FanHouse

Maskaev Eyes Vitali Klitschko Rematch

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-21T01:05:00 00:00

Filed under: WBC, HBO, Showtime, FanHouse Exclusive

Oleg Maskaev had won two of five fights and been stopped three times when promoter, Dennis Rappaport, met him in 2002 -- not long after the 33-year-old Russian-American had suffered an eighth-round knockout loss to journeyman, Corey Sanders.

Since then, however, Maskaev is 14-1 with 10 knockouts -- a run that began with six straight KOs. The first stoppage was a one-rounder against Erroll Sadikovski in February of 2003.

"Oleg, in the ring, is now doing something that he's never done before -- and that's being relaxed," Rappaport said of Maskaev, who is coming off of a first-round knockout of Rich Boruff in March -- his second straight win since being dethroned as WBC champ a year earlier by Samuel Peter in six rounds.

"A relaxed fighter is the most dangerous fighter in the world. Oleg's boxing beautifully, he's devastating to the body," said Rappaport. "Even at his age, he's learning new things, and, more importantly, he's got the desire to continue learning."

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Kessler Has Edge in Experience vs. Ward

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-20T15:30:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, Showtime

Denmark's WBA champion, Mikkel Kessler, is considered boxing's premier 168-pounder -- and for good reason.

And it is among those same reasons why the 30-year-old "Viking Warrior" is favored to take down 25-year-old former Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward in defense of his title on Saturday night at Oracle Arena.

"Mikkel Kessler's just been in with a higher quality of opponent. And Kessler's been involved with more big fights, fighting, more or less, for 12 rounds since Andre Ward has been a professional boxer," said Doug Fischer, co-editor of RingTV.com. "And now he's fighting in Andre Ward's hometown of Oakland, Calif., which is going to be nothing new to him."

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Pacquiao-Cotto PPV at 1.25 Million Buys; Mayweather-Pacquiao Next?

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-20T13:07:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, Golden Boy Promotions, HBO

Manny Pacquiao's historic, 12th-round knockout of Miguel Cotto, whom he dethroned as WBO welterweight champ for a record, seventh title in as many weight classes on Saturday night, has generated 1.25 million buys, according to official records released to FanHouse by Mark Taffet, HBO's senior vice president of pay per view.

Along with Floyd Mayweather's Sept. 19, unanimous decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, which resulted in 1.05 million buys, this year represents the first time HBO pay per view has ever recorded back-to-back fights exceeding a million buys, Taffet indicated in Friday's e-mail.

Pacquiao-Cotto also marks the first time since 1999 that two, pay per view boxing events have totaled more than a million purchases, joining Felix Trinidad's controversial decision over Oscar De La Hoya, and, Lennox Lewis' disputed draw with Evander Holyfield.

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Pacquiao-Cotto PPV Numbers Rolling in, Nearing 1.5M Buys

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-19T18:09:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said that the early pay-per-view numbers released on Manny Pacquiao's victory over Miguel Cotto are "over a million and under 1.5 million buys -- and that's without all of the precincts being reported."

"They're not really accurate yet, but all that we can say with absolute certainty is that Pacquiao-Cotto was the biggest, revenue-producing event on pay-per-view for the entire year," said Arum. "And that surpasses all of the UFC. Everything. Any event. It's the biggest event of the year from the standpoint of revenue being generated."

Arum, who promotes Pacquiao (50-3-2, 37 knockouts), said that he met with officials at HBO on Thursday concerning the numbers.

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Kessler-Ward Officials' Conflict Resolved

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-19T16:55:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, Showtime

One of the two California judges initially chosen to work Saturday night's 168-pound bout between Denmark's WBA king Mikkel Kessler and challenger Andre Ward has been replaced with a Swedish official, quelling a controversy that had threatened the fight's championship status.

Kessler's promoter, Wilfried Sauerland, said on Wednesday that the WBA had threatened not to sanction Kessler-Ward as a super middleweight title matchup because the referee, Jack Riesse, and at least two of the three judges assigned were from California.

That was in violation of the rules regarding the matchup -- part of Showtime's Super Six Super Middleweight World Boxing Classic -- wherein, at least two judges and the referee were to be from neutral territories, in accordance with contracts signed by each of the tournament's six fighters regarding the nationalities of the officials.

But Ward's promoter, Dan Goossen, said the commission has removed one California judge in favor of Sweden's Mikael Hook, who will work the fight along with South Africa's Stanley Christodoulou and California's Steve Morrow.

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Bert Sugar: Mayweather-Pacquiao Would Be 'Fight Of The Century'

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-19T14:43:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, Golden Boy Promotions, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

Noted boxing historian Bert Sugar believes that a clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao would rival Sugar Ray Leonard's comeback 14th-round knockout of Thomas Hearns in September 1981, when the victor trailed by four, three and two points, respectively, on the three judges' cards.

Calling it "today's Super Bowl of boxing," Sugar said the demand and scope of Mayweather-Pacquio "easily passes" Felix Trinidad's controversial September 1999, 12-round majority decision over Oscar De La Hoya, even as theirs was a clash of a Puerto Rican icon in Trinidad and a cross-over Mexican-American star in De La Hoya.

"[Mayweather-Pacquiao] has international appeal, particularly in Asia. And you've got HBO, which will be pumping it with their 24/7 series. It will be the fight of the century," said Sugar, who, as then-editor of Ring Magazine, named Leonard-Hearns "Fight Of The Year."

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Kessler-Ward Officials' Controversy

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-19T00:58:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, Showtime

A problem has developed concerning Saturday's 168-pound WBA title fight between champion Mikkel Kessler of Denmark and Andre Ward, the third bout of Showtime's Super Six Super Middleweight World Boxing Classic that is being fought at the Oracle Arena in the challenger's hometown of Oakland, Calif.

At least two judges and the referee for each matchup are to be from neutral territories, in accordance with contracts signed by each of the tournament's six fighters regarding the nationalities of the officials.

But during a press conference yesterday at Oakland's City Hall, Kessler's promoter, Wilfried Sauerland, said that the referee, Jack Riesse, and at least two of the three judges selected for the fight are from California, along with South African judge, Stanley Christodoulou, according to a report by the Associated Press.

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Bernard Hopkins' Ring Life Continues

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-18T22:43:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, HBO

Don't wish Bernard Hopkins success, wish him failure.

Specifically, tell the 44-year-old boxer that he's so far past his prime, that you believe he'll lose on Dec. 2 to unheralded 29-year-old Enrique Ornelas, the man he will meet in a non-title, 12-round light heavyweight (175 pounds) bout at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Hopkins' hometown of Philadelphia.

"People have written me off a lot of times in my life, and that's been my biggest motivation. I've always needed people to be rooting against me," said Hopkins, a former Philadelphia street criminal who survived three stabbings, was imprisoned at age 18 for five years, and released in 1988.

"I did not let the street life destroy me. I'm that throwback Philadephia fighter who just happened to take care of himself, and that's why I'm still here," said Hopkins, who is 49-5, with 32 knockouts.

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Mikkel Kessler or Andre Ward? Boxing Experts Weigh In

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-18T18:10:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, Showtime, FanHouse Exclusive

Denmark's WBA super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler will meet former Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward on Saturday night in what shapes up as a clash of similar styles, even as it is a battle of Ward's youth against Kessler's experience.

Both the 30-year-old Kessler (42-1, 32 knockouts) and the 25-year-old Ward (20-0, 13 KOs) are considered excellent athletes whose arsenals include comparable speed as well as solid chins, stamina and general boxing skills.

FanHouse sought the opinions of 10 boxing experts for their predictions on the 168-pound matchup. See the results after the jump.

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Freddie Roach Still Going After Big Win

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-17T23:21:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBC, WBO, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive

Two days after guiding Manny Pacquiao to Saturday night's historic victory over Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, trainer Freddie Roach was back in Los Angeles, where he runs the famous Wild Card Boxing Club.

And even as he worked with another world champion, Amir Khan, as well as other prospects, the Hall of Fame trainer and three-time Trainer Of The Year took the time, on Tuesday, to answer the gym's telephone.

"I'm a little bit tired, and a little bit drained right now, but I can't show that to the fighters," said Roach, speaking against the gym's background noise of the bustling boxers pounding on the heavy-, and speed-bags, as well as the ringing bells of those who were sparring. "Once I get into the gym, I work through it."

A former trainer for Bernard Hopkins, Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Virgil Hill and James Toney, among others, Roach took a break long enough to share Q&A time with FanHouse.

The 49-year-old boxing guru shared his views on Pacquiao's overall talents, Cotto's future, his intense relationship with Cotto's trainer, Joe Santiago, and how he would like his pound-for-pound best fighter to close out his illustrious career.

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Ward vs. Kessler Is Youth vs. Experience

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-17T20:54:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, Showtime

Denmark's Mikkel Kessler has more than twice as many fights -- and wins -- as Andre Ward.

The champion has more than three times as many knockouts, and could be stronger than the challenger, if not equally as fast and athletic.

And although Kessler is six years older than Ward, the WBA super middleweight titlist seems to be in his prime.

Ward (pictured far right) appears to be the underdog in most phases of the matchup. But if you ask his promoter, Dan Goossen, that's just the way Ward likes it.

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Dmitriy Salita Inspired by Foreman to Become Next Jewish Champion

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-17T17:00:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, HBO, Showtime, FanHouse Exclusive

Dmitriy Salita had spent weeks training like a madman at the Poconos resort in Pennsylvania, but the boxer hadn't worked as feverishly as he had while running around in search for a working television on Saturday night.

"I tried to go to different places, but I couldn't find anywhere with good reception," said Salita, "because, you know, this place is out in the middle of nowhere."

By the time Salita was able to achieve his goal, the news already was out: One of his best friends, Yuri Foreman, had become the first Israeli citizen to earn a professional world title.

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Pacquiao Sparring Partner Shawn Porter Fights Saturday

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-17T14:58:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: HBO

Junior middleweight Shawn Porter, whose intense sparring prepared Manny Pacquiao for last weekend's 12th-round knockout of Miguel Cotto, will put his unbeaten record on the line against Jerome Ellis on Saturday at Fitzgerald's Casino & Hotel, Tunica, Miss.

Known for his speed, power and Cotto-like left hook, the 22-year-old Porter is 10-0 with eight knockouts, with his past three stoppages being in the first round.

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Floyd Mayweather to Manny Pacquiao: 'Step Up to the Plate'

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-16T20:39:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, Golden Boy Promotions, HBO, IBO

Floyd Mayweather was nowhere to be seen in the MGM Grand Hotel during the lead-up to this past Saturday night's Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto welterweight megafight. Nor could the undefeated, five-time champion and Las Vegas resident be found when Pacquiao made history by lifting from Cotto the WBO's 147-pound title belt.

But in the days since Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, stood in the ring before a packed MGM Grand Garden Arena and called out his name as the man he wanted to be Pacquiao's next opponent, Mayweather has gotten the message loud and clear.

Mayweather's name was even chanted by the crowd of more than 16,200, but he says that he just hasn't heard it from Pacquiao's own mouth.

Pacquiao-Mayweather: Modern-Day Ali-Frazier
No More Argument: Pacquiao Deserves Crown
Video: Pacquiao's Legendary Night

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Cris Arreola Returns vs. Brian Minto

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-16T20:00:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, HBO

Heavyweight contender Cris Arreola will meet 34-year-old journeyman Brian Minto on Dec. 5 in his first bout since being stopped by Vitali Klitschko in the 10th round of September's WBC championship challenge.

A resident of Riverside, Calif., the 28-year-old Arreola takes a record of 27-1, with 24 knockouts into the matchup with Minto, who lives in Butler, Pa.

Arreola-Minto will take place on the undercard of a middleweight (160 pounds) clash of southpaws between Paul Williams (37-1, 27 KOs) and Sergio Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KOs) that will be televised on HBO from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

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Jermain Taylor Stands Out in 'FIGHT CAMP 360'

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-16T16:45:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, IBF, Showtime

A scene involving former middleweight world champion, Jermain Taylor, represents one of the more compelling moments in FIGHT CAMP 360: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Asked if he feels blessed to be in the tournament, pitting six of the world's premiere super middleweights (168 pounds) in a round-robin affair, Taylor responds to the affirmative.

"When I first heard about this tournament, I was on my boat. Then I get a call saying something about the Super Six [Tournament,]" said Taylor, a soft-spoken native of Little Rock, Ark., who speaks with a slight stutter.

"They said there are going to be six guys in the super middleweight division, and they're going to put us all in the ring, and 'May the best man win,' " said Taylor. "I was just like, 'This is a blessing.' After this tournament -- after I win it -- I'll be right back on top, no matter what happens."

By now, everyone knows what has happened, and it wasn't good for Taylor.

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Winky Wright Returns to Ring Against Grady Brewer

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-16T09:00:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, IBF, HBO, Showtime, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- When former world champion Winky Wright enters the ring in San Juan's Coliseo de Puerto Rico on Dec. 11, it will be with the short-range goals of acheiving past glory.

Wright (51-5-1, 25 knockouts), a southpaw who turns 38 on Nov. 26, will end an eight-month layoff when he meets Brewer, who will turn 39 on Dec. 22. Brewer (26-11, 15 KOs) has won eight consecutive fights, inlcluding first- and, second-round knockouts of his past two opponents in May and August.

Wright twice defeated current world champion, Shane Mosley, as a junior middleweight (154 pounds) in 2004, and then followed that up with a rise to middleweight (160) for a one-sided, May, 2005, unanimous decision over former world champion and Puerto Rican great, Felix Trinidad.

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Heat Turned Up Between Mosley, Berto

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-15T17:00:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, HBO

LAS VEGAS -- During the months when their fight was being negotiated, welterweight stars Shane Mosley and Andre Berto had words.

Berto said Mosley, who, at 38, is the aging veteran, "had some disrespectful things to say on a few interviews."

But on Saturday, following a press conference announcing their Jan. 30 matchup at Mandalay Bay, the two boxers finally met face-to-face.

And it was the younger Berto who believes that he got the best of their exchange.

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Pacquiao-Mayweather Would Be a Modern-Day Ali-Frazier

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-15T13:16:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield

Filed under: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, Golden Boy Promotions, HBO, IBO

LAS VEGAS -- The superlatives ran rampant during the aftermath of Manny Pacquiao's brilliantly violent beatdown of Miguel Cotto on Saturday night in an MGM Grand Garden Arena packed to its rafters with more than 16,200 fans.

Having witnessed the Filipino superstar's array of speed, athleticism and durability used to batter senseless the Puerto Rican warrior before their fight was stopped 55 seconds into the 12th round, promoter Bob Arum declared Pacquiao "the best fighter that I've ever seen -- and that includes Muhammad Ali, and Sugar Ray Leonard, and Marvin Hagler."

Ross Greenburg, head honcho of sports programming at HBO, told reporters it is time for Pacquiao to face his unbeaten, pound-for-pound rival, Floyd Mayweather, in a "Super Bowl" type of matchup whose modern-day significance would rival Ali-Joe Frazier.

More: Pacquiao Leaves No Doubt After Beating Cotto

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto: Live Round-by-Round Updates

Lem Satterfield — 2009-11-14T23:00:00 00:00

by Lem Satterfield
FanHouse has a Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto live blog for round-by-round updates for one of the biggest boxing fights of the year.

The main event will start a little after 11PM ET. Check out our Pacquiao vs. Cotto results page to find out what happened on the undercard.

We'll have live scoring on Twitter of the main event, and the live blog begins below.

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