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February News 2002
The fight, which was appropriately named Summer Storm last August 2001, is making its way back with a vengeance. Paulie Ayala -vs- Clarence "Bones" Adams will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino this coming Saturday, the 23rd. This time around, the fight is properly billed "Night of the Big Rematches." I don't think Paulie Ayala knew what he was in for when stepped into the ring with Clarence "Bones" Adams last August, but you can believe that he does now. The fight, which took place in the latter portion of the 2001 year didn't receive as much credit as it should have and that was partially do to the way it ended. Adams thought he clearly won the fight, and many people had it that way on their scorecards. Punchstat numbers proved to be to Adams' credit, and many members of the media, including myself, had it going Adams' way. However, don't take that into any opinion you may conceive about the war, because it could have clearly gone either way. The crew of judges for the last bout were highly qualified professionals who you have to trust with the conclusion of the fight. Dave Moretti scored the bout 113-114 (Ayala), Duane Ford scored the bout 114-113 (Adams), while Jerry Roth scored the bout 112-115 (Ayala). The first two scores seemed more accurate, but as you can see, it turned out to be a very controversial split decision. Full Story
Mike Tyson adviser Shelly Finkel said that the boxer will return the Georgia boxing license he received when Atlanta was being considered as a site for a Tyson-Lennox Lewis championship bout. Finkel said there is no reason to have the license when it will not be used. Finkel said the license obtained Feb. 7 from the Georgia Boxing Commission will be returned Today (Tuesday). The Georgia Dome was one of the locations mentioned as a possible venue for the Tyson-Lewis fight originally scheduled for Las Vegas after the Nevada Athletic Commission denied Tyson a license on January 29th. Governor Roy Barnes said last week that he had asked the boxing commission to rescind the license. Barnes called Tyson a "sexual predator." Commission administrator Tom Mishou said the panel would meet Wednesday and the Tyson-Lewis matter would not be discussed. Mishou said he had talked with representatives of both fighters, and they said Georgia is out of the picture for the fight. Sunday night fights in Vegas have a new meaning thanks to the new promoter on the scene. Johnny "Yahya" McClain added a new evening of exciting boxing to the Stardust Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday night. McClain, husband of Laila Ali, promoted an exciting fight card on sunday night, which featured local stars Dewey Cooper & Jessica Rakoczy, along with Roy Jones Jr nemesis Montell Griffin. McClain recently opened a boxing gym in the greater Las Vegas area, appropriately named Absoloot Boxing Gym. During the fight, Montell Griffin (42-3, 29 KOs) made quick work of a non game opponent, George Klinesmith (11-5-1, 7 KOs). "I don't look past any opponent," said Griffin, who stopped the totally outclassed George Klinesmith at 1:29 of the first round in their scheduled 10-round main event. It was a hard left hook and a right cross that first dropped Klinesmith within a minute, and then a left hook to the body followed by another cross. After the second knock down referee Tony Weeks put a stop to the brutal punishment. Griffin won his fourth in a row since being stopped by World Boxing Organization light heavyweight champion Darius Michalczewski in the fourth round in 1999. Griffin held the WBC light heavyweight (175 pounds) title for 4 1/2 months in 1997. He won the belt by disqualification over Roy Jones Jr., then lost it on a first-round knockout in the rematch. Griffin, 31, said he's in the best shape of his life. "I have been training since August," he said. "I have only taken two weeks off since then." McClain said Griffin would next fight March 30 at the Stardust against an undetermined opponent. "We'll get somebody better than him (Klinesmith), that's for sure," McClain said. Griffin of Las Vegas was paid $7,500, and Klinesmith of Steubenville, Ohio, earned $4,500. In other action, Jessica Rakoczy (9-0, 2 KOs) won a rough unanimous 6-round decision over Layla McCarter (9-6-3, 2 KOs) as she landed harder and more accurate punches throughout the fight. The judges scored it 59-55, 59-55, and 60-54. In other action, local fighter Dewey Cooper (2-0-1) fought fo a draw with Alex Conte Larteuer (0-1-1) over four rounds. Cooper started out strong, and deffinitely won the first two rounds, but as the pace slowed, the judges obviously saw it split. The rest of the undercard went strong with Charles Whitaker (19-11-1, 12 KOs) winning a 6-rounder over Gustavo Alonso Soto (7-12-1, 5 KOs), and Roberto Santa Cruz (5-2, 1 KOs) Winning a 6-rounder over Ricardo Barragan (6-1-1, 3 KOs) Lennox Lewis' business manager Adrian Ogun has reiterated the world champion's desire to take on Mike Tyson in a "genuine sporting contest". WBC and IBF Heavyweight title holder Lewis was due to meet the former undisputed world champion in April. But the bout is on hold after Tyson was refused a licence by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. He has subsequently been granted a licence to fight in the state of Georgia but Ogun says other options are still being explored, although he revealed that the contract agreed between the two parties allows only for a fight in the US. Lewis said last week that he is prepared to fight Tyson, with June now being the most likely date, but only after Iron Mike has received psychiatric help. Ogun said, "Lennox wants a true sporting contest but it was quite clear to me watching Mike Tyson before the Nevada Commission that he needs help. "Lennox has also said that he wants to fight Mike in June but the contract agreed between Lennox and Mike in February does not provide for that being outside of America. "June gives Mike plenty of time to seek help and all true sports and boxing fans want to see the fight." Mohegan Sun Fight Results 
From the opening bell of the first fight at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT, the night proved to be filled with upsets, disappointments, and action packed rounds. Michael Moorer, who was featured on the card led a relatively boring dramatized fight, while others came out on top in stunning fashion. Jeff Lacy, Lucia Rijker, and Daniel Judah were among the star studded victors on Showtime's Championship Boxing, but the same couldn't be said for others. In a dramatic upset, 2000 Mexican Olympian Francisco "Panchito" Bojado suffered his first loss, and established a flaw on his record. Among the other victors who were showcased, "Bad" Brad Dawson gave a thrilling performance as he glazed over Jerald Lowe in the first round, while Justo "Sensational" Sencion knocked out Omar Vazquez in the eighth round. So in turn, what was supposed to be an easy night for most fighters, actually turned out to be a melting pot of mixed conclusions. As it stands now, Francisco "Panchito" Bojado is focused on a rematch with Juan Carlos Rubio, in what he & Gary Shaw of Main Events, thought was a highly controversial decision.
Tonight, former World Heavyweight champion Michael Moorer (42-2-1, 34 KOs) and former NABF titleholder Robert Davis (26-3, 15 KOs) square off in the main event on Showtime Championship Boxing at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Former Mexican Olympian Francisco "Panchito" Bojado (9-0, 9 KOs) -vs- Juan Carlos Rubio (26-6-2, 10 KOs) and Former US Olympian Jeff Lacy (7-0, 7 KOs) -vs- Glenn Thomas (29-7, 16 KOs) are featured in undercard bouts. Diamond Gloves Boxing welcomes newcomer Jason C. Franz to the Diamond Gloves Media Team, as he will be reporting the fight from ringside at the Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, CT 
Things finally seem to be working themselves out for Floyd Mayweather Jr. As Floyd makes final preparations to vacate his WBC Jr Lightweight title and move on up to the Lighweight division, Jose Luis Castillo is preparing himself for the biggest fight of his career. Floyd says he'll be "bigger & stronger" at 135 lbs. when he takes on current WBC Lightweight champion Castillo April 20 at the MGM, Las Vegas. Castillo is seeing things in a differnt light as he prepares to "take the heart away from Mayweather." Mayweather, 27-0 with 20 knockouts, leaves the junior lightweights after defending his title eight times. Castillo, 45-4-1, with 41 KOs, will defend his title for the fourth time on April 20, as HBO televises the bout live. So what does Floyd Mayweather Sr think about his son fighting at Lightweight? "Floyd is an excellent fighter, and he will prevail, but he may have his hands full with Castillo. That man (Castillo) can fight, and being a Mexican fighter, he won't back down. The fight will be exciting," said Floyd Sr.
The wiser Mayweather knows best, and he is very right in this situation with Castillo. "Chico Corrales didn't have enough strength and Jesus Chavez didn't have the right kind of power," Castillo said. "Corrales was two pounds overweight the day before. That really hurt him on the night of the fight. Chavez fought hard and was brave, but his punches were too wide and many of his punches hit Mayweather on the arms. "We're going to attack deeper, go to the rib area," Castillo said. "Lightweights hit harder and let's see if he can take it." While Mayweather plans to train in Las Vegas, Castillo plans to head for the Otomi in Mexico. It's a desolate training facility located in the mountain region outside of Mexico City, similar to where Erik Morales was training with Mayweather Sr earlier this month. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 25, at noon at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office and Ticketmaster (702-474-4000). Seats are priced at $25, $50, $100, $200 and $300, and are limited to 8 per person. Also planned for the HBO-televised card is former WBC lightweight champ Stevie Johnston -vs- former WBC feather champ Alejandro Gonzalez, with the victor promised a crack at the Mayweather-Castillo winner.
Michael Moorer once again can see the top of the Heavywieght division. "It's a strong possibility for me to be a champion again," Moorer said earlier this week. "I'm going to do everything right in order for that to take place." But Moorer (42-1-2, 34 KOs) insists he's not looking past Saturday's scheduled bout with Robert Davis (26-3, 15 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun Arena, his fifth fight since he lost the IBF title to Evander Holyfield in 1997. "I think Robert Davis is a solid, durable guy, and the fight will show where I am on my comeback," he said. "I'm gonna take one round at a time." Moorer became the first Southpaw to win the Heavyweight championship when he defeated Holyfield in April 1994, taking the IBF and WBA titles. He left the ring the following year, after losing a rematch with Holyfield, who knocked him down five times before the fight was stopped in the eighth round. Moorer, 34, points to his 1999 decision to quit drinking as evidence that he has grown up. "I was getting a little out of hand," he said. "I woke up one morning and saw the state that I was in, and it was like, Come on, you gotta get your life back in order." Moorer and Davis, a former North American Boxing Federation Heavyweight champion, face off Saturday night at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Showtime Championship Boxing. "Mentally, physically, emotionally, I'm all together again," he said. "It feels great." 
In what seemed to be a long and drawn out process of cout battles between Lennox Lewis, and his ex-promoter Panos Eliades of Panix Promotions, acutally turned out to Lewis' advantage. Lewis, who has been surrounded by press and media since the beginning of the year, finally got some relief Thursday, when he won his court battle with his ex-promoter. A federal jury awarded roughly $8 million in damages to the Heavyweight champion on Thursday after finding he had been ripped off by his promoter. In a civil trial, the jury concluded Panos Eliades and his company, Panix Promotions, defrauded Lewis through a pattern of theft that amounted to racketeering. The bulk of the award, which was approximately $6.8 million, stemmed from the jury's finding that the promoter breached his fiduciary duty as manager. After the verdict in a Manhattan trial before U.S. District Judge Harold Baer Jr., Lewis issued a statement saying, "I am satisfied that justice has been done today. I can now concentrate on my boxing career."
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New Jr Lightweight King Acelino Freitas (31-0, 29 KOs), makes his return to the ring on June 1. The fight will be televised live on Showtime, and Banner Promotions Owner Art Pelullo will announce the opponent and site at a later date. Its now easy to call Freitas the king of the jr lightweight division, due to other boxers decisions, such as Floyd Mayweather's to move up to Lightweight. With Mayweather's move, the Jr Lightweight WBC belt will become vacant. After soundly beating Joel Casamayor, the only likely opponent for Freitas would be IBF champ Steve Forbes. Forbes has looked alright in his last two outings, but he also has many problems outside the ring. Forbes has a tendency to gain a lot of weight when hes not active, and he also won't be relying on trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. very much in the future, due to Mayweather training Erik Morales and Oscar DeLaHoya. The jr lightweight division belongs to Freitas if he want is. All he has to do is step up and take the fights he needs.
Shelly Finkel is hoping for a decision on Mike Tyson's world title showdown with Lennox Lewis next week. Finkel, Tyson's manager, confirmed that four promoters had put up $13 million each to lure the fight to Atlanta. The Georgia Dome is said to be 'the front runner' to host a possible fight on June 8. Finkel told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Now I have to sort things out with Lennox's camp, and we'll go from there. "I expect us to reach a decision hopefully by next week." But despite being granted a licence to box in Georgia, opposition is growing against holding the fight. Governor Roy Barnes said, "There are other hurdles that have to be overcome, and I personally don't think we should have the fight." 
Marco Antonio Barrera's rematch with WBC Featherweight champion Erik Morales has been rescheduled for June 22 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Bob Arum of Top Rank and John Jackson of Forum Boxing announced Wednesday. The bitter rivals were originally scheduled to fight March 2, but the bout was postponed when Barrera sustained a rib injury during a sparring session at his Big Bear City training camp. Morales (41-0, 31 KOs) won a controversial split decision over Barrera (54-3, 39 KOs) on Feb. 19, 2000, a bout declared as Ring magazine's 2000 "Fight of the Year." Tickets originally purchased for March 2 will be honored for the new date. Refunds can be obtained at the place of purchase until March 15.
There are no reports on whether or not Floyd Mayweather Sr. will resume his training of Erik Morales, due to a 3 month traning camp with Oscar DeLaHoya to prepare him for his upcoming May 4 war with Fernando Vargas.
In an open letter to Hasim Rahman, Team Tua, along with David Tua, made it clear that Rahman's chances are not over. Tua & manager Kevin Barry have made it known that they will not back down from Rahman, and that Rahman's only necessary fight, will be to challenge David Tua and avenge his Knock-Out loss, instead of trying to face former Heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield. Read the entire orpen letter on Diamond Gloves Boxing. Read Open Letter If you can believe this fellas. Police are investigating a claim that Mike Tyson assaulted a woman while in Hawaii attending the Pro Bowl. A 38-year-old woman, whose identity was not released, reported she was struck Saturday as she was forced aside by Tyson when she "ran up to talk to him" at Aloha Stadium, Honolulu police spokeswoman Jean Motoyama said Monday. The woman reported the alleged assault at 9:15 PM, several hours after the game was completed, Motoyama said. Responding officers reported not seeing any visible injuries on the woman, Motoyama said. A misdemeanor third-degree assault case was opened, but none of the woman's claims have been substantiated, police said. Tyson's representatives told police the former Heavyweight champion was at the game, but stayed only 10-to-15 minutes because of the attention he was drawing. Tyson adviser Shelly Finkel said Monday night he had not heard anything about the alleged assault. Ladies, please, do Mike a favor, and stay the hell away from him! In a recent release from the camp of Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquio, the proposed fight between him and Oscar Larios on the undercard of HBO's Spadafora -vs- Manfredy bout is off. Pacquio, who sustained a cut above his right eye during his foul-infested 6-round technical draw with Agapito Sanchez las November, has not yet healed, and is very apt to be open again. Team Pacquio has proposed an April date for the return of the champ. Stay tuned for more info. The return of Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao will be one with anticipated action. Pacquiao makes his return to the ring on the undercard of the HBO televised event of the Paul Spadafora -vs- Angel Manfredy IBF Lightweight title fight. IBF 122-pound champ Pacquiao will take on former Mexican titlist and recent title challenger Oscar larios. Larios (42-3-1, 30 KOs), beat former WBC featherweight king Cesar Soto in June of 2000 to secure a shot at 122-pound titlist Willie Jorrin last January. Jorrin, who seems to slip through the cracks of every title defenses, won a highly controversial hometown decision over the 25-year-old Larios. Larios has KO losses to Israel Vazquez and current WBO titlist Agapito Sanchez. Pacquiao (33-2-1, 25 KOs), is coming off of a 6-round technical draw with Agapito Sanchez last November. The aggressive southpaw from the Philippines won the IBF belt in impressive fashion last June, stopping South Africa's Lehlo Ledwaba in 6 rounds. 
Fox Sports Net is back on the scene, bringing boxing fans all over the continental US thier favorite Sunday entertainment during the NFL offseason. Fox will pick up where it left off on Sunday, Marh 10 from Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino in Henderson, NV (Located just outside Las Vegas). The seasons bout will be divided among the season bidders who included Cedric Kushner Promotions, and Ten Goose Sports. Each promoter will get nine (9) cards to present on Sunday Night Fights. The bouts included in the first two weeks back prove to be an exciting start for FSP while the season gets going. Ten Goose will offer the first promotion, which will feature Tim Witherspoon (52-11-1, 36 KOs) -vs- Ahmad Abdin (30-2-4, 14 KOs). In the following week, on March 17, CKP offers Oleg Maskaev (22-4, 17 KOs) -vs- Ed Mahone (23-3-2, 23 KOs) at the Gold Country Casino in Oroville, California. FSP offers an excellent Sunday event for the next 18 weeks, that will be sure to bring great entertainment to the boxing world.
Ok, guys, hold on to your seats for this thrill ride. The search for a venue for Lennox Lewis' World Heavyweight title showdown with Mike Tyson took a bizarre twist earlier today, when Liverpool promoter John Hyland offered to stage the fight in Beirut. Hyland, who was the promoter for former WBU Light-Welterweight Shea Neary, has held talks with Gulf Finance and Investment Corporation chairman Jean Abou Rached. Hyland said, "Mr Abou Rached is very excited at the prospect of staging in the Middle East, one of the most eagerly-awaited and anticipated Heavyweight title contests of all time." He added, "Confirmation of our interest has been faxed to both camps and we now look forward to receiving a positive response." Tyson was refused a licence to fight in Las Vegas by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after a press conference to promote an April 6 showdown with Lewis descended into a brawl. Since then the search has been on for an alternative venue and the favorites so far are Texas or California, with Detroit possibly in the front runners as well. China and South Africa have also been put forward as possible venues but it seems highly improbable that either fighter would consider staging a contest in war-torn Beirut. I mean really, how could you ever consider the fact of the Heavyweight Title being laid on the line in Beirut? 
Once again, Oscar De La Hoya calls up his publicist and tells him softly & gently, "Im Going To Retire." De La Hoya says he will retire after the Vargas fight. Oscar De La Hoya says his next fight against Fernando Vargas will be his last. Oscar fights on May 4 in Las Vegas, when he defends his WBC Super Welterweight title against El Feroz.
The champion had said he would fight three times before retiring.
"This will be my last fight. It's over," De La Hoya was quoted as saying. He made his decision after consulting with his wife, Puerto Rican pop singer Millie Corretjer. "I made the decision thinking in my family and my health, my well being," the five-time world champion said. De La Hoya (34-2, 27 KOs), said his decision changes his earlier plan to avenge his only losses against Felix Trinidad and Shane Mosley.
So is that it? We think not. Oscar has been out of the ring for a while, and of course he naturally is feeling down about his current situation. Let him clib back in between the ropes, and he will change his mind. Right now, he is at the stage where he has lost the feeling for the sport. But come May 4, that will all change. Win, Lose, or Draw, De La Hoys will be back.
 By: Eddie Carrera & Lamar Austin 
This week's Friday Night Fights, presented by ESPN2, will feature two stunning matchups. Vitali Klitschko -vs- Vaughn Bean (Heavyweights) will battle to see who the supreme ruler is among the big men in the ring, and Robert Allen (31-4-0, 24 KOs) -vs- Dwain Williams (24-3-0, 16 KOs), battle it out in a 12 rounder, for the NABF Middleweight title. The fight, which takes place in Rancho Mirage, California, is set to be a full ride thriller. Teddy Atlas, ESPN commentator is even excited about this one. Atlas on the Klitschko brothers:Vitali: "He's not quite as rangy as his brother Wladimir. He's got good size; he's more orthodox than his brother as a right-hander. He's technically solid. The question is not about their ability or them as technical fighters, but their character in the ring. What are they made of?" Wladimir: "He's a southpaw, rangy and tall. He's from the new breed of heavyweights - big and tall. He's very difficult to prepare for. He likes to fight from the outside, and that can be a problem." Be sure to tune in at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT. Mike Tyson has applied for a license to fight in the state of Texas. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will process the request, despite a recommendation by the Association of Boxing Commissions to deny Tyson a boxing licence, department spokesman Kevin Ketchum said. The ABC's suggestion is not binding, because while state commissions uphold other states' licence revocations or suspensions of boxers, they are not bound to honor a licence denial. The Nevada Athletic Commission voted 4-1 to deny Tyson a licence to fight WBC-IBF Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis on April 6 in Las Vegas. Shelly Finkel, Tyson's adviser, has said seven states have expressed interest in a Tyson challenge to Lewis. Shea Guinn, president and general manager of the Astrodome, is trying to bring the event to Houston. "We are having some discussions right now about the possibility of the fight happening here. We are interested if the terms are right," said Mr Guinn. General manager Eddie Gossage, of the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, said he spoke with Finkel and Main Events, Lewis' American promoter. Lewis said his WBC mandatory defence against Tyson will not happen on April 6 and that he might fight another opponent. Lewis, however, remains under contract for a Tyson fight. The WBC has let it be known that it expects Lewis to fight the top-ranked Tyson before he fights anyone else. Officially Postponed!!! It seems that the much anticipated rematch between Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera will be postponed after all. The fight, which has basically been "up in the air" since Barrera suffered a rib injury sparring with Robbie Peden last week, will be postponed untill sometime in the month of May. Barrera who was receiving extensive treatment to the damaged area, will now recover from his injury over the rest of the period. Although the month of May is not a sure date, it is expected that it will fit in the opposite slot as the HBO PPV presentation of DeLaHoya -vs- Vargas. The fight has been on & off numerous times, due to different opinions by seperate doctors treating Barrera's injury. Stay Tuned to Diamond Gloves for more continuous updates. WBC President Jose Sulaiman issued a statement earlier Thursday, February, 7th to make it clear that his organization is not opposed to Heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis moving on from a Tyson showdown, to challenge IBF mandatory contender Chris Byrd. Sulaiman also made it clear that the WBC may not be able to sanction the bout due to its own bylaws and recent law suits enacted by both Lewis and the WBC's number one contender Mike Tyson. Sulaiman said that the only way the WBC would sanction a Lewis-Byrd fight is if an agreement was reached with the Tyson camp or "if Tyson was prevented from fighting for reasons outside boxing". Full Press Release The new fight is billed as "Night of the Big Rematches", and it will definitely prove to be just that. "I won, and I have the punch stats to prove it!" That's what Clarence "Bones" Adams said after his riveting performance against world champion Paulie Ayala on August 4, 2001 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. It was Ayala, however who got the victory in an action thriller, a split -12 decision for the world super bantamweight championship. Bob Arum, president of Top Rank, said Ayala -vs- Adams II is set for the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Saturday February 23rd. Also featured on the card will be bantamweights Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson -vs- Rafael Marquez, in an exciting but awkward rematch. Ayala (33-1, 12 KOs), of Ft. Worth, Texas has two wins over Johnny Tapia and has fought six times with a world title on the line. Adams (41-4-3, 19 KOs), of Henderson, Kentucky has only lost once in his last 18 starts. Ayala beat Adams in their August 4th battle by split-decision, winning 115-112, 114-113, with one scorecard going to Adams with 114-113. Talk among those at ringside was that the hard-fought match up had "fight of the year" potential. Dumbfounded over his defeat on the scorecards, Adams said, "I landed the cleaner shots. I was the aggressor." Ayala confirmed his victory, saying, "I know I did enough to win. My plan was to get him out of his counter-punching, and I did it." This fight is truly the making of a classic battle. One you don't want to miss. Watch closely as "Bones" Adams tries to make his way towards a revenge victory. Tickets for the event are priced at $200, $100, $50, $25, and are available now at the Mandalay Bay Box Office, and all Ticket Master locations. To order tickets by phone, call (702) 632-7580, or toll free (877) 632-7400. HBO Boxing After Dark will televise the two spectacular rematch events. Call now, while tickets are still available! 
The World Boxing Council are preparing to block the proposed fight between Lennox Lewis and Chris Byrd on the grounds that Mike Tyson should be the challenger to Lewis' Heavyweight title. Lewis was due to fight Tyson in Las Vegas on April 6 but was refused a licence by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after instigating a brawl with Lewis at a New York press conference. IBF challenger Byrd was then proposed for the date, with the Tyson fight to be moved back until later in the year. But WBC president Jose Sulaiman insists that Lewis must make a mandatory defence against Tyson before moving on to fight someone else. "We just cannot allow this, because it would go against the WBC's board of governors. At our annual convention in 2000, we rated Mike Tyson the number one contender. There was a lot of discussion but it was a unanimous vote. During our annual convention of 2001 we ordered the mandatory defence. We knew both boxers wanted the fight," said Sulaiman. Sulaiman was adamant that a venue outside Las Vegas could be found, with Los Angeles, Manila and South Africa all touted as possible locations for the fight. "We did not say the fight should happen in any particular place, and when the promoters registered the fight with us, they never mentioned any city for the venue at all. I believe that Lennox Lewis owes himself the satisfaction of defeating Mike Tyson to show the world he is a great champion in his time. I also believe that Mike Tyson is convinced that he will defeat Lewis. If Lennox Lewis does not fight and defeat Mike Tyson, the world will continue wondering. This is the fight the world wants to see, and even though we are outraged at what happened in New York, if it is in April, May or June, the fight must be held. The people of the world want it," insisted Sulaiman.
The Las Vegas Hilton, known for its hosting of great fights in erlier years, is back on the fight scene. The Hilton will feature a "President's Day Everlast Heavyweight Explosion" fight card that will be promoted by Cedric Kushner's CKP Boxing. The show includes the return of Heavyweight prospect Duncan Dokiwari (15-1, 13 KOs) as he makes his way back to the ring from over a two-year layoff, following a disputed loss to Fres Oquendo. Also featured, will be Ed Mahone (22-3-2, 22 KOs), as he takes on Greg Pickrom (12-5-1, 11 KOs) and Derrick Jefferson (24-3-1, 20 KOs) as he gets ready for Phil Jackson (43-10, 38 KOs). The show will also carry undercard bouts with David Defiagbon (16-0, 10 KOs) against Jimmy Joseph (14-2-1, 13 KOs), Billy Zumbrun -vs- Barry Lineberger, Jeff Ford -vs- Alvin Manley, and Israel Escandon -vs- Larry Banks. Tickets are being sold for $25, $35 and $45, and Nevada residents get 20% off (show proof of Nevada ID). Call 702-732-5755 or 800-222-5361. Jim Rome, host of The Last Word, on Fox Sports Net, will have two featured guests on his show Thursday, February 7th. The Undisputed Middleweight champ, Bernard Hopkins, who is just coming off his record breaking fight for title defenses this past Saturday, will be a featured guest, alongside the new WBC Welterweight champion Vernon Forrest. The show can be seen at two different times, either 6:00 PM oe 11:00 PM, on all Fox Sports Net channels. Andrew Golota was arrested Monday by Illinois State Police after allegedly showing a badge and claiming that he was a police officer from another state. The boxer was charged with impersonating a police officer during a traffic stop and released on bail. Golota, perhaps best known for quitting a fight against Mike Tyson in the second round on October 2000, was pulled over for allegedly driving past a stop sign. Prosecutors determined that the honorary badge was given to the 34-year-old Golota by the Hudson County, New Jersey police department in recognition of charity work. After spending the night in jail, Golota appeared before Associate Judge Kathleen Kallan on Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of attempted false personation of police, a Class A misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a $2,500 fine on conviction. Golota posted bail and was scheduled to return for a court date on March 5. 
Champion Willie Jorrin (28-0-1, 12 KOs) of the United States remained unbeaten and retained his WBC Super Bantamweight title Tuesday after a draw against challenger Osamu Sato (25-1-1, 14 KOs) of Japan. Fighting at Tokyo's Ariake Coliseum, the 32-year-old Jorrin knocked Sato down twice in the third round and looked set for an easy victory. But the challenger fought back and held his own in the later stages of the 12-round bout. "I tip my hat to Sato," said Jorrin. "He's a durable fighter. I let him get back after the third round but I dominated the fight and I'm ready for a rematch anytime. If I had had 10 seconds more in the third I would have had him out but he was saved by the bell." Jorrin first knocked the challenger down with with a right-left combination and then seconds before the bell landed a right that sent Sato down a second time. Judge Naparat Sricharoen of Thailand scored it 114-112 in favor of Sato but judge Vincent Rodriguez of the Philippines saw it 113-113 while Massimo Barrovecchio of Italy also scored it a draw at 114-114. Jorrin, 32, was fighting in the second defense of his title. "I felt a little tired near the end but a champ has to perform and that's what I did. I was prepared for a tough fight and if we meet again I don't think he would last that long against me," said Jorrin. Jorrin won the WBC crown in Sept. 2000 when he defeated England's Michael Brodie by a unanimous decision in Manchester, England. Sato, who has had three fights in the last year, looked stronger as the fight went on and had the champion on the ropes in the seventh and eighth rounds. Jorrin had a bad cut above his left eye but said he never felt he was in serious trouble. "I just let him throw what he wanted," said Jorrin. "I never felt in trouble. My left-hook was working great tonight and I still have the belt." Both fighters weighed in at 122 pounds for the bout.
Lennox Lewis fears Mike Tyson has a death wish - and believes he could be dead by 40. The rages which has engulfed a tormented Tyson could prove the American's most unforgiving opponent. It would fulfill the chilling prophecy of great former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes - who fought and lost to Tyson 14 years ago. Holmes, world champion from 1978-85, declared Tyson would end up either in prison or be dead by 40 - Iron Mike has already spent two separate stints in jail. Lewis revealed his fears after the New York press conference brawl which forced the cancellation of the richest fight in history.
Tyson bit Lewis during the melee and had his application to fight in Nevada turned down last week. Lewis, 36, said, "Do I think he's got a death wish? Yes, definitely. I'm with Larry Holmes. And if it happens, it's going to be a gun or something. Dead or jail before he's 40? Absolutely." Tyson, 35, was set free in March 1995 after serving three years of a six-year sentence for rape, then spent four months inside in 1999 for assaulting two motorists in a road rage incident. Lewis added, "He came out of jail but just carried on the same way as before. I agree you can't take the street out of him, but only to a point, because a lot of us come from the streets but we still know how to survive in society and live properly." Whether or not a Tyson -vs- Lewis fight does go ahead, Lewis wants Tyson to seek medical and psychiatric assistance before getting into the ring again. He added, "I definitely would like him to get help and I think he needs help. Tyson is the last misfit in boxing and I definitely said I wanted to get rid of all the pretenders, the has-beens and the misfits. I've got rid of all the others and he's the last of them. If it didn't happen I'd feel very disappointed because I've been waiting for this fight for a long time, it would be the last notch on my belt." Lewis first met a teenage Tyson in 1982, sparring with him in New York. Just four years later the tearaway would become the youngest heavyweight champ of all time at just 20, but Lennox recalls a troubled individual even then. "He just seemed like a kid with a lot of built-up problems inside. He'd cry before fights, then he'd go into the ring and obliterate his opponent. Back then Cus D'Amato (Tyson's late mentor) said we could meet in the ring one day. That's stayed in my mind ever since and after what happened last week I'm still waiting for him, pent-up, just ready to knock him out." If the Grim Reaper doesn't get there first.
Ricky "Hitman" Hatton (27-0, 22 KOs) makes his fifth WBU world Light-Welterweight defence against Mikhail Krivolapov at the MEN Arena. The 23-year-old admits, "Krivolapov's going to be my toughest test." The Russian, 29, has won 32 and lost just two in his carrer while Hatton has 22 stoppages in 27 straight wins. Another victory inside the distance for Hatton would take him closer to his dream of taking on undisputed champ Kostya Tszyu. Model pro Hatton also offered his opinion on Mike Tysons' biting assault on Lennox Lewis saying, "It was madness really, you've got to watch the left jab and the right cross but you don't expect to watch someone's nashers. I don't think Tyson should be let back in the ring." Hatton will make his fifth title defense when he takes on Mikhail Krivolapov in a 12-round bout scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, on Showtime Championship Boxing. In the co-feature, Commonwealth Light Welterweight Champion Eamonn Magee will battle Jon Thaxton. The fight, promoted by Frank Warren’s Sports Network Europe, will be shown on Showtime via same-day tape delay at 10 PM ET/PT.
Plagued With Controversy It seems as though, one of the hottest rematches of 2002, is already plagued with controversy. The fight, which currently has been considered "off & on" on eleven different occasions, seems to be heading nowhere, fast. In a recent statement by the trainer of Team Barrera, Marco is resting and is being advised by a specialist, who is basically making the decisions on what to do as far as training. Even though Barrera is supposed to return to his Big Bear training camp by the end of the week, his injury has already put a damper on the fight as planned on March 2nd. His injury leaves excuses open for discussion in the event that he loses, and will also lower his confidence. When a fighter is hurt in a position as Barrera's, the fight should be postponed so that both fighters are healthy and willing to fight their heart's out. 
Lennox Lewis says he won't fight Mike Tyson on April 6, but wants to fight him later in the year. If Lewis goes ahead with a fight on April 6, his most likely opponent would be mandatory IBF challenger Chris Bird. Lewis also said he had not ruled out the possibility of fighting Tyson away from the United States. Lewis said, "The April 6 date is definitely out the window for the Tyson fight, but it may be OK for another fight. Later in the year for a Lewis-Tyson fight - definitely. Mike Tyson is the ultimate match-up in my era and it would be disappointing not only for me but for the public not to see that match-up, so on the sport aspect, that fight should be made. I would love to beat up Tyson and give him a whipping because the public wants to see it, plus the fans want to see a Lewis-Tyson match-up, so it is a disappointment to those people as well." Lewis and Tyson were due to fight in Las Vegas on April 6, but Tyson was refused a licence by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Every year, millions of people gather on SuperBowl Sunday to view the gridiron at its best. This year marks a unique version of what has become America's new national pass time. This year, the SuperBowl dome, located in New Orleans, Louisiana has a special patriotic glow to it. Without relevance to the team or affiliation with the New England Patriots, the dome is decked out in Red, White, & Blue. Partial proceeds of the game will go to those who were lost on September 11, 2001. This game not only marks the 36th consecutive SuperBowl, but it lets all know that America can overcome anything, as long as we stick together.
The St. Louis Rams are the "Greatest Show on Turf" and the New England Patriots have struggled in Super Bowl's in New Orleans. But that means nothing to the players. The Rams posted a 24-17 victory at New England on November 18 and dominated statistically, getting 26 first downs to 13 for the Patriots and 482 yards to 230. But St. Louis coach Mike Martz had a premonition after that game. The Patriots trailed 10-7 in the second quarter and were marching for the go-ahead touchdown. But Antowain Smith fumbled after being hit by linebacker London Fletcher at the St. Louis 3 and cornerback Aeneas Williams recovered for the Rams. It was the turning point of the game as Warner directed an eight-play, 97-yard drive that culminated with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Pro Bowl running back Marshall Faulk with 31 seconds left in the half. Could this time around be any different? The Rams are appearing in their third Super Bowl overall, losing after the 1979 season to Pittsburgh and defeating Tennessee. The Patriots were pounded by the Chicago Bears, 46-10, in Super Bowl XX and lost to Green Bay, 35-21, in Super Bowl XXXI. Nine Patriots remain from that team, including Bledsoe, Law, Brown, safety Lawyer Milloy, cornerback Otis Smith and kicker Adam Vinatieri. New Orleans is hosting the Super Bowl for a record ninth time. The Rams lead the series, 5-3. 
At over 300+ pounds, Butterbean (63-2-3, 48 KOs) made his way to the ring Saturday night in the outdoor Grand Pavilion at the Grand Casino Gulfport in Mississippi. Butterbean's opponent, NFL veteran, Craig Wolfley, made his pro debut in boxing. Butterbean stayed behind his jab, and used it to block the vision of what was coming next, which was a big right hand. Wolfely got cut over his right eye near the end of the 1st round, but managed to take it with stride. Butterbean, otherwise known as Eric Esch, came out for the 2nd round with the same offensive pattern. This time, Wolfely went back to his corner not only with a cut eye, but a profusely bleeding nose. Butterbean made his way back out for the 3rd, to keep Wolfley along the ropes, and finally in the 4th, the Bean ended it with a beautiful right that came with only :34 seconds into the round. Rumor has it, that Butterbean received a life-time pass to the buffet at the Grand Casino Gulfport.
Light Heavyweight ruler Roy Jones Jr. dominated challenger Glen Kelly in gret fashion. Jones may as well have been working for Showtime, because that was the one word you could use to describe the show. Jones put on a brilliant display of speed, comedy, and ring generalship. Jones knocked down Kelly twice before earlier, before sending him out for the count in the seventh round. Jones, who had 7 world titles up for grabs, used a terrific display of angles to hit and not be touched. Finally, Jones decided to close the show (maybe he got bored?) by catching Kelly with a hard, accurate straight-right, that came with both hands behind his back. Kelly was out at 1:55 of round seven. Jones dominates, and retains.
Bernard Hopkins (41-2-1, 30 KOs) stopped Carl Daniels in the 10th round to retain the Undisputed Middleweight Championship Saturday night before a sellout crowd of 8,243 at the Sovereign Center. It was the 15th consecutive defense of at least a piece of the Middleweight title for Hopkins, breaking the Middleweight record of 14 set by lengendary Carlos Monzon. Hopkins spun Daniels around with a body shot early in the ninth round that sent him staggering into his corner. Hopkins then landed a flurry of punches, included a shot behind Daniels' right ear, to take control of the fight. After the round, Hopkins -- nicknamed "The Executioner'' -- looked at the crowd, and did a slashing gesture across his throat.
He put Daniels away with two rights late in the 10th, and Daniels told his corner to stop the match before the 11th. Hopkins would've won every round on each of the judge's scorecards except one judge scored the 10th round a tie. "No one can take this away from me,'' Hopkins said. "It's great.'' Hopkins puts two in the record books, with a brillian win over Carl Daniels.
Ronald "Winky'' Wright stopped challenger Jason Papillion in the fifth round to keep his IBF Jr-Middleweight championship Saturday. Wright (43-3, 25 KOs) opened a cut over the right eye of Papillion (34-7-1) by the second round. In the fifth, Wright, of Tampa, followed a devastating right-left combination to Papillion's head by landing six straight punches before the fight was stopped with 2:44 elapsed in the round. "When I threw the one-two, he froze,'' Wright said. "I went after him since I knew I had him.'' Papillion, of Broussard, La., landed just 17 percent of his punches and allowed Wright to dictate the pace of the bout. Wright is a protege of Roy Jones Jr., who also showed that the night was all theirs. Clifford "The Black Rhino" Etienne (23-1, 17 KOs) was also on the undercard, and showed that when the going gets tough, its time to step it up! Etienne got caught in the first round, by opponent Gabe Brown (11-2, 7 KOs) but later took the upper hand, when Brown's stamina seemd to deminish. Etienne rallied back to stop Brown at 2:57 of the seventh round. Lamont Brewster (26-2, 23 KOs) made it known to everyone that his punching power is no lie. Brewster provided the light, camera, and action, as he delved into Nate "The Snake" Jones (18-2-1, 9 KOs). Brewster brought out hard body punching from his arsenal, pressuring Jones to the left side. Jones, who seemed to be so worried about being hit, never tried to really fight back. Brewster had Jones cornerd along the ropes at the end of the 2nd round, and that's where he brought the fight. Brewster continued with 25+ body-head shots that came with no response from Jones. Referee John Carroll stopped the action with 1:10 left in the 3rd round. Brewster claims the vacant NABO Heavyweight belt. Kofi Jantuah (22-1, 12 KOs), the man we all love to watch, blasted challenger Bobby Heath (25-11-5, 11 KOs), to gain an 8th round TKO. Jantuah controlled Heath from the sound of the bell in round 1. He delivered consecutive strong jabs to make it known that he was in control. Juntuah used angles to deliver a blinding punch that sent Heath to the canvas in round 6. During elapsed time in the 8th round, Jantuah knocked Heath down again, but with a brilliant left hook. Heath regrouped, but was quickly knocked down again. Heath again got back up, but Jantuah blitzed at him, and blasted 20+ punches, to prompt refereeVictor Rosato to hault the fight at 1:14 of the 8th round. 
Enough cannot be said about the class of Bernard Hopkins, and the respect he shows for boxing. Hopkins (40-2-1, 29 KOs) is on the verge of breaking Carlos Monzon's record for Middleweight title defenses. If he gains a victory over Carl Daniels tonight, it will make 15 sucessful title defenses for the man known as "The Executioner". Hopkins is coming off his career defining moment of purely outboxing Felix Trinidad in every degree, last September. The interesting thing about Bernard Hopkins, is the fact that he usually comes into the weigh-in well under his limit. During the weigh-in for Trinidad, he came into the fight weighing 158-pounds, and during his most recent weigh-in, he weighed only 158¾ pounds. The leaves a lot of people to ask themselves, "If Hopkins is coming in well under the limit, why not drop down a few pounds and conquer the 'De La Hoya' division?" It seems highly likely that tonight, Hopkins will break Monzon's title defense record, but where does he go from there? Possibly a long-awaited grudge-rematch with Roy Jone? Or a decrease in weight to take on the Golden Boy, who seems to be over looking Fernando Vargas? It is all riding on ther performances of both him and Jones tonight. Always expect the unexpected in Boxing.
While under intense pressure to make a decision on his upcoming mega-war with Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera has decided to continue with the last four weeks of his training camp, and go ahead with the fight as planned on March 2nd. Barrera sustained a lower cortial rib injusry while sparring on wednesday, and has been seen by two specialists in Big Bear & Los Angeles, CA. While Team Barrera was not to keen on the first doctor's opinion, they were in search of another decision. Barrera's rematch with Morales is possibly the biggest fight of either fighter's careers.
Roy Jones Jr. attempts to make yet another title defense of his conglomerate of belts tonight, against well known Ausie challenger Geln Kelly at American Airlines Arena in Miami. Jones is now at the point in his lie where he needs to make a decision. Call it what you will, a crossroads, fork-in-the-road, or 4-way stop. He needs to make a decision. Everyone can agree that Jones has only been doing the minimum in boxing in his latter years. Just enough to get by. It doesn't seem as though Jones wants to step up and go for the gusto. Instead, he would rather sit back and do the bare minimum; just enough to get by. Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, Eric Harding and Reggie Johnson are just a handful of the challengers who have failed to knock off Jones. Now it's Kelly's turn to try what has become boxing's equivalent of scaling Mt. Everest. "I haven't trained any harder than for this fight," Kelly said. "If things don't go my way, there won't be any excuses." Kelly, of Sydney, Australia, and a top 10-rated fighter in the sport's three major sanctioning bodies, acknowledges his difficult odds. Jones (45-1, 36 KOs) rarely has been tested in a career highlighted by world titles in three separate weight classes. "Roy fights all kinds of fighters," Kelly said. "Hopefully, we'll bring something different. I realize I am fighting the best fighter in the world." Kelly (28-0-1, 15 KOs) won't reveal his game plan, but his best possibilities lie in pressuring Jones. "You have to try not to give him room," Kelly said. "You're going to get hit a lot, of course, especially coming in and trying to neutralize his speed." Jones' feet, fists and head rarely abandon him in the ring. And, despite a whirlwind of non-boxing activities during his three-week South Florida stay to prepare for tonight's fight, Jones vows to be ready. "I'm always focused,'' Jones said. "Sometimes doing so many other things makes me concentrate on what I need to do." I would bet that with Kelly's game plan of pressuring Jones, we will probably see a lot of running tonight. Jones will be moving backwards with every punch to ellude Kelly, just as long as Kelly gets bored with chasing him around the ring. But in the end, the only possible scenario for Jones, is to streak by on points and capture the boos of crowds. Just another running of the bulls.
 Bernard Hopkins 158¾ (lbs) -- vs -- Carl Daniels 160 (lbs) Randall Bailey 140 (lbs) -- vs -- Demetrio Ceballos 139½ (lbs) Nate Jones 226½ (lbs) -- vs -- Lamon Brewster 225 (lbs) Miami, Florida: Roy Jones Jr. 172 (lbs) -- vs -- Glen Kelly 174½ (lbs) Winky Wright 153¾ (lbs) -- vs -- Jason Papillion 149½ (lbs) Clifford Etienne 231 (lbs) -- vs -- Gabe Brown 230 (lbs) Vernie Torres 116¾ (lbs) -- vs -- Julio Coronel 115½ (lbs) Kendrick Releford 195 (lbs) -- vs -- Sam Tillman 194 (lbs)
Goofi Means Business:
As Lance Whitaker, A.K.A. Goofi stepped into the ring for the first time since losing to rising star, Jameel McCline, He knew that he had to take every opponent serious. Goofi showed pure viciousness against Willie Chapman last night in Phoenix, AZ. Goofi knocked down Chapman in both rounds two and three, and then brutalized Chapman in round four with an assault spread from Chapman's body to his head alongside a neutral corner. The fight was stopped, as Goofi was declared the winner at 2:12 of the fourth round.
Jirov Coasts To Victory: IBF Cruiserweight Champion Vassily Jirov coasted to a unanimous decision over former Middleweight champ Jorge Castro, successfully defending his title on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights. An even panel of judges saw the bout 119-110, as possible future opponent James Toney looked on from the crowd. Jirov has proven himself so far in the Cruiser division, and it seems likely that he will face Toney later this year. 
The MGM Mirage executives are negotiating with representatives of Paul McCartney to have the legendary rocker appear at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 6, the same day Mike Tyson would have fought Lennox Lewis. "We can only guess and imagine that this would have been not only the greatest fight in the sport's history but arguably the greatest fight from an economic standpoint," said Scott Ghertner, director of sports and promotions for MGM Mirage, who said he was unaware of a potential McCartney concert. This comes after the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) turned down Tyson's application for a Nevada Boxing License. "I did think the Commission would have voted in favor because of the amount of money involved but they have gone on moral grounds and put the house of boxing in order," said Frank Maloney, former manager of Lennox Lewis. It seems as thought Tyson just has too many personal issues to deal with. Now being accused of rape and kidnapping, Tyson's road down boxing's Yellow Brick Road may be abruptly haulted because of pure stupidity outside the ropes.
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