Knockout Nation

(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 29, 2008)

On June 28th, Manny Pacquiao served notice to the lightweight division and made his presence known by defeating David Diaz via knockout at 2:24 of the ninth round. With his victory, Pacquiao captured the WBC Lightweight title and watched his record improve to 47-3-2.

Throughout the fight, Pacman displayed improved boxing skill and tremendous speed that left Diaz downright confused at times. Although Diaz was much slower, and kept off balance by Manny’s speed throughout the fight, he remained brave in coming forward trying to land something big on Manny. However, it was not to be as Pacquiao was simply too good on this night. As the fight progressed, Manny’s accurate punching began to find the mark more and more consistently. As Diaz continued to show his toughness in coming forward, Pacquiao would throw an array of cpmbinations and punches at his target including uppercuts, jabs and hooks that ultimately began to take there toll on Diaz. As the fight went into the 9th round, Diaz’s face was left battered and bloody due to the vicious beating Pacman administered. In the last and final round, Diaz was caught by a left hand from Pacquiao that sent him crashing to the canvas. Referee Vic Drakulich had seen enough stopped the fight immediately.
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(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 27, 2008)

Today it was reported on espn.com that Legendary promoter Don King and Golden Boy CEO, Richard Schaefer have come to a deal that will pit “Sugar” Shane Mosley against Ricardo Mayorga on October 11th on HBO PPV.

According to the terms, the split was 55-45 in favor of Golden Boy and the fight will be contested at the Jr. Middleweight limit of 154 pounds. Both Mosley and Mayorga have had common opponents in their careers including Oscar De La Hoya, Vernon Forrest, and Fernando Vargas with varying results. Their common thread is that they were both able to soundly defeat Fernando Vargas which set the stage for his retirement.

Although Mosley currently campaigns at Welterweight, he seemingly has no problem fluctuating between the weight divisions. As previously reported, Team Mosley and Goldne Boy attemted to fight Sergio Mora but has those plans nixed once Vernon Forrest enforced a rematch clause. Mayorga has been quietly lurking in the shadows since his victory over Vargas. According to King, the plan is for Mayorga to defeat Mosley and move down to Welterweight to face Miguel Cotto.

BY: BROWN

Brownkn1@gmail.com

(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 27, 2008)

Tickets go on Sale Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m.

LOS ANGELES – Mexico celebrated its independence from Spain on the historic date of September 16, 1810 and over the years, this day has grown to become a special day of celebration, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. This year, the boxing world will celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day when reigning Ring Magazine World Lightweight Champion Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor meets former two-division World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. in a 12-round championship bout that celebrates the best of the sweet science and two of its greatest practitioners.
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(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 27, 2008)

To David and Manny,

Good luck to both of you this Saturday. I know alot of folks are predicting Manny to win this with ease, but I also know it ain’t gonna happen that easily. But that’s neither here nor there. I’m writing this letter because I want the winner of your fight to really consider the history that could be made by fighting the winner of my September 13th fight with Joan Guzman, which of course I am confident will be me Anyways, the winner of your fight in meeting the winner of my fight has the chance to do something that has only been done once in the history of boxing. A complete unification of the IBF,WBO, WBC, and WBA world titles. The only other person in history to accomplish that feat was Bernard Hopkins. Roy never did it. Oscar never did it. Floyd never did it. Nobody except Bernard ever did it. And that’s not to say we would be better than those guys, or anything like that, but we do have the opportunity to do something that they never did. So lets truly make the effort, for the sake of history, to make a fight between us a reality, before mandatories, or other economic realities prevent the titles from staying together.
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(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 26, 2008)

Below is a list of fights that I as a fight fan would love to see take place this year. Understanding the likelihood of them happeneing is slim and none, I still thought it would be cool to ponder on the thought. There may be some choices you agree on and some you don’t. Please feel free to e-mail me and let me know what matchups you would like to see the remainder of the year. So without further ado, in no particular order, I present my top 10 “dream matches” for the remainder of 2008:

1. Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto: This is a fight most fans would love to see as it would bring closure to the debate as to who would win between these two. Both fighters have contrasting styles with Floyd at the peak of his career and Cotto seemingly becoming better each time out. Could Floyd’s brand of sweet science confuse and frustrate Cotto all night? Or would Cotto’s relentless pressure and fierce body shots finally end Floyd’s undefeated reign. I know Floyd is supposedly retired….but it’s still fun to wonder.

2. Kelly Pavlik vs. Winky Wright: Most people are calling for a fight with Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham and that is a fight I would certainly love to see as well. However, even more so, I would love to see Kelly take on Winky Wright at 160 pounds. Wright would be at his best fighting weight and would absolutely be the best technical fighter Pavlik would face thus far. On top of being an excellent defensive fighter with a perfect jab, Wright has all the fundamental skills necessary to make it a tough night for anyone he faces. Pavlik has excellent power, advantages in size and reach and is an excellent finisher once he has an opponent hurt. Arum seems to want to overlook Wright, but in my book, Wright is still one of the top three middleweights in the division. In addition, Wright always comes to fight and a match between he and Pavlik could be an even better middleweight match up than his 2006 encounter with Jermaine Taylor.

3. Nate Campbell vs. Joel Casamayor: Although we are getting some excellent lightweight fights in lieu of this fight not happening, it still is the defining fight to prove who THEE man is at light weight. Many will say that guy is Casamayor as he holds the Ring Lightweight title. Others will say Casamayor was given a gift over Santa Cruz and Campbell is that guy due to his punishing victory over Juan Diaz. Although it is unlikely for this year, I’m still hoping Campbell and Casamayor can meet to settle the debate (if they get past Guzman and Marquez respectively). It may not be the most exciting fight that can be made at lightweight, but as of right now, it is the most important fight.

4. Jermaine Taylor vs. Mikkel Kessler: After losing twice to Kelly Pavlik, Jermaine Taylor has begun to look ahead and has decided to compete full time at Super Middleweight. Also lurking in that division is the second best Super Middleweight after Joe Calzaghe, Mikkel Kessler. After losing to Calzaghe last November, Kessler was able to defeat Dimitri Sartison to gain the WBA Super Middleweight Title. I think most would agree that this would make for a terrific fight in the division and one that you couldn’t completely count Taylor out of. Sure, his career suffered a setback after his first KO loss. However, even in defeat, Taylor showed a champion’s heart with his performance in the second Pavlik fight. Taylor is young, athletic, has good power and if he’s truly focused, he can be a threat in this division. Mikkel Kessler is no pushover in the ring himself and if both show up to fight….we could see fireworks.

5. Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez III: Please refer to their first two fights. Enough said.

6. Roy Jones vs. Bernard Hopkins II: Okay, okay…I know some of you will question this choice. These are two legends that are older and no longer in their primes. However, after years of teasing the public with a potential rematch, I think it’s fair that they split a pot down the middle 50/50 and give the fans the fight they want (or once wanted at least). Make no mistake about. There was no controversy their first fight as Jones won fair and square. However, that fight was so long ago and Hopkins has become such a more complete fighter since then. These two are both campaigning at light heavyweight and are probably thisclose to retiring for good. I know Jones seems to be a lock for a fight with Calzaghe, but speaking for myself here, I wish he and Hopkins were facing off one last time in a possible farewell fight.

7. Zab Judah vs. Shane Mosley: Yup, you definitely read it right. Although this isn’t a “dream” fight and did almost happen, I truly think a match between these two would be a barn burner. I don’t know about everybody else, but I was highly looking forward to this match before it was suddenly cancelled due to Zab’s injury. Both are recently coming off of losses by way of Miguel Cotto and both want to prove they still belong. Hopefully, if they get past their next opponents (Clottey and Mayorga), this fight can be made again so we can see on of the best welterweight fights that can be made right now.

8. Joe Calzaghe vs. Chad Dawson: To me, this would be one of the best matches that can be made at the light heavyweight division right now. The young lion who is the future of the division in Chad Dawson, taking on the old man who happens to be THEE Champion of the division. Dawson has youth and athleticism on his side, but by now, Calzaghe’s age shouldn’t fool anyone. He is still as slick and savy as ever in the ring and has great conditioning, speed and a competitive drive. If Dawson were to win, it would be a true tale of the passing of the torch from the old to the new.

9. Israel Vasquez vs. Juan Manuel Lopez: Although this one would most likely be a ways off, I still would like to see it nevertheless. Many would say that Vasquez would be too much of a step up for Lopez, but after watching Lopez’s destruction of Ponce De Leon, how could you not think this kid could more than hold his own? Now, could the brutal trilogy with Marquez have taken its toll on Vasquez? Most feel that is very possible. However, you couldn’t possibly count out a prideful warrior like Vasquez and his hungry desire to win at all costs. This would be a tremendous fight between two hard nosed warriors and one that can hopefully happen down the road.

10. Jeff Lacy vs. Edison Miranda: Yes, I realize that Edison Miranda was just knocked out by Arthur Abraham last week. Yes, I realize that Jeff Lacy has not looked spectacular since Joe Calzaghe took him to school overseas. But you know what? Something about this fight just seems…FUN. For some reason, I could picture these two swinging for the fences trying to take each other out in an all out Super Middleweight WAR. It could be a far fetched thought but not totally impossible. Miranda will be looking to rebuild after his loss and Lacy still needs to show that he can get back to the form that has us all in awe at one point. Call me crazy, but I think these two would throw down something serious.

Honorable Mention

Glenn Johnson vs. “Anyone that can provide him with a HUGE payday”: Johnson is one of the toughest dudes in the game bar none who leaves it all in the ring every single time out. Can anyone REALLY tell me this guy doesn’t deserve another big payday before he finally hangs the gloves up for good?……..Didn’t think so.

BY: BROWN

Brownkn1@gmail.com

(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 25, 2008)

- Ring Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight champion, Joe Calzaghe has split with his long time promoter Frank Warren. Calzaghe made the announcement in the South Wales Argus that indicated he is content to manage himself. Calzaghe stated, “”There has been a lot of speculation about my future. At this time I want to set the record straight and end that speculation. I am now a free agent with no contract and intend to be self-managed from now on. I am the only person who can make negotiations for my next fight. Calzaghe also went on to reiterate that fact that he has no plans on fighting Middleweight champion, Kelly Pavlik. Instead, Calzaghe appears to be going the Roy Jones Jr. route as has been previously reported. “Regarding that fight, I am not in negotiations with Kelly Pavlik, despite reports to the contrary. My intention is to fight Roy Jones Junior, a four-weight world champion fighter. That would be a special event for me against a legend of the sport. There are issues to be resolved with my former promoter Frank Warren and I hope they can be done so amicably”, stated Calzaghe. Early reports indicate that fight could take place September 20, 2008 on HBO PPV

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(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 25, 2008)

Open Letter to Chris Arreola
From U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada
Dear Chris,

Congratulations on your win last weekend against Chazz Whitherspoon. I honestly didn’t agree with the referee’s decision to disqualify Chazz but hell, I really haven’t been impressed by anything you have done.

I think it’s time for us to determine who is America’s top heavyweight prospect. I’ve been minding my business, fighting anybody my promoter Jimmy Burchfield has put in front of me. None of them have had a losing record and the combined record of my opponents when they fought me is 203-73-9. Nine of your 24 opponents had losing records, 256-180-21 overall. There are a lot of cupcakes and tomato cans on your resume. My opponents had a winning percentage of 71% and your opponents combined for only 56%.
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(KNOCKOUT NATION – JUNE 25, 2008)

Las Vegas, Nevada – “Slick” Nick Sampson & Macke Roberts of Sin City Sports & Entertainment proudly announce the nomination of former WBC Continental Americas Jr. Welterweight Champion Emanuel Augustus formally known as Emanuel Burton for fight of the decade by ESPN friday night fights..

Emanuel Augustus along with Sin City Sports & Entertainment would like to thank everyone at ESPN for nominating the 2001 ESPN fight of the year between Emanuel Augustus & “Irish” Mickey Ward for the prestigious award of fight of the decade on ESPN friday night fights. Emanuel Augustus says “It’s a great honor that people have nominated my fight with Mickey Ward as ESPN fight of the decade. I want to thank them all for their support, I greatly appreciate this and can’t thank my fans enough.”

Nick Sampson & Macke Roberts of Sin City Sports & Entertainment says “The fight between Emanuel Augustus & “Irish” Mickey Ward was one of the most exciting, action packed fights of the last 20 years. They don’t make action fighters like Emanuel & Mickey anymore. Emanuel has fought on ESPN numerous times in his career and he was always exciting to watch and he gave the fans their hard earned money’s worth.” Fighters like Emanuel Augustus & “Irish” Mickey Ward could have fought in any era of boxing and they would have been very competitive.

Emanuel Augustus says “I haven’t given up yet on becoming a world champion and I don’t plan to. I have a WBO regional title fight coming up and I’m ready to win and keep winning. I’m focused on making my way back to the top. I want to thank ESPN for keeping me alive, this means so much to me.”

Nick Sampson and Macke Roberts of Sin City Sports & Entertainment says “We want to thank all the fans of Emanuel Augustus for their support throughout the years and thank you in advance for your support to come. We want all the great boxing fans to cast your vote for Emanuel Augustus versus “Irish” Mickey Ward for ESPN fight of the decade by clicking on the link below.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=3518

Nick Sampson and Macke Roberts of Sin City Sports & Entertainment says “There are still many people in pro boxing who doubt the talent and skill level of Emanuel Augustus. There are some exciting things going on in the career of Emanuel Augustus right now that we cannot elaborate on yet however stay tuned for some exciting blockbuster announcements soon”.