Madrimov vs. Walker: Inviting Tragedy
By Caryn A. Tate on August 18, 2020
%202.jpg)
Fighters are hard-pressed to admit that they’re hurt. (photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)
Even when proper precautions are taken, sometimes there can still be a negative outcome. But what about when there are clear warning signs that go unheeded, such as in Walker’s case? It’s inviting a tragic outcome… READ MORE
Herring retains title via DQ over Oquendo
By Robert Ecksel on September 5, 2020
The champ intended to box, while the challenger came to brawl. (Mikey Williams/Top Rank)
“I wasn’t too satisfied with my performance, to be honest with you,” said Herring after the fight. “I didn’t want it to end like that. I’m disappointed with the outcome. But my team felt it was too much. So we just had to stop it or whatever…” READ MORE
Boxing News by Robert Ecksel
The smaller they are, the harder they fall
June 12, 2022
Bigger is not always better. Bigger debts, bigger headaches, and bigger you name it are a few examples which question the bigger is better proposition…
August 25, 2022
Grisham recalled Don King’s visit and thought it memorable. It wasn’t because he was black, rare though that was thereabouts, but because he had a gun…
No More Auction Block for Thee
August 26, 2022
Do yourself a favor. Save your money. Wait for Mike Tyson’s version of his life story, assuming it materializes, assuming you haven’t seen it already…
Houston, we've had a problem
August 27, 2022
Two women filed lawsuits in Los Angeles County Superior Court this week alleging Foreman sexually abused them in the 1970s when they were minors…
Red Alert! Cruising with Canelo
November 18, 2021
Reynoso failed to mention that Showtime, PBC, and David Benavidez were thrown under the bus. But boxing turns the page like a speed-reader on meth...
Rock 'n' Roll: Crawford vs. Porter
November 20, 2021
Porter will get in his licks, and his elbows, head, and whatnot. He’s an expert at throwing opponents off their game. But Crawford is in a class of his own..
November 22, 2021
He may or may not be the greatest fighter alive, there’s a redhead down in Mexico who’s in the running, but Crawford’s boxing IQ is off the charts…
The Fight Game Always Rings Twice
March 18, 2022
“Well, the Dempsey-Firpo fight lasted less than two rounds, didn’t it? It’s not how long it lasts. It’s what you do while you’re in there…”
.jpg)
April 22, 2022
The one-time “Baddest Man on the Planet” has tamed the beast, which took some doing, turning the ferocious man-eater into the pussycat we know today…
Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant Preview
September 22, 2021
Having turned pro at the tender age of 15, he is now a seasoned veteran at 31 and a beautiful boxing creation, thanks in no small part to his trainer Eddy Reynoso…
September 20, 2021
We haven’t seen the last of Manny Pacquiao. Hopefully he’ll achieve his political goals and save his country if not the world…
November 10, 2021
With the victory, Canelo has become the world’s first undisputed champion at super middleweight, as well as the first undisputed champion in Mexican history…
It's Showtime: Benavidez vs. Davis
November 13, 2021
Former two-time WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez returns to his birthplace to get it on with late replacement Kyrone Davis…
November 15, 2021
“Breadman" told Davis, “He (Benavidez) just shot his load this round a little bit.” But the uppercuts he landed at the start of the fifth suggested otherwise…
August 27, 2021
The 17,000 fans at T-Mobile knew it. The millions watching at home knew it. Even Manny knew it, or so he said, or managed to not quite say in so few words...
Sonny Liston Meets the Beatles
August 30, 2021
The Beatles wanted to meet heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, not “that loudmouth who’s going to lose,” in the words of John Lennon…
September 3, 2021
He is 48. He hasn’t fought in a dozen years. He’s toyed with idea, both privately and publicly, as former champions do. But De La Hoya was serious...
September 10, 2021
He looks old. He looks slow. He looks unsteady. He looks like a great former champion who has no business fighting, even an 8-round exhibition with 2-minute rounds...
Holyfield Humbled, Wants Tyson Next
September 12, 2021
“For me to be able to compete with Holyfield is a dream.” The dream doesn’t stop there, however. Vitor Belfort has other plans…
February 7, 2021
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, the one-time Olympic gold medalist, started Muhammad Ali on his long goodbye on February 15, 1978...
Adrien Broner, Falling in Love Again
February 19, 2021
Since love is war and love is blind and love is a four-letter word and a losing game, Broner professing his newfound love almost makes a weird kind of sense…
Uninspired Broner Outpoints Santiago
February 21, 2021
“Broner did a nice job in there. The decision could have gone both ways. He fought a great fight. We were in it to win this fight and he got the decision…"
Turkey Shoot: Canelo Clobbers Yildirim
February 28, 2021
Yildirim must have had a game plan in mind going in. But whatever the game plan might have been, it was abandoned at the first hard shot Canelo landed...
Benavidez Punishes Game Ronald Ellis
March 15, 2021
“I want all the big guys, and as you can see, I love throwing punches and I love stopping people. Me against any of the big names would be a great fight…”
Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith Preview
December 18, 2020
At 6-foot-3 with a 78-inch reach, compared to his challenger’s 5-foot-8 with a 70½-inch reach, Smith could present problems Canelo has not yet overcome...
Golovkin TKOs Outclassed Szeremeta
December 18, 2020
Golovkin established his jab in the opening round and added a dazzling array of punches as the rounds progressed that seemingly could not miss…
Saturday Night Fever: Garcia vs. Campbell
January 2, 2021
“He has no challenges for me. All he’s got is pitter-patter punches and amateur style punches. None of that is going to save him. I'm not even worried about Luke Campbell…”
January 25, 2021
Those early infractions, while scary and unbecoming, were chalked up to his being a stranger in a strange land unfamiliar with the customs of his adopted home...
Saturday Night Fever: Plant vs. Truax
January 30, 2021
Positioned precisely where he belongs in the P4P rankings, Plant may have bigger fish to fry than Caleb Truax, but it’s Truax who’s on his radar tonight…
Claressa Shields Goes for the Gold
December 2, 2020
Despite its increased visibility, women’s boxing hasn’t exactly taken the world by storm. Old habits die hard, while boxing tradition dies even harder…
December 2, 2020
“Often it can be those close to us who make us doubt ourselves because they want to guide us to take the safe route, the well-travelled path through life…”
December 3, 2020
Until the opening bell sounds, doubts persist that Spence, no matter how hard at work he is in the gym, may have lost a step, if not physically than psychologically…
Saturday Night Fever: Joshua vs. Pulev
December 12, 2020
“With all due respect to Anthony Joshua, I don't think he's that good, nor do I think he's invincible. I have everything. I’m here now, ready to fight and win…”
Friday Night Fights: Golovkin vs. Szeremeta
December 16, 2020
Golovkin peaked six years ago, but since his two fights with Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and ‘18, the superlatives used to describe him have decreased in number and volume…
Fire and Brimstone and Deontay Wilder
November 16, 2020
Former heavyweight champion of the world Deontay Wilder isn’t the first person to believe his own lies, nor will he be the last...
Caveat emptor: Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.
November 26, 2020
“We wanted to make sure that they both understood that it was a sanctioned exhibition fight. It's going to look like a boxing match…”
Tyson/Jones Jr. draw after 8 rounds
November 28, 2020
Tyson was asked if he would resume his pro career. “This is bigger than fighting for championships. We’re humanitarians, we’re helping people. I’m into that now…”
What if Mike Tyson stages a comeback?
November 30, 2020
George Foreman liked what he saw, was impressed by Tyson’s performance, and foresees big things in Mike’s future should he decide to take that path…
Holyfield challenges Tyson to third fight
December 1, 2020
“My side tried to make the fight happen and we got nothing but excuses. Now I can see why he wanted a tune-up fight before thinking about fighting me…”
Mayweather goes on the offensive
October 23, 2020
There may be people who don’t know about sanctioning fees, even though I’ve yet to meet them. But it could be because of the company I keep…
Lomachenko Injured Prior to Lopez Fight
October 22, 2020
“I was injured coming into this fight as well, if you want to talk about injuries,” Lopez told ESPN, “but I didn’t make no excuses about it. You know what I mean...
Judges Bungle Lopez-Loma Scorecards
October 18, 2020
Distinguishing good from bad, right from wrong, fact from fiction, truth from lies, might impinge on self-interest, which would be a pity, especially if that’s all there is…
November 12, 2020
“He’s not the only opponent that went into the fight thinking they were going to stop me or knock me out, so that’s nothing new for me…”
November 14, 2020
Brook performed well, before he walked into a punch he didn’t see coming, and has now lost three of his last six fights…
Charlo Twins Hit Pay-Per-View Tonight
September 26, 2020
It remains to be seen if the first major pandemic pay-per-view raises Jermall and Jermell Charlo's visibility and stock...
September 28, 2020
“It wasn’t spectacular,” Arum said. “The poor guy, a minute later he might have gotten killed. The guy never was in with a world class fighter...”
Zepeda KOs Baranchyk in Dogfight
October 3, 2020
Two-time world challenger Jose Zepeda flattened former IBF junior welterweight champion Ivan Baranchyk at 2:50 of round five in a scheduled 10-rounder…
Joshua vs. Pulev on December 12
October 17, 2020
Pulev’s only loss was by knockout to Wladimir Klitschko in 2014, just before Dr. K formally commenced his slide. But Pulev has won eight fights since then…
Tonight's the Night: Lomachenko vs. Lopez
October 17, 2020
“A lot of people talking about Teofimo Lopez. Who is this guy? He never fought any top fighters. Now he’s a world champion. Welcome to my club…”
Saturday Night Fever: Herring vs. Oquendo
September 5, 2020
“It’s not like I was the only one suffering. It’s a global pandemic, so I can’t really complain too much. Despite all the setbacks, I’m still able to handle business…”
Herring retains title via DQ over Oquendo
September 5, 2020
It was an unconventional ruling to say the least. Whether his vision was impaired or not, it appeared that Herring quit between rounds eight and nine…
Sunday Night Fights: Ugas vs. Ramos
September 6, 2020
Ugas has won 10 of his last 11 fights dating back to 2016. His only blemish during the past four years was a split decision loss to Shawn Porter…
It's Showtime! Lubin vs. Gausha Eliminator
September 19, 2020
Gausha dropped a unanimous decision in 2017 to Cuban wizard Erislandy Lara. That same year Lubin had his clock cleaned by Jermell Charlo in the first round…
Pedraza Dominates Overmatched Molina
September 20, 2020
“It was the experience that I've had at the top level that helped me finally put it together. I do believe I'm ready for a world title opportunity…”
Benavidez Loses Title on Scale
August 15, 2020
"I’m very disappointed. This is obviously my first time missing weight. Just very disappointed to lose the title on the scale, but I’m still going to win the fight tomorrow..."
Benavidez Stops Angulo on Showtime
August 16, 2020
"I could have done some stuff better, but overall it was a great performance. I didn’t want to go too fast and leave myself exposed for some big shots…"
August 20, 2020
“The story of my life is pressure. I’ve been under pressure my entire life. This is just another puzzle. There is more pressure because of the future, but that’s in the future...”
Povetkin Flattens Dillian Whyte
August 22, 2020
“I was pretty confident in the fourth round. I did go down twice, but it was OK, it wasn’t too much damage. I got woke up…”
Ramirez wins majority decision over Postol
August 29, 2020
WBC/WBO super lightweight champion Jose Carlos Ramirez eked out a majority decision over former WBC super lightweight champ Viktor Postol...
The World According to Amir Khan
April 5, 2020
Amir and Faryal reconciled. In February she gave birth to their third child. It’s a boy. Khan is pleased to have a son, but he is restless…
Kubrat Pulev maps Redemption Road
April 8, 2020
Stealing a kiss used to be poetic, like a lyric from the Great American Songbook brought to life. Nowadays—forget about it...
April 15, 2020
I got to see close up and personal how ambition, toadyism, and lack of principle could be the foundation of a beautiful career…
April 20, 2020
“You could hear Emanuel in the corner. He was imploring. He said, ‘Lennox, just fight like a little bitch.’ Those were his exact words. I got it on tape…”
April 27, 2020
Daniel Ortega is a former revolutionary turned strongman who believes in power, but is wary of testing and what it might reveal…
March 9, 2020
“For Ali to compose a few words of real poetry,” said Mailer, “would be equal to an intellectual throwing a good punch...”
Twin Peeks: Reggie and Ronnie Kray
March 9, 2020
They lived a life of fast cars, fast women, hot blood and easy money and left countless busted noses in their wake…
Stevenson vs. Marriaga Preview/Cancelled
March 12, 2020
In an empty Hulu Theater, WBO featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson will defend his title against perennial contender Miguel Marriaga…
Ten-Count for Roger Mayweather
March 19, 2020
There’s no better way to disrupt the solemnity of his passing, not to mention the tragedy having befallen the world, than to promulgate fake boxing news…
Wilder Bobblehead Dolls for Sale
March 24, 2020
“The referee did him a massive favor and the cornerman chucked in that towel,“ said Froch. “It couldn’t have come at a better time…”
March 2, 2020
“I've been very unlucky,” the elder Fury told the BBC, “but very lucky as well…I’ve been a naughty boy and there is no point hiding it…”
March 3, 2020
Pulev is a top-10 fighter, but falls short of being elite. A victory over Joshua, who we know can be beaten, would alter that perception dramatically…
Is it one and done for Wilder?
March 5, 2020
If Wilder loses the third fight with Fury, proving once and for all that he can’t compete with an elite heavyweight, one and done seems a real possibility...
Saturday Review: Kownacki vs. Helenius
March 6, 2020
“I respect him for taking this fight, but he chose the wrong opponent. This is not going to be a fight; it’s going to be a war…”
Underdog Helenius stops Kownacki
March 7, 2020
In round four, Helenius dropped Kownacki with a right hand that was ruled a slip, but he was hurt and his defense, never his strong suit, was nonexistent…
_j.jpg)
Resurgent Chocolatito Stops Yafai
March 1, 2020
Yafai would have been smart to box and move, instead of hoping to make a statement, a statement which blew up in his face...
Garcia decisions Vargas in barnburner
February 29, 2020
“I think I’m ready to get back in with the best. I want Manny Pacquiao or a rematch with Errol Spence. This is a great option to continue at 147…”
Andy Ruiz Jr. wants Tyson Fury
February 29, 2020
Fury will fight anyone. Atlas, God, Zeus, Hercules—Bring ‘em on, all on the same night. Oh, and if Joshua has time, Fury would love to fight him...
Saturday Night Fights: Garcia vs. Vargas
February 27, 2020
These guys are solid professionals. They will touch gloves before the opening bell and embrace when it’s over. Good sportsmanship is in their DNA. ...
Star clothier in Wilder's corner
February 26, 2020
Cosmo + Donato avoided incoming fire. They spoke with Wilder by phone. He said he doesn’t blame them. He wants them to design his next masquerade...
Don't Punch a Gift Horse in the Mouth
February 24, 2020
That’s the last thing fight fans want to hear. Hopefully it’s the last thing Tyson Fury wants to hear. But John Fury can be persuasive...
February 23, 2020
“Deontay is the kind of guy that’s a ‘go out on his shield kind of guy’ and he will tell you straight up don’t throw the towel in...”
Fury clobbers KO King to regain title
February 22, 2020
With nowhere to run or hide and lacking the innate ability to fight back, Wilder was a sitting duck whose goose was cooked...
Out of shape Fury weighs 273 lbs.
February 21, 2020
Even if the British beef is as pure as his intentions, Fury’s hamming it up might not help when it comes to defeating Deontay Wilder...
February 21, 2020
Fury can be seen sitting in a restaurant, reading the menu, trying to decide what to order, when the maître d' approached with a live lobster in each hand...
Wilder Quizzed Ahead of Fury Rematch
February 19, 2020
“The first fight was an amazing fight. It was a very controversial fight. We left people confused about what happened or who won. This is judgment day…”
Fury Talks the Talk before Wilder Rematch
February 17, 2020
“I learned he can be hit, and he can be hurt quite regularly. That's the biggest thing that I learned about Deontay Wilder. Nothing I didn’t already know…”
Plant Devours German in Nashville
February 16, 2020
Music blares from every doorway. The siren song of commerce beckons. And in the midst of it looms Breakstone Arena…
Plant/Feigenbutz Final Presser
February 14, 2020
“If you want to take the belt back to Germany, you have to kill me. I don’t think he’s man enough to do that. This belt’s staying right here in Nashville...”
Plant/Feigenbutz Media Workout
February 13, 2020
“I want to be first undisputed super middleweight champion. I want to be pound-for-pound. I want to be an immortal in the sport, a name that never fades…”
.jpg)
Boxing's Disinformation Dilemma
February 12, 2020
We’re heard the excuses for inexcusable decisions, which range from boxing is subjective to “Boxing is the red light district of sports,” a million times...
Russell outpoints game King Tug
February 8, 2020
“He is a great champion who fought a great fight. I made a mistake by waiting for him during the fight. I’d love the rematch if I can get it…”
Saturday Night Live: Russell vs. Nyambayar
February 7, 2020
“I think Tug is a lot more technically sound than a lot of the guys who I have competed against. He’s another guy with everything to gain and nothing to lose…”
February 6, 2020
Wilder proceeded to lecture even those of us who know that everyone is out of Africa about his motivation, which he is convinced is superior to everyone else’s…
February 4, 2020
“I want to make a statement and solidify my legacy as one of the best Cuban fighters ever. I want the boxing world to be talking about me…”
Ordenis Ugas TKOs Mike Dallas Jr.
February 2, 2020
“The most important thing was to get the victory. The main goal now is to keep winning and fight for a title. I’m ready for all of the top welterweights…”
_2.jpg)
Jarrell "Big Baby"Miller—Free at Last
January 30, 2020
“When the news of his failed drug test originally broke, Miller, having forgotten that denial is the most sincere form of admittance, went on the defensive...”
Wilder-Fury 2: Knock Yourselves Out
January 29, 2020
“I’m the Gypsy King. There’s only been one and there’s only likely to be one going forward. That’s one belt that Deontay Wilder can’t ever win...”
Boxing by the book, Garcia schools Redkach
January 25, 2020
"A lesser man than would have hightailed it out of there once the beating began. Not Redkach. He stuck it out to the bloody end..."
.jpg)
January 25, 2020
Santana thought an upset was in the cards. He was sure he was catching Hurd at the perfect time. Look what happened when he fought J-Rock...
Saturday Night Fever: Garcia vs. Redkach
January 21, 2020
“I know Ivan is coming to fight. We’ve followed each other’s careers. I know he’s hungry and he wants to show the fans that he belongs on this level...”
.jpg)
Shock Upset! Rosario dethrones J-Rock
January 17, 2020
"The cut blurred my vision a little bit, but it wasn't the reason why I lost. He was the better fighter tonight. We've got a rematch clause. I'll see him again soon..."
They came; they saw; they concurred
January 14, 2020
Wilder,'s power is primordial, the stuff of the gods. Fury is an anomaly. He’s as big as a tree but emulates Ali and Willie Pep...
Joe Smith Jr. wins Philly grudge match
January 12, 2020
The judge who scored the fight for Hart needs to have his head and eyes examined. Seeing the fight as close is bad enough. Scoring it in Hart’s favor was still worse…
January 11, 2020
Jaime Munguia, in his debut at 160, stopped Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan via 11th-round TKO to capture the vacant WBO Intercontinental middleweight title…
Claressa clobbers Habazin, makes history
January 11, 2020
As history has shown, patriarchy has its limits, and anything which keeps women down needs to be dispensed with while there’s still time…
Jesse Hart vs. Joe Smith Jr. Preview
January 10, 2020
“That shit was hurtful to me. This is not business. This is not for bragging rights neither. This is something that my family put on me…”
Friday Night Fights: Shields vs. Habazin
January 9, 2020
“She talks about disrespect, but doesn't have a clue what that means. Every time she opens her mouth, she's disrespectful. In fact she's all bark and no bite…”
January 6, 2020
On Saturday, February 15, IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant (19-0, 11 KOs) will defend his title against Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2, 28 KOs),…
Plotting the Rise of Gervonta Davis
January 6, 2020
There has been talk of a possible unification bout with WBA/WBO champion Vasiliy Lomachenko or IBF lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. …
It's Official! Wilder-Fury II on February 22
December 28, 2019
"I proved myself the first time and I’m ready to do it again. It was a very controversial fight. I promise my fans that there won’t be any controversy with this one..."
January 3, 2020
Paying $50 a month for that which rarely feels like a deal at $19.99 a month seems like a boondoggle, given the hit or miss quality of the fights DAZN streams…
The loaded handgun and Errol Spence Jr.
January 2, 2020
The cops failed to determine, according to a spokesperson for the Dallas Police Department, whether it belonged to Spence or not.
Chavez Sr. and Jr. unite to fight "haters"
January 2, 2020
"I don’t eat meat, clenbuterol or [fail] doping exams for my fight—myself. That’s not legal! They are natural and do not come from meat…"
-3.jpg)
Gervonta smokes Gamboa in final round
December 28, 2019
"I couldn't put pressure on it. I wanted to keep going. I told my corner it was a problem, but I wanted to keep going because I'm a warrior...”
Crawford nixes Shawn Porter...for now
December 27, 2019
"If we had to fight and if it made sense, then that would be a fight that we would both agree upon. But right now, I feel like that’s not something we should discuss..."
December 25, 2019
"Every time I go to another country, the people are so passionate, they embrace you. They lift you up. It’s almost like the opposite back home…"
December 24, 2019
"I’m always going to be me in the ring and do what Gervonta Davis does. That’s be explosive, be fast, and if we go 12 rounds, I’m definitely here for it..."
Charlo blisters "Super Bad" to regain title
December 22, 2019
The fight changed hands several times. Sometimes it seemed Harrison wouldn’t be denied. Other times Charlo’s single-mindedness was flammable...
Chavez Jr. flops in “No mas” against Jacobs
December 21, 2019
Security pushed Chavez through the crowd by forming a phalanx to protect him. The guards used round cards to shield the fighter from incoming...
When Tyson dissed Mayweather
December 19, 2019
"Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people. It's being accepted by the people. He's a little scared man. He's a very small, scared man..."
Preview: Harrison vs. Charlo II
December 18, 2019
"I don’t want it to go the judges. That’s my worst nightmare. If it does go 12 rounds, he’s going to be very injured at the end..."
Friday Night Fights: Jacobs vs. Chavez
December 17, 2019
"This is the right fight to get me back to the top. It’s a big risk because of the activity he’s had, but I am not a steppingstone for him…"
Crawford Dismantles Kavaliauskas
December 15, 2019
Kavaliauskas came to fight and came to win and gave as good as he got during the back-and-forth exchanges in the first half of the bout...
Crawford-Kavaliauskas tonight on ESPN
December 14, 2019
"They can criticize me all they want. I’m going to get that. I’m not worried about what the critics say, or how they feel I should go with my career..."
I’m Dreaming of a Whyte Christmas
December 11, 2019
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) withdrew its accusation against Whyte, who failed a random urine test revealed a banned substance were found in his system...
Joshua outpoints Ruiz to regain titles
December 7, 2019
"I think the partying and all that stuff got the best of me. I gained too much weight. It affected me a lot. Next fight I’m going to be prepared..."
Preview: Joshua vs. Ruiz 2
December 5, 2019
Ruiz has been feted for striking a blow for fat men around the world. Everyone said it could be done and he proved everyone wrong…
George Foreman ranks Deontay Wilder
November 26, 2019
"He’s good, but he hasn’t approached Joe Louis, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson—no, he hasn’t approached that type of recognition yet. No way..."
