Europe:
James Slater
Mike Casey
Mark Gregory
Sebastian Swiecznik
Adeyinka Makinde
Michael Klimes
Jim Dorney
Andrew Walker
Andy Olsen
Neil Thompson
Neil Goodman
United States:
Frank Gonzalez Jr
Wray Edwards
Vivek Wallace Geoffrey Ciani
Ted Sares
Shawn M. Murphy
Robert Jackson
Thomas Scherr
"Old Yank" Schneider
Yero Moody
John Martinez
Jeff Mills
Trish Kilcullen
P.H. Burbridge
Paul Strauss
Cesar Pancorvo
Nick Mathur
Taj Eubanks
Karl E. H. Seigfried
Gabriel DeCrease
Mike Dunn
South America:
Jaime Castro Núñez
Photos:
Wray Edwards
Peter Mark Heintzelman
Who Next For Carl Froch - Kessler? Bute? Taylor?
06.01.09 - by James Slater - 31-year-old Carl "The Cobra" Froch, who claimed the vacant WBC super-middleweight title with a stirring win over then unbeaten Jean Pascal back on December the 6th, has no shortage of potential big fights in 2009. Looking forward to getting the top names at 168 pounds in the ring with him this year, the successor to Joe Calzaghe at super-middleweight is also willing to travel to the States in order to get the match-ups he wants. continue l
30 comments Euro Boxing Roundup: Mikkel Kessler, Klitschko-Gomez, More By Per Ake Persson: sporten.dk in Denmark reports of a possible conflict between WBA supermiddle champ Mikkel Kessler and Team Palle, who have promoted and managed Kessler since the beginning of his career. The exact details of the conflict aren´t known but there is to be a meeting between Kessler and his attorneys and Palle and their legal representation to discuss the contract. Kessler´s friend Simon Lundt Hansen has applied for a license as both promoter and manager.
German tabloid Bild Zeitung ran a story of a possible defence by WBC heavyweight champ Vitali Klitschko against mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Gomez. According to Bild a deal is close with the fight taking place March 21 in Stuttgart with K 2 as promoter. Should a deal not be worked out the WBC have January 9 at noon in Mexico City as deadline for pursebids. Klitschko vs Gomez is an intriguing matchup between former stablemates and the two had for a long time the same trainer in Fritz Sdunek. continue l
1 comment UK Boxing News: Kell Brook; James DeGale; Chris Edwards
The world famous Ingle camp in Sheffield are backing welterweight hot shot Kell Brook to match the achievements of the gym's other world champions, Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson and Junior Witter. Brook, still only 22, makes the second defence of his British title on January 30 at Bethnal Green's York Hall against Stuart Elwell. continue l
15 comments Will Juan Carlos Gomez Be The Man To Spoil The Klitschko Party? by James Slater - Currently, and proudly, co-reigning as the first boxing brothers to simultaneously hold versions of the heavyweight title, Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are the undisputed kings of their weight class. Seen by practically everyone as the two best big men in the sport, the dominance is something the brothers are looking forward to continuing throughout the rest of 2009 and beyond.
Originally, it seemed as though WBC champion and elder brother Vitali would meet the fast-talking Londoner that is former cruiserweight boss David Haye. This was seen by most as a fight in which "Dr. Iron Fist" would collect a huge payday in a largely winnable fight. With IBF and WBO champ Wladimir also being made a pre-fight favourite over his probable next challenger in Chris Arreola, the Klitschko brother's party looked set to go on unspoilt. But now, with Cuban southpaw and WBC mandatory contender Juan Carlos Gomez looking like the next challenger for Vitali, the situation changes somewhat. continue l
60 comments Day of Mourning for Jisselle Salandy
January 6, 2009 – Mexico City. From WBC President Jose Sulaiman: The World Boxing Council declares a day of mourning for the tragic passing away of our female super welterweight world champion, Jisselle Salandy of Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago. Jisselle will always live in our memory as a sweet young girl who represented boxing at the highest levels of integrity and honor inside and outside the ring. Only 21 years old, she passed away yesterday after being injured in a car accident near the city of Port of Spain. continue l
7 comments My thoughts on Klitschko vs. Arreola
06.01.09 - Miika Forsström: If the rumours are right Wladimir Klitschko faces in his next bout unbeaten American prospect Chris Arreola. In my opinion this would be a terrible mismatch. Arreola has no chance against Klitschko and he would get stopped early in the fight. So, why are they making this fight and why do people consider it as an interesting bout? The answers are similar to the answers to questions why and how Tyson vs. McNeeley and Lewis vs. Grant match-up´s were made. continue l
46 comments Juanma Lopez Takes Aim: Will He Blast His Way To Superstardom In 09? By Andrew Harrison: Puerto Rican shooting star Juan Manual Lopez fought for a grand total of 699 seconds in 2008. In that short space of time he managed to blow clean through four fighters; Jonathan Oquendo, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Cesar Figueroa and Sergio Manuel Medina whilst annexing the WBO super bantamweight title en route (versus Ponce de Leon). It’s likely he’ll have to put in a longer and more arduous shift in 2009 as he takes aim at three fierce rivals standing between him and dominance at 122lbs.
Unfortunately for ‘Juanma’ two of those rivals are current pound for pound incumbents in (WBC and Ring champion) Israel Vazquez and his great adversary Rafael Marquez. The third, Celestino Caballero is no easier a proposition. Tall, awkward and powerful, the unified WBA/IBF champion Caballero has proven against the aforementioned Ponce de Leon and now Steve Molitor that he’s fully adept at putting the first dent in an unbeaten fighter’s record. continue l
88 comments News: Mack v Henry; Andrzej Fonfara; Darwish Open Workout
On the 6th February 2009 at the Wicomico Civic Center, Salisbury, Maryland two light heavyweight contenders will meet, the winner is likely to go on and compete for one of the major titles and the loser will be left by the wayside with the prospect of rebuilding a career in tatters. The two light heavyweights in question are Yusaf Mack and Chris Henry. Mack has already been in this position twice before when falling short against former IBF champion Alejandro Berrio and title contender Librado Andrade, he knows this could be his last chance to really make his mark. continue l
no comment Olympian James DeGale Fires Back At Both Joe Calzaghe And David Haye! 05.01.09 - by James Slater - A gold medal winner at the Beijing Olympics last year, 22-year-old James DeGale has, as we know, signed a professional deal with top British promoter Frank Warren. Set to make his debut later this year, DeGale has been angered by reported claims by Joe Calzaghe and David Haye that he may not have the stuff needed to make it at pro level. No slouch himself when it comes to the talking, the ultra-confident prospect has fired back at both men.
Speaking in today's Sun newspaper, the 22-year-old has told of how upset and angered he was when he first heard that two of his fellow Brits questioned his talent.
"B******s!," DeGale, from London bellowed. "I'm so disappointed because Joe Calzaghe is one of my all-time favourite boxers. I'm hurt, man. continue l
62 comments Floyd Mayweather Senior Says He Already Has "A Whole Lot Of Strategy" For The Hatton-Pacquiao Fight - Says Ricky May Stop "Pac-Man!" 05.01.09 - by James Slater - The eagerly anticipated mega-fight is not set to take place until the summer, and Ricky Hatton will not begin serious training for the clash until February - after engaging on a family cruise - but already "The Hitman's" trainer Floyd Mayweather Senior has gone on record saying his man will not only win - but may well do so by stoppage.
Talking to The Manila Bulletin, Floyd Senior said he also has already worked out "A whole lot of strategy" for the May 2nd light-welterweight showdown that has got the fans salivation with excitement. continue l
569 comments David Haye vs. Vitali Klitschko – Some early thoughts
By Jim Dorney: 1.The preparation – Vitali Klitschko typically comes into fights at around 250lbs, which is pretty trim in supporting his 6’8 frame. Haye last out weighed 215lbs, and has previously fought at heavyweight at 217lbs (vs. Tomasz Bonin in 2007 & 206lbs vs. Garry Delaney in 2005. It’s clear that Haye is the smaller man physically, but at 6’3 & broad-shouldered at that, he’s not a small heavyweight. continue l
71 comments Promoter Frank Maloney Says His Current Crop Of Fighters Are His Best Ever by James Slater - Often looked at as Frank Warren's biggest rival in the UK boxing promotional world, Londoner Frank Maloney - who celebrates 25 years in the business later this year - reckons he currently has enough future stars in his stable to be able to make it as Britain's number one promoter. Maloney also says his current crop of fighters are his best ever.
The man who once guided the career of heavyweight champion and all-time great Lennox Lewis is especially excited about Darren Sutherland, the Irish super-middleweight who captured a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics last year. The promoter feels that Sutherland and other fighters under his wing, such as Jamie Moore and Rendall Munroe, can make it big in 2009. continue l
17 comments 'Left-Hook Lounge': Vivek Wallace's mailbag featuring Williams, Hatton, Pacquiao, Berto, Margarito and more! In the first installment of the 'Left-Hook Lounge' for the calendar year of 2009 we take a look at some very critical questions ranging through a number of topics around the sport. This weeks mailbag kicks off with a question surrounding two fighters in the sport who could serve as poster boys for the 'high-risk-low-reward' platform. With no one eager to face them, they apparently said "to hell with it" and just decided to face one another. As we move beyond that question, others to make the list delve into the Hatton/Pacman showdown, the Angulo/Mayorga showdown, welterweight stud Andre Berto, as well as the Margarito/Mosley showdown. So with no further ado, we kick it off right here in Sunny South Florida with a question from a fight fan who wanted to know the following:
Philip Martin (Sunny Isles, FL): What are your thoughts on the potential Paul Williams/'Winky' Wright fight being discussed?continue l
58 comments Boxing News: Andre Berto; Frank Maloney; Ran Nakash
(MIAMI, FLA.) – Undefeated Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) (23-0, 19 Kos) is featured in the January 12 issue of ESPN the Magazine. The six-page article highlights Berto’s road from an accomplished amateur to his second title defense on January 17, 2009. Entitled “1,506 Days with Andre Berto”, the story follows the WBC Welterweight World Champion through several important dates, ranging from his professional debut to the purchase of his first house and concludes with his upcoming bout with Luis Collazo. continue l
7 comments Boxing News: Kauffman vs Murphy; Steve Cunningham; John Murray
Reading, PA - Heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman will face his most experienced opponent to date on January 16, 2009 at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, OK. Ken Murphy, a veteran of 47 professional fights from Chicago, Illinois, will attempt to derail the unbeaten fighter in a six-round undercard matchup. Murphy once challenged for the WBA cruiserweight title and has consistently fought tough opposition throughout his career. continue l
7 comments Juan Manuel Marquez-Juan Diaz - Who Wins And How? by James Slater - A potentially sensational lightweight bout takes place on February 28th in Houston, Texas - the hometown of one of the fighters involved in the match-up. Local man Juan Diaz will face Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez and much will be on the line for both men. For the younger man in Diaz - a mere 25 years of age, when Marquez is a veteran at 35 - the fight will present him with the chance to reclaim his status as the world's very best lightweight.
Before losing for the one and only time in his career, to underdog Nate Campbell back in March of 2008, via a hard fought split decision, "The Baby Bull" was widely recognised as the best 135-pound fighter out there. An all-action warrior who loves to rumble, Diaz was not expected to lose to "The Galaxxy Warrior." But he did, and he took his lumps like a man in doing so. Bouncing back to beat the always-tough Australian Michael Katsidis six months after losing his IBF, WBA and WBO belts, Diaz won clearly in most eyes, despite the September bout being scored as only a split decision in his favour. continue l
280 comments Nevada Had A Great Boxing Year Financially In '08, '09 May Not Be As Great, Says The Vegas Review-Journal
04.01.09 - by James Slater - According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, the paper of the city most associated with the big fights these days, there may be some pretty lean times ahead for Las Vegas in 2009. After having had a great year financially in 2008 - a year that saw the state take only a fraction less revenue from boxing than it did in 2007 - 2009 looks set to be something of a letdown for Nevada, according to the news article. continue l
12 comments News: Israel Vazquez; Jesse Brinkley; Stephen Haughian
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 4, 2009) World Boxing Council Junior Featherweight Champion and “Pound for Pound” Candidate Israel “EL MAGNIFICO” Vazquez has been honored across the board by boxing writers as his epic third bout against Rafael Marquez has received numerous “2008 Fight of the Year” awards. The third bout which took place March 1, 2008 at the Home Depot Center in Carson , California was won by Vazquez punctuated by a brilliant final round which saw the champion score a knockdown in the waning moments of their unforgettable fight. continue l
3 comments Sweet Sugar and the Violent Tornado By Paul Strauss: Many experts feel that on paper Sugar Shane Mosley will win in his battle against Antonio Margarito on Jan 24th at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. But, before you place your bet, read the following exchange.
Sugar is more skilled, faster, hits harder and is just as tough, his fans believe. So he should win, right? But, he's 37 yrs old, and has fought many more rounds than Margarito, plus he's had some tough losses, the opposition contends. That's wear and tear on the body. Antonio's fans point out. Sugar's fans argue that he's always taken good care of himself, and is in excellent shape. He also prepares well for his fights. So does Margarito his fans counter, as they further point out his endurance is legendary. continue l
212 comments Tommy "The Duke" Morrison Scheduled To Box In Australia This Year - But Not Before A Battery Of HIV Tests, Says Local Dr. 03.01.09 - by James Slater - Still one of the most recognisable names from the 1990's heavyweight division, Tommy Morrison - "The Duke" or "The Great White Hope" - depending on your preference of nickname, is scheduled, it has been reported, to fight again this year. Set to box in Melbourne, Australia, the former WBO heavyweight champion whose career famously came to an end in 1996 due to his allegedly contracting the decease HIV, is in line to face local heavyweight John Hopoate in the spring.
I say allegedly contracted HIV, because Morrison, now aged 40, and 2-0(2) in his last couple of bouts, claims he was misdiagnosed and that he does not have HIV after all. continue l
117 comments Youngstown Boxing By Ted Sares - Everybody breathing dirt, eating dirt---they call it 'pay dirt,' for Youngstown clean would be Youngstown out of work... --Frank Bohn, 1915
Like Brockton, MA, this is a gritty and hardscrabble place with a population of about 74,000, but instead of a Shoe Museum, it has a Steel Museum celebrating its major industry which has declined badly since the ‘70s. Located in a region often referred to as the Rust Belt, the city has seen better times as evidenced by the many boarded up shops, but strong efforts are now underway to revitalize the city’s post-steel image.
One constant has been a tradition of professional and semi-professional sports with the Youngstown State University Penguins being a major regional draw. The university is also a major employer. But when it comes to sports in this city, boxing takes center stage. continue l
304 comments Welcome to the City of Champions 03.01.09 - By Ted Sares - I played it like a man but I enjoyed it like a boy. --Hagler
What could be better than walking down any street in any city and knowing you're the heavyweight champion of the world? --Marciano
Goody's a legend in this business. It's part of his passion. For me, as a young guy making this my dream and passion, he's lived it. I admire Goody big time. It's an honor to be doing things with Goody. --Rich Cappiello
Brockton, Massachusetts is a gritty, multi-ethnic, and densely populated city located in a working-class setting of about 94,000 people on the outskirts of Boston. It has a whole lot of soul and an interesting history. continue l
338 comments On The Grind Radio Ep 28 feat. Allan Green
-- Click here to listen to the show --On The Grind Radio is back LIVE on Sunday January 4th, at 8pm est/5pm pst (1am Monday UK), and we're kicking off the New Year in style. We are very pleased to welcome our first guest of the year, the ever elusive upcoming Super MiddleWeight contender Allan Green. Also, friend of OTG Radio, Nate "Galaxy Warrior" Campbell will be dropping by to tell us how preparation is going for his upcoming World LightWeight Championship defense against Ali Funeka. continue l
21 comments If James Toney And Fres Oquendo Fought Again, Who Would Win?
by James Slater - The argument between the two camps about who won the fight goes on, but it looks extremely doubtful that heavyweights James Toney and Fres Oquendo will meet in a rematch. It was back on December 13th, in Cabazon, California, on a Dan Goossen promoted show, that "Lights Out" and "Fast Fres" met, of course, and the result was immediately referred to as a controversial one. The split decision awarded to Toney so angered Oquendo's manager, Tom Tsatas, he brought in his lawyer and sought to appeal the decision. continue l
77 comments As Arreola And Haye Prepare To Challenge The Klitschkos, Who Has The Better Chance Of Victory? by James Slater - Neither match-up is set in stone as of yet, but the frontrunners to next face the two Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, appear to be young contenders Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola and David "The Hayemaker" Haye. Looking at taking over the heavyweight division in 2009, both the Riverside, Californian and the Cyprus-based Londoner are anxious for their shot. Former cruiserweight king Haye has his sites on a June showdown with elder brother and WBC champion Vitali, while unbeaten Arreola is looking ahead to a May clash with IBF and WBO boss Wladimir. Supposing both fights do come off (as we hope they do, in the name of real excitement) who will have the better chance of winning - Brit Haye or Mexican/American Arreola?
Most people agree Haye has the better, tougher-chinned brother to try taking out with his bombs. Though older at age 37 - Wladimir is a peaking 32, of course - Vitali is recognised as a harder, more confident fighter than his sibling, and a warrior who is also willing to take risks in the ring in an effort to stamp his authority on the bout. continue l
246 comments News: Euro Boxing Roundup; Joey Gilbert Opens Camp In SD
By Per Ake Persson: IBF supermiddle champ Lucian Bute is almost on for a voluntatary defence against Dane Mads Larsen with date and site to be determined. No contracts are signed yet though and surprisingly the final hurdle to make the fight happening appears to be Larsen. Chris Meyer, Sauerland´s CEO, tells sporten.dk in Denmark that Bute has accepted to fight Mads but that Larsen is still asking for too much money. Meyer then says time is running out. continue l
4 comments Trainer John Breen Says Scott Harrison Can Get Back To The Top - If He's Clean And Sober
by James Slater - As was widely reported in the media, former two-time WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison of Scotland was released from prison on New Year's Eve, after having served ten months of a sentence given to him for various alcohol related charges. Now, at age 31, Harrison very much wants to both straighten out his life and reclaim his status as one of the UK's best active fighters. continue l
19 comments Gamboa, Solis ready to shine on ESPN FNF Yuriorkis Gamboa and Odlanier Solis are ready to shine at the season premiere of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” next week (January 9th) at Terrible’s Primm Valley Casino Resorts. The 2004 Olympic gold medallists had no spare time over Christmas or New Year’s but have been working hard at their training camp in Primm, Nevada.
“They both did a great job and will be perfectly prepared for their fights”, states coach Ismael Salas. “Odlanier is fired up to show the US public what he is made of. And Yuri knows that this is his last step before going for his first world title. He knows that he has to be focused and concentrated to fulfil his great dream to become champion of the world.”
Fast rising featherweight superstar Gamboa (12-0, 10 kos) will face Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez (27-2, 18 kos). If “El Ciclon” wins this fight he will be lined up next to fight for the WBC interim championship against Elio Rojas. continue l
11 comments Who Will Retire First - Joe Calzaghe Or Bernard Hopkins?
02.01.09 - by James Slater - Both Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins are definite future Hall of Famers, and as soon as they are eligible the two modern day greats will be getting the call - but the careers of both men may not be quite over yet. Calzaghe told his fans he would sit down and decide over Christmas whether or not he would fight again, and Hopkins' future is also as yet undetermined. At their respective ages of almost 37 and almost 44, both "The Pride of Wales" and "The Executioner" would be more than entitled to decide never to lace 'em up ever again, so much have they already achieved. But will this be the case? Just who will call it a day first? continue l
161 comments Boxing News: Brähmer Out; Ulrich vs Dollinger, Erdei-Barashian
02.01.09 - Light heavyweight contender Jürgen Brähmer’s January 17th clash with Rubin “Mr. Hollywood” Williams in Dusseldorf has fallen through after Brähmer suffered a cut to his head in a New Year’s Eve accident. continue l
2 comments 'Call Em Out Fridays': Welterweight Unification - Who Will Be The Last Man Standing In '09? By Vivek Wallace: In this years first installment of 'Call Em Out Fridays' we take an in-depth look at one of the sports deepest divisions. In 2008 we saw much progress as Margarito, Cotto, Clottey, and a few others set out to mark their territory, but despite Margarito defeating the man previously viewed as the best in the division (Cotto), the victory did little more than earn him high acclaim without totality to solidify it. As it stands, Andre Berto (WBC/23-0, 19KO's), Antonio Margarito (WBA/37-5, 27KO's) and Joshua Clottey (IBF/35-2, 20KO's) are current strap holders, with Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26KO's) expected to claim the currently vacant WBO title by mid-February.
Forever lurking on the prowl is Paul Williams, the only fighter in the pack to establish a victory over the man (Margarito) who beat 'the man' (Cotto). continue l
311 comments Enough is Enough
By Ted Sares - In 2006, Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca from the Philippines gave Juan Manuel Marquez a reasonably competitive fight before he was iced in the 9th stanza. You may recall this was a televised fight in which the referee told the badly cut JMM that he was well ahead so he did not have to continue. For his indiscretion in plain sight, the referee in question was suspended for a period of time. continue l
67 comments
By Per Ake Persson: sporten.dk in Denmark reports of a possible conflict between WBA supermiddle champ Mikkel Kessler and Team Palle, who have promoted and managed Kessler since the beginning of his career. The exact details of the conflict aren´t known but there is to be a meeting between Kessler and his attorneys and Palle and their legal representation to discuss the contract. Kessler´s friend Simon Lundt Hansen has applied for a license as both promoter and manager. 
by James Slater - Currently, and proudly, co-reigning as the first boxing brothers to simultaneously hold versions of the heavyweight title, Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are the undisputed kings of their weight class. Seen by practically everyone as the two best big men in the sport, the dominance is something the brothers are looking forward to continuing throughout the rest of 2009 and beyond.
By Andrew Harrison: Puerto Rican shooting star Juan Manual Lopez fought for a grand total of 699 seconds in 2008. In that short space of time he managed to blow clean through four fighters; Jonathan Oquendo, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Cesar Figueroa and Sergio Manuel Medina whilst annexing the WBO super bantamweight title en route (versus Ponce de Leon). It’s likely he’ll have to put in a longer and more arduous shift in 2009 as he takes aim at three fierce rivals standing between him and dominance at 122lbs.
05.01.09 - by James Slater - A gold medal winner at the Beijing Olympics last year, 22-year-old James DeGale has, as we know, signed a professional deal with top British promoter Frank Warren. Set to make his debut later this year, DeGale has been angered by reported claims by Joe Calzaghe and David Haye that he may not have the stuff needed to make it at pro level. No slouch himself when it comes to the talking, the ultra-confident prospect has fired back at both men.
05.01.09 - by James Slater - The eagerly anticipated mega-fight is not set to take place until the summer, and Ricky Hatton will not begin serious training for the clash until February - after engaging on a family cruise - but already "The Hitman's" trainer Floyd Mayweather Senior has gone on record saying his man will not only win - but may well do so by stoppage.
by James Slater - Often looked at as Frank Warren's biggest rival in the UK boxing promotional world, Londoner Frank Maloney - who celebrates 25 years in the business later this year - reckons he currently has enough future stars in his stable to be able to make it as Britain's number one promoter. Maloney also says his current crop of fighters are his best ever.
In the first installment of the 'Left-Hook Lounge' for the calendar year of 2009 we take a look at some very critical questions ranging through a number of topics around the sport. This weeks mailbag kicks off with a question surrounding two fighters in the sport who could serve as poster boys for the 'high-risk-low-reward' platform. With no one eager to face them, they apparently said "to hell with it" and just decided to face one another. As we move beyond that question, others to make the list delve into the Hatton/Pacman showdown, the Angulo/Mayorga showdown, welterweight stud Andre Berto, as well as the Margarito/Mosley showdown. So with no further ado, we kick it off right here in Sunny South Florida with a question from a fight fan who wanted to know the following: 
by James Slater - A potentially sensational lightweight bout takes place on February 28th in Houston, Texas - the hometown of one of the fighters involved in the match-up. Local man Juan Diaz will face Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez and much will be on the line for both men. For the younger man in Diaz - a mere 25 years of age, when Marquez is a veteran at 35 - the fight will present him with the chance to reclaim his status as the world's very best lightweight.
By Paul Strauss: Many experts feel that on paper Sugar Shane Mosley will win in his battle against Antonio Margarito on Jan 24th at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. But, before you place your bet, read the following exchange. 
03.01.09 - by James Slater - Still one of the most recognisable names from the 1990's heavyweight division, Tommy Morrison - "The Duke" or "The Great White Hope" - depending on your preference of nickname, is scheduled, it has been reported, to fight again this year. Set to box in Melbourne, Australia, the former WBO heavyweight champion whose career famously came to an end in 1996 due to his allegedly contracting the decease HIV, is in line to face local heavyweight John Hopoate in the spring. 
By Ted Sares - Everybody breathing dirt, eating dirt---they call it 'pay dirt,' for Youngstown clean would be Youngstown out of work... --Frank Bohn, 1915 
03.01.09 - By Ted Sares - I played it like a man but I enjoyed it like a boy. --Hagler
by James Slater - Neither match-up is set in stone as of yet, but the frontrunners to next face the two Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, appear to be young contenders Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola and David "The Hayemaker" Haye. Looking at taking over the heavyweight division in 2009, both the Riverside, Californian and the Cyprus-based Londoner are anxious for their shot. Former cruiserweight king Haye has his sites on a June showdown with elder brother and WBC champion Vitali, while unbeaten Arreola is looking ahead to a May clash with IBF and WBO boss Wladimir. Supposing both fights do come off (as we hope they do, in the name of real excitement) who will have the better chance of winning - Brit Haye or Mexican/American Arreola? 
Yuriorkis Gamboa and Odlanier Solis are ready to shine at the season premiere of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” next week (January 9th) at Terrible’s Primm Valley Casino Resorts. The 2004 Olympic gold medallists had no spare time over Christmas or New Year’s but have been working hard at their training camp in Primm, Nevada.
By Vivek Wallace: In this years first installment of 'Call Em Out Fridays' we take an in-depth look at one of the sports deepest divisions. In 2008 we saw much progress as Margarito, Cotto, Clottey, and a few others set out to mark their territory, but despite Margarito defeating the man previously viewed as the best in the division (Cotto), the victory did little more than earn him high acclaim without totality to solidify it. As it stands, Andre Berto (WBC/23-0, 19KO's), Antonio Margarito (WBA/37-5, 27KO's) and Joshua Clottey (IBF/35-2, 20KO's) are current strap holders, with Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26KO's) expected to claim the currently vacant WBO title by mid-February.