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

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

Fight fans say #FightPacquiao, Mayweather responds with ‘Another One Bites the Dust’

Fight fans have been flooding Floyd Mayweather’s social media stream with a #FightPacquiao following Manny Pacquiao’s dominant performance against Chris Algieri Nov. 22.

If for some strange and bizarre reason you thought Mayweather would congratulate his fairytale arch rival, you were wrong. But if you expected Mayweather to call Pacquiao “broke” or “desperate” again, guess again. On Wednesday, Mayweather posted a video on Instagram showing replays of Juan Manuel Marquez knocking down out Pacquiao during their epic fourth encounter in 2012.

To Mayweather’s credit, the video was hilarious because the usage of Queen’s popular hit “Another One Bites the Dust.”

Surprisingly Pacquiao took to Twitter and responded to the video.

“Run Silent Run Deep seems to be @FloydMayweather’s response to my challenge,” Pacquiao tweeted.

Pacquiao added the hashtags, #KhanJob #FloydRhymesWithAvoid #SixKnockdowns. In recent weeks, Pacquiao and Top Rank have been vocal about making the elusive fight with Mayweather, including a Foot Locker commercial and in the post fight press conference following the Algieri fight.

“The people deserve that fight,” Pacquiao said. “The fans deserve that fight. I think it’s time to make that fight happen.”

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said he would contact the Mayweather camp in hopes to finally come to an agreement. Even Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya tweeted he was prepared to put up the biggest guaranteed purse in sports history to give fight fans #TheFight. Mayweather is not tied to Golden Boy Promotions, but has partnered with them for every pay-per-view since his 2007 battle with De La Hoya.

Mayweather has two fights left on a six-fight contract with CBS Sports. Various reports on social media say Mayweather would seek a rematch clause if an agreement was made. Although unconfirmed from the Mayweather camp, that would indicate the fight would be targeted for May 2015. But only time will tell if this fairytale fight will ever unfold.

Fight fans have grown tired of waiting in anticipation, but one can make the argument that the fight is probably as interesting now as it was in 2010.

-Jose Quintero / @JoseSwift8755

U.S. Editor for BehindTheGloves.com

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

Chris Algieri, from unknown to headlining PPV with Pacquiao

“And new undefeated WBO light welterweight champion of the world, The Fighting Collegian, Chris Algieri” bellowed ring announcer Michael Buffer in June as he read the judges’ decision over Ruslan Provodnikov.

Many didn’t even give Algieri, 30, of Huntington, Long Island, New York much of a chance to beat Provodnikov but that was nothing new for him.

Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs) will again be back in the role that he cherishes, the underdog, when he faces the pride of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao Nov. 22. This is classic David vs. Goliath, but the roles are changed in that Algieri, the bigger man, David, in this scenario. With odds currently about 7-1 in Pacquiao’s (56-5-2, 38 KOs) favor, Algieri isn’t concerned.

“I’ve been the underdog many times before in the past,” Algieri said. “So I think if I was the favorite I’d feel more uncomfortable. This is home for me.”

You would think that a win over one of the most feared men in the sport in Provodnikov would have garnered Algieri a little respect. Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer was quoted as saying that Algieri isn’t in Pacquiao’s class, he’s jumping a bit too soon while insinuating that the sparring partners in camp will pose more of a threat. But on HBO’s 24/7, Roach finally gave “credit” to Algieri calling him a “tough kid” in one breath but then condescendingly stating “tough kids don’t win big fights” in the next. It is nothing new for Roach to play mind games with a Pacquiao opponent but this time there is an edge here that seems personal. Maybe it’s because Roach is from Massachusetts.

“Remember, I’m from Dedham, Massachusetts,” Roach said. “There is no love lost when Boston plays New York in any sport. I live for beating a New Yorker”

But Algieri said Wednesday that Roach’s remarks and verbal jabs have no impact on his focus, beating Pacquiao.

“I am not going to change just to promote a fight,” he said. “My stance is to not go back-and-forth and I am not fighting Freddie. That’s not the man I have to box with so I am not going to go back-and-forth firing darts at each other. You don’t see Pacquiao doing that. That’s Freddie’s prerogative and that’s what he likes to do. That’s not me, even if it helps the promotion of the fight, that’s not my style. It is what it is. If he wants to say that, that’s fine by me. What matters is fight night and myself and Pacquiao.”

Truth is, Algieri is a tough kid and has won big fights as evident by the world kickboxing titles he won prior to making the switch to the sweet science. Undefeated as both an amateur and a pro, he collected a USKBA Championship and WKA and ISKA Championships respectively. While he has the resume of an MMA fighter, it’s the sweet science that he cherishes, entrenched in him from an early age while watching the sport with his grandfather on many occasions.

Looking for bigger fame, paydays and the national exposure that the world of kickboxing could not give him, he switched sports. It wasn’t moving quickly enough at the beginning as Algieri was fighting exclusively on local cards.

“It was extremely, extremely frustrating; I felt that I wanted to be on bigger stages, fighting on different cards, fighting on TV, I wanted national exposure,” he said. “I really wanted people to see what I brought to the table.”

Enter the Provodnikov fight, Algieri went down twice in the first round, weathered the storm and fought basically with one eye as it swelled shut through the course of the fight. Algieri showed the poise and ring generalship of a fighter well beyond his years and experience. Using excellent movement and showcasing blinding speed, he peppered Provodnikov with solid jabs, sneaky uppercuts and power shots while adding timely body shots keeping Provodnikov off balance.

Again, a tough kid winning a big fight confirming Roach may be a bit off in his assessment of the WBO Champion.

Some detractors will say that Algieri “ran” against Provodnikov but he landed 83 more punches, threw 217 more, landing at a higher connect percentage and beat Provodnikov at his own game landing 13 more power shots. Pretty hard to do all of that when you are “running” away from your opponent.

“(Provodnikov) really brought it and he is a great champion,” Algieri said. “On top of being an exciting fighter the guy is good. And to tell you the truth the Ruslan I fought was the best Ruslan I have ever seen. They guy was cutting off the ring and his technique was very sharp and he was faster than usual. I made a mistake early and we all know how that went. I don’t want to downplay Ruslan’s power at all. He’s a fantastic fighter but in terms of his style and Manny’s they are completely different and the preparations for each are completely different but that is no different for me because I am always fighting guys with different styles.”

Algieri is a new breed of fighter, 2.0 if you will, a strategic thinker with a personal approach to training and nutrition. A gym rat with a bachelor’s degree in health science and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition. Algieri prepares all his own food unlike most fighters in the game which allows him to fuel adequately and appropriately at all the right times.

“I don’t eat anything crazy,” Algieri said. “I just eat the foods most people should eat: eggs, oatmeal, chicken, broccoli, sweet potatoes, fish and steaks.”

While most fighters loathe the nutrition and training aspects of the preparation, Algieri is energized by it. In fact, his training meals mirror his every day eating habits, a disciplined approach that doesn’t need to change due to a fight.

He trains six days a week and most times, twice a day, combining the typical sparring and bag work with exhaustive cardio sessions, explosive power movements and mental conditioning. He chooses to watch little tape of his opponents before a fight believing it could be counterproductive.

“It’s all about rhythm and you can’t find out a man’s rhythm on tape, I’ll find out in the first round,” Algieri said.

Algieri’s mental preparation may be his biggest strength. It would explain his resolve against Provodnikov when most fighters would have looked for a way out. Agieri is a big believer in visualization exercises when preparing for a fight. He will visualize everything about what fight night will be like, the packing of his bags, the ring walk and the action in the ring. The mind is more powerful than the body. Algieri’s mind believes he is supposed to be here, supposed to win, critics be dammed. When having to dig deep, the mind will not let him fail empowering the body to carry on.

Continue to underestimate Algieri by making the betting odds lopsided against him, think that sparring partners provide a more formidable challenge and call him names like “The Long Island Long shot”. Algieri doesn’t care; he’s just here to fight for the love of the game. It’s his passion; he could simply walk away and pursue his goal of becoming a doctor but there will be time for that later, he has business to attend to and goals to attain. Don’t expect Algieri to be intimidated by facing Pacquiao, his confidence is unwavering, his mindset unmatched, and his nutrition and conditioning at the highest of levels.

“It’s Chris Algieri versus Manny Pacquiao,” he said. “It’s what I bring to the table versus what he brings to the table. I think a lot of it has to do with my mental preparation and mind going into this fight as well as what we know from Manny. We know Manny is a living legend and a hall of famer for sure. He’s one of the greatest fighters that has ever lived. For me, I have to go out there and be myself. I have the talent and the tools to win this fight – I just have to go out there and perform.

Algieri wasn’t supposed to beat Provodnikov, now he’s not supposed to beat Pacquiao. What if? What if he beats Pacquiao and it is him not the Pacman who is rewarded with a Floyd Mayweather fight?

“How can I talk for Mayweather,” Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said Wednesday. “As far as the Pacquiao fight is concerned with Mayweather, as much as a lot of people surrounding it would want it to happen, myself included and Manny included, Floyd is reluctant to fight Manny Pacquiao, period. If people don’t see that by now, they are never going to see it. In as far as if Chris Algieri wins the fight against Manny Pacquiao, then there is a provision in the contract for a rematch. If he beats Pacquiao then beats Manny in a rematch and Floyd wants to fight him, that’s not my business – that’s up to Joe DeGuardia and it’s up to the Mayweather camp.”

Of course, he will not be expected to win that fight either, but what if? What an epic run that would be.

– Rick Guerrero / @lapittrick
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

Amir Khan back in action on stacked card

Amir Khan returns to the ring on Dec. 13 as he faces off against Devon Alexander at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as he looks to the end year on a high note in hopes of a 2015 showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

Khan (29-3, 19 KOs) was originally set to face Alexander last December in New York when the American held the IBF welterweight title but opted to pass on the bout, holding out for a showdown with Mayweather that never materialized. Alexander (26-2, 14 KOs) subsequently lost his title to Shawn Porter, who Khan’s arch rival Kell Brook defeated this summer to land the strap. Both Khan and Alexander know that a victory in December will put them in line big matchups in the coming year.

Khan impressed last time out against Luis Collazo in May and it appeared that his hard work with trainer Virgil Hunter in the gym was paying off. Khan won virtually every round of the bout displaying the frightening hand speed that few fighters possess. More importantly, he boxed a smart fight and stuck to a game plan without getting caught with silly shots as he has in the past. Khan will be looking to build on this performance and put on a show in the fight capital of the world knowing that another victory would really announce himself in the welterweight division.

Alexander should not be overlooked though. He is a former two-weight world champion who has mixed it with elite level fighters. Alexander probably scored a more convincing victory over Marcos Maidana than did Khan and Maywether, in his first clash with the tough Argentine. Alexander is tough with an awkward style and will be fully aware of what a victory over Khan in Vegas could do for his career. Alexander got a points victory in his last outing against Jesus Soto Karass and will need to improve on that performance to trouble Khan.

Khan has the carrot of two big money fights dangling in front of him should he take care of business in December. Obviously the biggest fight in boxing is a clash with Mayweather and this will be his aim for May 2015. Should that fight not happen, a domestic showdown with Brook is a more than worthy alternative. Brook is the reigning IBF king and has a rivalry with Khan that stretches back many years.

The fight is an easy sell in the UK and would fill an outdoor venue just like Froch vs Groves II did. The winner could then go on to challenge Mayweather. Khan has been dismissive of Brook in the past but if the Mayweather fight fails to come to fruition there are few better options out there for him. First things first though Khan needs to come through the Alexander fight on Dec. 13.

There is further interest in the welterweight division on the bill with Keith Thurman squaring off against Leonard Bundu. Demetrius Andrade puts his WBO light middleweight on the line against Jermell Charlo. Victor Ortiz and Abner Mares will also be featured on the card. It is certainly shaping up to be a great night of boxing before for fight fans as 2014 comes to a close.

– Thomas Flower / @thomasflower
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

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.

Mexican Style: Golovkin continues push for ‘big name’

Gennady Golovkin; a man who simply needs no introduction. Whether he is feared or not, there is no question that fighters would rather avoid sharing the ring with him and find a fight elsewhere. Miguel Cotto, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and even Floyd Mayweather are names that have been linked with Golovkin, yet it seems none of these fighters have shown any interest in making a fight with him.

Telling Behind the Gloves that he is “ready for anybody”, it seems that Golovkin faces a dilemma. He is perceived as a high risk, low reward fighter.  Yet for him to become a financial gain for any opponent he needs to fight top names, which would push him towards a PPV fighter status, but those big names seem to be avoiding him. He carries on disposing everyone that he faces and carries on his job in a professional and brutal manner. Yet this brutality is one of the reasons that he is very much an avoided fighter.

Golovkin will now face Marco Antonio Rubio on Oct. 18 at the StubHub Center in Carson, defending his IBO and WBA middleweight titles.  Golovkin comes off an impressive win against Daniel Geale, of which he devastatingly disposed of his then “toughest fight to date” within three rounds.

He showed a poised and powerful performance, showing his range of punches from his snappy powerful jab to his shattering hook, which eventually ended the fight.  Golovkin showed during the fight that he can absorb punches as well as deliver a knockout blow. This point is emphasised when viewing the final blow that ended the bout. Whilst taking a clean right hand from Geale, he returned with a devastating right hook of his own which knocked down the Australian. As he got up from an eight count, Geale shook his head to indicate to the referee that he could not carry on.

In boxing there’s a saying that “you’re only ever as good as your last fight”, and if that is the case then Rubio has got a tough task ahead.

Marco Antonio Rubio, who is trained by world renowned trainer Robert Garcia, will attempt to derail Triple G, although it may prove to be a tough task as Golovkin is unbeaten in thirty fights and is on a streak of knocking out his opponents dating back to 2009.

Golovkin told Behind the Gloves that he views Rubio as his hardest test to date. “Right now, he’s the biggest test for me, he’s the biggest opponent for me” Golovkin said. “Marco Antonio is the best champion right now in the middleweight division, he’s the WBC interim champion and I know he’s a great opponent for me”.

We can expect is a war on Saturday. With little upper body defense, and no fancy footwork, Rubio stalks forward, and relies on his power. He is a durable fighter yet it will be seen on Saturday whether his durability can be accounted for when he faces someone that has heaps of power in both hands like Golovkin.

Saturday will be intriguing. If Golovkin is to win in a manner he has in the past, what is left for him in the Middleweight division if Cotto and Canelo avoid facing him? It is an interesting situation and one that will be answered on Saturday night.

Firstly Golovkin has to do a job on Saturday to carry on his push in fighting the top boys in the Middleweight division.

– Oun Abbas Hussain / @Ouney86

– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves

Are boxers of this generation more focused on the fame or the sport?

​Social media plays a huge role in people’s lives this day and age.

Just about every boxer use social media to promote their fights, keep in touch with fans and to keep their name active in the public’s eye. Lately it seems as if many boxers are focused on living a glamorous lifestyle rather than focusing their attention towards an exciting fight that fight fans want to see.

Of course a fancy lifestyle will draw more attention towards a fighter taking into consideration what impresses people. However, having more money than an opponent in the ring is not going to help a fighter win.
​
Let’s go back to the 70’s and 80’s when there was no social media or even the internet to promote fights. If a boxing fan wanted to know about a fighter or about an upcoming fight, they needed to tune into their cable television, read the newspaper or find a poster with the information on it. Fighters used to be interviewed on talk and radio shows, answering all questions that were being asked.

When a fighter was asked about an opponent, they were ready to come back with a feisty attitude, showing they were ready for whoever was thrown at them. Mandatory fights were made and fans were able to see their favorite fighters go head-to-head with the next top-contender within the weight division.

​In an interview on the Dick Cavett Show in 1973, Joe Frazier was asked about the rumor of his manager not wanting him to go up against George Foreman. Frazier responded by saying there is always something trainers and managers are going to disagree with yet he pushed them to make the fight happen.

“I didn’t want the reputation to duck or shun anybody, you know,” Fraizer told Cavett. “I’m going to fight the champ and I wanted to fight George and I lost the fight fair and square. But you know what I say back to the drawing board now.”

Back in those days, fighters pushed their managers to make a fight against a top contender in their weight division in hopes to move up in the fight game.

Fighters used to fight for the love of pugilism, not the money.

But over the past several years, fight fans around the world have been anticipating a showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO’s) recently stated he would consider firing his father as his trainer if he continues to bring up the fight between him and Pacquiao. Instead of pushing for a fight that millions of fight fans want to see, Mayweather insisted on ridding his own father for mentioning this fight. There have been many excuses on Mayweather’s part to not step into the ring against Pacquiao (56-5, 38 KO’s) when this is a fight that would truly prove to fans worldwide that he is “The Best Ever.”

​Boxers from the previous generation such as Muhammad Ali, Frazier and Evander Holyfield would promote themselves by speaking on how great they were in the ring. Ali would make rhymes about fighting constantly during interviews. Frazier was a man who knew his left hook would knock any fighter down who came in contact with it. While Holyfield took one of the most anticipated fights in the history against Mike Tyson in 1996.

​The business aspect and the politics of boxing seem to be getting in the way of the actual fight lately. Fight fans have not been getting the fights they want to see while management teams have been making too many “warm-up” fights for their fighters. If this generation of boxers would focus more on the sport and who their mandatory opponent is or their most anticipated opponent is, the sport would receive a lot more credit than it has been getting lately.

– Kiana Medina

Amir Khan ready for seat on Money Train

Amir Khan has been a front runner for the next Floyd Mayweather fight approximately a year from now, but has yet to land the lucrative bout.

It’s easy to see why Khan’s name is always thrown around when discussing Floyd’s next opponent.  Khan has name recognition, especially in fight crazy England, where he’s from. In addition to Khan’s solid following he also has some boxing “street-cred.”

Khan has trained with Freddie Roach and more recently Virgil Hunter, and possesses a skill set that some experts feel could give Mayweather fits. He possess legit hand speed, solid amateur background and a decent resume.  Khan won a silver medal at the age of 17 in the 2004 Athens Olympics, and has been labeled a star ever since.

He has wins over Marco Antonio Barrera, Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, and Zab Judah.  Khan has also suffered three defeats, early in his career he was knocked out by Breidis Prescott, a controversial decision to Lamont Peterson and a clean knock out loss to Danny Garcia.

In late 2013 Khan seemed close to a Mayweather fight and was actually the “semi finalist” eventually losing out to Maidana. Khan decided to fight on the Mayweather/Maidana undercard on May 3, hoping to catch the winner next. Instead Mayweather chose the rematch route, fighting Maidana a second time.

Mayweather plans on fighting again during Cinco de Mayo weekend of 2015, and once again Khan seems to be a “semi finalist” for the chance at the pound-for-pound king.

After Khan lost to Peterson and Garcia, Khan has taken the safe route by fighting Carlos Molina, Julio Diaz and Luis Collazo.

This is possibly why Khan has yet to land the Mayweather fight, as Mayweather is known to “award” his fights to fighters coming off big wins. Victor Ortiz landed a Mayweather fight after beating then top star Andre Berto. Little known Robert Gurrerro finally earned his shot at Mayweather by also beating Andre Berto. Canelo Alvarez earned his spot by being a box office draw and beating then top ranked Austin Trout.

Then there is Maidana, a man Khan had already beaten but was awarded the Mayweather fight ahead of him due to Maidana recently beating Adrien Broner. This snub should have been enough proof for Khan to go out and fight a top-level fighter, as Mayweather’s track record for picking opponents is clearly a “what have you done lately” sweepstakes.Khan is scheduled to fight in December 2014 with Robert Guerrero tipped to be his next opponent, yet this is to be confirmed.

Kell Brook is another fighter Khan will look to face. Brook is coming off an impressive victory over another hot welterweight, Shawn Porter. The winner of a Khan/Brook fight would be a clear front runner for a Mayweather bout. And if they can draw well in England, it might provide enough financial incentive for Mayweather.  Alvarez has already stated he would try and wrestle away the Cinco De Mayo date away from Mayweather, so he needs a big draw to fight against. Khan beating Brook for the “best fighter of England” crown would give him quite the international box office appeal. It’s time to take a risk for Khan, a risk that might finally land him the chance at Mayweather.

– John Dyer