More than just WBO title on the line for Chris Algieri

The buzz surrounding Chris Algieri’s quest for boxing lore has sadly taken a backseat to the prospects of a showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

Instead of focusing his training on defending his WBO welterweight championship against Algieri Saturday, Pacquiao has split his training with playing professional basketball and filming commercials in hopes to bait Mayweather in to fight.

Meanwhile, Algieri is preparing for the fight of his life. His defining moment. His quest at stardom. Algieri has all the prospects of the next great American champion. Movie-star looks, a body that looks as if was chiseled from stone and a humble personality. While today’s athletes seem to spend their money on lavish lifestyles, the recently stripped WBO junior welterweight champion still lives in his parents’ basement.

While he lacks the amateur pedigree and personality that Mayweather and other counterparts possess, Algieri is a former kickboxing world champion that will never brag about anything other than his clean and healthy lifestyle.

If Algieri beats Pacquiao in Macau Sunday morning, Saturday night in the United States, will his popularity boost him into the eye of the public? Is Algieri the next all-American superstar waiting to breakthrough? Algieri is fully aware of what a potential victory would mean for him.

“I would hope that it would attract a more mainstream audience and have a crossover appeal – we need to get more people watching boxing,” Algieri said. “I love this sport and anything we can do to help it is great. The more attention that is drawn to any of the fighters, especially in a positive way, is good for the sport. And if it’s elevating my career, what the hell, let’s do it.”

The sport of Boxing is thriving right now. It’s popularity is arguably at an all-time high despite its “cash cow” being two fights away from retirement. Algieri is what boxing needs to attract a broader national audience. If Algieri beats Pacquiao he needs to be properly marketed and shoved down the throats of American households. His face needs to be on billboards, commercials, apparel and any other advertising platform the same way athletes like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are.

Algieri can save and spark the American interest in the sport. Algieri can be the American equivalent what Saul Alvarez is to the Mexican fans.

Can it happen? Absolutely. Will it happen? Unlikely.

Not unlikely because Algieri does not pose a threat to Pacquiao, but unlikely because the die-hard fight fans will not buy into it. Hardcore fight fans will not want to see a good looking man being shoved down their throats, no pun intended.

From a marketing standpoint, it makes sense. But would it turn off the hardcore fight fans? You can be assured it would. That’s whats wrong with the sport. Fight fans do not want to see A-list celebrities ringside. They could care less if Ryan Gosling is sitting ringside. But who will care if Gosling is at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas? The general public. media outlets like TMZ and all of Gosling’s fans.

If teen heartthrob Justin Bieber can get teenage girls interested in a Mayweather fight, what do you think a man with Algieri’s looks, who is marketed to the general public to tune in a broader audience, can do? It sure makes sense business wise.

But first things first. Algieri has to get the job done against Pacquiao. It wont be easy as Pacquiao has Mayweather in his sights, despite his claims that he is not overlooking Algieri. This fight means the world to both fighters.

Another loss for Pacquiao would be detrimental to the prospect of finally fighting Mayweather. A loss for Algieri means an end to his fairy tale and hopes for super stardom.

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

When you watch Clearwater, Florida’s Keith Thurman you can see the fluidness of Ronald “Winky” Wright and the savageness of a young Jeff Lacy all packaged into the fighter they call “One Time”.

It’s not by mistake as both Wright and Lacy were trained by Thurman’s trainer, Dan Birmingham, and won titles under his tutelage. Something Birmingham hopes to continue with Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs).

Known for his defensive mentoring, Birmingham has reined in Thurman’s explosive power just enough to creatively add the sweetness of the sport to Thurman’s arsenal.
While Birmingham can be credited with the development of this rising star, it was the late Ben Getty who masterminded the blueprint of this dangerous boxer-puncher. Their bond, which evokes memories of D’Amato/ Tyson will never be broken. Thurman fights in memory of Getty.

“As you see me, you will see Ben Getty on my trunks,” Thurman stated. “I wear it in honor of him and all the years he spent teaching me to be the fighter I am today.”

In his last three fights, Thurman stopped Julio Diaz, Jesus Soto Karass and Diego Chaves. Shortly after his last fight in April against Diaz, Thurman injured his left shoulder in training which prevented plans to find an opponent for the Sept. 13 Mayhem undercard. He has been rehabbing the injury in physical therapy for about six weeks.

Thurman, 25, has about three week left and hopes to be back in the ring in November. Due to the injury, we may not see Thurman in against one of the top guys in the division as his camp may want to ease him back in.

Thurman has been, for lack of a better term, collateral damage with regards to matchups in the welterweight division. There is so much talent in the division that the top fighters can avoid him because they have so many options. Why fight a guy who has power in both hands, works the body, has underrated speed, is technically sound, is getting better defensively with each fight and has a good chin?

Pretty soon the top guys in the division will have no choice but to face Thurman, so let’s take a look at some possible style matchups to gauge the readiness of One Time.

If facing puncher/brawlers like Marcos Maidana and Robert Guerrero, Thurman will be pressured all fight long and it would be interesting to see how he adapts. While his defense is getting better every fight, he has shown a tendency to get hit with big shots but has shown an equally good beard. In his fight against Chaves, he took some good power shots which forced him to adjust his game plan from puncher to boxer. Thurman then relied on his speed and movement which ultimately allowed him to switch back to puncher when the time was right to land the power shot that ended the fight. Thurman seems ready for the punchers as he can give as good or better than he gets but can also adjust and make a puncher look even more one dimensional. As Thurman remembered Getty’s influence, “I just go back to the fundamentals. The way Ben showed me how to throw the jab, how to sit down with the right.”
Verdict- Thurman is ready for the punchers/brawlers of the welterweight division.

While looking at opponents, more boxer than puncher, we stumble upon possible opponents such as Amir Khan, Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley. It’s evident Thurman can box with a boxer being able to utilize speed while exhibiting elusiveness and landing economical and accurate punches albeit unloading bad intentions at any moment. Against the top boxers in the division, it would exciting to see how they would hold up to the punching power of Thurman. Getty’s wise words again a reminder, “And I just always listen to him: ‘Don’t ever lighten up on your power boy, because that’s what they’re afraid of.”
Verdict- Thurman is ready for the boxers of the welterweight division.

While looking in the mirror, Thurman may see one opponent that brings similar skills to the table, Adrien Broner. A boxer/puncher in his own right has now gone south of the division so a possible matchup with Broner has some challenges. To see Thurman against a fighter with a similar skill set as his own would bring out the best in him and we may just see another element to his game.
Verdict- Thurman is ready for the boxer/punchers of the welterweight division.

So it’s not a question of if Thurman is ready to face the top guys in the division, but more so are they ready to face him? While Thurman is Floyd Mayweather’s WBA mandatory challenger, he still is relatively unknown to the casual fan which would most likely hurt possible matchups against pay-per-view fighters. It’s doubtful that Thurman gets in with Mayweather in one of his last remaining fights unless the coveted matchup that has eluded Thurman arrives and he makes a statement. Maybe a fight with Danny Garcia who is rumored to be moving to the division would be an option? A move to the next division down the road could see future fights against the likes of Saul Alvarez or Erislandy Lara.

The future is bright for Thurman who gets better with every fight and has a style that is pleasing to both fans of the sweet science and those that long for the violence of the game. 2015 could very well be the year of “One Time.”

Whenever it arrives, Getty’s words may ring true.

“Ben told me, ‘you have what it takes to be a champion,” Thurman recalls. “And not to be any champion, I wanna be a legendary champion. That’s one thing that truly keeps me motivated. I just want to prove him right.”

– Rick Guerrero / @lapittrick

– Contributor for www.BehindtheGloves.com

The super bantamweight division is thriving in Britain as Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg are making a name for themselves on the world stage.

But one fighter itching to put himself in the mix, Kid Galahad.

The Sheffield native (17-0, 3 KOs) is in action Saturday and faces unbeaten Brazilian fighter, Adeilson Dos Santos for the IBF world youth title. Dos Santos (14-0, 10 KOs) is a late replacement for the injured Tyson Cave and should not be taken lightly. Dos Santos is a heavy handed individual with 10 knockouts, meaning Galahad must stay focused.

A victory for Galahad would add another title to his collection and move him up the IBF rankings. Galahad has been on an impressive run of title fights recently by laying claim to the British, European and Commonwealth belts in his last three outings.

With Hennessy Sports and Channel 5 firmly behind him, Galahad has been going about his business nicely and building a fan base in the process. All the talk is about about Quigg and Frampton but Galahad could soon be in the mix.

Galahad’s team actually made an offer to fight Quigg (29-0-2, 22 KOs) before his last defense. Talks about the fight may be premature, but if Galahad keeps winning Frampton (19-0, 13 KOs) and Quigg will have no option but to fight him.

The three fighters boxing each other is a mouth-watering prospect for UK fight fans and is slightly reminiscent of classic domestic clashes between Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Michael Watson.

One criticism Galahad has faced is the level of opponents he’s fought, but I think he is doing everything the right way. Galahad has proven himself at domestic level and came through a tough fight with Jazza Dickens last September and has since moved on to European and fringe world level. Galahad is a few big victories away from huge fights and in a hot division he has plenty to look forward to. Remaining patient is key and that is something that Galahad can take from his stable-mate Kell Brook, who had to wait a long time to challenge for a world crown.

Galahad boxes out of the renowned Wincobank gym in Sheffield after forming a close relationship with legendary trainer Brendan Ingle. Now under the watchful eye of Dominic Ingle, Galahad’s development has been impressive. The gym is on a high after Brook captured his world title over Shawn Porter and Galahad is looking to continue the resurgence.

Galahad often draws comparisons with legendary Ingle fighter Naseem Hamad and it is clear to see why.

Galahad is confident, somewhat brash and you can see the similarities with their in-ring styles. Like Naz, Galahad will divide opinion and people will either love him or hate him. Whether he can rise to very top remains to be seen but it is certainly a journey worth following.

Next year could potentially be a big year for Galahad and I would be very surprised if we don’t see him challenging for a world title before it draws to a close.

– Thomas Flower, @thomasflower

Due to an overwhelming demand for tickets to “Mexican Style” on Oct. 18 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Ca., K2 Promotions announced plans to add “standing room only” tickets priced at $27.

“Mexican Style” is headlined by a 12-round middleweight title fight between WBA/IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and WBC interim middleweight champion Marco Antonio Rubio.

“In the first two weeks we’ve sold over 75 percent of the available tickets to “Mexican Style” which truly validates the popularity of Gennady on the West Coast,” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions.“This speaks to Gennady’s growing global brand as he is willing to fight in locations around the world unlike many champions who only fight in one city or one state.”

The card is presented by K2 Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Promociones Del Pueblo. Remaining tickets are priced at $210, $105, $53 and $27, plus applicable service charges, are available online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at the StubHub Center Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We’re happy to announce the unprecedented addition of Standing Room Only tickets in order to meet the demand from boxing fans for this event,” Loeffler said.

The additional tickets are expected to go on sale in the near future.

The StubHub Center is located at 18400 Avalon Blvd. in Carson, CA 90746. For directions and further information, please visit their website at www.StubHubCenter.com Doors will open at 3:00 p.m. PT on the day of the event for a full program of world class boxing.

For fight updates on GOLOVKIN VS. RUBIO via Social Media, follow HBO Boxing on Twitter at @HBOBoxing and Facebook at /HBOBoxing, in addition to on Twitter at Gennady Golovkin/ @GGGBoxing, Marco Antonio Rubio/ @MAVenenoRubio, Tom Loeffler – K2 Promotions/ @TomLoeffler1 and Promociones Del Pueblo/ @PromoDelPueblo. Use the hashtag #GolovkinRubio to join the conversation on Twitter.

– Press release

Ortiz (22-0, 19 KOs) dropped Kayode approximately a minute into the first round. Kayode (20-1, 16 KOs) beat the count and was later stunned with an Ortiz left hook followed by a flurry of unanswered punches. Referee Robert Byrd stepped in and stopped the contest with seconds left in the round.

Although few punches landed cleanly, Byrd felt Kayode had taken enough damage. Kayode voiced his displeasure with Byrd after the stoppage.

With the stoppage, Ortiz becomes a mandatory challenger to WBA regular heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev.

The co-main event saw Juan Manuel Lopez (34-5, 31 KOs) versus Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar (25-1, 19 KOs).

Lopez, 31, entered the ring with hopes for one more big-payday and another shot at a world championship. The former two division champion contemplating retirement after being knocked out by Fernando Vargas July 12.

Cuellar retained his WBA interim featherweight championship.

Lopez was knocked out in the second round after Cuellar forced him against the ropes and landed a three-punch combination. Referee Kenny Bayless immediately stopped the bout as Lopez dropped to the canvas.

Lopez’ devastating loss to Cuellar derails his hopes and may likely force him into retirement.

Also in action on the card, Jermall Charlo stopped Norberto Gonzalez in the seventh round in his quest to landing a world championship bout.

Charlo (19-0, 15 KOs) had a point deducted in the fourth round after landing a lowblow on Gonzalez. Charlo dropped Gonzalez (20-5, 13 KOs) in the fifth round with a straight right hand. Charlo inched closer to a world championship opportunity with the win after having his hopes delayed when Carlos Molina was arrested days before their IBF junior middleweight championship bout March 8.

Josesito Lopez (33-6, 19 KOs) was also victorious in a lackluster performance against Rafael Cobos. Lopez dictated the action by effectively landing body shots on Cobos (15-5-5, 3 KOs) en route to a unanimous decision, winning 80-72 on each scorecard.

Lopez, 30, earned his third consecutive win after suffering consecutive loses to Saul Alvarez and Marcos Maidana. The Riverside native’s name has been in the running for possible opponents for Amir Khan in December.

Thursday’s performance could possibly tamper hopes of a December showdown with Kahn.

Errol Spence Jr. and Julian Williams were also victorious Thursday night.

-Jose Quintero/ @JoseSwift8755

US Managing Editor for www.BehindTheGloves.com

*Pre-show ticket pricing will be available through September 12th, 2014 and Early Bird Ticket pricing will be available at $30 until Aug 6th, 2014. 

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO. Its the ultimate fan experience event that was created to allow boxing fans to MEET & GREET there Boxing Heroes.

There will be Autographs and Photos sessions, merchandise to purchase & you can face off with your favorite fighters. Join over 50 + boxing celebrities, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF.

Join at their Booth area fighters like Mike Tyson (Iron Mike Productions),  5 time world champ Zab Judah, IBF Champ Shawn Porter, Brandon Rios, WBO Champ Mikey Garcia, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Erislandy Lara, Legend Roy Jones jr., WBC  Diamond champ Jean Pascal, Trainer of the year (2013) Robert Garcia, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Al Bernstein, Jesse James Leija (Leija Battah Promotions), Mia St. John, Kronk Boxing, Rival Boxing, Killa Boxing ,Lou Diabella (Dibella entertainment), and many more celebrities to be announced in the next few weeks. 

EXPO HOURS:
Saturday, September 13th, 2014 – “Mexican Independence Day Weekend”
10:00AM to 6:00PM

To Purchase tickets CLICK HERE:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/box-fan-expo-las-vegas-2014-tickets-4299568124?aff=Behindthegloves&afu=107356196489

Miguel Berchelt stops Carlos Manuel Reyes in four

Local favorite Miguel Berchelt stopped Carlos Manuel Reyes in the fourth round of their junior lightweight main event on Saturday night in Yucatan, Mexico atop a quality bill promoted by Zanfer Promotions.

With no American televised boxing taking place the day after the Fourth of July, Zanfer picked up the slack, airing a couple entertaining bouts on Azteca 7.

Berchelt (24-1 20 knockouts) caught Reyes suddenly with a left hook in the fourth round that dropped him harshly, bouncing his head off the mat. The referee began to count but quickly realized Reyes (24-3-1 16 KOs) was not getting up any time soon, prompting a stoppage at 2:54 of the fourth.

In the co-featured bout, junior middleweight Aaron Herrera earned a ten round unanimous decision over David Mosquera . Mosquera visited the canvas twice yet made it the distance. Herrera (27-3, 17 KOs) has won two in a row after losing three of his previous four contests. Mosquera (16-4-1, 14 KOs) is now 0-4 outside his native Colombia.

In other action, junior lightweight Eduardo Torres (16-0, 10 KOs) stopped Joaquin Cruz (0-2); Carlos Martin (6-1, 2 KOs) scored a minor upset with a six-round split decision over Oscar Arjona (7-2, 5 KOs) at junior lightweight; junior flyweight Gilberto Parra (18-2, 16 KOs) stopped Jose Isabel Gomez (8-3, 7 KOs) at 2:25 of round three.

Photos courtesy of Zanfer Promotions.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com

POST FIGHT Ruslan Provodnikov Interview: Sometimes I feel maybe I’m not supported & they don’t love me much here”

Ruslan Provodnikov carried out his media workout today at the Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn ahead of his fight on 10 June against Chris Algieri. Provodnikov with his trainer, Freddie Roach, looked confident and relaxed whilst illustrating his skills to the media. Watch highlights of the workout below:

Behind the Gloves’ Michelle Joy Phelps spoke to super bantamweight  WBA regular champion Scott Quigg. He mentioned his desire to fight Leo Santa Cruz and also talks about the possible bout with Carl Frampton in the future. Quigg provided his prediction for the Carl Froch vs George Groves rematch.  Watch the full interview below: