Two-time World Heavyweight Champion Chris Byrd is back in the ring after a prolonged series of health challenges. Following his Hall of Fame worthy career at heavyweight, which included wins over Vitali Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, and David Tua, Byrd (47-5, 22 KOs) suffered from severe neuropathy and chronic pain from fighting far above his natural weight.

“Nobody wanted to fight me at middleweight, so I ate my weight up to heavyweight, And I paid for it. I went through 11 years of suffering. A few years ago, I couldn’t even move my feet apart. The pain in my left leg was so bad that some days I just wanted to cut the whole thing off. I had to make drastic changes and choices in life to get where I am today,” said Byrd. 

Looking chiseled and svelte at 163 pounds, the 50-year-old Byrd’s transformation began nearly three years ago when his daughter was engaged to be married. The idea of being unable to walk her down the aisle pained Byrd, as he was willing to do or try anything that could help improve his condition, and let him be there for the ones he loved. He changed his eating habits – stopped consuming all those things that he was allergic to (wheat, sugar, and dairy) and switched to a plant-based diet.  

A chance meeting with a medicinal cannabis expert proved particularly fruitful in Byrd’s road to recovery. Byrd began a therapeutic regimen of juicing fresh cannabis leaves and utilizing CBD oil and topicals. He consumed ample hemp hearts as a complete source of protein and essential fatty acids. In short order, the ferocious pain he had felt in his left leg and the fatigue that he had battled his entire career began to subside.

By early 2020, Chris had reached a plateau in his recovery “at about ? of where [he is] today.” He then discovered Aaron Cameron, Director of Club Q360, in Malibu, California. Cameron is widely known as the husband of film star and “Real Housewife of Beverly Hills”, Denise Richards. Under Cameron’s guidance, Chris began undergoing radio and sound frequency treatments to treat his neuropathy. According to Byrd, these treatments took his healing to a level – relieving his pain and greatly increasing his mobility.

“Aaron is a fantastic person, unique with a great mind who is an expert in radio and sound frequency work. Doctor’s had told me I would need my shoulders and hip replaced. After my treatments with Aaron, all of that changed. Aaron really wants to see people get healed and he really cares for the people he works with.”

“Chris’ recovery has been nothing short of miraculous,” said Split-T Boxing’s David McWater. “To see where Chris was only a few years ago to where he is now is remarkable. It’s an honor to be able to help him on this path.”

Considering all that he has accomplished in both his professional career and in his dramatic post-career transformation from struggling heavyweight to vibrant and virile middleweight, there is nothing that can stop Chris Byrd.

“I really want to show people that it’s never too late to accomplish your goals, and live out your dreams. My reflexes are razor sharp, my strength is phenomenal, and I’m more focused than I’ve been. I feel I’m ready to make a return to the ring, and with the help and guidance of Split-T Boxing, I hope to make it a reality.

By Norm Frauenheim–

It’s an intriguing weekend. Jermell and Jermall Charlo, maybe the most interesting brothers since the Klitschkos, are on one card, each in title fights.

Yuniel Dorticos and Mairis Briedis fight in a cruiserweight final of a concept, the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS), that somehow is back during a Pandemic that has made so much else oh-so forgettable. Josh Taylor is back for the first time in 11 months in a mandatory defense against challenger Apinun Khongsong in a London bout that could set up a long-awaited junior-welterweight showdown with Jose Ramirez.

It’s a loaded Saturday that tempts those of us – most of us – outside of the bubble to take a look. Maybe this is it, the moment when boxing begins to show it is ready to come out from behind closed doors and back under the marquee lights.

Hope springs eternal these days.

Then again, feints do, too.

Start with the Charlos, twins separated by only a vowel and six pounds. Jermell (33-1, 17 KOs) hopes to add Jeison Rosario’s (20-1-1, 14 KOs) two belts to his own, the World Council’s 154-pound belt. Jermall (30-0, 22 KOs) defends his WBC 160-pound belt against Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs).

The Charlos are a good story. But they’re not a pay-per-view story. Not during a Pandemic or before one. Post-Pandemic, maybe.  Even before Covid, their evolving careers were short of a major bout and name recognition. Nevertheless, a PPV tag, $74.95, has been attached to their featured bouts on a Showtime card (7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT) from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Will anybody pay to watch? Put it this way: Not many have been watching bubble bouts without the PPV price tag. Blame the economy. There’s not much disposable income. No stimulus from a deadlocked Congress, either. Fan interest has declined as much as the household budget. Fewer and fewer fans are watching.

There wasn’t much marketing momentum last Saturday in Showtime’s telecast of Erickson Lubin’s dull victory over Terrell Gausha. According to Nelsen, ratings for the Lubin-Gausha-featured card averaged 116,000 viewers. It peaked at 122,000, the smallest since Showtime resumed its boxing schedule August 1.

The trend seems to say — make that scream — for a couple of terrific bouts without the PPV investment. Boxing is in desperate need of some good advertising.  The Charlo twins could do exactly that. They could retain an audience and perhaps bring back a few of those who have already left the building. But a PPV price tag threatens to keep them away, leaving the game wrapped in a buzz-less bubble.

Maybe, that changes on Oct. 17 when Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez meet on ESPN in a lightweight bout loaded with pound-for-pound significance. It’s a fight still in the bubble, yet without a PPV tag.

Maybe, it only changes with what would be a surprising return of Canelo Alvarez, the leading PPV star over the last couple of years., The Athletic reported Thursday that Canelo is talking to DAZN, which he had sued along with his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. The suit was dismissed for a technicality. A simple rewrite would restore it.  An amended lawsuit is due Monday.  According to The Athletic, DAZN is offering Canelo $20 million, about $15 million less than the per-fight purse included in his original contract with the streaming service.

Maybe, maybe. Maybe, Terence Crawford is close to a deal to fight Kell Brook on Nov. 14. Maybe, fans will be allowed to sit in socially-distanced seats for Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder 3, targeted for Dec. 19 at the brand new Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders new home in Las Vegas.

The bubble is full of more maybes than real fights. Don’t make the fans pay for the little that is real. They can’t afford it. Neither can boxing.

Former WBC World Heavyweight Title Challenger and WBA International Heavyweight Champion Johann Duhaupas has compared Filip Hrgovi? (9-0, 7 KOs) to legendary three-time World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko.

The experienced Frenchman has been in Miami sparring Hrgovi?, alongside undefeated British heavyweight prospect Fabio Wardley and top Belgian cruiserweight Joel Tambwe Djeko, ahead of his WBC International Title clash with Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) on December 7th at the purpose built Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.

Duhaupas, who first encountered Hrgovi? at a Wladimir Klitschko training camp in Austria, says he has been impressed with the fast rising Croatian star, and states his ‘style and ability’ are similar to the elder Klitschko brother Vitali.

“I first met Filip at the Klitschko camp in Austria and he impressed me,” said Duhaupas. “He has a good right hand, fast and strong, and you can see he aims to become a World Champion. I smell it in him. His style and ability are similar to Vitali Klitschko.

Duhaupas is renowned for fighting some of the heavyweight division’s elite talent having faced the likes of Deontay Wilder, Alexander Povetkin and Jarrell Miller, and believes Hrgovi? is now ready to face similar big names.

“Deontay is a killer, but Filip already has a good right hand and maybe in one year with more muscle and power he could punch as hard as Wilder,” says Duhaupas. “With good mental and physical preparation, I believe Filip could win by KO against Miller or Povetkin.”

Hrgovi? must first overcome two-time World Title Challenger Molina from Texas, USA. A challenge Duhaupas believes the Olympic Bronze Medalist is ready for.

“It’s a really big opportunity for him,” he says. “When you are a good boxer with a good team you don’t care about travel, you only care about winning your fight. Filip wants to fight and he knows what he wants to achieve, I am very happy to train with him because his mentality is similar to mine.”

Hrgovic-Molina features on the undercard of the unified World Heavyweight Championship fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua which tops a stacked event at the Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia.

Also on the card are heavyweight clashes between Alexander Povetkin and Michael Hunter, Dillian Whyte against Mariusz Wach, Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little and more. All the action will be available to watch on DAZN in the US and other territories, RTL in Croatia and Sky Sports in the UK.

SUNNY EDWARDS believes he and world champion brother Charlie are following in the footsteps of heavyweight greats, The Klitschkos.

The Croydon flyweight siblings might be nine stone lighter than the Ukrainian former world heavyweight champions, but the little big men are inspired by their success story.

Sunny (10-0, 3 KOs) is heading towards world honours, while Charlie is WBC flyweight champion – the division where both aspire to hold global gongs at the same time and dominate like the Klitschkos did.

“We are the mini Croydon Klitschkos,” roared Sunny who defends his WBO European super-flyweight title at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27, live on BT Sport.

Sunny, 23, showed he is destined for the top at the back end of 2018 with impressive wins against Ryan Farrag and Adrian Granados.

Charlie has been defeated, but like the Klitschkos showed mettle to bounce back from defeat and become a world champion.

Sunny said: “The Klitschkos would have started out with nothing and that is what makes you dangerous.

“I’ve always said that if you have disposable income and want for nothing those fights that you lose or times it gets hard, how easy is it to turn around and say; ‘Boxing isn’t for me?’

“When you have invested everything those setbacks don’t knock you off. They just help you pave a different way.

“Flyweights are not the biggest division, but we’re building enough of a profile. We’re not earning what the heavyweights do, but we’re earning good money and not slaving away in ten rounders for a couple of grand.”

Although the Edwards pair have devoted their lives to boxing, it was only 12 months ago they started training together when Charlie joined Sunny at Grant Smith’s Steel City gym in Sheffield.

Sunny added: “Although we have the same career we are walking them differently. We have different promoters for a start.

“Although he is my brother and I am so proud of where he is I am still paving my own way. I’m not looking for handouts off the back of him.

“It is great to have him alongside me training at Steel City gym. We help each other, we bring each other on and it’s great.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

VERONA, N.Y. (April 27, 2018): Diego De La Hoya (20-0, 9 KOs), the quick-handed super bantamweight contender of Mexicali, Mexico, will defend his NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles against Jose “Sugar” Salgado (35-4-2, 28 KOs) of Cozumel, Mexico in the 10-round main event of the June 8 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The event will take place during the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, where legendary fighters such as “Dr. Ironfist” Vitali Klitschko, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, and Ronald “Winky” Wright will be inducted, along with important figures in the sport of boxing such as Peter Kohl, Steve Albert, Jim Gray and Lorraine Chargin.

ESPN2 will air the fights at a delayed start time of 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights the following day at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will steam the fights live beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

De La Hoya is an undefeated contender who has built a stellar resume since turning professional in 2013. The 23-year-old will return after his most significant victory yet when he defeated former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballeroon the HBO-televised undercard of Canelo vs. Golovkin in Sept. 2017. De La Hoya is eager to produce another exciting victory to demonstrate that he is ready for bigger and more lucrative fights.

“I’m delighted that Golden Boy Promotions and my manager Joel De La Hoya have given me the opportunity to return to the ring on June in Verona,” said Diego De La Hoya. “I’m enthusiastic because it will take place during Hall of Fame weekend where I hope to one day be inducted like my cousin and promoter Oscar De La Hoya. I promise an exciting fight and to walk away with my hand raised in victory because I’m ready for bigger things.”

Salgado is a former world title challenger who fought to a controversial technical draw against former WBC Super Flyweight Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras. The 28-year-old Mexican contender will move up to test the young fighter with an aggressive style that is backed by years of boxing experience.

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Jose Salgado. “I’m preparing for this fight with the clear goal of fighting for a world title after. I totally respect my opponent because he’s a great fighter who is very skilled. However, I’ll do my best to win so I can fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion.”

The undercard for this action-packed card will be announced shortly.

De La Hoya vs. Salgado is a 10-round super bantamweight fight for the NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Don Chargin & Paco Presents.The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, June 8, 2018 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. ESPN2 will air the fights at a delayed start time of 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights the following day at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will steam the fights live beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend is packed with a series of events starting Thursday, June 7 until the induction ceremony on Sunday, June 10. The weekend kicks off on Thursday with the opening bell ringing and ringside lectures on the museum grounds. Friday, June 8 will feature another series of lectures preceding the celebrity fist casting, followed by the highly anticipated Fight Night, broadcasted live from Turning Stone. Saturday, June 9 will showcase a golf tournament, a 5K race, another series of lectures, a boxing autograph card show, a VIP “Gala” and the Banquet of Champions at 8:00p.m. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with the Parade of Champions and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 2:30p.m. Click here to see the full schedule.

Host of the June 8 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 26th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this matchup go on sale Tuesday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. ET, and are available from $34 and $85 for the first two rows ringside, $70 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49, $45 and $39 plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for June 8 must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/DLHSalgado into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 5, 2017 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the members of the Class of 2018. Inductees include three Modern category boxers who all enter the Hall in their first year of eligibility; heavyweight champion “Dr. Ironfist” Vitali Klitschko, four-division world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales and light middleweight champion Ronald “Winky” Wright. Non-participants and observers to be inducted include German promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl and broadcasters Steve Albert and Jim Gray.

“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2018 and are very much looking forward to paying tribute to the new inductees in Canastota next June,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2018 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will be held June 7-10th in Canastota, NY. Many events in “Boxing’s Hometown” of Canastota throughout the four-day celebration, including a 5K Race / Fun Run, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, VIP Cocktail Reception, Parade of Champions and the Official Induction Ceremony on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds, are scheduled. The Hall of Fame Weekend evening events include Friday night’s Fight Night at Turning Stone and Saturday’s Banquet of Champions. Both events will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

The Hall of Fame also released names of posthumous honorees: Sid Terris in the Old-Timer Category; and ring announcer Johnny Addie and promoter Lorraine Chargin in the Non Participant Category. Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. Biographies on the Class of 2018 can be found on www.ibhof.com

For more information on the events planned for the 2018 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

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COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS

“It’s a dream of many boxers to be a member of the Hall of Fame family. I’ve thought about the Hall of Fame but I never expected one day that I would be among the legends who were always examples for me such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and so many world famous boxers. It’s a big honor for me.”
– Vitali Klitschko

“It’s an honor to be elected into the Hall of Fame and recognized for my achievements. I’m overwhelmed by the news. It is a dream come true to be part of the Hall of Fame and I can’t wait until next June to be in Canastota.”
– Erik Morales

“Wow! It’s great. It’s an honor. I love my fans and I’m grateful that my accomplishments in boxing are being honored. It feels so great to be in the Hall of Fame.”
– Winky Wright

“Oh great! This news has made my day. I’m just so happy. I’ve been wishing and praying for this. For her to be the only woman besides Aileen Eaton in the Hall, on many fronts it’s a great honor. I’m really at a loss for words. I’ve dreamt of this.”
– Don Chargin, husband of Lorraine Chargin

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh my God. I’m completely surprised. I’m looking forward to coming to Canastota in June for the Hall of Fame Weekend.”
– Klaus-Peter Kohl

“It’s an honor. I didn’t expect this. I heard from some boxing friends that I was on the ballot but having been out of the sport for a few years I didn’t expect it to happen. It is quite an honor and I appreciate the call very much. It’s a little overwhelming. I’ve never been to Canastota and I’ve heard so many great things about that weekend through other friends who have been inducted and I look forward to it. It’s rare for me, but I’m a little speechless right now.”
– Steve Albert

“I got chills. I’m so honored and so grateful to the sport, the fighters and the Hall of Fame. What an amazing feeling to have this unique recognition. It’s just an amazing feeling to have been able to have observed and witnessed the excellence of so many incredible athletes. To have been able to have played a part in being able to interview them and bring it to the public is an incredible feeling.”
– Jim Gray

TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO
OFFICIAL RESORT CASINO OF THE
INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME WEEKEND

In October, Turning Stone Resort Casino and the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced a major five-year partnership. The multifaceted program will spotlight the entire region, garnering national attention and will boost Central New York tourism. The program includes a series of exhilarating nationally-televised boxing events at Turning Stone and will culminate every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend celebration with several events, promotions, restaurant specials and more. Turning Stone has become internationally-known for legendary fight-of-the-year level boxing matches, rivaling arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami. In fact, one of the very first fights held at the resort was boxing legend Hector “Macho” Camacho defeating Tommy Small in a sixth round knockout. Over the years, several Boxing Hall-of-Famers and boxing legends have fought or promoted fights at Turning Stone, including Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto and Oscar de la Hoya.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Erik Morales and Vitali Klitschko are at the head of the 2017 class on the ballot for inductions to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Morales, another link in the long line of Mexican greats, should be a lock. From this corner, it would only be a surprise if Morales were not a unanimous choice on ballots due at the end of October.

If he isn’t, voters simply have not looked closely at the ballot or his credentials. Morales won titles at four weights – 122 pounds, 126, 130 and 140. He battled through two memorable trilogies, Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao.

There are nine losses on his 61-fight ledger, but he fought just about everybody. In the end, he stuck around too long and fought at weights too heavy for a fighter who was at his ferocious best as a featherweight.

Vitali Klitschko isn’t the lock that Morales is. At least, not on this ballot. But he was a terrific heavyweight and very much a part of the Wladimir Klitschko reign that would follow after he retired to become mayor of Kiev.

The brothers would never fight each other.
At their best, however, the pick here would be Vitali in a close one. He was tough, smart and resilient, especially in one of only two losses in 2003 to Lennox Lewis in a bout stopped because of cuts.

The rest of the ballot? It’s a tough call. Only three will be inducted. The process asks voters to select five from a list of 32 nominees The best of those include welterweight Donald Curry, light-middleweight Winky Wright, heavyweight Michael Moorer, middleweight Nigel Benn and junior-flyweight Ivan Calderon.

They’re all worthy. Moorer was at his best at 175 pounds. He was 10-0 in light-heavyweight title fights. But he’s remembered mostly for crushing losses to 45-year-old George Foreman and Evander Holyfield.

Benn was a very good middleweight champ best known for upsetting Gerald McClellan in a haunting bout that left McClellan with permanent injuries. He also beat Iran Barkley. But there aren’t many more well-known names on a record that ended in three straight defeats.

On this ballot, the votes go to:

§ Curry, who held titles at 147 and 154 in a career that had him at the top of the pound-for-debate during the mid-1980s.

§ Wright, who might have been the best light-middleweight champ ever in the brief history of a division getting a lot of attention these days.

§ Calderon, a 105 and 108 pound champion in the first decade of the new millennium and the best little guy to answer an opening bell since a couple of other Hall of Famers, Michael Carbajal and Humberto Gonzalez.

LAS VEGAS, NV. — Superstar heavyweight LENNOX LEWIS, the last undisputed heavyweight champion and who won an Olympic gold medal with a victory over Riddick Bowe and scored professional victories over boxing legends such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko, confirmed Wednesday that he will return to Las Vegas this weekend to attend the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s third annual induction gala at Caesars Palace on Saturday, August 8.

Lewis is the latest in a gaggle of stars who have announced they’ll attend the popular gala induction ceremony. In addition to Lewis the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame has confirmed that Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Felix Trinidad, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Roger Mayweather will also attend the high-profile event as the newest members of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

Lewis, who was 41-2-1 with 32 knockouts and had a win over every man he ever faced in the ring, is one of the headliners of the NVBHOF’s 2015 class of inductees, chosen in the non-Nevada boxer category.

Lewis avenged the only two losses of his career, stopping both Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman after losing to them earlier.

Lewis was a classic boxer with a powerful punch. He’s probably best known for his 2002 win over Tyson, where he won every round before stopping him in the eighth round.

He held all, or a version of, the heavyweight title from 1993 until 1994 and then again from 1997 through the end of his career in 2003

Lewis had great success in Nevada and avenged both of his losses in Las Vegas. He was 8-0 in his Nevada career and won fights at both Caesars Palace and Caesars Tahoe.

In the latter part of his fighting career, Lewis joined HBO Sports as an expert analyst and was a familiar figure at ringside for many of the biggest bouts of the late 20th and early 21st century in Las Vegas.

The Hall was founded by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta. Its chief operating officer is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was an inaugural inductee into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. For more information, phone 702-3-NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with Global Legacy Boxing (GLB) and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), made an official announcement this week, along with Lennox Lewis, that Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson will defend his titles against Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency on Sept. 11 at Toronto’ Ricoh Coliseum in “The Revival: “KO in TO”.

The upcoming World Championship title fight card will also see Canadian Heavyweight Champ Dillon “Big Country” Carman defend his title against legendary Donovan “Razor” Ruddock.

Global Legacy President Les Woods s, :”I am so pleased to see The Champ, Lennox Lewis, recognized by the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. It’s a privilege and honor to call him my friend and to be a partner teamed with him in Toronto to promote Boxing in Canada.”

LAS VEGAS (July 15, 2014) – Long before World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) knocked out Chris Arreola (35-4) this past May to claim the coveted title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs) started talking smack about Stiverne and he hasn’t let up as the impending showdown approaches later this year.

Wilder is the mandatory, No. 1 challenger for Stiverne’s first defense. If the relatively untested fighter from Alabama believes his incessant trash talk, juvenile antics and bizarre behavior is getting to Stiverne, he has another thing coming when they step intoi the ring. In fact, Stiverne admits he’s been amused.

“He’s not going to get under my skin,” Stiverne said. “I think he’s funny. Maybe he should think about doing a comedy act after I beat him? Friends have sent me stuff he’s said and done. It’s funny. He’s like a little kid who needs attention, so he keeps opening his mouth. His trash talking doesn’t bother me at all. I saw some people who brought up what he’s said. What am I supposed to do, hand my title to him? I guess he wants to entertain his fans. If he thinks his tricks are going to bother me, he’s going to be in big trouble.”

Stiverne & Estephan
While Wilder’s chatter hasn’t fazed Stiverne, his manager, Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management), has already tired of Wilder’s act. “Wilder is a clown,” Estephan remarked. “No respect! What’s he ever done to act like this? Look who he’s fought. Bermane is going to expose him and shut him up for good. His actions are ill advised. Wilder doesn’t realize he’s in for such a rough ride and a very big surprise. We’re happy to fight him, mandatory or not.”

Some have proclaimed Wilder as the next world heavyweight champion, using his perfect professional record as evidence for his coronation. His skeptics, however, believe Wilder’s record has been built up by fighting fraudulent opponents, pointing out he’s never fought anybody as nearly as good as Arreola (Stiverne’s victim in his last two fights), never mind somebody with the rare combination of power and quickness that Stiverne possesses. Meanwhile, “B-Ware” has been basking in the glory of being a world heavyweight champion, proudly noting he is the first Haitian-born fighter to achieve that distinction.

“My life hasn’t really changed too much other than my popularity growing,” Stiverne talked about life after becoming world champion. “My Instagram followers went up from 2,000 to 13,000 from one picture. There hasn’t been one day I haven’t done something in public. I expected change but not like this. People used to look at me and ask if I played in the NFL. I’ve had people tell me they always thought I was a football player until they saw me fight Arreola. Places I used to stand in line to get in, well, I don’t stand in line anymore.

“I try to stay on the down-low. I’m not out clubbing every day, or feel that I have to do something in public. I’m available but, closer to the fight, I’ll shut down everything 4-5 weeks out unless it has to do with the promotion. I don’t think it has fully hit me, yet. It will when I go back to Haiti to meet the President (Michel) Martelly.”

Stiverne is a breath of fresh air in a division dominated by the robotic, impersonal Klitschko brothers for the past decade. Stiverne’s fan-friendly boxing style, coupled with his bubbly personality, make him extremely marketable as long as he keeps winning. Stiverne-Wilder has tremendous implications for the winner in terms of a potential mega-fight with Wladimir Klitschko for a total unification of the heavyweight belts. Stiverene, though, remains fully focused on Wilder.

“I do feel like a fresh face in the heavyweight division,” Stiverne concluded. “I’m bringing excitement back to the heavyweight division like years ago. Wilder’s not a threat but I’m taking him serious. I take all my opponents seriously but I’m going to teach that little kid a lesson. It’s a shame his promoter and manager are putting him in such a big fight like this so early in his career.”

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne.

Tommy Brooks knows a thing or two about heavyweights. The legendary American coach has trained a who’s who of heavyweight greats including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and the Klitschko brothers.

Brooks’ latest charge is British heavyweight star David Price (17-2, 15 KOs). Brooks has been overseeing the rebuilding process for the Olympic Bronze medalist, following back-to-back defeats to Tony Thompson.

The rebuilding process continues for Price when he takes on the hard-hitting Yaroslav Zavorotnyi (16-6, 14 KOs) at the Sport and Congress Center in Schwerin, Germany on Saturday, June 7th.

Ahead of Saturday night’s action Brooks offers his perspective on Price’s development.

‘’He is coming on like gangbusters, baby!’’ said Brooks. ‘’He has a real bright future ahead of him. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think he could make it all the way to the top.

‘’His losses to Thompson came because of inexperience. He didn’t know what to do. When he got dropped he jumped straight up. When he had Thompson hurt he ran right at him, you’ve got to set it up.

‘’But experience doesn’t fall out of the sky. He needs to be shown. That’s why I am here, to teach him, so that if he is in that situation again he knows what he has to do.

‘’You can tell he is really starting to understand what I am showing him. If he keeps listening to what I am saying, this time next year he will be ready for Vladimir (Klitschko).‘

On April 12th, 2014, two former foes of WBC heavyweight champion “in recess” Vitali Klitschko square off at the Telekom Dome in Bonn, Germany, when local hero and WBC #6 rated Manuel Charr faces Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson on a show promoted by Charr’s “Diamond Boy Promotion”. Johnson went the distance with the elder Klitschko brother losing a lopsided decision in December 2009 and has lost three of his last four against Tyson Fury, Christian Hammer and Dereck Chisora. Manuel Charr was stopped by a cut when he challenged Vitali in September 2012 but successfully recovered from his sole career loss winning four in a row and collecting a couple of WBC regional titles.

In the co-feature “Peacefighter” Hamid Rahimi will step into the ring against an opponent to be announced. The 30 year old middleweight contender from Afghanistan made worldwide news in 2012 when he organized the first ever professional boxing fight in his hometown Kabul labelled as “Fight for Peace”. Rahimi stopped Said Mbelwa in the seventh round to claim the WBO intercontinental middleweight championship. He was originally scheduled to face Billy Joe Saunders in a WBO eliminator in April but Saunders suffered an injury so the fight had to be postponed. Now Rahimi will fight in Bonn instead to get ready for his elimination bout in England later this year.

Besides the action in the ring the show on April 12th in Bonn will feature some international music acts lead by German rap superstar Prince Kay One who is co-promoting Charr and will perform live at the “Diamond Boy’s” walk-in to the arena. In addition to that former Monrose lead singer Bahar, rockstar Percial Duke and 80s-pop-icon Fancy will showcase their talent at the Telekom Dome.

For tickets (starting at 15,- Euros plus tax and fees) go to www.koelnticket.de or www.eventim.de or call +49-221-2801.

Heavyweight contender Odlanier Solis arrived in Istanbul (Turkey). The 2004 Olympic gold medalist will face US veteran Tony “Tiger” Thompson on March 22nd in Tekirdag. It is the clash of two former Klitschko foes: In March 2011 Solis lost to then WBC champion Vitali Klitschko in Cologne (Germany) due to a knee injury; Thompson had already two shots at Vitali’s younger brother Wladimir in 2008 and 2012 but lost both fights.

“The winner of this bout will get another shot at the world title”, says promoter Ahmet Oner. “With Vitali in retirement and Wladimir facing stiffs like Alex Leapai it’s about time to bring back some action to the heavyweight scene. Both guys have a lot to win but even more to lose. So I am sure that it will be a hell of a fight.”

Solis hit Istanbul yesterday with Miami based physician Osvaldo Nordelo to wrap up his training camp in Turkey. Tomorrow the team expects head coach Manny Masson who will be in Solis’ corner for the Thompson fight. “Solis and Masson have been a very good team before. Manny was one of Solis’ first coaches when he came to Germany in 2007. They have a good chemistry and I am sure that they will have the right game plan to beat Thompson”, states Oner. “Solis loves Turkey. He loves the people and the hospitality. He is in great shape already and we gave him the best possible conditions over here to finalize his training camp. He will do one more week of sparring and then just focus on the fight.”

OTTAWA, Canada (January 19, 2014) – The impending World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight championship fight to determine the successor of recently retired Vitali Klitschko, matching the WBC’s top two contenders, respectively, WBC Silver champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (23-1, 20 KOs) against Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs), is extra special for Stiverne’s veteran head trainer, Don House.

“First,” he explained, “I’ve been with Bermane since the first day and that’s really why this is so special for me. It’s also special for me because I’ve been part of teams for world champions – Diego Corrales, Kevin Kelly, Joan Guzman, Frankie Liles and others – but I’ve never been the head trainer of the world heavyweight champion or a WBC world champion.

“Bermane has grown a lot since the beginning (pro debut July 29, 2005). He was young and a little immature back them. The first time I saw him hitting the heavy-bag I said I could make him a champ and give him the discipline he needed. He liked to say he was a boxer but the last couple of years he has believed he’d be world champion. There’s been no stopping him since the Arreola fight.”

Last April in his second successful WBC heavyweight title eliminator, Stiverne successfully defended his WBC Silver belt, winning an impressive 12-round unanimous decision (118-109, 117-110, 117-10) over Arreola, breaking his opponent’s nose and dropping him in the third round despite a serious right shoulder injury that was aggravated during their fight.

The strong bond between House and Stiverne, who seeks to become the first Haitian World Heavyweight Champion, goes beyond a trainer-fighter relationship. “House is like a big brother to me,” Stiverne said from training camp in Las Vegas where they both live. “The relationship isn’t on a business level, it’s more like family. In my amateur days, I was more of a brawler, but House taught me how to box and be smart in the ring. I knew how to fight and go toe-to-toe back in the day but he taught me to relax in the ring, be calm, and use skills I never knew I had. With him and my conditioning coach, Victor Vargotski, I have the best team I could ever have.”

“Don House has been with Bermane from day one,” Stiverne’s manager Camille Estephan commented. “He is one helluva coach and an excellent person. He and Victor Vargotski have been by Bermane every step of the way. Together, we truly form a family. The bond is very strong and I believe this makes a difference in the sense that there is true trust established, which gives Bermane peace of mind and faith in what he is working on in the gym. This is truly priceless.”

Three scheduled purse bids for mandatory challenger Stiverne to challenge Klitschko were postponed, however, nothing can deter Stiverne and the WBC eventually mandated his world title fight versus Arreola for the vacant belt. They may not know exactly where or when, yet, but Stiverne and House are preparing as if this is not a rematch with Arreola.

“I’ve evaluated this fight and we have been going at this like Bermane hasn’t fought Arreola before, as if everything is brand new,” House noted. “Can Arreola bring anything into this fight differently? No. He may come to fight in the best shape of his life but he doesn’t have the skills to beat Bermane. He doesn’t have the power or speed that Bermane does. Arreola will be right there, Bermane won’t have to look for him, and he will be ready to fight 12 rounds.

“I never hear anything about injuries or illness from Bermane until after the fight in the locker-room. He keeps that stuff to himself and I didn’t know how badly he hurt his shoulder during training camp. And he hurt himself during the fight, too. This fight he is going to finish things. He fought sick in the Ray Austin fight (101 temperature in Stiverne’s first WBC eliminator win). It just shows how much heart and balls he has; no excuses, ever, from Bermane.”

The 34-year-old Stiverne, noted, “My injured right shoulder was the reason I had to go with plan B and why I didn’t throw a lot of right hands. I dropped him with the only right I threw with power that landed. I came out to finish him the next (fourth) round but slipped and pulled a muscle in my back. I wouldn’t let that bother me, though, despite how painful it was. I kept going and followed the plan to get a W and was rushed to the hospital right after the fight. I learned that, whatever the issue, I still fight like a warrior and that’s the real meaning of no pain, no gain.”

The WBC ordered the promoters of the two fighters – Don King Productions (Stiverne) and Goossen-Tutor Promotions (Arreola) – to negotiate but the fight is slated to go to a WBC purse bid in Mexico on Monday, Jan. 24 unless an agreement is reached prior to the already extended deadline.

“The world heavyweight title means you’re the baddest man on the planet,” House concluded, “unlike a Tiger Woods, ‘Magic’ Johnson or even Floyd Mayweather. This title brings a different twist to sports.”

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will vacate his title to concentrate on his political career in the Ukraine.

“I want to thank the WBC and its president, Don Jose Sulaiman, for the support in our fight for democracy and freedom in Ukraine,” Klitschko said. “It was and is a great honor to hold the WBC title, and I’ve always done it with pride. The offer of the WBC gives me the theoretical possibility to return to the boxing ring, which I cannot imagine at all to the current state.

“Right now, my full concentration is on politics in Ukraine, and I feel that the people need me there. My brother [and unified heavyweight champion] Wladimir will ensure more sporting success and I will, as always, support him as much as he currently supports me in my political fight.”

This is the second time in his career that Vitali Klitschko has been designated as a “champion emeritus.”

“Vitali Klitschko is fighting the fight of his life, this time outside the ring,” said WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, son of the ill Jose Sulaiman. “Vitali is showing to the world what is the true heart of a champion by leading his countrymen to battle in the streets in their search of human equality, rights and peace for the great country of the Ukraine.

“With the current extreme and delicate political situation in the Ukraine, Vitali has answered his country’s call to fight for human rights and equality. Accordingly, Vitali will not be able to provide the WBC with a predictable time frame to return to the ring. In light of those considerations, the WBC voted unanimously to name Vitali Klitschko WBC heavyweight champion emeritus. Very few great fighters have received such an honorable distinction, which will entitle Vitali to fight for the WBC heavyweight world championship when he is ready to return to the ring. … We all wish him great success in his political career.”

LONDON (25 Oct) – Knockout heavyweight sensation Deontay Wilder has earmarked a world title clash with one of the Klitschko brothers early next year before crossing the Atlantic to take care of brash-talking Tyson Fury.

The ‘Bronze Bomber’, who has sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division after laying out all 29 of his past opponents, returns to the ring this weekend to face Nicolai Firtha on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins’ world title defence against Karo Murat in Atlantic City.

Speaking exclusively to BoxNation, the imposing 6ft 7in bruiser from Tuscaloosa, Alabama has his sight firmly fixed on becoming the next heavyweight champion of the world by dethroning the current kings of the division – the Klitschko brothers – who he believes have their vulnerabilities.

“I’m thinking early-to-mid next year [for a world title shot]. We’re trying to line it up now. At the moment I’m ranked number 3 by the WBC so we’re in planning right now. I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me,” said Wilder.

“Everybody has weaknesses – the Klitschko’s have weaknesses as well too. It’s just up to fighters to find them when they’re in the ring.

“It’s always shorter fighters fighting them – that’s one thing I don’t understand – but when the shorter fighters are in the ring with them their whole objective is to get in the inside and try and throw overhands. You can’t just have one plan when going in with them,” he explained.

“Deontay Wilder is the next heavyweight champion of the world – the next undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I feel the heavyweight division will be restored, these things move in cycles,” Wilder declared.

A potential fight which has been brewing nicely, ever since an impromptu coming together when the pair locked horns during a recent boxing event in Rotherham, is a mouth-watering matchup with British star Tyson Fury.

With Wilder having also been in camp with David Haye, helping the Londoner get ready ahead of his initially arranged September showdown with Fury, the blue touch paper has been lit, clearing the way for an inevitable coming together.

“The fight between me and Tyson Fury will definitely happen one day soon. The hype has been building like it’s been planned and once it gets to the peak where it’s an absolute must that fight’s going to happen,” said Wilder.

“When that fight happens we want it to be the best fight in the history of boxing. Two guys from two different parts of the world coming together for one night for the fans – I think it’s going to be a great fight when that time comes for both of us. We’re both two exciting heavyweights in the division and the fight would be great,” he said.

As two rising undefeated contenders, the bout would reignite the competitive Anglo-American rivalry which has illuminated many fights through history, though, where it takes place is no issue with Wilder.

“I would fight him anywhere,” said Wilder. “I’m a traveller, a global fighter, I fight anywhere all over the world that’s how you become legendary. You become legendary by not being afraid to go into enemy territory when the time comes or when duty calls.

“I love England, everytime I’m there people treat me like it’s my home and I have a lot of friends over there. When I’m over there I feel comfortable, I feel like I’m at home so it won’t be no different if it’s in the United States or England,” he stated.

Wilder has business to take care of first this weekend when he faces Firtha in a fight you can see live on BoxNation. Also featured on the card is Peter Quillin defending his WBO middleweight title against Gabriel Rosado before the main event when Bernard Hopkins puts his IBF light-heavyweight world title on the line against Germany’s Karo Murat.

Watch Hopkins vs Murat and Wilder vs Firtha live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will run for president of his native Ukraine.

“I have decided to run for president of Ukraine [in] 2015,” Klitschko said during a speech in front of the Ukrainian parliament.

“It’s tough job, to be honest,” he said. “I have learned lessons about Ukrainian politics, and I want to make changes in Ukraine. I am not alone. Together, me and many other people, we have a vision. We are fighting for changes in Ukraine and real democracy in Ukraine.”

OTTAWA, Canada (August 13, 2013) -The latest ruling by the World Boxing Council (WBC), allowing its heavyweight champion, Vitali “Dr. Ironfist” Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs), to avoid fighting No. 1 mandatory challenger Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (23-1, 20 KOs), has drawn anger from an increasingly frustrated Team Stiverne.

Stiverne has already won not one, but two WBC title eliminators, the latest against Chris Arreola (35-3, 30 KOs) on HBO this past April 27, and three different mandated purse bids have been postponed. Now, the WBC has announced that the 42-year-old Klitschko has suffered an injury to his right hand and he won’t return to the ring until 2014. Plus, the WBC will not make a decision regarding his title situation until the first-quarter of 2014, leaving Stiverne waiting even longer for his much deserved world title shot.

“I would hate to think the WBC treats some fighters more highly than others,” a terribly disappointed Stiverne said. “I don’t understand. (Timothy) Bradley was stripped when he was injured but I’ve read that the WBC would never strip Vitali. Do they have favorites? All fighters should be treated the same. We haven’t heard anything directly from the WBC. The WBC isn’t respecting us or its own rules. I remember when (Oleg) Maskaev was hurt before his fight with (Sam) Peter and Peter was named the WBC Interim champion. This isn’t fair or respectful, and it’s bad for boxing.”

Klitsckko hasn’t fought in nearly a year, when he defeated Manuel Charr (TKO4) on September 8, 2013; his last mandatory defense was almost two years ago, on Sept. 10, 2011 against Dereck Chisora (DEC12).

Stiverne’s manager, Camille Estephan, CEO of Eye Of The Tiger Management (EOTTM), believes the WBC should either strip Klitschko of his belt, letting Stiverne fight the highest-ranking, available contender for the vacant WBC title, or name Stiverne as its Interim heavyweight champion.

“Klitschko has been a great champion and ambassador of boxing,” Estephan commented, “but a true world champion has to defend his title in the ring, not keep it because of politics. He won’t fight until 2014 but he should be stripped for not defending his title, or step aside to allow Bermane to fight for the Interim belt. The heavyweight division is the flagship of boxing but, we haven’t had one world heavyweight champion because the Klitschko brothers won’t fight each other, of course, but Vitali not defending his title adds insult to the heavyweight division.

“He hasn’t defended his title in almost a year and now it’ll be much longer if we have to wait for the WBC to even make a decision about the status of its heavyweight title. This is totally unacceptable. The credibility of the sport is at stake. Bermane has done everything required and more to get his world title shot. Two winning title-eliminators, three postponed purse bids, and now this. Why should he continue to be penalized for Vitali not defending his belt? I expect the WBC Board of Governors to do the right thing, now, and immediately. We’ve waited long enough!”

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eottmvd and @BermaneStiverne.

OTTAWA, Canada (July 26, 2013) — When heavyweight contender Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (21-1, 20 KOs) upset Chris Arreola (35-3, 30 KOs) on HBO this past April 27, in a title elimination bout, it set-up the dangerous Canadian for a super fight versus future Hall of Famer and long-time World Boxing Council (WBC) World Heavyweight Champion, Vitali Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs).

Stiverne completely dominated former world title challenger Arreola, dropping him in the third round, en route to a unanimous 12-round decision (118-109, 117-110, 117-110) for the vacant WBC Silver title.

A purse bid was set and postponed, reset and re-postponed. Finally, July 22 was supposed to be the final purse bid date when, surprisingly, the WBC once again granted another extension requested by the Team Klitschko, forcing the mandatory challenger to wait once again for his world title shot that he has now earned twice by winning a pair “title elimination” bouts. WBO No. 1 contender Stiverne, who is also rated No. 10 in the world by The Ring Magazine, had knocked out Ray Austin in the 10th round of their WBC heavyweight title eliminator on June 25, 2011.

“It’s a bit frustrating to hear only two days before the scheduled purse bid that it has once again been postponed,” explained Stiverne’s manager, Camille Estephan, CEO of Eye Of The Tiger Management (EOTTM). “We are waiting for a new date. At this point, we have worked really hard to secure potential venues. Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre and Montreal’s Bell Centre are still at the forefront. Regardless, Bermane is ready now, or in a few months, and the longer Klitschko plays politics rather than man up and fight, the more ready we will be and the older he will get. Bermane will KO him wherever and whenever it happens.”

In the meantime, though, fans can still be treated to world-class boxing in the Capital region on September 6. “For now,” Estephan noted, “we are focused on our September 6th card at the Casino Lac Leamy in Gatineau. We have undefeated lightweight Ghislain “Mani” Maduma (14-0, 9 KOs) defending his WBC Continental Americas belt and also fighting for the vacant NABF (North American Boxing Federation) championship. This win, if successful, should put him in the top 5 in the world (Maduma is presently rated No. 14 by the WBC). (Super featherweight) Baha Laham (12-0-1, 5 KOs) and (light heavyweight Andy Gardiner (8-0. 4 KOs) are also being showcased in separate eight- round fights. If you know anything about these two guys, I don’t have to tell you it’s going to be exciting.”

Tickets for Sept. 6th event are on sale now and very reasonably priced at $40.00 and $60.00, while tables of 10 may be purchased for $1,500, by visiting www.admission.com or at the Final Round Boxing Club, 15 Eccles Street in Ottawa. For further information visit www.eottm.com, contact EOTTM at (514) 632-56666, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd.

Heavyweight contender Manuel Charr has big goals for 2013. „I hope to get another chance to fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBC world championship“, states Charr. „I will do whatever it takes to make this fight happen. I can only hope that Vitali doesn’t retire. I heard that David Haye wants to fight him, too. Well, David, we both have the same goal – so let us find out in the ring who should have the right to challenge Klitschko. I am hereby officially challenging you for an elimination bout!“

In his first world title shot in September in Moscow Charr was stopped by a cut in the fourth round. „Vitali didn’t beat me – his doctor did it for him“, says Charr. „I think David Haye said the same thing right after the fight.“ The „Diamond Boy“ has already checked different options to get a rematch against the older Klitschko brother.

After winning the WBC Silver international championship in March, Charr added the WBC Baltic and WBC Mediterranean title to his collection of minor regional belts by knocking out tough contender Konstantin Airich in one round on December 21st. „There are seven minor WBC belts – and I want to unify them all“, says Charr. „Once I have all the ‚small’ belts the only one missing will be the big green and gold title. And that’s what I’m looking for.“

Another chance to secure a title shot would be winning the „WBC World Cup“ which is supposed to start in May. „The WBC is looking for eight contenders for the World Cup“, states Charr. „I am honoured to be on the short list. The winner of the tournament will become the mandatory challenger for the world championship.“

The only problem: The World Cup is scheduled for a whole year which means that Charr – in case he wins the tournament – would be world title challenger in 2014 when Vitali Klitschko will most probably be retired. But the „Diamond Boy“ desperately wants to face Klitschko again to show the world that he can beat the best heavyweight fighter in the world.

„That’s why I am calling out David Haye. I am not ducking anybody and only looking for the biggest challenge out there. David, if you’re reading this, come on and fight me! I’m ready and only waiting for you – let’s get it on!“

Come September 29 all eyes will be on Hamburg, Germany, as three title
fights will top the bill at Alsterdorfer Sporthalle. Light Middleweight Jack
Culcay is going to defend his WBA Intercontinental Championship against Mark
Thompson and WBA World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin will be
trying to fend off the bid of mandatory challenger and former WBC and IBF
Champion Hasim Rahman. But another heavyweight bout could steal the show,
when Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Ustinov collide not only for the European
and the IBF International Championship but also the number one spot in the
IBF rankings. So the winner will come closer to challenge current World
Champion Wladimir Klitschko in the not too distant future. In the following
interview, the heavyweight colossus Ustinov talks about his chances of
beating Pulev and earning this coveted position.

Alexander Ustinov, On September 29, you will challenge Kubrat Pulev for the
European and IBF International Heavyweight Championship. How is your
preparation going?

Alexander Ustinov: Everything is going well. I am currently in the final
moments of my sparring, so on the day of the fight I will be in tip-top
shape and ready to win!

What do you expect from Pulev and how are you going to deal with it?

Alexander Ustinov: We are both experienced professionals and know the boxing
business pretty good. Kubrat will enter the ring to win just like me! It is
going to be a great fight!

You have won 21 of your 27 fights by knockout – Pulev 8 out of 16. Would you
say that you are the bigger puncher and that his power is not as much of a
concern to you?

Alexander Ustinov: I do not consider myself just as a big puncher. I just do
my job inside the ring. However, if there is a possibility to finish the
combat in the early rounds – then why not? I will take the chance!

You are currently fighting for K2, the banner of the Klitschko brothers.
Have you actually sparred with them and if so, what have you learned by
sparring them?

Alexander Ustinov: I have helped Vitali twice to prepare for a fight and it
was always a great experience for me. After that, I have realised one very
simple but very important thing: If you want to be the best, then you have
to deal with the best! I am proud of being able to help Vitali.

The fight against Pulev is not only for the European Championship but also
for the number one spot in the IBF world rankings. Therefore, if you should
be able to beat Pulev, your next opponent could be Wladimir Klitschko. Are
you thinking about that?

Alexander Ustinov: The Klitschko Brothers are currently the heavyweight
kings. Everybody wants to face them, but not everybody has the chance to get
into the ring with them. Well, if I should get that opportunity I will be
very happy.

Tickets for the big event can be purchased online at www.eventim.de and
www.boxen.com.

Vitali Klitschko retained the WBC Heavyweight title when opponent Manuel Charr was deemed unable to continue after round four in Moscow, Russia.

Klitschko dominated as he kept Charr ast distance. Char tried and once in a while was successful getting shots into Klitscko. Klitschko scored a knockdown in the second from a little right hand on the inside. Charr was cut around the right eye in round two and a right hand caused a bigger cut around the left eye in round four and the fight was stopped at 2:04 of round four.

Klitschko, 248 1/2 lbs is now 45-2 with forty-one knockouts

According to the Klitschko Twitter account, WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will meet undefeated yet unheralded German Manuel Charr on September 8th in Moscow, Russia.

Klitschko, 44-2 with forty knockouts will be making the ninth defense of the currant reign as champion and will take on Charr who is 21-0 eleven knockouts

One year ago Cuban heavyweight sensation suffered a bad knee injury when challenging WBC world champion Vitali Klitschko in Cologne, Germany. At the end of the first round which he would have won on the scorecards, Solis’ knee gave in, forcing the referee to stop the fight. „La Sombra“ had to undergo surgery three times and was unable to get back into the ring so far even though his comeback had been announced a couple of times last year. Now the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and multiple world amateur champion ist finally set to return to action on May 19th in Texas on a show promoted by Kathy Duva (Main Events) along with Ahmet Oner (ARENA).

At the moment Solis is in training camp in Florida with champion coach Pedro Luis Diaz Benitez who is also preparing Miguel Cotto for his light middleweight mega fight against Floyd Mayweather jr. on May 5th in Las Vegas.

„It feels great to be finally back in action and working on my comeback“, says Solis. „The last twelve months have been hell with a lot of setbacks but now I’m ready to go at it again. Of course, it adds some extra motivation to work with a great champion like Miguel Cotto. We have lots of fun at camp but, of course, we are both very focused and working hard on our goals.“

Solis’ opponent for his comeback fight has not been announced yet but promoter Ahmet Oner knows that his fighter doesn’t need an easy build up against any kind of journey man.

„Solis is a spezial fighter“, says Oner. „I still believe that he is the biggest force in the heavyweight division besides the Klitschko brothers. In the last weeks and months I heard lots of people talking about the heavyweight division and discussing all different kinds of names as possible Klitschko challengers or heavyweight hopes. I never heard the name Odlanier Solis. People overlooked him because he has been out of action for quite a while but I am sure that his comeback fight will put him right back on the map. We will not waste any time with fights against tomato cans. We are looking for a real test for his comeback. It’s not easy because there are not many fighters out there who actually dare to step into the ring with Solis but I’m sure that we will present a good solution very soon. When Solis stays healthy and doesn’t suffer any more injuries, I am sure that he will be world champion very soon. We will go after Wladimir Klitschko immediately. But of course, we would be ready for a rematch with Vitali as well. Solis is one of very few fighters in the world who could actually beat both brothers and I am convinced that he will prove it once he gets another chance.“

Vitali Klitschko made the eleventh successful defense (over two interrupted reigns) of the WBC Heavyweight title when he scored a twelve round unanimous decision over willing challenger Dereck Chisora in Munich, Germany.

Klitschko basically won the fight with one hand as as he landed some solid right hands in every round. Unlike most Klitschko opponents, Chisora actually fought hard and came to win for all twelve rounds but he was unable to land the big shot as he was caught time and again by the right hand. Klitschko used his size to cut off Chisora but the champion was better in all aspects.

Klitschko of Ukraine won by scores of 118-110; 118-110 and 119-11 and is now 45-2. Chisora of England is now 15-3.

History will have the last say on where Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko rank among great brothers. Their unprecedented reign is either a reflection of a fading heavyweight division full of more clowns than Ringling Brothers or an enduring statement about their power, skill and smarts. If they were American instead of Ukrainian, they might be more appreciated. Then again, they might have been NFL defensive ends instead of fighters.

The good news – good sense, too – is that neither Klitschko is in a race with time or Floyd Mayweather Jr. to define their place. Can’t win that one. But they can beat the next guy in front of them, Dereck Chisora for Vitali on Saturday in Munich and Jean Marc Mormeck for Wladimir on March 3 in Dusseldorf in an EpixHD.com trilogy that includes lots of autobahn miles and Alexander Povetkin-versus-Marco Huck on Feb. 25 in Stuttgart.

“My career is not over,’’ Vitali said in a conference call.

At 40, it is a lot closer to the end than it is the beginning. Even with a political career in his future, however, there was no spin about when he might quit or how he hopes to be remembered.

“It’s always very difficult to talk about myself,’’ he said. “It’s you, as boxing experts, who know about that better. You can be objective, much more objective.’’

Okay, maybe some spin. With his own political party, The Punch, and talk about a third run for mayor of Kiev, his political footwork is as artful as any he employs in the ring. A little flattery for the media is a beautiful feint. Nevertheless, there was a tone that says he knows he will encounter an emerging, perhaps surprising, new face in what looks to be a division that is dormant, if not near extinction.

“Lennox Lewis was a big star, a big star,’’ said Vitali, who nearly upset Lewis in 2003 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. “Right now, all the big stars have retired. Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson are not there. Lennox Lewis is not there.

“No big names, and that’s why everyone from the new generation who challenges the Klitschkos gets stopped. Any moment, there can be a new guy. He can be tough. He can give us a tough challenge. One of them is Dereck Chisora.’’

But Chisora’s experience doesn’t add up to much of a chance. With only 17 pro bouts including two losses and nine knockouts, Chisora is an apprentice on a master’s canvas that includes the World Boxing Council’s title, 43 victories, 40 knockouts and two defeats. There nothing new about that, at least not during a Klitschko reign that some say has been suffocating.

“For a real challenge, it would have to be somebody who can beat a Klitschko,’’ Vitali said. “But we don’t give anyone a chance inside the ring. We leave no room for doubt that we are stronger than our opponents. That’s why everybody is talking about a crisis in boxing because nobody can beat us.

“No, it is not a crisis, although somebody told us the name of the crisis is the Klitschko brothers, because nobody can beat the Klitschko brothers.’’

Barring an upset Saturday or on March 3, only they can. But that’s a fight that will happen only as a computer game. Vitali said they promised their mom that they would never fight each other. Besides, it would be biblical-like spectacle offensive by even boxing’s elusive standards. That’s not to say there isn’t a sibling rivalry. It happens on the ping-pong table. It’s there again in the swimming pool when Vitali makes it sound as if he is trying to beat Michael Phelps.

“Other than a hairy chest, he’s much better than me,’’ Vitali says of heats in a 50-meter pool. “Sometimes in ping-pong, but it is more difficult.’’

Wladimir, 35, is the athlete in the family, Vitali says.

“My brother has a big talent in boxing and in sport,’’ he says.

Only at the chess board and as a dad does Vitali say he has an advantage. Vitali has three kids. Wladimir has none.

“I dominate him, three-to-zero,’’ he said.

Dominant is the only way to describe the both of them.

Gonzales puts a grudge into his Montreal date with Stevenson
Phoenix super-middleweight Jesus Gonzales’ challenging trip to Montreal for a bout Saturday against Adonis Stevenson exploded Wednesday into a nasty grudge match.

At a Montreal news conference, Gonzales (27-1, 14 KOs) talked about Stevenson’s criminal past, which includes an 18-month jail sentence for assault and his role in a Quebec gang that forced young girls into prostitution. Gonzales’ public comments enraged Stevenson (16-1, 13 KOs), who used a series of expletives in a promise to knock him out.

Stevenson, who was charged with the crimes 14 years ago, also went to his Facebook page and alleged that Gonzales used a racial slur, the N-word. Gonzales denied it. It’s not clear why the Haitian-born Stevenson waited to write the allegation in a Facebook missive. A racial slur usually sparks an immediate, face-to-face response.

Gonzales is a Mexican-American who has heard many slurs. In my years around him, however, I’ve never heard him make one. But it’s evident he has angered Stevenson, who might be further angered at the sight of a logo – APECA — that Gonzales plans to wear on his trunks. It stands for the “Protection of Exploited Children and Adults.” Gonzales, who took the fight on short notice, says he will wear it in support of Natalie’s House, a women’s shelter near Phoenix.

The bout for the No. 2 spot in the International Boxing Federation’s 168-pound ratings is scheduled to be telecast by Fight Now TV, which can be accessed by cable and satellite distributors.

AZ NOTES
Arizona’s first card in 2012 is scheduled for Friday night at Celebrity Theatre. At least eight bouts are planned, including two amateur, on Iron Boy Promotion’s first event in the state. Roger Mayweather is scheduled to work a couple of corners for young fighters from the Mayweather gym in Las Vegas. First bell is scheduled for 7 p.m. (MST).

The White Wolf, Sergei Liakhovich will take on Philadelphia’s hot Bryant Jennings in a 10-round co-feature, while heavyweight Tomasz Adamek makes his first ring appearance since facing Heavyweight King Vitali Klitschko on Saturday, March 24th when the NBC Sports Network’s “Fight Night” boxing series comes to Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex. In the main event of the evening, Brooklyn’s Zab Judah takes on unbeaten Junior Welterweight Vernon Paris in a mandated fight for the #1 position in the IBF.

Jennings, 12-0, 5 KO’s, who made an enormous hit with the NBC Sports Network audience, last month, when he stepped into the main event on just five days’ notice on the inaugural “Fight Night” broadcast and captured the Pennsylvania Heavyweight Title in an exciting 12-round brawl with Maurice Byarm, will face one of the big men who he replaced that night. Liakhovich, 25-4, 16 KO’s, caught a tough break just a few days earlier when no suitable opponent could be found to replace top contender Eddie Chambers on short notice when he suffered two broken ribs in sparring and had to withdraw. Always ready to do battle in the ring, Liakhovich was anxious to get back on the fight calendar as soon as possible.

Liakhovich, “I am glad to be fighting on NBC Sports Network. I look forward to my fight with Jennings. I like fighting guys who appreciate a challenge like me. I am in great shape and can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

Russell Peltz of Peltz Boxing said that Jennings was eager to get back in the ring, “We feel we should strike while the iron is hot. Why go backwards after the win over Byarm?”

A former World Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and IBF International Heavyweight champion, Adamek, 44-2, 28 KO’s, is equally anxious to begin his climb back up to the top of the heavyweight rankings with his first ever appearance in Brooklyn. A suitable opponent is being sought and his name will be released shortly.

“This show is shaping up to be quite extraordinary,” promoter Kathy Duva said. “There will be excitement from start to finish and I’m sure that every boxing fan who can’t get a ticket won’t want to miss the broadcast on the NBC Sports Network.”

Gary Quinn, Sr. Director of Programming & Acquisitions NBC Sports Group added, “We are pleased with the high caliber of the March 24th card from top to bottom. We are building on the positive momentum we established with our January 21 show. Fans will be able to tune in for another fantastic night of boxing March 24th on NBC Sports Network Fight Night.”

Tickets to the blockbuster triple-header, priced at $200, $100 and $75 and may be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922, or online through www.peltzboxing.com. The non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7:30 p.m., the NBC Sports Network Fight Night broadcast will begin at 10 p.m. ET on Mar 24th.

The Aviator Sports and Events Center offers free parking. You can also take public transportation via the Q35 MTA bus from the Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College subway station.

Promoted by Main Events in association with Super Judah Promotions and Peltz Boxing.

Be sure to tune into NBCSN for all the action following the NCAA basketball tournament!

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, March 24, Aviator Sports and Events Center, Brooklyn, NY
Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA
Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

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Vitali Klitschko continued the two headed monster of Heavyweight dominance when he stopped Tomasz Adamek in round two of their WBC Heavyweight title in Worclaw, Poland.

Klitschko was never in any trouble as he used his nearly six inch height advantage that kept Adamek on the outside and in the process eating bean-pole stiff jabs from the champion.

Klitschko landed a big right hand in round two that wobbled Adamek into the ropes that could have been ruled a knockdown but wasn’t. Klitschko did get credit for a knockdown in round six when another booming right sent him into the corner and was ruled ruled that only the ropes kept him from touching the canvas.

The beatdown continued over the next few rounds as a bloody Adamek continued to take punishment and the fight started to take on the same script that many Klitschko (Vitali and Wladimir) have taken on over the past half decade.

The end came with Vitali drilling Adamek all over thr ring by sticking jabs and right hands in Adamek’s face and the fight was correctly stopped at 2:20 of round ten

Klitschko of Kiev, Ukrane is now 44-2 with forty knockouts. Adamek of Gilowice, Poland is now 44-2.

DOVER, Del., US (July 21, 2011) — Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and the North American Boxing Organization announce the unanimous decision of the NABO Board to sanction the Amir Mansour vs. Dominick Guinn fight for the Heavyweight Interim Title on Aug. 19 in Dover, Delaware, US. The winner of the NABO Interim Championship will garner an automatic Top 15 ranking into the WBO monthly world ratings. The belt is currently held by Tomasz Adamek, who is scheduled to fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBO Heavyweight Championship.

Next month, Amir Mansour will become an international name in the sport of boxing. His road to the championship began 11 months ago at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, when Mansour entered the ring for the first time following an eight-year prison sentence from a drug arrest. His final hour of incarceration was served in a halfway house on the morning of that fight.

During his incarceration, Mansour had a “wake-up call” which led him to turn his life around. He earned a college degree, kept himself in peak physical condition and committed to living a clean, dignified life in which his family could be proud. On Aug. 19, the man known as “Hardcore” with a record of 14-(11)-0 will face Dominick “The Southern Disaster” Guinn, 33(22)-7-1, realizing a life-long dream and a turning point for which he fought long and hard. For Mansour to reach this ranking so quickly is testament to his drive to prove himself in the sport and determination to redeem himself in the eyes of his sons, Asanti, Kazon, and Amir.

“The opportunity to fight for the NABO title is very meaningful to me,” said Mansour. “It was less than one year ago that I started on this trip – August 27th – and now with a victory, I can be rated and be in a position to make my dream come true – a world title. This opportunity will not be in overlooked. I intend on taking full advantage of it and show my critics and the world what type of fighter I am.”

Mark Reels, executive director of the NABO, indicated Mansour met the ratings criteria to compete for the interim title, leading to a unanimous decision by the NABO Board. “We are aware of Mansour’s past, and like many established prize fighters who struggled early in life, we believe when someone has paid his debt to society and conducts himself with dignity in and out of the ring, he deserves a second chance. Placing Mansour at this level is good for Delaware and for the Organization, as well.”

Guinn, of Houston, Texas, is a formidable adversary for Mansour and a seasoned boxer, ranked 11th in the nation. Guinn has been toe to toe with current top ranked heavyweights, Eddie Chambers and Tony Thompson. “This will be a great test for Amir, going against a fighter who is rarely stopped and only top contenders have beaten,” said Nick Tiberi, matchmaker. “A match of this caliber will put Amir in a position to challenge the top heavyweight fighters in the world.”

Those in the know believe Mansour is ready for the challenge. Dave Escalet, manager of the current WBC Caribbean Heavyweight title holder Franklin Lawrence and former advisor to Andrew Golota and Tomasz Adamek, concurs and states that Mansour has as much potential as Golota or Adamek.

“I truly believe that Mansour is one of the top five American heavyweights,” said Escalet. “What makes Mansour exciting is he has the aura of Mike Tyson; you feel that electricity in the audience when you go to a fight in Dover because he brings that explosive knock out power, which very few have. He is able to knock out a heavyweight with one or two punches, which is extremely rare in today’s heavyweight division. In the arena, the crowd is expecting that big punch to land anytime and it makes people come back.”

Greg Sirb, the Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner who signed off on the fight, said of the Mansour/Guinn match, “This has the makings of being the most exciting pro boxing bout ever held in the State of Delaware.”

More information on the Aug. 19 card may be found at http://www.doverdowns.com/entertainment/boxing-friday-night-fights.

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About North American Boxing Organization

The North American Boxing Organization (NABO) is one of several regulators of boxing that works in North America. The NABO is one of the regional bodies that are part of the World Boxing Organization.

About Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Owned by Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DDE), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® is a premier gaming and entertainment resort destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gaming operations consist of approximately 2,600 slots and a full complement of table games including poker. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is Delaware’s largest with 500 luxurious rooms/suites and amenities including a full-service spa/salon, concert hall and 35,000 sq. ft. of multi-use event space. Live, world-class harness racing is featured November through April, and horse racing is simulcast year-round. Professional football parlay betting is accepted during the season. Additional property amenities include multiple restaurants from fine dining to casual fare, bars/lounges and retail shops. For more information, please visit www.doverdowns.com.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Heavyweight champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko will each fight anticipated bouts in the coming months.

Wladimir will defend his IBF/WBO and Ring Magazine world championships against WBA champ David Haye on either June 25th or July 2nd in a bout that has been brewing for a couple of years while Vitali will defend his WBC strap against Tomasz Adamek providing Adamek gets by Kevin McBride this Saturday in Newark, New Jersey.

“It’s pretty simple: Wladimir was the first one in 2009 who wanted to face Haye after Haye attacked him first, verbally in London at a press conference for a charity cause,” said Klitschko manager Bernd Boente. “From the beginning it was always going in that direction. From the contract side it’s possible it could change but, as of now, they made the decision between themselves.”

There still remains a possibility that Vitali (42-2, 39 KOs), who is coming off a first-round knockout of mandatory challenger Odlanier Solis on March 19, will also fight June 4 against an opponent to be determined in Germany.

“Maybe Vitali will fight then, but it depends on the TV situation in Germany,” Boente said.

“It will be Wladimir fighting Haye and Vitali is fighting Adamek, but Adamek has to win or he’s out,” Boente said.

Boente and Adam Booth, Haye’s manager and trainer, were in New York last week meeting with American television executives about deals for the U.S. rights to the fights. HBO is the likely outlet, Boente said.

“There is interest in America but, in the end, my gut feeling tells me HBO is the station,” Boente said. “Last week we went to HBO, to Epix and to Showtime. It’s not written in stone, but I think we are back in business with HBO.”

“June 25 or July 2, but it really depends on the stadium deal,” Boente said. “We are still not sure which one it will be in. It could still be outside of Germany, but it has to be agreed on by Adam Booth and myself. This is a true 50-50 deal.”