When Sergio Martinez stepped in for Kelly Pavlik as a late replacement opponent for Paul Williams in December of 2009, he impressed in a controversial losing effort that many thought he won. In only two appearances on HBO, Martinez was an unlucky 0-1-1 (the draw being the result of an atrocious job by referee Frank Santore Jr.), but he was asked back the following April as an … [Read more...]
Fighters Fight: Jermain Taylor’s Return
By Gary Purfield “I had a conversation directly with one of the top neurologist in the world and here’s the exact conversation, I believe I can say this. I asked him, the doctor, if Jermain Taylor was your own kid would you let him fight. And what the doctor said was no, I wouldn’t let him fight and I wouldn’t let my own kid fight under any circumstances. But if what you’re … [Read more...]
Boxing Bits
* The late Leavander Johnson will be honored in his hometown of Atlantic City, New Jersey with a bronze statue. The former lightweight world champion, who died from injuries sustained in a 2005 fight with Jesus Chavez, was an honored and respected member of the Atlantic City community, participating in a wide range of charitable organizations. The official unveiling of the … [Read more...]
DiBella Entertainment Inks Ajose Olusegun
Dibella Entertainment has signed UK-based Nigerian jr. welterweight, Ajose Olusegun (29-0, 14 KOs) to an exclusive promotional deal. Olusegun, ranked #15 by The Boxing Tribune and #2 by the WBC, is a former Commonwealth jr. welterweight champion and has excelled against club-level UK competition. His biggest win to date is a KO 8 victory over former European jr. welter … [Read more...]
He said what? The Boxing Week in Quotes
“He had no amateur career to speak of and had to learn as a professional which is hard enough. Now he is coming into his own and is a late bloomer. Matthew has achieved more than anybody could have envisaged in their wildest dreams. He is physically stronger and looks the part now.If he won a world title I would be as proud as I was myself everytime I won a big fight.”-- … [Read more...]