Gooner

there's a rumored fight between Gennady Golovkin & James Kirkland going down next year also... now many people may see that as a mismatch, but just knowing how James Kirkland fights, that may turn into one of the wildest fights of the year.

 

Doesn't Mayweather want Canelo on the undercard of his PPV?

 

Golovkin/Kirkland would be a great fight, hopefully once GGG gets through his next defence on Feb 1st, they can make the Kirkland fight somewhere in America in the summer.

 

He mentioned that Canelo should fight on his undercard, he also said the same for Broner, based on who he is likely to face on May 3rd i can see why he is trying to load the undercard up, if it does under a million buys like his fight against Guerrero did Showtime will not be best pleased and wouldn't surprise me if they really make a push to make the Pacquiao fight happen, I think it's the only way that fight will ever get made, well that and if this tit for tat online continues to get deeper and personal.

 

They did a million with Guerrero, but not much more, that stuff about it selling poorly was guff. They've been trying to minimise Floyds PPV appeal ever since he left top rank infact, they said he'd never be star in the first place. Remember when the Marquez fight was going to be a failure?

 

Whenever you hear someone saying how poorly a fight did on PPV a few days afterwards then you know it's nonsense. There's always a rush to proclaim a Mayweather failure no matter how baseless a claim it may be.... Yet when hard proof came out about the Pacquiao/Rios fight not even reaching 500k then nobody seems interested.

 

As for the fight itself happening, of course I would love it, but my reasons to be skeptical remains the same, it's Bob Arum. About a year ago I made a post regarding Pacquiao's finances regarding tax and how he's being robbed blind and how Arum won't co-promote with regards to Pacquiao because he doesn't want anyone poking their nose around. Well all of that is coming to light now with Pacquiao and his troubles with the IRS and BIR. Its a sad situation but Manny is in trouble big time and he needs to start getting rid of certain people like Michael Koncz, whose name was brought up by tax auditing firm VisionQuest after they were hired by Manny to get his finances in order a while back. Not long after they were hired they were let go in favour of a company at the insistence of Bob Arum. VisionQuest released a statement recommending that pacquiao should as Koncz about "ridiculous amounts of money disappearing from Mannys accounts". We know now that the company Arum recommended obviously did not help pacquiao at all so what was the reason for the abrupt letting go of visionquests services?

 

Some of the obstacles Arum has intentionally put there are quite unbelievable. I mean, whatever happened to the huge stadium he was going to build just for this fight? He had to come up with that one when both fighters were free to fight just before Mayweather went to jail, when the infamous phonecall took place during which Floyd offered the 40million guarantee to Pacquiao with half of it to be wired to him that very day if he agreed.... Pacquiao who has never actually received more than 15million for any fight... He walked away for whatever reason. If Pacquiao had more control of his own decisions, in the way Mayweather has, then this fight would've happened already because the fighters have wanted it for some time. As hard as it might be for some to believe, it took Pacquiao much longer to be willing, for whatever reason.

 

It's quite a shame that Mayweather took as much abuse as he has during this four year saga. I understand that much of that can be blamed on himself due to some of his antics, but when you look back on the whole drug testing saga when Floyd was called a coward and "using it as an excuse to duck the fight".... While Manny was being supported and praised for refusing random testing, with people saying he would never use PED's because of his faith in god.... this same guy was out banging hookers all night and gambling illegally.

 

You also can't deny a lot of guys have been caught since Mayweather began forcing this issue.

 

On a side note, Top rank takes 27 percent from their fighters purses, much more than what is regarded as standard in the game nowadays.

 

I think there will be a lot of dirt coming out in 2014 regarding Top rank promotions and whilst it will be a bumpy ride to start with, I think it will put a lot of things right in the long run.

The fight did 900k buys according to what Showtime said, they gave him the 200m dollars for a 6 fight contract, I can't see why they would lie. The PPV figures for Pacquiao are redundent as he isn't American, he will never be bigger in America then Mayweather, fact he fought his last fight in China says it all. His figures before when he fought in America before were much bigger then anyone Mayweather has faced in his career. His problem is looking for excuses, giving reasons why he doesn't need to fight etc I've been over the whole May/Pac debate to last me a lifetime, I'm a huge fan of both, been more a Mayweather fan to be honest since 96 when he competed in the Olympics, I hold the both of them to blame on this, you can take a pick on who's to blame most, I don't believe either have done or wanted the fight enough to make it happen. Easier fighting guys you know you will beat for huge sums and taking it easy.

It is a power thing it always has been, I think that's more between Mayweather and Arum. There's an issue there from years ago and it has resulted in this stalemate where both sides want full control. I blame everyone involved in this whole situation, they ruined it for the fans and basically screwed us out of the biggest fight in boxing history.

Would not surprise me in the least bit of Pac has tax problems, Mayweather had them too, that has no barring on why the fight hasn't taken place so far or is likely to happen. Mayweather is bringing up a lot of things lately to justify not taken the fight, that's all well and good, problem is if he goes on and faces Khan next, his arguments are null and void.

there's a rumored fight between Gennady Golovkin & James Kirkland going down next year also... now many people may see that as a mismatch, but just knowing how James Kirkland fights, that may turn into one of the wildest fights of the year.

 

Doesn't Mayweather want Canelo on the undercard of his PPV?

Golovkin/Kirkland would be a great fight, hopefully once GGG gets through his next defence on Feb 1st, they can make the Kirkland fight somewhere in America in the summer.

He mentioned that Canelo should fight on his undercard, he also said the same for Broner, based on who he is likely to face on May 3rd i can see why he is trying to load the undercard up, if it does under a million buys like his fight against Guerrero did Showtime will not be best pleased and wouldn't surprise me if they really make a push to make the Pacquiao fight happen, I think it's the only way that fight will ever get made, well that and if this tit for tat online continues to get deeper and personal.

Pac comeback!!!

I dunno whether Floyd is just trying to keep up interest and feels like having a laugh, or whether he is trying to set the fight up. He has been talking about Pac a lot in recent weeks in videos and now for him to suddenly bring out pictures like this right before and during christmas is surprising. I don't want to get my hopes up again that this fight will ever happen, still expect it to be Floyd vs Khan next, he gonna have to do all he can to sell that fight.

The WBA have elevated Golovkin to super champ so that Murray can face Fletcher who got beat by Billy Joe Saunders for the WBA title on Feb 1st, same bill as Golovkin next defence, it's a disgrace. They just giving away world titles now.

I'm about 100 pages through the Tyson book, I'm enjoying so far, I was fortunate enough to get it for special price downloaded directly onto my kindle for 1.99, got Dennis Bergkamp book too for 99p, hoping I see Hagler's and Hatton's at some point for similar prices.

I guess Maidana figured out how to solve the "problem" He fought a great fight, both showed a lot of heart, Broner to come back from the knockdowns and Maidana in the later rounds when he was hurt and tired. It's going to be hard for Broner to take this defeat and how he responds will answer a lot of questions about him. I still feel like I did before he fought Malignaggi that he moved up to 147lbs too quickly. Physically he didn't seem ready for it and that showed last night. He can still come back and have a great career, hopefully he goes back down to 135lbs or to 140lbs. He shouldn't go straight back in there with Maidana for a rematch at 147lbs, that be a big mistake after what just happened.

He even made sarcy comments about Stevenson after he finished his interview with him to the rest of the HBO crew, basically saying Stevenson wants none of Kovalevm he needs to be careful, Kovalev not the guy to do that nonsense with, someone sooner or later is not gonna care and smack him one. I'd pay PPV money to see that.

They have NBA 2K14 at GAME for

Both Kovalev and Stevenson were impressive last night as expected. Really do hope those two get it on as it would be a great fight. Kovalev seems on it, Stevenson seems hesitant, I can understand him wanting Hopkins but Hopkins with Showtime so going to be a very hard fight to make and there's no way Froch is moving up to 175lbs, so Stevenson would have to drop down to 168lbs and risks being stripped of his title and he won't want that to happen. Can see Stevenson facing the winning of the upcoming Pascal vs Bute fight, would be all Canadian affair against either and would draw big money over there.

Cheers, I hope so.

Anyone know if the NBA coverage is gonna be with the American commentators and in there studio rather then coming back and listening to guys in English studio.

Bellew's a hard one to judge as bar the Cleverley fight he hasn't really fought anybody of note. One thing that really impressed me in Stevenson's last fight against Cloud was his boxing skills. He showed that one punch power against Dawson, but in the Cloud fight he showed a great range of variety and Bellew seems to want to keep going on about Stevenson being stopped in his only loss, if that is what he needs to focus on to motivate and give himself the confidence needed to get the job done. He does have some big advantages with the reach but I can't see it being enough to keep Stevenson off, either knock out within five round or wide points win for Stevenson.

I agree with the best face/heel turn since Austin/Bret at Mania 13, it was unbelievable. Is this talk about Froch facing Chavez Jnr true? I hope not, he won't go near Ward, maybe he got more confidence against GGG. It really depends on what that done to Froch tonight, he may believe he took it easy, took Groves best, finished him late on as he thought and there's no issue. Kess hurt him to his core in the fight before, he needs to sort that defence out.

 

I think the ship as truly sailed on any Froch improvements. It's about getting the most of what his got left. Apparently Forch has a route/plan to retire within a few fights. After tonight i'm sure the route as changed but from reports there is 4 fights out there...

 

-Ward

-GGG

-JCC

-Groves

 

I'm guessing we can all say the Kessler trilogy is gone which was also another possibility. For Froch i have no doubt it's all about making the most money he can out of a combination of them fights.

I have no issue with Froch doing that, he has had it tough throughout his career, he had to go abroad on many occasions and never made any serious money that the work he has put in this sport deserves. He said the other day he doesn't think Ward will ever lose, so unless that's his last ever fight I don't see him going in the ring with him. He would beat JCC, I think GGG takes him out, but 8lbs going up in weight does play a big role, a Groves rematch is a toss up. I always thought if he was to go out make it the last fight with Ward, he would get a good pay day and be able to enjoy his retirement, but after tonight, a rematch with Groves will be worth huge money.

I agree with the best face/heel turn since Austin/Bret at Mania 13, it was unbelievable. Is this talk about Froch facing Chavez Jnr true? I hope not, he won't go near Ward, maybe he got more confidence against GGG. It really depends on what that done to Froch tonight, he may believe he took it easy, took Groves best, finished him late on as he thought and there's no issue. Kess hurt him to his core in the fight before, he needs to sort that defence out.

Groves hurt Froch far worse then he got hurt. Crazy thing is it would have been better for Groves to have hit the canvas, tven just take a quick knee, would have lost round 10-8 but fight would not have been stopped. Its unfair that he was not given the same chance Froch was given when seriously hurt, I see no difference, by one being a big name and the other no so much. Froch after was cringeworthy, he keeps talking bout Groves as a person and not being so nice but forgets that he started it all off in the original press conference by acting a dick. He got life tonight.

You do not stop that fight there and the judge scorecards were a absolute disgrace. I feel for Groves, he deserved much better for a fantastic performance. Its what I dispise about this sport. It is disgusting. No way should that have been stopped, I'm done with this crap.

Cheers for the links wandshogun. There's a few there I haven't seen before so I'll check out. Anyone know where I can get the Tapia documentary, had a look online and can't find anywhere to buy. Watched the Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth last night, it was good and well worth a watch. Got his new book too, only been through a few pages but I am enjoying.

Looking forward to boxing on Sat, I feel for Rios I think Pacman is gonna destroy him.

Pac vs Rios will be on at the usual time (2am-3amish) I assume. Or with it being in China is the time going to be all weird? I'm guessing normal time so they can show it live in the US, right?

10AM(Macau time)=6PMUS(Pacific)=9PMUS(EST)

It's being shown live in the states so that they can rake in the PPV profits. Be weird for people in Macau to watch a fight so early but we know nearly everything is dictated for American time for the big PPV buy rates. Pac/Rios should start around 4am our time. Gonna be a great night.

Yeah, the Tyson Undisputed Truth airs at 1am our time tomorrow and then Ward/Rodriguez from 3am on wards. Both should be good viewing, shame Rodriguez for what will be the biggest fight in his career to date couldn't make the weight to make it a title fight, really poor from him. I enjoyed the middleweights the gloves are of, all of them came across well and hopefully they'll get in the ring and face one another at some point. For anybody who didn't see there's a link below for is and also for the heavyweights the gloves are of which aired a few months ago.

The Middle Weights The Gloves Are Of

THE HEAVYWEIGHTS/THE GLOVES ARE OF

GGG looked awesome as per usual. He took his time to finish the job and I thought he could have got the stoppage sooner, but with the power Stevens has I can see why he picked his moments. I'd love to see him next in against Martinez or Quillen but more likely they'll face one another and avoid GGG which would be the smart option. A move up to 168lbs to take on Ward would also be great to see, he's even talked and put feelers out that he'd be ready to drop down to 154lbs to face Mayweather, I can't see that happening but its a great thought.

Groves is really getting under Froch is skin, winding him up big time, it's fun to watch. Groves is enjoying himself too much, going to be something special on the 23rd.

Please don't wish Fraudly on us again, because I know I will end up watching him fight, lol.

Boxing documentaries been great in recent weeks, about to watch the Gatti/Ward one, heard great things.

Heads up on another boxing documentary coming up. I'm sharing now as put on the planner and I know I will forget nearer the time. It's called Cornered and is an insight into the life of journeyman boxer Johnny Greaves, he's barely won a professional fight in his career and the element of the story centers around the role of guys like Johnny who accept fights at short notice against up and coming fighters and his mindset for why he does what he does. It's on BT Sports 1(not sure if many have this channel on here) at 21:00pm on the 22nd of this month.

Schaefer has confirmed that Alexander is facing Porter for IBF title at 147lbs on 30/11 so not sure where that leaves Khan as rumours he will get a rematch with Garcia and I'm assuming winner goes on to meet Mayweather if fight happens in May 14. Malignaggi/Judah and Lara/Trout all done for 07/12. Broner/Maidana for WBA title at 147lbs, Molina/Ortiz for IBF title at 154lbs, Thurman/Soto Karass and Angulo/Melendez all set for 14/12. What a good few weeks that promises to be, the 14/12 card especially stands out as one to stay up for.

I'm a fan of Marquez, always have been but he needs to stop whining about his losses. Him coming out and saying he's been robbed six times in his career, when he has only lost seven times and the one loss he isn't complaining about is to Mayweather is getting ridiculous now. All these guys just complain or talk the most rubbish. If it isn't Bradley saying he put on a boxing lesson, it's Marquez saying he is fighting the judges and not the fighter in Vegas as he will never get a decision.

Onto better news, Arum has confirmed Salido vs Lomachenko for the WBO title is on for Jan 25th in New York.

Heads up for anyone interested but ITV continuing with there boxing documentary's with Night of the fight: Ricky Hatton's last stand. It's on ITV4 this forthcoming Wednesday at 10:00pm. Should be a good watch.

Different fighters feel the need to act a certain way to achieve the maximum they can with what they have. Unfortunately boxing ability alone doesn't sell and make you fortunes. Mayweather won bronze in 96 olympic games, beat great fighters in Hernandez, Castillo, Corrales, had won world titles at three different weights and a lot of Americans could have cared less about him. He made good money but he wasn't a superstar no matter how humble or how hard he tried so that's why he wanted the DE La Hoya fight so bad. He knew he was the cash cow, he accepted all of their demands, split from Arum and used the HBO new 24/7 show to get this new persona across against the clean cut American/Mexican hero, got the decision in the fight and the rest as they say was history. He put himself into superstar territory and has never looked back. Look at the money he has made since in his career, its unbelieveble. Guys like Broner looked up to Mayweather and still do and if it works for him why won't it work for them. Broner's a little different as mentally something isn't right with him, with Mayeather for most part it's a game, he loves the limelight and makes a fortune playing a act. Bradley has no love in the states, most couldn't care less about him and he doesn't put bums on seats. The Pac fight was meant to be the one to take him to the next level and if anything it hindered him with getting a decision he did not deserve. He wins biggest fight of his career and his next fight is in some small arena against Pac's sparring partner, must have been a huge come down for him and credit to him for taking the shots he did in that fight, staying in it and getting a close decision win. A lot of guys are like this but some are more upfront with it. Khan is one that springs to mind but I can't take him seriously. Maybe they feel they are treated differently due to their colour over there. One thing though is it has been proven that it can work.