Alvarado/Rios embrace friendship, ready for third installment

Top rank Promotions held a press conference on a crisp and cold Denver morning Tuesday to announce the final chapter in the trilogy between Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios, set to take place Jan. 24.

Rumors had been circling social media of date and location for the third bout until Top Rank Promotions President Todd DuBoef tweeted the details last week. DuBoef went into details about Alvarado having his name first on the bill, after going to an online poll where fans were allowed to vote. The bill seems appropriate as Alvardo is the hometown fighter.

“Rios-Alvarado always rolled off the tongue a little better, but we thought this time we’d let the fans decide,” DuBoef said.

Rios’ trainer, Robert Garcia said Alvarado should be given the honor in front of his Denver fans.

“But once the bell rings none of it matters,” Garcia said.

Rios and Alvarado embraced in a friendly manner and were both grateful for the opportunity to put on another great war for their fans, during the press conference.

Rios (32-2-1, 22 KOs) expressed how excited he is for “World War 3.” Rios said he has had a great fight camp since recovering from a foul-plagued bout with Diego Chaves that ended in disqualification. Rios’ excitement then led to a “proposal” to Alvarado that sent the drew an uproar of laughter to end the press conference. The two have become friends since first meeting October 2012, reminicent to Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward.

“You don’t have to dislike each other to have a war, these two just know how to put on a good fight,” Alvarado’s manager, Henry Delgado said.

Alvarado (34-3, 23 KOs) also showed his excitement for being back in the ring with Rios, saying the two have share “great classic fights” and he was prepared to go at it again. Alvarado’s trainer Shann Villhauer confirmed the team will train in Denver for the Rios fight. Alvarado has been traveling to Los Angeles for preparations, escaping from distractions and trouble.

As the press conference concluded, Rios and Alvarado came together for pictures, along with their team. Rios then dropped to a knee to seal the deal of his proposal to Alvarado. It’s easy to say fans can expect a great fight, as these two fighters have come to know each other so well in the ring.
“I don’t plan to change a lot style wise for this camp, I plan to go in there in the same way as before, just work on tightening my defense,” Alvarado said.

Tickets for Alvarado-Rios go on sale Friday. The fight is set to be held at 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, the same venue that Alvarado headlined with Ruslan Provodnikov-Alvarado. Ticket prices range from $40-$250 and can be purchased online at www.altitudetickets.com or by calling 1-866-461-6556.

– Leann Perez / @LeannPerez_
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

LAPD focus attention on Floyd Mayweather in murder/suicide investigation

Floyd Mayweather is a focal point in the investigation of the deaths of Earl Hayes and Stephanie Moseley, because he allegedly witnessed the murder/suicide while on a FaceTime call on Monday morning. 

According to various reports, Los Angeles Police Department investigators are now reaching out to Mayweather and gathering electronic records in the incident. TMZ reported Hayes, who was once a member of Aftermath Records and Philthy Rich Records, shot and killed his wife after an alleged affair, possibly with singer Trey Songz. Hayes then turned the gun and killed himself as authorities arrived to their Los Angeles apartment. 

According to a TMZ report Tuesday, Mayweather was on the phone with Hayes and telling him he should leave Moseley because of her alleged infidelity. According to TMZ, Mayweather allegedly told Hayes he was weak for not leaving his wife. 

Hayes then allegedly told Mayweather he was going to kill his wife. But according to TMZ, Mayweather had no idea Moseley was in the apartment during the call and when he found out he pleaded with Hayes not to shoot her. Hayes then allegedly entered their bathroom as Moseley was bathing and shot her multiple times. LAPD officers responded shortly after 7:30 a.m. and heard one gun shot as they arrived to the door. Hayes turned the gun and shot himself after taking Moseley’s life. 

A Los Angeles County coroner official said Tuesday autopsies for the husband and wife were expected to be performed this week. 

Hayes is the son of the late Isaac Hayes. While the report of Moseley’s fling with Songz is unconfirmed, he took to Twitter after her death. 

“R.I.P babygirl,” he wrote. “Once an engel on earth, now watching over us from Heaven. You’ll b missed but never forgotten. Love.”

Mayweathter was spotted sitting courtside at a Los Angeles Clippers game Monday night with a female companion. 

- Jose Quintero / @JoseSwift8755

US Editor for BehindtheGloves.com

Giving credit where it’s due: The accolades of Wladimir Klitschko

Since the retirements of American heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, the heavyweight division has lacked any true domination other than that of world title holder Wladimir Klitschko.

Klitschko (63-3, 53 KOs) has earned the respect of many of his colleagues and fans. However, many question if he deserves the credit that he has received and if he may be overrated. This is not an unreasonable quandary given that Klitschko has had most of his recent opponents spoon fed to him. Klitschko’s last loss was to Lamon Brewster in 2004, only for them to rematch in 2007, when he retained his IBO and IBF heavyweight titles.

In March 2010 and July 2011 Klitschko fought American hopeful Eddie Chambers and British WBA super heavyweight champion David Haye. Nations rallied between these two potential answers to the Klitschko question only for them to be disappointed.

Klitschko’s last formidable opponent was Alexander Povetkin, who he faced in October 2013 and went on to win by unanimous decision.

After a total of 66 bouts, Klitschko has had a total of five that have either given him trouble or that had formidable records, including the above mentioned boxers as well as Corrie Sanders and Ross Puritty, whom Klitschko had lost to earlier in his career. This certainly includes his most recent opponent, Kubrat Pulev.

Pulev had only fought 20 times before facing Klitschko, less than one-third of Klitschko’s total fights. Pulev was knocked out in the fifth round, but the fight was not an impressive one to begin with.

Pulev came into the ring looking more like a kickboxer than a boxer. He had a very wide guard and was unprotected from Klitschko’s massive power. In addition to Klitschko’s already unpopular following in Hamburg, his entrance to the ring was a typical flashy performance with lights, fog, music and other special effects. This did not sit well with the fans in the O2 World Arena who were already booing when his name was announced.

Regardless of the above, Wladimir is in a league of his no doubt. He has conquered the Heavyweight division for years and hats off to such a man. A man who possesses great mannerism’s out the ring and whether he is everyone cup of tea in the ring is each individual’s varied opinion. No doubt he will be remembered as a great and rightly deserves that. He still carries on his legacy still with many opportunities still in place, yet that mother nature may get the better of him as he is now aged thirty eight. He can hold his head up high as he has stopped many fighters who thought that they might have a chance of causing an upset.

Now, negotiations are currently underway for a 2015 bout between Klitschko and American heavyweight Bryant Jennings. Although he also has a perfect record of 19-0 with 10 KOs, Jennings seems untested and not yet a worthy contender for the likes of Klitscko. Whether or not Klitschko will be tested again before he retires is a mystery.

At the age of 38, Klitschko’s time is nearing and whether we will see another boxer with the caliber of a 20th century American heavyweight is yet to be seen. Wladimir Klitschko deserves all the accolades that he gets.

– Nader Gamez / @NaderGamez
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

TMZ: Floyd Mayweather witnessed murder/suicide on FaceTime

Floyd Mayweather was the last person rapper Earl Hayes communicated with Monday before allegedly shooting his wife and turning the gun and killing himself, according to a report by TMZ.

Hayes is best known for being part of The Money Team and his work with Dr. Dre, Timbaland and Alicia Keys.

Hayes allegedly FaceTimed the pound-for-pound champion about his wife Stephanie Moseley’s alleged infidelity. TMZ said Hayes was in a rage as Mayweather tried to intervene. Mayweather would not reveal exactly how much of the crime he saw, but confirmed to TMZ he “witnessed and heard everything.”

Hayes and Moseley were found dead in a Los Angeles apartment after police officers responded to reports of shots fired and a woman screaming at approximately 7:45 a.m., a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson said. According to a report from KTLA, a neighbor reported hearing 10 gunshots. Police entered the apartment and found both slain bodies in the bedroom, along with the gun.

Social media began to buzz Monday about the murder/suicide. Even former friend turned rival SMS Promotions CEO 50 Cent reached out to Mayweather on Instagram, posting a photo of the two sitting court side at a basketball game.

“RIP Hayes @floydmayweather you are my little brother,” 50 Cent wrote. “All can think about is what you said to me up stairs. Don’t you ever do nothing to your self no matter what champ. We can fall out and fight or what ever,but I don’t want to see you go out like that.”

The two have been feuding ever since Mayweather’s release from prison in 2012. Mayweather reposted the photo, along with the message on his social media platforms.

Antonio Tarver, who is scheduled to fight on ESPN2 Thursday, also chimed in Monday.

“This gotta be the worst, I’m hoping and praying this isn’t true,” Tarver said. “My condolences to the champ this is just a sad situation no matter how you look at it.”

Mayweather has yet to officially address the situation.

– Jose Quintero / @JoseSwift8755
US Editor for BehindTheGloves.com

Antonio ‘Magic Man’ Tarver not concerned about ring rust

Five-time world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (30-6, 21 KOs) won’t be concerned about rust this Thursday night when he fights for the first time in more than a year against veteran Johnathan Banks (29-2-1, 19 KOs).

Tarver-Banks is a 10-round heavyweight fight, presented on a Goossen Promotions card, airing live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.

Tarver suffered a now-fully-healed fractured thumb to his left hand, closer to the wrist, postponing the original September 29th fight date versus Banks. The 1996 U.S. Olympian has had only five fights in the last six years.

“I’m not concerned with rust,” the cagey southpaw said. “If I’m rusty, it will only be until I’m hit. I’ve been trying to wear off ring rust with intelligent sparring but that’s not like getting reps of a fight.

“I have to beat a solid heavyweight with power like Banks to get where I want to be. I will become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history! He will be surprised by a lot of what I bring into the ring.”

Tarver has been training at the Brazilian Rocky Fight Club in Miami for the past three months to prepare for Thursday’s fight with Banks, who trained world heavyweight champion Wladmir Klitschko for his recent knockout win over Kubrat Pulev.

“I always stress to my fighters in the gym for them to work in rhythm and not be sluggish,” Tarver’s head trainer Orlando Cuellar explained. “Sluggishness and not fighting in rhythm are what shows when there’s ring rust. You always worry about rust. I can honestly say Antonio hasn’t looked rusty but, working in the gym and actual fighting are two different things, and we really won’t really know until this week’s fight. Antonio has always told me that he’s not a good gym fighter but that, once the bell rings for the first round, he’s a great fighter.

“This is the first fight we’ve worked together and Antonio has done everything I’ve asked of him in training for the last three months. He took five days off to be examined by his personal doctor and other than that he’s been working hard, even when he wore a cast. The first four weeks were tough for him because I train my fighters to stop and drop their opponent. It’s high intensity work, much harder than most fighters go through, but he’s given his all in workouts and sparring. With our experience, his as a fighter and me as a trainer, I expect nothing less than the best from Antonio. It’ll be much easier for both of us, training-wise, for his next fight.”

The 46-year-old Tarver, fighting out of Tampa, was one of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters during a 4-year, 9-fight stretch between 2002-2006, in which he had a 6-3 record, defeating Roy Jones, Jr. in two of three, splitting a pair with Glen Johnson, defeating Montell Griffin, Eric Harding and Reggie Johnson, and losing to Bernard Hopkins.

Banks, 32, has been out of action even longer than Tarver, having last fought June 23, 2013 in a 12-round loss by unanimous decision to Seth Mitchell.

“”Every fight is independent in itself,” Tarver noted, “so, I can’t say I’ve fought anybody like Banks. I have fought a lot of guys with power who know how to box. Everybody has two hands and two feet but he can only use one hand at a time. I simplify things. I will be in my best shape and I won’t be surprised by whatever he brings into the ring.”

– PRESS RELEASE

Royal Battle: Amir Khan Vs. Devon Alexander fighters discuss training camp and the holiday season

With the holiday season upon us, fighters preparing to participate in the stacked Dec. 13 event taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, take a break from training to discuss their progress in camp and what they are most grateful for during this festive season.

The following answers offer some insight into the fighters’ training camp regiments.

Q: Training camp is nearly over. How has camp been going so far?

AMIR KHAN (AK), WBA International and WBC Silver Welterweight Champion (Training in the Bay Area, Calif.):Camp has been great. We’re working hard and feeling in the best shape ever. I can’t wait for the fight.

DEVON ALEXANDER (DA), Former Two-Division World Champion (Training in St. Louis, Mo.): Camp is going tremendously well. I’m getting more and more anxious as the fight approaches.

KEITH THURMAN (KT), Interim WBA Welterweight Champion (Training in St. Petersburg, Fla.): Training camp is great, I have great sparing partners and we train three times a week and add some cardio to the mix. It’s good, this is my job, my office, we stay in the gym and work at the gym to make the fight look easy.

ABNER MARES (AM), Former Three-Time, Three-Division World Champion (Training in Los Angeles, Calif.): Camp has been great! I’m back with my old team and coach that took me to three world titles and it’s been going really well.

JERMALL AND JERMELL CHARLO – CHARLO TWINS (CT), Undefeated Junior Middleweight Contenders (Training in Houston, Texas): We’re feeling good. This is the best camp we’ve ever shared together.

ERROLL SPENCE JR. (ES), Undefeated Junior Middleweight Prospect (Training in Dallas, Texas): Training camp has been great. I’m on weight and I’ll be ready to fight on Dec. 13.

VICTOR ORTIZ (VO), Former welterweight champion (Training in Indio, Calif.): I’ve been working hard and learning from coach Joel Diaz; it’s definitely been a solid camp.

Q: Fight night is a little less than two weeks away. How are you feeling physically?
AK: I’m feeling strong and sharp. This is one of my best camps, a lot of hard work has been put in and it will pay off on fight night. I’m excited to fight. It’s been a long time.

DA: Physically I feel good. I’m in tremendous shape. And with two weeks to go I’ll be right on schedule.

KT: I feel strong, I am dropping weight on schedule and am looking forward to getting back in the ring after this minor layoff.

AM:Physically I can honestly say that I’m always ready and I’m ready to fight, but the mental part to me is the most important thing and mentally I’m ready to win one fight at a time until I become world champion once again.

CT: Knowing that we’re both fighting step-up fights we pushed each other to the maximum.

ES: I’m feeling really good. I’ve been sparring 10-12 rounds with 30-second breaks without any problem.

VO: I’m feeling great just making sure I pay attention to my coaches and work hard every day.Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you are not in the gym or training?

AK: I’m relaxing and resting. I spend time studying Devon’s style. My brother and dad are in town so I have company. We go out to the mall or for walks. I’m a very chill guy.

DA:Well when I’m getting ready for a fight I’m completely zoned in on that fight, so I don’t do much. I train and then I’m back home. Maybe I’ll see a movie every now and then.

KT: Lately I have been playing musical instruments on my down time, it’s entertaining.

AM: Spending time with my family. I’ve been spending the most time ever with my kids and wife and it’s really important to me and it’s what I love to do when I’m not working.

CT: We spend time with our families. Jermell just bought a new house. Things are getting better in life for both of us. We’re also traveling and experiencing different boxing styles.

ES: I like to go to the movies and watch TV. I’ve also been spending time hanging out with family and friends.

VO: I spend my time in gyms or doing something outdoorsy.

Q: What is your biggest motivation during training camp?

AK: My father and coach. They motivate me and get the best out of me. Especially when I’m tired and down and missing my family and my little girl Lamaisah. Also Lamaisah is a huge motivation, I’m doing this for her.

DA: My biggest motivation during training is knowing that I’m closer than ever to being one of the best in boxing and becoming a household name.

KT: That it’s not over. My future is bright, and it motivates me to work harder every day.

AM:Now and always has been my family.

ES: The biggest motivation during training camp is knowing that I’ll be boxing on TV and I have the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of everyone.

VO: To be that best that I can be to myself.

Below are some of the “ROYAL BATTLE: KHAN VS. ALEXANDER” fighters’ favorite holiday traditions and an account of what makes them feel most appreciative.

Q: What is your fondest memory of the holidays?

AK: Spending time with family and having a break, just not thinking of anything else but family time. Also helping families in need and charities through Amir Khan Foundation.

DA: My fondest memory of the holidays are me and the family getting together and being with each other and seeing each other. We are a close family.

KT: Eating plenty of food with family and friends.

AM: I have many fond memories of making “buñuelos,” which are Mexican fried sweet dough sprinkled with cinnamon, for Christmas with my mom.

CT: Flag football is always the best part of the holidays.

ES: Spending time with my family is what’s most important to me.

VO: No memories really I’m always in camp holiday time.

Q: What is your favorite holiday tradition to participate in?

AK: Eid, which is a Muslim celebration where the family spends time together and we have dinner and give presents and money to the kids.

DA: One of my favorite holiday traditions is to be at my mom’s house and see everyone eating all that food and laughing and joking.

KT: Pretty much eating – dessert is my favorite. I’m going to tear up the desert tray at Christmas.

AM: Thanksgiving is always great because my family always take turns to say what we are thankful for and it’s great to hear everyone’s blessings.

ES: My favorite is cutting the turkey at Thanksgiving.

VO: I would have to say Halloween just to see the scary people and costumes.

Q: If you could invite one historical figure to a holiday dinner or celebration this season who would it be, and why?

AK: Muhammad Ali, he is my boxing hero and Mike Tyson who is now a friend. It would just be good to talk about boxing and they can tell me about their careers.

DA: If I had to pick a historic figure to come celebrate with it would be President Barack Obama. He is one of the most influential people of my day.

KT: Jesus, because he is the King of Kings and his spirit lives on.

AM: It would be Cesar Chavez to thank him for fighting for my people and our rights as immigrants.

VO: That’s a fun question. There’s so many people around that I wouldn’t really know who…

Q: What’s the one holiday food item or fixing that you must have this season?

AK: Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, sweet potatoes and big bowl of salad.

DA: My favorite holiday dish that I’m waiting on is the collard greens or I could say the baked macaroni.

KT: I must have a nice apple pie. I haven’t had one in a long time.

AM: The ones that I can’t wait for are Mexican tamales and buñuelos.

CT: Gumbo!

ES: My mom’s sweet potato pie!

VO: Some pumpkin pie.

Q: What have you been most thankful for so far in 2014?

AK: My baby daughter Lamaisah, who was born in May. It’s a great feeling being a father and it’s further motivation in my career.

DA: What I’m most thankful for is being able to still be here getting blessed with tremendous opportunities. There’s so much that I’m thankful for.

KT: Thankful that I’m here, this life, this blessing and for the experience of growth. And I am thankful for the many more years in the sport and life in general.

AM: My health and being able to help others in some way.

CT: We’re most thankful for having a very close family. We’re very grateful of for all that Ronnie Shields and Al Haymon have made possible. Al gave us the chance and now we’re thankful for our position in the sport of boxing. We’re getting closer and closer to world titles.

ES: My health and the support that I get from my family and friends.

VO: To a great team that I have from Coach Joel, Coach Hoss, Coach Antonio, Coach Jose and Al Haymon, the Watson family and Scott Karp and Sam Spira. I have lots of good people in my corner in and out of boxing.

– PRESS RELEASE

Cuban trainer Ismael Salas in Beibut Shumenov’s corner

After being self-trained for his last three fights, former World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World champion Beibut Shumenov (14-2, 9 KOs) is now working in Las Vegas with highly-regarded Cuban head trainer Ismael Salas.

Salas, who has trained world champions such as Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriokis Gamboa, Danny Green, Jesse Vargas and Jorge Linares, is preparing Shumenov for his cruiserweight debut this Saturday night (Dec. 13) against West Virginia fighter Bobby Thomas Jr. (14-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the NABA US title, on the Golden Boy Promotions-presented Khan-Alexander card at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I’ve had a lot of changes after my last fight,” the 31-year-old Shumenov said. “I trained myself for the last three fights but now I have added a great trainer, Ismael Salas, to my team.

“I come from Kazakhstan and I was taught the Soviet Union boxing program. The Cuban boxing program has a lot of similarities, so, for me it was easy to pick up Ismael’s teaching method. The addition of Ismael to my team, along with a few other minor changes, has brought about a real positive environment. I look forward again to going to the gym every day and having fun.”

“There was chemistry between us from the beginning,” Salas explained. “In Beibut, I found the old Russian and Cuban boxing fundamentals, so, it was easy for me to approach Beibut’s style but in a professional manner. We talk with all key members of Team Shumenov to discuss his weekly training, including sparring, to do everything the right way.

“We started working together in September and fortunately I provided the right tools he needed for his style. Since the beginning I’ve explained to him that I wouldn’t change his style, just improve it and approach him about working angles better. His strength is toughness and power punching. All he needs is to maintain his game plan. As long as he stays healthy going into a fight – that is most important – moving up to cruiserweight will not affect his power and mobility.”

WBA No. 2 rated cruiserweight Shumenov, a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian who lives in Las Vegas, captured the WBA light heavyweight title January 29, 2010 by way of a 12-round decision over Gabriel Campillo. Fighting as a professional in only his 10th professional bout, Shumenov established the fewest-fights record for the light heavyweight champion of a major organization with his victory over Campillo.

Shumenov successfully defended his WBA light heavyweight title belt five times against previously unbeaten mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov (DEC12), former world champion William Joppy (KO6), multiple world title challengers Danny Santiago (TKO) and Enrique Ornelas (DEC12), and previously undefeated Tamas Kovacs (TKO3).

– PRESS RELEASE

Is Floyd Mayweather really the best ever?

Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez and Bernard Hopkins; These are all icons of the sport, considered at one point or another to be “the best ever.”

What exactly defines being “the best ever?”

No one has ever made a point of clearly defining this title, but it could surely mean the most wins on record, or the boxer with the ability to provide the most exiting fights or maybe even a boxer who has shown the most sportsmanship both inside and outside of the ring. Whatever the definition may be, it is still unclear to many of this generation’s fight fans as to whether Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the real deal and the best of ever. Or is he simply the best of his crop?

Although many of his supporters will swear that he is the best of all time (much to the chagrin of those that grew up watching Ali), the facts will support that Mayweather has strategically placed himself in a position to be the best of his crop as long as he is not challenged by a real contender.

Credit is given where it is deserved. Mayweather is not only a boxer, but he is also a very cunning businessman with a net worth of $280 million, who has taken advantage of his financial situation to begin numerous ventures including his own promotion company. But his intelligence is not limited to his investments. Mayweather has played a game of chess with his professional boxing career in a way that always makes him the knight checking the queen with all the other pieces off the board.

Mayweather won a bronze medal in the 1996 Olympics and began his professional career that same year. He won his first world title in 1998. No one can take away what he did to get where he is now. His hard work paid off and this characteristic is still seen in him as the media provides glimpses of him putting his time in the gym during his training camps. However, one of Mayweather’s opponents has a saying that is relevant to this discussion.

Before his title fight with Mayweather, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez stated in an interview “to be the best, you have to fight the best.” That is something that is certainly questionable about Mayweather.

Of course, with a record of 47-0 with 28 KOs, it is hard to question whether he really is the best ever. But let us break down who he has fought and who he has not fought.

The first boxer to ever give Mayweather any sort of trouble in the ring was Jose Luis Castillo in their first match in April 2002. Castillo also provided Mayweather his 28th and 29th fights. Mayweather won the first rounds but Castillo rallied to win the latter rounds. Unfortunately, it was too little too late and Mayweather won by unanimous decision. The crowd disagreed with the decision, as did Castillo and promoter Bob Arum. This would be one of many situations where Mayweather’s “footwork” would keep him out of trouble. To many, this was just nothing more than Mayweather running from his opponent.

But the win was not sufficient for Mayweather. He had to prove to the public that there was no doubt that he had beat Castillo. A rematch was scheduled just eight months after their first meet. Mayweather won again by unanimous decision and removed any further doubts, as well as any chances of any further rematches.

As much as Arturo Gatti had been regarded as a fight-of-the-night boxer after his matches with Micky Ward, his fight with Mayweather in June 2005 was everything except a fight-of-the-night contest. Gatti had his hands down and was complaining to the referee about an illegal punch he had received when Mayweather landed a left hook and knocked him down. Everything went downhill from there. Mayweather dominated the fight until after the sixth round when Gatti’s corner threw in the towel and Mayweather won by TKO.

Mayweather went to face opponents after this that were either past their prime or simply had not been tested enough to compete with someone of his caliber. He went on to defend and win titles from the likes of Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, Robert Guerrero and Alvarez.

Although Guerrero was not well known before his fight with Mayweather, an entire nation had rallied behind both De La Hoya and Alvarez only to be disappointed.

Mayweather fought Victor Ortiz in September 2011 only to have a repeat of the Gatti fight except much shorter and much more controversial. The referee had already told both boxers to stop after Ortiz had given Mayweather a head butt and was deducted a point. He never called time back in and Ortiz decided to apologize to Mayweather. While he did that, Mayweather decided to punch Ortiz and knock him down. Ortiz was not able to get up before the count and the fight ended in the fourth round. Commentator Larry Merchant tried to get an explanation from Mayweather regarding his actions but only received yelling and cussing from him.

In his most recent fights with Marcos Maidana in May and September,’ Mayweather showed a repeat of his fights with Castillo. Maidana was able to win half of the first fight but lost in a very controversial decision. Just fourth months later, they would meet again and Mayweather would win with his usual tactics, Maidana would try to catch him and he would try to run.

It is clear that Mayweather has an impeccable record. And he has worked hard to earn that record. But how many fight-of-the-night awards has he won in comparison to his wins, or his titles? Mayweather does not want to win anymore or earn a defense of his title. At this point in his career, he has settled for not losing.

– Nader Gamez
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

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.

David Lemieux dazzles in American debut with statement victory

Knockout artist David Lemieux burst on to the American fight scene with a huge victory over Gabriel Rosado at the Barclays Center Saturday night.

Rosado didn’t go down without a fight, as Lemieux scored the TKO victory in the 10th round after the ringside doctors saw him suffer too much damage to his surgically repaired left eye. Rosado’s eye started to swell after being dropped in the third round by a thunderous left hook by Lemiuex. Rosado beat the count and finished the round.

Lemieux let off vicious flurries in the fourth and continued to hurt Rosado. Rosado appeared to stun Lemieux in the round as both men exchanged blows. Rosado continued to press the action and closed the round yelling at Lemieux, insinuating his power was not phasing him. The fourth round should go down as the Round of the Year.

Lemieux continued to attack the body and head throughout the fight as Rosado’s eye continued to swell. Rosado’s eye was examined by the doctor in the seventh round as it began to swell shut. The doctor ruled Rosado good to go and Lemieux continued to attack the eye and body.

Rosado finally showed signs of life in the eight round as Lemieux appeared to slow. But Lemieux picked up the action in the ninth round and continued to attack Rosado.

But Rosado would not go out without a fight. The two exchanged in a vicious flurry to end the ninth round. But the fight would end the doctor intervened midway through the 10th round as Rosado was eating too many shots and his eye was swollen shut.

In undercard action, Hugo Centeno Jr. was victorious with a thunderous knockout victory over James De La Rosa.

Centeno, an orthodox fighter, landed a overhand left hand from the southpaw stance in the fifth round that forced De La Rosa to fall face first to the canvas, forcing the referee to immediately intervene and halt the bout. The knockout eerily resembled the knockout Sergio Martinez recorded over Paul Williams.

Centeno got off to a fast start dropping De La Rosa with a stiff left jab mid way through the first round. De La Rosa appeared stunned but beat the count and finished the round unscathed. De La Rosa was beat to the punch in the opening rounds, but found a bit of success in the third round bloodying Centeno’s nose.

De La Rosa pressed the action in the fourth, but was knocked out in the following round.

Former prospect of the year Thomas Dulorme picked up a split decision victory over Hank Lundy in the opening bout of the evening.

Dulorme controlled the tempo from the opening bell and dropped Lundy with a looping right hand in the first. Lundy recovered but was simply beat to the punch early on. Lundy made adjustments in the middle rounds. Lundy appeared to tire in the eighth and ninth rounds before swinging for the fences in the final round.

-Jose Quintero / @JoseSwift8755
US Editor for BehindTheGloves.com