According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, NFL Safety Tommy Zbikowski will appear on the March 12th on Las Vegas as part of the Miguel Cotto – Ricardo Mayorga televised undercard.

“He’s coming back to boxing, assuming there’s a lockout,” Carl Moretti of promoter Top Rank told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “If there’s a lockout, at that point, he’s free to go ahead and fight. He’s fought once already and he probably has the most extensive amateur (boxing) background of any pro football player, and he really loves the sport.”

Zbikowski played college football at Notre Dame from 2003 to 2007. He went by the name “Tommy Z” during the build up to his lone pro fight, coming into the ring to the Notre Dame fight song. He needed just 49 seconds to knock out Robert Bell at Madison Square Garden in New York in June 2006 on the undercard of another Cotto fight — a junior welterweight title defense against Paulie Malignaggi.

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was at Kingsway Gym in New York City to capture the images of Yuri Foreman preparing for his March 12th showdown with Pawel Wolak that will be part of the Miguel Cotto – Ricardo Mayorga Pay Per View card in Las Vegas

It’s never dull when Ricardo Mayorga’s about that’s for sure. For the past decade the Wildman from Nicaragua has enthralled us with all action style and bad guy ways. Now 37, Mayorga 29-7-1(23) may not be a young fighter but he still feels he has a role to play. He firmly believes he’ll KO Miguel Cotto on 12 March in Las Vegas and then get a shot a Manny Pacquiao in what he thinks will be his career defining moment. Mayorga first sprang to prominence beating Andrew Lewis for the WBA Welterweight title, he then stunned Vernon Forrest KO3 to add the WBC title to his collection. He then won a rematch before losing a majority decision for all the marbles against Cory Spinks. He became a two weight world champion when he claimed the WBC laurels beating Michele Piccarillo in 2005. Never one to turn down a challenge Mayorga has fought many of the top fighters of his generation including Felix Trinidad LKO8, Oscar De La Hoya LKO6, Fernando Vargas PTS12 & Shane Mosley LKO12.

Hello Ricardo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You have a big fight coming up against Miguel Cotto on 12 March in Las Vegas. What do you think of that fight and Cotto as a fighter?

Ricardo Mayorga – I think that he a punched out old fighter and I’m going to knock him out quickly.

Anson Wainwright – In your last fight your stopped Michael Walker in nine rounds. Can you tell us how you felt after so long out of the ring?

Ricardo Mayorga – I was very strong, I wasn’t in the best shape but I was in good shape and now I’m even better.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us why you had so long out of the ring? You didn’t fight in over 2 years, what happened?

Ricardo Mayorga – I had an automobile accident and I was out for 2 years. I was operated on, I had a minor operation on my back.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team for this fight, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at in America?

Ricardo Mayorga – My Promoter is Don King, my trainer is Luis Leon and Al Bonami is co-training me. I don’t have a manager, I do that myself. Where training for this fight in Ocala, Fl. at Danny Santiago’s gym called Central Florida Boxing. Danny is still fighting but was a ranked Light Heavyweight & Cruiserweight.

Anson Wainwright – You always seem to make weight with ease, why is this and what is your walk around weight between fights?

Ricardo Mayorga – I’m about 161/162 right now. I never really have trouble with my weight, that’s why I’m always underweight. I’m going to come in 152 when I fight Cotto and I’m going to be eating Puerto Rican beans!

Anson Wainwright – You love to play the villain and regularly try to get under your opponents skin. Is this who you are, can you tell us about your nicer side?

Ricardo Mayorga – I always like to a bad guy like in the movies.

Al Bonanni – I started with him when he came to the United States and we were together until he won the title and then I left because he’s a lot to handle and then I worked with him for Trinidad and left again. As far as a person, I love him, I really like him, he’s a wonderful person. We get along very good, we have no problems. He calls me Papi Gordo which is Far Man! Ha-ha He’s a very nice person to me. I have no problems with him. He has a wonderful personality. I don’t believe the energy he has.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days growing up in Managua did you have a tough time growing up?

Ricardo Mayorga – It was really tough, we were very poor. I always used to fight in the streets and in school. I was always in a fight.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing, what are your hobbies and Interests?

Ricardo Mayorga – Playing Billiards and I like to play cards like poker with family.

Anson Wainwright – What is the proudest moment of your career so far?

Ricardo Mayorga – It still hasn’t come to it, the greatest will be when I beat Pacquiao.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought many of the best fighters of your generation including De Le Hoya, Forrest, Mosley, Vargas, Spinks & Trinidad. Who do you consider the best ?

Ricardo Mayorga – For me De La Hoya.

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

Ricardo Mayorga – I want to put the money I earned in the bank and live on a ranch in Nicaragua.

Anson Wainwright – Are there any up an coming fighters you would like to mention from Nicaragua?

Ricardo Mayorga – Right now there isn’t anyone.

Anson Wainwright – Much has been said about you on wiki-leaks with regards an incident between you and a young lady & your relationship with President Ortega. Could you give us your thoughts?

Ricardo Mayorga – I don’t have any comment on that. I have the president’s respect and he has mine. All that on the Internet is just baloney. The only thing I can say is the president is a just man and he’s a good man and we have a good relationship.

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

Ricardo Mayorga – Buy the PPV it’s going to be a great fight and I’m going to knock him out in 4 rounds.

Thank you for your Time Ricardo & Al.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Special thanks Al Bonanni

Relentless Preview – As well as the Cotto-Mayorga main event the Showtime PPV will have several other bouts. Miguel Vazquez 27-3(12) will be defending his IBF Lightweight title for the second time against unbeaten mandatory challenger Lenny Zappavigna 25-0(17). It pits the classic boxer (Vazquez) against the fighter (Zappavigna). We’ll also see the return of both Joshua Clottey 35-4(20) & Yuri Foreman 28-1(8) in seperate Light Middleweight bouts. Clottey hasn’t been seen since his tentative performance against Manny Pacquiao a year ago will be up against Calvin Green 21-5-1(13). While Foreman was last seen 9 months ago when he injured his knee and lost his title to Cotto meets Pawel Wolak 28-1(18). Amateur standout Matt Korobov 13-0(8) see’s action for the first time in 2011 when he meets Michael Walker 19-6-2(12) over 8 rounds. Also scheduled for action Lightweight Juan Gonzalez 10-0(9), Heavyweights Eric Molina 16-1(12) & Tommy Zbikowski 1-0(1), Featherweight Jesus Rojas 16-1(12) & the return of the ever popular Christy Martin 49-5-3(31).

Trainer Emanuel Steward talks Lee – McEwan; Miguel Cotto and Wladimir Klitschko

Former WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman answers the questions of Claudia Bocanegra about the recent months that has seen highs of welcoming his new son and lows of losing his world title, the death of his manager and recovery from knee surgery. Foreman will take on Pawel Wolak on March 12th underneath Miguel Cotto and Ricardo Mayorga

1. Since your knee surgery and rehabilitation, do you feel physically ready for your upcoming fight?
Yes, I feel good. My knee seems to work good

2. You will be fighting Polish fighter Pawel Wolak. What are you strategies for this fight?
To dance Polka

3. You and Wolak are friends. Is it difficult to fight someone who you are friendly with?
I’m Professional

4. What do you think his strengths and weakness are?
he throws alot of punches. Putting pressure is his strength

5. Depending on the outcome of this fight, how do you feel about a possible rematch with Miguel Cotto?
I would like that

6. I noticed that you are no longer with trainer Joe Grier. Would you like to talk about why the change?
Joe Grier helped me become world champion. he is a great trainer and I will be forever thankful to him. I had lots of changes in the last few months so I am exploring.

7. You’ve had your knee injury, your 1st loss, and the loss of your friend/manager all that came in a short period of time. How were you able to deal with all of this?
The loss of my manager is very tough. He was very close to me like family. I used to call him “Zeide” which means grandpa in Yiddish. In the same time my son was born which brings me happiness.

Thank you for your time.

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was on hand at BB KIngs in New York City for the explosive press conference to announce the March 12th Pay Per View Showdown between WBA Super Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto and Ricardo Mayorga

Part 1/6 Cotto-Mayorga NYC Press Conference 1/19/11

Part 2/6 Cotto-Mayorga NYC Press Conference 1/19/11

Part 3/6 Cotto-Mayorga NYC Press Conference 1/19/11

Part 4/6 Cotto-Mayorga NYC Press Conference 1/19/11

Part 5/6 Cotto-Mayorga NYC Press Conference 1/19/11

Part 6/6 Cotto-Mayorga NYC Press Conference 1/19/11

Legendary promoter Bob Arum talks all things Top Rank which includes Donaire – Montiel; Cotto – Mayorga and Pacquiao – Mosley

Woman’s boxing sensation Christie Martin discusses her upcoming appearance on the Cotto – Mayorga undercard plus an update on the recent incident where she was allegedly shot and stabbed by her husband

Three division world champion Miguel Cotto talks about his March 12th showdown with Ricardo Mayorga

Legendary Promoter Don King discusses Cotto – Mayorga as well as Alexander – Bradley

Former two-divison world champion Ricardo Mayorga discusses his March 12 showdown with Miguel Cotto

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a proposed early 2011 fight between world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and three division world champion wont happen due to a big discrepancy over money between promoters Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment.

Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter, told ESPN.com that Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Cotto’s promoter, insisted on buying out the Martinez side instead of splitting the revenue on a percentage basis from what would have been a pay-per-view fight in March. DiBella did not say what percentage split he had in mind, but said it would have heavily favored Cotto, the proven PPV performer.

“The Martinez-Cotto discussions are dead because Bob doesn’t want to do any kind of co-promotion no matter what the split,” DiBella said.

DiBella said Arum offered him $2.5 million against an upside of the potential pay-per-view profits. DiBella declined and said he countered by offering to buy out Arum for $5 million against an upside of pay-per-view profits.

“Bob said no, so pretty much that’s the end of the discussion. There’s nothing more to discuss,” DiBella said.

Arum, who turns 79 on Wednesday, would not go in the details of their discussions but told ESPN.com, “We couldn’t come to terms. I talked to the Cotto people. They wanted particular terms and Lou wasn’t agreeable. Lou wanted to do a percentage deal and Cotto didn’t want to do a percentage deal. Cotto wanted to do a big number for Martinez plus an upside of the pay-per-view. I do whatever my fighters want. If Cotto wanted to fight Martinez on any particular grounds, as long as I could make some dough, of course, I would do it, not even a question.

“But I’m not going to tell you what did happen because those things are supposed to be confidential. Lou called and we couldn’t make a deal. Period.”

“I am not a paid booking agent. I am a promoter,” DiBella said. “Sergio Martinez is not an opponent. He’s a champion and right now one of the hottest fighters in boxing. Bob is entitled to take whatever kind of business positions he wants and I am entitled to say no. I went back to [Martinez adviser] Sampson [Lewkowicz] and the fighter and they not only supported my position but insisted on it.”

“He’ll fight Margarito,” Arum said of Cotto. “Margarito is going to get a physical to determine when he can fight. The earlier we can do it, the better.”

“Cotto-Margarito, at the end of the day, that’s the fight that everybody wants because that fight would do the most money,” Arum said. “The first fight did about 500,000 homes [on pay-per-view] and there’s no reason why [a rematch] shouldn’t do the same.”

Cotto has previously said he did not want to fight Margarito again because of his feelings that he cheated in their first fight. However, Arum said Cotto would do the fight.

“I know so that he is willing to fight Margarito again,” Arum said.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman had successful surgery on his right knee. He injured the knee last Saturday night when he dropped a ninth round stoppage to Miguel Cotto in Yankee Stadium.

“It was a success. Yuri was released and starts rehabilitation on Monday,” said Dr. Laith Jazrawi in a statement. “If all goes well, he should be fine in six months. This was from a chronic injury and we didn’t find anything unusual. There were no surprises and nothing we couldn’t repair.”

“I’m pleased the surgery went well,” Foreman said in a statement. “Being on crutches is not the fun part. I thank my fans for their outpouring of good wishes.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

As Cotto returns to former glory, his fans return to full pitch at Yankee Stadium.

It was a great site to behold; thousands of fans at legendary Yankee Stadium waiting to see the once bright up-and-comer, Miguel Cotto return to glory after suffering severe losses at the (loaded) hands of Antonio Margarito and the seemingly invincible Manny Pacquiao.

People had considered Cotto down for the count after those monumental losses and the injuries endured even during his winning fight against Joshua Clottey, but Cotto came to the ring with something to prove, and he knew he had to deliver. Perhaps it was the new trainer in Emanuel Steward or perhaps it was the shiny WBA Light Middleweight title belt on the line, but whatever it was, it worked. Cotto, fighting most recently at Welterweight, seemed a natural Light Middleweight, bossing Yuri Foreman around the ring for the duration of the fight. Foreman, a game yet arguably untested world title holder did little to stave off the aggressive and powerful Cotto. Emanuel Steward’s training was evident right off the bat as Cotto’s footwork and movement seemed vastly improved since his last fight against Pacquiao, (though Pacquiao can make anyone look like they’re dancing in cement.)

It is clear that Cotto has come to fight as soon as the bell rings. Aggressively sticking his jab, Cotto turtles up only for a moment during the 1st round. The 2nd round sees more of Cotto’s jab and also a more aggressive Foreman, working his jab as well. Cotto lands more punches, working Foreman’s body with his left hook and takes the round. The 3rd round is more about the body and hooks from both fighters. Strangely enough, Foreman’s mouthpiece falls out and referee Arthur Mercante Jr. demands Cotto’s corner to clean it off while adamantly telling trainer, Emanuel Steward not to speak to the fighter.

The 4th round sees the best exchanges of the fight, with both fighters landing stiff jabs and powerful exchanges. Cotto’s defense also seems to have improved under Steward’s tutelage and it’s a toss-up as to who wins the round. Foreman seems to weaken in the 5th and 6th rounds, though there are some good hooks landed by both fighters.

A slip in the 7th round has Foreman limping and Cotto rushing in to finish the job, but Foreman’s heart wins out the round. Foreman falls and limps his way through the first half of the 8th round until a towel comes flying into the ring from his corner. Cotto’s corner comes rushing in and starts celebrating their victory until referee Mercante announces that the fight isn’t over and everybody needs to clear the ring. Apparently, Foreman’s corner denies throwing the towel in, although it was clearly a corner towel, and so the fight goes back on. Mercante gets respect for taking control of the situation and clearing the ring so quickly, even though the fight should have been ended at that point.

Slightly confused, both fighters regain composure and continue fighting until it becomes blatantly obvious to referee Mercante that Foreman isn’t in any shape to keep fighting, so the fight is stopped for real this time.

Miguel Cotto wins the WBA Light Middleweight Title and wins his fans the world over…again. Foreman gains new fans by showing incredible heart in the ring and can hold his head high. Where will each fighter go from here? Can’t wait to find out.

Congratulations on an awesome victory Cotto!!!

For more, click www.broadcastboxing.com

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman suffered a torn ACL in the seventh round of title loss to Miguel Cotto this Saturday night at Yankee Stadium in New York this past Saturday night.

“They’re going to rebuild Yuri’s ACL and take out the cartilage, basically give him a brand new knee,” said MurrayWilson, who is Foreman’s manager.

“We’ve been getting messages and e-mails from people from all around the world who were impressed with Yuri’s heart,” Wilson said. “I’m very proud of Yuri with the way he fought. I think he’ll come back better than ever.”

“He (The Doctor) told Yuri, ‘In six months, you’ll be able to sit down on your punches and your knee will be stronger than it ever was.’ He’ll have more power because he’ll be able to sit down on his punches better and have more leverage,” Wilson said. “The doctor said, ‘In six months, you’ll be ready to rumble.’ In four months, he should be able to walk around without a problem and exercise, but it’s probably six months to fully recover. We’re talking about maybe a fight in February.

Marc Abrams Live! Foreman/Cotto and weekend Fight recaps and upcoming fight previews! 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD. And joined by Billy from Philly – A weekly Sunday boxing show covering Boxing from all angles.

Former WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman talks about his disappointing loss to Miguel Cotto

Watch Yuri Foreman post fight press conference in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Now three-time champion, Miguel Cotto talks about his win over Yuri Foreman plus answers questions about future opponents

Watch Miguel Cotto Post fight press conference in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Yuri Foreman 154 – Miguel Cotto 153.5
Joe Greene 151.5 – Vanes Martirosyan 153 1/4

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was at Yankee Stadium as WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman and former two-division world champion Miguel Cotto met the media just three days before thir historic battle at Yankee Stadium. Also see photos featuring the televised co-feature between undefeated Jr. Middleweights Vanes Martirosyan and Joe Greene

Joined by new trainer Emanuel Steward, former two-division champion Miguel Cotto works out for the media at Trinity Boxing Club in New York City just four days before his big showdown with WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman in Yankee Stadium–Photos by Claudia Bocanegra

WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman works out for the media at the Trinity Boxing Club in New York City in anticipation of his big showdown with Miguel Cotto this Saturday night in Yankee Stadium–Photos by Claudia Bocanegra

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was on hand at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York to capture WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman workout in advance of his big title defense against Miguel Cotto on June 5th at Yankee Stadium

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was in Yankee Stadium on Friday to take the up-close pictures of WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Formean and former two-divison champion Miguel Cotto as they met the media in reference to their June 5th showdown in the Stadium

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Provided that a bar mitzvah doesn’t prohibit it from occurring, WBA super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman is expected to defend his crown against former WBO welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto on June 5 at Yankee Stadium.

“The Yankees want to make a deal, we know we can make a deal, they’re just working through a problem at Yankee Stadium,” promoter Bob Arum told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

“But you wouldn’t believe it if I told you. They’ve leased out some lounges for this bar mitzvah and part of the deal was for a half hour or so, they could use the big screen in center field to show pictures and all that sort of stuff. Obviously you can’t do that if there’s a fight going on.”

Cotto (34-2, 27 KOs) last fought on Nov. 14 when he relinquished his belt to Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) by a brutal 12th round TKO.

On the undercard of the Pacquiao versus Cotto bout, Foreman (28-0, 8 KOs), who is ironically an aspiring rabbi, defeated Daniel Santos (32-4-1-1, 23 KOs) by unanimous decision to become Israel’s first ever world boxing champion.

Foreman, 29, the winner of the New York Golden Gloves in 2001, was considered as a potential opponent for Pacquiao after the WBO champion’s proposed matchup with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (40-0, 25 KOs) deteriorated earlier this month.

However, Pacquiao rejected the offer mainly because Foreman, at five feet and eleven inches, is quite tall for a welterweight. As evidenced by his paltry knockout percentage, Foreman does not possess tremendous power in either of his fists.

Still, Foreman is a tactician in the ring and his height has posed problems for his opponents in the past.

“Foreman is a solid boxer,” said Brad Sherwood, a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym in Medford, Massachusetts. “He is way taller than Cotto and Cotto has been through so many wars that he is old for a 29-year-old. But, I still think Cotto will win though because he is such a powerful warrior. I would take Cotto by a stoppage in the later rounds.”

Foreman was born in Gomel, Belarus.

At age nine, Foreman immigrated with his family to Israel and it was in the Holy Land where he began to box at a local Arab gym.

“The first time I walked in, I saw the stares. In their eyes, there was a lot of hatred,” said Foreman. “But, I needed to box; and boy, did they all want to box me.”

Particularly because of the pounding he received at the hands of Pacquiao, Cotto is going to “want to box” and bludgeon Foreman as well.

Foreman’s vast size advantage and relatively cautious style will keep him competitive in the fight.

Nevertheless, expect Cotto to ultimately brawl his way to a decisive knockout victory over Foreman whenever the two finally meet in the Bronx.

Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank