In his latest quest to rejuvenate his career, Sergio Mora announced he’s inked a deal with manager and adviser Al Haymon.

Mora, a former WBC junior middleweight champion, announced his signing on Twitter Thursday night. Mora (26-3, 9 KOs) is currently promoted by DiBella Entertainment and has been lobbying for big-name fights in the middleweight division.

“I’ve come a long way as a self managed fighter,” Mora said. “I have a loyal team behind me that has never doubted my abilities.”

Mora, 33, has scored three consecutive wins since losing a majority decision to Brian Vera in 2012. Mora is not known for his knockout power, but has consecutive knockout victories over Milton Nunez and most recently, a TKO victory over Samuel Rogers in May.

Mora’s highlight of his career was a majority decision over the late Vernon Forrest in 2008, winning the WBC strap. Forrest avenged the loss in a rematch three months later.

-Jose Quintero/ @JoseSwift8755

US Managing Editor for www.BehindTheGloves.com

 Let’s stop placing blame on the fighters & redirect it to who is responsible!

When in the heat of the moment and the momentum is going at a fight, it’s very easy to get caught up in the moment and we forget that there’s more to behind who wins or a loses.

In recent days, there’s been more talk than ever about judges scoring cards wrongly and lopsided. Our first reaction as a viewer, a fan, an expert, is to react. We go on rants, we voice clear disapproval of a decision made that wasn’t supposed to be made, witnessing boxing politics first hand.

Let’s start with Bradley vs. Pacquiao. The split decision made headlines around the world. C.J. Ross was yet again a judge on that card and when the media, as well as boxing fans, demanded that she be fired or disciplined, the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s, Executive Director, Keith Kizer defended her. Bradley said he endured death threats and it made him contemplate whether or not he wanted to continue boxing. He felt what was supposed to be the most exciting moment of his life, was overshadowed by the judges decision.

Again, earlier this year a controversial split decision between J’Leon Love and Gabriel Rosado, in favor of Love, upset everyone in attendance and watching from all over the world. The reaction from the crowd was something no fighter will forget. Love was booed, taunted, attacked from all angles via social media. What was supposed to be a victorious, memorable moment in Love’s career was also overshadowed by a poor decision.

And just the other day this happened to Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., when he won by decision over Brian Vera. The audience felt robbed, including Vera himself who expressed his thoughts on the loss as being, “sick to my stomach” and “robbed.” The crowd erupted into disapproval, even Chavez Jr’s fans felt let down by the boxing community.When I was at the post-fight press conference, Chavez,Jr. appeared to have been crying. Boxing fans, at the end of the day, just want to see the best man win. So when judges make sloppy decisions, it only then spirals down hard on the fighter himself and is this fair?

After all, was it really Bradley, Love or Chavez Jr’s fault that the judges called the fight the way they did? It really made me take a step back and I realized in that moment that I too was being too hard on the fighters. They didn’t go to their corner and say, “make them vote in favor of me.” It’s the judges who we should be crucifying. It was only until judge, C.J. Ross, who also infamously scored the Mayweather vs. Canelo fight a 114-114, got major slack from the fans and media, that she decided to retire. Doing us all a favor.

Fans have more power than you realize. It takes us taking a more vocal public stance to see changes made. Nothing will happen over night but it can perhaps be the start of a movement that will eventually end corrupt boxing politics.

-Michelle Joy Phelps

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Canada Vs. Mexico?

 Let’s imagine this for just a minute…

 Researching relations between Canada and Mexico, Wikipedia describes the climate between the two countries traditionally as “coldly dormant.” There was a warming trend in 2006, when Mexico was ranked the fifth-ranked destination for Canadian exports (1%) and third-ranked source of imports (4%) AND— Mexican beach resorts were a major wintertime destination for Canadian tourists.

Let’s heat things up a bit in Mexico for the Canadians, with a light heavyweight boxing match. Although it will never see the light of reality, it’s kind of fun to ponder a match between superstar, Adonis Stevenson, and light heavyweight newcomer, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

After receiving a wildly unpopular unanimous decision against Brian Vera on September 28, Jr., in his HBO post fight remarks complained (whined) loudly about Vera’s fighting style, and referee Lou Moret’s performance. He also vowed to remain a champion in the middleweight division. Lip service isn’t going to work for the “Son of the Legend.” His well chronicled issues with weight, drugs and alcohol have made him the target of jokes from not only the boxing media but fans as well. His lack of discipline and respect for the sport of boxing make him easy to dislike.

All of the facts above build a case that Jr. isn’t worthy to fight the best in boxing no matter the weight class. Frankly, a rematch with Brian Vera would be the best logical and moral move, and that responsibility rests in the hands of promoter Top Rank and also HBO. Should that fail to happen, Jr. retreats to Mexico, all the criticism falling on deaf ears, until the sideshow of promoting his next fight begins.

To end Jr.’s charade as a middleweight or even super middleweight, let’s have him get comfortable at light heavyweight. Take all his championship ways into a bout with “Superman” Adonis Stevenson; The training in his living room, eating cereal in his underwear, standing up trainers. Bring Canadians to sunny Mexico. Serve up the drinks with umbrellas and settle in. Adonis Stevenson will arrive in the sun and sand, armed with his power, boxing ability and talent. Chavez Jr. enters this competition just making the 175-pound limit. In the mythical 10 round bout, Jr.’s wasteful ways catch up with him fast and hard. It’s a ruder awakening than the Sergio Martinez fight. Jr. is easily punished, taunted and beaten by Superman within six rounds. Adonis Stevenson may not be the answer to making Canada and Mexico warm and friendly instead of “coldly dormant” but he could be the super hero that saves boxing from the black cloud of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

-Amy Green/ @amygreenpr

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Somehow the Judges find a way to eclipse the September fights

As the month of the highly anticipated September boxing schedule comes to a close, the big story isn’t Floyd Mayweather’s wipeout of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Danny Garcia overcoming Lucas Matthysse, Chris Arreola disposing of Seth Mitchell in the first round, or the abrupt postponement of Tyson Fury vs. David Haye. As a matter of fact it has a lot to do with the very controversial and despicable job of a few judges in some of the important fights of the year. 

The first casualty occurred in Glasgow, Scotland, where Ricky Burns defended his WBO Lightweight title against Raymundo Beltran. Many observers scored the contest in favor of Beltran, especially after knocking down Burns who was the home favorite in round 8. I personally scored it 115-112 for Beltran. The decision would end up being ruled a split-decision draw, which is telling that the fight just wasn’t that close to even attempt to give Burns the decision.

The next and most significant judging issue came after what was seen as a landslide victory for Floyd Mayweather by practically everyone after he defeated Canelo Alvarez. Judge, C.J Ross, scored the fight 114-114. Even the casual fans that watch boxing 1-3 times a year called BS, and that’s saying something. C.J Ross later stepped down as a result of the backlash and rightfully so. After this and the Pacquiao/Bradley score she gave last year, you can be sure if she is ever appointed again that it would gain attention from the boxing media.

And last but not least, what happened last night in Carson, California. In what was already a debacle to begin with during the build-up due to the contracted weight of the fight (Originally 162lbs, then made 173lbs to cater to the boy wonder) Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. won a highly controversial unanimous decision over Bryan Vera, a fight that I scored 97-93 for Bryan Vera. The scores were 96-94, an abysmal 98-92, and 97-93 by Judge Marty Denkin, who at this point should take the CJ Ross approach and “step down”. 99% of observers had Vera winning by at least two rounds. 

The fault here is in the commissions. Nevada State Athletic Commission’s Executive Director Keith Kizer actually defended C.J Ross’ decision and decided to not take any disciplinary action.

These politics don’t only exist in boxing though. Just last weekend at a UFC event in Toronto, Jon “Bones” Jones defeated Swede Alexander Gustafsson by unanimous decision for the light heavyweight title in an excellent fight that ended in controversy as many felt Gustafsson should have won. A referee for mixed martial arts, “Big” John McCarthy, expressed his disgust with how Keith Kizer handles his position in the NSAC on The MMA Hour saying:

“The truth is, Keith Kizer is a person that does not know combative sports. He’s never been part of them. He’s never done them. He puts people [in positions] at times that maybe shouldn’t be put. You tell me why C.J. Ross said the Floyd Mayweather fight was a draw. Did you watch it? My god, I had it 11-1. It wasn’t even close. So if you’re doing that, you keep putting those same people back, you don’t care about the fighters. You don’t care about them as athletes; you don’t care about their livelihood. And you know what? You shouldn’t be in that job. And if someone doesn’t like what I said, too bad.”

Politics run the sport in certain states. Last night, while the California State Athletic Commission is at fault here, it has a lot to do with Marty Denkin. Denkin, who isn’t even allowed to work in Nevada (which is telling), is considered the man who unofficially runs boxing in California and has a lot of stroke within the commission.

The timing for horrific judging could have not come at the most inopportune of times. Right now, boxing is at it’s most exciting with all the lined up matches approaching and fights are being viewed by a larger audience, by both dedicated and on the fence fans. But last nights politics is why you often here: “Boxing is dead”, “This is why I don’t watch anymore!” and “This is why MMA is better!” as a result of poor judging they are witnessing.

What the commissions need is a new figurehead to appoint younger judges who would be then trained in classes on how to score and score a few high profile fights off the record to determine if they know what they’re doing and keep them away from promoters or whomever can convince them to skew their viewing of a particular fight. Foreign judges with neutrality can help with this cause as well.

Be it the judges, the commissions, the promoters, or even the 10-point must system. One thing for certain, there is a problem in the sport we all love and unless this changes, we can count on a decline in not only viewers but also respect for the sport overall.

It’s about time to get rid of the proverbial “black eye” of combat sports.

-Alex Aviles

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Kelly Pavlik has choice words & advice for Chavez Jr: “Try to make weight… or retire.”

Kelly Pavlik is no stranger to middleweight challenges. The retired former world champion is still a student of his weight class, and well versed in battles inside and outside the ring. Prior to retiring, Pavlik was slated to fight Brian Vera (23-6), and his opinion?  That Julio Chavez Jr. (46-1) will have his hands full come fight night.

“I was supposed to fight Vera,” Pavlik said, “and it’s going to be a tough bout for Chavez.” Several things are in Vera’s favor, Pavlik said. “Vera coming in shape, if the fight goes the distance, he has a good chance of winning. He’s awkward, punches from all different angles, and is just a different type of fighter.” Chavez not being known for an amazing defense, Pavlik said, is great for what Vera brings to the fight. “This kid can fight, and he knows how to break people down. This fight will be a lot closer than people think, and I don’t see Chavez knocking him out. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised.”

Nearly eclipsing the fact Chavez has a fight this weekend are his weight issues; Pavlik didn’t mince words on that topic. “He’s notorious for not making weight and weigh-ins,” he said. “Chavez has got his issues,” he continued. “To be honest,” Pavlik cut right to the chase, “if he quit smoking pot, he’d be all right. You smoke pot, you get the munchies.” Chavez Jr., Pavlik also noted, has a built in mechanism for being able to elude with his weighty offenses. “His father, being Chavez Sr., and the friend of the W.B.C. Chairman, Junior gets away with it. I hit a lamppost with an ATV; it’s headline news for three or four days. He should have been fined, stripped of his titles and not able to fight.”

Seeing Chavez struggle with the 160-pound weight limit, Pavlik predicts no easy refuge for him at super middle. “If he moves up, I don’t see him doing well at all,” he said. “Froch stops him, Kessler beats him and Andre Ward? He embarrasses him.”  With options running out as a middleweight, and the future seeming dismal in a bigger weight class, what advice does Pavlik offer Chavez Jr.?

“Honestly,” Pavlik said, “he’d better off TRYING to make his weight. He’s not going to be a top guy at 168. I guarantee, Will Rosinsky, who I fought beats him. I’d tell him to retire. You’re not your dad. You’ve made your money and you’re a world champion; Quit before you get hurt.”

-Amy Green/ @amygreenPR

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Stevenson & Cloud will fight this Sat, Sept 28th in Quebec, Canada LIVE on HBO!

With the drama surrounding Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and his weight issues, as well as David Haye with a cut postponing the fight he had against Tyson Fury, now rescheduled for February 8, 2014, many boxing fans forgot that “Superman” Adonis Stevenson is fighting this Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Adonis Stevenson (21-1, 18KO’s) will defend the WBC light heavyweight title against challenger, Tavoris Cloud (24-1, 19KO’s).

In his last appearance, Stevenson floored “Bad” Chad Dawson in only 76 seconds into the first round taking the WBC light heavyweight crown away. “Superman” Stevenson is on a lights out streak, knocking out his last 8 opponents. The last time Adonis Stevenson was involved in a bout that went the entire scheduled rounds was in 2007, when his fight with David Whittom went all 10.

We are familiar with Stevenson’s power, but his foe is to not be overlooked because he does not lack in the power department either. Tavoris Cloud, the former IBF title-holder, had it rough in his last two outings. He lost his IBF title to the living legend, Bernard Hopkins, who continues to defy father time as well as the laws-of aging physics. The match prior to his first defeat, Cloud came close to losing to the tough, Gabriel Campillo.

Come Saturday the 28^th, Adonis Stevenson plans to make it no easier for Tavoris Cloud than his last two opponents. We’re talking about two fighters with championship pedigree, who will go to all lengths to show the world that they are both men who came to win and leave a champion. Based on prior fights, I have no doubt that we may not see this scheduled match go the entire 12 rounds.

HBO will televise the Stevenson vs. Cloud bout as well as the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Brian Vera match later that day LIVE from Carson, CA from the Home Depot Center. So don’t forget to tune in for an exciting night of HBO Boxing!

-Manny “Mitts” Murillo

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Road to world title shot for Diego Magdaleno starts in Carson

After suffering the first loss of his career, Diego Magdaleno knows the road to another world title shot begins at the Stub Hub Center in Carson.

Five months ago, Magdaleno and Rocky Martinez traveled half way across the world for their super featherweight showdown in Macau. The bout went in Martinez’ favor, who has an upcoming fight against Mikey Garcia in November.

The split decision could have gone in Magdaleno’s favor; BTG scored the bout 114-113 for the southpaw, despite being knocked down in the fourth round.

Magdaleno (23-1, 9 KOs) has since put the defeat behind him and is focusing on a fresh start to his career and has began training with Joel Diaz at the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, also the trainer of WBO welter weight champion, Timothy Bradley.

After a recent training session, Magdaleno said he feels a change of scenery is just what he needed, but chose to train in Indio because the climate resembles his hometown of Las Vegas. Climate aside, Magdaleno also feels Diaz has the recipe needed to get him to the next level.

“Diaz and I are a great combination,” Magdaleno said. “His experience is what I need for the world title fights I’m coming after. This is what I needed, making the move from Vegas to Indio. We’ve had good chemistry from the beginning, made some corrections and adjustments, I feel really good.”

“I’m getting that world title fight, Top Rank told me two or three fights, before I get my next shot. So I expect by next summer to be in contention for a world title.”

The road to the 130 pound crown starts this Saturday on the under card of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Brian Vera. Magdaleno is set to take on veteran, Edgar Riovalle (36-15-2, 25 KOs).

Also new to the Diaz camp is Magdaleno’s younger brother Jesse (16-0, 12 KOs). Diaz has an upcoming fight against an opponent to be named on Oct. 11 in Las Vegas.

Jesse feels his brother is ready for the second part of his career and pictures the brothers will both sport a world championship strap around their waists.

“The future is bright, I see both of us being world champions,” Jesse said. “My brother is just a few fights away from his title shot, but me I still have quite some time. I will be ready for whatever Top Rank has in store for me in the next couple of years.”

Although predicting the future in the Boxing world is a tough task, one thing is for sure about the brothers’ futures. They both entertain the idea of a potential brother versus brother clash.

When asked about fighting his brother in the future, Jesse said, “money talks.” The younger Magdaleno even predicted it would be a pretty good fight.

The older Magdaleno wasn’t as quick to answer.

“Well, the first thing I would think of is my parents, they would like that at all,” Magdaleno said. “But, hell yeah we would do it. Money does talk and it would have to be for the right price.”

-Jose Quintero

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Yet another set back for Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

After suffering a cut in sparring on Sunday, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., will have his fight with Brian Vera postponed. Their fight was to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. on September 7th. Not only is the main even cancelled, but so was the whole event. The night was also supposed to feature Vanes Martirosyan scrapping with Demetrius Andrade as the co-main event.

Once announced that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., was postponing the fight, immediately boxing circles were wondering if there was another cause for the delay. Chavez Jr., was scrutinized since his last fight for his marijuana woes. Also he’s been known for having weight issues, hence the move to super middleweight. Of course some also think it is a combination of the marijuana causing weight issues due to munchies and relaxation.

What we do know is that he has been cut and his camp felt it was in his best interest to give it a couple extra weeks to heal. Now with this delay the date of the match will not be the only change but there is a strong chance that the venue could change as well, leaving Top Rank and HBO to go over scheduling to work things out.

Don’t be surprised if Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., is added as a co-feature to an already planned event. Look for his return in the late October to November time frame; Co-main event for Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov anyone? Many possibilities, but we will need to wait and see where things go once the cut is healed and Chavez is ready to get back into camp.

-Manuel F Murillo

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