative and the gym.” exciting future. GARY CORNISH Gallagher, who also works with “I’ll leave it all up to Matchroom,” junior featherweight Scott Quigg and said Smith. “They’ve stepped me HEAVYWEIGHT the entire Smith quartet, is one of up a bit at a time with the learning Britain’s most successful trainers. The curve fghts, and now it’s all about (17-0, 9 KOs) Manchester-born coach, a former testing me. Boxing is a short career Scottish heavyweights don’t amateur fghter, is monomaniacal and I want to get in, achieve as much grow on trees, but Cornish could about his work, and his belief in as I can, and get out. be a legitimate one. Known as Callum Smith holds no bounds. “I love to win and the stakes are “The Highlander,” this 6-foot-7 “In the frst 12 months of his so high in the professional game. colossus has a minimal amateur career, we’ve had Callum sit down If you don’t put in the hard work, pedigree, but his natural on his shots, and the transition then you don’t get the rewards. athleticism and wingspan are reminds me a lot of Thomas But if you dedicate yourself, good working well for him in the pros. Hearns,” Gallagher said. “As an things can happen, and that’s what The 26-year-old is approaching

SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY amateur Hearns didn’t carry much drives me.” domestic title contention.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 93 SWEET SCIENCE

City Court of Claims judge ruled in The fght between Arturo Gatti (right) and Gamache’s favor. Joey Gamache is one of The tale of the Gamache-Gatti the best examples of a weigh-in and its consequences is fawed weigh-in system. indisputably dramatic, but in terms of controversy, only by degree. Except for the heavyweight division, which has no weight limit, boxing has long been ruled by the notion that a fair fght involves two contestants of roughly equal poundage. And for just as long, boxers have been trying to game the system. Once, the weigh-in was traditionally conducted on the day of the fght, which encouraged boxers to engage in extreme measures to make the weight limit of a particular division . “Fighters try to qualify for bouts one class below their normal, natural weight because they believe it gives them an advantage,” said Dr. Robert Cantu, a clinical WEIGHT AND SEE professor of neurosurgery at Boston University’s School of Medicine and MEDICAL EXPERTS CONTINUE TO PUSH vice president of the Association of FOR SAFER WEIGHT-LOSS PRACTICES IN BOXING Ringside Physicians (ARP). “They believe the extra weight gives them Scott LaFee By greater strength, power and stamina.” Most of these weight-reduction measures involved the radical wenty-nine hours when Gatti took off his robe, I was reduction of water weight prior before they shocked,” Gamache would recall to weigh-in, with the unsurprising T would meet in later. “I mean, the size, the presence result that even with fervent efforts the ring, Joey that he had. I thought, ‘Wait a to rehydrate in the hours before the Gamache and minute, I’m fghting that guy?’” actual bout, many boxers entered Arturo Gatti The answer, unfortunately for the ring seriously dehydrated and at convened with their teams for the Gamache, was yes. In less than two serious risk of injury. offcial weigh-in – an event that rounds, Gatti brutally pummeled In an effort to protect fghters from remains clouded in controversy. Gamache into submission. Gamache themselves, the rules were changed Gamache came in at 140¼ pounds, was knocked down twice in the to schedule weigh-ins somewhere three-quarters of a pound under the frst round and knocked out in the between 16 and 36 hours before a agreed maximum for the lightweight second, resulting in permanent brain bout, depending upon the sanctioning bout at Madison Square Garden 14 damage. It was the then-33-year-old organization. The idea is that in years ago. Gatti weighed in – briefy Gamache’s last professional fght. the time between offcial weigh- – at 141 pounds. Not long after that Feb. 26, 2000, in and fght, boxers can rehydrate The next night the fghters’ bout, Gamache sued the New York themselves, replacing lost water weights weren’t even remotely State Athletic Commission, alleging and pounds. The practice, though, close. An unoffcial HBO weigh-in the weigh-in had been fraudulent, remains fraught with risk. Many, if as the boxers entered the ring put that Gatti had been heavier than the not most, boxers still try to fght at Gamache at 144 pounds and Gatti mandated 141-pound limit and that the lowest possible weight class. at an astounding 160 – a 16-pound the commission had been negligent in Rapid, dramatic weight loss is THE RING MAGAZINE difference that some observers say its duty to ensure a fair fght. It took fundamentally unhealthy, particularly seemed closer to 20 or 25. more than a decade – a span during for boxers who typically have little “I’ve fought a lot of good guys, which Gatti died under mysterious excess weight to begin with. Quick but for the frst time in my career, circumstances – before a New York weight loss for them essentially

94 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 means reducing moisture content. A cushioning, protective space between liter of sweat not replaced translates the brain and the cranium, elevating into 2.2 pounds of weight lost but at the risk of head injury. the very real risk of dehydration and Cantu says professional boxers a host of adverse side effects. and their advisors have become Most of the traditional weight- experts at both losing water weight loss methods used by boxers are, at and putting it back on, though the best, debatable. rate of rehydration varies widely by Severe caloric restriction over individual. Gatti apparently was good a period of days can trigger a at it; Gamache not so much. starvation response: The body But Cantu is still no fan of the initially consumes its fatty stores single early weigh-in. He says it and then turns to lean tissues as unfairly favors boxers who are able a fuel source. Smart boxers rarely to temporarily drop below their go to that extreme, but diminished normal weight and puts boxers who calorie intake arguably diminishes the fght in their natural weight class at effectiveness of any training during greater risk. “These weigh-ins are all the period of caloric restriction. about show,” he said. “They beneft Some boxers compound the promoters. They hype the fght. They problem by gorging after their weigh- don’t protect the fghters.” in, but the human body doesn’t Cantu and groups like the ARP rebound immediately. A sudden, advocate stricter monitoring of overabundance of calories can, in weight-loss practices and multiple fact, wreak temporary havoc, altering weigh-ins – the frst several days metabolism, sugar levels and actually before a fght and the second on the reducing energy levels. day of the fght. Among the ARP’s More often, fghters restrict (or recommendations: Fighters would even eliminate) fuid intake for not be permitted to lose more than 3 several days before a weigh-in or try percent of their normal body weight to sweat off pounds. Both are broadly at the initial weigh-in, and would be deemed unwise by health experts. prohibited from gaining more than From the cellular level to that of 5 percent of their body weight at the whole organs and systems, the body second, fght-day weigh-in. requires a certain amount of water to Cantu says other tests, such conduct its daily business. It doesn’t as a urine-specifc gravity test take much to tip the scales toward that measures water balance and dehydration and the greater the water concentration, should be employed to loss, the more damaging its effects. detect dehydration before a fght. We are all bodies of water. Our “These are not new issues, but lungs, for example, are 90 percent they seem to be getting some water; our brains 70 percent. Blood traction lately,” Cantu said. “There is more than 80 percent water by is dialogue. Some people are really volume and when water levels arguing for the safety of fighters, decrease, the ability of blood to who won’t necessarily argue for deliver oxygen is impacted, forcing themselves, either because they the heart to work harder and think the current system gives them boosting the risk of heart attack. an advantage or because they have Dehydration impairs the ability no choice.” to sweat, increasing the risk of On that fateful February night 14 overheating and heat stroke. It causes years ago, Gamache looked across blood lactate levels to accumulate, the ring at the much heavier Gatti reducing muscle resiliency. It raises and gasped. Then he fought – and the risk of kidney failure. A 2005 lost. He believed he had no choice. study in the Journal of Sports He probably didn’t, but in a fairer Medicine found that dehydration fght, he wouldn’t have had to make reduces the water volume in the one.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 95 WOMEN’S BOXING

oxing is notorious B for short TO HELL retirements, but this one took the cake. Unbeaten junior featherweight AND Shelly Vincent decided in February that she was going to walk away from the sport at the age of 34 with a ton of BACK untapped potential. One problem: Her fans PROSPECT SHELLY wouldn’t allow it. “The main reason I wanted VINCENT USES to do it was because I feel CHILDHOOD TRAGEDY like the women don’t get the TO STOKE HER FIRE respect that they deserve, especially in my area,” said By Thomas Gerbasi Vincent, who lives in Rhode Island. “I’m working just as hard as these men, and I’m putting butts in the seats.” Vincent found out just how popular she was after announcing her retirement on Facebook. Posts begged for her return, some even wondering whether her account was hacked. But it was a voice from the past that brought her back to the sport a month later. “On my mother’s deathbed she made me promise that I wouldn’t stop boxing because that was what was going to save my life,” said Vincent. “It was the one thing that made me happy. So the retirement thing won’t work.” It also won’t work because Vincent has become a beacon of hope for many kids in her area who see her as much as a survivor as a boxer. “I had a very bad childhood,” said Vincent. “I was sexually assaulted by my mother’s boyfriend at the time, and I also Shelly Vincent’s fans lost my mother at a very young wouldn’t allow her to retire. age. I was abused and almost killed, so I feel like I need to from all the stuff I was going POUND be that person for these kids through, and I was channeling that I just wish that somebody it the wrong way,” she FOR POUND would have been for me. And said. “Everybody that I felt if somebody was there talking threatened by or I felt was to me and spending some time going to hurt me or try to 1. CECILIA BRAEKHUS, Norway with me and trying to point me do something to me, I would 24-0 (7 KOs) in the right direction, I think unleash, so what happened to Welterweight that my life would have been a me when I was 13 wouldn’t lot different.” happen again.” 2. JELENA MRDJENOVICH, These days, things are all right Vincent eventually realized that Canada for the 122-pound prospect. Not while fghting was leading her to 32-9-1 (16 KOS) perfect, not sunny all the time, a dead end, boxing could rescue Featherweight but a lot better than they were. her. After her last jail stint, A lot of that – maybe all of it – she got back to boxing, won a 3. AVA KNIGHT, U.S. has to do with boxing, the sport Golden Gloves title in 2011 and 12-2-3 (5 KOs) that was always there for her, then turned pro later that year. Junior fyweight She hasn’t looked back since, with charity work and talks to 4. YESICA YOLANDA BOPP, ‘I’M WORKING troubled teens at area schools Argentina JUST AS flling the time when she’s not 26-1 (12 KOs), in the gym. But that doesn’t Junior fyweight HARD AS mean her fre has been turned down, especially when it comes 5. JESSICA CHAVEZ, Mexico THESE MEN, to the topic of fellow unbeaten 19-3-3 (4 KOs) prospect Heather Hardy. AND I’M “I think they call her ‘The Junior fyweight PUTTING Heat’ because every time she sees my face she has a 6. DIANA PRAZAK, Australia BUTTS IN meltdown,” said Vincent, 13-2 (9 KOs) who has been calling the New Junior lightweight THE SEATS.’ Yorker out for at least a year, – SHELLY VINCENT but to no avail. 7. ERICA ANABELLA FARIAS, “We have respect for Hardy Argentina even in her darkest hours. and her camp,” said Vincent’s 19-1 (9 KOs) “It set me free,” she said. “It manager, Mary del Pino. “It’s not Lightweight relieved all that tension inside anything against her personally. me, that anger. There were At least not from me.” 8. MARCELA ELIANA ACUNA, times when I would cry while “Yeah, I don’t like her,” Argentina hitting the bag, and I just felt counters Vincent with a laugh. 41-6-1 (18 KOs) great after. It gave me an outlet But whether or not this Junior featherweight to channel everything that was New York vs. New England inside of me: the depression, the showdown takes place, or if a 9. DELFINE PERSOON, hurt, the anger.” world championship is in her Belgium But after her mother Tania future, in life, Shelly Vincent has 29-1 (13 KOs) died from leukemia at 37 and already won. Lightweight her grandmother passed away a “I really feel like I lived year later, the 19-year-old began because I’m a special person,

JACK GUEZ/AFP/GETTYIMAGES 10. MELISSA HERNANDEZ, U.S. to go off the rails once she was and I’m meant to be there to 19-5-3 (6 KOs) out of the safe confnes of the save somebody,” she said. “I boxing gym. A promising career remember when I used to want Featherweight ultimately turned into battles to be anybody else, and now Through fghts of April 20. with the law, two of which I’m glad that I’m me. I went Anne Sophie Mathis has been resulted in jail time. through hell, so I’m expecting removed from the rankings due to “I was fghting in the street heaven.” inactivity (last fght June 1, 2013).

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 97 AMATEUR BOXING GOOD HIRE

USA BOXING BRINGS IN LEGENDARY CUBAN COACH PEDRO ROQUE OTANO TO TURN THINGS AROUND By Joseph Santoliquito

Pedro Roque Otano brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to USA Boxing. t was hard for time with him. His love for medalist, Andre Ward, and all Pedro Roque the sport and desire to win is the way back to 1988 to fnd I Otano to look infectious, and we look forward multiple U.S. gold medalists: up as he pushed to a bright future with coach Kennedy McKinney, Andrew his broom along Roque guiding our athletes.” Maynard and Ray Mercer. the streets of Otano coached seven Cuban However, in the last 14 Cuba. He tried not to remember Olympic teams – 1976, 1980, months, U.S. boxers have won his wonderful experiences, the 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 105 medals in international people he met, the places he 2008. His fghters have won competition. The goal before went, the glory. 11 Olympic gold medals, 35 2016 is to have the U.S. team It hurt too much. Olympic medals overall and 43 compete in 20 international Otano was the longtime World Championships medals, tournaments. For the 2012 coach of the decorated Cuban perhaps making him the greatest London games, the U.S. had Olympic team, international amateur boxing coach ever. fighters with fewer than four boxing royalty. He was a Still, he fell out of favor with international bouts. fixture on the amateur boxing Cuban government offcials, “That’s not a way to win circuit, able to walk into almost who long suspected that he at that level,” Otano said. any gym in the world and be encouraged Cuban fghters to “I feel that’s where we lost. recognized immediately. defect and fght professionally We stopped preparing for And the authorities reduced in free countries, and he was international competitions. I him to a street cleaner after removed in 2009. heard of the politics with the a falling out, a sad fate for “Life in Cuba has always U.S., but I can’t speak about Otano but perhaps a boon for been very diffcult with the what went on then because I USA Boxing. If the U.S. team dictatorship there,” Otano said wasn’t here. But when I was has success at the 2016 Rio de through interpreter Edward with the Cuban team, from Janeiro Olympics, they can quite Rivas, a U.S. assistant coach. being on the outside looking in literally say they found gold off “There were run-ins [with during the 1960s and 1970s, we the streets. government offcials] all of the looked at the U.S. team as the On Sept. 11, 2012, USA Boxing time. ... I had some luck because best in the world. needed to make a bold move I could have gone to prison. I “In 1972, Cuba won, and after its men’s team failed to win was in a position to make a big in ’76, the U.S. won. The a single medal at the 2012 Games scene, being identifed as the best last couple of Olympics, we in London. (Claressa Shields trainer in the world. didn’t win any medals. We and Marlen Esparza won a gold “I don’t think they wanted want to change that. From my and bronze medal, respectively, to embarrass themselves. They standpoint, they didn’t have an for the women.) Enter Otano, embarrassed me, instead. They organization that wasn’t focused 64, who joined the team in a removed me, and I was left to enough on the preparation part newly created position called clean the streets. I traveled the of amateur boxing to stay ahead “International Teaching Coach.” world, and the next thing I was of everyone else. That’s where That title is expected to be doing was sweeping streets with the U.S. team fell off.” changed soon to U.S. Olympic a broom in my hands.” Otano has two years before boxing coach. By 2012, Otano had had the next Olympics, which gives “We are thrilled to have Pedro enough. He defected to the U.S. him and other U.S. officials Roque working with USA from Mexico on June 20 of time to re-shape the team. Boxing as our International that year. Only time will tell whether the Teaching Coach,” said USA “The United States has Americans’ fortunes will change Boxing Interim Executive accepted me and given me with the addition. Director Lynette Smith. “His political asylum. It’s why I work The only certain thing is that experience and knowledge has almost 30 hours a day, so that Otano couldn’t be happier. been invaluable to all of our we come out ahead. I want the “I like talking in ‘we’s.’” he said. athletes who have been fortunate U.S. to succeed,” Otano said. “I see myself as a proud Cuban- enough to work with him. And Otano and his staff have American now. The biggest each of the junior, youth and their work cut out. You have surprise is the love and how elite boxers he has worked with to go back to 2004 to fnd the openhearted I’ve been received by have thoroughly enjoyed their last American Olympic gold the U.S. program.”

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 99 RINGSIDE REPORTS BY NORM FRAUENHEIM

100 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 BERNARD brutal craft. But Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KOs) HOPKINS SD 12 reminds us that cruelty and brutality are BEIBUT there when a good mind isn’t. Quick feet, SHUMENOV fast hands and power are critical, yet Date: April 19 aren’t much good without agile thinking. Site: DC Armory, Washington, D.C. That helps explain Hopkins’ ability to Division: Light heavyweight (for Hopkins’ f ght on at an age when most athletes are IBF title and Shumenov’s WBA title) living off investments and endorsements. Weights: Hopkins 172.4 pounds; Michael Jordan, maybe the greatest Shumenov 174.4 athlete in the Hopkins generation, retired RING rating (going into f ght): Hopkins at 40. Hopkins has fought for nearly a No. 1, Shumenov No. 4. decade since then. He credits his longevity Network: Showtime to a lifestyle that might include a slice of cheesecake a few times a year. But it’s ★ Bernard Hopkins said he went to more than that. It’s about thinking through Washington, D.C., to f ght in a city every moment of every round in a sport full of monuments because he wanted to often dismissed as moronic. make some history. He did. He does. Against Shumenov, his mental acuity He’s a monument in progress, history in was never more evident. Shumenov’s the making. sparse record (14-2, 9 KOs) made it hard It’s hard to know where it will all go, or to get a good read on the Kazakhstani. even whether it will take him past Adonis But his Olympic pedigree and a college Stevenson, but Hopkins has already done education indicated he might have the unprecedented. His decision over the smarts to deal with Hopkins. In a Beibut Shumenov is just another notch in contest of wits, however, Shumenov an unfolding legend. was checkmated at every turn and in Despite the strangest scorecard since every corner. C.J. Ross had a seat at ringside, the “He was really surprised at the way 49-year-old Hopkins claimed a second I can stand there and let him miss,” piece of the light heavyweight title with said Hopkins, a 116-111 winner on two Bernard Hopkins (right a performance that represents a working scorecards and a 114-113 loser on judge and inset) gave another def nition of what the sweet science Gustavo Padilla’s bizarre card. “I disarmed otherworldly performance, should be. It’s called a cruel game. A his right. I kept my shoulder up with a roll, at least for a 49-year-old, against Beibut Shumenov. so that when he threw the right, it gives him the delusion he can hit me.” By the 11th round, Shumenov looked confused. He dropped both hands, almost in a gesture that said he didn’t know what else to do. Hopkins capitalized, landing a left and then a right that dropped Shumenov to one knee. If there had been any doubts before then, there were none now. Padilla must not have been watching. After the victory, Hopkins mentioned Stevenson, THE RING’s champion, is his next target in a quest to unify the title. He even talked about Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a f ght he called 50-50. “He gets 50 wins, I turn 50,” Hopkins told ringside reporters. “That’d be huge at 165, 170 pounds.” That sounds like a stretch. Then again,

ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES Hopkins’ monumental career says, time and again, that nothing ever is. ★

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 101 RINGSIDE REPORTS BY NORM FRAUENHEIM

SHAWN PORTER TKO 4 PAULIE MALIGNAGGI Date: April 19 Site: DC Armory, Washington, D.C. Division: Welterweight (for Porter’s IBF title) Weights: Porter 146.8 pounds; Malignaggi 146.2 RING rating (going into fght): Porter No. 6; Malignaggi No. 8. Network: Showtime

H Paulie Malignaggi’s career might have ended not far from where another will resume. Shawn Porter put Malignaggi there, through the ropes and close to a seat he occupies as a budding ringside analyst for Showtime, with a fourth-round stoppage as overwhelming as it was stunning. There weren’t many words for it. Not even Malignaggi, who is never short for words, knew how to exactly describe it. Then again, he might not have remembered much of what was a blitz from the stronger Porter (24-0-1, 15 KOs). “I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” the 33-year Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) told Showtime colleagues when asked if he would retire. “I don’t want to lose to an average champion. I want to lose to a great champion … so if this is my last fght, I hope I lost to a great champion.” It’s hard to know whether Porter, 26, has the stuff to be great, especially in a weight class that includes Floyd Mayweather who had been easy to hit. But the problem Shawn Porter (right) made a Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. In time, we’ll with that thinking was Malignaggi’s own strong statement by overwhelming Paulie Malignaggi. see. His next date might be against U.K. power, or the absence of it. welterweight Kell Brook, who is the Seconds after opening bell, it was mandatory challenger for Porter’s acronym- evident that Malignaggi could do nothing sanctioned version of the 147-pound title. to keep Porter off of him. What’s more, champion dazed. It could have ended there. But in overpowering Malignaggi, Porter knew it. But referee Sam Williams let it continue. Porter showed he’s a threat to anybody In the frst round, Porter’s jab opened up Porter wasted no time, unleashing a wave who already thinks of himself as great. a cut under Malignaggi’s left eye. In the of punches that sent a helpless Malignaggi Translation: He’s probably a fghter the second, a two-handed succession of Porter through the ropes onto the ring’s apron. marquee names will avoid until he proves blows staggered Malignaggi. He survived At 1:14 of the round, Williams waved it off he can be a major draw. the round, but barely. In the third, Porter without a count. Porter fgured to have a tough time landed one overhand right after another. “I told him to go and be great,” said against Malignaggi, who wasn’t nicknamed It was only a matter of time, and that Malignaggi, who spoke to Porter before the Magic Man because he’s tricky with inevitability struck like a force of nature he went to the emergency room as a a deck of cards. It was thought that midway through the fourth. precautionary measure. Malignaggi’s skillset was slick and thorough First, a devastating right dropped That’s a ringside analysis Porter would love to hear one day. H enough to score, especially against Porter, Malignaggi, leaving the former two-division ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES 102102 102 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 PETER QUILLIN But Quillin made even Jacobs sound like Jacobs looks to be Quillin’s likely foe UD 12 a way station on his path to bigger things. in another Showtime bout projected to LUKAS “I will go back home and watch the tape happen sometime this summer. It’s no KONECNY and see what else I need to do,” Quillin coincidence that Jacobs was at ringside, Date: April 19 said after nearly throwing a shutout – working as a television analyst during Site: DC Armory, Washington, D.C. 119-109, 120-108, 119-109 – on the Quillin’s third defense of his slice of the Division: Middleweight (for Quillin’s scorecards against Konecny, a Czech 160-pound championship. WBO title) fghting for the frst time in the United The ambitious Quillin made Jacobs Weights: Quillin 159.8 pounds; States. “I was looking for a knockout, but sound a little bit like Konecny in post-fght Konecny 158.25 it didn’t happen. If Danny Jacobs is next, interviews. That might come back to haunt RING rating (going into fght): Quillin let’s do it. I’m also interested in fghting him. Konecny, untested and unknown, was No. 4; Konecny not rated. the winner of Sergio Martinez and Miguel an opportunity for Quillin to get another Network: Showtime Cotto, or Julio Cesar Chavez [Jr.] and win, another paycheck and another chance Gennady Golovkin.” to further his agenda. Quillin did what he H Peter Quillin didn’t get the stoppage His chances of meeting the Cotto- had to in workmanlike fashion. But Jacobs he promised. But a victory over Lukas Martinez winner on June 7 or the fgures to put up more resistance. Konecny won him a few minutes on the proposed Chavez-Golovkin fght would “There was nothing that I didn’t expect,” bully pulpit. It was a way station, a way to probably be slim in large part because Konecny said. “I would have expected a talk about Gennady Golovkin, Julio Cesar of the escalating Golden Boy-Top Rank harder fght. Quillin is a good champion Chavez Jr., Sergio Martinez and Miguel promotional feud. and a good fghter, but not a great one.” Cotto. Danny Jacobs looks more likely. For now, the Golden Boy-promoted Mostly, Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs), who yelled at Jacobs after the fourth round, outworked Konecny (50-5, 23 KOs). Peter Quillin (left) almost According to CompuBox, pitched a shutout against the Quillin landed more overmatched Lukas Konecny. than twice the number of punches. It was 403 for Quillin and 197 for Konecny, who sustained a bloody nose in the eighth and a cut above his right eye in the 10th. In the frst round alone, the ringside computer had Quillin landing 32 punches to six from Konecny. A heavy bag lands more in three minutes than Konecny did. It’s no wonder that a restless crowd at the DC Armory began to boo in the later rounds. The 12-round bout was about as dreary as a day in Congress. “He was a tough customer and came to fight, and that’s what the fans want to see,” Quillin said. Actually, fans wanted to see a lot more from Quillin. Against Jacobs, maybe they will. H

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 103 RINGSIDE REPORTS

NO. 2 THOMAS NO. 1 CARL NO. 8 CURTIS NO. 5 JUERGEN SERGEY DULORME FRAMPTON STEVENS BRAEHMER KOVALEV UD 10 KARIM KO 2 HUGO TKO 10 TKO 5 ENZO KO 7 CEDRIC MAYFIELD CAZARES TUREANO MACCARINELLI AGNEW March 29, Atlantic City, April 4, Belfast, Northern JOHNSON April 5, Rostock, Germany March 29, Atlantic City, N.J. (HBO) Ireland (BoxNation) April 4, Philadelphia (BoxNation) N.J. (HBO) (NBC Sports) H The fght wasn’t as H Momentum for one H If Juergen Braehmer H It might be wise to good as the weigh-in. of the biggest fghts in H Curtis Stevens’ stood alongside Bernard avoid Sergey Kovalev if Thomas Dulorme, who is junior featherweight power landed late, yet Hopkins, Adonis Stevenson you’re Adonis Stevenson trying to turn himself into history continued to build, still in time to save the and Sergey Kovalev, he might or Bernard Hopkins. But a 140-pound contender, thanks to Carl Frampton’s middleweight from defeat go unnoticed. Outside of it’s hard to ignore him. outworked Karim Mayfeld dynamic performance in a with a stoppage that Germany, Braehmer is the Kovalev demolished in the early rounds. He swift stoppage of former was booed by many and light heavyweight few know. Cedric Agnew to retain clinched in the mid- two-division champion condemned by Tureano In part, that’s because the his version of the light rounds. In the fnal rounds, Hugo Cazares. Johnson’s volatile German has fought 44 of his heavyweight crown. That a tiring Dulorme (21-1, 14 The buzz over promoter, Gary Shaw. 45 fghts in his home country. was predictable. The KOs) danced away and Frampton’s victory A fearless Johnson But it’s getting harder real victory came when into a 98-92, 97-93, 96-94 immediately led to talk outworked Stevens (27- to ignore the 35-year-old HBO announced that decision over Mayfeld (18- about a showdown with 4, 20 KOs) in the early Braehmer (43-2, 32 KOs), more than a million had 1-1, 11 KOs). Mexican-American Leo moments of each round. unbeaten since 2008 and watched the seventh- The 10-round junior Santa Cruz, ranked No. 2 At the start of the 10th, seemingly better than round knockout. welterweight bout was by THE RING. an upset looked to be ever with a 12th straight It’s an indication that a preceded by a weigh-in “Carl has shown again just three minutes away. victory, this one over former fght with Kovalev would confrontation the day that he has world-class Johnson (14-1, 10 KOs) cruiserweight champion Enzo make sense and dollars. before opening bell, in power,” said manager led 89-82 on two cards Maccarinelli (38-7, 30 KOs). Whether that matters in front of 2,416 people in and former Irish great and 87-84 on the third. The southpaw Braehmer an era of promotional a ballroom at Boardwalk Barry McGuigan, who With a minute left landed a straight left that left feuds is another story Hall. Dulorme and Mayfeld told ringside reporters in the fght, however, Maccarinelli with a bad bruise altogether. had to be separated. It he would try to open Stevens uncorked a over his right eye in the fnal “That’s not my job,” started with some trash negotiations for a left that snapped back moments of the frst round. Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KO) talk. It ended with some showdown with Santa Cruz Johnson’s head and The wound quickly got worse, said after fooring Agnew choking. In between, there in either Belfast or the U.S. sent him into the ropes. swelling from problematic (26-1, 13 KO) three times was some licking. It wasn’t “The last time Cazares Stevens moved in to grotesque. After the ffth, and knocking him out clear who licked whom. was stopped was in 1999, with a furry against a trainer Gary Lockett saw that with a pair of lefts – one Then again, it wasn’t which says a lot. This is seemingly defenseless Maccarinelli couldn’t see at to the body and one to all that clear the next what Carl can do to the Johnson. Referee Gary all. He threw in the towel. the head – at 58 seconds day, either. best fghters.” Rosato ended it at 2:09 “Truth is, I couldn’t see of the round. “I don’t Cazares (40-8-2, 27 of the round. anything after the frst want an easy fght. Only KOs), a former junior “I could have round,” Maccarinelli told tough fghts.” bantamweight and junior continued,’’ Johnson said. reporters at ringside. He and fans had fyweight champion, was Shaw promised a A couple of weeks later, hoped for one against dropped by a sweeping left protest and demanded a however, the swelling had Stevenson. But Stevenson from Frampton (18-0, 13 rematch. But Stevens had subsided. No serious damage jumped ship, signing with KOs) at 1:38 of the second. no interest in a second to the eye was found, Showtime. Cazares tried to beat the encounter. according to German media, “A piece of (bleep),” referee’s count. There “I got him out of which also reported that 3 said Kovalev, who might was talk of a premature there,’’ said Stevens, who million Germans watched the as well have been talking stoppage, although was more interested in telecast. With those kind of about a business where Frampton’s power and fghting Peter Quillin or numbers, it’s easy to see a the biggest fghts are the strength might have James Kirkland. “I did potential rematch. ones that don’t get made. produced the same result what I was supposed to.’’ with more punishment in a later round. 104 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 C AKIRA NO. 9 NAOYA NO. 4 JESSIE NO. 6 SCOTT YAEGASHI INOUE TKO 6 RAYMUNDO VARGAS UD QUIGG TKO 2 KO 9 ODILON NO. 4 ADRIAN BELTRAN UD 12 NO. 7 KHABIB TSHIFHIWA ZALETA HERNANDEZ 12 ARASH ALLAKHVERDIEV MUNYAI April 12, MGM Grand, Las

KOVALEV: AP; FRAMPTON: JASON CAIRNDUFF/ACTION IMAGES; STEVENS: DARRYL COBB JR.; YAEGASHI: MASASHI HARA/GETTY IMAGES; INOUE: REUTERS; BELTRAN: DR. ED DE LA VEGA, DDS; VARGAS: JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES April 6, Tokyo (Fuji TV) April 6, Tokyo (Fuji TV) USMANEE April 19, Manchester, April 12, MGM Grand, Las Vegas (HBO) England (Sky Sports 2) H The fght was merely H There’s nothing big Vegas (HBO) H a tease, a hint at what about Naoya Inoue. He Jessie Vargas did H Scott Quigg did what could be the biggest bout weighs 108 pounds. He H Raymundo Beltran most of the damage he had to. Said what he in the smallest divisions has only six pro fghts. Yet, was weary of the anger. It and got most of the had to. since the Michael his name looms large in stalked him, pushed him points. It wasn’t easy. Quigg kept himself in Carbajal-Humberto Japanese history. into a lousy mood with an It also wasn’t clear line for a possible shot Gonzalez trilogy. The 20-year-old junior emotional beatdown every cut, at least not in the at Leo Santa Cruz with Another Lord of the fyweight became the frst time he thought back to battered eyes of Khabib a predictable stoppage Flies confrontation, Japanese boxer to ever September of last year and Allakhverdiev. But it of Tshifhiwa Munyai, Akira Yaegashi-Roman win a major title in only his a controversial draw with was enough for Vargas who was a late stand-in Gonzalez, looked to be sixth bout with a stunning Ricky Burns in Scotland. to win a 115-113, 117- for Nehomar Cermeno, closer to reality after sixth-round technical Beltran needed to 111, 115-113 decision. a Venezuelan who Yaegashi’s ninth-round knockout of Adrian beat up somebody other “I thought I should pulled out of the junior stoppage of overmatched Hernandez, who answered than himself. have been busier earlier, featherweight bout Mexican Odilon Zaleta. the opening bell with 32 Beltran (29-6-1, 17 but I got stronger and I because he was unable Yaegashi (20-3, 10 fghts on his resume. KOs) got that opportunity thought I took control,” to acquire a U.K. visa. KOs), THE RING and WBC The assumption was against a late stand-in, said Vargas (24-0, Quigg (28-0-2, 21 fyweight champion, did that Hernandez would test Arash Usmanee (20-2- 9 KOs) after his frst KOs) also called out the expected, fnishing Inoue, perhaps even make 1, 10 KOs), scoring a 12-rounder. “This one Northern Ireland’s Carl Zaleta (15-4, 8 KOs) with him look like an amateur. decision that alleviated will make me stronger.” Frampton, who had put a big right hand at 2:14 Bad guess. The designated the frustration and put The Russian left- himself at the front of of the ninth round. student overwhelmed the him in line for a shot at hander asked for an the Santa Cruz line with The real news came presumed teacher with Terence Crawford. immediate rematch. an April 4 stoppage of after the predictable fuid combinations and “I should have been “I want it right away,” Hugo Cazares in Belfast. victory. Gonzalez, stinging precision. defending that title,” said said Allakhverdiev. “I Quigg’s performance unbeaten (39-0, 33 Inoue (6-0, 5 KOs) cut Beltran, who broke Burns’ won that fight.” against Munyai (24- KOs) after a third-round Hernandez (29-3-1, 18 jaw and knocked him But he didn’t look like 3-1, 12 KOs) kept his stoppage of Filipino KOs) with a right hook down, yet was left with a the winner. Allakhverdiev best options intact. Juan Purisma and rated in the third. He dropped draw that allowed Burns to (19-1, 9 KOs) was cut He dropped the South No. 1 at 112 pounds him in the sixth with a keep the WBO crown. over both eyes. The African with a left hook by THE RING, stepped crushing overhand right. Burns went on to lose ringside physician in the frst round. He through ropes to Hernandez, of Mexico, the title to Crawford, examined him in the dropped him with a right congratulate Yaegashi. got to his feet. At 2:54 who expects to defend it eighth and again in the hook in the second. He raised Yaegashi’s of the round, however, this summer. ninth. He rocked Vargas He followed that up hand in victory. Hernandez turned his back Beltran got closer to repeatedly in the 12th, with a succession of “Can I fight him?” in an act of surrender and claiming what he thought but not often enough to undefended blows. Gonzalez then asked a sign that Inoue is more was his all along with convince the judges. That’s when referee the crowd. prodigy than student. a 117-111, 118-110, Howard Foster stepped Dumb question. Of 117-111 victory over the in, stopping it at 1:56 of course he can. The crowd unknown Usmanee. the round. just wants to know when. “I wanted to make a statement,” Quigg told Sky Sports. Turns out, he made a couple of them.

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 105 FIGHT RESULTS THROUGH FIGHTS OF APRIL 20 (CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)

HEAVYWEIGHTS JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS Tony Tompson SD 12 Odlanier Solis Vanes Martirosyan UD 10 Mario Alberto Lozano Evgeny Orlov TKO 9 Okello Peter Jorge Melendez UD 10 Richard Gutierrez Jason Bergman TKO 3 Devin Vargas Lenny Bottai SD 12 Ismael El Massoudi Luis Ortiz KO 4 Monte Barrett Sasha Yengoyan UD 10 Ayoub Nefzi Gerald Washington KO 2 Skipp Scott Orlando Fiordigiglio KO 7 Ruben Varon Steve Cunningham UD 10 Amir Mansour Jack Culcay UD 12 Salim Larbi Christian Hammer UD 10 Konstantin Airich Joshua Clottey UD 12 Anthony Mundine Shannon Briggs KO 1 Maurenzo Smith (F) Paola Casalinuovo TKO 7 Yajaira Hernandez Manuel Charr UD 10 Kevin Johnson Zaurbek Baysangurov TKO 12 Guido Pitto Charles Martin KO 4 Alexander Flores Charles Hatley TKO 5 Jose Flores Shannon Briggs KO 1 Francisco Mireles Javier Maciel UD 10 Cesar Silva

CRUISERWEIGHTS WELTERWEIGHTS Victor Ramirez TKO 4 Glendy Hernandez Suyon Takayama UD 10 Tetsuya Suzuki Stivens Bujaj TKO 7 Victor Barragan Jef Horn TKO 9 Rivan Cesaire Dmitry Kudryashov TKO 2 Lubos Suda Jose Luis Castillo TKO 5 Felix Bojorquez Bilal Laggoune KO 2 Laszlo Hubert (F) Ivana Habazin SD 10 Sabrina Giuliani Damir Beljo TKO 7 Epifanio Mendoza Vivian Harris MD 10 Jorge Paez Jr. Matty Askin TKO 9 Menay Edwards Victor Velazquez UD 10 Sebastian Lujan Jon-Lewis Dickinson TKO 10 Neil Dawson Antonin Decarie UD 10 Pablo Munguia David Aloua KO 4 Brad Pitt Frankie Gavin UD 12 Sacky Shikukutu Ovill McKenzie KO 5 Tony Conquest Luis Abregu TKO 8 Jean Carlos Prada Yunier Dorticos KO 4 Eric Fields Yoshihiro Kamegai KO 4 Jung-Hoon Yang Al Sands TKO 9 Keith Barr Edwin Palacios KO 10 Michael Mora Shayne Singleton UD 10 Laszlo Fazekas LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS Silverio Ortiz TKO 8 Ivan Pereyra Matamba Debatch Postolo TKO 4 Mada Maugo Bradley Skeete TKO 7 Tobia Loriga Travis Dickinson TKO 3 Danny McIntosh Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Timothy Bradley Dominic Boesel MD 10 Miguel Velozo Chris van Heerden SD 10 Ray Narh Robin Krasniqi KO 7 Emmanuel Danso David Avanesyan UD 12 Kaizer Mabuza Sergey Kovalev KO 7 Cedric Agnew Alan Sanchez TKO 6 Jorge Silva Juergen Braehmer TKO 5 Enzo Maccarinelli Sadam Ali KO 1 Michael Clark Erik Skoglund TKO 9 Danilo D’Agata Shawn Porter TKO 4 Paulie Malignaggi Sean Monaghan TKO 5 Joe McCreedy Bernard Hopkins SD 12 Beibut Shumenov JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS Humberto Soto UD 10 Juan Carlos Abreu SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS Jairo Lopez KO 2 Jonel Gadapan Christopher Rebrasse TKO 4 Mouhamed Ali Ndiaye Tomas Dulorme UD 10 Karim Mayfeld Fedor Chudinov TKO 5 Stjepan Bozic Leonardo Zappavigna TKO 10 Shuhei Tsuchiya Tyron Zeuge TKO 9 Gheorghe Sabau Juan Manuel Witt KO 2 Benjamin Cantero Gilberto Ramirez Sanchez TKO 5 Giovanni Lorenzo Jason Pagara KO 7 Rusmin Kie Raha Sergey Khomitsky TKO 6 Frank Buglioni Roberto Ortiz TKO 5 Ramiro Alcaraz Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam UD 10 Fulgencio Zuniga Jessie Vargas UD 12 Khabib Allakhverdiev Keita Obara KO 4 Jay Solmiano MIDDLEWEIGHTS Aik Shakhnazaryan UD 12 Felix Lora Curtis Stevens TKO 10 Tureano Johnson Tyrone Nurse UD 10 Tyler Goodjohn Eamonn O’Kane KO 1 Alvaro Gaona Marco Antonio Rubio KO 10 Domenico Spada Marcos Reyes TKO 2 Idiozan Matos Danny Butler TKO 4 Martin Concepcion John Ryder TKO 9 Jez Wilson Abraham Han TKO 2 Juan Carlos Candelo Peter Quillin UD 12 Lukas Konecny

106 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 LIGHTWEIGHTS Duke Micah KO 3 Ekow Wilson Anthony Peterson UD 10 Marcos Jimenez Alejandro Hernandez KO 5 Marvin Mabait Reynaldo Ojeda TKO 3 Fernando Torres Stuart Hall D 2 Martin Ward Joebert Delos Reyes KO 5 Valentine Borg Randy Caballero TKO 8 Kohei Oba (F) Maria Maderna TKO 3 Dalia Vasarhelyi Marlon Tapales TD 5 Hayato Kimura Stephen Ormond TKO 5 Karim El Ouazghari Kentaro Masuda TD 10 Yu Kawaguchi Raymundo Beltran UD 12 Arash Usmanee Rusalee Samor UD 12 Espinos Sabu Rod Salka UD 10 Alexei Collado Anthony Crolla TKO 10 John Murray JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS (F) Delfne Persoon UD 10 Erica Anabella Farias Giovanni Escaner KO 7 Jaymart Toyco Sonny Boy Jaro TKO 1 Jovel Romasasa JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS Kohei Kono KO 8 Denkaosan Kaovichit Michael Farenas TKO 2 Hector Velazquez Oleydong Sithsamerchai KO 2 Kompetch Twins Gym Edgar Gabejan KO 10 Weng Haya (F) Debora Dionicius TKO 4 Neisi Torres Jose Pedraza UD 12 Alberto Garza Chatpetch Sithmorseng KO 2 Dicky Amtiran Pharanpetch Tor Buamas UD 12 Rey Las Pinas Jamie Conlan TKO 7 Benjamin Smoes Raul Centeno UD 10 Diego Chaves Giovani Segura TKO 10 Felipe Salguero (F) Ramona Kuehne TKO 6 Gina Chamie Bruno Escalante UD 10 Victor Ruiz Juan Jose Martinez UD 12 Carlos Jimenez Ivan Morales UD 10 Jose Alfredo Tirado Adrian Estrella KO 3 Balweg Bangoyan Yohei Tobe TKO 9 Taiki Eto Juan Carlos Martinez SD 10 Alejandro Perez Edgar Monarrez KO 7 Juan Montes FLYWEIGHTS Terdsak Kokietgym UD 12 Rene Bestudio Juan Carlos Reveco KO 2 Manuel Vides Bryan Vasquez UD 12 Jose Felix Jr. Brian Viloria UD 10 Juan Herrera Mark Melligen KO 5 Bualuang OnesongchaiGym Makazole Tete UD 12 Doctor Ntsele Joebert Alvarez UD 12 Julian Rivera FEATHERWEIGHTS Herald Molina SD 10 Nerys Espinoza Eric Hunter UD 10 Yenifel Vicente Akira Yaegashi KO 9 Odilon Zaleta Hisashi Amagasa TKO 8 Vinvin Rufno Roman Gonzalez TKO 3 Juan Purisima Satoshi Hosono TKO 10 Yuki Ogata Nawaphon Por Chokchai KO 3 Michael Landero Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo KO 6 Nouldy Manakane Juan Alejo TKO 9 Alberto Arias Ronny Rios UD 10 Andrew Cancio Suguru Muranaka TKO 10 Masayuki Kuroda Josh Warrington TKO 7 Rendall Munroe (F) Gabriela Bouvier UD 10 Carolina Alvarez Gamalier Rodriguez UD 10 Orlando Cruz JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS Jonathan Taconing TKO 11 Vergilio Silvano Kid Galahad UD 12 Sergio Prado Randy Petalcorin TKO 2 Samransak Singmanasak Hidenori Otake UD 10 Takafumi Nakajima Naoya Inoue TKO 6 Adrian Hernandez (F) Marcela Eliana Acuna TKO 6 Estrella Valverde Qiu Xiao Jun UD 12 Jonathan Baat STRAWWEIGHTS Arturo Santos Reyes SD 10 Julio Cesar Miranda Francisco Rodriguez Jr. TKO 10 Merlito Sabillo Carl Frampton KO 2 Hugo Cazares Carlos Ortega UD 10 Gilberto Pedroza Juan Alberto Rosas TD 9 Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. Leroy Estrada UD 10 Edwin Diaz Rafael Vazquez KO 5 Manuel Herrera Knockout CP Freshmart UD 10 Jonathan Refugio Tyson Cave UD 10 Sebastien Gauthier Wanheng Menayothin UD 6 Heri Amol Albert Pagara TKO 3 Skak Max Ryuji Hara MD 12 Donny Mabao Scott Quigg TKO 2 Tshifiwa Munyai (F) Anabel Ortiz UD 10 Ivoon Rosas

BANTAMWEIGHTS Antonio Tostado Garcia MD 10 Jonathan Vidal Hugo Ruiz TKO 1 Ramon Maas Anselmo Moreno UD 12 Javier Chacon Ryosuke Iwasa MD 12 Richard Pumicpic Ryo Akaho KO 2 Richard Garcia Monico Laurente TD 5 Jetro Pabustan

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 107 PREDICTIONS ARE MADE BY RING STAFF MEMBERS COMING UP MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, DOUG FISCHER AND LEM SATTERFIELD.

MAY

Carl Froch (left) and George Groves are expected to fll cavernous Wembley Stadium on May 31.

CARL FROCH VS. struggled early but rallied to Mike Perez, heavyweights, Nonito Donaire, featherweights GEORGE GROVES score a ninth-round TKO. Many Corpus Christi, Texas (HBO) (for Vetyeka’s WBA title), Macau, II – including Groves – believe it MAY 24 – Daniel Geale China (HBO2) May 31, Wembley Stadium, was stopped too soon. This will vs. Matthew Macklin, MAY 31 – Nicholas Walters vs. London be fun. middleweights, Corpus Christi, Vic Darchinyan, featherweights, Division: Super middleweights Prediction: Rosenthal – Froch Texas (HBO) Macau, China (HBO2) (for Froch’s IBF and WBA titles) KO 7; Fischer – Froch TKO 8; MAY 24 – Jhonny Gonzalez vs. MAY 31 – Evgeny Gradovich TV: HBO (Sky Box Offce in U.K.) Satterfeld – Froch SD Clive Atwell, featherweights (for vs. Alexander Miskirtchian, Gonzalez’s WBC title), Acapulco, featherweights (for Gradovich’s Watchability rating (up to fve stars): H H H H H MAY 24 – Adonis Stevenson Mexico IBF title), Macau, China (HBO2) vs. Andrzej Fonfara, light MAY 31 – Felix Sturm vs. Sam MAY 31 – Srisaket Sor Signifcance: The fght is heavyweights (for Stevenson’s expected to draw a mind- Soliman, middleweights (for Rungvisai vs. Carlos RING and WBC titles), Montreal Sturm’s IBF title), Krefeld, Cuadras, junior bantamweights boggling 80,000 spectators, a (Showtime) testament to the drama of their Germany (for Rungvisai’s WBC title), frst fght. Froch was hurt and MAY 24 – Bryant Jennings vs. MAY 31 – Simpiwe Vetyeka vs. Mexico City

108 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 JUNE JULY

SERGIO Prediction: Rosenthal – take the risk of fghting one CANELO ALVAREZ MARTINEZ VS. Provodnikov KO 7; Fischer – another so early in their careers VS. ERISLANDY MIGUEL COTTO Provodnikov KO 10; Satterfeld these days. Lomachenko (1- LARA June 7, Madison Square Garden, – Provodnikov UD 1, according to boxrec.com) July 12, MGM Grand, Las Vegas was impressive in his loss to New York City Division: Junior middleweights Orlando Salido. We’ve been Division: Middleweights (for waiting for Russell (24-0, 14 TV: Showtime Pay Per View Martinez’s RING and WBC titles) KOs) to step up. Watchability rating (up to TV: HBO Pay Per View Prediction: Rosenthal fve stars): H H H H Watchability rating (up to – Russell UD; Fischer – Signifcance: No one can say H H H H H fve stars): Lomachenko UD; Satterfeld Alvarez (43-1-1, 31 KOs) is Also fghting: Marvin Sonsona – Russell SD facing a pushover. The Mexican vs. Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., junior bounced back from his loss to featherweights VASYL JUNE 6 – Hugo Centeno Jr. vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. by stopping LOMACHENKO the tough Alfredo Angulo but Signifcance: If the 39-year-old Nick Brinson, middleweights, VS. GARY faces a stiff test against Lara Martinez (51-2-2, 28 KOs) is Verona, N.Y. (Showtime) RUSSELL JR. (19-1-2, 12 KOs), who has the the broken-down old man he JUNE 7 – Richar Abril June 21, Los Angeles ability and experience to give appeared to be in his last fght, vs. Eduard Troyanovsky, anyone trouble. this could be his swan song. Division: Featherweights (for lightweights (for Abril’s WBA If he’s healthy after a year- the vacant WBO title) title), Moscow Prediction: Rosenthal – Alvarez long layoff, his speed and size UD; Fischer – Alvarez UD; TV: Showtime JUNE 21 – Anatoliy Dudchenko advantages could overwhelm Satterfeld – Alvarez SD vs. Nadjib Mohammedi, light the also-aging Cotto (38-4, 31 Watchability rating (up to heavyweights, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. JULY 26 – Tyson Fury vs. Dereck KOs). fve stars): H H H H H (NBC Sports Net) Chisora II, heavyweights, Prediction: Rosenthal Signifcance: Two such gifted Manchester, England – Martinez KO 9; Fischer – young fghters rarely, if ever Martinez TKO 11; Satterfeld – Martinez KO 9

RUSLAN Sergio Martinez PROVODNIKOV plans to make a point VS. CHRIS against Miguel Cotto ALGIERI on June 7. June 14, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. Division: Junior welterweights (for Provodnikov’s WBO title) TV: HBO Watchability rating (up to FROCH: LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/GETTY IMAGES; MARTINEZ: ELSA/GETTY IMAGES fve stars): H H H H H Also fghting: Demetrius Andrade vs. Brian Rose, junior middleweights (for Andrade’s WBO title) Signifcance: The all-action Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KOs) became a signifcant attraction after two fghts in 2013, a wild loss to Tim Bradley and a title-winning victory over Mike Alvarado. Algieri (19-0, 8 KOs) is a former kickboxer with solid skills but has never tangled with the likes of Provodnikov.

December 31, 2014 Visit THE RING’s ING C new YouTube channel ... IZ OM AN M G IT R T TheRingDigital O E E S R ( B E ING CO NIZ M A M O X G IT R T C O O E

E ) B S R BOC ( B E

O X

• O •

F 8 O F 8 UO 8 89 N D E D 1

Boxers Organizing Committee (BOC)

Paul Johnson Executive Director

763-438-2447 [email protected] www.boxers.org

Attention Boxers: Please contact us to discuss your rights!

“Boxers must be part of the equation.” — BOC Member José Chegüi Torres 112 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 RAPT ATTENTION that time was the greatest prize in sports. Subsequent Jack Dempsey was a national icon around the time this victories over Georges Carpentier, Luis Angel Firpo and photo was taken, believed to be during his championship others before massive crowds sealed his position as reign in the 1920s. That might explain why this fortunate one the sports’ great legends. Dempsey, softened by his group of society boys from New York seem to be wealth and a comfortable life, lost the championship mesmerized as the great heavyweight explains how to clever Gene Tunney in 1926 and then came up short to hit a speed bag. Dempsey gained wide fame when again in a rematch the following year. However, he he pummeled Jess Willard en route to a third-round remains a seminal fgure in boxing lore. Jack Dempsey knockout in 1919 to win the heavyweight title, which at will never be forgotten. The Ring Magazine

7.14 / RINGTV.COM 113 AT THE FIGHTS 1.

2. 3.

1. Nathan Whyte is f anked by Nonito Donaire (left) and Zab Judah at the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Canelo Alvarez card last September at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. 2. Francois Schoeters (left) with Adonis Stevenson in Montreal the day after he became RING light heavyweight champion by stopping Chad Dawson. 3. Karina McCloud with Thomas Dulorme at the Sergey Kovalev-Cedric Agnew card in March in Atlantic City, N.J. 4. Lily Nahuat with Paulie Malignaggi at the Alvarez-Alfredo Angulo card in March at the MGM Grand. 5. Roberto Ochoa (right) with the late Alexis Arguello in 2008. 6. Lupe Duran with trainer Ann Wolfe at the Alvarez-Angulo card. 7. Muslimah McLendon with Mayweather at the J’Leon Love-Vladine Biosse card in February in Verona, N.Y. 4. 4.

7. WANT TO SEE YOURSELF IN THE 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, and your contact information. See you at the f ghts!

114 RINGTV.COM / 7.14 114 RINGTV.COM / 7.14