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… 17 hours ago
Did the never-ending P90X yoga session earlier. Feeling very relaxed #oooooooohm! 17 hours ago
After taking a beating in a knockout loss to Lamont Peterson last month, Kendall Holt has decided to launch his latest comeback as a welterweight.
With a .500 record over his last six fights and two of those losses being stoppages, Holt says staying at 140 pounds has become a physical burden.
The time is right for me to make this transition to welterweight, I feel like I’ve still got a lot of fight in me and what better way to exercise it than to be in a division with so many interesting match ups. It isn’t just what I want, it’s also what my body is telling me to do and my body is telling me that I’m going to be a physically better fighter in the move up.
I’m trying to get as far as I can and I’m looking to make this welterweight run count. I’m not some kid coming into the division, I am a proven fighter with a recognized name and I’m looking to land some of the most interesting fights that can be made. The good thing is I the division is stacked 1-10 and I’m looking to knock one of those guys out of their spot.
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The Peterson loss pretty much ended any chance of Holt getting back in the 140 pound title picture, so this is a smart move. His team mentioned interest in possibly Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto — two guys in need of a solid name to get their careers back on track. Holt provides that and as someone who’s coming off a bad KO defeat and is moving up, I think the chances are high that one of those guys takes the bait.
The question for Holt is if he’ll bring his power up from 140 and how that Peterson loss has taken out of him.
BAYAMON, PUERTO RICO — Juan Manuel Lopez made a successful return to the ring last night by dominating a clearly overmatched Aldimar Silva. JuanMa is back in the winner’s circle, but is he ready to jump back in with the elite at featherweight?
A PATIENT JUANMA: Although Silva didn’t have any power to truly trouble him, Lopez was patient and didn’t exhibit much of the recklessness on defense that has become one of his trademarks. He worked behind the jab, ripped the body in close and didn’t get in too many wild exchanges. It would be Lopez’s southpaw right hook to the body and straight left that were the money punches that slowly wore down Silva in route to the KO.
MIKEY GARCIA OR WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR?: Right now the talk is Lopez jumping right back in the lion’s den by either facing Garcia in another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle, or a domestic showdown with countrymen Wilfredo Vazquez. If I’m handling Lopez, I go with the Vazquez fight. Vazquez has some of the same vulnerabilities as Lopez defensively ensuring a potential Fight of the Year. Garica is too well-schooled and would give JuanMa his third knockout loss (and much quicker than what Salido accomplished).
THE COMEBACK NOBODY SAW: Over in the States, this card was broadcast on pay-per-view to the tune of $39.99. I’m not even sure Puerto Ricans here like JuanMa that much. This would have been a nice fight for the Showtime team to air (like they did JuanMa’s fights in PR with Salido), but sadly the current Top Rank-Showtime beef likely prevented this. For those of you who missed it, luckily the team at @SweetBoxing was able to get the below link together sans audio.
Prediction: This fight is being billed as a light-heavyweight match despite both guys being well over the 175 pound limit. This is Pascal’s first fight in 19 months (1) and off an hand injury so it’s expected that he’d take a light touch. Kuziemski’ record (23-4, 7 KOs) holds only one notable name in Nathan Cleverly, who only needed four rounds to knock him out last year. Cleverly isn’t exactly a big puncher and three of Kuziemski’s four losses have come via KO. Kuzimeski likes to mix it up inside and that’s where Pascal’s power will close the show via a TKO by the 3rd round.
This card airs tonight on Wealth TV tonight at 7 p.m. live from the Bell Centre and feature David Lemieux on the undercard.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — Standing before his hometown fans, a teary-eyed Ricky Hatton could not utter the word “retirement.” He could only apologize for a back and forth battle in which he came up short, leading on all cards but suffering a debilitating body shot KO in the ninth to Vyacheslav Senchenko in Hatton’s first comeback fight since May 2009.
The sold-out crowd gave Hatton a huge ovation during his ring walk and the lyrics to his “Blue Moon” rendition reverberated throughout the arena. The opening round was marked by Senchenko landing the cleaner shots, particularly jabs and overhand rights. Hatton weathered these shots and got inside with short hooks to the body and left hooks to the head that kept Senchenko backpedaling.
Senchenko stayed competitive but struggled to meet the pace until the sixth, when Hatton’s pressure slowed just a step allowing Senchenko to re-establish his jab and right cross. Senchenko’s right hands couldn’t miss and the accuracy made Hatton become wilder with his own power shot attempts. In addition, Senchenko’s began timing Hatton’s rushes with right hands and the check left hook, the latter which Floyd Mayweather used to dispose of Hatton back in 2007.
With the momentum clearly with Senchenko, Hatton pressed harder in the ninth and had a decent round before catching a thudding left hook to the body. The punch brought Hatton to his knees, prompting the crowd to increase their cheers in hopes to will their fighter to the finish. But the punch was too devestating, leaving Hatton in a fetal position on his side well after the 10 count.
Hatton, who was leading on all scorecards (78-74 and 77-76 twice), was near tears in his post-fight interview and attributed the loss to recklessness and the three-plus year layoff.
“My shots were miles away. I expected that after 3 1/2 years away,” admitted Hatton. “I was winning. I’m absolutely heartbroken… It was a good shot to be honest; he nailed me with a few. I should have been looking for that… I’m just gutted. I wanted to fight for world titles… I have a lot to think about. I can’t keep picking me ass up off the floor. I’m not a failure.”
The loss drops Ricky Hatton’s record to 45-3, with 32 KOs. Senchenko improves to 33-1 with 22 KOs.
It was really tough seeing Hatton, bruised up and near tears, apologizing to his fans for not being able to get the win. Hatton’s pressure style is not conducive to a long career so it’s an amazing feat in itself that he was able to deliver such a competitive fight in his first bout after years battling drug addiction and depression. But the ring reveals the cold truth, and tonight it delivered a cruel, ironic twist to see Hatton destroyed with a left hook to the body, a signature punch of his that gave him a career-highlight knockout win over Jose Luis Castillo.
Hatton doesn’t want to retire on a loss, let alone back to back KO defeats. No fighter wants to go out like that. But tonight he gave it his all and deep down knows there’s nothing left. It’s up to his team to make sure he doesn’t forget that in the coming months if he tries to delude himself into another comeback. You’ve had a fine career, Hitman. Hold your head high and without shame.
Former WBO titleholder Sergei Liakhovich is ready to get back in the contender picture and has set his sights on undefeated Polish heavyweight Mariusz Wach.
A comeback is a tall order for the 36-year-old Liakhovich, who’s suffered stoppage losses in his last two bouts against Bryant Jennings (March 2012) and Robert Helenius (August 2011). With his last win coming in 2010, Liakhovich admits his recent slide was partly due to a lack of focus.
I took a few months off from boxing and now I’m ready to come back fresh,” Liakhovich explained. “In my last fight [against Bryant Jennings], I made a critical mistake underestimating my opponent. What drives me in this sport is a real challenge. It gives me that fire that all fighters need; the feeling of danger that pushes a fighter to do better. I admit not having prepared properly for my last fight. I didn’t even want to spend money for the right sparring partners because I thought it was going to be an easy fight. Unfortunately, I paid the price. Now, looking back, I wish I could change that but I can’t. All I can do now is get back in the ring and show everybody what I can really do.
Wach is ranked #4 by the WBC and holds victories over former fringe contenders Tye Fields and Kevin McBride. At this juncture in their careers, Liakhovich believes a fight would prove if Wach has the talent to become a legit contender.
Wach is saying in the media that he needs an opponent but nobody will fight him. Well, not only am I available, I’m willing to go to Poland and fight him right in his backyard. If he honestly believes he’s ready to take on the Klitschkos, first, let him fight somebody like me who has been world champion in order to prove to the boxing world that he’s deserves a world title fight. Is he a contender or pretender? Let’s find out. I understand that I have a lot to prove, to me and my fans, and I’m ready to do just that. How about you, Marius Wach, are you ready for the toughest fight of your career?
At press time, Liakhovich also has several American heavyweights on his wish list, including Seth Mitchell, Chris Arreola and Jonathon Banks.
Still don’t think one loss can completely derail a career? Look no further than former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, who began a downward spiral following a competitive April 2010 loss to Sergio Martinez that many believed he would never emerge from. Plagued by freak injuries (hand staph infection), big fight cancellations (Paul Williams) and well-documented alcoholism, Pavlik seemed fated to be a shooting star — emerging brilliantly but ultimately extinguishing at its apex.
It’s been a slow comeback climb, but at 30 years old and 12 years deep in the Sweet Science, Kelly Pavlik has emerged from the lowest point on his career. After only fighting once in 2011, he’s notched two dominant KOs this year of lesser talents, leading to tomorrow night’s HBO showcase against Will Rosinsky. Another good win and Pavlik will find himself back in the hunt to secure his first big name fight since 2010. Add on a personal life that’s now stable, and you’ll understand why Kelly Pavlik is optimistic about his future endeavors.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Congrats on the KO in your last fight against Scott Sigmon. Was it planned to stay on the inside so much and break him down?
Kelly Pavlik: Did I stay on the inside a little too much? Yeah, I didn’t listen to Robert as he was telling me to find my distance. I think overall the body work, how I put my punches together and the counterpunching, everything turned out good.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Tell us about the focus you’ve shown lately in developing your left hand.
Pavlik: We worked on that left hand over and over. A hook to the head and off that hook to the body and hook back to the head. People know I have a powerful right hand and I have a good jab. The hook is something we worked on religiously over and over. The habit of using that bore out in the fight.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: A lot of guys say they want big fights but end up shying away from that stance if it means traveling and taking on some of the formidable talent overseas. Would you be willing to travel to find that big fight?
Pavlik: It don’t matter to me. That falls in the hands of Top Rank. We’re not sure if there’s any fighters overseas that’ll be available for me to fight. The main thing is I have to take care of business Saturday, which I’m gonna do. This kid’s [Will Rosinsky] coming to fight too.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Would I be jumping the gun to expect you to be slipping and countering with big shots inside against Rosinsky?
Pavlik: I don’t think this is an inside fight. I just did that with Sigmon because I wanted to prove something to him, nobody else. He kind of upset me in the prefight. With this fight we’ll work on what we’ve been working on for the Sigmon fight and before. Not saying I’m gonna be a master boxer like Mayweather but we’re gonna use our hand speed, jab, our long-range and show lots of skills.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Last year you turned down what would’ve been a big fight in facing Lucian Bute on the road. Considering what Froch did to him, do you have any regret about not taking that fight?
Pavlik: Y’know what, I do because of how it happened. At the same time, I did what I had to do because of certain reasons. Everbody goes ‘oh he had personal problems.’ It had nothing to do with that. That was definitely not the reason; there was more behind it. In a way I am and in a way I’m not. I definitely believe since Froch did it, I would’ve done it quicker.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Do you feel you got a fair shake from the media about your alcohol issues?
Pavlik: I’m wary because it’ll constantly be brought up. It was over two years ago but people still want to bring it up. It’s over with now. When the question is asked I just bypass it.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: If everything works out we’ll get Sergio Martinez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in September. Are you willing to face the winner?
Pavlik: Definitely. That’s what we’re here for, the big fights. I think it’ll be hard to make middleweight, though. I think maybe a catchweight or something like that. Any big fight out there I’m interested in.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You’ve mentioned Carl Froch’s name more than anyone else regarding big fights…
Pavlik: He had his words about me and that ticked me off a little bit, especially after what Jermain Taylor did to him. He knocked Jermain Taylor out in the 12th round, but that was a one-sided fight up until then. I think he carries a big name in that division and it would be a great action fight.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You’e mentioned that you feel your defense has vastly improved. How so?
Pavlik: I’ve always had good defense. The difference I’m doing now is countering off that. Before I would block three punches and then I wouldn’t do anything. Now working with Barber I’m blocking but we’re firing back.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You’ve talked about what a great move it was to relocate out West for training instead of staying in your hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. We all know about the great side of being home when you’re winning, but how did you deal with the questions and other whisperings from people you grew up with during these tough last few years?
Pavlik: That’s a really good question. I live my life by what makes me happy. That’s the main thing, no matter what the situation is. So in an area like that no one can really judge. I do what I have to do. A lot of people didn’t ask too much. They would say things behind my back but I was never confronted on too much except by the media. And I answered them as accurately as I could.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Last question. Your style is a bruising one, so you’re a good boxer to pose this question to. Two of your signature wins, against Edison Miranda and the first Jermain Taylor fight, it can be argued that the beatings your delivered took something from both of them. Knowing that, is there ever any feelings of remorse or sadness knowing your completely derailed someone’s career?
Pavlik: It never really enters my mind because it’s never really a guarantee, even with what happened with Taylor’s career. For me to come out and say ‘I did that’ without no proof makes me look arrogant and cocky. I’m sure one day when I retire and look back it’ll hit me. But when you go into the ring, you’re going [with the mindset] to protect yourself and your health. What happens, happens. One thing in this sport is you never want to see anyone get hurt seriously. But yet, you’re going for a knockout. Thank God they all walked away healthy.
Kelly Pavlik faces Will Rosinsky July 7 live on HBO at 10 p.m. ET
Mase took a break from a pastoral duties to link up with his old boss to lace Wale’s remix to “Slight Work.” As Mase confirmed in his verse, the former Bad Boy is now being “recruited” to join Rick Ross’s Maybach Music clique. And since Diddy still owns that contract, it’s no surprise that he makes an appearance (with a nice ghostwritten verse no less) on this track. Whatever you think of his conflicting messages, Mase’s ability as an emcee have never much been in doubt, which is why he always seems to find a willing suitor whenever he attempts a comeback. We’ll see if Ross is willing to take the gamble and add the Atlanta preacher to his stable. I’m down for it just for the spectacle…
WALE X FRENCH MONTANA X DIDDY X MASE “SLIGHT WORK REMIX”
SWV has released a their first video in support of their comeback album I Missed Us (April 17). The trio will be hitting the road this month through August in support of the project. Their full tour internary can be veiwed below.
TOUR DATES:
3/ 24 – 3/ 27 – Tom Joyner Cruise
3/29 – St. Louis, MO w/ New Edition
(Radio One 95.5 B-day Bash) Scottrade Center
4/ 7- Hampton, Va
Hampton Convocation Center
5/ 5 – Miami, FL – Funk Fest
5/ 18- Atlanta, Ga W/New Edition – Funk Fest
Wolf Creek Amphitheater
(FRESH MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR W/ KC & JOJO, KEITH SWEAT)
5/ 25 – Lafayette, LA
Cajun Dome
5/ 26 – Houston, TX
Reliant Arena
5/ 27- Greensboro, NC
Greensboro Coliseum
TBA – Philadelphia, PA
Liacourous, Center
6/ 8- Bridgeport, CT
Webster Bank Arena
6/ 16- Charleston, SC
N. Charleston Coliseum
6/ 29-Augusta, Ga
James Brown Arena
6/ 30- Raleigh, NC
RBC Center
(*** not part of the fresh music festival tour)
7/ 6 – New Orleans, LA
Essence Music Festival performance***
7/ 13- Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial Arena ***
SWV, one of the 90s most accomplished R&B groups, has confirmed the April 10 release of I Missed Us, their first studio album in 14 years.
“It’s a great feeling to be back recording together again!” said group members Coko, Taj and Lelee in a joint statement. “Something special always happens when we come together.”
The first single “Co-Sign” was released in December and is produced by Lamb, whose credits include Beyonce, Monica, Jasmine Sullivan and Missy Elliott. Other producers confirmed for the album include Bryan M. Cox and Jazze Pha.
Debuting in 1992 with the mult-platinum LP It’s About Time, SWV would remain popular throughout the decade with the double platinum sophomore LP New Beginning (1996), and their platinum third offereing Release Some Tension (1997). The group scored ten Top 10 R&B singles over their career such as “Weak,” “Right Here,” “Downtown” and “You’re Always On My Mind.”
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.
