★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™: Jan 16, 2012

Monday, January 16, 2012

Manny Pacquiao’s team react to Floyd Mayweather tweets‏

It's a pound-for-pound super showdown that's failed twice at the negotiation table in the past two years, a match-up that would surpass all pay-per-view figures in boxing and one that would unify two alphabet titles… WBC welterweight world championship incumbent Floyd Mayweather Jr wants it, WBO titlist at 147lbs Manny Pacquiao wants it but the team behind the Filipino have mixed opinions about how the bout can turn from pipe-dream into reality.

Credit: Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather)

"I'm ready to put my belt up. What about you Manny Pacquiao? Let's make history," Mayweather (42-0-0, 26ko) said via his official Twitter account yesterday, Wednesday, one day after calling "punk" Pacman out for a fight on May 5.

There had been increasing suggestions that Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38ko) would not shirk from the challenge and meet it head on, however, his trainer; Freddie Roach, trusted adviser; Michael Koncz and promoter; Bob Arum, of Top Rank Boxing, have all made public their thoughts and, although differing from each other, all suggest a further postponement to what is already a protracted and laboured attempt at putting together two of the finest fighters from the past decade.

"I think it has to happen in 2012, because people are starting to say, 'Who cares at this point?'" explained Roach regarding the frustration felt by fans during a segment with host Mario Diaz of WPIX. "It is starting to lose momentum instead of gaining, so they better do it this year. I definitely think it will be the second fight for both of them this year. I think they will both have one more fight, a tune-up fight."

Mayweather's allowance to push his 87-day jail sentence back until June 1 hinged on his previous commitment to box on Cinco de Mayo so, in the event that Pacquiao is not his opponent, another - likely Saul Canelo Alvarez - will be drafted in. For Pacquiao, it could well be a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez the following month.

Pushing the Mayweather v Pacquiao fight into the second half of the year is a stance also advocated by Koncz, who regards the MGM Grand Garden Arena's 16,800 seats to have a capacity too meagre for a contest of this calibre. Koncz, like Bob Arum, believes a makeshift 40,000 seat arena should be constructed on the strip. Such a task would render a May 5 date too soon.

"Why would I tell Manny to fight on the 5th and throw away a percentage of 30 million? That's crazy," Koncz was quoted by AP to have said, perhaps overlooking the fact that Las Vegas already has a mega-stadium - the Motor Speedway - that could entertain 140,000 people.

Arum echoed Koncz's views on the outdoor ground: "[The fight] could happen very easily," he said during an address on GMA TV in the Philippines. "[But] the fight badly needs [the makeshift arena]."

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Yankovich to fight McGee for Vacant WIBA Title

On January 21, 2012, at the ReservClub in Lima, Peru, Brazilian Duda Yankovich will be fighting Mary Mcgee of Gary, Indiana, USA. The two will be fighting for the vacant WIBA Lightweight world title.

In a press release that WBAN received earlier today they wrote the following: "In what some thought was going to be an embarrassment for the Women�s International Boxing Association (WIBA), in their pre-sanctioning a WIBA Lightweight World Title bout between Melissa �Huracan� Hernandez (16-3) and Valentina Shevchenko (2-0, 1-0 at time of pre-sanctioning) has turned into quite an interesting match up for said vacant World title, which was vacated by Hernandez in her Historic �physical-dumping� of this Association�s Championship Belt in November 2011 (See link to story).

Then came the announcement that Mary McGee, 18-1-0 with 10 KO�s, of Gary, Indiana, was stepping in to compete against Valentina Shevchenko in Lima, Peru on January 14, 2012, for the Vacant WIBA Lightweight Title. Again, �a bad match-up for a world title bout,� many said.

In a sudden turn of events and with no reason given, Valentina Shevchenko pulled out of the bout against McGee. A seasoned Duda Yankovich, 11-3-0, 5 KO�s has, stepped in to replace Shevchenko."

Yankovich talked about this upcoming fight and said, "What better time to return than at the beginning of the year against a fighter like Mary McGee who is considered a Top 10 lightweight and a Genuine challenge for me. Although this is a Lightweight title bout, I endeavor competing in both the Lightweight and the Super lightweight categories eventually seeking rematches with each Holm, Phiri and Mathis. For now, I am focused on McGee. I want to stay within range of the best fighters in the world. I also look forward to competing against Monica Acosta (WBA & WBC Super Lightweight Champion), Fernanda Soledad Alegre (WBO Super Lightweight Champion), Myriam Lamare (IBF & WBF Light Welterweight Champion), Loli Munoz, Chris Namus, Layla McCarter and any of the top 10."

In the press release they wrote, "This bout between Yankovich and McGee is a more legitimate match up for a �World Title� bout. For Yankovich, it is a MUST-WIN bout given she has 3 consecutive losses to World Champions, three of Women Boxing�s Best �pound-for-pound� fighters; Ann Sophie Mathis, Holly Holm and Esther Phiri, respectively.

McGee stated: "Initially, I was supposed to fight against Valentina Shevchenko, a girl who I was told was a Muay Thai World Champion with a record of 21-0 and a 1-0 record in boxing. After viewing her videos, I knew it was a risky bout to take against a fighter like Shevchenko who uses her elbows a lot but I am game to fight anybody. When I was told that Valentina pulled out and that Lindsay Garbatt or Duda Yankovich may be possible opponents, I was prepared to take any of them on because my goal for 2012 is, to compete against the best in the Super Featherweight and Lightweight Divisions. I know many questioned why I took the fight against Valentina Shevchenko but I felt that I needed to compete and Valentina seemed like a fighter I can get busy with whether for a title or not. I understand that WBA Super Featherweight Champion Kina Malpartida is going to be present at my fight against Yankovich. I hope to compete against Kina for her WBA Super Featherweight title after this fight but then again, there is WBA Lightweight Champion Alejandra Oliveras, WBC Lightweight Champion Erica Farias, Erin McGowan, Melissa Hernandez, Chevelle Hallback, Fujin Raika, Karo Ro, Diana Prazak, Lindsay Garbatt, Frida Wallberg and other fighters that are right up there who I can compete against. My representative is handling these details while I concentrate on my training.�

This event is being promoted by Mr. Heber Alejos Valderrama of ALFA Productions, SAC., who says he will ensure there is an impartial panel of judges on January 21, 2012, for this WIBA World title bout. Alejos Valderrama added; �Each fighter comes into this bout with enough preparation time and with the ease that neither is a favorite in Lima, Peru.�

In the Press Release, they added, "South America has received and continues to receive critical reviews
and harsh criticism for the manner in which �certain female bouts� were being favored, officiated and intentionally misjudged (score card manipulations). "Hopefully", Mr Alejos Valderrama continues, �I can change that perception of South America in the eyes of the world by what I endeavor accomplishing in Peru on my fight cards. I intend on promoting Genuine boxing matches that will be judged by impartial officials.

With these change of events in the beginning of 2012, in the sport of Women Boxing, and the WIBA�s stroke of luck in obtaining, albeit incidentally, a World title match-up such as Yankovich vs. McGee, let�s pray the sport has a good start from the gate.

Martinez and Macklin go head-to-head‏

Pressure fighting Irishman Matthew Macklin (28-3-0, 19ko) and unorthodox Argentine Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27ko) lace their gloves up for a St Patrick's day fisticuffs on March 17 inside New York City's historic Madison Square Garden and the two middleweights engaged in the customary head-to-head prior to a world championship fight that has The Ring magazine title on the line. Andy Lee is the co-feature who is facing an, as yet, undetermined opponent.

Martinez appears to have a height advantage, but both fighters are 5'10. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Middleweight contender Lee, a compatriot of Macklin's, separates the 160lb rivals. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Lee (27-1-0, 19ko) has beaten everyone put in front of him and is chasing a 2012 world title shot. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Martinez and promoter Lou DiBella want opponents with a higher profile but Sergio is mostly avoided. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Martinez has stated he will, once again, fight to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence. Credit: Ed Diller/DBE

Matthew Macklin warns Sergio Martinez: The Irish are coming!‏

Former world title challenger Matthew Macklin has a message for St Patrick's Day opponent and lineal middleweight champion Sergio Martinez - "the Irish are coming!" Macklin, 29, attempts to unseat Martinez from his throne in the 160lb weight class on March 17 at Madison Square Garden in New York City and is calling on Irish fans from all over the world to support him at the ground dubbed; The World's Most Famous Arena.

Mack the Knife on the podium. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Prior to 2011, Macklin - a former Irish, British and European champion - had fought predominantly on the domestic and continental circuit. One fight last summer, though, propelled him into international stardom as he took on long-reigning Super WBA middleweight titlist Felix Sturm in Cologne, Germany.

Macklin (28-3-0, 19ko) took the fight to Sturm, fought constantly from the opening minute to the last and was largely expected to receive a deserved decision victory on points, however, on all three judges' scorecards he was on the losing side.

Despite the controversial defeat, Macklin had made a name for himself and the performance itself was perceived - by Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment - to be worthy of adding him to his own stable of fighters and matching the England-born Irishman with his premier boxer; Maravilla Martinez (48-2-2, 27ko).

"As I have done throughout my entire career I will go up a notch for this fight," said Macklin this week. "Sergio is going to bring the best out of me and I am very confident in my mind that I will be the new middleweight champion come March 17.

He continued: "Fighting at The Garden on St Patty's Day - it's going to be like I'm fighting in Dublin. The Irish are coming from all over the world to see this [and] the atmosphere is going to be electric!

"It is an honour to have the opportunity to fight here at MSG where so many great fights have taken place. I am proud and privileged to be a part of this great tradition."

Providing the co-support to Macklin and Martinez's main event is technically-savvy Andy Lee, a product of Emanuel Steward's renowned Kronk Gym set-up in Detroit and, like Macklin, a pugilist cut from Irish cloth. Lee is a fast-rising contender in the middleweight division and enjoyed a breakout 2011 as he stopped Craig McEwan in a thrilling Celtic War in March, won a one-sided decision over tough journeyman Alex Bunema in May, before avenging his only defeat by boxing smart and overseeing Brian Vera with ease in October.

On the St Patrick's Day undercard, Lee (27-1-0, 19ko) is currently without an opponent, but has the fists and experience to compete for a world title later in the year - something promised to him by promoter DiBella. "I want to thank Lou for letting me showcase myself on this show," Lee said.

"There is nothing more I can wish for then to have this opportunity to fight at MSG on St Patrick's Day. I consider myself as a serious contender and I hope to get my title shot in 2012. I'm not sure who my opponent is going to be yet, but I promise you a good St. Patty's Day beating."

Devon Alexander: Marcos Maidana is coming to tear my head off‏

A classic stylistic match-up between the archetypal boxer against the feared heavy hitter takes place on February 25 at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis as former super lightweight world champion Devon Alexander clashes with macho El Chino; Marcos Maidana. Alexander is relishing the bout - to be competed at 147lbs - and has indicated that he will be ready in order to compete against a Maidana who has one intention - decapitation.

Alexander stripped away his shades to engage in a tense head to head with Maidana. Credit: Hogan Photos

Alexander. Credit: Hogan Photos

"These last few fights at 140 pounds were hard for me to make weight," said Alexander (22-1-0, 13ko) in St Louis this week. "I’m going to be stronger and faster at 147. Maidana is coming to tear my head off, but I’m going to be ready, 110 per cent."

Trainer Kevin Cunningham echoed the sentiment made by his fighter and pointed out the potent threat El Chino poses: "We’re bringing a killer into Devon’s hometown who is going to try and take him out, but that’s the business of boxing. Devon is going to slay the killer on February 25."

Alexander, despite his boxing skills, still has to convince commentators and fight fans that he is a big-time contender. The 24-year-old looked every bit of a world-beater in 2009 and 2010 when he scalped Junior Witter and Juan Urango, however, his three fights since have been questionable.

Against Bradley, in a two-belt unification contest in January, last year, he lost a technical decision in the tenth round due to cuts, however, he attracted criticism for the manner in which he appeared to willingly seek an exit route out of the fight. His heart, desire and willingness to take a punch at elite level consequently came into question. And, in the fight both before and after Bradley, Alexander was the main benefactor of fishy judging and hometown cooking as he secured dubious points victories over Andriy Kotelnik and Lucas Matthysse.

Following the censure regarding his heart, Alexander, however, has been moved into what should be applaudable fights as he has taken on two of the biggest pound-for-pound punchers in the modern game one directly after the other. What would have been more convincing would be to do so away from St Louis.

Maidana. Credit: Hogan Photos

"I’m excited to fight in the United States again," said Maidana (31-2-0, 28ko), unflustered by the prospect of trading leather in the city his opponent was born and raised in. "This [the US] is the Mecca of boxing. I dedicate my life to boxing and I’m taking this fight very seriously."

Maidana's adviser, Sebastian Contursi, added: "We are happy to be here. It’s been a long road with the cancelation of the Guerrero fight, so Marcos is very anxious to back in the ring.

"As usual, we will bring a war to St. Louis and, as everyone knows, Marcos always delivers!"

Adrien Broner and Eloy Perez both dressing dapper‏

Adrien 'The Problem' Broner (22-0-0, 18ko) makes the first defense of his WBO super featherweight world championship title at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis on February 25 and has already talked down the talents of his opponent, Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7ko): "He’s a feather-fisted puncher in the featherweight division… not a good combination against me who punches like a middleweight," he said this week.

Broner teases Perez over his (lack of) power. Credit: Hogan Photos

Rubio doesn’t want to ‘risk’ judges scores, will go for KO against Chavez Jr‏

The Coahuila puncher, Marco Antonio Rubio, who faces Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, February 4, has acknowledged that the WBC middleweight world champion is a dangerous fighter, but said: "I will face the best version of the legend’s son. In his last fights he has shown great advances but I have the punch to knock him out… I don't want to risk with the judges, I’ll go for the knock out."

Rubio (second left) wants to take a famous scalp in Chavez Jr (second right). Credit: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Marco, who looks strong and in very good condition, said that he is in the final stage of the preparation of his next fight against Chavez and is practicing sparring with Marco “Dorado” Reyes (22-1-0, 20ko) and other partners, with whom he puts into practice the tactics deployed to combat the fighter from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico; Chavez Jr.

The bout to confront Chavez on February 4, will be at the Alamo Dome. After losing his first attempt to be crowned WBC middleweight champion against Kelly Pavlik in 2009, to date, he has added nine wins by ko to his record, which makes him an extremely live opponent, with a possibility to be crowned.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

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Monday, January 16, 2012