Boxing News: Pacquiao-Marquez, Andre Berto, James Kirkland and more

By Peter Wells

Image Credit Flickr User audiovisualjunkie

Juan Manuel Marquez was once again left to leave the ring after a bout with Manny Pacquiao with nothing to show for his performance. In parts 1 and 2 of the trilogy the fights were close and ultimately decided on knockdowns. This time though there were no knockdowns and in most people's eyes, Marquez was the winner.

Manny Pacquiao again got the nod by majority decision, by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 while the final judge couldn't separate the two scoring 114-114. It was a relatively close fight and many rounds were hard to score, but as the fight dragged on it seemed as though Marquez was taking command and he was even starting to force the exchanges. It could come down to Pacquiao's sublime speed which worked quite effectively in the first half of the fight.

I watched the fight on YouTube the next morning and can't give you my exact score, though I definitely said to myself while watching the fight, "That was Marquez's round", more than I said "That was Manny's round". I will have to watch the fight again to be able to give my exact scorecard.

For many it was a surprise that it was so close but I believed that the fight would be close as both styles will always make for a close fight. It was another super fight that has ended on a bad note, but it wasn't exactly a robbery, just a controversial decision.

Berto vacates title to get revenge on Ortiz

Something that was less of a surprise is that Andre Berto has vacated his IBF Welterweight title that he'd just won off Jan Zaveck. Andre would have been forced into a pointless defence against fading tough man Randall Bailey. Andre though isn't interested in titles if he can't get revenge on rival Victor Ortiz. The fight will likely happen early next year and the fans are hoping for more fireworks, while Berto hopes for a different result.

Both fighters know that defeat is not an option, even though the loser won't exactly be pushed out of contention for titles but super fights with Mayweather, Pacquiao, Marquez or Khan would seem a long way away. Victor Ortiz has already had one chance but knows another win against Berto may put him back in line - and with the way the Mayweather-Ortiz fight ended, not many people would begrudge Ortiz his second shot.

Berto though is extremely bitter as Ortiz took the opportunity that he felt was his and i'm sure the way it ended was as frustrating for him as it was for everyone who payed to watch it. This is his perfect chance at redemption and I believe this time he'll be the one on his way to fight one of the superpowers.

James Kirkland to be rewarded for fine performance

After James Kirkland magnificent brawl with Alfredo Angulo, it looks like the Texan will get his long awaited shot at a world title. Cornelius Bundrage, the IBF Light Middleweight champion has taken notice and is very much up for defending against Kirkland. The fight is not yet official, but it could be a very attractive fight for early next year, to add to the list of potential crackers.

Other Boxing News

Also I was very impressed with Chris Eubank Jr last weekend, he boxed very well in his professional debut, throwing his jab with authority and did well to stop his negative opponent. Eubank Sr gave his son a few tips during rounds, telling his son to go downstairs which he did well, landing some crunching body shots. Eubank clearly has a bright future to add to the ever growing list of British prospects.

Tyson Fury on the same show showed more weaknesses in his defence, getting floored by Canadian Nevan Pajkic. But to his credit he got up to rally home a stoppage in the next round to prove he was still out of his opponents league. His tendency to get caught by the overhand right is becoming increasingly worrying if he's to step up to world level.

Finally Julio Cesar Chavez Jr takes on Peter Manfredo Jr on Saturday night. It won't be the most exciting fight but Manfredo should offer Chavez a decent challenge, but will be on the wrong end of a one sided decision.

Amir Khan Hopeful On Facing Floyd Mayweather

Amir Khan is on course to face Floyd Mayweather next year after beating Zab Judah last night, knocking him out in the fifth round with a body shot.

The Bolton fighter dominated the American in all the five rounds to claim Judah’s IBF light-welterweight crown and now Amir Khan will be looking to move upto welterweight division where he could face Floyd Mayweather.

Khan looks likely to have one more fight before stepping upto 147lbs where he could fight against Kell Brook in an all English encouter,  Khan who now has a 26-1 record as a professional also hinted that he would like rematch against Breidis Prescott to revenge his only defeat in the ring.

"Amir will move up to 147 after December," said Khan's business manager Asif Vali.

"That is something that he is looking to do in December or early next year.

"And what we'll be looking to do is maybe have one more fight in the UK. Kell Brook is there at 147 - that's a fight that interests the British fans.

"After that, the summer, Mayweather is there. Yesterday he (Mayweather) came out and made a statement - he wants to fight Amir in the UK, so I hope he sticks by it."

Khan is a confident fighter and is willing to face anyone out there.

"I'll fight anyone and there are some big names out there for me. I'll take a look at the short list," he said.

"My aim is to move up the pound-for-pound rankings and to one day be pound-for-pound champion. I want to be the best fighter in the world.

"I'm still a fight or two away from there yet. At 25 I'll fight at 147 pounds and see where we go from there.
"We just keep on collecting titles, that's what we want to do. I'm only 24 and there's a lot of improvement to come."

Speaking about a possible mouth-watering clash with Mayweather in the future, Kahn said; "The Mayweather fight is something I'm looking at the for the future and it would be huge for me. It would drive me on.

"I've got the speed and the skills and with (trainer) Freddie Roach polishing me up a little more, it's a fight we can win."

Ricky Hatton Retires From Boxing

Ricky Hatton has today officially retired from Boxing after 14 years in the business, although the Manchester-born fighter hasn’t fought since 2009 after losing to Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas the Hitman hasn’t officially came out and declared his retirement until today.

Hatton's retirement is the end of a dramatic career which saw him achieve success at welterweight and light-welterweight level.

Hatton enjoyed a successful career in Boxing with his most notable achievement coming from his win against Kostya Tszyu in 2005 where he won the IBF and Ring Light Welterweight titles in a comfortable victory for Hatton.

Ricky Hatton earned a reputation as one of Britain's most popular sportsmen and one of Britain’s greatest boxers, the Hitman went on to challenge WBC kingpin Mayweather in Las Vegas losing by knockout in the 10th round.

After his first loss in boxing, Hatton returned ring with victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi before facing pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao.

The two met at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in May 2009, Hatton was knocked out in the second round to leave the Mancunian with a 45-2, 32KOs record.

Fabio Capello's Message To David Haye (VIDEO)

England football manager Fabio Capello has wished David Haye the best of luck ahead of his World Heavyweight Championship fight against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany at the Imtech Arena on Saturday, 2nd July 2011.

David is aiming to unify the Heavyweight division before he retires in October.

This will undoubtedly be Haye's biggest fight of his career so far and is hoping to add the WBO and IBF heavyweight titles in Hamburg to his current WBA title, England will be behind Haye as he attempts to take the Ukrainians titles away after Klitschko's domination of the Heavyweight division for years.

Check out Fabio’s good luck message below:

Chisora Confident On Klitschko Bout

Dereck Chisora says he is looking forward to getting in the ring with Wladimir Klitschko on April 30th, Chisora is delighted to get a second opportunity to fight the Ukrainian after the Champion pulled out of the last fight due to injury and Chisora says he will grap his opportunity with both hands.

WBA title holder David Haye had been tipped to fight IBF and WBO champion Klitschko, but have negotiations stumbled between the two parties, Wladimir decided to re-arrange the bout with Chisora.

"I can't wait to get into the ring and smash the living daylights out of Wladimir," Chisora said.

"He has so many weaknesses. I don't care how many fights I've had. I would have taken him on in my first fight."

Meanwhile Chisora’s promoter Frank Warren insists that the Haye camp are responsible for the break down in negotiating the fight with Wladimir Klitschko, Warren insists that Adam Booth is the hardest man to deal with Boxing.

"The contract between ourselves and Wladimir had a get-out clause in it that said he could fight someone else if he pulled out," Warren said.

"It was no secret that they were talking to Haye but thankfully, true to form, Adam Booth and David Haye made it an easy decision for them.

"I read some of the things that have been said from Adam Booth and David Haye about how difficult the Klitschkos were, but I have dealt with them on two occasions and I can honestly say that Adam Booth is without a doubt the most difficult person I've ever had to deal with in boxing.

"What is he (Haye) doing fighting Audley Harrison when he could have fought Klitschko?

"You have to be an idiot not to know that they (the Klitschkos) want to make the (Haye) fight."

Wladimir: Haye is a Liar & Loser

Wladimir Klitschko has insisted that he can still fight David Haye on July 2nd following his bout with Derek Chisora on April 30th.

But IBF, IBO AND WBO Champion suggests that he won’t need long to prepare to fight David Haye.

The Ukrainian said, "I don't need a half a year to prepare for Haye.

"Me fighting Chisora first is good promotion for the fight because the guy is also British and very loud."

Haye says he will retire this year, but only having Nikolay Valuev in 2009 & Audley Harrison in the third round in November as his biggest victories in the Heavyweight Division. Haye would like to add either Klitschko’s to that list, but the Britain feels Wladimir won’t fight so soon after the Chisora fight should a date be agreed?

Haye said, "A bout with me is the most lucrative, meaningful and dangerous fight Wladimir's ever had, not some throwaway tune-up," said the Londoner.

"Wladimir won't fight anybody nine weeks after Chisora, let alone me."

But Wladimir Klitschko insists that if David Haye offers his mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev step-aside money, then the Ukrainian would be free to fight Haye.

"I don't take David Haye as a super-special fight. I'm always in shape anyway. He could give Chagaev step-aside money and then I'm going to be there with nobody to fight.

"Because of our history before, I would fight him on 2 July and we would work on the contract, but I would fight Chisora first.

"There have a been a lot of lies from David Haye and [trainer] Adam Booth. We found a date, 2 July, to fight him, but I don't trust these guys any more."

Klitschko feels both David Haye and trainer Adam Booth have been lying and playing the media game.

Haye said last week that if Klitschko did not fight him before he retires, the Ukrainian would be forever linked with a failure to take him on.

Klitschko added, He's telling everyone 'I'm going to retire by the end of the year and I will have my legacy'. He's going to have a legacy for the Audley Harrison fight - the most exciting heavyweight fight in history.

"He has no legacy whatsoever. He has this terrible disease and he has to retire? What is that? This is total nonsense. He is playing the media.

"He will not retire because he's a liar, liar, liar. From the beginning to the end, he's a loser liar. That's the truth about this man.

"David Haye has accomplished nothing in the heavyweight division other than to present himself with his stupid T-shirt and comments.

"This guy will eventually fight me."

Haye Calls Wlad A Coward & Targets Chagaev

David Haye has called Wladimir Klitschko a “coward” for avoiding a showdown for the WBA Champion and opting to fight Dereck Chrisora instead. All plans were set in stone after Haye agreed to all of Klitschko’s crazy demands.

David Haye still wanted to fight the Ukrainian at all costs and was hoping to be given the opportunity to unify the Heavyweight division should the fight be agreed. Yet now Wladimir has decided to face Chrisora instead for the IBF and WBO which Klitschko currently holds.

Haye said in a statement: "We agreed to a date of July 2 at a venue in Germany with both Sky Sports and RTL and everybody appeared happy with the deal.

"We made a few concessions to remove past stumbling blocks and were happy to do so, as it finally looked like the fight would get made.

"Even through negotiations, though, it was clear Wladimir was looking for the coward's way out. He would often come up with new obstacles and problems to overcome, and I never once sensed he fancied it.

"He refused to come to England, wanted to pick his own gloves, enter the ring second, box out of the red corner and demanded a German doctor.

"He also wanted his name to feature first on any promotional material ahead of the event. We bowed to each and every one of his demands. I didn't want to potentially jeopardise anything this time around."

"Once I retire, people will always ask him 'why did you not fight David Haye?' and he will have to live with that. If it does not happen now, it never will.

"Hopefully he is getting some serious stick, will read what the world is saying about him and think 'okay maybe I will just cancel this fight and do the fight everyone wants to see'.

"It is pretty sad but shows the mindset of Wladimir Klitschko and why he will go down in history as a heavyweight who just fought the worst possible people out there."

David Haye has now set his sights on facing mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev. With Klitschko now agreeing to re-arrange his fight with England's Dereck Chisora for April 30, WBA heavyweight champion Haye must now make the third defence of his title against the German-based Uzbek Chagaev.

Haye believes IBF AND WBO Champ is running scared and that Klitschko really didn't want the fight.

Haye said; "Fight fans just want to see the best against the best - if only it was that simple," Haye said.

"Very rarely in boxing do you get a situation where you have all the pieces of the puzzle, all the politics have been smoothed over?

"Then all of sudden he announces he is fighting Chisora, knowing I have to then fight Chagaev.

"To then fight me after is impossible - it is a shame he has now shown his true colours.

"What is wrong with now? Nothing. It does not make sense, especially after all the public campaign to get me in the ring. This would be a once in a life-time fight.

David Haye Offers Wladimir Klitschko 50-50 Deal

David Haye’s manager Adam Booth has today confirmed it is now up to the Wladimir Klitschko camp to agree to their latest offer. Previously the negotiations had hit a stumbling block after the WBA champ wanted more than 50% knowing that he would bring more of audience than Klitchsko.

However, now all the previous disagreements have been ironed out, Adam Booth and David Haye were happy to offer Klitschko a 50-50 split.

This was a deal that the Ukrainian had wanted from day one, Wlad had set a deadline of January 4^th to agree to fight and now it’s all up to the WBO and IBF Champ to accept.

"We are now perfectly positioned to get together and make this fight with Wladimir Klitschko," said Booth.

"We have sorted out all the old problems and disagreements and are ready to sign the deal both (Klitschko's manager) Bernd Boente and I discussed on Sky Sports' Ringside show in November.

Speaking on UK television about the money that the Haye camp generates, he added; "Despite the fact we know we bring more UK television money to the table, David and I are happy to split the entire pot 50:50 and grant Wladimir the deal he has wanted since day one.

"We have offered them 50:50 on everything - just as they requested - and now see no reason why this tremendous fight can't happen. The path is clear."

David Haye said that he sees no reason why Klitschko should not agree to a unification fight in 2011. "We have now ticked every box they have asked us to tick and I just hope Wladimir is as eager to fight as he tells everyone he is," said Haye.

"We have removed every possible excuse and have shown we are serious about making this fight become a reality. I'll smoke him out if I have to. I only pray Wladimir is as serious as we are, because this fight needs to happen for the good of the sport."

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Klitschko Postpones Fight

Wladimir Klitschko has pulled out of the schedule fight against Dereck Chrisora this Saturday; the Ukrainian has a back problem and has withdrawn just three days before the fight. 

The WBO and IBF champion has back problems after a public workout on Wednesday and his US advisers Shelley Finkel announced, "Wladimir has withdrawn from the fight that is correct. He has torn a muscle in his back."

"It is not too serious though. He should be able to fight again within 60 days."

Promoter Frank Warren who is already in negotiation to re-schedule the fight said, "I was informed about an hour ago that Klitschko pulled a back muscle and he was out of the fight,"

"Dereck is very disappointed. He didn't believe it. He felt everything was fine. Three or four days before a title fight, most of the hard work is done."

Klitschko put Briggs in hospital

Vitali Klitschko put Shannon Briggs in hospital after their fight and remains there tonight, following their bout on Saturday night. Although the fight went the distance with Klitschko winning on points, with the media suggesting that the fight should of been stopped long before the 12th round. Shanno Briggs in now paying for his bravey during that fight. The American suffered concussion and fractured cheekbones during his lop-sided defeat to Vitali Klitschko.

Also the Ukranian champion wasted no time re-iterating his desire to face David Haye and add the Haye's WBA title to his own and the IBF and WBO belts currently held by his brother Wladimir.

"I would like to knock out Haye so that we can claim the only belt missing from the family's collection," he said.

"There is no-one in the world apart from my brother who can beat me, I am the strongest.

"I still have plenty of energy, and in a few months, I will be ready to get back in the ring."

Klitschko's agent said that they had made a generous offer to the Haye camp to try and convince him to step into the ring.

"We proposed that each fighter would receive 50 percent of the world rights, it is a fair offer," said Bernd Bonte.

"Haye has just to agree to it."

Meanwhile Shannon Briggs has released a statement from hospital saying,

Thank you all for your concern. I came to the hospital saturday night strictly as a precautionary measure, and after several tests the Dr.’s concluded that there were no severe head injuries. I am staying in the hospital to further examine an injury to my left bicep that I suffered in the first round. Unfortunately, the injury kept me from fully executing my fight plan. Not to take anything away from a brilliant performance by Vitali Klitchko Saturday night, had I had not injured my arm early on, who knows how the fight would have concluded.

We are grateful to the fine doctors and people of Hamburg for the excellent care and support they’ve given me thus far, and as a life long asthmatic sufferer I’m truly grateful to Dr. Charles Hensley and his homeopathic formulation Zivair that helped make it possible to go 12 rounds and compete for the WBC title.

As witnessed Saturday night and throughout my career, I never gave in even when my breathing was out of order or any injury kept me from being 100%. Despite prior reports, throughout the contest my trainer Herman Caicedo wanted to stop the fight, but I made it clear that stopping the fight was not an option. Thank you for all of your support and hopefully I showed you the heart of a lion and the perseverance of a champion.

Watch the fight below: