Carl Frampton to face Chris Avalos in February/March 2015 in Belfast

Carl Frampton is to defend his IBF Super Bantamweight title against Chris Avalos in either February or March 2015, as confirmed by Cyclone Promotions twitter account. Frampton comes off a title win against Kiko Martinez in September of this year and his first title defence will be in front of a boisterous Belfast crowd.

Frampton (19-0, 13 KO’s) boxed exceptionally against Martinez to win the title and received many plaudits from fans and pundits, with many tipping the Northern Irish fighter to reach greater heights next year. A fight with WBA Regular Super Bantamweight Scott Quigg in 2015 is the one that the British fans would like to see, and with both fighters expressing their desire to share the squared circle, Frampton will know he cannot afford any setbacks.

Chris Avalos (25-2, 19 KO’s) comes off a fifth round stoppage win against Jose Cen Torres and is in mandatory position for the IBF title. While having an impressive knockout percentage, Avalos has not faced anyone to the calibre of Carl Frampton.  It will be a tough task ahead for the American who will be seen as the underdog coming into this fight.

While the date  and venue are to be announced, Cyclone Promotions also confirmed via Twitter the press conference details and ticket information. The promotion company tweeted “Press conference next week featuring both boxers to announce further info. Tickets will go on sale following the press conference”.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves

Eddie Hearn explains Eubank Jr “short money” statement and Frank Warren twitter spat

On Thursday Dec 4, the two biggest boxing promoters in the UK went blow to blow on Twitter. A Twitter exchange between Frank Warren’s twitter account and Eddie Hearn took place, with the focal point of the exchange being the statement that Hearn had wrote in his Daily Mail article the day before, stating that Chris Eubanks Jnr “took a big risk for short money” with his fight against Billy Joe Saunders.

After an exchange with individuals on Twitter asking him how he knew the purse terms, Eddie Hearn stated that Chris Eubank asked him for their advice regarding the contract. The Frank Warren twitter account responded, stating that they had spoken to Chris Eubank Promotions regarding the matter and “they neither sought, wanted or needed” Hearn’s advice.

Eddie Hearn spoke to Kugan Cassius from IFL TV yesterday to explain the whole event and to provide evidence that he was not fibbing.

“It started because I made a comment in my Daily Mail article that I was surprised, but taking my hat off to him at the same time, that Eubank took the fight on with Billy Joe Saunders for what I perceived to be a small purse in relation to how big that fight was. I don’t know what they had in there, twelve [or] thirteen thousand, that fight sold most of the tickets so it was a big fight and because you got two prospects. From Eubanks point of view, an undefeated prospect with a big future, big profile fighting for the British, Commonwealth, European [belts], world title eliminator for the number one spot, I was just shocked how low the purse was.

“So then they [Frank Warren twitter account] came out and said we spoke to Chris Eubank and he never spoke to you and asked you for your advice, you don’t know what the deal was, and they called me a liar. Listen I’m not one of them soppy people who starts pulling out emails but sometimes you have to stand up for yourself, so I just went back and went actually we were sent the terms in the contract and we were asked our advice on the terms so yes we do know the terms.” Hearn told IFL TV.

Hearn was adamant to clear up the situation and was unhappy at being called a liar.

“It wasn’t a dig, I as actually complementing the camp because I was surprised that they took the risk. But when you get called a liar on Twitter, especially from a tea boy from Hertfordshire, you got to tell the truth.

“It’s very difficult to converse with someone when it’s not even Frank Warren on Twitter, it’s just some dope in the office who has not got a clue.”

Hearn ended up showing Kugan Cassius the email from Chris Eubank asking for advice on the contract and terms, who confirmed that it was indeed the email.

This twitter spat has been intensified the rivalry between Matchroom Boxing and Frank Warren Promotions.

The interview with IFL TV can be seen here. http://youtu.be/lDPMH6SzaEs

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves.

Arum states getting Mayweather to fight Pacquiao is proving to be a mammoth job

Bob Arum has stated that making one of the biggest fights in recent history between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao is proving to be a colossal task. Talks seem to be carrying on although Arum recognizes negotiations for this fight were never going to be smooth.

He told ES News when asked about Mayweather vs Pacquiao, “I hope so, I don’t know. Again, you’re asking the wrong guy. You know there’s no question that Pacquaio is more than willing, I’m more than willing. I’m talking to serious guys that have Mayweather on their contract but still they got to get Mayweather in the ring”.

Both men have not concealed their intense rivalry in recent times especially with open social media exchanges and, more recently, Manny Pacquiao’s tongue-in-cheek TV advertisement for Footlocker, mocking the moment Mayweather agrees to the fight.  While the outside-the-ring entertainment continues, the fight fans and media stand in anticipation for this humongous fight to be made.

Many media outlets report that money is proving to be the sticking issue involved in the talks. Bob Arum, who spoke exclusively to World News Boxing, states Mayweather seems reluctant to risk losing his unbeaten streak is the main reasoning that these talks are proving to be a monumental task.

“The real problem is that Mayweather is so damn smart when it comes to boxing and he realises that of all the fighters fought and all the fighters out there that Manny poses the biggest threat. Why? Because Manny is fast, Manny can punch and Manny is left-handed. Floyd never wants to fight a left-handed fighter because his style is designed to fight orthodox fighters.

“So to get Mayweather in the ring with Pacquiao is a monumental task. Not because of splits, not because of money, because Manny stands the best chance of anybody that Floyd has faced to beat him.” Arum told World Boxing News.

Though Arum has been involved in broken talks in previous years, 2015 has to be the year for both fighters to face each other. Both fighters now go into the latter stage of their careers and both come off wins. Mayweather comes off with against Maidana twice whilst ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao comes off convincing wins against Chris Algieri and Timothy Bradley.

There are other fights out there for both fighters although there will not be a fight to this magnitude.

There is added pressure for Mayweather as he knows he needs to put a show on May 2^nd on Cinco de Mayo as Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who recently signed a deal with HBO, is looking to fight on the same date. With talks of Canelo possibly in talks with Miguel Cotto for May 2^nd, Mayweather will also need to provide a show to ensure he gains the majority pay-per-views sales. A fight with Pacquiao will without a doubt beat any other PPV on that night and yet it provides another incentive for this fight to take place.

However long the talks take, one can only hope any issues can be ironed out and one of the biggest fights in boxing history takes place in 2015. It may be a few years late but better late than never.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves

 Billy Joe Saunders looks for world glory; tips Korobov to win a nip and tuck fight against Lee

After overcoming his foe and defending his British, Commonwealth and European titles on Nov. 29, Billy Joe Saunders has his eyes firmly set on world glory.

The split decision victory over Chris Eubank Jr. has put Saunders into a mandatory position for the WBO title. Whilst the fight was very close, the tenacious, more technical and experienced boxer on the night prevailed.

Saunders has defended his British Lonsdale belt three times enabling him to win the belt outright and he has his eyes on the winner between Matt Korobov and Andy Lee, who fight on the Timothy Bradley vs. Diego Chaves undercard on Dec. 13.

After his victory over Eubank, Saunders stated to SecondsOut that he believes that Korobov will win that bout in a nip and tuck affair.

“I think the way you got to look at it, you’ve got Andy Lee and Matt Korobov, it’s gonna be the same sort of fight, nip and tuck but if I was to lay my head on it you’ve got to go Matt Korobov,” he told SecondsOut.

Now he has conquered the British scene, the only way up is a quest to a world title, in which he is first in line. He showed against Eubank that he has the chin to take some big punches. He showed great technical ability in the first half of the fight, illustrating his jab perfectly whilst ensuring he frustrated his opponent by remaining elusive. He took his foot off the gas thereon and he knows he cannot do that on the world stage as more experienced fighters will pounce on the opportunity.

He is in a division where he has the potential to face Gennady Golovkin, Peter Quillin, Miguel Cotto and even Sergio Martinez. Golovkin is the stand out name in the division and one fighter that no other fighter in the division wants to fight. Let’s face it no one in the boxing world wants to succumb to Golovkin’s thumping power punches and punching angles.

The rest of the middleweights have fought and won titles on a world level so Saunders knows he has to remain focused for the full 12 rounds. Saunders has the experience of rounds in the bag and has faced many unbeaten fighters to ensure that he has the know how of dissecting a fighter. Questions will always remain about his level of fighting, which will only be answered when he has a world belt around his waist.

If he does gain a world credential, he has promised Eubank a world title shot. A more experienced Eubank against Saunders will be a fight to watch out for the future, especially after their tight encounter last week.

He has now entered the next phase of his boxing career. All we know is the next 12 months will be a major step to Saunders making a name on a world level.

– Oun Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind The Gloves

Bradley Saunders unveiled as new addition to Matchroom Boxing stable

Eddie Hearn today unveiled Bradley Saunders as his newest addition to the Matchroom stable. The light welterweight fighter has been impressive after making his professional debut in 2012 maintaining an unbeaten record.

Bradley Saunders was a 2007 Commonwealth silver medalist and 2008 British light welterweight Olympian. After having a successful amateur career, Saunders turned professional in 2012 and with ten professional fights, of which he is unbeaten with eight knock outs, his name is now being noticed by many on the domestic light welterweight scene.

A delighted Bradley Saunders spoke to Sky Sports after the press conference today. The County Durham fighter left Frank Warren after his contract had finished and stated he told Warren of what he was going to do. “I don’t feel I’ve done anything wrong in what I’ve done. My contract was up. I did what no other fighter does, I rang Frank and told him what I was doing and this was the best option for us.

Saunders comes off a first round stoppage win in his last fight against Latvian Ville Piispanen. He has shown his technical ability as well as his power in his short professional career thus far, this is a huge signing for Matchroom Boxing who have signed a boxer with ample amounts of potential. Saunders told Behind the Gloves earlier this year, “I get called pain and confuse. I confuse people and when they confused I give them a world of pain. I can punch, I’m a box fighter so I can do whatever you want. If someone wants a boxing match I can do that and if someone wants to fight I’ll gladly stand and fight.”

Saunders’ exposure on Sky Sports now will catapult his career further. He is content with his career to date. He told Behind the Gloves, “People look at my record and say I’m knocking out bums but if you have a look at the people I am knocking out, I’m doing jobs on people that no one else is doing. I’m getting put in with people for me to get the rounds out of. Dean Powell, God bless his soul, who was a matchmaker put me in with a middleweight just I got the rounds out of. I am getting rid of people who are meant to be there for the distance so my career is going on track.”

A big signing for Matchroom Boxing; Saunders has shown that he can box as well as trade, if needed and will now attempt to move his career onto the next stage.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves.

Arias opens up after Mayweather confrontation video

Luis “Cuba” Arias said a recorded confrontation outside the Mayweather Boxing Club was caused by  Floyd Mayweather Jr. “unprofessionally” handling his release from Mayweather Promotions.

A video that recently went viral showed a glimpse of Arias and J’Leon Love mid confrontation with the audio clearly picking up Mayweather  stating “he’s mad because I’m releasing him from his contract.”

Arias (10-0, 4 KOs) opened up to Boxingscene.com stating that Love rang him on Oct. 25 stating that Mayweather Promotions was releasing him from his contract. Airas was clearly upset stating Mayweather dealt with the whole matter in a unprofessional manner. Arias also said he never had an official contract with the promotional company, rather a verbal agreement with Mayweather.

“I went to the gym on Monday, Floyd is there and I was going there to work out,” Arias told BoxingScene.com. “I went up to him and said ‘what’s up.’ He said ‘what’s up’ and looked away. He was leaving on his way out to the gym and you can see in the video that I approached him. I felt that the way he handled releasing me was very unprofessional. How are you going to have someone that I’ve been cool with, since I was a kid, tell me some foul sh*t like that. I felt that was bogus.”

Arias went on to discuss the confrontation with Love and that the whole incident left a bitter taste in his mouth. Arias also stated that his relationship with the Rahman brothers, Sharif and Hasim Jr., were a catalyst to Mayweather carrying out this act. The Rahman brothers recently filed a case against Mayweather for battery, tortious assault and negligent hiring, among other allegations.

“Honestly, I think it [does have to do with the Rahmans],” he said. “There is no other reason behind it. That has to be what it is. … When I had no money, when I had no place to stay, when I had no food, when I was trying to find my way into the game – they was taking care of me. I’m literally a part of their family. I can’t turn my back on them when they helped me when I had no food and Floyd wasn’t even [in the equation]. That’s what it came down to, my relationship with the Rahmans. I understand Floyd doesn’t want me associating with them, but I can’t turn my back on them. That is over something that I have no control over. That whole situation has nothing to do with me.”

The video of the confrontation could be viewed here; http://www.boxingscene.com/luis-arias-sounds-off-on-mayweather-confrontation-video–83675

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @Ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves.

Birmingham confirms Keith Thurman vs Leonard Bundu is signed

Dan Birmingham, the trainer to Keith Thurman, has confirmed that his fighter is to face Leonard Bundu on December 13. He told BoxingScene.com that a deal is already signed.

“December 13^th, we’re fighting Leonard Bundu at the Mandalay Bay. Its already signed.” He told BoxingScene.com.

Birmingham went onto to state that he does not know much of the Italian European welterweight champion. “We don’t know much about this guy, he’s strong, we know, we know he switches right and left but I know Keith’s prepared.”

The unbeaten Thurman’s last outing was in April, where he defeated Julio Diaz when Diaz was unable to come out for the fourth round after suffering a rib injury. Having knocked out twenty-one out of his twenty-three opponent, he will possess a great level of threat to the sturdy Italian.

Thurman has a refined style that has the potential to trouble many fighters in the welterweight division. Possessing punching power of boxers in divisions higher, he combines exhilarating speed to worry his opposition. He also conveys a sense of confidence as he extends his punches with thrilling self-assurance.

Whilst Thurman is looking for his ‘big name’ break in the Welterweight division, a win over Bundu will only enhance his chance of this. He has called out Kell Brook very recently and whilst that is one for the future, a win against a tough operator in Bundu will further push his resume.

Leonard Bundu (31-0, 11 Ko’s) comes off a win against Brit Frankie Gavin by a split decision, retaining the European belt and acquiring the Commonwealth title as a result. The unbeaten Bundu is a pressure fighter, and showed against Gavin that he is willing to trade. He troubled Gavin throughout the fight. Bundu showed heart and a high work ethic to ensure he did not give Gavin much space.

Whilst not having eye catching knock-out power, he has enough power in his shots to trouble his opponent. He possesses a good tough chin, which is needed in his style of fighting. While he can take a punch, it will be seen if he has faced anyone with the power of Keith Thurman.Thurman is without a doubt the biggest name Bundu has faced.

This bout will be part of Showtimes Dec. 13 tripleheader featuring Amir Khan vs Devon Alexander and Demetrius Andrade vs Jermell Charlo. A great fight added to a great night of boxing.

– Oun Abbas Hussain /@ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves

Magnificent seven; Mathews, Eubank Jr, Butler and Catterall pick up wins

Derry Mathews beat Adam Dingsdale on a wide unanimous points decision as he gained an easy win with the judges scoring the fight 118-108, 120-106 and 119-107. The scorecards indicate all that needs to be said about this fight as Mathews dominated for a large amount of fight. With this win he gained the WBA Continental Lightweight belt.

Mathews had a controlling and precise jab that remained effective throughout the fight. Dingsdale went down twice in the second round as he firstly went down to a left hook to the temple and once surviving that, seconds later he went down to Mathew’s right. Although going down twice he survived the round.

Dingsdale tried throughout the fight but did not have the punch accuracy to cause Mathews any problems. Mathews had a reach advantage and he showed that further in the fourth round as landed a timely right although Dingsdale replied later in the round with the same shot.

Dingsdale showed more success in the seventh round, after a quieter fifth and sixth round. He caught Mathews with a right hand and he increased his movement although Mathews experience showed as he remained calm for the rest of the fight, picking his punches well. Mathews implemented his jab in the latter round to retreat Dingsdale’s attack. Once the final bell rang, the winner was evident and the two knockdowns in the second round helped Mathews further in the judges scorecards.

At the age of 31, Mathews showed he is not going anywhere and carries on his search for belts.

Paul Butler defeated Ismael Garnica on a point’s decision as he won nine rounds of the ten rounds against the sturdy Mexican. Paul “Baby Faced Assasin” Butler showed great technical ability, displaying his rapid hands and great footwork throughout the fight. Butler won the fight 100-91.

Butler did not waste time getting into the fight as he came out fast, throwing to the body and head, sitting into his shots from the outset. He cut the ring off on many occasions and was not afraid to mix up his combinations, although the Garnica showed at times he was willing to trade and was not looking to go down.

Garnica came out in the third showing his Mexican heart and grit and attempted a body shot combination which Butler blocked. Butler showed great confidence and was looking at the left body shot and left upper hook combination which worked on various occasions.

As Butler won many rounds, Garnica was not going away and caught Butler with a one two, which Butler absorbed in the sixth and carried on his work.

Many of the rounds were similar with Butler working hard throughout the round maintaining a fast-pressurised tempo through the fight. Garnica showed he was no pushover yet Butler will know after ten solid rounds he will look to bigger and better things as he carries on his pursuit for a world title shot.

Liam Smith defeated Hungarian Zoltan Sera to win the WBA Continental light Middleweight belt after a third round stoppage. Smith, who controlled the fight from the beginning, dropped Sera with a left hook body shot. Sera survived the eight count and after Smith threw a barrage of punches with Sera looking bewildered the referee stopped the fight.

Smith controlled the fight from the offset, landing his jabs and uppercuts. Smith showed that he was a level above Sera, cutting off the ring perfectly and patiently picked his punches, connecting throughout the fight. An accidental head clash in the second round opened up a wound above Smith’s right eye although that did not stop ‘Beefy’ in producing a comfortable performance.

Chris Eubank Jr beat Omar Siala inside two rounds as he made easy work of his ‘warm up’ fight before his showdown with Billy Joe Saunders next month. A brutal uppercut in the second halted the fight.

After standing at the opening bell, Eubank Jr started exchanging and nearly finished Siala in the first round although after pressurising with  barrage of punches, he eased himself off before deciding to re-engage. In the second round, Eubank Jr showed his power as his uppercut caught Siala and staggered him. After applying pressure the referee stopped the fight.

Eubank Jr produced an exhibition performance, and now is looking forward to fighting Billy Joe Saunders. He had a few words for Saunders after the fight. “Me and Saunders is bigger than Tyson Fury vs Dereck Chisora. Saunders isn’t even worthy of being a British champion, I saw him outside a club in Manchester drinking a beer, that’s the type of man he is. This guy is in serious trouble on November 29”.

Meanwhile, Jack Catterall defeated Thomas Stalker in an eighth round stoppage to win the WBO European light welterweight title. Stalker was dropped in the first and second rounds.

With both men adopting a southpaw stance, Catterall dropped Stalker in the first round with a left. In the second round a one two dropped Stalker again as he was failing to deal with Catterall’s jab.

Whilst Stalker had some success in the fourth and fifth round, Catterall power was concerning for him and this was shown in the eighth as a vicious left that rocked Stalker and the referee stopped the fight with twelve seconds left in the round.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves.

Billy Joe Saunders bets Chris Eubank Jr £100,000 on radio for Nov.29 showdown

The heated rivalry between Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr. seems to have intensified further after both men agreed on TalkSport radio for the loser to pay £100,000 to charity. Not only are Billy Joe Saunders’ British, Commonwealth and European belts are on the line against Chris Eubank Jr, it seems both men are willing to bet £100,000 on this grudge match.

After trading verbal blows on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, Billy Joe Saunders asked “I tell you what Chris, while we are on talkSPORT, do you want to have £100,000 on it and we will put it in writing?

“I will put £100,000 on this fight and the loser will give the money to charity. We will get the lawyers on the phone to sort this out.”

Chris Eubanks Jr. responded “I would love to do that.”

These two men have a history of expressing their views about each other at any given opportunity and with their much anticipated grudge fight on Nov. 29, it seems that both men are already chomping at the bit.

Saunders and Eubank Jr. were invited to the Alan Brazil show and they did not seem to disappoint as both men traded taunts.

Billy Joe Saunders produced a huge statement indicating that he would retire if he loses to Chris Eubank Jr . “I will come at you with double. You have never been at this level before.” said Saunders. “It’s all about level in this sport and I’m a level above Chris. If I get beat by him then I will retire because I won’t be a world champion. But there’s no way in God’s name he will win.”

Chris Eubank Jr responded to Saunders claim that he is at a lower level than him. Eubank Jr stated “He’s a walking contradiction. He says things like I’m not worthy to be in the ring with him, I’m rubbish, I’m this and that and then here he is in Marbella in a new training camp with his nutritionist and everything like this, preparing like he’s fighting for a world title so he knows what I’ve got and he knows that he’s not going to win and it’s only a matter of time before I have the three belts, the Commonwealth, British and European and it’s going to be beautiful to bring them belts to Brighton”.

The full radio exchange can be heard here.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves.

Amir Khan vs Devon Alexander announced for Dec 13

Amir “King” Khan may have ended weeks of speculation on his next opponent as it came to surface today that he may be facing former IBF Welterweight champion Devon Alexander on Dec 13. This fight will be headlining at Mandalay Bay Centre in Las Vegas. Kevin Lole of Yahoo Sports confirmed that a Oscar De La Hoya is finalizing a deal to make this fight happen via his Twitter account. Lole states “Just spoke with @OscarDeLaHoya He’s finalizing @AmirKingKhan @DevonAlexander for 12.13 at @MandalayBay Two shows that night”.

Khan who turned down the Devon Alexander fight late last year, now looks to face a hungry Alexander who lost his IBF welterweight title to Shawn Porter in Dec 2013. He has fought once this year, beating Jesus Soto Karass on a unanimous points decision in June of this year and will look to beating Khan as a catapult towards another world title shot.

Both men made their names in the Light Welterweight division as Alexander is a former IBF and WBC light welterweight champion, whilst Khan has held the WBA and IBF straps so both have vast ring experience and both have headlined cards in the past.

Khan comes off an impressive Welterweight debut win against Luis Collazo in May and will look to be as impressive against Alexander as he seems to still be pursuing the Mayweather bout, which he has gone public about on numerous occasions. Beating Alexander will give him added credibility towards his shot at ‘Money’ although there is still a big domestic fight with Kell Brook that could also be in the pipelines after this bout.

Khan and Alexander both need a convincing win to project to their goals. Alexander will look to beat Khan to throw his name in the mix to challenge for one of the belts at 147lb. Taking a scalp like Khan will get Alexander noticed again.

Khan seems to be on a public rampage on making the Mayweather fight next year and a convincing win on Dec. 13 may then earn his stripes at that super showdown. Regardless of Brook’s name always lurking about when Khan is mentioned, it seems his heart is set on Mayweather.

This is a fantastic fight in the 147lb division and with Keith Thurman also a possibility to be on the card, this may be a good show to end the year on.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves