Posts Tagged ‘Peter Quillin’

[Video] Fireworks in BK: Garcia Wins Spirited Battle Over Judah

Posted: April 28, 2013 in Fight Reports
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BROOKLYN, New York — Zab Judah failed last night in another championship match. That statement is a cold fact, but it doesn’t begin to reveal the entire truth behind the event, as Judah showed heart and grit in overcoming a knockdown and various perilous moments to inflict his own damage on champion Danny Garcia in route to losing a highly entertaining unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112 and 114-112) at the Barclays Center.

This was a bout that surpassed my expectations in that the fight was still on the table in the late rounds. What made it so exciting? Onto the fight’s major points.

 

THE LEFT HOOK? AH, MADE YOU LOOK!: Danny Garcia’s main weapon is his massive left hand and Judah was on the lookout for it by constantly circling away to his left. Garcia wisely anticipated this and framed his offense around various right hands. Garcia mixed it to the body and head, at times looping it around Judah’s guard, shooting down the middle, or stabbing it downstairs. It made Judah have to think about when to throw his own counter lefts, allowing Garcia to outland him and rack up the early rounds. However, when Judah did throw the left with conviction, he connected flush.

 

BODY SHOTS: Around the fifth round it became clear that Garcia right hands downstairs were beginning to break down his opponent. Zab’s movement slowed and it allowed Garcia to wobble him badly with a right upstairs. Judah refused to go down and even talked a little trash while back-peddaling for dear life.

The sixth was no better for Judah with Garcia jumping on his immediately and going right back to the body, forcing Judah to hold. It was probably the longest round of Zab’s career as he was hurt in the opening moments and literally knocked around the ring like a pinball for the entire 3 minutes. Still, he refused to go down.

 

THE 8TH ROUND COMEBACK/KNOCKDOWN:  I know it’s strange to consider a round he got dropped in as the start of his comeback, but that’s the round where Zab started to turn it around. He was winning the eighth by countering Garcia at mid-range, but he lingered too long and got planted on the seat of his pants by a right cross.

With his eyes swelled up, Judah could have easily packed it in as we’ve seen him do before. Instead, he let his Brooklyn hometown fuel him and commenced to throwing home run straight lefts. It allowed him to survive the round, and he kept it up in the ninth to great effect. Still, Garcia continued to land regularly with the right that kept Judah from completely turning it around.

 

JUDAH’S CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS: Now when have you ever seen Judah dominate in the late rounds? He finally succeeded in stunning Garcia with a left in round 10 and had him moving backwards. Garcia is not nearly as effective off the backfoot and he got wobbled again off a Judah power shot. Zab also landed his best hooks, with both hands, in the 11th.

But to Garcia’s credit, his chin held up amazingly well and he made sure at the end of these rounds he was the one coming forward and forcing Judah to hold.

A clash of heads had both streaming blood in the final stanza. Judah got in a few more big counters while Garcia went back to the body for what was a thrilling finish.

 

RESPECT EARNED, NOT GIVEN: All the bullshit trash talk between these two camps had all but evaporated at the final bell. Garcia and Judah embraced, and the latter could be seen standing by and shaking hands with former nemesis Angel Garcia during the post-fight interview. Danny was high on praise for Zab and gave him accolades as the best fighter he’s ever fought.

It was a hell of a fight.  I had to beat the Brooklyn guy in his hometown. I knew he had a lot of pride behind him and he was never going to give up. He is a crafty veteran with power. He hit me with a good shot. He hit me in the eleventh with a left hand that spun me around.  It shook me up a little bit.

I am a true champion and I had to fight through a storm tonight to prove that. Judah is the craftiest and strongest guy that I have fought so far. I knew he had a lot of power with the left, but I was able to stand my ground and counter it. My game plan was to try to use the jab, but he was stepping around. He was crafty and he took my jab away so I had to do what I had to do.

And as far as all the animosity we saw before the fight?

It’s gone. It’s respect. As you can see, it’s a lot of bad blood (on our faces). I’ve got cuts. He has cuts. We came here and gave the people of Brooklyn a nice show.

 

TIME TO GET OFF THE SENIOR CIRCUIT: Danny Garcia impressed me with his chin, ability to remain calm under fire, and in executing such a sound game plan. However, his last two title defenses have been against 35+ year old fighters well past their primes. For all intents and purposes, it should have been his mandatory, Lucas Matthysse, in there with him last night. Garcia needs to be facing the winner of Matthysse-Peterson next unless a Khan rematch comes off.

 

QUILLIN DOMINATES: Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin’s power resulted in another multiple-knockdown victory as he deposited Fernando Guerrero on the canvas four times in route to a seventh round TKO. Quillin was patient and used his right hand counters to destroy Guerrero. It was  his first title defense of the WBO title he lifted last October over Hassan N’DAm. Quillin has name-checked two potential opponents in Gennday Golovkin and Sergio Martinez. With Martinez getting injured again last night, the Golovkin fight would be the most explosive bout that can be made at middleweight.

 

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Golovkin to Return March 30, Eyes Summer Unification with Geale

Posted: January 31, 2013 in Fight News
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WBA middleweight titlist Gennady Golovkin has announced that he will make another title defense on March 30 in Monte Carlo against an opponent to be decided.

Golovkin is coming off a  seventh round TKO of Gabriel Rosado at Madison Square Garden in an HBO-televised bout.

Earlier this week, IBF middleweight titlist Daniel Geale scored a unanimous decision win over rival Anthony Mundine, prompting Golovkin to reveal his intentions of unifying their titles this year.

I was impressed with Daniel Gale’s performance and wish to publicly congratulate him on his victory. I know this was personal for him as he previously lost ot Mundine and he certainly got his revenge.

I want the biggest and best challenges as I’ve said all along. With HBO broadcasting my fights, either Geale or  [Felix] Sturm would be a perfect fight this year. Geale said after the fight that he wanted to fight in the U.S. this year, look no further we can make a unification this summer.

In addition to Geale and Sturm, Golovkin also responded favorably to the idea of unifying with current WBO middleweight titlist Peter Quillin.

I”m aware that his fight with Fernando Guerrero was pushed back to the end of April. He’s talked about fighting me in the past and I’m certainly interested if he’s serious.

 

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Golovkin’s saying all the right things so far. None of these fights would be a bad thing for the division. I don’t think Sturm would travel to the U.S. and Golden Boy and Al Haymon are probably not too keen in putting Quillin in with a monster like Golovkin just yet. That leaves Geale in a fight that shouldn’t be too hard to make.

If all goes well, the drums will starting beating heavy for Golovkin-Martinez by the end of the year.

[VIDEO] Brooklyn Recap and Notes: Garcia Brings Sad End to Morales, Malignaggi’s Narrow Win, Quillin-N’Dam Excite, Bailey-Alexander’s Snoozefest

Posted: October 21, 2012 in Fight Reports
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Boxing fans got nearly an five hour block of fights last night on Showtime with Golden Boy’s quadruple-header from the Barclays Center. Did it deliver? In a word, yes. Nearly all the fights were entertaining with an assortment of drama, knockdowns and a sad but devastating, highlight-reel knockout in the main event. Let’s get right to it.

 

DANNY GARCIA TKO4 ERIK MORALES: Even with the shame of the steroid controversy, I don’t think any fan that’s followed this sport at least the last 10 years or more wasn’t saddened by this knockout. On Twitter, I likened it to how Rocky Marciano ended Joe Louis’ career by knocking him through the ropes. Every solid punch shook Morales badly; the body shots shuddered his entire body. In the fourth, Garcia landed a pinpoint right cross that Morales’ equilibrium never recovered from. The same counter left hook that floored Amir Khan nearly had Morales doing a 360 before he crashed through the bottom rope. The only saving grace here is that his corner rightly jumped in to protect him. We’re all begging for Morales to retire, but he only went as far as saying this was his last fight in America. The old warrior wants to say a proper goodbye in Mexico, which we can only hope will be against a guy at the absolute lowest level. I can understand Morales not wanting his career ended with a positive steroid bust, taunts from Team Garcia and a possible KO of the Year loss, but the idea of him taking any more punches makes me cringe.

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI SD12 PABLO CESAR CANO: Did Christmas come early for the Magic Man? It’s telling that even in his Brooklyn hometown, the reaction was very mixed when he got the decision. For the record, I had the fight very close until the knockdown, and Cano definitely took the 12th as well. I felt a draw was fair, but Paulie taking it by a point on two cards (114-113) isn’t a robbery. Early on Paulie looked great; the left jab was sharp and the right opened a long, jagged cut over the left eye that looked to be a potential fight-ender. But by the third, Cano started finding a home for right hands and his thudding hooks to the body had Paulie laboring by the late rounds.

How you scored this fight really comes down to your preference. If you like boxers/stylists, you were probably taken by Paulie’s ring generalship and workrate. If power and aggression is your thing, you’ll side with Cano, who clearly landed the harder shots in nearly all the rounds (which accounts for that very wide, sole score of 118-109 for Cano). Depending on how Hatton looks, I wouldn’t mind Malignaggi’s proposition that they fight again next year. Malignaggi is looking to cash out and it’s one of best options at welterweight as far as a winnable, big fight. But if that fight doesn’t come off, Cano deserves a rematch.

PETER QUILLIN UD12 HASSAN N’DAM: This is the most entertaining six-knockdown fight I’ve ever seen. First off, N’Dam has a huge heart. Those left hooks Quillin landed were frightening and it seemed after every knockdown the fight was one solid shot from being over. But every time, N’Dam not only fired back, but he came forward and had Quillin at times in retreat. I had picked Quillin to score a KO simply because I thought N’Dam was too reckless and Quillin’s better technique would catch him. I was right about the latter, but N’Dam showed no quit whatsoever. It’s worth noting that the majority of observers had N’Dam winning all the rounds he wasn’t knocked down in. But, that means little when you’re talking three 10-7 rounds. So now that Quillin has the WBO middleweight title, where does he go from here? The two name fighters in the WBO rankings are Marco Antonio Rubio and Dmitry Pirog. I’d love the latter, but considering what Pirog did to Al Haymon’s last young middleweight (Danny Jacobs), I don’t see that one happening. Rubio is always a solid test so I could see that happening. Quillin also mentioned Matthew Macklin’s name in our interview, and Macklin definitely deserves a title shot after his performance against Joachim Alcine on the Martinez-Chavez Jr. undercard.

DEVON ALEXANDER UD12 RANDALL BAILEY: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! This fight wasn’t a good way to start the card. In fact, this should have been on Showtime Extreme instead of Danny Jacobs vs. Josh Luteran. I put more of the blame on Bailey, who failed to really uncork that right hand outside of two solid shots in the fifth. Sure, Alexander’s strategy of movement and turning him played a part, but the 38 year old Bailey showed no urgency throughout the fight. Now that Alexander has the IBF welterweight title, what’s his next move? Since Malignaggi has sights on Hatton, Alexander taking on the winner of Robert Guerrero vs. Andre Berto next month is an option, or even Kell Brook, who had a dominating KO win this weekend. One thing’s for sure is that we do not need to see another Alexander fight like this.

DANNY JACOBS TKO1 JOSH LUTERAN: Welcome back, Danny! His story is inspirational no matter where he ends up in his career. Like he said with his on-air interview, he has a greater appreciation of life and maturity that can only come from facing down death. Jacobs needs a lot more rounds under him, so about this time next year is when we’ll start to see where Jacobs fits in with the middleweight division.

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[VIDEO] Barclays Weigh-In and Predictions: Garcia-Morales, Malignaggi-Cano, Quillin-N’Jikam and Bailey-Alexander

Posted: October 19, 2012 in Fight News
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Garcia: 139.8

Morales: 139.2

Prediction: Drug controversy aside, there’s not much that makes me think Erik Morales can turn around what happened in the first fight. At times, we saw Morales counter Garcia effectively, but the younger fighter’s power and stamina allowed him to take over late and drop El Terrible. This one I don’t see going the distance. Garcia was clearly angered by Morales’ alleged steroid use, and fighting upset and brawling can only help Morales’ chances. But at some point, the heroic efforts run out for every fighter and this appears to be it for Morales. GARCIA BY LATE TKO

 

Bailey: 147

Alexander: 146.8

Prediction: Can lightning strike twice Randall Bailey? On the surface, I’d say no. Still, Bailey brought up a good point back in September when this fight was first supposed to happen. He said that in the majority of Alexander’s big fights, he’s gotten clocked and sometimes dropped by right hands (Bailey’s massive power punch). There’s truth to that — Matthysse, Kotelnik and Bradley got in their share of solid rights. Nonetheless, controversial as they were, only Bradley got a victory. Bailey will get in at least one massive shot, maybe even score a knockdown, but Alexander is going to be cautious and not get hit enough to get in any prolonged serious trouble. Alexander by unanimous decision.

 

Malignaggi: 146.2

Cano: 147.2

Prediction: Cano couldn’t get under the welterweight limit on several tries, so Paulie’s WBA strap isn’t on the line. Look for Cano to try and apply a lot of pressure early, leading to some rough spots for Malignaggi (who’s woeful on the inside). Since Cano is the one moving up, and Malignaggi’s been punching with more authority (with the jab and body work), I think the Magic Man handles Cano’s aggressiveness just fine and proceeds to stick the jab and outbox Cano by the middle rounds. With his hometown as the backdrop, Paulie Maligaggi cruises to a comfortable unanimous decision.

Quillin: 159.2

N’Jikam: 159

Prediction: If an upset were to happen on this card, this is the most likely fight. Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam has a high punch output and fast hands. During inside exchanges, it’s conceivable that he can catch Quillin. However, Kid Chocolate holds the advantage everywhere else: he’s more accurate, throws straighter shots and has more power. N’Jikam attributes will present some problems, but his recklessness and wide punches likely will have him running into a big Quillin right hand. Quillin TKO7

 

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World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T.  In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, undefeated number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander “The Great” faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with DiBella Entertainment.  The SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The undercard is loaded with many of New York’s top fighters, including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospect Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.

Tickets pricedat $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com,www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

[Interview] Peter Quillin: Barclays, The Title and Beyond

Posted: October 19, 2012 in Fight Interviews
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When you listen to Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, the hunger of a fighter focused on future achievement and stardom is evident. A pro for seven years and having made his name by fighting (and winning) the bulk of his fights in New York City, Quillin began his gradual climb to mainstream recognition with wins in the last 12 months over Craig McEwan (a 6th round TKO in his HBO debut) and re-retiring Winky Wright with a lopsided unanimous decision win on Showtime this past June.

Quillin returns to NYC this Saturday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center when he challenges for the WBO middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam N”Jikam (27-0, 17 KOs), an undefeated Frenchman who just captured the strap in his last bout. When the middleweight landscape is discussed, Quillin’s name is readily dismissed with adjectives like “protected,” “unproven” and even “overrated. Read how Quillin plans to eradicate those labels

Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You just had the biggest name win of your career beating Winky Wright over the summer. But with Wright being inactive and old, did you really learn anything in the ring that can help you going into Saturday again N’Jikam?

Quillin: I’m always focused on making the improvements needed to become a legendary fighter. I’ve been working on my defense, my offense and my movement. I’m focused on working the strategy Eric Brown came up with for this fight. And of course, avoiding the distractions to be able to handle the business the way it’s supposed to be.

Fighters fight with their personality, and mine is a hunger and desire to be the best. The mentality with the Winky fight was looking at him as someone who was trying to deter where I wanted to be at. With N”Jikam, this is me fighting for a strap which will lead to everyone wanting to do something with me. I put everything on hold for training and I know the opportunities will come knocking.

Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: People seem to be split between whether you’re on the cusp of becoming a star or need a few more significant fights. How do you view your marketability going into this fight?

Quillin: Well, it’s up to the fans to decide that and my promotional company. I know I’m willing to do whatever’s necessary on the boxing end to make that happen. I don’t get deterred by what people say. I know I have to prove things to myself before anyone.

Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: With fighters today, being undefeated makes you more appealing to casual fans, but it’s a mark to others that you haven’t been tested. What’s been your most difficult test so far?

Quillin: For me it’s the distractions that boxing has to offer. There are people that always want to be around fighters. Everybody wants a piece of you financially, emotionally and physically. People don’t understand the life of a fighter is dedication and staying focused. That’s what’s gotten me here.

Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: At this time, where do you fit in the middleweight division? Obviously a win Saturday gives you the WBO belt. Are you ready for the elite?

Quillin: There’s a lot of good names out there; Sergio Martinez is the cash cow of division. Gennady Golovkin is making noise and is probably the most avoided fighter in the division.You got Dmitry Pirog who’s coming back from injury I hope. You got Matthew Macklin, who I just heard the IBF appoved Anthony Mundine to fight him.

For the most part you have a bunch of great names and I’m fortunate enough to have Al Haymon working with me as an advisor and Golden Boy as my promoter. I’m just trying to take the business to another level so I focus on whatever they come up for me. I’m ready for all those names because I have trust in my people. I’m right on point.

Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Al Haymon has a lot of influence on the sport and is definitely a powerful ally for any boxer. What would you say in the most important you’ve learned from him?

Quillin: With Al I don’t have to worry about if the opportunities will come. I know Al will bring the paydays and the fights that I need, want and deserve. I do this as a career. With that being said, I have to maximize my money in this profession.

Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Thanks Peter and best of the luck this Saturday.

Quillin: Thank you and I will be the next WBO middleweight champion of the world! I’m very blessed to be fighting in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. I thank God every day and don’t question God’s will or his reasons. I just know he gave me this position amongst the people to inspire and maybe get them closer to God themselves.

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World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T.  In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, undefeated number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander “The Great” faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with DiBella Entertainment.  The SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The undercard is loaded with many of New York’s top fighters, including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospect Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.

Tickets pricedat $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

Martinez-Chavez Jr. Winner? Peter Quillin in No Rush

Posted: June 27, 2012 in Fight News
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Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin is ready to stay busy to close out the remainder of the 2012, but don’t expect the #10 RING Magazine ranked middleweight to rush into a title shot with the winner of September’s Sergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fight.

Quillin is coming off an easy June 2 win over a Winky Wright, who made his first in-ring appearance since 2009 and promptly retired after the loss. Quillin believes he’s ready for a title shot, but acquiesced to his high-powered promotion, training and management team when asked to be patient.

My team has had to slow down my horses as far as who I want to fight.  I have a great team and trust my promoter (Golden Boy Promotions), managers (John Seip and Jim McDevitt), adviser (Al Haymon) and trainers (Freddie Roach and Eric Brown).  All I have to do is train to fight.  They’ll tell me who I’m fighting next and I’ll be ready.  I’m blessed not to be stressed.  I want to stay busy.  I never put on too many pounds between fights because my life is boxing.  There’s no way around it – I will put on a superstar performance in my next fight, no matter who I’m fighting.

The next step for Quillin will likely be against Sebastian Zbik or Matthew Macklin, both of whom have held titles and recently faced Chavez Jr. and Martinez respectively in spirited efforts.

“Peter is knocking at the door of something special,” said Quillin manager John Seip.  “We want Peter to stay active, hopefully, fighting again in August and then in December.  We didn’t like the long delay between his fight last November against (Craig) McEwan and earlier this month with ‘Winky.’  We originally turned down the fight with ‘Winky’ because the money wasn’t right and we were in a no-win situation.  Then we had a fight fall through and we wasted four weeks thinking we had a fight against (Andy) Lee on March 17.”

“We had to get Peter back in the ring, so we agreed to fight ‘Winky’ with an increased purse and the fight landing on Showtime.  I think what Peter learned from that fight was mostly mental, learning from all it took to fight a future Hall of Famer on a big stage. We were confident of winning all along. I’m happy with the mental preparation Peter went through and it’s only going to help him in future fights. Circumstances dictated the delay in Peter fighting but now we intend to keep him busy.  Peter’s going to stay in shape and take a lateral fight because there are no title-shot opportunities up for grabs right now.  All of the world champions are tied-up for the next few months.”

At press time, Quillin as ranked #12 by the WBC, #5 by the WBA and #3 by the IBF.

[VIDEO] Four Warned Results: Santa Cruz Shines, Trout Wins, Quillin Dominates, Tarver-Kayode Battle to Draw

Posted: June 3, 2012 in Fight Reports
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA — All the pre-fight trash talk remained unresolved last night after Lateef Kayode and Antonio Tarver battled to a unsatisfying draw .

Kayode held an advantage through the first three rounds simply on punch output. The Nigerian’s occasional flurries and glancing right hooks consistently backed up his opponent. Tarver slowly began to find range in the fourth with left hands to body and counter shots upstairs. Kayode rebounded in the fifth by relying on his physical strength, but Tarver came right back in the sixth behind a flush straight left that briefly stunned Kayode followed by a right hook.

Rounds seven through nine solidified the contrast in styles; Taver landed the cleaner eye-catching shots while Kayode best asset was his work rate, in particular to the body.

Fatigue prevented both fighters from pulling away in the championship rounds. Kayode didn’t abandon his earlier body work but couldn’t maintain a high work rate. Tarver landed some good left hands in the final minute of the 11th although that momentum didn’t continue in the 12th.

Neither man was happy with the draw. Taver believed he dominated from round six on while Kayode claimed Tarver’s job as a Showtime commentator got him favorable treatment. Kayode went on to say he’d only consider a rematch on HBO.

Winky Wright’s near four years away from in-ring competition showed as he dropped a wide decision to Peter Quillin.

Wight could only show flashes of his former tight defense and accurate right jab-straight left offense. Quillin was able to breach Wright’s guard with right hands and scored a solid knockdown off a straight right in the fifth.

Wright did better on the inside but was still woefully outmatched due to Quillin’s hand speed. Kid Chocolate stunned Wright in the eighth off an uppercut and stifled Wright’s brief offensive success with fast 4-5 punch combinations.

The scorecards read 97-92 and 98-91 twice. Wright remained indecisive in his post-fight interview about retiring.


Austin Trout took a slow but wide decision win over Delvin Rodriguez. Trout kept the majority of the fight on the outside were he was able to pick off Rodriguez with straight lefts. Trout’s jab was also a strong deterrent in keeping Rodriguez on the outside. Scores were unanimous for Trout: 117-11, 118-110 and 120-108. Trout retains his WBA junior middleweight title and is hoping for a unification showdown with WBC champ Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who was in attendance.

Leo Santa Cruz captured the IBF bantamweight title with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Vusi Malinga. Santa Cruz overwhelmed Malinga with volume and accurate shots to the body. Santa Cruz landed loud lefts hook to the body every round and slashing hooks upstairs. Malinga showed a strong chin and was only badly hurt in the fifth when a right hook to the body put him in retreat. Scores were 120-108 twice and 119-109.

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With decisions in every fight, it was a long night of boxing. Although things got slow at times (especially with Trout-Rodriguez), I wouldn’t mind more events like this.

This was my first time seeing Leo Santa Cruz and he was no doubt the most impressive fighter of the night. He stayed on top of Malinga and showed a nice variety of offense. Bantamweight is wide open, but he’s hoping to get a shot at Nonito Donaire. I was thinking more an Abner Mares bout, which would be all-action.

Austin Trout got the win but more than likely disqualified himself from getting a date with Canelo on September 15 (which was a long shot anyway). There’s two main things working against Trout. One, the fight he was in wasn’t that exciting even though he was facing a guy who had the Fight of the Year in 2011. If Canelo is to become an American attraction, his first pay-per-view/headlining Las Vegas bout has to be an action bout. Second, Trout has enough skills to make Canelo look bad and beat him.

If he wants a Golden Boy fighter, Trout’s best bet might be looking at another avoided fighter, Erislandy Lara.

Quillin did what was expected of him in his win over Wright. It wasn’t spectacular, but even at 40 Wright still had enough instincts to get through the rough spots. I have no idea why Wright would even take this fight as his first fight back. I hope the paycheck was worth it.

Who’s up for Tarver-Kayode II? Didn’t think so. Tarver can forget about his delusional Klitschko dreams, but I can still see him getting a few more paydays at cruiserweight with his name. This bout sadly reminded me of a conversation I had with Bernard Hopkins. I asked him why there were so many older fighters being able to thrive now as opposed to back in the older generations were that was an anomaly. He answered that the younger guys are a lot less skilled now because of a lack of teachers. The result is a lot of guys just relying on their natural physical talents. Looking at Kayode, you can see that clearly.

“Four Warned” Training Camp Notes: Tarver vs. Kayode, Wright vs. Quillin, Trout vs. Rodriguez, Malinga vs. Santa Cruz

Posted: May 22, 2012 in Fight News
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The fighters involved in Showtime’s June 2 quadruple header are in the final stages of their training camps. Antonio Taver revealed some recent stamina problems from cutting weight and what he’s done to correct them. Lateef Kayode believes he’s liable to get “robbed if it goes to decision and is focused on becoming the first man to KO Tarver. Peter Quillin had some choice one-liners for his opponent Winky Wright, who’s making a comeback at 40 years old after three years out of the sport. The sleeper fight of the night could very well be Austin Trout 154 pound matchup with Delvin Rodriguez. And opening the card are bantamweights Vusi Malinga and Leo Santa Cruz vying for the vacant IBF title.

“Four Warned” airs live on Showtime June 2 at 9 p.m. ET.

Antonio Tarver

I changed things up starting with my last fight against Danny Green.  I ran when I needed to run and I got into condition.  I didn’t overdo it and over-train like I normally had to do in order to make weight.  I had to kill myself to get down in the past and we’re not doing that now.  We’re taking our time, working in the gym and working on strength and conditioning and we’re being consistent.

If we miss a day to get some rest, that’s OK and it’s not the end of the world.  As long as I’m eating good, living right and getting my rest, that’s the main thing.  We’re not going to beat ourselves up in sparring.  If I get fatigued to the point where I’m not as sharp anymore, they’ll pull me out.  I’m doing things like the veteran that I am and we’re doing it real smart.

We’re keeping things in perspective.  It’s about having my body catch up with my mind, because my mind is there.  I’m sharp.  The reflexes are still there as well, but the body has to catch up because when I put my mind on it, the mind is already there and I’m dialed in, but the body needs to get the endurance built up. Don’t worry, things are coming along great and we’ll peak on fight night.

I’m working in Tampa with my longtime trainer Jimmy Williams and Buddy McGirt comes down three or four days a week.  He’ll also be down the week before we leave for the fight and he knows what we’ve got to work on.  Jimmy and Buddy work together great and I think I’ve got the best of both worlds with these guys.  Jimmy is a great guy in preparation and I think Buddy is the best trainer in the game between rounds as far as giving the proper instructions and making sure he has his fighter’s attention and focus.

Lateef Kayode

I’ve had a great camp at The Wild Card.  I have a great team.  We started early, so I’ve been working for a long time.  It will be three months by fight time.  I’m in the best condition ever.  My body can take anything he throws at me.  If he wants to trade, I will trade and if he wants to box, I will box.  I can go 12 rounds without a problem, but there is no way he will be able to withstand the kind of punishment I will give him unless he plans on running away all night.  Either way I am knocking this man out.  

If it goes the distance, they might try to rob me, so I am going to put Tarver to sleep before the 12th round.  That way I am the judge and the jury.

 

Winky Wright

Camp is great.  We’re ready to fight.  I’m ready to kick some butt.  

It’s been great training in Tampa, while being home to see my kids.  It motivates me even more to have my family around, but I’m glad I went away to Phoenix for a month to get my body used to the intense training again.  

Now I’m just fine-tuning and getting ready for June 2.  There are a lot of different things I’m doing in camp with my trainer Dan Birmingham, but you have to wait to see it on fight night.

Peter Quillin

The day of the fight will mark the 32-year anniversary of my father leaving Cuba and coming to the United States.  He arrived in the United States on June 2, 1980, so I have a stronger reason why this fight means so much to me.  I’m living the true American Dream. 

Winky keeps saying he is coming to knock Kid Chocolate’s head off.  I really want to know who put a battery in this man’s back.  Now the fans will expect Winky Wright to keep his word, but I will continue to be the powerhouse that I am.  No ifs, ands or buts about it. 

This camp has taught me that if I want to perform at the top level, then I have to prepare at the top level.  You can expect nothing less from me – only hard work.  I’m a fulltime fighter that believes the job can never be done.  When it comes to boxing, there’s always room for improvement and ways to get better.

The atmosphere at Wild Card is really supportive.  You feel like you are going into the ring with a posse of other professionals right there with you.  I’m fortunate to have Freddie Roach and Eric Brown working (with me) six days a week and I’m also blessed to work with Brad Bose who does my condition training three days a week.  My brother Chedrick and my father Pedro have been the key to me in this camp with their support and love for me.  That’s why I know I’m going to take Winky Wright to Pluto.

Thanks to all my sparring partners for prepping and pushing me.  I’m the sharpest I ever been.’

I can’t relate to Winky’s saying he’s excited to be fighting on the same card as Tarver and that ‘it feels good, it makes it easy to have your homeboy on the same card.’  Winky makes it sounds like Tarver is going to help him fight me, but on June 2nd, it’s just me and him.  He’ll wish he had Tarver’s help.

Austin Trout

I’m training at Las Cruces PAL Boxing Gym, the same gym I’ve trained at since I was 10-years-old.

Camp has been great.  I’m focused.  I’m in terrific shape.  I’m right on schedule.  My weight is good.  All I need is for time to go by so I can get in there on June 2nd.

I’ve been running six or seven miles a day and sprinting three or four of those miles.  I’ve been sparring 12 rounds with 30 seconds rest with three different guys – Shiju Shabazz, Aie Han and J.C. Candelo.

I want to dedicate this camp to my good friend Lavar Washington, a childhood friend who passed a few days ago.

Delvin Rodriguez

I’ve been training in the Adirondacks for the last four weeks and will stay here until I leave for the fight.  This is my first time at this location, up in the mountains, and it’s perfect, with no distractions and great running.

This is my third camp with my trainer (former heavyweight contender) Fernily Feliz and we’ve had an excellent camp.  Sparring has been terrific with Sechew Powell and Denis “Mama’s Boy” Douglin.

 This is my third fight at 154 and I feel much stronger since moving up from 147.  I don’t have to worry about making weight.

Leo Santa Cruz

This is a great opportunity to become a world champion.  It will be the toughest fight of my career because I know Malinga will come very well prepared, but am very optimistic that I will win.

It’s been a great camp.  I’ve been training for almost two months and have had something like 95 rounds of sparring (with Julian Ramirez, Raymond Chacon and Joseph Diaz).  I’m in great shape thanks to Jose Santa Cruz (trainer) and Daniel Garcia (conditioning trainer).

 This is a dream come true fore me. I am really looking forward to June 2.

[VIDEO] Tarver vs. Kayode, Wright vs. Quillin Press Conference

Posted: May 17, 2012 in Fight News
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We’re roughly two weeks out from Showtime’s big quadruple-header card on June 2. The co-main eventers are featured here in two bouts that will either anoint new division stars or breathe continued life into old veterans. Out of the four, the most pressure is likely on Lateef Kayode. He’s been spotlighted regularly on Showtime but hasn’t had a good performance in recent fights. Losing or looking bad against a 43-year-old Antonio Tarver would not bode well for his future marketability.

The biggest underdog here in Winky Wright, who hasn’t fought since being dominated and losing all 12 rounds to Paul Williams back in 2009. Facing a young, undefeated fighter in his first fight back at 40 years old is a tough task and might repeat the mistake Wright made in facing Williams following a two-year layoff.

The card airs on June 2 at 9 p.m. ET.

Alfredo Angulo vs. James Kirkland Confirmed for Nov. 5

Posted: September 29, 2011 in Fight News
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Several years ago, James Kirkland and Alfredo Angulo were simultaneously groomed on HBO as young, dangerous prospects with lethal punching power and unmerciful aggression. After going down divergent paths of hardship, the two men will finally meet in a November 5 “Boxing After Dark” showdown from Cancun, Mexico.

Over the last two years, the fighters have lost their undefeated records in surprise upsets: Angulo by unanimous decision to Kermit Cintron, and Kirkland via a shocking 1st round TKO to Nobuhiro Ishida. Since then, each has rebounded with quick KOs against lesser opposition. With both competing at junior middleweight and seeking to make a big statement before 2012, the fight materialized quickly after potential Angulo opponent Vanes Martirosyan turned down the November 5 date.

“This is a fight that fans have been looking forward to for years and now we are finally going to see Angulo vs. Kirkland, and the word ‘explosive’ won’t do it justice,” said Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, who promotes Angulo.  “There’s no mystery as to what either fighter wants to do on November 5.  James and Alfredo are both going to be looking for the knockout and I can’t wait to see it.”

With Kirkland just one fight removed from a devastating and embarrassing first round KO loss, Angulo praised his rival for taking the bout on short notice. He promises a display of brutal slugging over “sweet science.”

“This is the kind of fight boxing needs and I respect James Kirkland for stepping up and taking it,” Angulo explained. “We’re not going to dance or hug in there on November 5th; we’re going to fight, and I can’t wait.”

Outside of the Ishida loss, Kirkland has fought four times, winning each bout by knockout in two round or less. With Angulo posting a 1st round KO in his last bout, Kirkland sees a kindred seek and destroy style.

“Angulo has been on my radar for a long time and I’m happy that we’re finally going to get a chance to fight each other,” stated Kirkland. ”He’s a good fighter, I like his style and I know we’re going to make for a great fight.”

On the undercard, undefeated middleweight Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin will face former training mate Craig McEwan, who is coming off an exciting 10th round TKO loss to Andy Lee. Knowing that McEwan has guaranteed a knockout, Quillin is willing to lay aside his boxing skill if McEwan opts to make it a brawl.

“I know Craig is a solid fighter with tons of fight in him because we used to train together in the same gym, but he has to prove that he has what it takes to give me my first loss,” Quillin said. “He has tons of heart, but so do I, and if he wants to make a good fight, then he can meet me right in the middle of the ring on November 5th.”

The HBO doubleheader will air live from the Cancun Center in Cancun, Mexico on November 5 at 10:15 PM.

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