Carlos Cuadras retained his title after stopping late replacement Marvin Mabait. The 26 year old Cuadras scored a knockdown in Round 5. The referee issue a mandatory ten count on Mabait after ruling out that it was the ropes that keep Mabait up.

In the sixth, again Cuadras dropped Mabait with a right hand early in the round. Mabait got up but was floored again. The referee had seen enough and stopped the contest.

The official time of the stoppage, 36 seconds remaining in the sixth round.

With the win Cuadras improves his record to 31-0-1 and 25 KO's.

Former lineal flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro was supposed to be the original opponent for Cuadras. But Jaro has some problems entering the US.

Here's my Wladimir Klitschko vs Kubrat Pulev preview and prediction. This fight will happen on Saturday night at the O2 World Arena, Altona, in Hamburg, Germany. Klitschko will defend his heavyweight crown against undefeated Kubrat Pulev of Bulgaria.

The 38 years old Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KO) of Kiev, Ukraine defended the heavyweight crown seven times since unifying four alphabet belts in 2011.

Here's a quick look at a timeline when Wladimir Klitschko collected four alphabet belts.

• 2006 - Won the IBF and IBO world heavyweight title by stopping Chris Byrd in Round 7.
• 2008 - Added the WBO world heavyweight title by a unanimous decision victory over Sultan Ibragimov.
• 2011 - Added the WBA super world heavyweight title by a unanimous decision victory over David Haye.

The 6' 6" giant from Ukraine, and the younger of the Klitschko brothers  also crowned the heavyweight champion by the Transnational Boxing Ranking Board after defeating number one contender, Alexander Povetkin in 2013.

The Klitschko brothers have been ruling the heavyweight division. The older Klitschko, Vitali, retired in December to pursue a political career and elected Mayor in Kiev.

On Saturday, Wladimir Klitschko aka Dr. Steelhammer will once again try to defend all four titles. He will defend it against 33 years old Kubrat Pulev.

Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11 KO) of Sofia, Bulgaria is a former Olympian. And Pulev looks like has the physical match -- stands at six feet and four and half inches -- against Klitschko.

Wlad has been dominating smaller opponents maximizing his height and reach advantage. I think Pulev, although two and half inches shorter, don't have so much physical disadvantage. At 33, Pulev also is the younger man but of course has less experience and only has a total of 20 fights. Yet, Pulev has a solid amateur career that spans for 10 years from 1999 to 2009 and won the Bulgarian National Championships. Pulev then turns professional in September 2009.

My prediction

Although Pulev don't have that much of physical disadvantage against Klitschko, but I think what will bother Pulev is Klitschko's heavy jab. Klitschko possesses one of the greatest long-range jab in the Heavyweight division. Not just a jab. It’s a heavy and stinging jab.

I think in the early rounds Klitschko will establish the sting of his jabs against the more active Pulev. Tony Thompson, a southpaw, gave Pulev some trouble with his right jab to the head and body in the early rounds.

However, Pulev has a quick lead straight right hand that may go through the defense of Klitschko. But he should do it with a jab that will set his right hands; otherwise it will not be effective against an orthodox Klitschko. He might be beaten by the left jab from Klitschko if he throws the lead right.

Klitschko for sure will try to maximize the two and half height advantage against Pulev. He'll fight tall. This is because he can't do the same tactics he did against a smaller opponents like Povetkin. He's hit-hug and bully style might not be effective, Pulev has the physical size and power during the clinch and close range fighting.

However, I think Klitschko's punching power, which is being set up by his vaunted jab, will carry him towards the victory.

Wladimir Klitschko TKO 10 Kubrat Pulev

Good thing comes to those who wait.

It was the virtue of patience, apart from his vaunted power, that carried the night for Sergey Kovalev, who now owns three alphabet belts in the light heavyweight division, after his dominant performance over Bernard Hopkins in Atlantic City. The unification bout is the main event on Saturday night, televised by HBO.

Kovalev dropped Hopkins in Round 1 en route to unanimous decision victory.  The scorecards read: 120-106, 120-107, and 120-107.

[caption id="attachment_4464" align="alignright" width="300"] Al Bello[/caption]

Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO) employed a very effective and brilliantly executed game-plan. He was too cautious not open up recklessly, but not that too cautious to stay longer than needed in the defensive shell. He pressed forward, but retreats to reset if he got hit. He traded punches, but he never overextend. He showed he's not just about power, but a well polish fighter who can outbox the trickiest boxer in Bernard Hopkins.

But you have to give full credit to Bernard Hopkins, who is half century old, for taking a fight from a younger and most feared puncher in the sport today.

Hopkins was able to absorbed hard right hands from Kovalev, except one that came in the first round that dropped him. Those kinds of punches from the Russian put to sleep several young yet untested opponents.

For me it was a well calculated performance for both men.

Krusher, although dominating, yet, employed controlled aggression.

The Alien, sensing he cannot subdue the younger and stronger lion – fight to survive.

With the above being said, few boxing fans in attendance can be heard with their roaring boos! I just don’t know exactly for who those boos are. One thing was certain; it was heard all over the venue.

After the fight, both men were gracious.

“Hopkins is a tough opponent. He’s very good at keeping distance and keep control. I respect him for the fight, but he needs to stop career I think because he’s already done a lot in the boxing world and he needs to give opportunity to younger guys to be champions, says Kovalev.

“He had a good game plan nice and rangy. Stayed outside when he got hit with punches. Not that many, but when he did get hit he stepped back. He didn’t try to engage the fight as far as when he got hurt. But he fought a great technical fight.” says Hopkins.

With the defeat Hopkins is uncertain to fight on. But one thing for sure, Kovalev sits atop at the light heavyweight division, with another man on his radar – Adonis Stevenson.

Sadam Ali stops Luis Carlos Abrigu, passes toughest test

It was very scientific yet entertaining fight. In the first three rounds, a casual fan might be bored. But for hard core boxing fans those rounds were certainly fun to watch, as both fighters fighting like a chess match, anticipating each other moves and counter moves. Those rounds were actually difficult for judges to score.

In Round 4, it becomes obvious that Sadam Ali (21-0, 13 KO's) prefers to counter-punch while Abrigu pressing the action, but Ali is slightly getting the better of it. He started to get more confidence, as he lands clearer punches after a very cautious first three rounds.

In round 6, Ali shocks Abregu. He lands a well timed straight right hand right on the jaw that drops Abrigu. The shot perfectly thrown as Abrigu's feet squared up while pursuing the backpedaling Ali. Although, Abrigu got up -- he's obviously hurt. Sensing the groggy, Abrigu, Ali tries to unload flurries but there's the bell rang to signal the end of the round.

In round 7, Ali's confident grew even bigger and becomes the aggressor. But Abrigu hangs tough and landed significant punches that momentarily put Ali back to counter-punching again -- although it was again another clear round for Ali.

In Round 8, Abrigu (36-2, 29 KO's) clearly needs a knockout to win (Abrigu at this round, clearly behind the scorecards) he mounted a rally. He was able to land crisp punches from the outside that somewhat slowed down the footwork of Ali. It was the only round I saw Abrigu put a smile on his face going back into his corner. A decisive round for Abrigu.

However, the rally Abrigu started in Round 8 becomes history in the next round as Ali fight back. Ali landed couple of hard shots that sent Abrigu down again! This time pretty hard! The referee let Abrigu continue but moment’s later stop the contest after Ali came in for the kill, landing some straight right hands.

With the win, Ali is now entering the mix of talent loaded welterweight division.

Vyanchezlav Shabransky TKO2 Emil Gonzalez

Vyanchezlav Shabransky (11-0, 9 KO's) made a quick work on Emil Gonzalez in the under-card. The light heavyweight prospect was too strong and too powerful. From the opening bell, Shabransky was all over Gonzalez, unloading tons of heavy bombs to the head and body of Gonzalez.

It was a mismatch from the beginning.

Gonzalez (11-9-1, 8 KO) seemed never lands any punch of significant and was on the back foot for the six minutes he fought. Few seconds before the end of Round 2, Gonzalez received tremendous punishment. He tried to hold Shabransky. But he fell on his knees prompting the referee to rule a knockdown. He got up and beat the count. The bell rang to signal to end of the second round. Few seconds, after Gonzalez reported to his corner, the referee signaled that the fight is over. Gonzalez was not able to continue. Shabransky gets the win via TKO and remains undefeated.

Both men hit the scale this afternoon and there's no problem in the first try on the scale as they came in below the light heavyweight limit. Sergey Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) came in first and registered the scale at 174.5 lbs. He's looking cut and trim as usual. Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) came in next and tipped the scale and registered one pound less than Kovalev at 173.5 lbs.

During the face-off, Hopkins was so intense. He's damn serious while Kovalev smiled and not able to look straight towards Hopkins. After the face-off, Hopkins wears a Joe Frazier T-shirt, honoring another great Philly boxer who looks fit and ready to rumble.

On Saturday night, Hopkins and Kovalev battles for the light heavyweight division on HBO main event.

For the co-featured fight, undefeated prospect Sadam Ali (20-0, 12 KO's) came in at 146 lbs and Luis Carlos Abrigu (36-1, 29 KO's) weighted in at 146.5 lbs.

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

After all the talks and hard work the fighters put leading into the Bernard Hopkins vs Sergey Kovalev light heavyweight unification bout, they will hit the scales today, Friday at 3 pm EST in Atlantic City, for Saturday night's HBO main event.

Sure Boxing Hall of Famer Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins takes on Sergey Kovalev in a rare unification bout in the light heavyweight division on Saturday night at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. This will be B-hop's comeback fight on HBO. Here's my Hopkins vs Kovalev Preview and Prediction.

Hopkins (55-6-2, KO 32) is two months shy from his 50th birthday on Jan. 15 next year. I don't want to elaborate further how old Hopkins is. But if you want to know more what is there and what is not there when Hopkins was born almost 50 years ago, please follow this link here.

[caption id="attachment_4436" align="alignright" width="300"] Hopkins NYC Workout/Hogan Photos[/caption]

Well, Hopkins, will again try to beat his own record as the oldest fighter to ever win a world championship. This distinction, he first set, when he defeated Jean Pascal at age 46. He surpassed that record when he also defeated Tavoris Cloud at age 48. On November 8, he will once again try to break his own record. But there's one man standing on that feat -- the Russian "Krusher" Kovalev.

Kovalev (25-0-1, KO 23) is one of the feared fighters of the sport. He possessed an eye popping 88 percent knockout percentage. The only dent on his record is a draw against Grover Young in 2011, due to accidental foul. Only two opponents heard the final bell against the 31 year old Kovalev. Darnell Boone and Karen Avetisyan were the two lucky fighters who were able reached the final round when Kovalev met them in 2010.

My Prediction

In my prediction, I tried to eliminate the age factor. Yes, Hopkins is old. I agree. But his age doesn't show in the ring. And Kovalev knows about it. "Fifty is just a number. I think nothing of his age. If he was old he would be retired, but he's still in there. He's not an old man, he's a young alien", says Kovalev during the Brooklyn media workout. Hopkins is always in a superb condition because of the discipline he imposed in his lifestyle. What I put more weight here, is his experience, his in-and-out-of-rule-book-tricks and of course his overall skill as a fighter. Hence, this bout is about Hopkins experience and ring savvies versus Kovalev's punching power and patience.

[caption id="attachment_4438" align="alignright" width="300"] Kovalev NYC Workout/Hogan Photos[/caption]

I'm not taking away Kovalev's skills as a fighter. He had a great amateur career. And if you want to know more about that click here. But certainly, his punching power is what made him one of the feared fighters in the sport. It's his punching power that carried him up to this point of his career. The same way goes to Hopkins in terms of his ring craftiness and defense.

Now, if the above factors collide at times, punching power can be disarm. Look how Chris Algiere disarmed Ruslan's Provodnikov's power. Look how Floyd Mayweather Jr. negated Marcos Maidana's power.

But the puncher has always the chance throughout the fight, as it takes only one punch to turn everything in favor of the puncher. Look at how Alexander Povetkin's power carried the night against a more athletic Takam. Look at Hasim Rahman's power froze Lennox Lewis.

This is what made this bout so intriguing, exciting and difficult to predict. But what to do this is just a prediction, then so be it, let me predict. Hopkins by decision.

Poland's Andrej Fonfara secured a win on a not-so-entertaining-fight on Saturday night, as he came back to the winning side of the game.

Fonfara (26-3, 15 KO) managed to outwork Doudou Ngumbu over 10 Rounds of somewhat less explosive encounter.

Actually, I expect something explosive from Fonfara against unknown Ngumbu. Remember that Fonfara surprised us in May by dropping the highly favorite and light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson with a solid right hand in the ninth round. But it was Ngumbu who almost surprised me.

In Round 5, I'm about to lift my butt on my couch when Ngumbu (33-6, 12 KO) landed a solid overhand right that momentarily rocked Fonfara. But Fonfara was quick to initiate the right thing to do; clinching Ngumbu till he clear the cobwebs. That right hand from Ngumbu wake Fonfara up in he succeeding rounds. It served as a warning that pushed Fonfara to step up the gas from his usual slow start. Fonfara, then dominated the fight with more output.

In the end, the scorecards reads: 97-93, 97-93, and 98-92 in favor of the 26 year old Fonfara.

Tomoki Kameda wins SD Alejandro Hernandez

Osaka Japan's Tomoki "El Mexicanito" Kameda retains title and remains undefeated also on Saturday night at UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, USA via split decision against his mandatory challenger, Mexican Alejandro Hernandez.

The scorecards reads: 115-113, 115-113 and 113-115 in favor of Kameda.

It was an action packed fight.

The defending champion looks comfortably leading and controlling the fight. But when the results were announced it was closer than expected. I thought Kameda won via unanimous decision.

Anyway a win is a win. No such thing as a bad win when it comes to boxing, because in the end a boxer will always be associated with his records.

Kameda (31-0, 19 KO) left eye swollen shut, but it did not bother him so much for the rest of the remaining rounds.

On the other hand, Hernandez (28-11-2, 15 KO) failed his third try for a world title. He has fought previously for championship at 112 and 115 pounds.

Deerfield Beach, FL (Oct. 30, 2014) - Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev opened up his camp to the media today in preparation for his Nov. 8 light heavyweight unification bout with Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ and live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Question: How do you study Hopkins?

Sergey Kovalev:  "I don't study anybody. It is better to go to the gym to do some work for my shape or spend time to cook my breakfast or sleep in my bed. Why I need to spend the time?"

Q:  Other than your power, what could be your strength against Hopkins?

S. Kovalev:  "I always have bullets in my arsenal. My hands are my weapons. It's my weapon in the ring. Hopkins think that I only have two bullets but I will bring some more."

Q:  Hopkins is usually the teacher in the ring what do you expect to learn from him?

S. Kovalev "I wanna get some lesson from the professor of boxing. He is old school boxer. I want to get some experience from this fight that can make me better for another fight. I am not going to finish my career after this fight. There will be other fighters that will also be tough and very talented and very hard like a punch machine. I should be ready for everyone in the ring and in life too."

Q:  What are your plans for theremainder of training camp?

S. Kovalev: "It is already done. One more sparring session tomorrow and that is it."

Q:  Tell us about your discipline as you prepare for this fight.

S. Kovalev:  "I am trying to be disciplined because this is boxing. This is very intense and dangerous sport. Any punch from your opponent can be last for you. You must be very concentrated and focused for the fight. I just started a new level of my life with my son, so I need to be more safe. I am with my wife already 10 years. She asked me already five years ago that she want a baby. I want a baby too, but God don't give us baby. My life was not ready to give everything for my family. If earlier we had baby, I wouldn't fight. I started boxing because I need to get money. I box with the hope that somebody will sign me for three years. This is all a result of my patience. Our patience, me, Egis [Klimas, Sergey's manager] and my wife's patience. Very big thanks to my promoter and my team at Main Events. I also want to thank for my team John David Jackson and Derik Santos and everyone else who help me."

Q:  What would you tell your son if he wanted to be a boxer?

S. Kovalev:  "I not gonna stop him. I will teach him fighting. Any man must be safe and defend his family and be ready for anything in life. I will bring him to the boxing gym but if he said he don't want to be boxer, then I'm not going to push him. Maybe he will be musician. I will give him choice. He will go to boxing gym - not for career, but to make him strong like a man."

Q:  Why do you think you are going to win?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't think - I am sure. No, I am kidding. I am sure in myself. I believe in me. In my mind I am strong, but this is boxing and I don't what is going to happen. I hope and I wish that this fight will be very clean and fair. Who is strong should be who win. I want that this fight should be fair. I try to be polite, I try to be nice but, if my opponent don't respect me, then I don't respect him."

Q:  Has Bernard said anything negative about you?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't care what he saying. I don't understand him. It's not my language. I am very happy that this fight is in America; I am very excited that I get to participate at this level already. When I came to America, I waited long time to get to this level of fight."

Q:  What is your prediction for the fight?

S. Kovalev:  "Something will happen but what it will be I don't know. I will try everything to give to people exciting fight because I am going to continue my career. I am going to bring more people to the arena and to HBO."

Q:  Is it your plan to put on a good show for the fans?

S. Kovalev:  "This will be good show. I am sure because all my fights looking good. When I was an amateur, people love to watch me fight. When I came to America, nobody watch me in the beginning. Then Egis found me good team. Kathy Duva and her team turn attention on me here and now I am fighting against Hopkins."

Q:  Are you ready to go the distance if necessary?

S. Kovalev:  "I have been working hard here in the gym. I will give to my fans a great show. Working hard because it is my job. If my opponent work harder, he will get victory and I don't want that. This push me to working hard in the gym. My dreams come true in America. My first time in America I got a new car from dealer, but I never have a new car in Russia; not even a Russian car. But Russian cars is cheap. I didn't get money from the bank like credit because I didn't have the opportunity. When I came to America I got new Jetta from VW and I was very excited. I can't believe, wow I had a new car. I was happy. Now I am fighting against Hopkins and I have more of my dreams here in my mind. If they come true, you will see what is my next dream."

Q:  Who do you want to fight next?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't like to say what will be in the future until I did this one. Sometimes a lot of fighters talk about what they will do and then they didn't do it. In Russia, they do not respect people who just speak but not do. Say and do are two different things. I can do it and afterwards say I did it."

Q:  What does it feel like to be a dad?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't understand yet because I didn't meet with my son personally yet, but I saw him on the Skype within minutes of when he delivered. Now I have a conversation through the Skype with my wife and my son. He is really cute but he is growing up really fast. He is changing every day. I am very happy. After my fight I am going to go home and meet him personally. When I see him, hug him and spend time with my family."

Q:  How has being away from your family affected your training camp?

S. Kovalev:  "He has pushed me little bit. I want to do everything a little bit faster and a little bit rushed. I already can't wait for this day to come. I have patience and there is nothing I can do but wait for November 8 to get two more titles and go back and give this victory to my wife and my son."

Q:  Are you going to try to stop the fight as quick as possible?

S. Kovalev:  "If it will be possible, yes. If not, it will be 12 rounds for decision. For me it doesn't matter. First of all, I need to get a victory. When I came to this division I started growing up. Right now light heavyweight is very interesting division. When I came to America, only Hopkins was the name in the division. Hopkins has two titles. Right now Canadian champion, Russian champion and American champion, international division. It is very interesting division because I am here (joking)."

Q:  What do you think about Hopkins reputation for being a dirty fighter?

S. Kovalev:  "Because he is punching open hands. Punching from the head like a deer. He fighting like a street fighter. Because he is dangerous. He can cut you from the head, from the elbow, everything, from any part of his body. He is looking like a very dirty fighter. Sometimes he is making like a clown. He is a good actor. If he is feeling like he can't do something legally, he start playing like an actor and complaining about pain or a low blow or something. Like in his first fight against Chad Dawson, he was not ready for this fight. I saw his first round and after first round he understood that he is not going to win this fight and he complained he hurt his shoulder and got TD [technical draw] but he still keep title. We will see everything on November 8. I am not a prediction man. I don't know. Watch HBO or welcome to Atlantic City, Boardwalk Hall and you will see everything November 8."

Q:  What should the fans expect?

S. Kovalev:  "I can say only one thing that it will be a very interesting fight and everybody who support me will be happy."

###

"Alien vs. Krusher: Hopkins vs. Kovalev" is a 12-round unification bout for the IBF, WBA and WBO Light Heavyweight World titles, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Corona Extra, AT&T, Hortitsia Vodka and Mexico, Live it To Believe It!. Ali vs. Abregu is a 10-round bout for the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50, plus applicable fees and service charges, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com, www.hbo.com/boxing orhttp://www.boardwalkhall.com/.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/main_events, www.twitter.com/hboboxing,www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/krusherkovalev , www.twitter.com/ realworldkidali,www.twitter.com/potroabregu,   www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and follow the conversation using #alienvskrusher.

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/ maineventsboxing,www.facebook.com/hboboxing and https://www.facebook.com/ BoardwalkHall.

[caption id="attachment_4391" align="alignnone" width="300"] Denis Bancroft/Main Events[/caption]

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Many boxing fans wondered why Pacquaio not able to win via knockout as he used to be. I think it is because Pacquiao needs to move back down to 140.

And yet, what's annoying is that: Freddie Roach keeps on predicting a knockout victory for his top pupil. A prediction that is unlikely to happen.

Although Pacquiao has been campaigning at the welterweight division since 2009 -- it's obvious that 147 pound is not his ideal fighting weight.

Since knocking out current middleweight kingpin Miguel Cotto in 2009 at 145 pounds contracted weight -- Pacquiao never won again via knockout again.

After the knockout victory over Cotto, Pacquaio won six fights and lost twice in his last eight fights. His wins were all decided by three judges at ringside.

Although it is safe to say that: Pacquaio still has the power in both hands at welterweight. However, his power has less damaging impact to the naturally bigger opponents in the division. Try to imagine Pacquiao and Rios fought at junior welterweight. If the same amount of power punches Pacquiao landed on Brandon Rios, do you think Rios heard the final bell?

On top of that, the 35 year old Pacquiao had weighed in 147 pounds only twice -- out of those eight fights. Although some fights contracted below 147 pounds, which is the welterweight limit.

It is extremely surprising, that those two fights wherein Pacquiao weighed 147 pounds -- he lost. He lost by split decision against Bradley during the first fight. And a stunning knockout loss in Round 6, against arch-rival Juan Manuel Marquez during their fourth encounter.

Below were the Filipino boxing icon's weights against his last eight opponents.

Pacman's weight versus:

• Timothy Bradley II - 145 lbs.


• Brandon Rios - 145 lbs.


• Juan Manuel Marquez IV - 147 lbs.


• Timothy Bradley I - 147 lbs.


• Juan Manuel Marquez III - 143 lbs.


• Sugar Shane Mosley - 145 lbs.


• Antonio Margarito (for light middleweight title) - 144.5 lbs.


• Joshua Clottey - 145 3/4 lbs.

Donnie "Ahas" Nietes (33-1-4, 19 KO's) has the opportunity to re-write history books, if he will win against Mexican Carlos Velarde on November 15. Nietes-Velarde is the main event of Pinoy Pride 28 edition at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Granted Nietes passes the test Velarde brings inside the squared circle; Neites will become the longest reigning Filipino world champion of all time.

The late great Gabriel "Flash" Elorde currently held this record. He was the longest reigning world junior lightweight champion (seven years and three months) from 1960 to 1967. He defended the crown 10 times.

The 32 year old Neites reigned as world champion from 2007 until now. He first won the minimumweight title in September 2007 and currently the light flyweight champion.

The 24 year old Velarde has a record of 26 wins -- 14 by way of stoppage, three defeats and a draw.

Also in action

• “Prince” Albert Pagara vs. Raul Hirales of Mexico.


• Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo vs. Saul Juarez of Mexico.


• Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo vs. Indonesian Farris Nenggo.


• AJ “Bazooka” Banal vs Thai Maxsaisai Sithsaithong.


• Mark “Magnifico’ Magsayo vs South Korean Moon-Sun Jung.

Dear Readers,

It has been a roller coaster November at work. Tremendous work load at hand. In short, I'm so busy that I have no time to update this blog regularly. However, whenever I got time to visit the admin panel of this blog -- Instead of writing updates -- I'm trying to find better ways to present to you this blog. So, you might have noticed that I've been changing the theme several times. Sometimes, the site itself is broken, under maintenance mode, or at times, inaccessible (I'm really struggling to design this blog, I have a very limited knowledge in HTML codes). I tried several color combination that would fit in, until I came out with the black and blue combination. I used also the copyblogger theme because it's simple, clean, yet very elegant. I hope you like it.

As an improvement, this blog also now runs with the genesis framework -- a robust framework for Wordpress blogging platform. I think this blog will be using this setup and theme for a longer period of time. So that it will not look stranger even to those 20 percent returning visitor of this blog.

Please feel free to write your feedback about the new look of this blog. Your comments would really help SPB improve.

I'll be writing updates soon, as my work load has been lessen. If you guys wanted to contribute boxing tips, stories and articles, please feel free to inbox me an email at retech_08@yahoo.com.

Regards,

Retech

During the media workout in Philadelphia, light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) was oozing with confidence. He said that "you can't worry about things can't change". Bernard is referring to Oscar talking about him fighting or preparing the fight against a much younger and heavy handed Sergey Kovalev without any pressure.

I believe the difference comes in the execution. If you think about it too much beforehand it will keep you up at night. You can't worry about things you can't change. I prepare to do what I know how to do best. That rule of code has never betrayed me."

But I don't think Hopkins had nothing to worry about the 31 year old hard-hitting Russian. Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) has been regarded as one of the heaviest puncher in the sport today. He's been undefeated in 26 fights and knocked out 23 of his opponents. His victims include Nathan Cleverly, Gabriel Campillo and Cornelius White. These fighters were former champion and top ten contenders in the light heavyweight division at the time they fought Kovalev. But none of them lasted five rounds.

But Hopkins recognized that Kovalev is "real" and a "threat" to everybody. An indication that he never under estimate Kovalev, and he understand that it won't be an easy fight.

Kovalev is a threat to anybody. It won't be an easy fight, even if it looks easy to you. I don't just have to beat the man, but I have to beat a lot of people. They're either going to watch me win or watch me lose, and I don't mind playing that game. I don't believe in luck. I believe in whoever brings the best and whoever sacrifices the most to be victorious will win.

I'm excited of this fight to see how Hopkins can again defy father time, and or how Kovalev handles the wits and ring smarts of oldest champion in the history of boxing that calls himself "The Alien"

 

It's seldom in boxing wherein you will see a boxer fighting the student of a trainer he once fought.

On November 8, the 49 year old Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) will face Sergey Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) who trained John David Jackson who once fought Hopkins. The then, nicknamed "The Executioner" executed Jackson in the seventh round of their April 1997 encounter.

During the media conference call, Hopkins was asked if Jackson is a factor in any way, or something that could be a personal challenge to him.

It's not a personal challenge to me. First of all, John David Jackson, I always said, is one of the elite trainers out there who never really got his respect and November 8th he wants to get that big boost to get that respect. But, again, maybe John David Jackson will show him the fight that we fought and realize that he didn't have the code to beat "The Executioner" at the time and now it's "The Alien." So, maybe John realized how he should have ducked or how he should have fought at that time." Hopkins answered.

He further added that: "John isn't fighting, John isn't in the ring. You have to give the information to the athlete, the athlete has to be able to take that information, and be able to use it to his best ability."

Well, Hopkins has a point, but the fact that Jackson had the personal experience fighting him inside the ring; he (Jackson) actually had the first hand experience to pass on to Kovalev. However, that questions the ability of the trainer how to pass knowledge to his student as what Hopkins pointed out.

"Let's see if he can do that, because John David Jackson definitely can't fight for him. John David Jackson had his chance. John David Jackson got knocked out, I believe, in the ninth round. So, to me how can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?"

Bernard Hopkins turns 50 years old in January. And he will be fighting 31 year old hard hitting Sergey Kovalev to unify the three alphabet straps. Hopkins started his professional boxing career late in the late 80's. He first got a shot at the middleweight championship, but lost to former pound-for-pound kingpin Roy Jones Jr. in 1993. He got the opportunity again for the title, but ended up in a draw against Segundo Mercado. He finally became a world champion five fights after his lost to Jones by knocking out Mercado in a rematch in 1995.

Since then, Hopkins defended the title 21 times and became the undisputed middleweight champion. He held the title for one decade before he lost to Jermain Taylor in 2005. After the Taylor loss, I thought that was it, for the hall of famer career of Hopkins. But Hopkins move up in weight and started re-writing the history of the light heavyweight division.

Alexander Povetkin managed to score a huge knockout win tonight in front of his chanting fans at Luzhniki, Moscow, in Russia against a very game and athletic competitor Carlos Takam in 'must win' bout for both fighters in the heavyweight division. It was an extremely entertaining fight that made the partisan crowd chanting from start to end.

In early rounds, it seemed that Povetkin was not able to find his rhythm. His punches were off mark and was tagged by several overhand rights from Takam. I think he's behind from the scorecards before the knockdown in Round 9.

One thing I noticed: Povetkin is not using his jab to set his punches. While Takam was very effective in his jab from the distance. Although Povetkin was effective with his uppercuts from the inside it is obvious that the 33 years old Takam was the busier fighter who threw more and landed more punches.

However, the power of Povetkin carried the night. In Round 9, he landed a solid punch few seconds before the end of the round that sent down Takam. The native of Cameroon although managed to get up and beat the count was obviously hurt.  If the knockdown happened a little bit early, I think, the fight will end in Round 9 itself.

The bell sounded to end Round 9 before even the referee signaled to resume the fight.

In Round 10, Takam came out bouncing on his feet. I thought he recuperated from the previous knockdown. But when the 35 year old Povetkin, who's only lost was against  Wladimir Klitschko last year, pressed forward, Takam was not able to use his feet to evade. Instead, Takam tried to slug it out, but Povetkin landed a strong right-left combination that sent Takam flat on his back.

The referee did not bother to count and immediately stopped the contest and call for ringside help to assess Takam's condition.

With the win, Povetkin was again in the mix for the world title shot. But granted he will be given the shot again against heavyweight kingpin,  Wladimir Klitschko -- we all know what will happen... Right? I'm not entertained with the first fight at all. It was a boring fight wherein Klitschko was happy to use his long jab and clinched every time Povetkin came in. He never engaged Povetkin in a fight. He was there to capitalize all his advantages and bring home his money, not thinking the fans that pay to be entertained.

Do you want to see Alexander Povetkin in a rematch with  Wladimir Klitschko?

Russian Eduard Troyanovsky (19-0, 16 KO) stops Jose Alfaro (27-9-1, 23 KO) in a one sided bout in Luzhniki, Moscow, in Russia during their lightweight battle.

From the beginning, the 34 year old Troyanovsky was in control of the fight, landing crispier punches from the outside. He's controlling very well the distance and was able to tagged the 30 year old Nicaraguan cleanly.

Alfaro on the other hand was too cautious from Round 1. He did not let go his hands as he tried to close the gap between him and the Troya.

In Round 3, Troya landed a solid punch that sent down Alfaro, 11 seconds remaining in the round. Alfaro survived the round, but from that point on it was evident that it is only a matter of time he will visit again the canvas for good. Alfaro did nothing to take at least the respect of the now more confident Troya. The crowd was very ecstatic from the knockdown and chanting Troya! Troya!

In Round 4, Troya tried to go for the homerun, attacking Alfaro with power shots. Alfaro to his credit tried to slug it out, but landed nothing of significant.

In Round 5, Troya landed a solid right hand on the chin of Alfaro during an exchange. Alfaro went down and was counted out by the referee.

Jamaican Nicholas Walters (25-0, 21 KO's) had his undefeated record intact on Saturday night after a dominating performance over 2012 "Fighter of the Year" Nonito Donaire.

Walters scored knockdowns in rounds three and six before he finally landed a solid counter right hand on Donaire's head at 2:59 mark in round six. Donaire was able to get up, but in shaky legs. The referee did not risk letting Donaire continue and he stopped the contest although there's only a minute left to end the round.

[caption id="attachment_4282" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo by Naoki Fukuda[/caption]

It was an extremely exciting fight, wherein both fighters have the power to hurt each other. Donaire showed he can hurt a guy like Walters who's naturally bigger than him.

Donaire (33-3, 21 KO's) moved up to featherweight division two fights ago before he faced the undefeated Walters at the StubHub Center, Carson, California, as the co-featured bout for Golovkin-Rubio middleweight clash.

In the dying seconds of Round 2, the 31 year old Donaire landed his home-run punch: the "left hook" to Walter's head. Walters wobbled and hurt. As we all know, Donaire is good finisher, if that punch landed a little bit early in Round 2, I bet, Walters might be knockout. And the fight might have ended in Round 2.

In Round 3, Donaire made a clear adjustment, or will I say, he executed another fight plan. In this round, he closed the gap and tried to neutralize Walters' long reach advantage. But Walters, being the younger and naturally bigger, dominated Donaire from the inside. He managed to sneak an uppercut that sends down Donaire to his knees.

In Round 4, Walters was in control of the fight, as Donaire went back to his original game plan, which to stay from the outside and look for counter opportunities. But Walters' long jab dominated Donaire from the outside.

In Round 6, Walters again scored a knockdown before he finally landed the shot that badly hurt Donaire that made the referee stop the fight.

It seems there's something in that Round 6, 2:59 mark for Filipino fighters. In 2012, in the same round and on the same mark, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, was also knocked out by rival Juan Manuel Marquez. What a coincidence! This time, it is the Filipino Flash that has been fallen in Round 6, 2:59.

With the win, the 28 years old Walters could be facing Jhonny Gonzalez next. Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KO's) is the number one featherweight according to the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. Walters' currently ranked number 5 in this organization. And might be push up to number two spot after his big win, pushing Donaire down in the rankings that currently holds the number two spot before their bout.

Meanwhile on Sunday, morning here's what Nonito Donaire posted on social media.

Beautiful Sunday morning! Sitting here with my team just feeling blessed. Thank u for all the well wishes but God is good. I went down swinging and not running and I wouldn't have any other way. I have fought the best and never ducked anyone and in doing so sometimes the outcome is not what I want.

God saved me last night. I would have died by the sword last night. I would have kept getting up and if I stayed in that fight til the 12th I could have gotten brain damage. Walters was just too big for me. If I got past Walters I would have fought with Salido at 130lbs and really gotten hurt.

I'm going to take some time off and rebuild myself all over again. I'll come back stronger and probably at a lower weight.

Thank you for all your support and belief in me.

God bless.

In a brief press release from Golden Boy Promotions, Saul Canelo Alvarez (41-1-1, 31KO's) withdraws from his his December 6 bout against Joshua Clottey (38-4, 22 KOs) at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Canelo's withdrawal of the said bout is due to a persistent ankle injury.

Canelo Alvarez must withdraw from his December 6 bout. He thanks his fans for their support and looks forward to big things in 2015 on HBO.

Golden Boy Promotions and HBO are reviewing their options for the December 6 date." according to the press release.

The scheduled bout is supposed to be Canelo's first fight under the new HBO contract. Recently Canelo signed a massive contract with HBO Sports.