Chagaev Steps In For Injured Haye
Well it wouldn’t be the first time, but David Haye’s pull-out of his scheduled June 20 title fight against Wladimir Klitschko effectively makes Boxing Digest’s July 2009 cover obsolete. The last time this happened, Zab Judah allegedly punched a shower door, lacerating his arm to the point where he had to cancel his proposed bout against Shane Mosley last year.
However, unlike the aborted Mosley-Judah bout, Klitschko’s management team wanted to salvage the date against a credible replacement opponent. As luck would have it, another heavyweight championship had just been cancelled itself a week prior, when the Finnish Boxing Commission refused to medically clear Ruslan Chagaev, allegedly related to his Hepatitis B, for his WBA title fight against Nikolai Valuev. The fight was supposed to clear up the confusion caused by having two men claiming ownership of the WBA championship.
Although ineligible to fight in Finland, Chagaev was able to reach medical standards in Germany where the Klitschko-Chagaev bout will take place.
Please enjoy this free article, available for download, previewing the new bout between Klitschko and Chagaev.C.T.B.S. 2 Strikes for Charity
If you’ve seen the "Wolverine Origins" movie, you may remember Hugh Jackman putting on boxing gloves and getting into the ring. He must have enjoyed that scene as he returned to a boxing ring in NY to be a celebrity judge in a charity event. Two-time title challenger Michael Olajide Jr. and Aerospace co-owner Leila Fazel hosted the second annual C.T.B.S. (Cut The BullShit) event together to raise money to benefit the East Harlem school at Exodus House. Q-Tip and Tracee Ellis Ross joined Jackman as the celebrity judges. Sandra Olajide performed a few of her songs to kick off the event and remained to sign copies of her new CD Yndico Is. The main competion featured boxers vieing against each other in focus mitt drills. Leila "Flashdance" Fazel won the focus mitt advanced division, Keric "‘The Impaler" Kenny won the focus mitt novice division,"‘Great" Scott Myers won the Aerojump Competition. Everyone had a good time and helped a good cause. Click here to see some photos of of the event.
Busy Month for Becky
Becky, Boxing Digest’s March round card girl, has been quite busy since her apperance in the pages of BD. You may have seen her outside the boxing ring in the PETA Rick’s girl ad “I’d rather go topless than wear fur,” in the March 29, 2009, New York Post—a story that features Randi Newton, a girl who lost her job on Wall Street and now makes more money as a massage girl at Rick’s Cabaret in NY. Becky also appears in the June issue of Penthouse magazine’s cover story about Howard Stern’s Strip Beer Pong. She was also picked to be Miss Howard TV for the month of May. We don't know where you'll see her next but remember you saw her first in the pages of Boxing Digest.
Can "Dr. Steelhammer" Nail "The Hayemaker"?
When it was finally announced that #1-rated, Ukrainian-born IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko would defend his status and titles against former unified cruiserweight champ David Haye, of England, it was hard to believe. Was the fight really on this time, or not? After months of on/off contractual haggling that resonated “crying wolf” to a “T,” negotiations were successful, with both fighters agreeing to meet on June 20 at Veltins Arena in Germany.
At first it appeared that Haye, 22-1 (21), wasn’t taken seriously when he originally accosted Klitschko in June 2008, and that Wladimir would oblige mandatory defenses this summer. It seemed like common sense, with anticipation brewing, to let the fight build up gradually and have David test himself against a top-10 fighter or two. But Haye’s antagonism of Wladimir had only just begun. Click here to see a video of the NY press conference.
“He’s a disgrace to boxing!” howled Haye into German TV cameras after witnessing Wlad’s ponderous 7th-round stoppage over the shell of Hasim Rahman. “I would have knocked that Rahman out in two rounds,” quipped Haye. “I’m coming after both Klitschkos.”
For more, pick up the July issue of Boxing Digest.
Eli Manning Goes Long for St. Vincent's Hospital
Eli Manning and his wife Abby announced the creation of the Eli and Abby Manning Birthing Center at St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan.
Over the next 18 months, St. Vincent’s will begin to redesign its current delivery unit to create a state-of-the-art birthing center. The renovation will provide a more comfortable environment for patients, their families and their newborns. Mary Joan Marron, Chief of Neonatology, said, “We are thrilled to get this Giant helping hand from the Mannings”
“We are extremely honored to be working with New York Giants’ star quarterback, Eli Manning, and his wife Abby to launch this exciting, state-of-the-art birthing center that will be an excellent resource for the community,” said Henry Amoroso, President and CEO of Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center. “St. Vincent’s has a long history of highly skilled and expert obstetricians and nurses, and the new Eli and Abby Manning Birthing Center will ensure that mothers and families have the most comfortable environment possible.”
“Over the last three years, Abby and I have visited St. Vincent’s hospital numerous times, and have always been impressed with the compassion and expertise that the doctors and nurses show their patients,” stated Eli Manning, New York Giants’ Quarterback. “The new Eli and Abby Manning Birthing Center will provide a comfortable state-of-the-art environment as St. Vincent’s welcomes New York’s smallest Giants fans into the world. We are also very excited to be involved in the upcoming Baby Ball that will raise funds for the Birthing Center.” Boxing Digest hopes to have an exclusive interview with Eli in an upcoming issue.
EA Sports Fight Night Round 4
Predicts Hatton-Pacquiao Winner
The eagerly anticipated Fight Night Round 4, the latest entry in the boxing series from Electronic Arts Inc., created a simulation predicting the Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao winner when the two swap leather on May 2 in Las Vegas. Click here to see the video and find out who wins.
An EA press release explained how the simulation works: “The simulation was conducted using Fight Night Round 4’s all-new AI (Artificial Intelligence) system. Dubbed R.E.A.L (Record, Evaluate, Adapt, Learn) AI by the development team, the system re-creates each fighter’s ring strategies in the game based on their real life counterparts. Built with adaptive logic, the system triggers fighters to change their tactics based on their success, or failure, throughout the course of a bout.
According to the simulation, an aggressive attempt by Hatton to limit Pacquiao’s movement early on was unsuccessful. Pacquiao’s used his speed and control of the ring to take advantage of Hatton’s aggression, picking his punches and keeping out of range. The tide turned in Hatton’s favor in Round 4 when he found some success trapping Pacquiao in the corner. With little room to work with, Pacquiao was forced to trade blows on Hatton’s terms. This relentless exchange proved to be too much for Pacquiao who went down to a powerful left hook at the end of Round 6. The later rounds saw the revival of the quick moving Pacquiao, who outpaced and out boxed Hatton yet again. Lightning fast left jabs wreaked havoc on Hatton through Rounds 7, 8 and 9 before a commanding right hand brought him to the mat in Round 10. Badly hurt and looking sluggish, Hatton was unable to beat the count after falling to another deadly right hook from Pacquiao in Round 11.”
For more information, log onto http://fightnight.easports.comPacquiao Throws First Pitch
In anticipation of his May 2 super-fight against England’s Ricky Hatton, Filipino Manny Pacquiao threw out the ceremonial first pitch at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, as the home team took on the San Diego Padres. A crowd of 39, 314 packed the stadium on Filipino Heritage Night, with a limited number of Pacquiao bobblehead dolls given to a few lucky fans. SF Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum, who is half-Filipino, served as the southpaw boxer’s catcher. Shortstop Edgar Renteria’s fourth inning grand slam led the Giants to win the game with a final score of 8-3.
Talking to Jorge “The Truth” Teron
Unbeaten until his last fight, a tough 10-round majority decision loss to Mexico’s Aldo Valtierra, lightweight Jorge Teron, 22-1-1 (15), had run off a string of impressive victories over mostly journeymen who taught the young prospect what to do against a array of styles. He was very prepared to go to the top and still is. What went wrong? He didn’t do what he had planned to do. In short he did not stick to the game plan.
“We’ve been working very hard on sticking to the game plan, and executing the game plan during the fight,” he said. “If I box the way I’m supposed to box I don’t think there are too many people out there who can compete with me.”
Instead of keeping his shorter foe at the end of his jab, he gave up his height and traded punches. “I got over it,” said Teron. “There were a lot of things that I did wrong that night.” Regardless, he thought he managed to edge his opponent out.
“I thought the big eighth round that I had would swing it my way,” he claimed. “It was a real close fight.”
Jorge doesn’t blame the loss on his general style or on any inherent flaws in his skills. Making changes in how he fights is not called for here. Teron and his team do not feel that he will be badly affected by the setback.
“That’s something that my promoter has spoken to me about,” he said. “One or two more fights and I should get a shot at one of the champions.”
If ever there was a trainer more fit to work with a particular type of fighter, Mark Breland is it. Both Breland and Teron are tall and thin and have similar styles, so Mark understands very well what strengths and weaknesses Jorge needs to work on. “If anybody would know how to train a tall, skinny fighter it would be Mark Breland,” said Teron, who works with Breland out of Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, NY. They have been a team for Teron’s last 14 fights.
“I started with Mark in 2006 just after I hurt my hand in one of my fights in Boston,” he recalled. “Not that my trainer before Mark did anything wrong; stylistically he wasn’t a good fit for me. Hector Rocha did a great job; I was 10-0 (8) at the time.”
Under the very accomplished Rocha, Teron found himself doing more trading than he felt was needed. He won his fights, but he believed that he should be using his boxing skills more.
“The fights were really a lot tougher than they should have been,” added Teron. “And that was because of the way I was fighting.”
He is ably managed by Steve Heid. “Steve’s been my manager since right out of the amateurs,” said Teron. “I’ve known him since I was 17 years old.”
He believes that Heid has done well in bringing him along, as well as his promotional team of Mike Borao and Scott Hirsch. “I think I have a pretty good team behind me,” said Teron.
Having little or no trouble making weight as a lightweight, Teron does not have thoughts of moving up to 140lbs. or welterweight.
“I’m still making weight in the lightweight division, still making 135-pound limit with relative ease so I don’t think my move up will be anytime soon,” said the well spoken 23-year-old New York City-born Puerto Rican, who weighs 146 pounds between fights.
Teron is also a boxing fan, knowledgeable about boxing history as well as the sport today. Rating the fighters of the past in his own division, Teron said, “The best lightweight, although our styles are very different, is Roberto Duran. He was just unbeatable at lightweight.”
“It has to be Ray Robinson,” he said, contemplating who was the best fighter pound-for-pound. “He was a pioneer. I think a lot of the ways fighters fight now is because of what he could do. His left hand, he was the first to hold his left hand down. After that others started to use an educated left hand. After Robinson, I think Muhammad Ali and Ray Leonard were the best.”
Boxing is all around Jorge’s personal life too. His dad boxed as an amateur in Puerto Rico, and even his girlfriend, Jessica Delgato, is a big boxing fan with her dad being a Golden Gloves coach.
The lightweight division is currently very exciting with recent big fights involving Michael Katsidis, Edwin Valero, as well as Amir Khan.
“I think highly of those fighters,” said Teron. “The lightweight division is the hottest in boxing along with the welterweights. Katsidis is a real good pressure fighter, but he’s someone I would look forward to fighting in the near future. Amir Khan, I believe, is moving up 140 pounds to fight Kotelnik but his win against Barrera was a real good win for him. I don’t think Barrera has too much left at this point in his career. Juan Manuel Marquez is an awesome fighter. He’s pound-for-pound one of the best in boxing. Not only am I looking forward to one day fighting him, I am also a fan of his.”
Teron was impressed with Edwin Valero. “He’s wild, he comes out of left field; 25 fights with 25 knockouts. I’d like to mix it up with him one day.”
The lightweight division is well-rounded today with well-schooled youngsters and seasoned veterans such as Marquez, Joel Casamayor and Joan Guzman, plus up-and-coming fighters like Anthony Peterson, Khan, and Teron.
There is certainly a place for Teron in this enormously talented group fighters who are attracting the eyes of fans and experts alike, and that’s “The Truth.”Andre Berto and Juan Urango
Meet at Yankee Stadium
A day before the home season opener, DiBella Entertainment and Seminole Warriors hosted a press conference at NY Steakhouse inside the new Yankee Stadium to promote the Andre Berto-Juan Urango title fight to be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL, on May 30, televised by HBO. Click here for more photos.
Berto, 24-0 (19), will be making the third defense of the WBC welterweight belt he won in June of last year. “May 30th is going to be a big night, my first fight in my home state,” said Berto, who lives in Winterhaven, FL. “Urango is strong but he is a straight forward fighter. I’m definitely focused. It’s going to be an exciting night.”
Southpaw Urango, 21-1-1 (16), who won the vacant IBF 140lb. belt in January, will be fighting as a welterweight for the first time. “I’ve been fighting for many years,” said Urango, who turned pro in 2002, “but now I have a new team and moving up to 147 is a great opportunity for me.”
Urango’s team consists of new trainer Evangelista Cotto, who will be working with the Colombian, also living in Florida, for the fourth time when he climbs into the ring against Berto. “Urango’s going to be raised to the highest level when he faces a fighter like Berto. Juan has all the skills and intelligence to win this fight,” said Cotto.
Co-headlining the “Boxing After Dark” doubleheader will be junior middleweight prospect Alfredo Angulo, 15-0 (12), taking on Kermit Cintron, 30-2-1 (27), who recently moved up to the 154lb. class in his last fight, earning a draw against Sergio Martinez. Angulo, who stopped Cosme Rivera in five this February, hasn’t had to go the distance since his fourth fight in 2006.
American heavyweight hopeful Tor Hamer, 5-0 (4), NABF/NABA light heavyweight belt holder Yusaf Mack, 27-2-2 (16), and a Seminole Warriors’ promoted heavyweight Magomed Abdusalamov, now 4-0 (4), will all appear on the non-televised undercard.Cotto and Clottey Announce Unification
Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey met at Madison Square Garden to announce their welterweight unification battle which will be held at the venue on June 13, televised by HBO on the eve of the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. Rebounding from his first loss, Cotto, 33-1 (27), won the vacant WBO belt in February with a TKO5 over Michael Jennings, in what was his fifth appearance at MSG. Clottey, 35-2-0-1NC (20), grabbed the vacant IBF title with a ninth-round technical decision victory over Zab Judah in August of last year. In what will be his first fight since then, Clottey, a Ghanaian living in the Bronx, will be making his Garden debut against Cotto.
The press conference was held just six days following a heated dispute between Miguel and his uncle/trainer Evangelista Cotto that led the Puerto Rican icon to fire his chief cornerman. The incident began at Bairoa Gym in Puerto Rico and was sparked by a disagreement over where to set up training camp in preparation for the June bout, with Miguel wanting to go to Florida and Evangelista preferring to stay in Puerto Rico. Miguel subsequently fired Evangelista over the issue, to which Evangelista responded by punching Miguel in the face. Later in the evening, Evangelista showed up at Miguel’s home, threw a cement block at Miguel but missed, instead breaking the window of his nephew’s 2009 Jaguar. The two then engaged in fisticuffs a second time, before being separated by nearby family members. Evangelista was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. The incident is currently under police investigation.
Miguel felt compelled to issue a press release to the media addressing the dispute. “This afternoon, after concluding my training session for my next fight, I sustained an incident with my uncle Evangelista Cotto. This is a family and very personal matter, which is why I ask that you give me the space and respect in my intimacy needed to cope with situation. Let it be known that as of this moment Evangelista Cotto will no longer form part of my corner, but at the same time, you should all rest assured that I will continue to work tirelessly for my next scheduled fight in June, where I will successfully defend my title with pride for all Puerto Ricans.”
As far as who might take over training duties, Miguel said that he would be elevating longtime nutritionist Joe Santiago to handle such responsibilities…for now. It is unclear whether Cotto will hire additional personnel to prepare him for the challenging Clottey, who many insiders believe poses a legitimate threat to hand Miguel his second defeat.
Often overlooked or passed over by the bigger names near his weight class, Clottey understands the magnitude of this opportunity. “These guys don’t want to fight me,” said Clottey. “Miguel has given me a chance and I will be one-hundred percent ready. I am coming to win.”
CSI Offers Special Deal
For a limited time, CSI Sports is offering a special deal, valid through May 31, 2009, on its “USA Tuesday Night Fights Knockouts: Series II” Collector’s Edition DVD set. Mention Boxing Digest and you get $20 off the original price.
The series comes packed with 12 DVDs featuring explosive knockouts and rare fights that originally appeared on the USA Tuesday Night Fights program that aired from 1981-1998. In addition to George Foreman’s comeback, revisit the early careers of Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr., Arturo Gatti, Fernando Vargas, Riddick Bowe, Marco Antonio Barrera, and many more.
To help analyze the fights, each DVD includes special segments: “KO Time,” “Feature Fighters,” “In Case You Missed It,” and “Who Won This One.”
KO Time: This segment is dedicated to the most exciting moment in boxing – the KNOCKOUT. We cut right to the action. It’s over before they knew what hit ‘em.
Feature Fighters: This part gives you everything: an in depth look at the superstar fighters featured in each episode. You get some highlights of their past fights, interviews, trash talking, behind the scenes footage, highlights of the best action in the fight, and of course...the KNOCKOUT!
In Case You Missed It: This segment contains the most amazing, memorable, wild, out of control moments you may have missed, or just must see again.
Who Won This One: Try to guess who will win the fight at the end of the show! Throughout the show we will provide you with the knockout percentage, fighter’s records and other statistics and maybe even some footage of their past fights to help you guess – Who Won This One!
The series also boasts to include the best looking round card girls in the world!
Call (877) 345-3837 to order. Visit www.csisports.tv for more information.
Yuri Foreman: Tomorrow’s Champion
Sometimes people do things that inspire others to act. For Muhammad Ali, it was a guy who stole his bike launching Ali into one of the greatest careers ever in boxing. For Yuri Foreman, it was a bully who picked on him when he was seven years old in swimming class. Today, Yuri is an unbeaten pro junior middleweight because after he told his mother about the bully she took him to a boxing gym to learn self defense and he has not been bullied since. And to date Yuri has compiled a sparkling 27-0 record with eight knockouts.
“I had been bullied in the swimming pool,” said Foreman, remembering how it all began back in Belarus. “And then my mom took me by the hand to a boxing gym. She told the boxing teacher that I had been bullied. The trainer told her that it will not happen again.”
In fact about a year later Foreman was again accosted by this same bully who was walking with a few pals when he spotted Yuri.
“I ran into the same bully with his friends,” said Foreman. “They tried to bully me, they were a little taller and older, but I stood in the boxing stance and I punched him in the face and the others ran away.”
Foreman expects a banner year in 2009. “God willing, I’m going to get a title shot and stay undefeated.”
Mentioning “God willing” is a sincere remark when it comes from Yuri Foreman. He is an Orthodox Jew who was born August 5, 1980, in Gomel, Belarus. He lives quietly in Brooklyn, NY, with his lovely wife, Leyla, and for the last two years has been studying to become an Orthodox Rabbi at the illustrious Lyyun Institute in Brooklyn headed by his own Rabbi, Rabbi DovBer Pinson.
There aren’t too many Jewish boxers anymore. Decades ago there were many including the great Benny Leonard, Lew Tendler, Ruby Goldstein, Barney Ross, Maxie Rosenbloom, and many others. Today the most prominent Jewish battlers are Foreman, Dmitriy Salita and Roman Greenberg.
“It’s true,” he said. “Hopefully we are going to bring it back into fashion.” He thinks that other ways of earning a living are easier and that is what may be causing Jews to stay away from fighting. But he still has many Jewish supporters.
“Jewish fans are passionate,” said Foreman, “and very supportive.”
He believes that he is in good hands as he trains at Gleason’s gym with his coach Joe Grier along and assistant trainer Pedro Saiz.
“I am managed by Murray Wilson and Alan Cohen,” he said. He is happy with those around him. So far he is on track for a shot at one of the 154 pound belts. He is ranked number five by both the WBC and the IBF, he is ranked eighth by the WBO, and he is the number two contender for the WBA title. His biggest wins have come over Anthony Thompson, James Moore, and Andrey Tsurkan whom he defeated for his NABF strap.
“My toughest opponent so far was Anthony Thompson,” he said. It was also the type of win that can put a fighter in line for big things. Big opportunities are what Foreman anticipates in 2009.Ring Rhyme & Reason
Roy Deserves Credit
Clearly, Roy Jones Jr. has passed the twilight of his career as having been a great champion in four divisions. His style and ring generalship was somewhat unorthodox, but he displayed awesome skill and effectiveness. Having read a piece by Tim Smith of the New York Daily News regarding Jones’ “marriage” of promoting MMA and boxing on the same card, this endeavor might turn out to be one of the toughest “fights” of his career. Being strictly a “boxing person,” I had penned a few articles, one titled, “Please Don’t Call It Boxing!” regarding my distaste for MMA, Ultimate Fighting and any other name which would try to take away the real sport of boxing as most people in the game know it. Smith pointed out that much of the fighting and groping is done on the canvas. But MMA is picking up a lot of steam and is making a lot of money for the promotional outlets backing the sport. To paraphrase Mike Smith, I tend to agree that perhaps Square Ring Promotions needs a larger inventory, thus the “wedding” of boxing and MMA begins. I agreed with Jones’ statement that there is more skill required in boxing, although it’s a paradox to what he seems to be pursuing.
Personally, I am fond of Roy and appreciated his coming to Westchester Community College, which is a member of the National Collegiate Boxing Association, where he generously gave his time in helping me finish an outstanding instructional video that is used as a teaching tool for my college credit course. The iconoclastic Muhammad Ali, Willie Pep and Rocky Marciano are also part of the instructional tape.
Transfusion Needed
The heavyweight division once commanded the most focus and hype and was almost always the highest paying weight class, but now it has the lowest expectations. The division is now really anemic with a conglomeration of pseudo-titled champions. Five years ago, Lennox Lewis was the best of the group of the big guys, but right now all things considered we have to tout Wladimir Klitschko as the most formidable of today’s heavyweights. Klitschko is always in good condition, possesses a pretty good jab but still lacks the color and the fire of past heavyweight contenders. Heavyweight contenders used to be discussed as the highlights of the ring game. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be anybody on the horizon who can infuse any excitement in the heavyweight division right now.
A Success Story
The AAIB (American Association for the Improvement of Boxing) must offer plaudits to Joe Calzaghe who recently announced his retirement from the ring. He retired as the United Kingdom’s only undefeated champion after an 18-year career. I am sure he will be able to parlay his ring fame into a great career in some other field in his native Wales. He’s a handsome, unmarked young man who seems to have the whole world in his hands. Good Luck, Joe.
Is it Make-believe?
The AAIB has never believed that Floyd Mayweather was serious about retiring. There are two many steaks on his boxing plate. The winner of the Hatton-Pacquiao duel could produce a formidable opponent for Mayweather. We believe Floyd would be the winner of that one.
Easy to Digest
The AAIB would like to commend Boxing Digest and writer George Kimball for the article he did in the April ’09 issue on our wonderful friend Jose Torres who was a real credit to boxing in and out of the ring.
Who Did He Fight?
I have always been apprehensive of certain boxers with undefeated records. We quickly check the caliber and records of boxers with an unbeaten record as to who they defeated This accentuates Rocky Marciano’s 49-0, Julio Cesar Chavez winning close to 100 fights, Willie Pep’s 230 professional fights and 65 amateur fights. Boxing Digest ranked Pep number one, the slickest boxer of all time along with several other experts.
Fountain of Youth
The New York Golden Gloves produces many winners who will ultimately go on to replenish the professional boxing ranks. It is always exciting to see the emergence from the amateurs; young boxers who may one day replicate Sugar Ray Leonard, Sugar Ray Robinson, Pernell Whittaker, Muhammad Ali, Mark Breland and so many other greats who emerged from the amateur Golden Gloves and the Olympics to become great champions.
On the other hand, it was sad to note that the most recent Olympic Games in Beijing produced only one USA bronze medal winner. The US has always had talent such as the aforementioned athletes. Perhaps, the recession of gold medal victors from America has a great deal to do with the lack of ability and talent of the individuals who are entrusted with the coaching and training of these Olympians.Tyson: The Untold Story Revisited
With James Toback’s documentary “TYSON,” an in depth look at Iron Mike in his own words, scheduled to be released later this month, the Stranger than Fiction weekly documentary series will revisit the rarely seen “FALLEN CHAMP: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MIKE TYSON” documentary on the former champ, originally released in 1993, while Tyson was still incarcerated. The film focuses on Tyson’s early rise to success followed by his stunning fall from grace, as a result of his 1992 rape conviction.
The film’s director, two-time Oscar winner Barbara Kopple offers multiple views on the controversial boxer, and considers how a fighter with such ferocious skills could allow personal demons to bring him down. It gathers familiar coverage of Tyson’s ring career and revealing footage of his struggles to channel his aggressions into positive conduct.
Ken Tucker, of Entertainment Weekly, said, “Mike Tyson is often thought of as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. FALLEN CHAMP: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MIKE TYSON is a documentary film that ‘details the way Tyson’s life fell apart even as he achieved [his] greatest professional success…’”
A screening of the film will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at the IFC Center (323 Sixth Ave. @ 3rd St.) in New York City. After viewing the film, those in attendance will enjoy an exclusive Q&A session with director Barbara Kopple, followed by discussion and tasty drink specials at 99 Below (99 MacDougal Street). Tickets are only $15 per person ($12 for IFC members).
For more info and to buy tickets in advance, visit: http://stfdocs.com/films/fallen_champ_the_untold_story_of_mike_tyson/
Finally, Wladimir Klitschko Gets Mad!
Wladimir Klitschko has always been a great ambassador for boxing. He (along with big brother Vitali) has given healthy donations to the underprivileged. When he’s interviewed, Wlad comes across as confident but humble. He’s even quick to give a smile. There’s been no classless trash talk out of him before fights. His fighting style as of late has been one of cautious, effective dominance over today’s class of supposed “awful” contenders. His latest batch of defenses (i.e. Lamon Brewster II; Sultan Ibragimov; Tony Thompson, and finally a shot, old Hasim Rahman) doesn’t exactly help to argue the opinion. Wladimir seems to be in a tough situation. His “nice guy” image outside of the ring is real, and being a classy guy is always welcoming for the sport, but inside of the ring, well, dammit, I’d like to see some passion for conclusive destruction! Even when he stops an opponent, he takes such a tactical approach to the game, it seems as if he’s content to joust his foes into submission with his telephone-pole jab. The big right hand follows, but as of late, it takes forever to hit the sweet spot, if at all. Has his jab replaced the rest of his arsenal?
For my buck, Wlad could learn a lot from former champ, Lennox Lewis. Lewis fought with a chip on his shoulder. He seemed genuinely outraged when an opponent pushed his buttons. Recalling some of Lewis’ most dominant performances, I realized that Lennox not only fought with great control, but there was an intimidating coldness about him. With his size and strength, an in-shape Lewis was frightening. Not only did he possess his own telephone-pole jab and a right hand behind it, he threw a mean left hook, and a devastating uppercut. He understood the game of in-fighting extremely well. When an opponent was ready to go, Lennox would make sure they’d be gone. If he found himself in a toe-to-toe battle, Lewis would dig down and fight back twice as hard—just watch his battles versus Frank Bruno, Ray Mercer, Shannon Briggs, or Vitali Klitschko.
The fight that stands out in my mind the most was the rematch against Hasim Rahman. After coming in overconfident, overweight, and under-prepared, Rahman not only KO’d Lewis brutally in five rounds to dethrone Lennox, Hasim goaded the former champ every chance he had leading up to the rematch. Hasim trash-talked Lennox to frustrating proportions, even provoking an on-television wrestling match; one in which Rahman looked to get the better of Lennox.
None of Hasim’s pre-fight mind-games, tasteless remarks, or the previous victory over Lennox could help him once they met in the ring again. Lennox fought angry. He put complete focus behind that anger and never allowed Rahman into the fight. In round four, Lennox exacted his revenge with a lightning-fast combo consisting of a sweeping left hook that moved Rahman’s head directly into the path of a huge right hand that nearly decapitated Hasim, who could not beat the count.
Re-enter the present. The heavyweights have been ridiculed not only by the press, but especially by former undisputed cruiserweight king, and relative newcomer to the heavyweight sweepstakes, David Haye. Haye’s impressive record, 22-1 (21), ripped-build, and gift of gab have propelled him into a fight with #1-rated Wladimir. Haye’s antics early on seemed to amuse Klitschko, who stated that, “Haye’s hyperactive and crazy,” and “he must get in line, and prove himself before fighting me.”
But when Haye did a photo shoot for a men’s fitness magazine; posing for camera clicks whilst tearing the head off a poster of Wlad in the process, I have it on good word that Wladimir’s reaction was anything but composed.
Apparently, after viewing Haye’s demonstration, Wladimir took in a deep breath, clenched both fists, and said aloud, “I’m going to rip that motherf*cker’s head off!” and walked out of the room. Not one person in Camp Klitschko had ever heard him speak in such a way about an opponent.
When asked about the incident, trainer Emanuel Steward couldn’t deny his fighters different approach to this fight in particular. “I’ve never seen Wladimir this angry before a fight. He wants this guy bad, and he wants him now,” said Steward. “He has a different edge (while) training, instead of sparring to keep sharp, he’s actually hurting guys bad. He’s angry, he’s super-fast, and he really wants to knock this guy Haye out for disrespecting him, as well as his brother.”
With the fight scheduled for June 20, the build-up, and trash-talking will no doubt intensify. Apparently, Haye has already gotten into the head of Wlad, but Steward sees this as a good thing. “I’m extremely glad Wladimir is so motivated. This is what he’s needed for a long time, someone to actually make him mad. It’s been very frustrating for him (lately). The (Sultan) Ibragimov fight was a tactical disaster. Wladimir couldn’t make the guy fight. And I know, that he knows, it was hard to ‘get up’ for the last few opponents he’s faced. In those cases he sort of fought to the level of his competition. But for the Haye fight, Wladimir wants a clear-cut, spectacular performance. He wants to knock this guy out cold, and shut his mouth.”
Perhaps the type of antagonism Haye brings with him to press conference tour, and face-to-face stand-offs will ignite something in Wladimir the public has yet to see.
If Wlad were to take a chapter or two from Lennox Lewis’ documented HOF history of fighting with angry purpose, then his lofty spot as the #1 heavyweight in the world would be a more definitive reality. The next wave of young, up-and-coming challengers are here. For the sake of the heavyweight division, if Wlad plans to one day wear the single crown of heavyweight champ of the world, let’s hope he fights defiantly, with controlled anger, and goes for the kill in each outing—just like Lennox Lewis did when he was world champ, to anybody who dared to test him.
(By the way, congratulations Lennox! Welcome to the Boxing Hall of Fame. You deserve it big brother! Thanks for the incredible memories.)
Boxing for Beginners
Golden Gloves Champion and Olympic team member, Billy Finegan has teamed up with fitness seminar teacher Courtney Clark to write Boxing for Beginners. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to box and get in shape. Boxing for Beginners guides readers through boxing fundamentals and mechanics, basic boxing drills, acquiring the necessary equipment and more. Photos and a step-by-step approach make this book easy to understand. Readers will learn to strengthen the mind, sharpen reflexes, form intelligent fight strategies and use the necessary tactics it takes to win the battle. The authors hosted a book signing at Barnes & Noble in New York along with writer Mary Phillips.
Tim Bradley and Kendall Holt video
I Am A Fighter introduces world champions Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt. Please click on this link to view two brief yet revealing video features on these men. Click here to learn how their very different upbringings ultimately have led them to the same place, the top of the Jr. Welterweight Division. On Saturday, April 4, the 140-pound World Champions will meet to unify their titles on live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT).
The I Am A Fighter series was developed by SHOWTIME Sports in an effort to illuminate the poignant personal stories of the world class athletes we televise. These short, internet specific features are available for fans to view on the network’s website http://Sports.SHO.com, YouTube, Break.com, Crave Online and more.
Boxing Digest Round Card Girls
appear in PETA ad
PETA has an “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign currently running, with actresses and supermodels posing nude. To help promote and bring exposure to the ads, PETA has teamed up with Rick’s Cabaret and created an "I'd Rather Go Topless Than Wear Fur" ad. The New York club held a reception to launch the new ad campaign with all seven of the models that appear in the ad on hand to pose with the poster. You may recognize some of them, as a few have been the “Boxing Digest Round Card Girl of the Month,” such as Shaleen, Avalon and Saki. Other round card girls that have appeared in Boxing Digest—Jane, Sky, Alondra and Becky—also attended the press conference to support the cause.
“Compassion is a big turn-on, but fur-wearers leave me cold. By showing some of our skin, we hope to save animals’ skins,” said Alicia. The ad was shot by top celebrity photographer Andrea Blanch. It can be seen online, in all Rick’s locations and as a public service ad in many magazines. Look for some of the girls in future Boxing Digest issues as they plan to work a few East Coast fights.
The Bat Boy Helps
Former Golden Gloves competitor and New York Times best selling author Ray Negron has released his second children’s book, The Greatest Story Never Told. Negron’s new book focuses on two chronically ill boys, Skippy and Conner. The boys don’t get along because they see each other as “different.” Ray enters as a New York Yankee's bat boy who takes the pair on a magical journey to meet Babe Ruth. The Bambino then brings them to Ebbets Field to meet Jackie Robinson. The Babe and Jackie share some experiences and the boys learn their lesson and become best friends.
This book is similar to Negron’s first book, The Boy of Steel, about a boy who meets old time baseball Hall of Famers through a magic room in Yankee Stadium.
Negron is currently promoting his book through signings at larger book stores. On Oct. 19, he visited a Barnes & Noble in New York, meeting with young fans. For more information on the books and signings check out www.batboyhelps.com