While browsing my YouTube channel, I come across a recommended video by YouTube entitled "The 20 Truths About Boxing Revealed" compiled and uploaded by mightyfighterdotcom. I am so entertained that I will not miss sharing it to you.

Full credit to mightyfighterdotcom for this awesome compilation. Enjoy!

Lamont Peterson retains his IBF junior welterweight crown in his home town in Washington, D. C. USA, knocking out challenger Kendall Holt 28-6 (KO 16) in Round 8 after scoring two knockdowns, in rounds four and six, on ESPN's Friday Night Fight. Peterson 31-1-1 (KO 16) let go a steady barrage of punches to Holt’s head that made referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight.


Peterson coming off from 14-month layoff seems hesitant to engage early on: that I gave the first three rounds to Holt. He works from the distance trying to potshot Holt that didn’t work so much in his favor.

In Round 4 Peterson adjusted and fight in front of Holt, digging deep to the body and mixing it up to the head. A big right hand landed on Holt’s head that send him to the floor making the crowd up on their feet. Holt is up at the count of eight and survives the round.

In Round 5, a more confident Peterson stalks a now backpedalling Holt, ducking low to fire more punishing shots to the body. Peterson corners Holt against the rope and smothers him but Holt finishes the round. However in Round 6, Peterson continues smothering Holt that forces the challenger to sit on the rope and finally take a knee for another knockdown. Holt survives the round but this time he is much battered and is about to go.

In Round 7, Holt is on the survival mode: tries to hold Peterson more often and the referee give him warning for holding. Finally in Round 8, Peterson open fires a machine gun of punches directed to Holts head that make the referee to make a decision and order a cease fire at around 1:42 in round 8.

Holt now fell to 3-4 in his last seven bouts, including 0-3 in title fights. He held the WBO 140-pound crown for about nine months in 2008-09.

(Update: In a tweet Kendall Holt says he will move up to 140 pounds.

 

 The number one pound-for-pound boxer on the planet, Floyd Mayweather Jr., made a massive deal with HBO’s rival—ShowTime in a six-fight, 30-month contract.

“The guy's already known as "Money" because he's the world's highest paid athlete, according to Forbes. But after signing Showtime's massive deal, Mayweather may want to consider upgrading his name to "Mega-Money."” Kevin Iole wrote on Yahoo! Sports.

If we talk about how much Floyd will earn from this contract, there is no doubt that this is the biggest so far. But let me see how it appears to a fans perspective. What boxing fan will benefit from this deal? Can we watch these fights for free? I believe not.

 Most, if not all, Mayweather’s mega fight happened only on HBO in a per fight contract. In this set-up, Mayweather has no contractual obligation as to how many fights he should make in a year.  After his short retirement (or vacation) in 2008 that lasted 18 months, Floyd just fought once every year from 2008 to 2012. He had only four bouts in the last four years; Juan Manuel Marquez in September 2009, Shane Mosley in May 2010, Victor Ortiz in September 2011 and Miguel Cotto in May last year.

For the fans, watching Floyd, which is regarded as the best boxer in this era would not be enough. Sure we crave for more Floyd bouts, whether you want him lose or not. At 35 years old his days as a prizefighter might end soon, but not very soon I guess. For Mayweather haters maybe they will not see Floyd lost that highly protected “0” in his record if he chooses to retire anytime soon.

However, in his deal with Showtime, we are assured to watch the best boxer perform and showcase his talent more frequently—six times, than in the last four years, in a 30-month period. That means at least two fights every ten months.

If fans were to benefit from this contract, I think, that’s it. The rest for sure is Floyd Mayweather’s bank account.

Nevertheless, the next question fans would be asking is that who are these six opponents will be? One of them, I'm quiet sure will be Robert Guerrero, on May 4, 2013. Will Floyd still considers Manny Pacquiao to be one of them?

Photo via boxingsocialist.com

In a tweet from boxingsocialist.com Canelo vs. Trout will officially happen on May 4 at the MGM Grand.

"Retweet this is official Canelo vs Trout in May 4." the exact tweet from boxingsocialist.

But still I need to confirm this tweet. Stay tuned for the latest development.

Photo via Google Images

Cincinnati’s Adrien Broner will take on United Kingdom’s Gavin Rees on February 16, 2013 at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA for the WBC lightweight title on HBO.

This fight, without taking anything from Rees 37-1-1 (KO 18) as a boxer is a pure mismatch. I hate to spell it but this is what it is. Odds maker sees it 80-1 in favor of Broner 25-0 (KO 21).


This match-up has only one aim: to boost the favorite’s stock-file, showcasing superior talent and skills. Although Rees so far, has the best record compared to any opponent that Broner had fought. But aside from experience, Rees has the entire disadvantage.

No need to say more, I pick Broner like anyone does, TKO round 5, any problem? feel free to comment.

Here are the predictions around the web.

Ryan Bivins - Broner TKO 9 Bad left hook
Scott Christ - Broner TKO 4 Bad left hook
Tim Starks – Broner round six and under. The Queensberry-rules.
Neutralcorner.com – Broner TKO round 6.
Blair Newman – Proboxing-fans.com Broner 8th round TKO.

(Update: As expected Broner put on a spectacular knockout win against Rees after a slow start. Broner retains title.)

Floyd Mayweather Jr’s tweet on Tuesday created buzz and stirred the boxing world. He tweeted that the front-runner for his May 4 scheduled bout is Devon Alexander. I said what? If this is the truth then what will happen to Devon Alexander vs. Kell Brook bout scheduled on February 23?

Recently, the said bout was postponed because Alexander has suffered a bicep injury according to boxingscene.com.


It appears to me that, what Mayweather Jr. tweeted is the reason why Alexander postponed again the fight.Then, what happens to Robert Guerrero? His name floats as Floyd’s opponent after he dominated Andre Berto at 147 pounds in November.

I don’t want again to hint that Floyd is ducking Guerrero. However, Guerrero poses more threat to Floyd than Alexander. His aggressive boxing style might land a shot similar to Marquez that would put Floyd into deep trouble. Unlike Alexander, who tends to counter rather than attack, would be easier to handle.

Whatever it is, whenever we heard anything from Floyd—it is always a hit. Stay tuned. I think there will be more of this in a series.

It is earlier said that Pacquaio-Marquez 5 is done deal. But I don’t believe it. After Marquez knocked out Pacquiao cold on December 8, he said that a fifth bout with Pacquaio will be up to his wife’s decision. He promised his wife that he will retire whatever the outcome of the fourth fight. So, I am not surprised why he said that “there’s no point” for another bout.

"I made a promise and I know that promises are debts," Márquez said in an interview with CNN en Español.


However, I don’t believe also that Pacquiao-Marquez will not happen. I’m sure Marquez is just buying time before he will finally say—‘yes’ in order to gain more leverage to the negotiation table. The more he will say ‘no’ the more offer Arum will bring in front of him.

A lot of Marquez fans were saying that he is a man of pride and not of money and that he will take away his win against Pacquiao to his retirement. Let’s say that is really the case. But still I am sure the fight will happen.

The same pride will pressure Marquez to give Pacquiao the shot for his revenge. Of course, let us not be so hypocrite; let us also include the pressure that the amount of money will bring to push him to fight. This will be the biggest payday of his career. Eight-digit is a good packed-lunch for his retirement.

There’s point or no point, it is either money or pride; bottom line we will be watching Pacquiao vs. Marquez 5 or Marquez vs. Pacquiao 5 (whatever) in September.

Photo via Google Images

Former two time world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez silently go back to the drawing board for a comeback fight against Brazilian Aldimar Silva Santos (18-3, 9 KOs) at the Ruben Rodriquez Coliseum in Puerto Rico on February 2, 2013. The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds at a weight two pounds over the featherweight limit—at 128.


This will be Lopez’s first appearance after serving almost one year of suspension. He was penalized for a bad comment against the referee in last fight against Orlando Salido in March 2012. This bout is presented by PR Best Boxing Promotion in association with Top Rank.

Lopez (31-2, 28 KOs) lost to a rematch against Salido of what would have been his chance to revive his soaring career. But Salido denied his chance.

Juanmas’s future in professional boxing will be at stake in his comeback fight against Santos. The outcome of this fight will set the direction of his career. A decisive win will boosts his confidence level and will help him forget about his two heart-breaking losses against Salido. Juan Manuel Lopez can’t afford for another loss at this point.

A loss would bury his chance to get back from the place where he left and it will only mean that he is just like another fighter who lace the gloves next door.

(Updated, 03, Feb. 2013) Juan Manuel Lopez 32-2 (KO 29) stopped Aldimar Silva Santos 18-4 (KO 9) in the ninth round.

Photo via Goggle Images

The prestigious Boxing Writer Association of America (BWAA) announced on Sunday that World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight champion Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire as the recipient of its Sugar Ray Robinson’s “Fighter of the Year” award.

Donaire 31-1 (KO 20) name came out as the winner out of five nominees that includes Danny Garcia, Robert Guerrero, Juan Manuel Marquez and Brian Viloria.

Donaire was perhaps the busiest boxer last year. He fought four world title fights against top caliber opponents defeating Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Jeffrey Mathebula (by a dominant decision), Toshiaki Nishioka and Jorge Arce (via knockout).

Earlier Donaire was already named by Yahoo Sports, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and USA Today as “2012 Fighter of the Year”.

Other BWAA Awards:
Manny Pacquiao - Juan Manuel Márquez 4 – Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier “Fight of the Year”.
Robert Garcia – Eddie Futch “Trainer of the Year”.
Max Kellerman – “Broadcaster of the Year”.
Bruce Trampler – Long and Meritorious Service Award.
For more visit www.bwaa.org  

Photo via Google Images

Miguel Angel ‘Mikey’ Garcia crosses the line from being a contender going into the next level, outclassing tough Mexican Orlando Salido for the WBO world featherweight showdown at the historic Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

The conclusion of the fight may not be an icing of the cake for the brilliant performance that Mikey showed to the boxing world but it will not erase the fact that the reigning champion, Orlando Salido was clearly dominated.  Salido was down twice early in the first round, once in the third, and again in the fourth round.


The fight ended in technical unanimous decision after Garcia’s nose was broken. His nose was accidentally (officially ruled) head butt in Round 8. The officials went to the scorecards after decided that Garcia cannot continue to fight. The judges scored unanimously in favor of Garcia. The scorecards read 79-70 and twice 79-69.

In round 1, Salido was down twice and keeps coming back. I can’t help but to recollect Pacquiao vs. Marquez I, just one knockdown short.  Salido was tested in this situation. He was down several times in his career but able to finished his opponents. I started to think the same early on. I can’t imagine how tough this guy really is. He went down but it seems he doesn’t felt the sting.

However, in the fourth knockdown, I saw desperation in salido's face. This means only two things for me. Either he will push hard more to lure Garcia for a broke or adjust and fight on cautiously. Salido chose the first option because this is how he is. After that final knockdown, Salido really pressed on. But Garcia’s accurate counter-punching and power is Salido’s main problem. Mikey clinically figured out every attack that Salido initiated.

Boxing fans might think what if the fight did not end this way? Some analyst believed that it may be a different story.  Salido finished every fight that he won, 'strong'. There are four more rounds before the fight ended.  It is just a matter of time that Salido’s right hand over the top will find its target.

Nevertheless, what I believe is that at the end of the day is to go back to a very old clichés in boxing that says “style makes fights”.  The style of Salido will always have difficulties against counter-punchers. Salido was picked apart round by round by the brilliant counter-puncher the sport has to offer in Juan Manuel Marquez.  Throw again another Juan Manuel Lopez in front of Salido and you will see a much competitive fight.

However, even if you are a counter-puncher doesn’t mean you’ll get an instant win to a man like Salido. Mikey at 25 years old just showed how mentally tough he is to stick to his game plan by being very calm and patient inside the ring. A counter-puncher lured into a brawl is a big joke.

What I like Mikey’s package as a counter-puncher is his power behind his punches. A strong brawler will always hesitate to attack.

Garcia’s dominating performance without a doubt will unseat more champions in the featherweight division. He is really in the prime age—not too young, not too old as a champion.
 
What would be Mikey’s next move?

I like to see Garcia up against a powerful boxer-counter-puncher.  A Nonito Donaire maybe mouthwatering to watch? Yes, why not? Although they are in the same trainer and Nonito already expressed that as much as possible they will not fight. But who knows, they are under one roof—Bob Arums house.

Possibility is always there. Nonito had earlier expressed his plans of moving up in weight. A clash at featherweight is not a bad idea. Another fight that will be great also is against Juan Manuel Lopez in the future once he reestablishes again himself.
 
Orlando Salido

In the case of Salido, I like to watch him fight next against boxer-punchers. A fight with Juan Ponce De Leon would be great. I doubt if there will be a rematch with Garcia. There will be no demand for this.

HBO’s Triple-Header

Overall we are treated with a good quality fight-card this weekend. HBO’s triple-header lives up to the expectation except for one that many boxing scribes criticized about the decision. Martinez according to some analysts is lucky to retain his title. While Golovkin-Rosado is as one sided as Salido-Garcia but Rosado fought gallantly denying Golovkin his desire to knock him out. We hope to watch again fight card like this in the near future.

Gennady Golovkin retains his middleweight title peppering a very game challenger Gabriel Rosado moments ago in the historic Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

It is very obvious that Rosado had a very huge respect of Golovkin's power. He tries to move around and uses his feet more to evade damaging punches from the defending champion.


Rosado evaded some punches, but it is just a matter of time that some also will land as Golovkin stalked him, cutting the ring smartly, moving always parallel at him.

In the second round Golovkin busted Rosado's nose. Rosado is a bloddy mess and Golovkin keep jabbing a lot more that turned his right white gloves into red.

In round 5 Rosado tried to turn the heat and fight back landing his best shots of the night. But that was short lived as the heavy-puncher champion countered.

Rosado was total bloody mess in round 6,blood profusely dripping from his nose that scattered around his entire face.

In round 7 the corner of Rosado saw enough in the ring and throws in towel pulling out their fighter out of the fight. At exactly 2:56 the fight was stopped. It is just right in time--Rosado is not fighting back and just trying to survive.

Roman Ramirez retains his super featherweight belt after the judges scored it a three way draw. The score where as follows 117-111 Burgos, 116-112 Ramirez and 114-114. It seems that Burgos was not convinced of the decision and wanted to claim the win of the fight.

In most of the round, however it is Ramirez who bring the fight to Burgos. Which I believe in a championship bout--at least the challenger should be more aggressive.


Burgos was moving around too much although countering a lot.

Ramirez who tries to stalk and move forward trying to engage from the inside did enough I think to win at least a split decision on his favor.

Ramirez vs. Burgos is the first bout for HBO's triple-header of the night.

In a very competitive bout Sean Monaghan win via unanimous decision against Roger Cantrell in Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

Both fighter really get it on and is a bloody mess after the bout. After eight rounds of back and forth beating Monaghan got the judges nod 77-75, 78-74 and 79-73 for the unanimous decision.


Monaghan vs. Cantrell is an appetizer of HBO's triple header showcasing WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido defending his WBO belt against contender Mikey Garcia.

Image via Top Rank

Felix Verdejo stops Tomi Archambault in Round 1, moments ago, in Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

Right after the bell, the olympian Felix Verdejo 2-0-0 (KO 1) thrown double left hook that landed right on the button that sent Tomi Archambault crashing down the floor.

Archambault 1-4-0 (KO 1) was able to got up but the referee saw it all and wave it in less than a minute from the very first round.


Verdejo vs. Archambault is an appetizer of HBO's triple header showcasing WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido defending his WBO belt against contender Mikey Garcia.

Photo is credited to the rightful owner

Tough Mexican veteran and reigning WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido make the division limit weighing in at 126 pounds while the young souring star Mikey Garcia tip the scale almost half a pound under at 125.6 during the weigh-in.

Orlando Salido will defend his title at the historic Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA against Mikey Garcia. Everything is ready and set for the well anticipated fight this January. This bout is live on HBO.


Tonight all question will get answers. Will Salido continue rampaging the careers of young potential superstars that started from Juan Manuel Lopez? Is it the start of the beginning for Mikey Garcia to take on more bigger names in the sport? Will he ever take his first ever world title?

More results on HBO's triple-header weigh-in:

Gennady Golovkin - 160 lbs. vs. Gabriel Rosado - 159 lbs. 12 Rounds for Golovkin's middleweight belt.
Roman Martinez - 129.5 lbs. vs. Juan Carlos Burgos - 129 lbs. 12 Rounds for Martinez super featherweight belt.

Stay tuned for fight results.

It seems that Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire will not be given his wish to fight Abner first but instead it would be against Guillermo Rigondeaux which he wanted to fight only after Abner Mares.

In a post written by Ronnie Natanielsz of Boxing Scene.com Arum mention for an April fight.

In a post fight interview with Larry Merchant right after Donaires big win against Jorge Arce he said that he is interested with fighting abner Mares first and then Guillermo Ridondeaux. Since Mares is under GBP the fight he wanted is second to impossible. As expected he will be fighting Rigo.

Guillermo Rigondeaux at 11-0-0 (KO 8) record lacks the experience. But this kid has superb talent that made him so popular that fans as early 2011 talking already about this match-up.

In earlier interviews, Donaire dismissed the idea of fighting Rigo. He reasoned out that Rigo really needs to fight more quality opponents to prove himself worthy as an opponent.

I think Donaire has a point. If you see Rigo has only a total of 11 fights. 11 is 11, even if how good he is. A fight with Donaire is no doubt the greatest challenge to his young career. A loss would only mean how overrated he is.

Photo is credited to Chris Farina of Top Rank

Mexican featherweight champion Orlando Salido will defend his WBO title against undefeated prospect Miguel Angel Garcia on January 19, 2013 at the historic Madison Square Garden, New York, USA.

As usual let may lay down my prediction/analysis for this fight. I will also gather the predictions of leading boxing sites and writers around the web and I will post it here later on as an update.


Orlando Salido 39-11-2 (KO 27) at 32 years old is a veteran fighter. He started boxing at the age of 16 in 1996; for 17 years he has a total of 53 fights in his resume.

However, the native from Sonora, Mexico was not able to get the recognition that he is having right now until he fought Puerto Rican star Juan Manuel Lopez.

Before that fight happened, he was already pitted with Juan Manuel Marquez and Yuriorkis Gamboa which obviously above his league at least during those fights.  Against these calibers of opponents Salido failed.

Nevertheless, on April 16, 2011 the late bloomer Orlando Salido pull off an upset that recognized him as a force to reckon at featherweight division, knocking out former undefeated star Juan Manuel Lopez. Not only that, Salido spoiled a budding super showdown between Lopez and Gamboa.

In the process, Top Rank didn’t gave up that suppose super-fight giving Juan Manuel Lopez a rematch in his native Puerto Rico hoping Juanma to win. But Salido, who went down once with the crowd obviously against him, denied Juanma once again--knocking Lopez in round 10 in front of his countrymen.

Salido solidify his claim in the division and will defend his title against a younger lion in Mikey Garcia.

Mikey Garcia 30-0-0 (KO 26) at 25 years old, started professional boxing in 2006 is a young prospect. Names in his resume might not be as impressive but this kid moves like a veteran. Salido is no-mediocre fighter.

Garcia is a methodical fighter. He is smart and very patient inside the ring. Garcia understand that Salido will be the toughest test of his career. But he also believed that he has the skills and strength to beat Orlando Salido.

Prediction.

I have Garcia by unanimous decision (UD 12)

Boxing is a sport for the strong, that the weak will not survive. It is for the young--not for the old. I'm not saying, Salido is old nor weak, especially with his performance against Junama--no way he will become old comes January 19.

However, if Garcia will survive the early onslaught of Salido, which I believe--he will, would cruise to victory at the end of the final bell. The only thing he should avoid--never go for a broke.

Salido's advantage here mainly is his vast experience and toughness to apply pressure which is successful against Lopez who wanted toe-to-toe action. But Garcia is more on a counter-puncher who constantly look for opening and not necessarily gamble just to land a shot.

Garcia will patiently wait for opening in the early going. Pick his shots and start working halfway of the fight and win unanimously. Salido is having problem with real counter-puncher--like Marquez. He was picked piece by piece. I feel the same for this fight.

Here are the predictions around the web;

Aaron Lloyd - neutralcorneronline.com Garcia by Decision: 116-112
Brian Mazique - bleacherreport.com Garcia by Unanimous Decision
Rich Thomas - proboxing-fans.com Garcia by Unanimous Decision
Tim Starks - queensberry-rules.com Salido by Decision
Scott Christ - badlefthook.com - Salido by Decision 

Photo via Boxrec.com

In modern boxing, a boxing rivalry that spanned more than three fights (trilogy) is considered very long. Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4 to some, is a very long series. But don't you know that the longest boxing series is between United Kingdom's Ted Kid Lewis and American Jack Britton?

Lewis and Britton fought a mind-blowing 20-times in a span of six years, from 1915 to 1921. Would you believe that they even fought three times in one month? Yes three times in one month. In June 1917, Lewis and Britton fought three times--weekly basis.

The unbelievable duo fought on 6th, 14th, and 25th all in the month of June 1917. I even think, is it a sparring session? I could not imagine if these two have the time to heal and recover from injuries or cuts acquired during the fight. The gap between fights is too short for their bodies to recuperate.

The first match happened in March 1915 and they fought again in August and September--a total of three fights in 1915 only. The following year (1916) they fought a stunning five times and again another unimaginable five times in 1917.

The rivalry started in 1915 ended in 1921. In the 20-fight series, Jack Britton won--9-7-4 (KO 1).

If you know a boxing series that is more than 20 feel free to leave your comment.

Source: Boxrec.com

Year 2012 was memorable for the boxing fans in general. Although there were sad happenings too, like the demise of boxing legends--Bert Sugar and Emanuel Steward.

It is the great fights with unexpected results gave boxing a truly remarkable year. I hope for the same this year.

I would like to share my boxing fights wish-list for 2013. But before that, I will let myself clear that I am not day dreaming here--wishing for match-up that is impossible to happen. Even if it is a wish I prefer to be realistic.

Re-matches. I love rematches. An entertaining, action packed and or technically excellent fights are worthy to watch again and again. A rematch should happen. Why not?

Rios vs. Alvarado II – I love this fight to happen once more.

The first match was a high octane back and forth bomb shelling from start to finish till Alvarado dropped. Alvarado is winning in the scorecards because he tends to move around and mixing it up compared to Rios’s no-reverse gear style. It is expected that this fight will never reach the final bell—we are not wrong.
 
A rematch would be exciting to watch as to how Alvarado will adjust his game plan. Similarly how Rios will adjust if Alvarado will adapt technique and not just pure aggression in his fight plan. If Alvarado can even the score—I love to see a trilogy.

Marquez vs. Pacquiao 5 – Don't ever ask me why I wanted a fifth fight. If you do. Watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez I to IV and decide for yourself why.

Donaire vs. Mares - I dont want this fight. It will not happen in reality. Two mute having different nationality will find ways and means to understand each other. But Top Rank and GBP will never get into terms.

This January is a bit relax. No big matchup on schedule. I will only cover one fight--Salido vs. Garcia. I will gather predictions from various boxing sites and post here.