Video: Kazuto Ioka versus Yodgoen Tor Chalermchai

WBC Minimumweight Championship
Osaka, Japan






video credit: YouTube/joeji42

Canelo Alvarez retains WBO belt, pummels Cintron into submission

In Mexico City, Mexico, WBC junior middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez pummeled Kermit Cintron into submission to win and retain his belt inside the distance for his third title defense.

Canelo, who is still undefeated, punished the listless Cintron from the opening bell with power shots until the referee showed mercy on the Puerto Rican fighter and ended the carnage in the 5th round via TKO. The fight was good when it lasted, even though it was a one-sided affair in favor of the Mexican.

"Kermit Cintron is a certified lemon and hopefully he hangs up before he gets himself hurt down the line", Carlos of Ecorse opined upon seeing his fellow Puerto Rican being stopped by the Mexican champion.

*Continue reading the article- HERE

Adrien Broner KOs Martin Rodriguez in 3 to claim WBO junior lightweight belt

In Cincinnati, Ohio, 22-year-old hometown boy and undefeated fighter Adrien Broner (22-0) became the youngest WBO junior lightweight champion, behind WBC junior middleweight Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, as he knocked out No. 6 contender Martin Rodriguez of Argentina inside three rounds.

Adrien Broner came out firing right from the opening bell as he showed a variety of weapons in his arsenal: uppercuts, crosses and hooks all delivered with precision and power with good solid defense.

Continue reading the article HERE

Kermit Cintron's last chance for redemption is to derail the Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez' express train

WBC light middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez might be in for a big surprise if the real Kermit Cintron shows up tonight. The Mexican's suspect chin will surely be tested if Kermit Cintron connects with his power shots. Yes, there's a big chance and probability that the well-oiled Canelo express train might get derailed tonight if Cintron will rise to the occasion and be true to his potential. But that is easier said than done because Canelo also packs a wallop in his hands and many observers feel that the 'fragile' Cintron is there for the taking.

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is a product of today's intelligent match-making rather than the old school, rumble-and-tumble world of prizefighting. His Golden Boy handlers have maneuvered to give him fighters that will showcase his skills and magnify his power but will pose no danger to him. These machinations eventually resulted of him being handed the WBC light middleweight belt on a silver platter. But make no mistake about it, despite the savvy match-makings and maneuverings, Canelo has a big fighting heart and has the ability to shoot the lights out of anyone if they make the mistake of standing in front of him in a fight.

But Canelo's heart, his greatest asset, might also be the ticket to his downfall. In his previous fights, he has shown his vulnerability when he gets tagged on the chin, even by fighters not known to possess power in their fists. But this seeming 'defect' is easily compensated by his will to pressure his opponents to submission and the power to knock fighters out with a single punch. 

Kermit Cintron was once a promising fighter, but his career took a nosedive after suffering a beating by the hands of Antonio Margarito twice, and considering Margarito's history, a lot of boxing observers alleged that 'plaster of Paris' may have played a factor in Cintron's defeats. Thus, suffice it to say, that after Margarito destroyed Cintron in both of their fights, the Puerto Rican slugger has never been the same again.

Many believed that Cintron's present problem is not about his skill set as a boxer, but more about what's inside his head. If he can only overcome his doubts, shake the cobwebs off his head, and just fight the way he used to fight, then we can expect him to give Alvarez his first defeat tonight, if not a very good competitive fight. 

Kermit Cintron is one lucky boxer since despite his listless performances in the ring in his previous fights, his handlers were still able to convince the networks to show his wares on fight TV.  But this could also be probably attributed to the belief of some people that he is on the decline -- a shadow of his former self -- and a good stepping-stone for any aspiring boxers eager to put his name on their resume.

The people behind Canelo's career might have thought the same way and pegged Cintron as nothing but a trial-horse, cannon fodder, and a veteran with a good name to embellish the young Mexican's resume.

But this is a fight for all the marbles for Kermit Cintron -- a chance for redemption -- and if the Puerto Rican's head is in the right place for tonight's fight, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is in for a rude awakening. Otherwise, the Canelo express train will just run over Cintron and crush his dreams into oblivion.

Six Questions with WBA Super Champion Anselmo 'Chemito' Moreno

Moreno To Make United States Debut Against Vic ‘The Raging Bull’ Darchinyan

In Co-Feature To Abner Mares vs. Joseph Agbeko II

IBF & WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship

Saturday, Dec. 3 At Honda Center In Anaheim , Calif. , Live on SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2011) – Just one month out from the biggest fight of his life and his first in the United States, Anselmo “Chemito” Anselmo and his wife Rouss Laguna Moreno found out they are expecting twins.


There are indeed big things ahead for the 26-year-old fighter from Panama City, Panama, who will also be making his SHOWTIME and Golden Boy Promotions debuts, when Moreno will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Bantamweight Super Championship against Two-Division World Champion Vic “The Raging Bull’’ Darchinyan on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, Dec. 3, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Honda Center in Anaheim , Calif.



In the main event, unbeaten rising star Abner Mares will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Bantamweight Championship titles against the boxer he dethroned, former two-time IBF 118-pound champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko.


Moreno (31-1-1, 11 KO’s) met his wife after one of his fights in Panama . Rouss’ father is the former lightweight world champion Ismael Laguna, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.


Anselmo, whose personal website can be found at www.chemitomoreno.com, recently took time out from training camp to answer six questions about himself and his upcoming fight.


QUESTION: What do you expect to see from Vic Darchinyan, who many are calling your toughest opponent to date?


MORENO: “I feel like I’m a strong fighter just like he is. I’m at the point in my career when I’m ready to fight the great ones like a Vic Darchinyan. He has a good record and I have a lot of respect for him. He will be quick and come forward and I’m aware of his power.”


QUESTION: Do you hope to someday have as much success in the United States as fellow Panamanian and New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Riviera has had?


MORENO: “Why not? He worked hard to get where he is in America and now I’m beginning my journey to hopefully get there too. My time is coming to be in the same place. He’s viewed as a hero here, of course, but I have never met him since he has been living in the States.”


QUESTION: Do people recognize you on the streets of Panama ?


MORENO: “Yes, people do when I’m out running and they want to stop me and take a picture with me. They stop me in the supermarket and want to meet me. There aren’t too many famous athletes from here and Roberto Duran was the most famous boxer. I know I wouldn’t be recognized walking down the street in Los Angeles now, so that’s what I’m hoping will change after a few more fights in the States.”


QUESTION: Do you think you will have more fans in Anaheim cheering for you than Darchinyan on Dec. 3?


MORENO: “That’s easy, Vic will; just because he’s fought there before and there are lots of Armenians that will be there cheering for him. I do plan on bringing a lot of friends and family from Panama who will be loud and carrying the Panamanian flag. I’ve won big fights in Germany and France , so I’m used to it, but for sure there will be a lot more cheering for Darchinyan.”


QUESTION: What do you plan on doing immediately after the fight?


MORENO: “We always take a week-long trip with the family. We are thinking about the Bahamas this time, but my wife just found out last week she is pregnant with twins, so we’re not sure. We’re very happy about the news and can’t wait.”


QUESTION: What about Disneyland ?


MORENO: “No. My wife says she’s in no condition to walk that much or go on any rides. Right now, I’m just concentrating on the fight. My wife wants to talk about our first trip to the United States and California and this and that, but I don’t want to hear anything about that. I’m just so focused right now on the fight.”


# # #


Tickets for Mares vs. Agbeko II, priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, are available for purchase at all Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com, via charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 and at the Honda Center Box Office.


Mares vs. Agbeko II, a 12-round fight for Mares' IBF and WBC Silver Championship titles taking place on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Honda Center in Anaheim , Calif. , is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Don King Productions and sponsored by Corona , DeWalt Tools and AT&T. Also featured will be a 12-round bantamweight world title co-main event between Anselmo Moreno and former World Champion Vic Darchinyan for Moreno 's WBA Bantamweight Super Championship which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. Both fights will air live on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).



For more information, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.donking.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or follow the event on twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.twitter.com/abnermares00.

Press Release: New Year's Eve Championship Doubleheader

TICKETS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE BOXING BASH

AT HISTORIC ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

GO ON SALE THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 26

World Championship Doubleheader Highlights Spectacular Fight Card

Co-Promoted by Don King Productions and Goossen Tutor Promotions

Tavoris Cloud Risks IBF Light Heavyweight Title Against Zsolt Erdei,

WBA Super Bantamweight Champ Rico Ramos Defends Against Guillermo Rigondeaux

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 22, 2011) - Fans looking to celebrate the New Year in perhaps the biggest, most significant fight card in the history of Orange County, Calif. - and the first at Anaheim Convention Center in nearly 32 years -- will have the opportunity to reserve their seats beginning this Saturday, Nov. 26, when tickets for a Dec. 31 World Championship Doubleheader go on sale.

Tickets for what will be an exciting and memorable event co-promoted by Don King Productions and Goossen Tutor Promotions are priced at $25, $50, $75, $125 (VIP) and $175 (Gold Circle) and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com and the Anaheim Convention Box Office. The live card begins at 4 p.m. PT with the Ramos-Rigondeaux bout at 6 p.m. and the main event, Cloud-Erdei, immediately after.

The Gold Circle and VIP seating above will be available on the floor at ringside in the unique setting of round tablecloth tables that seat 10 people.  In addition to the event tickets, Don King Productions and Goossen Tutor are hosting a Private New Year's Eve Party at the Hilton Anaheim (next door to the arena) after the fights with dinner, music and dancing for an additional cost per ticket. 

Tickets for both the Championship Doubleheader event and the New Year's Eve party are $350 for Gold Circle table tickets and $250 for VIP table seating.   

The World Championship Doubleheader features four undefeated fighters with a combined record of 85-0 with 54 knockouts.

In the main event, International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud (23-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., will make his fourth title defense against former World Boxing Organization (WBO) 175-pound kingpin Zsolt Erdei (33-0, 18 KOs), of Budapest, Hungary.

World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion Rico Ramos (20-0, 11 KOs), of Whittier, Calif., will risk his belt for the first time when he faces the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games Gold Medalist and current World Boxing Association (WBA) interim champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (8-0, 6 KOs), of Miami, Fla., by way of Cuba.

This will be the first major boxing event at Anaheim Convention Center since Carlos "Sugar" De Leon scored a first-round knockout over Waldemar Paulino in a WBC cruiserweight eliminator on April 25, 1980.  Former world champion Rafael "Bazooka'' Limon also appeared on the card.

Popular Southern California light heavyweight Jesse Burnett highlighted the last event at Anaheim Convention Center on Dec. 3, 1980. Burnett also headlined on July 15, 1980, at the historic venue. Southland heavyweight John "The All American Boy'' Ellis also appeared on the card.

There have been a total of 15 fight cards at Anaheim Convention Center. The first, on July 13, 1967, featured East Los Angeles featherweight Dwight Hawkins.

Those who have fought one or more times at Anaheim Convention Center read like a boxing's Who's Who: Former world champions Bobby Chacon, Alfonso Zamora, Mike Weaver, Joey Olivo and Rodolfo Gonzalez, and other popular fighters such as Art Hafey, Mike Quarry, Ray "Windmill'' White, Frankie Crawford, Armando Muniz, Ruben Navarro, Hedgemon Lewis and Jimmy Heair.

Strong Fall Lineup Of Super Six World Boxing Classic Programming Kicks Off Next Week on SHOWTIME®

New Episode of

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic

Returns Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

NEW YORK (Nov. 21, 2011) — Beginning with the return of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, SHOWTIME^® will air a bevy of programming in support of The Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic between Andre Ward and Carl Froch. The network will introduce a new boxing program titled Staredown: Ward vs. Froch, premiere the three final installments of FIGHT CAMP 360° and replay the storied tournament’s Semifinal bouts on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

 

Episode 10 of FIGHT CAMP 360° brings viewers back to the tournament’s kickoff photo shoot in 2009 where the six original participants speak to the magnitude of the Super Six and offer some early predictions. Fast forwarding to 2011, the FIGHT CAMP 360° crews reveal the inner workings of fight week for both Semifinal bouts. Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson share their disappointment as their respective Super Six hopes fall short. Ward and Froch, however, relish the opportunity to move forward and discuss the road ahead. 

 

All nine previous episodes, as well as bonus features, of FIGHT CAMP 360° are available for free online at: http://sports.sho.com/#/boxing/fightcamp360/super-six.

 

The FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic camera crews continue to shadow Ward and Froch along their paths to The Final – from this summer’s international press tour to the fighters’ return to training camp and the cut Ward suffered during sparring that forced the postponement of the world championship unification.

 

For two years, FIGHT CAMP 360° has elevated behind-the-scenes sports dramas to a different level. The tireless SHOWTIME crews have revealed the most intimate moments in the lives of these boxers both in and out of the ring. As the stakes couldn’t be higher for Andre, Carl and their respective teams entering The Final, show producers indicate that the final episodes will deliver even more intensity.

 

To maximize viewership for the series and exposure for The Final, SHOWTIME has programmed the upcoming two episodes to immediately follow the Emmy^® Award-winning premium cable staple Inside the NFL. The next edition of FIGHT CAMP 360°, Episode 10, will premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Episode 11 premieres on SHOWTIME on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, just 10 days before The Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

 

The series finale—reliving The Final of the Super Six and capturing the tournament’s aftermath – will premiere Saturday, Dec. 31 at 8:15 p.m. ET/PT. For updates from the camps of Ward and Froch, fans can follow @FightCamp360 on Twitter.

 

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside the Super Six World Boxing Classic – EVENING REPLAY SCHEDULE:

 

DATE                                          TIME                                     CHANNEL                                 EPISODE #

Wednesday, Nov. 30                    10 p.m. ET/PT                       SHO (PREMIERE)                     10

Thursday, Dec. 1                          10 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

Wednesday, Dec. 7                      11 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

Wednesday, Dec. 14                    11 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

Friday, Dec. 16                            11 p.m. ET/PT                        SHO EXTREME                        10

 

Wednesday, Dec. 7                      10 p.m. ET/PT                       SHO (PREMIERE)                     11

Wednesday, Dec. 7                      11:30 p.m. ET/PT                   SHO EXTREME                        11

Wednesday, Dec. 14                    11:30 p.m. ET/PT                   SHO EXTREME                        11

Friday, Dec. 16                            11:30 p.m. ET/PT                   SHO EXTREME                        11

 

Premiering Saturday, Dec. 3, immediately following Abner Mares-Joseph Agbeko II on SHOWTIME, Staredown: Ward vs. Froch will invite fans to witness an intense conversation between the Super Six finalists. Moderated by Emmy^® Award-winning, hard-hitting sports reporter Jim Gray, the short-form program will reveal the underlying tension between the world’s most talented 168-pounders as they discuss their preparations for The Final, opinions on one another and a host of other topics. In addition to multiple replays on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME, the program will be available on SHOWTIME On Demand from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18.

 

In conjunction with its nightly SHOWTIME Sports^® block at 10 p.m., SHOWTIME EXTREME will replay both Semifinal matchups of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, including Ward’s dominant title defense over early tourney favorite Arthur Abraham and the Atlantic City slugfest between Froch and Glen Johnson.

 

SHO EXTREME – SUPER SIX SEMIFINAL REPLAY SCHEDULE:

DATE                                          TIME                                     FIGHT                         

Thursday, Dec. 15                        10 p.m. ET/PT                        Ward vs. Abraham        

Thursday, Dec. 15                        11 p.m. ET/PT                        Froch vs. Johnson       

Saturday, Dec. 17                        2 p.m. ET/PT                          Ward vs. Abraham        

Saturday, Dec. 17                        3 p.m. ET/PT                          Froch vs. Johnson       

 

###

Andre Ward: I Am a Fighter

Pacquiao-Marquez III: A look into the 'polarizing decision'

It's been days since the Saturday megafight and hopefully, by this time, the people who have watched the fight have all been sobered up and less emotional and have a clearer perspective and understanding of what happened that night. Maybe this time they're now more attuned to using their heads rather than be carried away by their emotions.

The third installment of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez trilogy has divided not only the boxing community but also the casual observers on who the rightful winner and welterweight champion of the world would be.

The camps of both Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez and their supporters have been very vocal with their claims that their man was the real winner last Saturday night. There were two schools of thought on the matter as to which should have more weight when judging a fight: the fighter who threw more punches versus the one who connected cleaner but at a lesser rate; the aggressor versus the counter-puncher; the fighter coming forward and initiating the action versus the fighter backpedaling and waiting for the opportunity to strike.


*Continue reading Pacquiao-Marquez III: A look into the 'polarizing decision' HERE

Behind the Scenes: Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III

Trouble in Paradise

Some ring observers have noticed that Manny Pacquiao was not in his usual self during his walk from the dressing room to the ring against Juan Manuel Marquez. Gone were the bright smiles, the happy hand gestures and that extra bounce on his feet that all characterized his ring entrances in the past. If one has watched Pacquiao's fights before, one will probably notice the difference in his demeanor.

It seemed that Manny Pacquiao was not 100% focused during the fight. There were things that were probably bothering his mind. Just days prior to the fight, there were some reports coming out of the Philippines that there was trouble in Manny Pacquiao's homefront and even in his camp.

There was this rumor or news that Pacquiao and his wife, Jinkee, were not in good terms because of his infidelities and were seeking an annulment. And to add insult to injury, there was another rumor going around that Pacquiao sired another baby from another woman, a 23-year-old culinary arts student. And given his recent preponderance for giving 'royal' names to his children, a lot of people believed the rumor, even though the alleged mother of the said child has come out and denied that the Filipino pound-for-pound king was the father of King Arthur (yes, that is the baby's name.) (Note: Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao's trainer also had a son named King Arthur). It turned out that Manny Pacquiao stood as one of the godfathers of the child.

Then there was this report by Chino Trinidad on how cold Jinkee was to Manny Pacquiao as well as his rift with his strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, wherein he described the usually mild-mannered Pacquiao as 'very angry' and listed 'BlackBerry cellphones' and an 'expensive table glass top' as casualties of the said 'misunderstanding.' Alex Ariza eventually admitted that there were just some misunderstandings between him and Manny Pacquiao, and that they were 'now okay' just a day heading into the fight.

Now, it just makes us wonder why some of these so-called Manny Pacquiao supporters would propagate these kinds of issues or spin some twists on a plot unrelated to boxing, especially on the eve or just days before Pacquiao's major fight.

Whether the observations by the casual observers and the rest of the news reports are true remains to be seen.


*Continue reading 'Behind the Scenes: Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquezz III- HERE

End Game: Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III

Tonight, the third and probably final installment of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez trilogy will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and promises to be a war between two protagonists who both want to prove a point and end all the questions on who is the superior fighter between them.

The very technical and skilled counter-puncher in Juan Manuel Marquez faces Manny Pacquiao, the speedy offensive dynamo, in a fight that will finally settle the score and close the final chapter of their highly competitive, well-fought and controversial history. A history between two warriors who carry the weight of their nations on their shoulders, a history of pride and determination that was documented in blood, sweat and tears ever since they first traded punches in 2004 and reprised the part in 2008.


*Continue reading the article HERE

HBO Ring Life: Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez recap

Boxing fans will learn more about Juan Manuel Marquez than they will about Manny Pacquiao in this episode. This is because we are now so acquainted with the life story of Manny Pacquiao that it seems there is very little left out there that has not been covered in the past. Yet, there were some new insights that we can get if we watch and listen close enough.

The episode started with Manny Pacquiao telling his story that we've all heard before, and then some. Growing up in the Phillipines, Manny Pacquiao was "dirt poor, abandoned by his father, no money to buy food," and turned to boxing to help his mother make ends meet.

"I turned pro at 16, from the beginning I was not a very good fighter and I don't have natural talent but I had a determination to win the fight." -- Of course, considering where he is now, we all know that this was just partly true, because at a young age, with minimal or no amateur experience at all, Manny Pacquiao was not a very good fighter. But with his hard work and determination, Manny Pacquiao discovered his innate talent in prizefighting, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Freddie Roach, for his part, spoke of his chance meeting with the current pound-for-pound fighter in the world, which he now attributes to fate: "12 years ago he walked into my gym and his manager asked me to work the mitts with him. After one round, I was impressed with his quickness and timing. Every time he hit the mitts, it sounded like gunfire."

So, I said to my friend after the short workout, 'This kid can fight!'"

And Manny Pacquiao went back to his manager and told him, "We have a new trainer."


*Continue reading the article- HERE

SHOBOX: Austin Trout and Michael Oliveira remain undefeated but fail to impress

On the eve of one of the biggest fights of the year, Showtime presented SHOBOX: The New Generation in El Paso, Texas, which features two young unbeaten fighters but failed to provide the necessary fireworks to impress the casual boxing observers.

Sure, WBA super welterweight champion Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KOs) and prospect Michael Oliveira (16-0, 13 KOs) disposed of their opponents inside the distance, but it was surprising how Frank Loporto (15-4-3, 7 KOs) and Xavier Toliver (23-8, 15 KOs), who were both overmatched and took the fight on a 10-day notice, lasted that long in the bout.

In the main event, the disparity in power and skill was quite evident the moment the bell rang in the first round. Frank Loporto, ranked #14 by the WBA, took Austin Trout by surprise as he swarmed and rushed the champion with wild punches that failed to hit their intended targets. Moments later, a short right hand to the chin sent the game challenger down on the seat of his pants. Loporto was obviously hurt but beat the count as he withered the storm until the end of the round, due partly to Trout's inability to connect with his power shots.

Continue reading the article HERE

Notes from the Pacquiao-Marquez III weigh-in

The weigh-in for the third installment of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez trilogy at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas was witnessed by a capacity crowd of 5,500. There were several people turned away when the management decided to close the doors for the spectacle. Based on history, packing the said venue no longer surprises anyone, as this has become the norm whenever a Manny Pacquiao fight is held in Sin City.

The atmosphere was electric as both the boisterous Mexican and Filipino fans engaged in a friendly back and forth; cheering and heckling to their hearts' content as the two protagonists prepared for the official weigh-in.

Amid a mixture of cheers and boos from the mostly young and energetic crowd, Marquez, the challenger and Ring Magazine's #5 P4P best, stepped onto the scale and weighed in at 142 lbs. He was soon followed by the WBO welterweight champion and current P4P king Manny Pacquiao amid a backdrop that screamed "Manny Pacquiao for President?" -- a front page shot from one of the Philippines' biggest newspapers, Manila Bulletin. Manny Pacquiao went up to the official scale and weighed in at 143 lbs.

+ Continue reading Notes from Pacquiao-Marquez III weigh-in HERE

Manny Pacquiao 'appears' on NBC's Law & Order: SVU

In last night's episode of NBC's long-running hit TV series Law & Order: SVU, the Filipino pound-for-pound king was seen along with other famous personalities in a series of photos that features a successful basketball coach, played by Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years), who uses his power and position to molest some of the young and aspiring players under his tutelage.

The episode, titled "Personal Fouls," also features NBA superstars Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks and Miami Heat's Chris Bosh making guest appearances.

Manny Pacquiao gives Joe Cortez & Michael Buffer a run for their money

During a lull in Manny Pacquiao's training for the November 12th Juan Manuel Marquez fight, boxing's current P4P king showed us his Joe Cortez- like refereeing skills as well as his Michael 'Buffer-esque' chops in a 'friendly' boxing match between two members of Team Pacquiao.

Weep err laugh at your own risk.

In this corner...

World Boxing Classic Super Six- The Final Update

ANDRE WARD'S TRAINING CAMP INJURY FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF SUPER SIX WORLD

BOXING CLASSIC FINAL VS. CARL FROCH

Originally Scheduled For Oct. 29, Organizers Actively Pursuing New Date

NEW YORK (Sept. 23, 2011) - Andre Ward, the WBA Super Middleweight World Champion and Super Six finalist, sustained a cut above his right eye during a sparring session on Thursday, Sept. 22. As a result, the Super Six World Boxing Classic Tournament Final and world title unification fight with fellow Finalist and WBC World Champion Carl Froch has been postponed. The announcement was made jointly today by Ward's promoter, Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions, Froch's promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, and Ken Hershman of SHOWTIME Sports®.

The Final was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29 in Atlantic City, NJ. The promoters and Hershman are working together to identify a new date for the significant matchup.

The SHOWTIME Sports documentary film crew FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic was filming for the next episodes of the acclaimed series at the time of the incident at Ward's gym in Oakland, Calif. The camera crew joined Ward on an impromptu flight from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, where Ward received seven stitches from leading plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Wallace to close the cut. Ward was informed by Wallace that he would be unable to fight as scheduled on October 29 and that he will remove the stitches next Thursday, Sept. 29. The next episode of FIGHT CAMP 360° is scheduled for Oct. 8, 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

Ward said: "I'm extremely disappointed about this cut. We used every precaution, including headgear with a face bar and it was just a fluke situation. My sparring partner and I were involved in an exchange inside and the next thing I knew, I was bleeding. That is the most frustrating thing about this-I don't have an explanation for how it happened.

"This is very frustrating for my camp and I, and I knew that if the shoe was on the other foot and Froch suffered an injury, I would be extremely disappointed.

"We were in full camp and counting down the days until October 29. At this point, I'm looking forward to healing up and getting a new date to finish what I started and become the Super Six Champion."

Ward continued, "I'd like to express my apologies to SHOWTIME, the fans and the Froch camp, but this is part of boxing. Ward and Froch will still get it on but, unfortunately, the date just has to be pushed back."

"This is absurd and unprofessional. Ward needs to get his act together," said Froch shortly after hearing the news. "Of course, you've got to take the medical advice seriously, but for a cut to put you out of a fight a full five weeks before the event is ludicrous. If it were two weeks out from the fight, maybe I'd understand. But he's got 35 days to deal with it. To me, he's showing his weakness. Nothing changes for me. I'll be ready if and when he shows up."

"Not much you can say," said Goossen. "Andre was cut, he got stitched up, and he'll be back as soon as possible."

"Injuries in boxing are inevitable at this, the highest level of competition," said Hershman, the man behind the groundbreaking tournament. "As we've done since this tournament's inception, we'll forge ahead. We are seeking available dates at this time and hope to have an announcement shortly. Rest assured, we will deliver this dramatic final tournament bout, one that is surely the biggest fight in this division's history."

Said Hearn, "Obviously it is frustrating. Carl's camp has gone perfectly and we were ready to unify the titles on October 29. Carl is in the shape of his life but he is a true professional and will take this in his stride and be ready for victory on a date given in 2011."

Pacquiao- Marquez III Press Con: Manny Pacquiao Q & A

video credit: 15rounds1/ YouTube

ESPN Friday Night Fights: Bernabe Concepcion loses to Juan Carlos Martinez

Filipino featherweight Bernabe Concepcion (23-5-1, 15 KOs) lost via split decision to Juan Carlos Martinez (19-12-1,7 KOs) over 8 rounds of what actually was a one- sided affair in the undercard of the Diego Magdaleno- Gilberto Sanchez Leon fight at ESPN's Friday Night Fights.

Bernabe Concepcion showed up slow, tentative and out of sync with his punches. His footwork was horrible and his feet leaden. Concepcion's defense was simply atrocious and he was horrendously off- balance. It was a disastrous and forgettable night for the Filipino fighter.

While Juan Carlos Martinez was a live, wily and determined pugilist who belied his records to earn a convincing win over a top- ten fighter, Bernabe Concepcion was a picture of a fighter who was just there to
pick up his paycheck and nothing more.

Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach tried his best to encourage his fighter in between rounds but to no avail as Bernabe Concepcion was just determined to coast along towards a lackluster outing. It was a shameful showing for a prospect who once a upon a time was touted to follow in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao, the greatest fighter to ever come out of the Philippines.

For the full article click HERE

Comedy Central: Sports Show with Norm Macdonald's Betting on Manny Pacquiao

Sports Show with Norm Macdonald	Tuesdays, 10:30/9:30c
Betting on Manny Pacquiao
www.comedycentral.com
Sports Show Norm Macdonald #SportsShow

The intriguing case of the Manny Pacquiao- Shane Mosley super fight

On May 7th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley will meet for the WBO welterweight championship in what many consider to be a fight not worth watching since some people consider it a terrible mismatch between a fighter at the peak of his career and one who is a shadow of his former self.

On paper, the fight has the making of a lopsided one that made many pundits (including a prominent boxing scribe telling his readers not to use their remote to buy the pay-per-view of the fight) and fans alike to call for ‘real’ boxing fans to boycott the fight when it was first announced because of the way both fighters have performed in their recent outings: While Manny Pacquiao bamboozled his way to convincing victories against the likes of Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito, all bigger and powerful fighters than the Filipino phenomenon, Shane Mosley obviously struggled and showed his age against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Sergio Mora in his last two fights.

Nevertheless, by mere pedigree alone, the Manny Pacquiao- Shane Mosley super fight is a must see for any boxing fan who wants to see an action-packed event. And for entertainment value, you can never go wrong with putting your money in a Manny Pacquiao fight. And Shane Mosley, fighting the best P4P fighter in the world today, is more than motivated to give a good account of himself to redeem his image back to elite contention.


*For the full article click HERE

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Pacquiao vs. Mosley Episode 3

Kick-ass: Nike unveils Manny Pacquiao's Ring Boot

After months of speculation among boxing fans and shoe enthusiasts, Nike finally unveiled the Manny Pacquiao Ring Boot to the public, which the Filipino boxing superstar will wear during his May 7th welterweight championship fight against Shane Mosley in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao, the current P4P king is a dynamic fighter and is known not only for his explosive power in both hands but also for his mind-boggling speed and footwork, attributes that the shoe purveyors at Nike had kept in mind when they came up with the design of the state-of-the-art MP ring boot which it describes as:

"Blinding speed and cheetah quickness require stability. The next generation of Manny Pacquiao’s ring boot combines lightweight strength with lockdown containment building for Manny’s agility, power and footwork in the ring."

And history is not lost on the Nike designers as well since we all know that great footwear is not only "intended to protect and comfort" the feet but also has become an art form, a decoration or medium that reflects the wearer's fashion sense or personality.

Thus, Nike made a truly beautiful footwear that not only complements Manny Pacquiao's constant activity inside the ring but also pays homage to the Pacman's character and achievements.

Nike describes the ring boot's personalized aesthetics: the "royal blue color pays tribute to the Philippines, while additional touches such as Manny’s logo on the upper, eight stars aligned on the tongue tab, and reflective ink spelling ‘Manny Pacquiao’ wrapping the heel of both boots, provide a personal touch fit for a champion."

...and explains the footwear's technological upside- "Flywire technology strength, herringbone traction and forefoot stability provide technical elements required for a professional bout at boxing’s highest level. Manny’s feet are incredibly quick and strong, in constant motion, creating tremendous torque and rigor on his boots."

Check out the rest of Nike's Manny Pacquiao Summer 2011 Collection HERE

Pacquiao- Mosley Fight Camp 360 Bonus Video: Pacquiao shows off basketball skills

Manny Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Video Credit: YouTube/ JimmyKimmelLive

Fight Camp 360: Manny Pacquiao- Shane Mosley Episode 2

ESPN Magazine May Edition features Manny Pacquiao et al

"Show me the money!", the phrase made famous by Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire may have been in the minds of the people behind ESPN Magazine when they decided to focus on the amount of dough an elite athlete makes in a year.

The May 2011 edition of ESPN Magazine features Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao with the NY Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Swiss tennis great Roger Federer on its cover.

The Pacman and A-Rod head the all- star list in the magazine's "Best- paid athletes in 30 sports" with both athletes taking home $32,000,000 last year.

Race car driver Kimi Raikkonen (26,333,333), the LA Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24,800,000) and Real Madrid forward Christiano Ronaldo (19,500,000) round up the top five highest- paid athletes of 2010.

Manny Pacquiao & Dan Hill: 'Sometimes when we touch' Sneak Peek

Pacquiao- Mosley Update: Manny Pacquiao Media Day

Photo Credit: Chris Farina/ Top Rank

Orlando Salido shocks JuanMa with 8th round stoppage

ORLANDO SALIDO SHOCKS JUANMA LOPEZ WITH

EIGHTH ROUND TKO TO CLAIM WBO FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE

IN ALL ACTION THRILLER

Luis Cruz Outpoints Martin Honorio via Unanimous Decision to Remain Undefeated

Catch the Replay on Tuesday, April 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

BAYAMON, P.R. (April 17, 2011) – After thirty fights of stunning crowds with his ability to neglect defense and always come back to score the victory, Juan Manuel Lopez’ streak ended. Orlando Salido captured the WBO Featherweight Championship via eighth-round technical knockout (referee stoppage) after connecting with countless right hands including one that landed “JuanMa” on the canvas in the fifth round. In the co-featured bout, Luis Cruz claimed a unanimous decision over Martin Honorio with the scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 96-94 from Ruben Rodriguez Coliseo in Bayamon, Puerto Rico on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

At first it seemed like nothing new for the 27-year-old, charismatic Puerto Rican.

After Lopez (30-1, 27 KOs) won the first several rounds, Salido (35-11-2, 23 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Mexico, roared back by coming forward, bringing pressure and landing his right hand to the hard head of Lopez. In a flurry of punches between both fighters in the fifth, Salido landed a solid left hook followed by a hellacious right that sent JuanMa to the ground. Visibly staggered, Lopez called upon his warrior determination to return to his feet before the ten count and endure the dwindling seconds of the round.

Admitting to the severity of the knockdown, Lopez simply stated after the fight, “The punch in the fifth round hurt.”

The lingering effects of Salido’s monstrous right hand pushed JuanMa into survival mode throughout the sixth as Salido looked to end the night, but Lopez was able to miraculously hang on. By the seventh, the 10,115 loyal fans in attendance were on their feet and screaming at the top of their lungs as they witnessed their champion come back to life with a another signature gutsy performance.

But then the storyline changed.

Instead of Lopez springing from his corner in the eighth to knockout his opponent, it was Salido who charged into the round with a renewed sense of urgency to end the fight. Although Lopez was able to sporadically retaliate, Salido was landing the much cleaner, harder shots and Lopez was once again wobbling around the ring. The wobbling and lack of punching efficiency proved to be too much for referee Roberto Ramirez Jr. as he stopped the slugfest at 1:39 of round eight.

The stoppage surprised – and angered – many in attendance, as the boos were following by flying beer and water bottles from the pro-Lopez crowd. Lopez echoed the crowd’s displeasure with the ref’s ruling. “[Salido] was hitting me but [Ramirez Jr.] shouldn’t have stopped the fight,” said Lopez. “I was still conscious.”

For safety purposes, Rodriguez was walked out of the arena by a team of police escorts.

Proudly hoisting up his belt after the fight, the new champion said, “I came very prepared to fight the No. 1 featherweight in the world. I think the fight was going pretty evenly through the first five rounds but I knew I had to pressure [Lopez] because we were in his hometown.”

After considering the bout’s thrilling nature and competitive spirit, promoter Bob Arum informed the media at the post-fight press conference that he fully planned to schedule a rematch between Lopez and Salido in the fall.

In the night’s opening attraction, the Puerto Rican rising prospect Cruz (18-0, 14 KOs), of Philadelphia by way of Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, made his case for contender status with a solid unanimous decision over Honorio (29-6-1, 15 KOs), of Mexico City. Although the fight was closer than the hometown scoring (110-90, 98-92, 96-94) from hometown judges (Raul Nieves, Nelson Vazquez, Carlos Colon) would indicate, Cruz silenced any critics pointing to a lack of quality opposition on his resume. Honorio, a late replacement for Roman "Rocky" Martinez who withdrew after suffering a lower back injury in training, has shared the ring with many former and current champions and owns a collection of upsets throughout his career.

The first round saw the two fighters feel each other out before each man found his rhythm, with Cruz scoring on big single shots and Honorio punching in volume to make his mark. In an action-packed sixth round, the two exchanged several power shots with Cruz landing big left hooks and uppercuts and Honorio scoring with the right hand.

As the 10-round junior lightweight clash settled back down, a sense of confidence and poise came over Cruz who proved to himself that he could handle prizefighting at the next level. Although the scores were more lopsided than some may have believed, Cruz earned a hard-fought unanimous decision in his coming-out party as a legitimate contender.

The doubleheader was promoted by Top Rank, Inc. The telecast will replay on Tuesday, April 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available On Demand from April 19 through May 2.

Gus Johnson called the action from ringside with Al Bernstein providing color commentary and Jim Gray serving as ringside reporter. David Dinkins Jr. is the Executive Producer of SHOWTIME Sports® with Chuck McKean producing and Bob Dunphy directing.

*Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

J'Leon Love returns, faces JC Peterson in Berto- Ortiz undercard

Former amateur standout and Detroit super middleweight prospect J'Leon Love (5-0, 4 KOs) will fight JC Peterson (1-10) in the Andre Berto- Victor Ortiz WBC welterweight championship undercard Saturday night at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

J'Leon Love is considered to be one of Detroit's brightest prospects and has the skills and talent to make it big in the sport. After all his amateur records speak for themselves: 5- time Detroit Golden Gloves champion, 5- time Golden Glove State champion and National Golden Gloves Silver medalist (he lost to undefeated current NABF welterweight champion and now Manny Pacquiao chief sparmate Shawn Porter in the 2007 finals) and is undefeated in 5 professional fights although the quality of his opponents left something to be desired.

And if you folks are wondering about JC Peterson's boxing record, rest assured that your eyes are not playing tricks on you nor is it a typograpical error. Don't laugh now but we might wonder how on earth a boxer like Peterson, with an atrocious fight record, could still find his way atop a boxing ring against one of Detroit's fast- rising prospects. It is really a reflection of how the business is being run nowadays.

For the full article click HERE

Manny Pacquiao: Inside the Philippine Phenomenon

*FIGHT CAMP 360° Bonus Video

Video: Juan Manuel Lopez at his hometown gym

FIGHT CAMP 360 Pacquiao- Mosley Bonus Video: Knockout Ring Girls

Bantamweight Tournament Update

JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO & ABNER MARES

VIC DARCHINYAN & YONNHY PEREZ

THE BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL –

Winner Takes All 

CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

Four of the world’s most talented and exciting bantamweights participated in a media conference Four of the world’s most talented and exciting bantamweights participated in a media conference call to discuss The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All on Saturday, April 23 LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles .

International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight world champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of Accra, Ghana, will defend his title against the fast-rising, undefeated Abner Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara , Jalisco, Mexico , in the tournament final. Mares’ WBC Silver bantamweight belt will also be on the line.

In what will be a hotly contested 12-round co-feature, former two-division world champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (35-3-1, 27 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, by way of Vanadzok, Armenia, and former IBF bantamweight world champion Yonnhy “El Colombiano” Perez (20-1-1, 14 KOs), of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., by way of Cartagena, Colombia, will clash in a must-win tournament consolation bout.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 are on sale now and available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center Box Office. Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE open at 4 p.m. with the first non-televised undercard fight beginning at 5 p.m. PT.

The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All is promoted by Don King Productions, Gary Shaw Productions, Golden Boy Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and is sponsored by DeWalt Tools and Corona .

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday’s conference call:

You’re both coming off disappointing defeats in the Semifinals. What do you have to prove?

DARCHINYAN: "In my last fight I showed skills for all 12 rounds and didn’t go bombing for a knockout. But no more, I’m changing my style again. I’m going to knock out everyone in front of me. This time it’s Yonnhy Perez, I’m just coming to knock him out. I’m just coming to destroy him. You will see. People talk about when I moved to bantamweight and say I’m not as powerful as I was at 115 pounds? You will see how powerful I am at bantamweight."

PEREZ: “I have nothing to prove. Everyone knows me; I’m a former world champion. Right now I’m just concentrating on Vic Darchinyan. I feel 100 percent confident. On April 23 everyone will see a great fight."

Yonnhy, the first time you fought Agbeko you won. What did you do wrong or what did you change in the second fight that you lost?

PEREZ: “In the first fight Agbeko came to fight and slug it out with me. In the second fight Agbeko came to box. Agbeko fought a great fight and he beat me. I’m not taking anything away from him.”

Yonnhy, have you ever sparred with Vic or watched his fights?

PEREZ: “I’ve watched Darchinyan fight before because we work with the same promoters. Darchinyan is going to do his job and I’m going to do my job and, at the end, the promoter is going to come out winning because whoever wins is from the same promoter. But we’re going to give a great fight. Darchinyan is a great person and it’s just part of the sport. We respect it and we’re going to do 100 percent for the fans.”

Yonnhy, it seemed like you flattened out in the second half of the last fight. What was the reason for that?

PEREZ: “I was frustrated with the fight. Mentally, I was just down. The cut hurt me a lot. It was something that happened and it won’t happen again. I’m ready for this fight.”

Yonnhy, how did going back to Colombia and training with your family help you for this fight?

PEREZ: “It was a great motivation for me because I was close to my family; I got to see my kids all the time. And that’s the reason I’m fighting – I’m fighting for my kids. That motivated me and that why I feel like I’m ready for this fight.”

Vic, what kind of impact do you think the Armenian community will have on your fight?

DARCHINYAN: “I’m very excited to fight in front of the crowd. It’s great to have because you get more motivated for the fight. I love to fight in America , I love to fight in California . I’ve never lost in California , I love it. The stadium is a nice stadium, a fancy stadium. It’s great to fight here.”

Vic, where do you see the fight ending?

DARCHINYAN: “I’m coming to knock him out. He’s a good fighter, it’s nothing personal, I’m just coming to knock him out. I’m just going to punch the left and the right with damaging punches. I’m just coming to destroy him. I’m looking for a knockout in the fourth round. Is it going to happen, I don’t know."

Yonnhy, how will you prepare for Vic and counteract his technique?

PEREZ: “I’m prepared for however Darchinyan comes out. If he comes out to slug I’m going to slug with him. If he comes to box, I’m going box. I’m prepared for whatever Darchinyan brings to me. We’re just ready.”

Vic, you’re fighting in a consolation fight. Are there any issues with motivation?

DARCHINYAN: “I’m a professional and I’m concentrating on my next opponent. What’s happened in the past stays in the past. I’m just looking forward to this fight.”

Yonnhy, can you answer the same question?

PEREZ: “I have motivation in my family. I fight for my kids so they’re better off, my family back home, friends, everybody. I fight for my country and my family. I’m just taking this fight as another fight that I need to win to get to that title shot again.”

Who do you think is going to win between Agbeko and Mares?

DARCHINYAN: “I don’t care about who’s going to win. I just want to fight the winner. I’m looking forward to my next fighter.”

PEREZ: “Both fighters are great fighters. But my friend Abner Mares is going to win this fight and he’ll be a world champion. I know how hard he’s worked for it and it’s his time.”

Yonnhy, you’ve fought them both. Do you think you should be first up to challenge the winner of the tournament?

PEREZ: “I believe so. That’s why I’m getting ready for this fight because I know that the winner of this fight will take the next step to getting a rematch with either fighter.”

Vic, what would you tell your Armenian fans?

DARCHINYAN: “Boxing is about excitement. I’m not coming just to win the fight; I’m coming to bring excitement. I want excitement. I want to fight bigger guys. I want to fight world champions. I want to just prove my point and show everyone how strong I am at the moment. I have my style, I am who I am. I’m just going to show everything in the ring. You’re going to see my punches and you’re going to hear my punches.”

“On the other side of the world in Armenia , April 24 is a very big day for Armenia . It’s the Genocide of Armenia. I want everyone to see this fight and see how motivated I am for this fight. All my team is going to come and remember 1915. It’s a very big day for Armenia .”

DARCHINYAN & PEREZ CLOSING COMMENTS:

PEREZ: “I just want to thank SHOWTIME for putting this tournament together. And I want to thank the promoters. This is a big event and hopefully there are more events that can follow this.”

DARCHINYAN: “I’m fighting on SHOWTIME. I want to do something special. I want to put all my exciting fights on Showtime. “

AGBEKO & MARES OPENING COMMENTS:


AGBEKO: “I want to thank SHOWTIME for putting together this tournament. Abner Mares is a very good fighter but I know I’m the best bantamweight in the world and I’m going to win on April 23.”

MARES: “I want to thank SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity to showcase myself. I’m prepared 100 percent for this fight. I’m really focused and I’m going as a champion and I’m defending my title, too. It’s destiny. About a year ago this time I was training to fight Yonnhy Perez, who I fought on May 22 of last year. Now I’m ready to fight Joseph Agbeko on April 23. It’s destiny, it’s a year apart. It’s the same belt – I let it go once, it slipped away from my hands, and I got a draw. I shook it off and we worked harder. Now we have a second chance. Not many people get second chances and I’m just going to take advantage of it.”

Abner, is there anyone you’ve fought that you can compare style-wise with Agbeko?

MARES: “I’ve said it before, I don’t like to study tapes or an opponent because you don’t know what’s he going to bring in. When he comes to fight you it could be totally different. I’ve never faced a fighter like Joseph Agbeko – Agbeko is a complete fighter, he can box, he can bomb, he can do whatever he wants in the ring. Really, it comes down to whatever style he brings in - we have to work with it and adapt to his style.”

Abner, can you talk about how that setback against Perez affected you?

MARES: “A loss or even a draw, which motivates you more, it depends on the person. I took it really serious and went back and worked extremely hard. I had the chance to fight for a world title and I got a draw, which I pretty much consider a loss. I didn’t get the title so I just went back in the gym and trained harder. Now I have a second chance and I have to take advantage of it.”

Joseph, how did the loss to Perez outside the tournament affect you?

AGBEKO: “After losing to Yonnhy Perez I learned a couple of lessons and I’ve been working very hard since then. I had the chance to get back with the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament and I was able to reclaim my belt from Yonnhy Perez. The lessons I learned from the first fight are making me work harder and harder every day for the fight with Abner Mares.”

Abner, did the Perez fight help you in any way with motivation against Darchinyan?

MARES: “I think every fight that you fight you take something from it and you learn something from it. The Darchinyan fight was a really tough fight. The first couple of rounds didn’t go my way. I was cut and I was knocked down. I think what really helped me there was just the motivation and the strength, mentally, that I had just thinking about my family and not thinking about losing. Just the strength – mentally, I never gave up and I always continued to go forward and never had a losing mentality. I think that was the key in that fight.”

How do you think your styles will mesh in this fight?

MARES: “I think it’s going to be an exciting fight. Obviously, you’ve seen our styles and have seen us fight. We can both brawl, we can both box. It really just depends what we bring into the ring and how adapt to the styles. I like to give exciting fights. There are times, even Agbeko said, where you go toe-to-toe; I sometimes like that because it makes the fight interesting and exciting.”

AGBEKO: “I think we both are skillful and we both are very aggressive. Abner is a very strong guy and always like coming in and throwing a lot of punches. I can do the same. I believe it’s going to be a very beautiful fight. There’s going to be a lot of action in this fight. I think the smarter fighter is going to win this fight. We’re going to fight with our body, our strength and our energy and I think the smartest fighter is going to win.”

Abner, who do you think is going to win the Darchinyan-Perez fight?

MARES: “I have no comment on that fight. I just think it’s going to be a great fight because of their styles. Yonnhy is a guy that is there to be hit – he’s forward, he doesn’t like to back up. And Darchinyan likes that. It can go both ways. If Darchinyan lands that left hand that he likes to land right on the chin I think Yonnhy might go down. But, again, if it goes down to Yonnhy being stronger and Darchinyan not being able to take his pressure, it goes both ways. I really don’t have a winner there; I just think it’s going to be a great fight.”

What do you like about this tournament?

AGBEKO: “I love this tournament. This tournament gave me a chance to get my title back from Perez. It’s a tournament where you’re not going to fight any other contender – you’re only fighting the best bantamweights in the world. You’re not going to fight the 15th contender or the 10th contender; you’re only going to fight the best bantamweights. If you come out of the tournament as the winner then you’re going to be the best bantamweight in the world. I think this tournament gives us a chance to prove ourselves and show we’re the best bantamweights. I really like the tournament so I with it could continue longer.”

MARES: “It’s helped me tremendously to get myself known out there. Back then, people would hear rumors about Abner Mares but I never had been showcased. Now, on SHOWTIME, it really helps people recognize me and people recognize my fights. SHOWTIME has done a tremendous job to showcase my style and showcase my life. For me, it worked out great. If they keep going with any other division it will definitely help not just the fighters but boxing as well.”

MARES: “When Agbeko said he’s similar to a Mexican fighter it’s because he’s a warrior who gives his all in the ring. He fights his heart out. He throws a lot of punches. He does have a little bit of everything in the ring. It’s going to be a great fight. He’s a champion and he’s a great champion.”

Joseph, what do you think are your advantages going into this fight?

AGBEKO: “I don’t think about advantages in any fight because I’ve been fighting very tough fighters for some time now. My advantage is going to be my heart. I’ve worked a lot on strength for this fight and I’ve worked a lot on speed. I would like to thank SHOWTIME for giving the opportunity to be in this tournament and to become a world champion again.”

Abner, what are your advantages?

MARES: "My advantage is fighting here at home. I know that they say the people aren’t fighting for you; you’re the one going up in the ring. But the people and the crowd are the ones that feed you that energy. Once I get up in the ring and hear people cheer for me feeds me that energy to go the 12 rounds to fight an energetic fight. I want to thank everybody, especially Golden Boy Promotions. They started me from zero – I’m their first project. They turned from zero to a chance for a world title.”

*Photo Credit: Tom Hogan - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions