Sunday, August 26, 2012

Macklin set for Las Vegas debut against former World Champ Alcine

Middleweight contender Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin is gearing up for his Las Vegas debut on September 15th where he will take on former World Champ, Joachim Alcine on a card headlined by the eagerly awaited World Middleweight title clash between Sergio Martinezand Julio Cesar Chavez. Macklin pushed Martinez close in a brave effort to dethrone the middleweight kingpin at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick's Day and has been rewarded for his efforts with another opportunity to showcase his talents in front of a US television audience with the fight live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Macklin revealed that he can't wait to step between the ropes at the Thomas & Mack Center and will be keen to impress on his Vegas debut. "I've been going to Las Vegas for a long time both as a fight fan and when I was in the Ricky Hatton camp for his big fights over there," said Macklin. "I was due to fight Winky Wright there last year but he pulled out and the fight fell through so I'm looking forward to finally fighting there on such a big night for the middleweight division."

Macklin faces a stiff test in the shape of former WBA Light Middleweight Champ Joachim Alcine with the Canadian based Haitian coming of an excellent win over the hard hitting David Lemieux and the former Irish, British and European Champion admits it will be a hard nights work. "Alcine is a proven fighter, he's a former World Champion who has campaigned at the highest level and it's a massive opportunity for both of us to feature on a live HBO pay-per-view event. He's coming off a great win over Lemieux so I'm sure he will be coming into this with a lot of confidence so it's up to me to burst his bubble."

Macklin is hoping that he can take care of business inside the ring and then take his seat for the main event, a fight that he definitely has a vested interest in. "It's probably the most important middleweight fight since Bernard Hopkins fought Felix Trinidad back in 2001 so it's a fight I would definitely have been ringside for even if I wasn't fighting on the card. It's an intriguing fight, I'm leaning towards Sergio because he's an exceptional athlete but Chavez was very impressive last time out against Andy Lee. He's a huge middleweight, he's very strong, closes the distance well and varies his punches. However Sergio has quicker feet, he's very hard to pin down and his reflexes are excellent so I'd sightly favour him but it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Chavez pulled it out.

"Regardless of how the fight goes I'd love a shot at the winner but obviously I'm going to have to take care of business against Alcine first and that's my only priority right now. I think my last two fights have proven that I'm right up there at the top of one of the most exciting weight divisions in boxing right now. I have the utmost respect for Sergio, he won fair and square but there was nothing between us going into the eleventh round. I was ahead on one of the cards by three rounds and only a point down on the other two cards so it was very much all to play for. I still feel like I can improve an awful lot on that performance, I'd been out of the ring for 9 months beforehand and had just started working with Buddy McGirt again as my trainer so I think with another camp with Buddy under my belt I will be able to show that I'm still an improving fighter."

Macklin has been in training camp in Spain for the fight where he has opened up his own gym. "I've just opened up my own gym in Spain called Macklin's Gym Marbella", explained Macklin. "I've been a bit of a nomad when preparing for fights so it's good to have a base to literally call my own for training camps. I'm really enjoying working with Buddy again because he is such a knowledgeable trainer and I'm just enjoying my training in general so I can't wait now for September 15th."

Macklin's promoter Lou DiBella believes it's an opportunity for the 30-year-old to put himself back in the mix for another World title fight. "Macklin put his name into the world boxing scene with great back-to-back performances against Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez," said DiBella. "While he came up a little short in those world title opportunities, he is hungrier than ever and looking to move himself back into the title picture. In his way stands Joachim Alcine, who is a former world champion and coming off the huge upset victory over David Lemieux. This is a do-or-die fight for both of these guys and they are going to leave it all on the line come fight night."

Macklin's manager Brian Peters echoed DiBella's thoughts. "It's a big opportunity for Matthew to shine and put himself right back in contention for another World title fight" said Peters. "In back to back fights he has proved he is right up there with the Worlds best and last time out he pushed a man recognised as the best fighter in the sport outside of Mayweather or Pacquio very close. Matthew's hunger to become World Champion is stronger than ever and I'm expecting another big performance from him next month."

Macklin admits that one downside of his Las Vegas debut is that he has had to sacrifice his normal summer routine of regular trips back to Ireland to watch his beloved Tipperary hurling team.

"Tipperary are playing Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi final at the weekend and it's a massive, massive game but I'm going to have to watch it from Spain. I'd love to be heading back for it but I can't really break training camp so close to my fight. I'm confident that the Tipp lads can pull it off as I think they have an extra few gears from what they have had to show so far in the Championship this year. Obviously Kilkenny look to be back with a vengeance after that defeat to Galway earlier but I'm quietly confident Tipp can progress to the final. The only problem with that is I'll have to miss the final as well as it will be the week before the Las Vegas fight! I'd be gutted to miss the final as well but I'm expecting a few of the lads to celebrate winning another All-Ireland by coming out to my fight in Vegas the following weekend so hopefully we can have a double celebration!"

♔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.

SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.

SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. SEPTEMBER 15th, 2012 LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS ON HBO

2 Days - Portrait of a Fighter -

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

Ring Life takes an intimate look inside the life of Sergio Martinez. Martinez vs Macklin which took place Saturday, Mar. 17,

♔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.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Robert Stieglitz vs. Arthur Abraham in Germany for the WBO Super Middleweight Championship

Saturday night, August 25th. Abraham will face WBO World Champion Robert Steiglitz at the O2 World Arena in Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany. Abraham is the mandatory opponent for Stieglitz WBO Super Middleweight title. At 34-3 with 27 knockouts, Abraham is known as a power puncher who can really bring the heat in the final rounds of a fight. Stieglitz, with a record of 42-2 with 23 knockouts, hasn’t lost a fight in four years.
♔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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Mike Tyson makes his entrance in WWE '13 (Official)

Special pre-order bonus character Mike Tyson makes his entrance in WWE '13. On sale October 30, 2012!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Angelo Dundee's personal boxing memorabilia, including Muhammad Ali's gloves from The Fight of the Century featured in SCP Auctions' Nov 2012 auction

SCP Auctions is proud to announce The Angelo Dundee Estate Collection of boxing memorabilia for its November 2012 online auction. In a Hall of Fame career in professional boxing that began in 1952, Angelo Dundee gained acclaim as a brilliant cornerman, whether healing cuts, inspiring his fighters to battle on when they seemed to be reeling, or adjusting strategy between rounds to counter an opponent’s style. The renowned trainer was a guiding force to the two most celebrated fighters of his era, Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, and 15 other world champions.

The collection features hundreds of items spanning the breadth of Dundee’s extraordinary career and includes some of the most historically important Muhammad Ali memorabilia ever offered to the public. Among the collection highlights are several significant pairs of Muhammad Ali fight-worn gloves including Ali’s (then Cassius Clay) gloves from his February 25, 1964 bout against Sonny Liston and his gloves from his March 8, 1971 bout against Joe Frazier (Ali-Frazier I). These two pairs of gloves represent Ali’s two most legendary fights and have been dubbed by SCP Auctions officials as “the most valuable and historically significant boxing artifacts in the world.”

“These gloves represent boxing’s crown jewels,” said Dan Imler, SCP Auctions managing director, “and rank among the most significant sports memorabilia artifacts ever offered publicly. Muhammad Ali is a cultural icon beloved throughout the world. These are the ultimate tools of Ali’s trade from his most legendary bouts, used by him to forge his undisputed status as ‘The Greatest of All Time’.”

Clay’s 1964 bout with Liston was among the most anticipated, watched and controversial fights in sports history. The brash 22-year-old Clay entered the fight as a seven-to-one underdog against the seemingly unstoppable Liston. Clay’s improbable sixth-round TKO brought him his first heavyweight title. His jubilant and defiant celebration whereby Clay repeatedly taunts ringside detractors with his famous proclamations "I am the greatest!" and "I shook up the world!" has been rebroadcast countless times during the ensuing decades.

Seven years later, Muhammad Ali met Joe Frazier in the first of a trilogy of battles that may be the best series of contests between two combatants in the history of boxing. Ali, then 31-0, had been stripped of his heavyweight titles when, as Cassius Clay, he refused to be inducted into the military after being drafted for the Vietnam War. Frazier, at 26-0, had captured the title of undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970 with a technical knockout of Jimmy Ellis. Billed as “The Fight of The Century,” it was a brutal 15-round battle that ended with a decision in favor of Frazier. The epic struggle is considered by many as the greatest boxing match of all time. It was a practice of Dundee’s to mark Ali’s fight gloves with identifying notations on the interior either just prior to or after each fight to record their provenance. His period notations and signature appear inside each glove.

Jim Dundee, the late Angelo’s son, plans to donate a portion of the proceeds from the November 2012 sale to the Muhammad Ali Foundation.

“Through the sale of this collection, I look forward to fulfilling my father’s wish that necessary medical care be provided and funded for my sister, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis,” said Dundee.

Other significant artifacts from The Angelo Dundee Estate Collection of Boxing Memorabilia include the following:

• Cassius Clay’s fight-worn gloves from 1962 bout vs. Johnny Logan

• Muhammad Ali’s fight-worn gloves from 1966 bout vs. George Chuvalo

• Muhammad Ali’s fight-worn gloves from 1970 bout vs. Oscar Bonavena

• Muhammad Ali’s fight-worn gloves from 1972 bout vs. Floyd Patterson

• Muhammad Ali’s c.1964 5th Street Gym training-worn robe

• Muhammad Ali’s Everlast white satin fight-worn robe

• Angelo Dundee’s 1958 boxing trainer's license

• Muhammad Ali’s 1963 boxing license

• Muhammad Ali’s mouthpiece molds and fight-worn mouthpiece from last fight vs. Trevor Berbick

• Sugar Ray Leonard’s fight-worn gloves from 1980 Leonard vs. Roberto Durán II (no más) bout

For more information on how to participate in November’s auction, visit www.scpauctions.com or call (949) 831-3700.

STEVE UPSHER CHAMBERS TO KEITH THURMAN “LET’S DO THIS ON OCTOBER 6”

Once beaten Welterweight contender Steve Upsher Chambers Is seeking an opportunity to take on undefeated Welterweight Keith Thurman for a potential fight on October 6^th in Atlantic City.

Chambers, 24-1-1 with six knockouts of Philadelphia was offered a fight with Thurman just two weeks before the July 21^st scheduled fight.

Chambers would love to get an opportunity at the Florida native but would like the same full training camp as Thurman.

“I have too much pride in my career to take the biggest opportunity on short notice” said Chambers.

“I understand that he is being positioned to fight on October 6^th in Atlantic City. Well Keith let’s make this happen. It makes even more sense now because I live just an hour from Atlantic City and I will have a full camp to prepare to beat you”

“Keith and I have been going back and forth on Twitter and now it’s time to settle this in the ring. I deserve this opportunity. A year ago Josesito Lopez pulled out of ESPN fight with me and now he is one of the hottest names in the sport. The world knows I would have won that fight and I should be the one getting the opportunities he has received and now it is my time and Thurman will be MY Victor Ortiz”, Finished Chambers

Chambers, like his brother former Heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers is trained by James Ali Bashir.

THREE ELITE HEAT BOXING TEAM MEMBERS WIN TITLES AT RINGSIDE TOURNEY

Three members of the Elite Heat Boxing team took home titles at the renowned Ringside World Championships Boxing Tournament in Kansas City.

In the 9-10 Year old / 70 lb Open division, Vito Mielnicki won three bouts; in the 11-12 /70 lb open division it was Malik Nelson had four wins and in the 13-14 Year old / 110 lb division Shakur Stevenson won four bouts to take home the title.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Zou, Campbell, Iglesias Sotolongo, Murata and Usyk claim Olympic gold medals

On day fifteen of competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games, four boxers became Olympic Champions for the very first time whilst one made history by defending his title. The atmosphere at the packed ExCeL arena was once again fantastic for five contest of the very highest quality.

The Light Flyweight (46-49kg) final saw 32-year-old Thai Kaeo Pongprayoon challenge the reigning Olympic Champion Shiming Zou for the gold medal. The Chinese orthodox began by switching stance, trying to confuse his opponent in the early stages and looking to score with that telescopic jab of his. The experienced Pongprayoon was not being overawed but Zou's expert counter-punching made the difference as he took the first by a single point, 2:1. In the second, the Chinese triple AIBA World Champion continued to use his height to repel the attacks of his diminutive opponent and edged the round 4:3. Pongprayoon showed huge endeavour in the final round, throwing some good connecting one-twos but yet again was met by those counters from Zou and the Chinese legend made history with his 13:10 victory, becoming the first ever boxer to defend his Olympic title at Light Flyweight.

The bronze medals went to Ireland's Paddy Barnes, who had pushed Zou all the way in the semi-finals, and David Ayrapetyan of Russia.

In the Bantamweight (56kg) final, it was the much anticipated showdown between Great Britain's Luke Campbell and 23-year-old John Joe Nevin, which had the crowd on the edge of their seats right from the off. The British southpaw landed a couple of good jabs and a quality right hook in a quality first round to edge it 5:3. The speed and reach of Campbell was causing Nevin quite some trouble, the Irishman getting caught early by a big left in a frenetic second but he composed himself and threw some sublime shots to take the round 5:4 and reduce his deficit by a point. The finale was electric with the measured approached of Nevin seeing him hit his target early on, but then Campbell came back with a huge right and the orthodox fighter from Ireland was sent crashing to the canvas and he had to take a standing eight count. The crowd were chanting, "Campbell, Campbell", in support of the home boxer, and the Brit responded with a sumptuous final round which saw him crowned Olympic Champion after winning the bout 14:11. He held back tears as he was declared the winner.

Campbell said later, "It is a dream come true, it is brilliant. I cannot describe the feeling, but I have got a gold medal and it feels very heavy. I am speechless. All the hard work, missing out on lots of things, it has been well worth it. I am so proud, for my family and Great Britain. The crowd were inspirational, 10,000 people shouting 'Campbell.' You cannot describe the feeling. It's once-in-a-lifetime to be part of the Olympics and represent Great Britain".

The two were then joined on the podium by Satoshi Shimizu of Japan and Cuba's Lazaro Alvarez Estrada, who both claimed bronze medals after making it to the semi-finals.

Going head-to-head for the Light Welterweight (64kg) gold medal were the experienced Cuban southpaw Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo and Denys Berinchyk of Ukraine. An action-packed first round saw the two going toe-to-toe in the centre of the ring as the Ukrainian orthodox fighter looked to draw his rival into a slug fest. The 2009 AIBA World Champion from Cuba though demonstrated an exquisite repertoire of shots and did not allow Berinchyk to impose himself, with Iglesias Sotolongo taking the round by a point, 5:4, after connecting with some crisp hooks. It was fast and furious in the second with Berinhcyk looking to overpower his opponent once more, but the Cuban kept his composure, unloading some sensational shots, including a cute right uppercut as he took the second by a point. It was real clash of styles with Iglesias Sotolongo a classy operator, full of finesse, against a pure brawler. The Cuban's technique was in a league of its own, proving he could mix it up with anyone as he recorded an impressive 22:15 victory. Iglesias Sotolongo was overjoyed, doing a lap of honour with the Cuban flag, to the acclaim of the crowd. His gold medal was a 33rd for Cuba in boxing.

The Olympic gold medallist declared afterwards, "Today is the most important day of my career. Without my family I could not have achieved this victory. I dedicate it to them".

For the medal ceremony, Italy's Vincenzo Mangiacapre and Munkh-Erdene Uranchimeg of Mongolia joined the two finalists to collect their bronze medals.

Esquiva Falcao Florentino of Brazil then faced Japanese southpaw Ryota Murata in the Middleweight (75kg) final, in what was an enthralling battle. Both boxers had skill and power and each exhibited good variations in their punches, with a huge number being thrown from all directions. Murata connected with some hard hooks to take the first 5:3. The Brazilian orthodox fighter was moving well, looking to make that jab count before unloading some good uppercuts but his rival's big frame and tight defences were extremely difficult to pierce through. Falcao Florentino's sheer persistence ensured he reduced his deficit by a point going into the third. The closing stages were riveting as the Brazilian looked to dominate by throwing a whole load of punches, one right in particular rocking Murata but the savvy Japanese came back and scored vital points right at the death to claim the gold medal by winning 14:13.

Great Britain's Anthony Ogogo and Abbos Atoev of Uzbekistan were the two semi-finalists rewarded with bronze medals for their efforts.

In the last bout of the evening, experienced Italian Clemente Russo faced the dominant force at Heavyweight (91kg), Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine, to decide who would be proclaimed Olympic Champion. The orthodox 2008 Beijing Olympic Games silver medallist from Italy was looking inspired in the first round, dictating proceeding against his taller opponent, feinting before throwing some good combinations, with his favourite overhead right scoring as he took the round 3:1. The Ukrainian 24-year-old southpaw came back with a vengeance in the second, looking to make his power and reach make the difference as he threw some thunderous hooks and a huge left to readdress the balance by claiming the round 7:5. The two were now going into the third level. A very tactical final round exploded into life midway through with both fighters throwing everything they had at each other but the poise of Usyk ensured he took the last round, triumphing 14:11 to claim the Olympic Gold medal.

"I feel absolutely great. I showed everyone what I can do, especially considering I was behind in the first round. I want to say thank you to all the spectators", said Usyk after his victory.

On the podium to collect their bronze medals alongside the finalists were Bulgaria's Tervel Pulev and Teymur Mammadov of Azerbaijan.

Sunday will mark the end of the London 2012 Olympic Games with five finals bringing this unforgettable show to a close. The Fly (52kg), Light (60kg), Welter (69kg), Light Heavy (81kg) and Super Heavyweight (91+kg) Champions will be decided.

Mike Tyson talks Broadway show Twitter threats Spike Lee critiques Hollywood blockbuster culture

Ramirez Carrazana, Lomachenko, Sapiyev, Mekhontcev and Joshua crowned Olympic Champions

Five sensational bouts brought the London 2012 Olympic Games to a close at the packed ExCel Arena with the very best putting on a spectacular show in a fitting end to an unforgettable sixteen days of top-class action.

The first final was the Flyweight (52kg) showdown between the Cuban rising star Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana and 2009 AIBA World Championships silver medallist Tugstsogt Nyambayar of Mongolia. As expected, the first round began at a frenetic pace with the supremely talented Ramirez Carrazana looking to make his speed and agility count in the opening exchanges Even though the 30-year-old Mongol was throwing some good straights and jabbing well, it was the teenage Cuban southpaw who took the first round 6:5. The scenario was repeated in round two as Nyambayar tried to dictate and use his power, but found himself expertly countered by the electric Cuban time and time again. A big right though ensured the Mongol drew the round 4:4. A sensational final round saw both boxers throw a huge number of quality shots, both taking turns being the aggressor. It was the 18-year-old Ramirez Carrazana though who scored heavily with some sublime hooks in the closing stages to triumph 17:14. There was absolute elation from the Cuban as he was declared the winner.

"It was a difficult fight. I am extremely happy. My opening was very aggressive. I am 18 years old and I am already an Olympic champion. I am becoming part of my country's history along with past Cuban champions". On his future, he said, "I am going to carry on training hard. But for now I am looking forward to seeing my family again after being away from Cuba for so long".

Also up on the podium to collect their bronze medals were Russian AIBA World Champion Misha Aloian and Ireland's fledgling talent Michael Conlan.

It was pound for pound king Vasyl Lomachenko versus South Korea's Soonchul Han in the Lightweight (60kg) final. A left straight by the 24-year-old Ukrainian set the tone early on as the 2008 Olympic Featherweight (57kg) Champion stamped his authority on proceedings, harrying his opponent all around the ring in the first, throwing some good body shots, with two hooks ensuring he went into the second 7:2 up. The powerful southpaw was giving nothing away to Han, oozing confidence as he glided effortlessly on the canvas to pick his rival apart with a sumptuous array of combination punches. The South Korean orthodox fighter was in damage limitation mode and used his jab well to only lose the second by a point, 4:3. Lomachenko was getting into his stride, alternating between body and head shots with some quality hooks finding their intended targets as he took the third and the contest in style 19:9.

Lomachenko told the press afterwards, "I would like to dedicate this win to my family and all the friends who have supported me along. A special thanks goes out to my father, trainer and idol".

Cuba's Yasniel Toledo Lopez and Evaldas Petrauskas of Lithuania were presented with their bronze medals after joining the two finalists on the podium.

European Champion Fred Evans of Great Britain battled Serik Sapiyev of Kazakhstan for the Welterweight (69kg) title. The experience Kazak southpaw was throwing a huge amount of jabs in the first with the Brit having to bide his time before looking to land with the straight one-two combination. Good tight defences by the 21-year-old Evans allowed him to soak up some of the early pressure but Sapiyev was in all-action mode, continually throwing a lot of punches to take the first 4:2. It was the exact same scenario in the second, with Sapiyev the aggressor, constantly unloading and not giving his rival a moment to find any kind of rhythm. The young Brit was being outthought and outclassed by the two-time AIBA World Champion from Kazakhstan, who took the second 6:3. Evans had to go for broke in the third but his rival was moving better, faster and simply showed more determination. The British southpaw was devoid of ideas as 28-year-old Sapiyev dominated the final round to claim the gold medal with a resounding 17:9 victory.

The Kazak was overjoyed afterwards, declaring, "I am very glad to be here and this victory is for the whole of Kazakhstan. I have been waiting for this moment for so long. In Beijing I lost in the quarter-finals but was resolute as my attention immediately turned to these next Olympics".

Joining the finalists on the podium were Ukraine's Taras Shelestyuk and Andrey Zamkovoy from Russia, who each collected bronze medals after making it to the semi-finals.

The penultimate contested pitted Russia's Egor Mekhontcev against the savvy operator from Kazakhstan Adilbek Niyazymbetov. Very evenly matched in the first, the two southpaws were simply getting a feel for each other, the tall 27-year-old European Champion from Russia tried to take the initiative with the jab but each time he went forward he was on the receiving end of some slick counter-punching, Niyazymbetov confidently taking the first 4:3. In the second, 2009 AIBA World Champion Mekhontcev was getting through, landing some powerful shots, a huge right hand and a big left hook connected as he clawed his way back to parity going into the final round. It was a fitting finale as the two went for it, the Russian seemingly connecting with some cleaner shots, the jab and the left hook continuing to produce results. In a frenetic final few moments, the two went toe-to-toe in search of the win, trading blows in the centre of the ring. The scores were level at 15:15 after three rounds and also after count-back so it went to the judges' choice, who in the end favoured Egor Mekhontcev. The Russian claiming his country's only boxing Olympic gold this year.

Esquiva Falcao Florentino of Brazil and Ukraine's Oleksandr Gvozdyk were there to get their hands on the bronze medals they had earned by making it to the last four.

The noise levels at the ExCeL went through the roof as the announcer called out Great Britain'sAnthony Joshua and reigning Olympic Champion and two-time AIBA World ChampionRoberto Cammarelle of Italy for the Super Heavyweight (91+kg) final. Making that jab do the work in the early exchanges, 22-year-old Joshua was looking comfortable, connecting with a cute left hook in the process. The Italian southpaw, ten years Joshua's senior, was mindful of the power of the local fighter and after walking onto another left hook, Cammarelle cornered his rival and unloaded some hard combinations to take the high scoring first 6:5. Joshua was showing a lot of respect to the 2008 Beijing Games gold medallist in the second, but the round bursted into life when he landed a big left hook and Cammarelle sprung into life again to unleash a flurry of punching to go into the third with a three point cushion. The Italian had a swagger about him and was landing some sly shots but Joshua was coming back with the big right hand as the crowd went wild at the spectacle. The closing stages saw the two go toe-to-toe in a fitting finale. Joshua's succession of hard rights ensuring he clawed back his deficit to win 18:18 on count-back.

The bronze medals went to Ivan Dychko of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan's reigning AIBA World Champion Magomedrasul Medzhidov.

There will be huge anticipation now as the focus switches to the Rio 2012 Olympic Games in four years time.

R.I.P. - Michael Dokes‏

AP PhotoHeavyweight boxer John Gardner of England begins to fall to the canvas following knockout punch by Michael Dokes of Akron, Ohio, in the fourth round of their scheduled 15-round bout at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena, June 12, 1981. Dokes died Saturday night.

Michael Dokes always packed a punch. Nicknamed "Dynamite," the heavyweight fighter came out of Akron in the 1970s and made an immediate name for himself in the boxing ring.

He also set off on a life of excess when it came to drugs, alco

hol and women.

Dokes, who turned 54 on Friday died in Akron on Saturday night after battling liver cancer for several years.

"It's hard to know what to say," said longtime friend Stanley Jackson of Cleveland. "I met him when he first turned pro. He was like a young son to me. I just know I loved him."

With his fast and powerful fists, Dokes was on the national boxing stage at age 15 when he made it to the finals of the national Golden Gloves tournament. He won the national AAU heavyweight championship in 1975 and the Golden Gloves title the following year.

"I remember some classic Golden Glove bouts between Michael and Cleveland's Freddie Bambino," said Clytee Dunn, veteran amateur official with USA Boxing's Lake Erie Association. "They were something."

Dokes turned professional and stopped Al Byrd in his first bout on Oct. 15, 1976 in Hollywood, Fla.

He was 25-0-1, with 14 knockouts, when he won the World Boxing Association heavyweight title with a first-round technical knockout of Mike Weaver at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 10, 1982. In a rematch five months later, the bout was judged a majority draw and Dokes retained the title.

However, Dokes disappointed his hometown fans when he lost the title to Gerrie Coetzee on a 10th-round stoppage at The Coliseum in Richfield on Sept. 23, 1983.

Dokes admitted his drug use cost him the title. In an article in Sports Illustrated years later, Dokes said he trained for the fight "on cocaine and Jack Daniels."

"That fight should never have happened," Dokes told the Akron Beacon Journal in August 2010. "It's a fight I didn't live up to. I should never have brought it home."

Promoter Don King put on that fight in Richfield.

"Michael was a great fighter," said King. "He fought the good fight. It's unfortunate."

While Dokes remained a contender, he was unable to regain the championship. He lost pivotal bouts to Evander Holyfield in March 1989 and to Donovan Ruddock in April 1990.

In that latter bout, he was knocked unconscious for several minutes in the fourth round at Madison Square Garden. It was felt by some that Dokes' career should have been put to rest at that point.

He was given one more opportunity to reach the top. But that ended just as badly, with the fighter already showing the signs of decline both in and out of the ring.

Before his 1993 Madison Square Garden title bout against champion Riddick Bowe, Dokes enjoyed the New York limelight as he dined with followers and reporters. Weighing 244 pounds, Dokes did not back off from a plate of pasta as it would not hamper his training for the big fight.

"The past is history, the future isn't here yet, and the present is linguine and clam sauce," he told The Plain Dealer.

Dokes was stopped in the first round by Bowe. He earned $750,000.

He fought five more times after that, losing his final two bouts. He was stopped in the second round by Paul Phillips in his final bout on Oct. 11, 1997 in Erlanger, Ky., to finish with a career record of 53-6, with 34 knockouts.

In 1998, Dokes was arrested in Nevada on charges that he assaulted his girlfriend and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He had pleaded guilty to attempted murder, second-degree kidnapping and intent to commit sexual assault.

He was paroled in 2008.

He lived in Las Vegas before returning to Akron to live with relatives in 2010.

Serik Sapiyev receives Best Men's Boxer Trophy‏

Impressive and dominant from start to finish, Kazak Serik Sapiyev not only claimed the Olympic Welterweight (69kg) title, but has also been awarded the coveted Best Men's Boxer at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Val Barker Trophy) by the accredited media.

The southpaw, also a two-time AIBA World Champion (2005 and 2007), beat Great Britain Anthony Joshua to the award by a single vote (11 to 10). The Super Heavyweight Olympic Champion was then preceded by Ukrainian Lightweight (60kg) Vasyl Lomachenko (seven), Flyweight (52kg) gold medallist Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana of Cuba and Ukrainian Heavyweight (91kg) Oleksandr Usyk (both five), Cuban Light Welterweight (64kg) Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo (three).

When he was told the news, the Kazak was overcome by emotion.

Sapiyev battled European Champion Freddie Evans of Great Britain for the Welterweight (69kg) title. The experienced Kazak threw a huge amount of jabs in the first with the Brit having to bide his time before looking to land with the straight one-two combination.

Good tight defences by the 21-year-old Evans allowed him to soak up some of the early pressure but Sapiyev was in all-action mode, continually throwing a lot of punches to take the first 4:2.

It was the same scenario in the second, with Sapiyev the aggressor, constantly unloading and not giving his rival a moment to find any kind of rhythm.

The young Brit was being outthought and outclassed by the soon-to-be APB boxer, who took the second 6:3. Evans had to go for broke in the third but his rival was moving better, faster and simply showed more determination. The British southpaw was devoid of ideas as 28-year-old Sapiyev dominated the final round to claim the gold medal with a resounding 17:9 victory.

After the bout he said: "I am very glad to be here and this victory is for the whole of Kazakhstan. I have been waiting for this moment for so long. In Beijing I lost in the quarter-finals but was resolute as my attention immediately turned to these next Olympics."

Friday, August 10, 2012

Claressa Shields; August issue of ESSENCE!

We're so proud of 17-year-old boxer Claressa Shields. She won the first middleweight gold medal in women's Olympic boxing! Read about her journey in the August issue of ESSENCE!

Team USA’s Claressa Shields Takes Gold in Boxing

The London 2012 Olympiad has officially been a showcase for the women of Team USA in the field of combat sports as 17 year old Clarissa Shields took gold at the inaugural women’s 75 kg tournament. Shields’ victory earlier today has marked an unusual trend: of the five combat sports held in the Olympics, Team USA has only taken home medals in the women’s divisions.

Tyson's Punches Sometimes Hit Their Mark, Critics Say

Not a TKO, but an interesting, and certainly odd, night at the theater.

That’s the consensus among critics, who say former heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson delivers an awkward, yet once-in-awhile charming spectacle in his one-man show “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth,” directed by Spike Lee and at the Longacre Theatre through Aug. 12.

Writing about the “lazily structured biographical tour” in The New York Times, critic Neil Genzlinger said Tyson “makes you momentarily forget how ham-handed and manipulative the show is.”

“Sure, we should save our accolades for the many people who have transcended difficult beginnings without abusing drugs, racking up a rape conviction and biting off a piece of another guy’s ear. But by the end of ‘Undisputed Truth’ you may at least be willing to grant that it would be swell if Mr. Tyson has finally found a nondestructive way to exist in the world.”

In the Toronto Star, high-minded theater critic Richard Ouzounian said “Truth” was another example of how theater uses boxing as metaphor to examine the relationship between black men and power.

“From Sammy Davis Jr. in Golden Boy to James Earl Jones in The Great White Hope... you can find a gallery of black men who are groomed to win, until it becomes more expeditious to bring about their downfall,” he wrote.

One of the oddest things about the show, Ouzounian also noted, is that it was written by Tyson’s current wife, Kiki, “and tries to make a man who is a convicted rapist come across as a charming guy.”

The New York Post’s Elizabeth Vincentelli said the show’s first hour was “funny, cheeky and fast."

Wrote Vincentelli: “Tyson also talks about his... demons, starting with Robin Givens, whom he married in 1988 and split from a year later. During their divorce proceedings, he spotted her in a car with Brad Pitt, whom she had dated before. Tyson quips that they look ‘like Robert Redford and Pearl Bailey.’”

Playbill’s opening night photos can be found here.

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