A couple of weeks back I was made a promise by Giovani Segura’s manager Ricky Mota he agreed to my request to an interview with Segura ahead of his WBA & WBO Unification fight with Ivan Calderon. Now it’s not unheard for your requests not to come to fruition in this game. However a man of his word Ricky Mota contacted me from Puerto Rico to fulfill his part of the bargain. Now Segura 28, aims to complete his part of the deal he wanted the biggest and best fight out there and his team dually delivered Calderon. The fight takes place in Calderon’s homeland of Puerto Rico this Saturday where he is a National Treasure and very difficult to beat. A fact not lost on Segura or his team who know that they are public enemy number one at the moment and will most likely have to KO there Hall of fame bound opponent. Going into the fight Segura sports an impressive 24-1-1(20) ledger with 77% KO ratio

Hello Giovani, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – In the last few days it’s been announced that you will be facing Ivan Calderon in a Unification. What can you tell us about that fight ands how you see it?

Giovanni Segura – Im very happy to unify with best 108 in the world ivan calderon, I see the fans being the winner of the fight but without a doubt me beating him that night.

Anson Wainwright – What do you expect from Calderon? How good do you think he is?

Giovanni Segura – I think there is no secret he will run and box and i will try to be smart and knock him out.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been busy so far this year having two fights already winning both. What can you tell us about them?

Giovanni Segura – Good exciting fights that gave me more experience just what i need under m belt.

Anson Wainwright – Tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use?

Giovanni Segura – Manager Richard Mota, Trainer Javier Capetillo & promoter Top Rank. I train at the Azteca Boxing Club in Bell Ca.

Anson Wainwright – Much has been made of Capetillo after what happened with the Margarito-Mosley fight. What is your take on it?

Giovanni Segura – No Comment

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Giovanni Segura – To fight the best and keep unifying my world titles

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you first became interested in Boxing and went to the Aztec Club?

Giovanni Segura – Since I was kid I’ve been interested in boxing started when iwas 16 years old

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about yourself as a person, your hobbies, interests and facts about yourself? What fighters did you like when you were young and who do you like now?

Giovanni Segura – Im a clean honest man, that likes to play soccer and spend time with my family. julio cesar chavez, finito lopez, felix trinidad

Anson Wainwright – How do you find making 108? Do you struggle? What is your walk around weight when not training? Do you have a special diet when a fight is coming up?

Giovanni Segura – I struggle a little bit to make 108 but nothing crazy. my walk around weight is 122.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Light Flyweight division and the strength of it? What do you think of your fellow champions?

Giovanni Segura – I dont think much of my fellow champions.but would love unify with them all.

Anson Wainwright – What is the fight you would most like and how do you envisage it turning out?

Giovanni Segura – Ivan Calderon by KO.

Anson Wainwright – Finally is there anything you’ll like to add?

Giovanni Segura – Thanks for having me here dont miss my fight with calderon there will be fireworks

Anson Wainwright – Thanks for your time Giovani,

Giovanni Segura – It’s been a pleasure.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

European Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Maccarinelli 32-4(25) will look to make the first defence of his title against unbeaten Ukrainian Alexander Frenkel on the bumper 18 September show in Birmingham, England. Back in 2006 Maccarinelli was a young world champion with an entertaining style he would make 4 successful defence’s of the WBO strap before losing it in a bragging rights unification shootout with David Haye. It seemed to send his career into a tailspin when he lost two in a row in a bad 2009. While many fighters would opt to retire not Maccarinelli he decided against getting a day job, rededicated himself going back to basics. After two feel your way back wins both in the first round he was left with a decision to fight in Prizefighter for more money, against weaker opposition or fight for the vacant European crown which though more prestigious would be in Russia against Alexander Kotlobay. After deliberating it with promoter Frank Warren, Maccarinelli decided no guts no glory going for the jugular heading to Russia where he demolished Kotlobay in 135 seconds of the opening round. Maccarinelli hopes to get an impressive victory over Frenkel that would propel him into a muted Cruiserweight Super 6. Here’s what Big Macc had to say ahead of the fight.

Hello Enzo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you will be making your first defence of the European Cruiserweight title against Alexander Frenkel. What are your thoughts on Frankel? How good do you think he is?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah obviously he’s good. He’s got a good record, good knock out record. I’ve seen the boys he’s been fighting they haven’t been up to much i’ll be honest but he’s taken care of them. He beat what’s in front of him but i’m in a totally different kettle of fish to what he’s faced.

Anson Wainwright – Your fight takes place on the massive 18 September Birmingham show. What are your thoughts on appearing on that card?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah to be honest it doesn’t really bother me if i’m honest. I’m in this for myself, it’s not a team sport. But you’ve got to give some kudos to Frank Warren for putting on a show like this. It’s got to be the most stacked 50-50 fights for British Boxing for many years. I think it’ll be a fantastic night of boxing and i’m sure everyone will play a part in making it a great night.

Anson Wainwright – Over the past few years you’ve changed several things in your team having left the Calzaghe stable, who are you trained by now? Also who is your manager & promoter? What gym do you train at?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah i train with Karl Ince he does pads with me. A conditioner Chris Ware for fitness and an old trainer from when i was younger Derek who’s just pushing me. I’ve gone back to basics. I’ve left all the weights alone, which i’ve done over the last couple of years. Plenty of running, plenty of Boxing, plenty of sparring. I’m in London, I’ve sparred with Derek Chisora this week. Everything is going well. My manager & promoter is Frank Warren. I train over my dad’s gym where it all started, like i say i’ve gone back to basics, i train at home. The place that i grew up and made me. It’s a little tin shed in Swansea, it’s boiling in the summer & freezing in the winter. But it’s what i call my second home. It’s relight the fire inside me.

Anson Wainwright -From your point of view what made your decide to leave the Calzaghe’s and how are things between you now?

Enzo Maccarinelli – It’s all amicable. I gave them my reason’s why i left. I speak to Joe all the time. I speak to Enzo all the time. There’s no animosity at all with me leaving at all. When Joe retired Enzo lost some of his love for the game, he wouldn’t admit it at the time but i think he would now. It was just something i had to do. I don’t hold grudges there’s no grudges to hold. I’m very close to Joe, i’m very close to Enzo.

Anson Wainwright -Obviously Frenkel is a very real test for you, but all being well I’m sure you want to get back on the World stage. What is your plan of attack?

Enzo Maccarinelli – I want that world title back again. I’m in this for no other reason. When i lost to Lebedev and Afolabi i lost to boys who a couple of years ago wouldn’t of touched me. But i lost. I’m not making excuses, i’m not saying it wasn’t me. I prepared wrong for both of them fights, they prepared right they won, preparation is key. But the thing was i knew what i did wrong. Especially after the Lebedev fight i was embarrassed not because i lost because of the way i performed. It was upto me to either sit in the house and think of a new career or carry on and do the sport i love. Obviously here i am. Everyone gave me no hope what so ever going to Russia. I smashed the boy up. I did exactly what i said i was going to do. It was no lucky shot. I said it was going to be over in two rounds and it was the first!

Anson Wainwright -What are your thoughts on the current state of the Cruiserweight division? Where do you feel you fit in to things?

Enzo Maccarinelli – I fit in there. I feel i can beat any Cruiserweight on the planet bar none. As long as i prepare right, as long as i turn up right on the night. I think it’ll be a hard man to beat me. It’s a good division with good fighters. I’d place Steve Cunningham at the top he’s been around a long time he shows no sign of slowing down. Me and Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, Marco Huck would be a cracking fights. I’ve heard rumours of Super 6’s in all division’s so that would be something i’d love to do. But i’m not taking nothing for granted Alexander Frenkel is a dangerous opponent. I’m training as hard as ever. My weight is fine, i’m under weight already, i’m fit as a fiddle. I could do 12 rounds tomorrow. It’s just a matter of not going over the top.

Anson Wainwright – You touched on the Cruiserweight Super 6 which has been mentioned, what are your thoughts on that?

Enzo Maccarinelli – It would be fantastic. It would definitely be something i’d like to do. If i can put on something spectacular against Frenkel then maybe i could earn my way in there, that would be ideal for me, I’d be more than happy. It would be a fantastic tournament at the end of the day after Seven or so fights you find out who the number one is.

Anson Wainwright -You went into the Lions den so to speak last time out when you won the European title, was that a case of you having to win as a loss would of put you in a very difficult place?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah that’s the way i see every fight from now on. When i lost to Lebedev i changed a few things, i didn’t feel anything i did in training was right. But maybe I didn’t have the hunger, but i went along with it, i knew it wasn’t right. I lost i thought i’m going to give it one last crack, i know i can still do it. I’m going to do it my way so if it F&!$’s up it’s all on me. I had that offer to go to Russia and it was either that or Prizefighter. On paper Prizefighter was a lot easier, i’d get paid a lot more money to win Prizefighter. But the rewards were more (For the European Title). Some journalists said it was the best performance by a British fighter on foreign soil in many a year. Nothing hindered me, i spoke to Frank Warren he offered me Prizefighter or the European title. I said which one do you want me to take? He said he’d like me to fight for the European, that was enough for me. I told them all i’d knock him out and that’s exactly what i did.

Anson Wainwright -The biggest fight of your career to date was the David Haye unification. Looking back what are your thoughts on that fight? Was it a case of him just being to big for you?

Enzo Maccarinelli – No not at all. If you watch the fight i hit him in the first round, i didn’t take my chance. He did in the second round. It was a matter of who landed the cleanest (Punch) first. He landed a few times in the first round. But the second round he caught me and finished the job, all credit to him. But after that fight i tried to change things but i just came up against a better boy that night.

Anson Wainwright -After the Haye fight you seemed to be on the way down losing to Afolabi & Lebedev. What happened at that time and how have you turned the corner now?

Enzo Maccarinelli – It was basically when i lost to Ola Afolabi i was winning every round but i was absolutely exhausted from the second round. If you see the fights from before like the first Hobson fight i’ll fight to the finish. Against Afolabi was exausted, I was quite surprised i lasted 8 rounds i’ll be honest. He caught me in the 8th but lets be honest people say about my chin but that would of knock out a Heavyweight. Some people say it was a lucky punch, it was nothing to do with luck. I was absolutely shattered, I threw a lazy jab, he threw it with everything he had into the punch. I changed trainers i went to Bolton with Karl Ince who still works with me. But when i first went with Karl he tried too hard to do everything too correct. I brought in one of the best strength and conditioner trainers in the world to make me do this make me do that. It just didn’t feel right for me. It was to much emphasis on rest and recovery not enough on ridiculous hard work which is what i have always been used to. I went back to Swansea, i didn’t like being away from the kids. I know you need to make sacrifices. But i didn’t like being away from them for all that time, i don’t know if it effected me. But back home in Swansea everyday i see my kids it gave me strength. I’ve gone back to the old tin shed i grew up in. It’s relight the flames i’m in love with Boxing again after i fell out of love with it.

Anson Wainwright -If it wasn’t for Boxing what do you think you’d be doing for a living?

Enzo Maccarinelli – I don’t know. My dad grew me to be a fighter. There’s pictures of me at 3 years old in the gym hitting the bag. Obviously i don’t know what i was doing but i’m hitting the bag. My dad just wanted me to be a fighter. I was good in school, very good but all my reports say the same Enzo wont be one of our brightest pupils he wont try hard because for some reason he thinks he’s going to be a World Champion boxer! Haha it was nice to go back to present awards as a World Champion boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Though your still young what do you think you’d like to do after your Boxing career?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Only one thing i want to do, train boys. I train boys 3 days a week at my dad’s amateur gym. The night i won the European title i had a call off my dad congratulating me. But we had a young boy 17, just gone to the World Youth Championship’s without much experience but won his first fight by 10 points against a top boy. I’m trying to explain to people i was just as happy for him as i was for myself but they don’t get that. How close i am with all these kids in the gym. I’m telling you i have 4/5 boys who are definitely going to go on and do something.

Anson Wainwright -Finally do you have a message for Alexander Frenkel ahead of your fight?

Enzo Maccarinelli – No i don’t have any message just be prepared. He’s shooting his mouth off saying he’s going to knock me out and go site seeing. He wont have to go far, I’ll meet him in the centre of that ring and i guarantee i’ll be the first person to hit him back and he’ll know what it’s like to be hit by Big Macc!

Thanks for your time Enzo, good luck on the 18 September

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

When Dmitry Pirog fought in Las Vegas, Nevada it marked his American debut on the Marquez-Diaz 2 card. It wasn’t supposed to be a good night for the 30 year old Russian. It was supposed to mark the coronation of one of the top young fighters in the game. However someone forgot to tell Dmitry Pirog 17-0(14), he went with a completely different script. Right from the first bell Pirog put Jacobs on the back foot and made the New Yorker mightily uncomfortable until nearly a minute into the fifth when Pirog landed a debilitating right hook that rendered the favoured American unconscious. A star was born it just wasn’t the one many thought it would be going in. With the win Pirog firmly established himself as a player in the Middleweight division. As you’d expect of a man who’s risen from nothing to the forefront of World Boxing he’s not sitting on his laurels, he wants the other top men who campaign at 160 including Kelly Pavlik and not in a few defence’s time he wants them now.

Hello Dmitry, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your outstanding win over Daniel Jacobs in Las Vegas where you won the Vacant WBO Middleweight crown. What can you tell us about that fight from your point of view?

Dmitry Pirog – Thanks for your congratulations! As for me it was a rather interesting fight, I hope all box-loving people do like this fight. I was glad to knock out Jacobs, because, if this fight would last for 12 rounds, I wouldn’t gain the victory.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you fell now having won the World Title?

Dmitry Pirog – I’m not interesting in gaining all the titles (but it’s great and nice), my main target was to show a spectacular and entertaining fight. I hope I succeed. And now I feel, it was another step for my future results.

Anson Wainwright – I believe you are now back in Russia, what sort of reception did you get when you returned home?

Dmitry Pirog – Yes, I’m now in Gelendzhik. I was meet with great cordiality – my friends celebrates me. There were many invitations to TV and newspapers for interviews. I’m glad to make boxing more popularized in Russia.

Anson Wainwright – This win really puts you in line for further big fights. Though it is early days have you spoken to your team about what maybe next for you? Who would you like to fight if it was possible?

Dmitry Pirog – It’s not a secret anymore, that my promoters do negotiations with Sergio Martinez, Kelly Pavlik. They are also interested in this. This will be very spectacular fight, because Kelly Pavlik and I have different styles of boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who your manager, trainer & promoter are? Also where do you train?

Dmitry Pirog – OK, here is my team: trainers: Vyacheslav Nepogodin and Victor Petrochenko – they are professional! promoters: Kirill Pchelnikov (Russia) and Art Pelullo (USA). I train in Gelendzhik and Samara – it’s comfortable for me, these are my favourite towns. In Gelendzhik I train in gym, named after me (Gym of Dmitry Pirog)

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro in July 2005 and you were already 25 years old how come your turned pro then and not a few years earlier?

Dmitry Pirog – At that time I was not sure, I would be a professional boxer. At that time it was only hobby. When I became a pro, first 9 fights I had taken without trainer. I trained myself. And only after that, I realized, that boxing come to first plan for me. And only after that I hire trainers.

Anson Wainwright – The Victory over Jacobs was the one that really got you attention, would you say that was the best performance of you career so far?

Dmitry Pirog – It was a really good performance. But Jacobs wasn’t the hardest rival in my career. I hope, the most interesting fights are ahead.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win, what your final record was & did you face any current pros if so what were the results?

Dmitry Pirog – Before Olympic Games-2004 I win the last amateur competition in Venezuela. And my final fight was again a Colombian (I don’t remember his name), who became a pro later (and he was rather successful). After I got know about it, I start thinking over to become pro. I don’t trace any other my previous opponents in their professional career.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years in Russia and how you got into Boxing?

Dmitry Pirog – I start training at the age of 8 in Temryuk (Russia, Krasnodar region).My trainer was Victor Serdyukov. He formed my style. At age of 17 I moved to Krasnodar and continue training there. And my trainer was Artem Lavrov. At the age of 24 I finished my amateur career and tried to start my town business in Gelendzhik. At 25 I realized, that do like Boxing more, than I thought. After that I carried out my first professional fight not for money, but for my own enjoy. And I liked IT!

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do?

Dmitry Pirog – I like to make money! And spend them moving boxing forward! This helps to take kids from streets to gym. I started to build a gym for poor children in Gelendzhik. This prevents them from crime.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Dmitry Pirog – There were no idols for me, but I really do liked Sugar Ray Leonard. You may say, he was my hero.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Middleweight division?

Dmitry Pirog – I’m ready to have a good and honest fight with any leader in this division. I’m sure, those fights would be entertaining for any show. I hope, the fight with Kelly Pavlik will be held very soon. I’m 200% sure, this would be an eye-candy fight!

Thanks for your time Dmitry, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Former WBO Featherweight World Champion Steve Luevano has retired from Boxing according to his manager Cameron Dunkin who said the decision was made late last night. Luevano 29, finishes with a 37-2-1(15) record. He held the title from July 2007 when he claimed the belt on the road in England scoring an impressive eleventh round stoppage over local hero Nicky Cook. He went on to make 5 successful defence’s before losing his crown to JuanMa Lopez in February. Over the summer Luevano was let go from his contract with Top Rank who had promoted him for his entire career. It’s not known what Luevano intends to do next but on behalf of 15rounds.com congratulations on a great career Steven enjoy retirement.

A month from the biggest fight of his life Alexander Frankel 22-0(17) took time out from training to share some thoughts with 15rounds.com. Frankel 25, will be challenging Enzo Maccarinelli for the European Title on 18 September in Birmingham, England. It’s a marked step up in quality for Frankel but one he’s confident he can succeed in. So far Frankel has engaged in only 74 pro rounds thought that’s in part to his power which see’s him boast a 77% KO ratio. Originally from Kirovograd in the Ukraine he moved to Germany from where he now fights and is rated in the top 10 by all four governing bodies WBC 7, WBA 4, IBF 6 & WBO 10.

Hello Alexander, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hi, it´s a pleasure for me.

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Enzo Maccarinelli for his European title on 18 September in Birmingham. What are your thoughts on this fight?

Alexander Frenkel – I hope, we´ll see a fair fight. Both fighters should be in a amazing shape. The better one will win.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have any concerns in having to fight away from home? This fight is scheduled for 12 rounds you’ve only been 8 so far, is this a concern to you?

Alexander Frenkel – You are right, I have never fought this distance. But when I fought for the IBF Youth title the fight was scheduled for 12 rounds. But I feel good and I´m happy to fight in England. I hope I´ll feel good abroad. It isn´t an easy job, it´s a challenge for me. But it´s a level, I have looked for.

Anson Wainwright – What do you consider Maccarinelli’s strengths & weaknesses?

Alexander Frenkel – Enzo Maccarinelli has got my respect. He is the European Champion and a former World Champion. He came back with a great victory against Alexander Kotlobay. He is brave, I hope I can show in the ring, that he is not able to avoid all his faults.

Anson Wainwright – What do you consider your strengths & what do you think you may need to work on?

Alexander Frenkel – My strengths are also my weaknesses. So I don´t like to talk about it. But there is one thing, I can tell you. I don´t like to get punched!

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about training for this fight. Where will you base yourself, for how long and what will a typical day of training be?

Alexander Frenkel – We are training two times a day, from Monday to Friday. I also train on the weekend. I work on my faults and try to become better every time.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Alexander Frenkel – I really have brilliant options and possibilities in our gym, it´s the Max-Schmeling-Gym in Berlin. I have got a great team. I´m very grateful for it, because they help my in a lot of things – also outside the ring. Often things seem to be peanuts, but all in all it´s a lot. My manager is Wilfried Sauerland. My trainer is Ulli Wegner. I´m fighting for Sauerland Event.

Anson Wainwright – Your originally from The Ukraine, what can you tell us about your younger days and how life was for you growing up in Kirovograd? Also how did you first get into Boxing?

Alexander Frenkel – To be a kid in Kirovograd was really interesting. It was a fantastic time with a lot of small adventures – I climbed on trees, visited a lot of sees and swam. I had a lot of friends. That was really great. Then, when I was seven years old, I started boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Did you have a good amateur career? Can you tell us what tournaments you entered and how you did?

Alexander Frenkel: I had about 60 amateur fights. I feel, that I have got enough experience. When I was an amateur, all what could happen, happened. I fought on different levels in different conditions. It was enough to be ready for my professional career.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you like to do away from Boxing? What your interests and hobbies are?

Alexander Frenkel – I´m a normal guy. I also try to work on my personality and my character. And I want to discover the world.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Alexander Frenkel – Of course I want to become world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Who were your favourite fighters when you were young and who do you admire today?

Alexander Frenkel – Oh, I had a lot of favourite fighters when I was young. But Muhammad Ali was the most impressive person for me. Today I like Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Enzo Maccarinelli?

Alexander Frenkel – I wish him all the best. I hope we can eat a pizza together after the fight.

Best Wishes and thanks for your time Alexander.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Decades ago when there were only 8 weight classes, not the 17 that exist today with only 1 champion per division and titles weren’t handed out like social security, things were much simpler. The World over knew who the Heavyweight champion was. There was no confusion. Slowly but surely as you went lower and lower in weight classes the names of the champions became less familiar to the general public. In those days the Flyweight division was the lowest; unless you were a real aficionado of the game you most likely hadn’t heard of whom even the champion was at that time.

Some fantastic fighters throughout the years have passed through the land of the 8 stone men: Jimmy Wilde, Pancho Villa, Benny Lynch, Pascal Perez and more recently Manny Pacquiao even reigned here in the 1990’s.

It’s not a division that has produced many big fights. If you head 3 pounds North to the Super Flyweight division in recent memory Johnny Tapia & Danny Romero met in as much of a Superfight as you get below Featherweight on Showtime back in 1999. Drop 4 pounds and the Light Flyweights have Chiquita Gonzalez & Michael Carbajal who will forever be linked together like the Yankees & the Red Sox or Siegfried & Roy. They made a million dollars in their rematch. Even at Strawweight the Great Ricardo Lopez fought Rosendo Alvarez.

The closest there is at Flyweight is Koki Kameda-V-Pongsaklek Wongjongkam.

As recently highlighted in The Ring magazine 4 of the top 5 Flyweight’s reside in Tokyo, Japan. More’s the pity that some of them couldn’t pair off and fight each other. Back in March the aforementioned Kameda & Pongsaklek clashed. It appeared going in as though Kameda would cement his place as top man at 112 and further add to his growing reputation. Pongsaklek, 32, was the long reigning former WBC champion who was ready for the taking and would allow Kameda to win and add his name to his ledger. Only someone forgot to tell Pongsaklek, as he soundly outboxed Kameda over twelve heats to reclaim his old title from Kameda. The win made him the Best Flyweight of his Generation and also most certainly sealed his place in Canastota.

Instead of the brash young outspoken Japanese fighter we got the grizzled veteran from Thailand. While Kameda may have reigned for several years and brought plenty of attention to his division, it’s unlikely Pongsaklek will reign for many years. However, hopefully what Pongsaklek may do is look for the biggest and best fights he can get.

Interesting future options for Pongsaklek would include a fifth fight with Naito. Recently Edgar Sosa moved up from 108 where he was the WBC champion, Sosa has said he wants a title shot after two more fights. Also the winner of the Light Flyweight unification between Ivan Calderon & Giovani Segura would also make for a pretty sizeable fight.

A quick look at the Top Ten according to the Ring.

C Pongsaklek Wongjongkam (Tha) 76-3(40) WBC Made a record 17 defences in his 2001-07 title reign. Appeared to have slipped when he lost the title to Naito then drew with him, only to rededicate himself and bounce back with a terrific away win in Japan over Koki Kameda back in March. Now 33, will hope to make a successful first defence against Suriyan Por Chokchai 14-4-1(4).

1 Koki Kameda (Jap) 22-1(14) Brash Japanese fighter was supposed to beat Pongsaklek and add his name to his resume, but that didn’t quite work out. Looks like Kameda may jump to 115 and look to do something no Japanese fighter has ever done by becoming a three-weight world champion.

2 Daisuke Naito (Jap) 34-2-3(22) You have to admire his resilience, if at first you don’t succeed try, try again. Lost in a record breaking 34 seconds to Pongsaklek, came back, lost a Technical decision before winning the third time, later drew with his Thai nemesis. At 35, he likely has only one more title run in him whether that be at 112 or 115.

3 Daiki Kameda (Jap) 15-2(11) WBA The second of the three Kameda Brothers. Only 21, will likely out grow 112 in the next few years if his recent non title fight where he fought up at Bantamweight is anything to go by. Has a tricky title defence with former champion Takefumi Sakata coming up on 25 September.

4 Denkaosan Kaovichit (Tha) 50-2-1(20) Another former champion fights Concepcion in Panama in October. A win and he’ll be a shoe-in for a WBA title fight; a loss will likely move him out of the top 10.

5 Takefumi Sakata (Jap) 34-5-2(15) Like Naito, third time was lucky when he finally beat Lorenzo Parra to claim the title. At 30, he’s a 12 year veteran hoping to reclaim his former title against Daiki Kameda in what will be a huge fight in Japan.

6 Luis Concepcion (Pan) 19-1(14) The best Flyweight outside of Asia. Has an interesting changing of the guard fight with Kaovitchit. A win there would establish him amongst the top 3-4 Flyweights in the world. Claimed the Interim title with a twelfth round stoppage, followed that with 2 more KO’s.

7 Moruti Mthalane (RSA) 25-2(16) IBF Gave Nonito Donaire trouble before being stopped on cuts, rebounded to beat Julio Cesar Miranda for the vacant crown and has an intriguing title fight with Tete at the end of August.

8 Zolani Tete (RSA) 13-0(11) Heads to Mthalane’s hometown of Johannesburg for a title shot very early in his career. So far only has 42 rounds as a pro. The Southpaw can punch in what is sure to be a big fight in South Africa.

9 Cesar Seda (PUR) 18-0(14) Puerto Rican hopeful is only 24 and squares off with compatriot Jose Lopez at the end of August in a changing of the guard fight. Rated highly by all four sanctioning bodies.

10 Julio Cesar Miranda (Mex) 32-5-1(25) WBO Bounced back from losing to Pongsaklek & Mthalane in 2009 title fights to soundly thrash Richie Mepranum for the WBO crown. No wasting anytime he gets back into action on 4 September against Columbian Ronald Ramos.

While World title’s are doled out far to easily these days and they don’t mean as much as they did in bygone years. A look at the top 10 guys provides a useful insight into some of the best fighters to ever lace gloves. While some fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya & Manny Pacquiao to name but three made names for themselves winning world title’s in multiple weights others like those on the list below achieved just as much but went about it in a different way.

Many fighters can win World titles and even make a few defence’s before being found out. Not many guys can take part in a better part of a Quarter of a century of World title fights without being seriously gifted.

Here’s a closer look at the Top 10 Fighters to engage in the most World title fights in History.

37 Julio Cesar Chavez 31-4-2(21) Mexican Icon engaged in 10 more World title fights than any other fight in history. Won the titles at 3 weighs from 130 to 140 stretching a mammoth 16 years from 1984 to 2000.

27 Joe Louis 26-1(22) “The Brown Bomber” holds the record for most title defence’s 25 and the longest uninterrupted reign 13 years 3 months in one weight class.

26 Ricardo Lopez 25-0-1(19) Half of the long reigning WBC Strawweight champion’s fights were World title fights. Even stepped up late in his career to become a two weight champion.

25 Roy Jones 22-3(15) Many believe the 4 weight former World Champion is one of the very best fighters ever beating Hopkins, Toney, McCullum, Tarver amongst others in Championship bouts.

25 Muhammad Ali 22-3(14) The self proclaimed “Greatest” enjoyed two lengthy reigns that help him post the numbers he needed to get on the list. Beat a who’s who from the Golden age of Heavyweights.

25 Bernard Hopkins 20-3-1(13) 1 No Con. Like Frank Sinatra he did it his way. Pretty much untouchable at Middleweight for 10 years when he cleaned out the 160 class.

25 Larry Holmes 20-5(14) Many unfairly believe he bridged the heavyweight division between Ali & Tyson. He was a highly competent Heavyweight in his own right who fought behind one of the best jabs ever.

25 Terry Norris 19-6(14) Supremely gifted Texan beat many top fighters during three championship reigns at 154 only let down by ill discipline and his chin.

25 Henry Armstrong 22-3(17) Did the almost unthinkable winning titles at 126, 135 & 147 in the days when there were on 8 weight classes.

24 Azumah Nelson 18-4-2(12) “The Professor” lost his first title fight but rebounded to become a 2 weight champion and one of the Greatest fighters ever from Africa.

24 Hilario Zapata 18-5-1(4) Smooth boxing southpaw had just 8 of 24 championship fights at home in Panama, fighting regularly on the road. Twice held the WBC 108 belt before moving up to claim the WBA 112.

Narrowly missing the cut were a host of other greats including Wilfredo Gomez who had 23 world title fights going 20-3(18) & Pernell Whitaker 19-3-1(4). On 22 were Sven Ottke 22-0(5), Eusebio Pedroza 19-2-1(11), Alexis Arguello 19-3(17), Ratanapol Sor Voraphin 19-3(16) &Roberto Duran 16-6(13). Still active Pongsaklek Wongjongkam will hope to add to his 21 championship bouts where he’s gone 19-1-1(8),with Felix Trinidad 20-1(16). On 20 Khaosai Galaxy 20-0(17), Wilfredo Vazquez 16-3-1(9) & Shane Mosley 15-5(11) who will hope he can still climb higher. Just a couple of fights away is a certain Floyd Mayweather on 18-0(9) who could also climb higher.

It maybe 6 weeks until Kell Brook 21-0(14) meets Michael Jennings but he’s already chomping at the bit. Brook 24, will be making the third defence of his British Title, the fight also doubles up as a WBO Welterweight eliminator. He see’s this as a real chance to break out from the pack and intends to use his fight with Jennings as a spring board to a World title fight. He’s trained by Brendan Ingle who has been one of the best and most succesful trainers of the past 20 years in Britain looking after amongst others Herol Graham who is thought by many to be the best British fighter to never win a world title, Johnny Nelson, Ryan Rhodes, Junior Witter and even a certain Prince Naseem Hamed. Brook like those who’s shadow he currently walks in and one day hopes to emulate fights with a similar hands down, unorthodox style that has been so successful and a staple of Brendan Ingle fighters over the years. Here’s what Brook had to say ahead of the fight.

Hello Kell, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly your going to be fighting Michael Jennings on the bumper 18 September show in Birmingham. What do you think of Michael Jennings as a fighter?

Kell Brook – I think Michael Jennings is a good fighter. When I turned professional Michael Jennings was up was up and coming at the time. He was top 10 in Britain then and he’s been there done it got the t-shirt. He boxed for a world title, he boxed Cotto, he boxed in high class, he’s fought all comers and beat them. But I think he’s in deep water with me on 18 September.

Anson Wainwright – It has been rescheduled a couple of times what from your point of view were those reason’s?

Kell Brook – I came down with a viral infection, then it got put on again and he hurt his hand. Then i had a saw rib and i couldn’t do any sparring. So this time, I know I’ll be there on 18 September. Training’s gone unbelievable so far, everything is tip top. It’ll definitely happen this time it’ll be a magical night.

Anson Wainwright – It’s obviously a great chance to show your ability. What are your thoughts on the fight card?

Kell Brook – I feel great, I’m looking forward to watching the rest of the card. I’d like to get my fight over with quickly so I can get washed up and watch the rest of the card. Every fight on the bill is brilliant, explosive fights. I believe really and truly I’m going to steel the show. I think a lot of people are looking to watch Barker & Macklin, but most of all people need to see me and Jennings it’s a brilliant match up.

Anson Wainwright – Is there any bad blood between the two of you?

Kell Brook – There’s no bad blood at all on my side. He’s a nice kid Michael Jennings, but I don’t like him at the moment in time and I’m going to have to put the hurt on him. But after the fight he can be my best friend if he wants to be. It’s just a business and he’s in front of me stopping me going forward and I need to get rid of this kid. So i can’t be friends with him before but after sure.

Anson Wainwright – As well as a British title fight it will also double up as a WBO Welterweight title fight currently held by Superstar Manny Pacquiao. What are your feeling on that?

Kell Brook – Manny Pacquiao is vacating I hear to fight at Light Middle with Margarito so the title looks like it’s vacant and who’s number one (In the rankings)? …Me! So if I beat Jennings and I train hard because i know after this fight i have a world title maybe before Christmas. Before the end of 2010 Kell Brook could be world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Any chance the WBO may make your fight with Jennings a world title fight instead of an eliminator?

Kell Brook – I don’t know, if they do they do. It’s worthy of being a world title fight. I just know I’m in great shape, I’ve got 6 weeks to go. Bring it on, I can’t wait for 18 September. Everything is running smooth.

Anson Wainwright – Who is part of team Kell Brook, your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you regularly use?

Kell Brook – Frank (Warren) is my promoter. Dominic, Brendan & John (Ingle) are Team Brook and my dad. I’ve got good people around me, that’s always good. I use the Wincobank Gym.

Anson Wainwright – For fight fans in America and the rest of the world how would you describe your fighting style?

Kell Brook – I’m elusive, sharp, good boxing brain. Good to watch. I throw punches from different angles.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your early years in Sheffield and how the path took you into Boxing?

Kell Brook – I used to watch a lot of Bruce Lee movie’s, Enter the Dragon stuff like that Van Damme (Films). So I practiced and when I was 9 my dad brought me to the Wincobank gym to burn a bit of that energy off. He noticed that if I could hit without being hit I could do things and I had a really big punch on me at that age, he saw something in me. So he brought me down to the Boxing gym. I fell in love with the game and I’ve been there pretty much ever since and done well.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do? What are your hobbies?

Kell Brook – When your in training you can’t do that much. I like walking with my girlfriend in the countryside with the dog. I like the pictures, going for nice meals. Stuff like that, playing snooker with mates. I watch all different kinds of sports but Boxing is obviously my main one.

Anson Wainwright – Obviously this fight is a huge one that will if successful put you in a very good spot, though realistically a fight with Pacquiao is still awhile away. Would you look to fight for perhaps the European title or even look at on of the other world champions whilst building your profile to make a fight with some of the big names at 147?

Kell Brook – I’ll fight anyone. I’ll leave that to Frank Warren, he’s the man. If Frank lines them up I’ll knock them out. Ask Frank, whoever he says I’ll fight them.

Anson Wainwright – Who were your hero’s growing up?

Kell Brook – Prince Naseem (Hamed) & Ryan Rhodes were my Boxing hero’s.

Anson Wainwright – How do you see the Welterweight division currently and where do you think you fit in?

Kell Brook – In the world it’s an electric division. It’s a colourful division Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Cotto, Mosley, Berto there’s some great fighters out there. It’s the main weight division with people looking into. So to be part of that is very good. I’m unbeaten and don’t think I’m getting beat anytime soon. I’d like to be looking at those fighters in the next 12-18 months.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Kell Brook – Make sure you buy it on PPV or preferably be ringside or get to the fight because it’s a tremendous bill and I’m going to put on a serious show on for you all.

Thanks for taking time to speak to you.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Boxing is full of hard luck stories, however Yonnhy Perez 20-0-1(14) isn’t such a case. The Columbian, is the current IBF Bantamweight champion of the World and has been for nearly a year. He broke away from the pack when he stunned Joseph Agbeko in late 2009. It was an eye opening performance that catapulted him from the fringes to amongst the best Bantamweight division has to offer. Perez 31, has never had anything easy in life. He first moved to America and was guided by Abner Mares father, though they don’t work together anymore. Today Perez is one of the most disciplined fighters around living with his trainer Danny Zamora, off a meagre $400 a month which is for food and rent when in training in Los Angeles, the rest he sends home for his family. While at home in Cartagena, Columbia he lives in the same area he’s always lived in, his home is made of Cinderblock with no windows just spaces with curtains hanging to separate each room. His first defence was ironically against one time friend Abner Mares in chief support to Vazquez-Marquez 4 at the Staples Center in May of this year. It was a hotly contested battle between the more battle hardened, harder puncher Perez and the quicker, better boxer Mares. Depending who’s work would depend on who you though edged it. In the end the 3 judges couldn’t be split and awarded a draw. It appears as though Perez will next be in action on 6 November in a rematch with Agbeko, as part of a mooted Bantamweight tournament that has been mentioned.

Hello Yonnhy, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly, i believe you returned home to Colombia after your fight, how are things?

Yonnhy Perez – I returned to Colombia right after the fight so i can go be with my two sons Yonnhy, Mateo and my wife because its very difficult being without them.

Anson Wainwright – Your back in America now, when do you start light training? You will fight Joseph Agbeko in a rematch, any idea when or where it will be?

Yonnhy Perez – I already started my light training when i got here. When i come to the us it is to train and get ready. About the Agbeko fight or my next opponent i don’t know what’s next for me i just get ready and let my promoters take care of that.

Anson Wainwright – In May you fought your Abner Mares. You seemed the stronger guy and he seemed to box well. How did you see the fight?

Yonnhy Perez – It was a tough fight i fought the fight i had to fight and Abner fought his fight and it turned out to be a great fight.

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your relationship with Abner Mares and his family, i know they had a part of your contract at the start of your career? It must of been hard for you mentally to fight Mares?

Yonnhy Perez – Abner is a great friend because of him i was able to come to the U.S. he treated me very well when i did arrive here in the U.S. His father saw me in the amateurs and was interested in bringing me and that’s how i got here. Mentally i get ready the same way for everybody because i know that there after my title, so i train hard and prepare myself to the best.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use ahead of a fight?

Yonnhy Perez – My trainer is Danny Zamora, i’m now managed by Frank Espinoza my promoters are Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw I train at the Santa Fe Springs Activity Center.

Anson Wainwright – During the build up to your fight with Mares Gary Shaw spoke very highly of you and how humble you are. He said how you live in a tough neighbourhood and that your home is made of cinderblocks. Can you tell us a bit about how life was for you as a child and how you first got into Boxing?

Yonnhy Perez – I started boxing when i was 8 years old and then was on the national team and then i turned professional. My dad introduced me to boxing. Life was very hard i come from a poor neighbourhood so i saw how hard it was for my parents to give the little that we got but one they always gave me all there love and support and that was motivated me all my career to be the best in the ring so i can give them what they need and also my immediate family. I thank god for everything he has done for me.

Anson Wainwright – Your last 3 fights have all been tough fights Silence Mabuza, Joseph Agbeko & Abner Mares. Who has been the toughest of your career to date? Who was the best boxer & who hit the hardest?

Yonnhy Perez – Silence Mabuza was the hardest hitter and hardest fight Abner was the best boxer.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are you hobbies and Interests?

Yonnhy Perez – Listen to music and eat.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have in Boxing? Maybe move up to Super Bantamweight or defend your title in Colombia?

Yonnhy Perez – Continue being a world champion and be a good example to fellow boxers and especially the young kids in my country and to the kids in my community. I would love to fight in my home country it would be a great honour

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in Colombia? Are you recognised in the streets by fans?

Yonnhy Perez – It seems like everybody knows me in Cartagena when i return from my fights they wait for me at the airport. When i won the title they picked me up in a fire truck and paraded me through the streets.

Anson Wainwright – What would you be doing if it wasn’t for Boxing? What do you intend to do when you retire from Boxing?

Yonnhy Perez – I would still be in the military. Go home and live with my family and spend as much time with them as i can because its been very hard on my family being away from them.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Yonnhy Perez – I would like to thank everybody who has supported me in my career and especially the community of Santa Fe Springs and My home country Colombia and all my fans. Thanks

Thanks for your time Yonnhy, keep entertaining us.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

The WBC visited Cardiff, Wales for The Night of the Champions. It took place over three days, opening on Thursday headlined by the movie premier of “Risen” about Howard Winstone’s unlikely road to the World Featherweight title. Many of the top amateur’s in the world met on Friday evening with many much anticipated fights. The finale took place on the Saturday evening when many of the greats gathered together at the C.I.A for a Gala awards banquet.

The first day opened up with everyone who had arrived heading to Cardiff Castle. First built in 1091, it’s ideally located in the City centre. It has also been the venue for many concerts and even a World title defence by Joe Calzaghe in 2002, it was also the scene of Joan Guzman’s first world title win. Many of the fighters walked around the grounds and enjoyed the sunshine before posing for a photograph together then heading to the top of The Norman Keep for more photo’s. The always energetic former WBC Lightweight champion Miguel Angel Gonzalez happily wandered around taking photo’s of the Castle. Shannon Briggs spoke with reporters telling anyone who would listen he was fighting Vitali Klitschko on 16 October in Hamburg. Another interested observer was Junior Witter who spoke with 15rounds.com at length about many things including a possible clash between Tim Bradley & Devon Alexander. When pushed for his opinion on who would win. Witter who lost to both in WBC title fights, Bradley via split decision in May 08 and Alexander stopped him in 8 last August, opinioned that he believed Bradley’s greater experience and ability to mix things up would lead to him winning the fight.

Afterward former female fighter Jane Couch MBE who won world titles at Lightweight & Light Welterweight took this reporter to Ronnie Rush gym in a suburb of Cardiff called Ely. The gym had previously been the home to former Welsh World Champions Steve Robinson, Barrie Jones & Robbie Regan. Couch spoke with several of the children who were in the gym giving them advice. All the while Rush told of his favourite moments with some of his fighters, one particular moment being when Robinson who won the WBO Featherweight crown in the early 1990’s at 48 hours notice complained of cramp during one of his bouts. Rush a man no bigger than 5 foot of West Indian descent stamped on Robinson’s feet and said “Welshman don’t quit” Robinson dually carried on and won the title in a modern day version of Cinderella Man.

It was then time to head back to the C.I.A for the movie premier of “Risen” 15 former fighters including Erik Morales, John H Stracey, Leon Spinks & Alan Minter were in the movie. Lasting approximately 2 hours and was generally well received with everyone enjoying it.

After a fantastic start the standard had been set. The second day started off with two buses touring the streets of Cardiff with all the fighters and dignitaries aboard. Approximately and hour later during which time Roberto Duran with two of his son’s in toe joined one of the buses. We arrived in Cardiff Bay at the Five star St David’s Hotel and Spa for lunch. Everyone sat inside overlooking the water of Cardiff Bay. Many old rivalries were relived including Iran Barkley & Roberto Duran exchanged a hug and a chat up.

Several fighters including John Mugabi, John H Stracey & Shannon Briggs visited The Mayor at his home. We were later joined by the Chinese Boxing team, who will be based in Cardiff ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Whilst awaiting the Chinese team Stracey told jokes and entertained everyone showing off his skills that now see him tour the country providing cabaret. Stracey told of his special relationship with the WBC which saw him become the first new champion under Jose Suliaman’s leadership the day after Suliaman was elected in December 1975. Mugabi was a joy to be around making people laugh constantly with a warm smile and handshake for everyone he saw. All three fighters were later presented with awards as a mark of respect of coming to visit the mayor in the form of a pennant.

Upon arriving back the C.I.A it was all hands to the pump setting things up ahead of the evenings 12 amateur fights between A British Team & a rest of the World team which included fighters from America, Swedon, China & Ireland. Just in time for the Boxing Vitali Klitschko arrived for his part in proceedings.

51kg Nicola Adams -V- Shipra Nilsson (Sweden) RSC4 1:48 (Nilsson’s right shoulder dislocated)
54kg Jaiwei Zhang (China) -V- Andrew Selby Pts 16-11
57kg Luke Campbell -V- Jun Tan (China) Pts 11-5
60kg Helena Falk (Sweden) -V- Amanda Coulson Pts 10-6
60kg Tom Stalker -V- Duran Cafferro (USA) Pts 16-11
64kg Scott Cardle -V- Ross Hickey (Ireland) Pts 20-12
69kg Savannah Marshall -V- Love Holgersson (Sweden) Pts 10-1
69kg Errol Spence (USA) -V- Fred Evans Pts 15-9 (Evans took standing-8 in first from body shots)
75kg Anthony Agogo -V- Jason Quigley (Ireland) Pts 7-4
81kg Fanlong Meng (China) -V- Obed Mbwakongo Pts. 10-3
91 kg Babacar Camara (Sweden) -V- Warren Baister Pts 8-4
91kg+ Sean Turner (Ireland) -V- Amin Isa Pts 18-14 raw score after original score of 7-7.

When all was said it all ended all square 6-6.

The final day saw everyone gather at the Town Hall for lunch, all the fighters once again took the stage for a group photo. After leaving several fighters agreed to take the stage outside at the music festival “Big Weekend”. One notable moment during the introductions that’s worthy of mentioning was when Former IBF Light Welterweight champion Terry Marsh was introduced he tripped as he entered sprawling across the stage. Fortunately Marsh was fine and later joked about the moment, even signing a picture one lucky photographer had taken of the incident.

The Champions were then given the afternoon off whilst the finishing touches were put to the main auditorium at the C.I.A for the Gala awards which took place that evening. It turned out to be a who’s who of World Boxing with many of the great fighters past and present attending including Vitali Klitschko, Roberto Duran, Joe Calzaghe, Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch, Carlos Zarate, Alfonso Zamora, Jesse James Leija, Chiquita Gonzalez, Zab Judah, Yuri Arbachakov, Sergio Martinez, Vitali Tajbert, Javier Castillejo, Alan Minter, John H Stracey, Iran Barkley, Earnie Shavers, James Bonecrusher Smith & Tim Witherspoon plus many others.

The main awards were given to

Fighters of the Year: Vitali Klitschko & Sergio Martinez
Female fighter of the year: Ina Menzer
Knockout of the year: Toshiaki Nishioka TKO3 Jhonny Gonzalez
(honourable mention): Carl Froch TKO12 Jermain taylor
Fight of the Year: Giacobbe Fragomeni D12 Krzysztof Wlodarczyk I

Many of the fighters had there pictures taken & signed autograph’s for fans who had attended. It was also notable that Calzaghe & Froch met on the stage and appeared to get on well. Also on stage Rendall Munroe met WBC Super Bantamweight holder Toshiaki Nishioka for the first time ahead of there much anticipated fight in Tokyo Japan on 24 October.

The whole event was well recieved by the Welsh public with many people travelling from all over Britain to be apart of such a fantastic event. It is hoped that Cardiff will host the event again possible 2013.

Earlier today in Cardiff, Wales whilst attending the WBC “Night of Champions” Shannon Briggs 51-5-1 (45) confirmed to 15rounds.com that he had signed to fight Vitali Klitschko for Klitschko’s WBC title on 16 October in Hamburg, Germany.

Briggs 38, returned to the ring in late 2009 and has won three straight this year all by first round KO since his two and a half year lay off. He will be hoping to become a two time champion and seems highly motivated to achieve that goal.

Back when things were in Black and white and Boxing had only 8 weights classes, Lightweight was one of the toughest division’s to make a name for yourself fast forward to today things haven’t changed much. Lightweight still has some of the elite performers in the game. Granted things aren’t as hot at 135 as they have been in the past years. That could all change this weekend when Juan Manuel Marquez heads back to the more cosy confines of Lightweight after his sojourn to a Welterweight catchweight against Floyd Mayweather. His opponent this time at least seems mortal, a rematch with Juan Diaz. Last February Diaz’s youth, size and strength seemed as though they would help him gain the biggest win of his career to date. Slowly but surely Marquez refined and tuned his considerable skills, creating gaps in Diaz defence until landing two howitzer right hands that dropped Diaz before conclusively ending the argument with a devastating right uppercut. It was ultimately one of the top fights of 2009.

Also on Saturday’s card will be Robert Guerrero & Joel Casamayor, though the fight is a few pounds above the Lightweight limit the winner will most likely look to fight the winner of the main event. Just a few pounds south at 130 Jorge Linares and Rocky Juarez duel in an intriguing fight in which the loser has no place to go. It’s not quite the Lightweight Lightening that took place last April when eight of the top Lightweights were scheduled to face off, though it never quite worked out. This could end up having more of an effect on the Lightweight demigraphic.

A few months ago Michael Katsidis scored possibly the best win of his career to date when he went into the lions den and stopped unbeaten Kevin Mitchell in three. Afterwards Katsidis declared he wants to fight the winner of Marquez-Diaz 2 this fall. The Lightweight confines also house the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera who recently ended a year long hiatus, he’s expected to return again in late summer before fighting another Mexican Humberto Soto for Soto’s WBC crown. Soto himself is angling for a big fight and would be a handful for anyone at 135.

In the past the Lightweight division has been the home to a murders row of greats including Joe Gans, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Carlos Ortiz, Roberto Duran, Pernell Whitaker and Shane Mosley, even briefly Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao.

Here’s a look at some of the guys who created havoc at 9 stone 9 pounds.

The Old Master Joe Gans fought in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, reigning from 1902-1908 making 15 defence’s. He died of tuberculosis in 1910, at just 35 years old with a record of 138-10-15(96) and considered one of the greats of Boxing. Sadly Gans passed away at just 35 from tuberculosis.

A year after Gans sad demise Benny “Ghetto Wizard” Leonard made his debut, losing a third round KO. It was hardly the start to a career that would make anyone forget Joe Gans. Over the next 6 years Leonard learnt his trade and stayed busy developing his skills. It was at this stage he won the Lightweight crown beating Freddie Welsh making 9 defence’s reigning from 1917-1925. In 1918 he even dared to go up to Welterweight where he drew with Ted “Kid Lewis, he again made that move in 1922 though lost a thirteenth round disqualification to Jack Britton, when he hit Britton while Britton was down. Leonard retired as the reigning Lightweight champion in 1925. Before briefly trying to make a return in 1931.

Like Leonard before him Tony Canzoneri fought out of New York. Canzoneri won the Featherweight world title in the late 1920’s before heading up to Lightweight where he demolished Al Singer in the first round in late 1930. He even went up to Light Welterweight where he beat Jack “Kid” Berg reigning at both weights consecutively. Canzoneri would reign until the summer of 1933 when he lost a majority decision to another Lightweight legend Barney Ross then losing a split decision 3 months later. It was at this stage he really showed his metal staying busy when most though he’d seen better days and winning his old Lightweight title back nearly 2 years later against Lou Ambers though he eventually lost it back to Ambers.

Puerto Rico Carlos Ortiz fought for 17 years and won the Light Welterweight crown four years after debuting in 1959 after one defence he lost the title. Ortiz then dropped to Lightweight where he had even more success beating Joe Brown for the title then reigning for 3 years making 4 defence’s before losing a very close decision Ismael Laguna in Panama. Not deterred Ortiz reclaimed the crown 7 months later outpointing Laguna in Panama making a further 5 defence’s until he lost to Carlos Teo Cruz in 1968. He continued until 1972 when he lost to Ken Buchanan.

The Pride of Panama Roberto “Manos De Piedra” Duran was a force of nature that for over 5 years in the 1970 was a wrecking machine. He devastated all before him, that version of Duran many believe was the greatest Lightweight to ever draw breath. He bludgeoned all 12 title challengers into defeat with only one lasting the course. Duran went onto become a 4 weight world champion fighting well into his forty’s and decades past his prime. His relentless pressure, unbridled ferocity coupled with no lack skill saw off all comers. Similar to Mike Tyson years later Duran beat many opponents before they stepped in the ring with him. Through out his storied career Duran beat some fantastic fighters most notably Sugar Ray Leonard thought that was up at Welterweight.

Having won Gold at the 1984 Olympics Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker was long known for his outstanding boxing skills, fantastic defensive ability along with an uncanny knack of making Hall of Fame Fighters look like novices. Whitaker was so gifted that it was difficult to find rounds he would lose let alone fights. Whitaker like Duran would go on to become a 4 Weight world champion. Both fighters were poles apart with Whitaker a modest puncher at 135 though he would end up using his mastery to conquer 140, 147 & 154 defeating many good fighters including Azumah Nelson, Jose Luis Ramirez, Buddy McGirt and in the eyes of everyone except the two judges who scored it a draw he beat Julio Cesar Chavez Snr.

After a stellar amateur career in which “Sugar” Shane Mosley narrowly missed out on taking part in the 1992 Olympics he embarked on a pro career starting out at Lightweight. Though many insiders and Los Angeles aficionados knew Mosley’s potential fans and media alike seemed to miss out on the secret that was Shane Mosley. Infact he arguably didn’t gain his full adulation until he relinquished the IBF crown he had defended 8 times all inside the distance, going straight to Welterweight where he posted an outstanding victory over a prime Oscar De La Hoya. Mosley joined Duran missing out Light Welterweight and heading straight to 147.

In the last decade or so Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao all had brief layovers at 135 before heading to Light Welterweight and then Welterweight.

De La Hoya lasted 18 months and 7 fights before he out grew the division. Though in that time he did post impressive stoppages over Rafael Ruelas, Jesse James Leija & Genaro Hernandez & a points win over seasoned veteran and former world champion John John Molina.

After an outstanding run at Super Featherweight Floyd Mayweather won his second world title at his second weight class when he barely squeezed past Jose Luis Castillo in early 2002. To shut up all the doubters he fought Castillo in a rematch and was far more convincing 8 months later. After two defence’s against average opponents in Victoriano Sosa & Phillip Ndou, Mayweather abdicated his thrown.

In the summer of 2008 Pacquiao made a brief pit stop of just a single fight when he flattened David Diaz to collect the WBC crown.

Another shooting star Edwin Valero threatened to join the elite at Lightweight before his untimely demise.

Just who joins the list of immortals in the future remains to be seen but one thing is likely to continue and that is that the Lightweight division will thrive as one of the strongest weight classes in Boxing just as it has over the past 100 or so years.

Rendell Munroe was last night given the date for his world title showdown against Japanese star Toshiaki Nishioka. Munroe (21-1) will challenge for Nishioka’s (36-4-3) WBC super-bantamweight title at Tokyo’s 10,000 capacity Sumo Hall on Sunday October 24.

Munroe, 30, will take eight weeks off from his binman’s job to prepare for the biggest fight of his career. The Leicester southpaw, promoter Frank Maloney, manager Mike Shinfield and trainer Jason Shinfield, will spend 12 days in Tokyo before the fight.

Maloney explained: “Tokyo is about eight hours ahead so we need to be there well in advance to make sure everything is spot on. “People are writing Rendall off, but there are far more hostile places than Japan for a fighter to travel to. “Nishioka’s camp have been complete professionals to deal with and I am sure Rendall will get a fair deal if the fight goes 12 rounds.”
The fight will take place early afternoon British time and UK television rights will be announced at a later date.

On the 18 September Frank Warren Promotions will present one of the biggest bill’s in recent British Boxing history, known as “The Magnificent Seven”. One half of the main event is Karo Murat 22-0(13) who know’s he wont have to much support when he enters the ring at The LG Arena to face’s fellow unbeaten Nathan Cleverly. Murat 26, will be looking to make history for his country of birth Iraq by becoming there first World Champion. He fights out of Germany these days having turned pro in September 2006, starting out at Super Middleweight where he won the European title before deciding to move up to Light Heavyweight. He’ll be looking to continue the run of German transplants at 175 after Dariusz Michalczewski and more recently Zsolt Erdei who reigned supreme as champions for the WBO. The fight with Cleverly will be for the Vacant Interim Light Heavyweight crown. The winner could be made up to full champion depending on what happens with a court case that currently surrounds current champion Jurgen Braehmer.

Hello Karo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you beat Tommy Karpency over 12 rounds on 1 May what can you tell us about that win and what do you looking back think of that performance?

Karo Murat – Karpency is a good, a strong fighter. You could see that he can box. He moved well. And he did well to get back on his feet after the knock down in the second round. It was a good fight.

Anson Wainwright – Your next fight is supposed to be against Nathan Cleverly. What do you think of the fight? What do you know about Cleverly?

Karo Murat – I have already seen a couple of his fights. I try to internalize his movements and style. He is tall and he is strong, and he has good movements.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your trainer, manager & promoter? Also what gym do you use regularly to train at?

Karo Murat – I am trained by Ulli Wegner in Berlin´s famous Max-Schmeling Gym. My manager is Wilfred Sauerland and my promoter is Sauerland Event.

Anson Wainwright – Your originally from Iraq, you must have a fascinating story to tell. Can you tell us abit about how you found growing up there? Where you living there through all the Gulf War? How did you get involved in Boxing from there?

Karo Murat – Our family original has Armenian roots. And to be honest I do not remember too much about that time because I was too young. I kept asking my father about it but he does not like to speak about it too much. I came to Germany when I was ten years old and at first I did not understand much but I learned the language and quickly found friends. I grew up in Germany so can I tell you a lot about it. I started boxing with 13.

Anson Wainwright – Did you have an amateur career? If so what titles did you win and what was your final record?

Karo Murat – I boxed in the Bundesliga. There were world-class opponents such as Vitali Tajbert or Eduard Gutknecht as well as a lot of strong fighters from abroad. I made around 120 fights, winning 95 of them.

Anson Wainwright – It was only late last year that you stepped up from Super Middleweight having held the European title there. How did you come to step up to Light Heavyweight?

Karo Murat – I kept growing and getting stronger. I always had to make a lot of weight for super-middleweight, so this is much more natural for me. Now I don´t have to focus on losing weight, I can eat whatever I wish to eat. That is a great feeling. All my focus is on my opponents now, not on the food. Light-Heavyweight is a great weight class for me with a lot of great fighters. I am determined to stamp my authority on the division. My goal is to beat the best.

Anson Wainwright – Who do you consider the best fighter you have fought to date and why?

Karo Murat – Gabriel Campillo was very strong. He later became a world champion. But my other opponents also were pretty good, too. Like Karpency, even though he did not have the best ranking, he was tough to beat. His style reminded me of Andre Dirrell – it was a good win for me!

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when you are not fighting?

Karo Murat – I like to spend time with my family and my friends. I love BBQs or just chilling out, having fun!

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Karo Murat – Prince Naseem Hamed.

Anson Wainwright – Finally what goals do you have in Boxing?

Karo Murat – I want to become the best, beat the best and be world champion soon!

Thanks for your time Karo.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Two months from the biggest fight of his life Nathan Cleverly already looks in fantastic shape. Cleverly 23, puts his perfect 19-0(9) record on the line against fellow unbeaten Karo Murat 22-0(13) when the clash for the Vacant WBO Interim Light Heavyweight crown as the headline fight of the “Magnificent Seven” Bill. Last Saturday Cleverly invited 15rounds.com to his gym to watch him sparring 6 rounds with young amateur Alex Wright also doing 4 rounds on the pads with his father Vince who wore a body protector, followed by 2 more rounds one each with his father and fellow trainer Alan Davies on the pads. Afterwards Cleverly said he estimates he’s around a half a stone over the Light Heavyweight limit now. This represents a step in class for Cleverly but early signs are that he’s very much in the mood to make himself Wales eleventh World Champion.

As innovative and interesting as Showtime’s Super 6 is there is one glaring omission that keeps the winner from being crowned the King of Super Middleweight division. When it was originally announced a year a go many believed Lucian Bute should of been amongst the entrants, his two fights since that have added further fuel to that fire. Bute 30, boasts a perfect 26-0(21) cementing the belief that he should of been included. The reason for his omission is differs depending on whether you believe Team Bute or Showtime. The move hasn’t been as detrimental to Bute’s career as it first appeared with HBO picking up Bute’s last two fights, which were coincidentally the most impressive of his career to date. First came the rematch with teak tough Librado Andrade who a year before had given Bute the toughest fight of his career. This time Bute triumphed when he dropped Andrade in the fourth before later in the round delivering a debilitating bodyshot that nearly broke Andrade in two. Then most recently back in April Bute was matched with swing from the fence’s Colombian KO machine Edison Miranda. Once again Bute found the perfect punch when he landed a devastating uppercut that starched Miranda in the third. This October Bute returns to action and makes the sixth defence of his IBF Super Middleweight crown against his mandatory former Contender alumini Jesse Brinkley again in front of his hometown fans who flock to the Bell Center in Montreal in there thousands. Here’s what Bute had to say.

Hello Lucian, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly can i congratulate you on a terrific performance last time out when you demolished Edison Miranda. What are your thoughts on that fight looking back in particular the ending of the fight?

Lucian Bute – I’m very proud of how i end this fight. I stay focused during all the fight even when Miranda try to distract me. I practiced that with my coach Stephan Larouche during my training camp. I also worked hard on this uppercut and it work !!

Anson Wainwright – It was reported for awhile that you were going to fight in your homeland of Romania in July. Was this ever the case, if so what happened to prevent this happening, it seemed a great idea and opportunity of your people to see you fight live? Will you look to do this at some point in the future?

Lucian Bute – We tried hard to fight in my home country but due to the economic crisis it finally won’t happen. InterBox and I work hard on this but it will happen one day!

Anson Wainwright – I believe we will see you in the fall against an as yet unnamed opponent, it must be hard to find opponents with many of the top guys involved in the Super 6? Do you have any idea who you may face and when?

Lucian Bute – It’s now confirmed, I will face Jesse Brinkley for my mandatory defence on Friday October 15th. It’s gonna be an interesting fight, I already watched some videos of him. I took him seriously, I will be well prepared as every fight.

Anson Wainwright – Much has been said on the Super 6. Your obviously a glaring omission from the tournament. What can you tell us from your point of view why you weren’t involved was?

Lucian Bute – It’s out of my control. To be not involved in the Super six give me the chance to be with HBO. They came for my last 2 fights and I’m very happy with that. I will fight the winner of the tournament to reign on my division!

Anson Wainwright – The second round of fights has just taken place, what are your thoughts on how it has gone so far? How do you see the tournament panning out?

Lucian Bute – Every fight was interesting since the beginning. I think Andre Ward will defeat Dirrell and win the tournament.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team and handlers. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you regularly use ahead of a fight?

Lucian Bute – During my training camp I go to Miami. I love this place, there a very nice gym (Thump GYM). I go there with my coach Stephan Larouche and Andre Kulesza, responsible for my physical condition. I’m with them since the beginning and we have a very nice relationship. My promoter is InterBox who also promote Adrian Diaconu and former World Champion Leonard Dorin and Eric Lucas. Both are retired.

Anson Wainwright – Romania isn’t to well known from a Boxing point of view, can you tell us how you first became interested in Boxing and how the love affair with boxing began? Also can you tell us a little about your career from the amateur’s?

Lucian Bute – I wasn’t interested by boxing till the age of 14 when one of my friend bring me to a boxing gym. After that it was a really love affair and I never stop training and fight. I hope to do it for many years!!! In 1999 I won the Bronze Medal at world championships, the Gold medan at Francophony Games in 2001 and represented Romania at the World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand as a Middleweight.

Anson Wainwright – How did you end up fighting in Canada, can you tell us about how this relationship started? Where are you more popular Canada or Romania?

Lucian Bute – Popular at both place’s !!!! I arrived in Canada to be a sparring partner for Eric Lucas during his preparation for his rematch with Markus Beyer. We had a plan, my promoter, my coach and I to be World Champion in 4 years and it happened.

Anson Wainwright – What are your future Boxing goals? Maybe move up to Light Heavyweight or defend your title in Romania etc

Lucian Bute – My main goal is to be recognized by everyone in boxing. I want to retire undefeated and to be immortalised at the Boxing Hall of fame.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your time away from Boxing? What are your hobbies and Interests?

Lucian Bute – To spend time with my friends and family, travelling and have a good dinner at the restaurant. I watch also football games!

Anson Wainwright – If you weren’t a boxer what would you be doing?

Lucian Bute – I don’t know! Since i’m fourteen I know I wanted to be a boxer.

Anson Wainwright – What would you like to do when you retire from Boxing?

Lucian Bute – I want to finish my master at the University and will see after. I want to stay in boxing as a fighter as long as I can.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Lucian Bute – I want to thank them very much to supported me at every fight. I’m lucky to have a huge fan base across the world and I really appreciated that. I want to give them excellent shows every fight

Thanks for your time Lucian, keep up the good work.

Thanks! It’s a pleasure

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

The World Boxing Council will be heading to the capital of Wales, Cardiff at the end of July. Cardiff will be hosting the WBC Night of the Champions a 3 day event that the WBC hope will break the world record for most past or present World champions under one roof at the same time. So far over 80 have confirmed there attendance including Roberto Duran, Vitali Klitschko, Azumah Nelson, Miguel Cotto, Ken Buchanan, Joe Calzaghe & Nigel Benn.

The event kicks off on Thursday 29 July at the Cardiff International Arena where the movie premier of Risen will air. The motion picture is of former Welsh World Champion Howard Winstone. It shows how Winstone over came adversity rising to become Featherweight World Champion. The cast contains around 15 former World champions, notably Erik Morales, John H Stracey & Tim Witherspoon.

Tickets are priced at £20 whilst the V.I.P section will be £125 which includes access to a private function room with food and beverage’s provided with various champions in attendance. Doors open at 6.30pm.

You can view the movie trailer on the link provided http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzmcE7QnJtU&feature=player_embedded

The second day of the event will see a night of Amateur boxing with Team GB against a Rest of the World team. It is widely thought that this will pit some of Britain’s 2012 hopeful’s against some of the best amateurs from around the world at the moment. It promises to be a real showcase for the potential stars of tomorrow.

Tickets are available from £25 (Second Tier), £30 (First Tier), £40 (Floor), £50 (Second Ringside) & £100 (Ringside) also again hospitality boxes can be provided. Doors open at 6pm with the first bell at 7pm.

Finally on Saturday 31 July the WBC host the prestigious The Night of Champions Gala Awards Dinner. It is hoped that over a hundred past or present World Champions will be in attendance for the show piece event. It promises to be a once in a life time chance to meet and greet many of the very best fighters though out Boxing history.

Tickets for this are £250 per person and the doors open at 6pm.

The WBC will also be helping several charities including The Noah’s Ark appeal which supports children’s hospitals in Wales.

World Boxing cares which is a non profit organisation which the WBC set up at the last Night of Champions convention in Cancun, Mexico in 2006. They send it’s fighters to Youth centre’s, hospitals and orphanages where they make a donation. It is thought that the Champions help bring hope and inspiration to the children and their family’s in 163 countries.

WBC Sporting chance which is designed to support young people and help them with various schemes that will help them towards a better future.

Tickets can be purchased on +44 02920 224488 for all 3 days. Hospitality packages are available on +44 02920 234567

For the latest developments about the event you can visit http://wbcnightofchampions.com/

Any question’s or queries i can be contacted on elraincoat@live.co.uk

Californian based Mexican Leodegario Santa Cruz 13-0-1(5) is looking to gatecrash the world scene at Super Bantamweight in the coming months. It’s been a slow start to the year for the 21 year old who returned from a 6 month hiatus with an impressive third round stoppage over Jose Angel Cota. The man nicknamed “Teremoto” meaning Earthquake hopes to continue his path to the top when he gets back into action in quick time facing hard hitting southpaw Andre Wilson 11-4-1(9) who is sure to pose new questions on 17 July in Pala, Ca.

Hello Leo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on an impressive win recently when you stopped Jose Angel Cota in three. What can you tell us about that fight? Did you feel you had any ring rust?

Leo Santa Cruz – Yeah I felt good. I trained hard for it. I hit him in the second with a left hook, i dropped him and then in the third I got him with a straight right he kinda wobbled and the referee stepped in and stopped it.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been off for 6 months what kept you out of the ring for that amount of time?

Leo Santa Cruz – It was because my manager & promoter were trying to get me a couple of fights but they got cancelled. I was going to be busy but the fights kept falling out.

Anson Wainwright – You came in very light at 116 against Cota, but have been up at around 120 was there any reason you fought that low?

Leo Santa Cruz – Right now I’m trying to fight at a higher weight but I can’t gain more weight. My goal is to make 130. But right now I’ll fight at 122, fight there for like a few years then move on. I walk around at 126/127.

Anson Wainwright – What weight are you looking to settle down at?

Leo Santa Cruz – I haven’t thought about that really. Wherever I feel natural. At the moment around 120/122 i feel good.

Anson Wainwright – Who is part of Team Santa Cruz? Who’s your trainer, manager & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Leo Santa Cruz – My manager is Cameron Dunkin, my trainer is my father Jose Santa Cruz & my promoter is Chet Koerner’s TKO. I first trained at Eddie Heredia’s but now I’m at Maywood.

Anson Wainwright – Southern California is a hot bed for Boxing with many top fighters, who have you sparred with?

Leo Santa Cruz – I sparred with Giovani Segura, Jose Navarro & Ronnie Rios and another guy Joseph Diaz right now he’s amateur. He’s training for the USA Championships in July. I’ve sparred with a lot of good fighters. I feel good against them, people tell me I look good too.

Anson Wainwright – What is a typical day’s training for you?

Leo Santa Cruz – I train Monday to Saturday. I go to the gym at 10 I go at 1.30 i spar and mitts stuff like that and get home around 2. If it’s a light session 12.30-1.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win and what was your final record?

Leo Santa Cruz – I did 70 something fights, I only lost 8. Mostly I fought at tournaments. I lost in the finals of the USA’s against Gary Russell the guy who went to the last Olympics.

Anson Wainwright – Your from a family with your older brother Jose Armando also fighting and having a big fight with Zab Judah coming up? Are any other brother’s or cousins boxers?

Leo Santa Cruz – My oldest brother used to box and my other brother Robert too. But one got sick and the other quit.

I think my brother can beat him. All he has to do is watch out for the first few rounds. My brother will pressure and pressure him. He has to watch Judah early he’s strong then.

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your life from when you were growing up and how it took you into Boxing?

Leo Santa Cruz – When I was about 8 I went to the gym to watch my brother fight and one day my dad told me you want to get in the ring and spar I said yeah and then I fought a guy who had fought a lot. I hit him and beat him. People said I should take it up. From there I started liking it. I went to school and played with my friends then I went home and trained.

Anson Wainwright – What are your interests away from Boxing? What do you like to do, do you have any hobbies?

Leo Santa Cruz – I like playing Soccer & Bowling. When I’m not Boxing I go and play with my brother Jose, he likes Bowling too. I was hoping Mexico would win (In the World Cup) but they lost and USA too. I think Germany or probably Brazil, one of those two will win it.

Anson Wainwright – How far do you consider yourself from fighting the top guys in your weight class?

Leo Santa Cruz – Right now I still need more work. When I get to 20 fights maybe even 18/19 I will start fighting the top guys. I’ve sparred with the top guys & looked good with them.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your favourite fighter growing up?

Leo Santa Cruz – Chavez haha I liked the pressure he brought and the bodypunching and he was tough. I saw him at the gym with his son but didn’t get chance to meet him.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have anything to say to the Boxing public?

Leo Santa Cruz – I’m hoping people will take notice of my fights and show them there is more than one Santa Cruz in Boxing not just my brother. We’ll try to do our best for them.

Thanks for your time Leo.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

At the close of 2008 it looked as though Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin unbeaten in twenty fights with fifteen stoppages was headed for a breakthrough 2009. It turned out very different when an injury plagued Quillin was forced to sit out for the next 18 months with various injuries including a broken hand & an appendix operation. He became one of Boxing’s forgotten men. Finally on 6 February 2010 Quillin now 27, got back in the ring and posted a very impressive ten round decision over Fernando Zuniga. Two of the three judges gave Quillen all the rounds. Though he doesn’t have any a fight lined up he is training hard in Los Angeles at the Wild Card under the expert eye of Freddie Roach. Here’s what Quillin had to say.

Hello Peter, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Congratulations on your comeback win against Fernando Zuniga. That was a pretty tough opponent especially considering you hadn’t fought in 18 months. How did you think you did?

Peter Quillin – I gave my self a B-. What more can you expect after being out for a 1 ½ years?

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about the 18 months you were away from Boxing with the various injuries?

Peter Quillin – Well, I had a lot of time to think, of course. I was anxious to come back but I did strengthen my mind for my comeback.

Anson Wainwright – You were supposed to be action on April 15 in your hometown of New York. What happened?

Peter Quillin – That fight has been put off and we working out a different situation.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? Including what titles you won and what your final record was?

Peter Quillin – I only had 15 fights or so. I won the Ringside National Tournament in 2002 and fought a couple of times in the Golden Gloves, always making it to semis or finals.

Anson Wainwright – Originally you are from Grand Rapids where James Toney & Floyd Mayweather, Jr. are from. Your in very good company there, do you know those guys?

Peter Quillin – Yes, I’ve met James in New York. I’ve been around town and bumped into Floyd at the gyms. Just being out and about, he knows of me and also through mutual friends.

Anson Wainwright – Grand Rapids is known as “Fighter Row.” That must be a tough place to grow up? How did you first get into Boxing?

Peter Quillin – From just being a knucklehead, running the streets. My older brother used to have my baby brother and we’d go at it when we were young. I guess that played a big part.

Anson Wainwright – Who are your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use for training?

Peter Quillin – I train at Trinity Boxing Club when I’m in the city (NYC. My manager’s name is John Seip, along with his partner, Jimmy McDivitt. My promoter is Cedric Kushner (Gotham Boxing). My trainer is Colin Morgan.

Anson Wainwright – What is the best part about being a boxer and the worst?

Peter Quillin – The best part of being a boxer is the attention you get for being a fighter. The worst is getting too most attention.

Anson Wainwright – The landscape of the Middleweight division has changed a bit in the time you were away from the sport. What do you make of the Champion’s WBC Martinez, WBA Sturm & IBF Sylvester?

Peter Quillin – Let them fight each other and then I’ll fight the winner.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing?

Peter Quillin – Playing video games, travelling, training people to box, shooting at the range, yoga…I have tons of things I do outside of boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your Boxing hero?

Peter Quillin – There are too many to name. I just like great fights and fighters.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Peter Quillin – Keep following me with that positive energy you’ve been giving me. Pray that I fight for a title soon. Thank you.

Thanks for your time Peter, good to have you back doing what you do best.

Peter Quillen – Thanks to 15rounds.com and to you, Anson, for covering the latest and greatest about me.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Shortly after Roman “Rocky” Martinez impressively moved to 24-0-1(15) with a fourth round stoppage of Gonzalo Munguia in his second defence of the WBO Super Featherweight title, he contacted 15rounds.com to share some thoughts on his win and what he had planned for the future. Here’s what Martinez had to say.

Anson Wainwright –

Firstly congratulations on an impressive win, what can you tell us about that fight and how you feel looking back on it?

Roman Martinez – I felt it was a great fight and I had a good rival in Gonzalo Munguia.

Anson Wainwright – It was seen by many as a stay busy fight and though he was tough you put on an impressive display. Can you tell us about the finish of the fight?

Roman Martinez – Gonzalo is a good fighter and he had never been knocked out. I prepared for the 12 rounds but the end came early.

Anson Wainwright – What have you done with your time since the fight? What will you do between now and when you get back into training? How long will you have off? Will you go on Holiday if so where?

Roman Martinez – After the fight I took two weeks of to vacation with my family. I already started training for Ricky Burns before the Munguia fight because I knew that in some time in my career we would have met.

Anson Wainwright –

How has your win gone down with your countryman? Were the celebrations? Did you get kind words from people like Tito Trinidad etc?

Roman Martinez – Yes, when we won we had a Caravan and Homage in Vega Baja and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Yes, some fighters came up to me and said that I had a great fight. Tito came up to me and said: you’re the best and no one beats you on 130 or 135.

Anson Wainwright –

You will once again go into the Lion’s den when you fight Ricky Burns. What are your thoughts on him?

Roman Martinez – The fight is confirmed and we will be fighting soon. I’ve been studying burns a long time ago and I already know the fight plan that we’re going to be implementing so the fight doesn’t go the distance.

Anson Wainwright –

How easily did you make weight for your last fight? What is your walk around weight?

Roman Martinez – Easy work, I’ve never had problems making weight. I walk around 140 or 142.

Anson Wainwright –

With Robert Guerrero & Humberto Soto recently leaving 130 things are quite up in the air, who do you see as your main rivals at the top of the division?

Roman Martinez – We’re open to any title opportunity in the 135 pounds. After this fight I want to fight Jorge Solis and and maybe go up to 135 if there is a good opportunity.

Anson Wainwright –

What did you think of the rest of the card. What were your thoughts on Wilfredo Vazquez Jr fight and the Arroyo twins wins?

Roman Martinez – They are all great fighters and they did a good demonstration.

Thanks for your time and good luck with your preparations for the Ricky Burns fight.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Going into the Lion’s den is nothing new for Michael “The Great” Katsidis, it’s something he enjoys doing, it brings out the best in him. Recently that was very much the case when he defended his WBO Interim Lightweight crown against Britain’s highly thought of Kevin Mitchell in front of thousands of raucous fans at Upton Park home of Mitchell’s beloved West Ham soccer club. Katsidis 29, entered the ring as very much public enemy number one. That never bothered the battle tested Australian of Greek descent. For the first few rounds Katsidis took a look at what Mitchell had to offer before exploding early in the third, hurting Mitchell. Despite Mitchell valiantly trying to last the round he wasn’t able to as Katsidis got the stoppage and arguably his best win to date. After the impressive victory Katsidis hoped it would propel him into a Big summer fight with Amir Khan, up 5 pounds at Light Welterweight, however that never came to fruition. Now Katsidis has shifted his gaze to this summer’s Juan Manuel Marquez-Juan Diaz 2, he hope’s to fight the winner later this year.

Hello Michael, welcome back to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on a tremendous win against Kevin Mitchell, how do you look back on that fight and how highly do you rate your performance?

Michael Katsidis – I rate the performance to where we were at in my training. I was stopping guys during sparring accidentally whereas in the past I had trouble with he same people. It just goes to show the hard work paid off and as expected we got the result on the night. I was prepared to fight hard for 12 rounds though I knew at some point Mitchell was bound to come on to one of my shots as I felt I had improved my power better than it was before.

Anson Wainwright – Apparently you had a really tough training camp in Thailand, can you tell us about this. How long were you there? What sort of things did you do during your stay?

Michael Katsidis – We did a lot of what we have always done. Basically I entered rugged tough training camps in Thailand after I has my first loss. I knew these were fights I believe didn’t show nearly my full potential. My career needed a rebirth and the only way I could do this was by isolating myself away from the luxury’s that most face in everyday lifestyle living in America. What we worked on there was very simple repetitious and hard. As it should be doing what we always did best.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about the occasion, how were you treated in London? What did you think of Upton Park and the atmosphere?

Michael Katsidis – In the lead up to the weigh in everything that went on was like back ground noise to me. Everything we had worked on over the hard 3 months sacrifice of being away from my wife and new baby daughter was about to pay it’s dividend. I made weight easily and stepped out to the arena then with one breath of fresh air everything around me had come to life, the wide open space of a 40,000 plus venue began one of the most thrilling rides of my life. From that moment to the time the referee waved the fight off was pure bliss. I want to go again! The people, love me or hate me, So many people so passionate about the sport. I love in one arena, something to remember indeed.

Anson Wainwright – Have you been able to go back to Australia because of the Volcano which disrupted everything in Europe?What are your thoughts on the Volcano?

Michael Katsidis – “I might not get to go home because of the volcanoes”. I couldn’t believe what I was saying after the fight. All this time and then the airports about to shut down due to volcanic eruptions. Incidentally at the same time there was news of extreme violence in Thailand where there was an official warning given to most tourists intending on landing in Bangkok. I wasn’t going to let this get the better of me. The morning after the fight I booked my flight direct to Japan to pick up my wife and daughter. 3 hours later the airports had closed. Fortunately the rest of team Katsidis had a safe return also.

Anson Wainwright – It was reported that your one of the leading contenders to fight Amir Khan in late July early August possibly in England again. Obviously that never worked out what are your thoughts on that possible fight and can you tell us had you been contacted regarding that fight?

Michael Katsidis – I believe there was discussion. But nothing serious was ever put to me about this. This is a great fight for England and if Amir wants to make a statement that fight is the one. Obviously Amir Khan’s camp isn’t serious about making that statement as yet. He’s a great fighter and has many great fights to come, this may become a reality. Well, the idea of it sounds great at least.

Anson Wainwright – Will it be a problem to fight up at 140? You seem a natural 135 where you are very strong would you not lose some of your advantages going up in weight?

Michael Katsidis – Of course Lightweight is my division. Others adapt differently, are more versatile. I can only comment on what I know works. I’m not a 140 fighter as yet. I will cross that bridge when it comes though I do know I will become one very strong wrecking ball making way, that I am sure of. Perhaps I will be better though, I am yet to have difficulty at my current weight.

Anson Wainwright – Where do you stand with regards your next fight?

Michael Katsidis – Normally I would have been preparing for my next bout though Paco of the WBO has ordered me to stand aside to fight the winner of the Diaz Marquez fight July 31st. As much as I would have loved to have been working on another great fight in England or the States I believe in the WBO and the wait will be worth it. for both myself and the fans of the sport.

Anson Wainwright – Since the Mitchell fight what sort of reaction have you got from fans where you’ve been?

Michael Katsidis – In England every cab driver or store attendant and people at the airport were stopping me to congratulate me on my efforts. From that to landing in Japan picking up my family then heading to my desert home out at Vegas I can honestly say I haven’t been around it. Being with my family has been day after day in paradise and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Anson Wainwright – Is there anyone you’d like to mention who helped you with preparations for the Mitchell fight?

Michael Katsidis – My family, my wife Kumi baby Kalia Brendon, Kerry, Noah and Tanner. My sparring partners Nestor Rocha, Brandon ‘Bone crusher’ Smith and of course the WBO.

Anson Wainwright – Finally what message do you have for your fans?

Michael Katsidis – Don’t die wondering.

Thanks for your time Michael, keep entertaining us.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

WBO 130-pound world boxing champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez ran the route of the Torch of Central American and Caribbean Fire, this Sunday, July 4 in his hometown of Vega Baja. He toured the Carr.155, from Angel Sandin Martinez School into the public square and the athlete was responsible for the protocol activity.

“For me it is a true honor to represent the people who saw me grow up in such a prestigious event. My boxing career has not been easy but I want you to know that whenever I’m in the ring I’m not alone because I have the strength and support of my people, “said Martinez.

This family sporting activity also included the participation of other native athletes of Vega Baja, of whom four were part of the Games of Central American and Caribbean in the athletic disciplines of cycling, taekwondo and swimming.

On the 1 July Frank Warren proudly announced a bumper fight card that is stacked from top to bottom with Championship fights calling it “The Magnificent Seven”. It contains one Interim World Title fight, 3 European title bouts and 2 British Championship fights. It takes place on 18 September from LG Arena, Birmingham on Sky Sports on PPV. Headlining the card is Wales Nathan Cleverly 19-0(9) who squares of with another unbeaten fighter in Maro Kurat 22-0(13) of Germany by way of Iraq for the Vacant WBO Interim Light Heavyweight crown.

In European action Enzo Maccarinelli 32-4(25) makes the first defence of his Cruiserweight crown likely against another German Alexander Frankel who is originally from Ukraine sporting a pristine 22-0(17) record. An intriguing battle of Britain takes place when Matthew Macklin 26-2(18) challenge’s for his old European Middleweight title against Darren Barker 22-0(14) in a 50-50 fight. Sheffield’s Ryan Rhodes 44-4(30) makes the second defence of his European Light Middleweight when he meets former World title challenger Lucas Konecny 44-3(21).

Another highly anticipated fight see’s Kell Brook 21-0(14) meets Michael Jennings 36-2(17) in a British title scrap that doubles up as a WBO Welterweight eliminator. These two have been matched several times only for the fights to be cancelled for a variety of reason’s. Derek Chisora 13-0(8) rematches Sam Sexton 13-1(6) in a British Heavyweight title fight. Chisora previously beat Sexton just over two years ago by sixth round stoppage.

Former Olympian’s James Degale & Frankie Gavin also see action. Degale 7-0(5) makes the first defence of his WBA International Super Middleweight crown though no opponent is known as yet. Gavin 7-0(6) clashes with former Soccer player Curtis Woodhouse 13-1(8).

Local Don Broadhurst 11-1(3) returns after a 9 month hiatus when he lost for the first time against Lee Haskins. No opponent was announced for Broadhurst.

Ticket’s go on sale on 9 July. Stayed tuned for more information.

Photo by REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES)

It has been exclusively revealed to 15rounds.com that WBO Interim Light Flyweight Champion Johnreil Casimero 14-0(8) will make the his first defence of the title he won last December against Ramon Garcia 12-1-1(8). The fight will take place in Mazatlan, Mexico on 24 July. Casimero 20, sprang to prominence when he scored a stunning eleventh round stoppage over Cesar Canchila. The native of Cebu, controlled the bout through out dropping the vastly more experience Canchila 5 times through the bout before gaining the win. It will be Garcia’s first title fight, though he comes from a fighting family his brother Raul is a former IBF Strawweight holder. If all goes well Casimero may face Ivan Calderon in late August in Puerto Rico.

Former two time Strawweight World champion Katsunari Takayama 23-4(9) embarks on his attempt to add the IBF Strawweight championship to the WBC & WBA he’s already won. He’ll fight in South Africa against local Tshepo Lewele in a title eliminator. Takayama 27, previously held the WBC crown briefly in 2005 for four months & WBA Interim title from late in 2006 until he fought full champion Yutaka Niida in a bid to unify the WBA championship in April 2007. Though he’s been a pro since 2000 and has fought many of the top fighters in and around his weight class he still remains a top contender rated 10 by the IBF & 11 by the WBO. Here’s what he had to say.

Hello Katsunari, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently signed to fight under the ALA Boxing Promotional company. How did this move come about? What can you tell us about this deal, it’s especially interesting because few Japanese fighters leave Japan and fight for other company’s outside there homeland?

Katsunari Takayama – As for the relationship with ALA Boxing Promotional, our team developed a good relationship with them through the daily practice at ALA Gym. Then, that contract was concluded.

Anson Wainwright – It’s reported you will fight Lucky Lewele in an IBF Eliminator at the end of August in South Africa. What can you tell us about this, is it the case? If so what do you think of Lewele?

Katsunari Takayama – As for the fight with Tshepo Lefele, we plan to hold it in Johannesburg in South Africa on August 27. The contents reported by news agencies are correct. I think I can win the fight with Tshepo Lefele.

Anson Wainwright – Japanese fighters don’t normally fight for a title that’s not by the WBC or WBA. However that’s what your attempting to do. Can you tell us about this move, it seems pretty ground breaking?

Katsunari Takayama – I have a dream of winning titles in 4 leagues and several classes. The Japanese commission does not approve IBF and WBO, and so we have no choice but to leave Japan to actualize my dream. Then, we are taking the first step. As for boxing weight classes, I am okay with 105 lb. Of course, I am thinking about the 108-lb class, too.

Anson Wainwright – You’ll of been off over a year by the time you fight Lewele, how are you preparing yourself for such a big fight without ring rust coming into play? Who will you spar with?

Katsunari Takayama – As for practice and adjustment, I plan to do one-month training at ALA Gym from June 21, and make final adjustments in Japan.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & Promoter?

Katsunari Takayama – Manager: Ken Matsumoto, Chief trainer: Hiroaki Nakade, Physical trainer: Hideki Aoki & Promoter: ALA Promotions

Anson Wainwright – You have fought three of the best Strawweights of the last few years Eagle Kyowa, Yutaka Niida & Roman Gonzalez unfortunately you lost to them all. Can you assess how good each one was for us? Who was the best of them? Who was the best boxer & who hit the hardest?

Katsunari Takayama – The strongest boxer I have ever encountered is Roman Gonzalez.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days growing up in Osaka and how you first came across Boxing and the path you have since taken?

Katsunari Takayama – I was motivated to start boxing after the following experience. Invited by my friend, I visited a boxing gym. My first boxing practice was all new and enjoyable to me, and since then, I have been addicted to boxing.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What hobbies do you have? What do you think you’d be doing if it was for Boxing to make a living?

Katsunari Takayama – I cannot lead my life without boxing, and so my lifestyle is filled with boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero growing up? What fighters today do you admire and why?

Katsunari Takayama – I like Yoko Gushiken & Sugar Ray Leonard. I like boxing style of Sugar Ray Leonard

Best Wishes and thank you for your time

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Word out of Scotland is that Ricky Burns gets his long awaited World Title shot when he challenges Roman Martinez for the WBO Super Featherweight crown on the 4 September in Glasgow at the Kelvin Hall. Burns 27, steps up in class against unbeaten Puerto Rican Martinez who will be making his third defence. Martinez ironically won it on British soil when he stopped Nicky Cook back in March 2009.

Also scheduled for the undercard is an intriguing Commonwealth Featherweight title fight between experienced champion John Simpson who fights on home soil & unbeaten prospect Stephen Smith. Simpson an 8 year veteran who sports a 21-6(9) ledger is also a former British champion. For his part Smith 24, puts his 10-0(6) record on the line along with his reputation as one of the top prospects in Britain. Smith narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2008 Olympics but has taken vengeance sweeping aside all before him in the pro ranks. This will be his acid test though.

Also appearing is Paul Appleby who makes his debut fighting for Frank Warren. It will be one time bright prospect Appleby, still only 23’s first fight in 16 months when he fought valiantly though ultimately unsuccessfully against Martin Lindsay.

A month ago one of Boxing’s least known World Champions Omar “El Huracan” Narvaez 32-0-2(19) moved up to Super Flyweight and added the WBO title to his WBO Flyweight crown which he has held for nearly 8 years making 16 defences. Normally when a fighter has a achieved that sort of notoriety he’s zeroing in on a place at Canastota in the Hall of Fame. However for Narvaez who’s been a pro for 10 years that’s probably not the case as he continues look for his defining fight that will prove that the longevity and number’s he’s wracked up aren’t merely against also rans. It’s something Pongsaklek Wongjongkam achieved when he beat Koki Kameda while Joe Calzaghe finally got his respect when he beat Jeff Lacy others such as Sven Ottke were never able to achieve it though. Now into his 30’s which is old for the lighter weights Narvaez contacted 15rounds.com with the hope that people would see his name and he may get the attention his skills deserve thus garnering the Boxing publics interest, ultimately helping him get one of the bigger names around his weight class into the ring.

Hello Omar, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on becoming a two weight world champion. What can you tell us about your fight with Everth Briceno? What did it mean to you and how did it feel when they announced you had won?

Omar Narvaez – About the fight with Briceño I felt very comfortable and thought that I would need to require a little more and that he was more dangerous. At times I felt that I could have won before the limit but he stopped me with his infringements (Briceno was deducted three points during the fight). When I devoted super flyweight champion, I felt very happy and very proud. I never imagined in my life that would be able to achieve so much as a boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Though it is still early days what would you like to do next? When would you like to be back in action and who would you like to fight?

Omar Narvaez – I’d like to fight as soon as possible that because I am in good shape and a desire to do it. I’d like to fight with the best to show the world I’m the best.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Omar Narvaez – My team is made by my brothers as coaches and physical coach named Roperto Riz and my manager is Osvaldo Rivera.

Anson Wainwright – You had a very good amateur career that saw you fight at the Olympics. Can you tell us what titles and tournaments you fought in as an amateur? What fighters who are now pro’s did you fight? Also what was your amateur record?

Omar Narvaez – I made 103 amateur fights of which I lost 25. I achieved four gold medals in national tournaments. 1998 ODESUR Games win gold in Ecuador. I won the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg in Canada, participate in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics beating Joan Guzman and lost the second match. I won gold in Cordoba Cardin, Cuba 1998, a bronze medal in world championship of Hungary, Budapest in 1997 and World Silver medal in Houston, Texas 1999, participated in the Goodwill Games in New York in 1998, participate in the World Cup bronze medal in Beijing, China 1998. I participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in which I lost in the second round with Wladimir Sidorenko. I beat several boxers who today are world champions in different categories. Joan Guzman, José Navarro, and several that at this moment I can’t remember their names.

Anson Wainwright – Your not very well known outside of your home country of Argentina what can you tell us about yourself? What do you like to do when your not Boxing?

Omar Narvaez – During the free time I like to ride motorcycles.

Anson Wainwright – You have been a world champion since 2002. Have you ever received offers to fight any of the other top guys at 112 or even up at 115? A few years ago in the press it said you had turned down a fight with Vic Darchinyan? Can you tell us what happened and why you didn’t fight him?

Omar Narvaez – About Darchinyan I never received a serious proposal, all it was a supposed fight but it never came up to nothing .

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Trelew and how you first became involved in Boxing?

Omar Narvaez – As a child I loved playing football and I always played for clubs in my area and started boxing at age 17. My love for boxing began at 16, but never before I imagined I would become a fighter and less world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Some people don’t think you have tested yourself against the best fighters around and that you have fought several guys who weren’t a challenge to you. What are your thoughts on that and why you haven’t been able to as yet fight one of the big names?

Omar Narvaez – I never received offers to fight with the best and I hope I will fight with them one day.

Anson Wainwright – You will be 35 in July, which is thought of as old in the lower weights for a Boxer, however you still seem to close to your prime. How do you feel about that?

Omar Narvaez – Today at 34 years I feel very well and very eager. I feel I get increasingly better, and that the experience I have managed to get gives me a big edge over my rivals.

Anson Wainwright – What do you still hope to achieve in Boxing?

Omar Narvaez – Now I would like to continue in Super Flyweight and have tougher fights and fight the best in the category because I think I can beat them.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing world and the Super Flyweight division?

Omar Narvaez – My message is that I want to fight with the best, because I feel capable, and I feel that with my boxing and my experience I am better than most. I know that they are not easy to beat, but I can solve many problems because I have a very intelligent Boxing, and when I have to, I can fight to, and be dangerous doing it.

Thanks for taking time to speak with us Omar.

Best Wishes

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

In the last year Rodel Mayol 26-4-2(20) has been involved in a career’s worth of controversial endings. His last four fights to be exact all World title fights have had unsatisfactory conclusions. First he fought Ivan Calderon for the WBO 108 crown it was his third attempt at a world title, the fight was stopped due to a terrible cut on Calderon’s forehead. It went to the scorecards and after six completed rounds it was declared a draw. Mayol’s gutsy display earned him a straight rematch, incredibly the same cut was again opened up on Calderon’s forehead. With the fight stopped in the seventh it was again it was in the hands of the judges who scored it narrowly for Calderon. Finally things went in Mayol’s favour last November when he beat long reigning WBC Light Flyweight champion Edgar Sosa. Midway through the second stanza the two fighters clashed heads violently, Sosa was badly hurt and dropped. He was ultimately stopped and left with a broken cheek bone. While many believed it should of been declared a No Contest the referee missed it and declared Mayol the victor. Last time out he fought another Mexican Omar Nino. In the third round when they were separated from a clinch and Nino cold cocked Mayol knocking him out, with the fight declared a technical draw. On 19 June they will have a rematch again in Mexico, here’s to hoping we can have a conclusive result without a hint of controversy this time.

Hello Rodel, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hi Anson, thank you for taking time to interview me. I appreciate it.

Anson Wainwright – Firstly your scheduled to make the second defence of your WBC Light Flyweight title against Omar Nino on 19 June in Mexico. You fought in February but the fight was called a no contest after you were hit late. What is your take on what happened?

Rodel Mayol – Regarding the decision on my last defence against Nino, I would sincerely would want it a disqualification for Nino if it was me to decide. Since it was what WBC has decided- I fully respect and accept it.

Anson Wainwright – Your last 4 fights have ended strangely the two with Calderon had unsatisfactory ending due to cuts and so did the Edgar Sosa fight. What are your thoughts on both Calderon fights and then the Sosa fight?

Rodel Mayol – Strange as it maybe, but these bouts are the only bouts I have ever encountered headbutts in my list of bouts. I guess it is due to clash of boxing styles between them and me. But I would like to stress out that all of these headbutts have been unintentional.

Anson Wainwright – Who is in your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Rodel Mayol – My coach is Jesus Arevalo. He is Freddie Roach’s assistant coach in WILDCARD GYM. Jeremiah Quijano my long-time and trusted friend is also my assistant coach. My cutman is Dr. Edgardo dela Vega. My team is small but they are very loyal and supportive to me in any way I could ask for. My manager is Mr. Manny Pacquiao and I am under MP Promotions and Top Rank.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us how things were for you when you were young growing up in The Philippines and how it took you into Boxing?

Rodel Mayol – It all started with my love of basketball. I never knew that I be a boxer out of it and become who I am right now.
I had a fight with a fellow player that made a bully out of me. I was beaten since I am a small boy. I lived very close by a neighbouring boxing gym, so I trained to take revenge and beat the guy in the future when we meet again. I never had the chance to beat him-I ended up being busy in boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro in 2000 and for several years looked like you may not win a World title coming up short against Eagle Kyowa & Ulises Solis & then the two fights with Ivan Calderon. How did it feel to finally win the title against Sosa?

Rodel Mayol – Every boxer wants to be a champion. I think that is the ultimate goal you need to achieve to be successful and happy in this career. I have been on a very long journey. But perseverance, hard work, love of the sport and having the heart of a champion is what it takes to bring you into this position. Sosa fight maybe the perfect timing for me- and I have been very patient and I never gave up. The defeats and heartbreaks I encountered in the shortcoming of my previous world title bouts made me stronger.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought many very talented fighters who do you feel was your toughest opponent?

Rodel Mayol – It would be Ulises Solis.

Anson Wainwright – What do you consider your best performance and why?

Rodel Mayol – I would say it was my fight with Edgar Sosa. Nobody believed me at that time any longer. I guess just got tired believing. It was the perfect timing, I was in the best condition in my entire career, and i shocked everybody.

Anson Wainwright – If you could fight anyone who would it be? What goals do you still have in Boxing?

Rodel Mayol – I do not have preference on who. But I would love to fight big names in my weight division. I intend to keep the WBC belt and defend it whatever it takes. And if God gives me more blessings, I would love to collect other belts as well.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with time when your not Boxing? what are your hobbies?

Rodel Mayol – I love to go fishing. It gives me a lot of time to relax, enjoy and time to think. It has also helped me build patience and perseverance. Other than that, I spend my time with my family and friends.

Anson Wainwright – Recently Manny Pacquiao won the race to congress in The Philippines. That is a fantastic achievement. What are your thoughts on that?

Rodel Mayol – I am very happy for his success. He deserves all of it. Because of Manny, boxers especially in the Philippines has been given a higher elevation in society. Boxers are intelligent – -not mere brawlers in the ring.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for Omar Nino?

Rodel Mayol – I am excited to defend my WBC belt against him the 2nd time around and I have no plan in letting anyone borrow my belt (LOL!)

Thanks for your time Rodel, good luck in your upcoming fight.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Moments after hearing that his dreams of a world title had been confirmed, Jason Booth spoke exclusively to Frank Maloney’s press officer Andy Scott.

Jason Booth meets Steve Molitor for the IBF super bantamweight championship next month after a deal was reached to bring the title fight to England on July 23rd.

Booth explained: “I’m over the moon at the news. I knew the fight was coming and now it’s finally announced it’s like a dream come true.

“Jimmy Gill (Booth’s manager) said he wanted to fight me but it all went quiet for a while. Then we heard the news of the European title chance and then there were whispers that a world title shot could happen. But once it was actually signed and sealed I just couldn’t believe it.

Molitor is no stranger to Booth after he beat his brother Nicky in 2002 and Jason has already spoken to his brother about the 31-year-old.

“I owe him for what he did to my brother and Nicky has already given me some tips. He said ‘you better train hard because he’s good.’ I know what to expect from him though.

“He’s a class act and he’s a good fighter, Canadian fighters normally are. Carl Froch knows that, he fought a very good one.

“I know I can give him (Molitor) problems. It would be good to bring a world title back to Nottingham.”

Booth has got his life back on track after a well documented alcohol addiction nearly cost him his life and since then his form between the ropes has been nothing short of brilliant.

“With all of the problems 4 years ago, to now think that I’m fighting for a world title it’s great.

“I want to thank Frank and my manager Jimmy Gill and my trainer Tony Harris. If it wasn’t for them none of this would be possible because they have believed in me through everything.”

Booth is not just happy to be making up the numbers and genuinely believes that he has enough in his locker to conquer the classy Canadian. Manager Jimmy Gill has said that Jason will have to start fast:

“Jay’s up for it, he’s got to sensibly jump on him and try and dishearten him before he gets into gear. Nicky fought Molitor at bantam but this is up at super bantamweight so things will be different. This is a world title shot and he wants to win it.

I.B.H.O.F., Guest of Honor and WBC Super Welterweight and Middleweight Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez accompanied by his Trainer Gabriel Sarmiento and Advisor Sampson Lewkowicz will be present at the 21st Annual International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend, beginning June 10th – 13th. In addition, to being welcomed as an Honorary Guest & Marshall, Martinez will also demonstrate an exhibition work out for boxing fans alike on Friday, June 11th & Saturday, June 12th, which will include a 5K run with I.B.H.O.F. members. The fighting pride of Argentina, is keeping himself in top physical condition, as he awaits his next opponent to be announced in either Super Welterweight or Middleweight division. A separate press release will be issued to announce Martinez’s’ up coming fight that will be televised on HBO. The Argentina born Middleweight World Champion, now residing out of Oxnard, California is also being recognized by Ring Magazine and is scheduled to receive a belt.

It’s been a busy first year for L’Jeon Love, the Detroit native has quickly taken his record to 5-0(4) in just 5 months. It’s something he likes and is thankful to his handlers at TKO Boxing for allowing him to stay so active. His manager Cameron Dunkin hopes to keep Love active this year saying “First we wanted to fight him constantly but after this year we’ll slow him down and pick his fights against certain styles and maybe next year he’ll fight 5 or 6 times”. The award winning manager who has handled 23 world champions in his time has high hopes for his charge adding “He has a chance to be a champ, he’s got lots of ability and growing up around the Kronk certainly helps”. At just 22 Love has time on his side and will continue to develop his skills over the next few years before hopefully embarking on a title run and emulating many top fighters from yester year from Detroit.

Hello J’Leon, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on your win last weekend, you went the distance for the first time. What can you tell us about that fight?

J’Leon Love – Well i fought Fernando Calleros and that was my first time going the distance. I felt pretty good, i’m used to the four rounds from gym and the amateur’s. My body is used to that, i’m in shape. I fought a tough a very tough guy, he was a very awkward opponent. He was very strong, he was there to be hit, but he could take a punch. After the first round i knew i was in for the distance. I was setting him up for so many great shots with precise punches and it was catching him off guard where he didn’t know they were coming. But he took every shot whether it was a body shot or head shot. I was happy to get the rounds in. I enjoyed it and had a lot of fun fighting him.

Anson Wainwright – It’s early days but when can we expect to see you fight next?

J’Leon Love – I was supposed to of had a fight on June 4th in Tampa, Florida but that was cancelled. I’m just waiting to hear when i’ll fight next.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been very active so far fighting on a roughly once a month schedule. How have you found fighting this often?

J’Leon Love – I think it’s great it keeps me busy. I’m glad because TKO has done a great job of promoting and keeping me busy. A lot of fighters get shelved and they fight every few months or don’t fight so often. I’m glad and happy that TKO Boxing has given me a chance to show my talent and keep me busy.

Anson Wainwright – For those who perhaps haven’t seen you fight, how would you describe your style and best attributes?

J’Leon Love – I’m a typical fighter. A brawler at times, when the time is needed i can sit and exchange and box and be smart and use my skills i can do that also. Either way it depends on the opponent or the style of guy in front of me.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about the team that you have? Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use to train at? How did you meet those guys?

J’Leon Love – It started off where i was training in Detroit at the Kronk gym and i was being trained by Javonn Hill the amateur trainer there and i had competed in the 2008 Golden Gloves and i wanted to take the next step to turn professional. Things were moving real slow for me after the amateurs, i had a lot of pro debuts set but things didn’t follow through. But god had blessed me with Cameron Dunkin & TKO Boxing Productions, they came through almost like word of mouth. They heard about a good fighter out of Detroit, which was me. I received a call from Cameron Dunkin who was interested in signing me. It went from there, and i got put with a great promotional team TKO Boxing. That’s how I landed with them. My trainers are Angelo Cabrio & Nelson Figueroa. Nelson is more for strength and conditioning and speed. Angelo is more for basics, working on my punches and my mistakes. I train at the Detroit Boxing Jungle, it’s about a mile from the Kronk gym.

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your amateur career?

J’Leon Love – My first was a Silver medal at the 2007 Golden Gloves that was the first National tournament i ever fought in. I fought Shawn Porter in the final. It was a close fight but his experience kicked in the last round and he outpointed me but it was a pretty good fight. I was in the mix with Danny Jacobs though we never fought and all these prospects. I think we’ll all meet down the stretch, the top champions fighting each other. I had a great amateur career i had 125 fights maybe, i say about 10 loses at most. I fought at the National PAL, Olympic trials. I trained at the Olympic training centre.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger years in Dearborn Heights and how you got involved in Boxing?

J’Leon Love – I grew up in a small town right next to Dearborn. I was a typical kid, i had a few street fights. I asked my mum one day of i could box, i saw the Army and Navy competing on TV and she told me no not to ever ask her again. As the years passed i had an allowance from my mother and i was saving up and i had a cousin who took me down to the Kronk gym in Detroit i paid my monthly fee. I started training, my mom found out and was pretty supportive of me and over protective of me but protective as a mother would be.

Anson Wainwright – In your first 3 fights you fought at 165 in the next two you have got down to as low as 156. Are you looking at fighting regular at Light Middleweight?

J’Leon Love – My ultimate goal is to get to 160 that would be a better weight for me. 168, or Light Middleweight is great for me. I athletic, i’m in shape, i’m working hard so you know it just takes time. I’m still growing. Eventually i will fight at 160 though.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your hobbies? What do you think you’d be doing for a living if it wasn’t for Boxing?

J’Leon Love – I have a girlfriend, i’m always hanging out with my brothers and my girlfriends brothers we do whatever Bowling, swim, horse riding. We’re real competitive with each other whether it’s video games or Bowling. I’m all for fun, i’m not a club type of guy.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a professional boxer?

J’Leon Love – I’d be a computer graphics designer. I was very good with computers in school. So that would be my second plan after boxing because i know i wont be a boxer for ever. I want to be an entrepreneur i want to own my own business. To be something big, i want to be something inside and outside of the ring. So i have a lot of plans.

Anson Wainwright – Who are your Boxing hero’s?

J’Leon Love – I like Marvelous Marvin Hagler he was a destroyer, it didn’t matter who was in front of him he gave them his best and most of the time his best was destroying guys. There’s a lot, Felix Savon the Cuban he was great.

Anson Wainwright – Can you say Hagler being being from Detroit after what he did to Thomas Hearns? Haha

J’Leon Love – I like Tommy Hearns he was also a great fighter but not one of my favourite’s. I look up to him, i actual saw him a few times and sparred with his son a few times.

Anson Wainwright – Finally what are your goals in Boxing?

J’Leon Love – To become the undisputed pound for pound world champion. Also to be just a great fighter for people to say J’Leon Love from Detroit was a great fighter. If that’s how i can have people remember me like a Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson or Floyd Mayweather at the top of Boxing.

Thanks for your time and good luck next week.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Moments after Amir Khan dominated Paulie Malignaggi in his American debut in mid May he declared he wanted to fight again and soon. He even went as far as to say his preference would be at the end of July or early August before he begins his religious fasting for Ramadan begins.

On the same day as Khan’s beatdown of Malignaggi two possible future foe’s collided when Michael Katsidis and Britain’s Kevin Mitchell clashed. Katsidis proved to strong and to good stopping Mitchell in the third round thus very much putting himself in the box seat for a fight with Amir Khan.

However as time has passed in the ensuing weeks word was the Katsidis had turned down the fight. Not so according to Katsidis manager/trainer Brendon Smith who would say.

“Michael Katsidis has never pulled out of a fight with Amir Khan. I don’t believe a fight can be made because Michael is too much of a risk for Amir Khan”

Before continuing “I am confident in saying team Khan has viewed the tape of Michael with Kevin Mitchell and a cross would of went through Michael’s name immediately as an opponent as it did before when Malignaggi was selected for Amir’s US debut and therefore Joel Casamayor has now become a much safer choice”

British newspaper The Sun is reporting that Golden Boy have offered Casamayor in the region of £400,000 (Just short of $600,000) to face Khan on 31 July at London’s 02 Arena.

A disappointed Smith added that “I have never received an offer to fight Amir Khan with Michael, but I did have a discussion with Richard Schaefer who would love to put this fight on and knows we are available on the proviso that Michael is paid accordingly and trust me on this, only paid fairly and not over priced”

It’s not only Khan who isn’t safe from Smith’s broadside, European champion John Murray was also brought up.

“I am also sad to say that i am right on this one too. I have never heard back from his camp with any offer whatsoever. But this is not the first time this has happened as well. I have on a couple of occasion’s in the past (pre Mitchell fight) been contacted by team Murray but that is as far as it goes!”

The shame as Smith puts it is that neither British fighter will step up and fight Katsidis who is also popular in Britain having fought there twice previously when he KO’d both Graham Earl & recently Kevin Mitchell. Though he believes Katsidis must be doing something right if both are using Katsidis name to promote there own. He ended with this message for British fight fans.

“England your two great fighters have temporarily lost their balls and unless they find them quickly, you won’t be seeing Michael Katsidis in the opposite corner and that is the truth!!”

Just encase you missed it Michael Katsidis is available for a fight and he’d love it to be in Britain so he can attempt to complete his hatrick of victories over British fighters.

Earlier this year Vitali Tajbert 20-1(6) achieved his goal when he was named WBC Super Featherweight champion. Based in Germany but of Kazakhstan decent the 28 year old had beaten Mexican puncher Humberto Gutierrez on points late last year for the Interim title but when another Mexican Humberto Soto abdicated his thrown Tajbert was declared full champion. A few weeks back Tajbert made the first defence of his crown when he turned back perennial contender Hector Velazquez on points when the fight was stopped due to an accidental headbutt in the ninth. Tajbert is a tough European fighter with solid skills who despite a quality amateur resume wasn’t highly though of and had lost his biggest fight when he fought European champion Sergei Gulaykevich in 2008. But you know what they say about what doesn’t break you makes you stronger it worked for Tajbert who while others dismissed him refocused and rebounded to win a world title. Here’s what Tajbert had to say after his recent fight with Velazquez.

Hello Vitali, welcome to 15rounds.com?

Hello, it’s nice to be here and thanks for having me.

Anson Wainwright – Congratulations on making your first defence, what can you tell us about the fight with Hector Velazquez?

Vitali Tajbert – It was a tough job. I was under pressure and the cut in the beginning confused me a little bit. At some point it was difficult to see something with my left eye. But I was lucky as i have two eyes. Sure, it’s a handicap to get such a cut so early but I focussed on my boxing, especially starting from Round 5. Before the bout, I was afraid of a headbutt because of that I wanted highly variable.

Anson Wainwright – How is the cut from that fight healing? Will you need plastic surgery?

Vitali Tajbert – Directly after the bout I went to a hospital. The cut needed 14 stitches. The cut was very deep. But anyway, there are always a solution. Cut or no Cut. A real fighter have to survive everything. That is my attitude.

Anson Wainwright – You were awarded the WBC Super Featherweight title. What can you tell us about the moment you were told you were the full champion? How does it feel now?

Vitali Tajbert – It was the luckiest moment in my life. I worked more than 17 years to win this belt. Many people ask me how it feels to have this belt. It is still amazing. The last 5 years as a pro I worked so hard to get this belt. Now I am the champion and you can be sure that I want to keep this belt for a long time. To me it is the oldest and best boxing association in the world. They’ve had Champions like Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis.

Anson Wainwright – How were you received in Kazakhstan after becoming the WBC Super Featherweight champion? How popular are you at home?

Vitali Tajbert – Sure, the people know me but they see me as a German not as a Russian. And my German is a little bit better like my Russian. I am German, but i’m very happy about the support from Kazakhstan und Russia too.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? What gym do you regularly use to train at?

Vitali Tajbert – First of all my promoter is Universum Box-Promotion and I am very happy about that. I feel like a million dollars. Dietmar Poszwa is my manager. He is great. My trainer is Magomed Schaburow. If I would have had Magomed Schaburow at the Olympic Games in 2004, I’m sure that I would have been the Olympic champion. Usually I train in Stuttgart if I have no bouts. During the intensive stage I train in Hamburg.

Anson Wainwright – Do you make 130 easily? What weight do you walk around at? Can you tell us about your dieting for a fight?

Vitali Tajbert – I quit my dinner. I only eat in the morning and after my first training in midday. Of course i eat a lot of un-greased food with vitamins.

Anson Wainwright – You were a successful amateur boxer, you won the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics. Looking back on that what do you feel about your experience of having fought at the Olympics?

Vitali Tajbert – Olympic Games are fantastic. It’s a very special atmosphere. It is very difficult to describe this feeling.

Anson Wainwright – What other titles did you win in the amateur game? What top fighter that are now in the pro’s did you face?

Vitali Tajbert – As Amateur: x 7 German Champion, Junior World Champion 2000, Gold medal International Chemie-Pokal / Halle 2001, Vice-World Champion / Bangkok 2003, European Champion 2004, Bronze medal Olympic Games in Athens, Gold medal European Championship in Pula / Croatian 2004, Gold medal Military Championship Pretoria / South Africa (Best Boxer of Tournament) 2005

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do with your time? Do you have any hobbies you can tell us about?

Vitali Tajbert – I love Soccer. I am a very hard-running and a good midfielder. My friends and i meet us once a week to play soccer together. Some Friends playing in the 3rd German League and i keep up with them. I like the club of my hometown VFB Stuttgart and Hamburger SV too. I am very interesting in international soccer like Barcelona, Madrid, Chelsea etc. But my decision pro boxing was the right decision. Boxing 1st everything for me and gave me a lot.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first get into Boxing?

Vitali Tajbert – I started Boxing when i was a young boy in Stuttgart. My first box-club was VFK Germania. Later, i changed to Velberter BC. Next was the German armed forces and my contract with Universum Box-Promotion.

Anson Wainwright – What do you hope to achieve from Boxing? Who are your favourite fighters to watch?

Vitali Tajbert – I don’t have a Idol or something like that. Everyone is on his or her way unique. I like Boxer’s who are not punchers. I like to watch technical boxing on a high level. Of course, i love to see fights in my weight class.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans in Europe and anyone who may see this in America?

Vitali Tajbert – Thanks for your support. I really appreciate that. I hope that i still show great bouts for and with you. I want to show the most proud boxing as possible. If you are satisfied, i am double satisfied. Still believe in me. I will return a blow of interest to you guys. Take a look on Youtube.com/UBPboxing and watch all my Fights in Full Length. And keep clicking on 15rounds.com!

Thanks for your time Vitali, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Last year when just 17 Jose Benavidez Jr caught many people’s attention when sparring with Amir Khan and appeared to get the better of the the British Superstar. From then on Benavidez has enjoyed the attention and works out of The Wild Card with many stars but takes it all in his stride. He debuted in January and has since fought at roughly once a month schedule building his record to a perfect 5-0(5). Though he is still a work in progress and should be someone worth keeping an eye on. He has undoubted skills that will be sharpened by Freddie Roach and his team and moved along by Top Rank who build better prospects than anyone else in the game. He seems a star in waiting, with fast hands a smooth style, personable ways and handsome hispanic looks. Here’s what Benavidez had to say.

Hello Jose, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You moved to 5-0(5) with a First KO over Arnoldo Pacheco in Aguascalientes, Mexico. What can you tell us about the fight and what it was like fighting in Mexico?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – It was great fighting in Mexico, people were nice and cheerful. The guy i fought was shorter than me and threw haymakers so i tried to keep away from them by using my jab. I caught him with a jab straight right to the head and a body shot after that he was down and no longer continued.

Anson Wainwright – While it’s early days do you know when you’ll be in action next? How many fights are you looking to have this year, what is your schedule?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – I’m actually fighting this up coming Saturday in Chicago May 29th. I probably might fight 2, 3 more then take it a little slower pace maybe start fighting every 2 or 3 months instead of every month.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what guy do you use regularly to train at?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – I have a great team consisting of Freddie Roach as a trainer, my dad Jose Benavidez Sr as co trainer and manager and also Jim Murphy as my adviser. My promoter is Bob Arum Top Rank.

Anson Wainwright – At the Wildcard you never short of sparring partners. Can you tell us how about some of the session’s with Manny Pacquiao & Amir Khan? Also what other guys have you sparred with?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – Yes you are correct Wild Card is the place to be if you want to get the best sparring. Working with Manny Paqcuiao and Amir Khan was great considering their both world champions I learned a lot from them. Their fast, strong and by far the best sparring I could ever ask for.

Anson Wainwright – What is your earliest Boxing memory?

Jose Benevidez Jnr – My earliest boxing memory would probably be the 1st time i stepped into the gym when i was 6 years ago i still remember it like It was yesterday.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your Hobbies and Interests?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – When i’m not at the gym training I go home and get on youtube to look at cars which i also love. I like working on my cars and doing research on them. As you can see, I guess I like speed and cars that are fixed up with turbo’s, superchargers etc just hearing those turbo’s spool and the superchargers whine its amazing.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your favourite fighter growing up?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – My favourite fighters growing up were prince Naseem Hamed, Diego Corrales, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya. I liked them because they all had different styles and they were all great in their own ways.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – My goals for boxing are hopefully one day be a world champion and give back to the people that were always their to support me. Hopefully have the chance to take a world title back home to Pheonix AZ.

Anson Wainwright – Your 5’11 do you make weight easily enough?

Jose Benavizez Jnr – I’m actually 6’0 now almost 6’1 and yeah right now making weight is easy because i’m young and have a fast metabolism so I can basically eat whatever I want and wont gain weight. But when I have a fight coming up I do try to eat more healthy and try to watch what I eat.

Anson Wainwright – Do have any message for the Boxing World?

Jose Benavidez Jnr – I want to thank everybody for being their to support me and I’m gonna keep training hard and hopefully one day i can be world champion.

Thanks for your time Jose, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

After going toe to toe in an eagerly awaited fight where neither guy lost anything and both guys helped there cause for future paydays. Both Perez & Mares former amateur rivals and good friends squared off for the first time as pro’s though not likely the last time. Over twelve fast paced rounds 2 of the 3 judges couldn’t separate them.

Proceedings started with Gary Shaw talking about Yonnhy Perez saying how fond he was of him “Yonnhy truly is one of the sweetest people i’ve ever met, he’s very loyal”

He continued with a story about Perez. “When Yonnhy won his last fight we (Shaw & Alex Camponovo who is Thompson’s general manager) said we’d come and visit him in Colombia. We flew over and stayed in a nice hotel and then drove to Yonnhy’s house. On the way the neighbourhoods got worse the streets weren’t paved. We arrived at Yonnhy’s house it was made from Cinderblock and there were curtains hanging in the door ways inside acting as doors there were openings for windows but no windows. I said we need to give him some money. If he wins his next fight he can move to a nicer neighbourhood”

To which Perez answered “I will never leave, this is my home, these are my people, this is where i live”

If that’s not enough to show how humble Perez is then Shaw added that Perez stays at trainer Danny Zamora’s home when he’s in America training and sends all his money home each month to his family except $400 which is what he uses for his rent and food.

“Danny is one of the best trainers around” Shaw added when talking about Perez long-time trainer.

Shaw continued saying he’d speak to Richard Schaefer about a rematch but also added he will also speak to Fernando Beltran who was on hand about a possible fight with newly minted WBC/WBO champion Fernando Montiel. It also came to light that Perez had hurt his hand in the fourth or fifth round the extent of the injury wasn’t divulged.

At this time it was Perez turn to take the podium “Thank you guys, you saw a great fight, Abner’s a great fighter and friend”

“Abner will become a world champion. He has four ways WBC, WBA & WBO but not by winning the IBF title”

“You guys are on about a rematch but where going to sit down and see. Darchinyan called me out and that’s a fight i want”

Next to the dais was Oscar De La Hoya turned the assembled pressroom’s attention to his guy “Yonnhy gave a great fight, but we witnessed a star in Abner, we feel we have a great fighter”

Mares next took his time to speak “You guys saw a great fight, i showed i’m a warrior but i won the fight”

“I fight for the people and the people saw i won the fight”

“Lets do a rematch”

“Yonny didn’t close like a champion in the twelfth i did”

Quick to speak up for his man Gary Shaw countered “Abner your good looking, you speak two languages. But Yonnhy came in with the belt and left with it. You need to remain humble”

At this point Rafeal Marquez & Israel Vazquez entered the press room.

It was announced the live gate was 9,200 generating gate receipts of 549,000.