RT @TodoCorazon17: So this is a good thing bc Delvin got the decision & should have got the TKO. But what if Hernandez would have got the n… 16 hours ago
Did the never-ending P90X yoga session earlier. Feeling very relaxed #oooooooohm! 16 hours ago
CABAZON, CALIFORNIA — Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell returned from prolonged medical sabbaticals with dominant knockout wins last night (December 30) on a special Showtime tripleheader.
An early injury to his right hand caused Jermain Taylor (29-4-1, 18 KOs) to rely on his formidable jab and a newly found left hook to break down Jessie Nicklow (22-3-3, 8 KOs). The 33-year-old Taylor came out throwing heavy uppercuts and right hands. Nicklow tried to pressure, but found himself unable to get past Taylor’s long left jab. Outside of a glancing left hook in the third, Taylor retained complete control of the early rounds.
A Nicklow bloody nose by the fourth round was a testament to the effectiveness of Taylor’s jab. The former middleweight champion used it as a power punch and seemed reluctant to finish with right hands, hinting at the later confirmed injury. In the fifth, Taylor diversified his attack with left hooks downstairs which clearly bothered Nicklow. By the sixth, Taylor was tripling the left hook but lost a point for hitting after the bell.
After landing a big right at the end of the seventh, Taylor picked up his dominance in the eighth by backing up Nicklow with power shots. A Taylor right stunned Nicklow, and a follow-up left hook prompted a stoppage from referee Patrick Connolly. Nicklow protested vehemently and the crowd booed loudly.
Taylor explained he was anxious to get back in the ring to work off additional ring rust. Although not going into specifics, Taylor affirmed his desire for top competition in 2012.
“I’ll never run from nobody,” said Taylor. “We see that jab is back on…I’m ready for whoever!”
Andre Dirrell (20-1, 14 KOs) showcased his trademark speed but added devastating power in a quick dispatching of Darryl Cunningham (24-3, 10 KOs).
The smaller, 37-year-old Cunningham was kept at bay in the first round by Dirrell jabs and straight lefts to the body. In the second, Dirrell exploded with two fast lead straight lefts that badly hurt Cunningham. After holding and getting some extra time, Dirrell immediately dropped him with another straight left. Cunningham beat the count and tried to hold, but was dropped again by a short right hook inside despite more recovery time since Cunningham’s corner was indecisive after initially throwing in the towel. Cunningham made it to his feet again but was in no condition to continue.
Dirrell, now 28 after nearly two years out the ring, vowed to push hard to win a title in the upcoming year.
“2012 is mine, I promise you!” said Dirrell. “Everything I threw was with full confidence..I’d like to pick up my game 100%. It’s almost like starting over… If you’re ready for me,call me out or I’ll call you out…The window is short; I’m 28 years old and ready for that title.”
The card’s opening bout featured Cuban standout Luis Garcia (12-0, 9 KOs) winning a lopsided eight round decision over Alexander Johnson (21-1, 5 KOs). After showing some good signs early countering Garcia, Johnson would go into a shell by the fourth. Garcia appeared close to a stoppage behind clubbing right hands and hooks downstairs, but the Cuban prospect did not consistently throw heavy shots. Garcia would take the decision by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 twice. Johnson could be heard blaming his performance on an undisclosed stomach ailment.
Considering the abomination that was Gucci Mane’s freestyle over “Shook Ones Part II,” no one was exactly clamoring for any other Brick Squad affiliate to touch a Mobb Deep classic. Thankfully, French Montana and Waka Flocka’s take on “Hell On Earth” is a significant improvement. Still, hearing a 2011 Prodigy over this beat makes one long for the lyrical zone of his ’96 form.
It’s been two years since Jermain Taylor was badly knocked out by Arthur Abraham in one of the opening bouts of the Super Six tournament. After being knocked out in three of his last five fights, Taylor took a sabbatical which most people thought would turn into a full-fledged retirement. Instead, Taylor will return to the ring tonight (December 30) against Jessie Nickllow on a special Showtime doubleheader that also features a returning Andre Dirrell. Check out Taylor’s last big interview in 2010 on Showtime’s Fight Camp 360. Tonight’s card begins at 11 PM ET.
After undergoing emergency gall bladder surgery last week, WBC junior welterweight champion Erik Morales has rescheduled his January 28 title defense against Danny Garcia to March 24.
The initial January date was to be a HBO doubleheader also featuring James Kirkland against Carlos Molina. The Reliant Arena in Houston, Texas has been retained for the new date.
On Monday (December 26), Morales announced that doctors would not clear him to resume training for the January date. The rescheduling compromise was reached by Morales promoter Golden Boy and HBO over several days where a replacement bout and complete card cancellation were considered.
Golden Boy has confirmed that all purchased tickets will be honored on March 24. Those seeking refunds can do so beginning January 6.
Although most of the music industry has slowed down this holiday season, there’s still a few emcees out there putting in work for the final days of 2011. Powda brings along Slaine and Termanology for the dark festivities that is “The Program.” Termanology going horrorcore is interesting to see. Get with the program…
It was only a matter time before Andre 3000 hooked up with one of his spiritual sons in Hip-Hop, B.o.B. During the opening chords the beat sounds like it’ll be corny and formulaic, but it quickly grows on you as B.o.B. goes into his verse. Andre’s starts his with rapid-fire, flawless enunciation before falling back onto the trademark conversational flow he’s been using heavily over the last few years. Not surprisingly, these two have good chemistry. This is just another reason why we need a 3k solo or Outkast album in 2012.
After a two-year grind to win Showtime’s Super Six tournament, newly unified WBA and WBC champion Andre Ward believes IBF titlist Lucian Bute needs to prove himself against 2-3 high-level opponents to earn a unification bout.
Ward, who took a dominant decision from Carl Froch on December 17, says Bute has not traveled outside of hometown nor endured the constant high level of competition that all the Super Six participants have been subjected to since 2009.
“I believe it will be made at some point, but I do believe he has to beat some good fighters. He needs to beat one or two good guys, A-level guys, and even in some cases come out of his hometown and do it to get a shot,” Ward told On the Ropes radio. “I think with some of the talk lately about me ducking him, I think after the schedule that the combatants in the Super Six have been on in the past two years, it’s really foolish to even bring up the notion that somebody is ducking Bute. I mean that’s just not the case. Like I said, I believe that’s a fight that should be made and will be made, but at the same time we have to be smart in this game.”
Ward noted two opponents, Andre Dirrell and Carl Froch, as fights Bute could take to affirm his standing as an elite fighter.
“I mean I’ve heard Dirrell say he wants to fight Bute, and Dirrell’s on the comeback trail. I think that would be a great fight,” said Ward. ”Carl Froch, I think personally Froch will probably take a tune-up fight or a lesser fight to kind of regroup, but that’s up to his team and after that I think he should go to Lucian Bute. Those are the kind of guys I think he needs to beat and then I think the fight would even be bigger, and I think he would then warrant a shot at some of the big belts that we have.”
At press time, Lucian Bute could not be reached for comment.
For Andre Ward’s full interview transcript, click HERE.
Those in the Tri-State area got a treat and history lesson over the holiday weekend when Funkmaster Flex enlisted fellow legend Kool DJ Red Alert for the annual Hot 97 old school Christmas mix. The duo’s four-hour set spanned Hip-Hop’s development throughout the 80s. With Mister Cee and Bugsy Buggs in attendance, there were also great background and side stories in between tracks. You can download and stream the entire set below.
Welcome to Part two of boxer Holly “Li’l Bear” Lawson’s exclusive interview with Beats, Boxing & Mayhem. The proceedings became more casual conversation than formal interview, and Lawson supplied a unique perspective on Manny Pacquiao’s contract issues with Floyd Mayweather, her favorite fights and modern vs. golden age boxing. Part one can be read HERE.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Being that you’ve trained with Manny Pacquiao for about seven years, what’s your opinion on the contract issues he’s had with Floyd Mayweather over the last two years?
Holly Lawson: As far as boxing goes, I want to be more like Floyd than Manny to be honest. Floyd is just a beautiful boxer and his skill level is amazing. He’s a very throwback fighter. With that said, the way he’s approached this fight and the persona he’s built up for himself has made it hard for anyone to hear the valid things he’s saying. I feel he’s coming forward with actual legitimate concerns and I don’t feel he’s out of place. If I felt someone had been taking something I’d want tests done too. If he truly feels that I don’t think he’s out of line asking for testing.
I’ve talked to Freddie [Roach] about it. The thing is if they don’t have this fight it’ll eat Floyd up. Floyd would have another 4-5 fights and probably go into the Hall of Fame undefeated with millions of dollars. But it wouldn’t matter because for the rest of his life people would ask him about Manny and why they didn’t fight. It would consume him. Now if they didn’t fight, Manny wouldn’t care. It’s not that big of a concern to him; he’s had losses. For some reason the way they both look it and how it affects them is different.
Honestly I don’t see them fighting next year. There are still other, easier fights that can make them millions. The way the Arum-Golden Boy thing is with their lack of communication and the stories they put out to the media that turn out to be false, I just don’t see either side conceding. Do you?
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: The last time I talked to Manny one on one was right before the Margarito fight. We actually got to talk for about a half hour and he told me point blank he’d be willing to test the day of the fight and in between rounds if necessary. I doubt he‘s the problem. Golden Boy and Top Rank have so much animosity and options in house that they feel content continually putting it off.
The way things are going the fight may just happen when it means little to anyone. With them in their mid 30s, an upset or bad night can happen. The fact this has been going on for two years is disrespectful to the boxing fans and their legacies.
This is the biggest challenge for both of them. If it doesn’t happen it hurts both of their standings. It would be like if Ali and Frazier’s Fight of the Century never happened over a contract impasse. It’s mind-boggling and embarrassing to have to cover it…
Lawson: I’ve heard Manny in person say he’ll take the test. Manny would fight him in a heartbeat. The politics just won’t allow it.
My thing with Floyd is you build yourself this persona to help you sell fights. Paulie Malignaggi has also done that. Paulie is the coolest guy on the planet. Before I met him I thought he was going to be the biggest jerk. I was pleasantly surprised. Floyd is similar; he’s a really nice dude whenever I’ve encountered him.
The persona has totally worked for him. He’s made more money that anyone else. But now he’s confronted with this other persona in Manny who’s built himself as the nice guy and people’s champion. What Floyd doesn’t understand is that no one wants to hear his valid points because he’s built himself into the bad guy. And he’s also done things that make it so he can’t reverse the image.
He’s in a place where he’s stuck being that dude. He’s always gonna come off as that whiny, bratty and mean dude even though I don’t think he is. Floyd is really smart and did what he needed to do to make a lot of money. I have a lot of respect for him. It would help if the people around him did a better job of censoring him.
If Floyd really wanted to fight Manny he’d have went through Golden Boy and had some big negotiator came through with a contract. Going public was the safe way because I think he knew it would never happen [that way]. To be honest I think Floyd is scared of Manny…
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Remember that Arum did the public countdown on Floyd last summer. I’m sure a tit for tat payback factored into Floyd’s May 5 announcement.
Lawson: You’re right. And with Bob Arum that’s a whole ‘nother thing. [laughs]
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You touched on an interesting point about Floyd not being able to shake the “bad guy” role. To his credit he’s played it so well people were even criticizing him about announcing he’d pay for Joe Frazier’s funeral. Nothing he does is accepted at face value.
Lawson: I couldn’t believe that. It’s so evil for anyone to say anything about that because no one else stepped up to do it.
I can’t give Floyd enough props but he continually shoots himself in the foot. The reason Floyd is so good is he lives a really clean life and trains every day even when he shouldn’t. Floyd doesn’t drink alcohol or really party like that or engage in the shenanigans like he makes it out to be. He just has a paid entourage. Other than that he’s very regimented and disciplined athlete. I have so much respect for him in that capacity.
Floyd just doesn’t go out and buy Bentley’s every day. He doesn’t wild out 24/7. As an athlete I respect and admire his work ethic. He’s also not really bad with women. [laughs] People don’t know that and he’s really shot himself in the foot because he’s put out the image that he is all of those things. I think he and his people never really considered the long term repercussions to that image.
I feel like he’s this little kid that gets talked into stuff and when he has a little bit of a temper tantrum, the people around him allow him to go like “yeah, let’s get on TV and talk into stacks of cash! That’s a really good idea!” No, it’s really not. [laughs]
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Now that Andre Ward vs. Lucian Bute is the big fight at super-middleweight, who do you favor in that bout?
Lawson: [Pauses] I’ve not seen enough Bute to really call that one. But he’s Canadian so by default I have to favor my fellow Canadian.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Bute has a very good uppercut and I’d like to see how Ward would handle it if he got caught. But Ward is a better skilled overall and has a speed edge.
Lawson: Ward can get a little sloppy at times when he gets comfortable. The openings are there.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: What five boxing matches had the biggest impact on you?
Lawson: Hagler-Hearns. I’m a big fan of both. I loved the Hopkins-De La Hoya fight – I’m probably the only person that did. [laughs] There are so many. I’m a Mike Tyson fan, too. I’m drawing blanks… I do watch a lot of Sugar Ray Robinson. To me he wasn’t the greatest, but he’s the best boxer ever.
He was so smooth. The way boxing was back then they moved differently than we do. He was one of the people who changed that. The way he slipped [punches], we do that now. A lot of modern boxers got their stuff from him. He would just roll off and come back with something. All those fighters who would fight 15 round fights every week, I have so much respect for them.
Sugar Ray’s determination was evident every time he fought. Every time I think about the culture back then and what he had to live through, you see it in the ring. That’s one of the reasons I think Muhammad Ali was the greatest. I’ve never been a big fan of flashy footwork, but every time he got in the ring, regardless of how many he talked, he showed his confidence and life experiences. What he said, he did it. I’m somebody with social and political awareness and I can’t imagine what he had to battle through. It showed his character as a person.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You mentioned the older fighters being able to fight big fights multiple times a month. You try anything like that now, as seen in the Super Six, and guys seem to physically fall apart. Do you think that’s because the boxers back then were tougher or due to fighters being stronger now and delivering more damaging blows?
Lawson: I want to fight every month. One time I almost got to fight twice in a month. That was six rounds, though. If you’re fighting 15 rounds and every two weeks that’s pretty crazy and a toll on your body. I just think it’s a different type of durability. The way we train now is for immediate output. It’s gotten a little more specific and scientific being that we train more aerobically. That’s not conducive to fighting multiple fights over a short period of time. The body will need that rest.
I don’t think boxers hit harder now. We just exert more energy. On the flip side of that can you imagine getting hit with those older gloves? I wear eight ounce gloves and they feel like nothing. I couldn’t even imagine big guys, heavyweights, hitting with them.
I also think what we are physically capable of comes down to the limitations we place on ourselves.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: It’s been great speaking with you, Holly. Any closing thoughts?
Lawson: I want to be world champion but I think there’s really a gap in Western culture for women athletes. There are not a lot of women out there who are good examples for young women. And those that are don’t get the shine that they need to. In female boxing there isn’t anyone in that role now. That is what I would like to own.
There are a lot of social causes I’m interested in. I really would like to use my boxing to step into other things to build myself as a brand so when I stop boxing I can do other things. Because of how women’s boxing is I feel I can be in a more powerful position if I can build myself outside the ring. That is when the top promoters will really be interested in me. When you hold the cards in your hands, then you’re in a position of power.
I really want to make sure I’m always represented in a way that I feel is appropriate and makes a difference. I’ve been offered stuff I refuse to take because I don’t believe in the company or what I have to do or look like. I want to be someone who makes it so a little girl somewhere realizes she doesn’t have to be hyper-sexualized or bow down. You can get there by working really hard and perfecting your craft. These are the things I personally care about.
Stay updated on Holly “Li’l Bear” Lawson’s career by following her @lilbearlawson
Looks like all we had to do is talk to Statik Selektah and Action Bronson if we wanted a definitive answer on the 1963 Kennedy assassination. Scratch that — based on this video Statik won’t be talking to anyone else. This lively track can be found on their collaborative album Well Done, available HERE.
