Lanardo Tyner, two others fail drug tests on Feb. 28 Mayweather Promotions show

Welterweight Lanardo Tyner was supposed to be facing Jermall Charlo this past weekend on the Sho-Extreme portion of the Keith Thurman-Julio Diaz card that took place in Carson, California.

Tyner was inexplicably pulled out and was replaced by a late substitute. BehindTheGloves.com was informed from a trusted source that Tyner had failed a drug test following his Feb. 28 split decision loss to Chris Pearson on a ShoBox card promoted by Mayweather Promotions that took place at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.

BehindTheGloves.com contacted the Oneida Indian Nation Athletic Commission to find out more information. Executive director/commissioner Dan Gustafson informed BTG that it is their policy not to release names, but did tell BTG that not one, but three fighters failed drug tests in relation to that show.

UPDATE: Literally minutes after this story went up, Fighthype released a piece saying that the other two fighters that tested positive were Mayweather Promotions fighters Luis Arias and Chris Pearson, who both tested positive for marijuana.

The Oneida Commission also informed BTG that the suspensions were for 45 days, meaning technically both Pearson and Arias could have fought on this weekend’s Mayewather-Maidana card. So it was up to Mayweather Promotions to keep them off the card.

BTG had information previously that the two fighters in question were the ones who tested positive, but awaited confirmation. BTG reached out to Pearson’s publicist Radio Rahim for a statement a few days ago and was provided with the following statement:

“Chris is sparing with Miguel Cotto. He feels his last performance showed him areas he needs to work on. He opted to continue working on his technique while getting Cotto ready for Martinez. Chris will be back in the ring soon, facing tough competition and showing vast improvement.”

In that statement, there is no admission of a positive test.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com

FROCH VS. GROVES REMATCH IS ON

Huge Super Middleweight clash set for the summer

Carl Froch and George Groves will meet in a rematch of their epic IBF and WBA World Super Middleweight title clash live on Sky Sports Box Office, after terms were agreed this morning.

The proposed date for one of the most hotly anticipated rematch in British boxing history is May 31, with a host of Britain’s most iconic sporting stadiums in the running to stage the contest.

Froch and Groves lit up the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester in November in their epic first clash, with Groves stunning Froch in the first round with a vicious right hand flooring the champion.

The Cobra beat the count and the pair battled through nine brutal and thrilling rounds before referee Howard Foster stepped in to halt the contest and cap a remarkable turnaround for Froch in one of the greatest fights seen on British soil.

Groves gets his chance for revenge that his superb performance demanded while Froch will seek the devastating conclusion he believes he was on the verge of completing.

“I’m pleased to finally get my next fight confirmed,” said Froch. “We had a number of options but ultimately I listened to the public and gave them what they wanted, I expect this to be one of the biggest fights the country has ever seen.

“It’s been a difficult period for me following the first fight. I’ve had to listen to his endless whining and appeals when ultimately the referee did him perhaps the biggest favour possible and saved him from a devastating knockout, whilst denying me the right if a clinical finish and a great comeback victory.

“I was poor in the first fight. I didn’t give him the respect as a fighter and lacked the drive that I had against Lucian Bute and Mikkel Kessler. Well now he has my attention but ultimately it’s not going to get any better for George from here. He threw the kitchen sink at me that night and I still found a way back in the fight to win. I love to fight and I can’t wait to get back in there and do a proper job in him.”

“I feel blessed that I am getting this fantastic opportunity to participate in what could be Britain’s biggest ever boxing match,” said Groves. “I am still shocked that Froch has agreed to take the fight. I respect him for his bravery.

“Now I am preparing to get in the greatest physical and mental shape possible to destroy Froch in what can only be a three-round fight. Britain will have its own Hagler-Hearns to talk about for years to come. I am counting down the days until I’m World Super Middleweight champion.”

“Quite simply, I believe this is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Taking away the controversy from their first encounter, it was one of the most epic and exhilarating fights I have ever witnessed and I’m delighted the public are going to get a chance to see it all again. The unanswered questions from the first fight may now be answered. Get ready for a whirlwind of a build-up and an event and fight for the ages – Froch v Groves 2 is on!”

-PRESS RELEASE

Canelo Alvarez dropped by the Golden Boy Promotions office and announced his next fight dates!

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Bernard Hopkins – Fighting fit at father time

Common boxing understanding is that most boxers peak in their late 20’s to early 30’s. This is the age where most are in their prime and best able to compete at a high level. In a sport that is demanding, it is rare for a fighter to continue at the highest level by their early 30s, however, there are still some that defy father time and continue to fight at an elite level.

Bernard “the executioner” Hopkins just so happens to be that man. The ageless wonder will defend his IBF Middleweight title against Karo Murat on October 26^th and looks to re-write the record books on a card that is stacked from bottom to top.

Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO) first entered the record books to become the oldest man in history to win a world championship when he defeated Jean Pascal at the age of 46 . He then won the IBF belt earlier this year from Tavoris Cloud, breaking his own record as the oldest man to win a world title, at age 48.

So, how has Bernard Hopkins continued to fight on for so long?

What seperates Bernard from the rest of the fighter is his boxing style? Bernard is technically brilliant, displaying a boxing master class of not getting hit. This means he rarely takes brutal punishment everytime he steps into the ring  and over the years has avoided taking heavy damage increasing his longevity.

Another quality Bernard posseses is discipline, this is displayed year round where he is always in good shape  and commited to the sport. His lifestyle gives him an advantage over his foes and can maintain a high work rate like no other.

Finally, Bernard Hopkins is a smart boxer with great ring IQ. He has always found a way to negate his opponents strength and capitalise on them. His ability to dictate the pace and stay one step ahead of his opponent has also meant he has avoided big punishment which has meant he has continued to fight on for so long.

Bernard Hopkins will look to re-write the records as he looks to stretch his victory over tricky opponent, Karo Murat, on October 26^th live from Atlantic City on Showtime.

-Qasim Hussain

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Matthysse eyes Mayweather, senses Garcia’s camp is worried

As Lucas Matthysse prepares for the biggest fight of his career, one thing remains the same; The Argentine means business and his eyes set on a potential showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

Before Mayweather takes on Saul Alvarez on Saturday, The Machine is set to take on undefeated Danny Garcia in the co-main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“The One” is expected to surpass two million pay-per-view buys and will showcase Matthysse on the biggest stage of his career.

“After finally getting this fight with Danny I have become more recognized,” Matthysse said through his translator. “This fight will be for me, but it will also be for my team and for Argentina. I feel real good, I feel strong, and we’ve been working really hard.”

Matthysse is on the cusp of becoming a household name, he has a style that pleases the crowd, not to mention he rarely loses. Matthysse (34-2, 32 knockouts) last tasted defeat in a split decision loss to Devon Alexander two years ago. The only other blemish on the 30-year-old’s record is a split decision loss to Zab Judah. Both decisions are controversial, but Matthysse said he has taken those defeats as learning experiences.

Matthysse has been training at the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, the same gym that produced WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley. Matthysse said he decided to come to California’s desert in order to adjust to the climate.

The two fighters, currently under rival promotion banners, recently sparred in preparation for their upcoming bouts.

“It was good sparring with Bradley, it was real good,” Matthysse said. “Sparring with Bradley has helped me, but it was mutual, we both helped each other.”

Matthysse praised Bradley’s speed and experience and feels he’s helped him prepare for his October showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez. Bradley’s trainer Joel Diaz agreed with the Argentine, and said they were both out to help each other and not out to hurt each other.

A win against Garcia (26-0, 16 KOs) will not just help the Matthysse brand, but will also set him up for a potential clash with Mayweather.

“I look to move up to 147. I would like to fight (Mayweather), I feel I match up pretty good against him,” Matthysse said.

Although he would like to face the pound-for-pound king, Matthysse said he is certainly not looking passed Garcia. Matthysse looks to stick to his plan to defeat Garcia and will not pay much attention to Angel Garcia’s crazy antics. Matthysse feels all the talking from the Garcia camp shows that they are worried.

- Jose Quintero

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