by Ted Sares “I prepared different strategies for this fight, but when I saw him I just knew I am going to beat him,”—Omar Navarez Even though 21 year-old’s record is just 8-0, the question can now be legitimately posed: is Naoya “Monster” Inoue a top 10 pound-for-pound fighter? In fact, does he deserve serious consideration for 2014 Fighter of the Year? On December 30 … [Read more...]
WBO Denies Paul Smith’s Appeal of Arthur Abraham Decision
Although it was the WBO's idea to review the controversial scoring in the September 27 bout between challenger Paul Smith and WBO super middleweight champ Arthur Abraham, that appeared to have no impact on the organization's ultimate ruling. Via his official Twitter account, WBO president Paco Valcarcel issued the following statement on Friday: "Rematch petition is DENIED. … [Read more...]
Mikey Garcia Moves Up to 140, Salido Made Full Champ
WBO president Paco Valcarcel has announced that Orlando Salido will be bumped up from interim 130 lb. champ to full 130 lb. champ since former title holder, Mikey Garcia, has chosen to campaign at 140 lbs. Garcia has been inactive since January due to a promotional dispute. If he keeps with his decision to compete at junior welterweight, Garcia be joining a division … [Read more...]
Another Twist in WBO Middleweight Title Drama: Andy Lee Moves In
When Peter Quillin vacated his WBO middleweight title last month, he unwittingly created a back-and-forth drama that has media and fans struggling to keep track of what, exactly, is going on. First, The WBO ordered that No.1 contender, Matt Korobov, face no. 2 contender, Billy Joe Saunders for the vacant title. Clear enough, right? But then WBO junior middleweight … [Read more...]
Korobov-Saunders Back On, Andrade to Remain at 154
Three weeks ago, WBO junior middleweight champ Demetrius Andrade publicly stepped up to claim the right to face no. 1 contender Matt Korobov for the WBO middleweight belt recently vacated by Peter Quillin. The WBO almost immediately complied with Andrade's request and pushed no. 2 contender, the UK's Billy Joe Saunders to one side to accommodate the new match-up. However, … [Read more...]