Statement by Francisco Valcarcel Regarding Champion Marco Huck

“Marco Huck’s representatives have informed me that he has yet to decide if he will stay a Jr. Heavyweight or choose the Heavyweight division, but that his decision is imminent during the upcoming week. As I will be in Germany for the Klitschko and Afolabi bouts, I will be meeting with Marco Huck’s representative, Chris Meyer from Sauerland Events regarding this matter.

 Ola Afolabi is fighting for the Jr. Heavyweight Interim Title on March 3^rd.  If Marco Huck decides to stay in the Jr. Heavyweight division, he will face the winner of the Afolabi –Brudov bout within 120 days of said bout.  If he decides to stay in the Heavyweight Division, the winner of the Afolabi-Brudov bout will automatically become the WBO Jr. Heavyweight Champion.”

Undefeated WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (19-0, 15KOs) of Russia will return to the ring on May 1 in Moscow, according to his promoters. Pirog last fought on September 25 in Krasnodar, when he stopped mandatory challenger Gennady Martirosyan within ten rounds. Pirog’s handlers plan to match him with a highly ranked contender in the WBO’s top ten.

One possible opponent being mentioned by Pirog’s handlers is undefeated contender Max Bursak (24-0, 10KOs).

By Alexey Sukachev

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50108

World Boxing Organization (WBO) president Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, condemns Dereck Chisora’s recent actions inside and outside the ring. Valcárcel expressed himself strongly when indicating that “Chisora will not be classified (in the WBO), because he is a bad example for the youth. (Chisora) is not what we want for the fans of boxing”. Chisora (15-3, 9 KOs), originally of Zimbabwe and resident in the United Kingdom, has displayed awful behavior recently; striking Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko in the face during the weigh-in ceremony, spitting in the face of Wladimir Klitschko, and starting a brawl with the former heavyweight champion David Haye at the post-fight press conference. Also, Chisora is also facing problems with German authorities.

El presidente de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, condenó las recientes malas actuaciones del peso completo Dereck Chisora dentro y fuera del cuadrilátero.

Valcárcel se manifestó contundente en sus expresiones al indicar que “Chisora no será clasificado (en la OMB), ya que es un mal ejemplo para la juventud. (Chisora) No es lo que queremos para los fanáticos del boxeo”.

El púgil Chisora (15-3, 9 KOs), natural de Zimbabwe y residente en Reino Unido, no ha tenido las mejores actitudes en tiempo reciente, golpeando en la cara al ucraniano Vitali Klitschko antes de un combate reciente, escupiendo a éste también durante su combate hace varias semanas y protagonizando una trifulca con el ex monarca mundial David Haye en la conferencia de prensa después del choque ante Klitschko, además de confrontar problemas con la justicia en Alemania.

Former WBA interim-cruiserweight champion Valery Brudov (39-3, 28 KOs) will soon get another opportunity to capture a meaningful belt. Don King-promoted Brudov, 35, a native of Pskov, is set to fight hard-hitting and elusive (at the same time) Nigerian Ola Afolabi (18-2-3, 8 KOs) for the interim WBO title at 200-pounds. The fight is booked take place at ESPRIT Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany, as a part of the Wladimir Klitschko vs. Jean-Marc Mormeck undercard. Previously mentioned contenders BJ Flores and Latif Kayode have reportedly rejected a bout with Afolabi for various reasons.

Brudov is ranked #8 by the WBO and #14 by the WBA. His first attempt at a world title was nullified by the great Virgill Hill, who one-sidedly outpointed Brudov in January 2006. The Russian came back in December of the same year and stopped Panamanian Luis Andres Pineda to get the WBA interim belt. He lost it half a year later by dropping a close split decision to Germany-based Turk Firat Arslan. In his second world title opportunity, Brudov was stopped late by another Panamanian, Guillermo Jones; Brudov lost the fight via TKO 11 due to a bad cut.

WBO #1 Ola Afolabi (also WBA #4 and WBC/IBF #7), 31, is also a former world champion. He came back to the ring in 2008 after a lengthy hiatus to stop highly touted prospect Eric Fields. A year later, Afolabi was trailing on judges’ scorecards up until the ninth-round of his fight with former WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli, before he put the Welshman down for the count with a terrifying left hook, getting the WBO interim belt. He lost it several months later with a close decision to Marco Huck in a WBO unification. This time, K2-promoted Nigerian will get a crack at interim title.

By Alexey Sukachev

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50071

Nathan Cleverly is set to defend his WBO light heavyweight title in just over eight weeks’ time prior to a summer unification bout, potentially with Bernard Hopkins.

Welshman Cleverly successfully protected his WBO crown on Saturday in Cardiff, taking a unanimous decision over American Tommy Karpency, and the 25-year-old’s promoter Frank Warren is eager for his man to fight again on April 28.

Warren has the Royal Albert Hall booked and wants Cleverly to top the bill on the same evening that Hopkins faces Chad Dawson in Atlantic City for the WBC crown, and if everything goes to plan a unification this summer could be on the cards.

“I have the date booked for April 28th, the same night that Bernard Hopkins defends the WBC title in his rematch with Chad Dawson,” confirmed Warren.

Cleverly meanwhile is desperate to face ‘The Executioner’, and would love to do so on home soil.

“I don’t just think it would be a great fight, it would be a great event,” said Cleverly.

“Obviously it depends how the fight between Dawson and Hopkins goes on April 28th.

“If Hopkins gets badly beaten up, he may well retire. But if he loses it could still be a viable defence to have here in Wales.

“He’s the oldest champion in history, and an icon in the sport, and I’d love to have the ‘W’ against him on my record.”

Warren added: “It would put boxing back on the map in Wales again.”

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/138357.html

World Boxing Organization (WBO), by president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referees and judges who will work in the world title bouts between WBO Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko vs Jean Marc Mormeck, and the interim WBO Cruiserweight belt between Ola Afolabi and Valery Brudov this Saturday, March 3, at the ESPRIT Arena, Dusseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany in a K2 Promotions presentation.

Valcarcel, who will be in attendance in this show, reported that for the seventh title defense of Klitschko (56-3, 49 KOs) against Mormeck (36-4, 22 KOs), the referee will be Luis Pabon, from Puerto Rico.

The judges for Klitschko-Mormeck are Clark Sammartino, from United States, Manuel Maritxalar, From Spain, and Philippe Verbeke, from Belgium. WBO supervisor for this fight will be its own president, Valcarcel.

Meanwhile, for the fight bewteen Afolabi (18-2-3, 8 KOs) and Brudov (39-3, 28 KOs) for the interim WBO Cruiserweight championship, the referee will be Genaro “Gino” Rodriguez. The judges are Clark Sammartino, Luis Pabon and Manuel Maritxalar. WBO supervisor for this fight is Andrew Smale, from South Africa.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=30931&more=1

Berlin – Heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko is targetting his 50th career knockout when he takes on outsider Jean-Marc Mormeck in Duesseldorf on Saturday.

Ukrainian Klitschko, whose older brother Vitali beat Briton Dereck Chisora on points earlier this month to retain his WBC crown, holds the WBO, IBF, and WBA versions of the title.

“I am ready for this challenge,” Wladimir told a news conference in Duesseldorf on Monday. “I still have the hunger and I do not take this fight lightly.

“When you see how he talks, looks and moves then that shows he has the will and determination to become the first world heavyweight champion from France.”

The 35-year-old warned the Frenchman, nicknamed “Mini Tyson” because of his build, would be no pushover even though he was 17 centimetres shorter at 1.81 metres than the Ukrainian.

“It is extremely difficult to box against a man who is a lot shorter,” said Wladimir. “It does not make my job easier.”

Vladimir, standing 1.98 metres tall, has notched 49 knockouts in his 59 professional fights, and has lost three.

The fight had to be rescheduled from its original Dec 10 2011 date after Vladimir pulled out to undergo surgery to remove a kidney stone.

Mormeck, the 38-year-old former cruiserweight world champion, said he did not fear the Ukrainian, who will have a much wider reach due to his height.

“I have an iron will and am tough. I fear no one and that is my mental strength,” he said. “Does he have that as well?”

Compared to brother Vitali’s controversial bout against Chisora, which featured Chisora slapping the WBC champion during the weigh-in and exchanging punches with British boxer David Haye in a post-fight press conference, preparations for this bout have so far been peaceful.

“But it is still Monday and a Vitali’s press conference also was peaceful. Let’s see what happens at the weigh-in,” Wladimir said.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50050

WBO/IBF/WBA heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (L) goes face to face with former cruiserweight king Jean-Marc Mormeck at a press conference at the InterContinental hotel in Duesseldorf, western Germany. Klitschko of Ukraine will defend his titles against Mormeck of France on March 3rd in Duesseldorf. EPIX will televise in the United States.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50046

Promoter Frank Warren hopes to set Nathan Cleverly up with a big summer bout against Bernard Hopkins in Cardiff.

Welshman Cleverly successfully defended his WBO light-heavyweight title on Saturday night by beating Tommy Karpency on points.

Warren would like his next outing to be at London’s Royal Albert Hall in April – the venue’s first professional boxing bill for 10 years – but a megafight with American veteran Hopkins is where big money could be made.

The Caerphilly fighter, who completely outclassed Karpency in Cardiff en route to a unanimous decision from the judges, has already spoken of his desire to move on to a big unification fight, with the winner of the April 28 WBC title clash between Chad Dawson and Hopkins top of the agenda.

While Warren is looking to put that contest on at the Millennium Stadium or Cardiff City Stadium, he has also revealed he hopes the Welshman will defend his belt in London, also on April 28.

Warren said: “Nathan is coming on in leaps and bounds and all our attention will now of course turn to April 28 and the Bernard Hopkins v Chad Dawson fight, then we will be making a big decision about a fight in the summer.

“In the meantime I have the Royal Albert Hall booked for April 28.

“I don’t know if Nathan will be ready for that but I would not mind him being the guy to take boxing back there.

“There has been no professional boxing there for many, many years, it is probably the best venue in the country, the most prestigious venue and you could not get a better representative for British boxing than Nathan, to showcase taking professional boxing back there.”

As for a potential summer stadium bout in south Wales, which would hark back to the glory days of former super-middleweight king Joe Calzaghe, Warren says his preferred opponent for such a contest is Hopkins, and

defeat to Dawson would not rule the veteran American out of facing Cleverly.

He said: “For me the best fight for Nathan would be Hopkins.

“I have a feeling Dawson may upset the odds when they face each other, he will give him a lot of problems, but I would prefer Hopkins.

“He is a big name, he had a good fight with Joe Calzaghe and if we brought him over and did that show at Cardiff City Stadium or the Millennium Stadium, it would be a great atmosphere with maybe 50,000 people in there.

“Nathan needs big fights, he rises to them and he has great temperament.”

Cleverly, whose victory extended his 100 per cent record to 24 wins from 24 fights, said he would gladly accept the chance to fight Hopkins, and also suggested he would be ready to fight again on Warren’s mooted Royal Albert Hall date.

“I want to go and get a few more fights as champion to keep learning about being world champion,” he said. “This wasn’t a brutal fight so I will be fine for April, it will be good to keep active.”

He added: “I think I am ready to be unified champ.

“Hopkins and Dawson are the elite guys in the division, if you want to be the best those are guys you have to head for.

“I think I will be ready by the summer, if the opportunity came I would grab it with both hands and feel I could win the fight.

“Hopkins is a legend of the sport, an icon in the division, he has that aura. The fans showed their support by coming out tonight and I am sure that would be a good fight.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50015

WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (24-0, 11 KOs) scored a one-sided, but uninspired twelve round unanimous decision over heavy underdog Tommy Karpency (21-3-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales. Cleverly was in command all the way, but was never able to sufficiently break through the cover of the defensive-minded Karpency to get the stoppage. Scores were 120-108 on all cards. It was Cleverly’s first fight in his native Wales in almost four years.

“Tommy is very tough,” said Cleverly afterward. “Out of every fighter I’ve fought, he’s punched the hardest so far. And I’ve fought some big punchers…It was a nice performance, a good workout. It was exciting and there’s plenty more to come from me.”

Former WBO cruiserweight champion, now fighting as a light heavyweight, Enzo Maccarinelli (34-5, 27 KOs) dropped journeyman Ciaran Healy (13-18-1, 4 KOs) with a body shot in round two and Healy’s corner threw in the towel moments later.

Unbeaten welterweight prospect and 2008 Olympian Frankie Gavin (12-0, 9 KOs) scored a third round KO over Kevin McIntyre (30-9, 9 KOs). A body shot finished it.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/results-from-cardiff-wales-109020

Broner, the undefeated 22-year-old rising star from Cincinnati, threw a crushing right hand in the fourth round that put Perez on the canvas, where the undefeated fighter was counted out at 38 seconds of the round. Broner retained his WBO super featherweight title.

It was the third time in his career that Perez (23-1-2) was knocked down, but this time he was unable to get up. He tried, but stumbled from one end of the ring to the other and was finally counted out by referee Genaro Rodriguez.

Broner had his way in the ring, throwing combinations seemingly at will against Perez, who showed some quickness but lacked the power to hurt Broner.

Broner (24-0, 20 KOs) threw 189 punches and landed 58 (31%), while Perez had trouble connecting on the quicker Broner, throwing 160 and landing just 26 (16%).

“I want to thank HBO for giving me another chance,” Broner said. “I knew he was going to come to fight. We’ve been going at it, back and forth. I was prepared for anything. Whatever he brought, I was ready.”

“I wasn’t even trying to knock him out. I was just trying to beat on him.” Broner added. “I caught him and and it was the same old shot. He took the right hand.”

Asked how he was able to dance around the quick Perez, the taller Broner told HBO’s Max Kellerman, “You saw it. I got the fastest feet in the game. I should be on Dancing with the Stars.”

Broner said he keeps improving with every fight. “I learn from every fight. This fight I was going to make a statement, and I did. I showed that this is what happens when you put a good fighter in with an elite fighter.”

Asked who was next on his opponent wish list, Broner said, “You can call me the ‘Can Man.’ Anybody can get some. Afri-cans, Ameri-cans, Domini-cans, Mexi-cans. Anybody can get it.”

By Bob Velin, USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/story/2012-02-25/adrien-broner-kos-eloy-perez/53250104/1

New York, N.Y. —   (L-R)  Superstar Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy “The Desert Storm” Bradley Jr. pose during a press conference in New York City Thursday during their cross-country media tour for their upcoming World Welterweight title mega-fight. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, AT&T and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs Bradley will take place, Saturday, June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live on HBO Pay Per View.  — Photos by Chris Farina/Top Rank.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49904

Undefeated WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner (22-0, 18 KO’s) defends his title on Saturday night against Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7 KO’s) in a fight televised by HBO at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. Broner, 22, who comes from Cincinnati, Ohio, sees the #1 World Boxing Organization contender Perez as being no different than the previous 22 opponents that Broner has beaten during his career. Broner sees himself stopping Perez and impressing boxing fans watching at home on HBO.

Broner told RingTV “The fights going to go however Adrien “The Problem” Broner wants it to go. You know, if I feel like I’ve got him in position and he makes a mistake in the first round, then the fight will be over in the first round.”

Broner is 100% right about that, because he’s got a lot of power and is so good at catching his opponents off guard with his counter punching ability. With Broner, all it takes is one big shot and his opponents are sufficiently hurt enough for him to land a few other well aimed shots to take them out. Broner fights a lot like Floyd Mayweather Jr. with his fighting style. If you were to look at Broner fighting with a fuzzy television screen where you couldn’t see his face, you’d swear that you’re watching Mayweather Jr. Broner has Mayweather’s style completely down pact from the shoulder roll to the check left hook that Mayweather likes to use in his fights. Broner isn’t as fast as Mayweather, but he hurts guys a lot more with his shots than Mayweather is doing nowadays at welterweight.

If Perez makes a mistake against Broner this Saturday night, he’ll be quickly taken out.

By Eric Thomas:

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/02/broner-if-perez-makes-a-mistake-in-the-1st-round-hes-going-to-go-in-that-round/

WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion Adrien Broner (Right)  poses on February 22, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri during a media workout in preparation their February 25, 2012 fights when Broner will defend his title against undefeated number one rated WBO junior lightweight contender Eloy Perez at Scottrade Center in St. Louis which will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark. Photos by Marc Buckner/Hoganphotos

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49880

K2 Promotions of Klitschko brothers in associations with SES-Boxing of Ulf Steinforth begin the new season of boxing in Ukraine! WBO junior middleweight champion Zaurbek Baysangurov (26-1, 20 KOs) will defend his title in a match with Lukas Konecny (47-3, 22 KOs) on the 10th of March 10 in the Terminal Ice Palace, Brovary. The boxing event will be presented by Khortytsa TM and Inter Media Group.

The fight promises to be an intriguing encounter, as the ring will be shared by two strongest representatives of the junior middleweight division. Baysangurov and Konecny have not lost since 2008.

26-years old Chechen Baysangurov of K2 Promotions debuted in professional ranks in 2004 and very soon gained the reputation of one of the hottest prospects in the division. The real triumph for Baysangurov became his victory over Mexican puncher Marco Antonio Rubio in 2006 in Kyiv. In 2007 Zaurbek won the European title and defended it two times. But in December 2008 young Chechen stumbled one step from world championship fight when lost by technical knockout to Cornelius Bundrage of United States. Shortly after defeat Zaur came back to the ring and scored seven consecutive victories, six of them by knockout, defeating such strong opponents as Eromosele Albert and Richard Gutierrez. In summer 2011 in Odessa, Ukraine, Baysangurov won interim WBO junior middleweight title with a quick victory in the first round over Brazilian Mike Miranda.

Last fall WBO junior middleweight champion at the time Sergiy Dzinziruk was stripped of the title, as he has not fight in his division since May 2010 and due to the injury was forced to withdraw from the mandatory defense against Lukas Konecny. According to the decision of WBO Baysangurov was given the status of world champion in this weight, and was obligated to meet Lukas Konecny in his next fight.

For the past six years 33-years old Konecny belongs to the elite of the junior middleweights and because of his achievements is the best fighter in the Czech boxing history regardless of weight categories. In 2008 Konecny fought for WBO world title against Sergiy Dzinziruk and lost by controversial majority decision. Since then, the Czech scored eleven wins in eleven battles, including winning the European belt and two successful defenses of this title.

In the undercard boxing fans will be able to see another title fight when WBO and WBF middleweight champion Christine Hammer (11-0, 7 KOs) will defend her belts against Quinn Shabalaly (4-1-1, 1 KO) of South Africa.

К2 Promotions kicks off the new boxing year with the new partner! Since February 2012 Khortytsa TM – the absolute quality is the official partner of the boxing events promoted by Klitschko brothers’ promotional company in Ukraine.

Bosco Ukraine is a sports partner of the show!

Ukrainian channel Inter will televise, starting at 11:05 PM.

Title bouts featuring undefeated fighters are a rarity these days, especially those between two boxers with strong local followings who wind up fighting away from their adoring local fans. But such is the rare treat we’ll get Saturday in St. Louis when Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7 KOs), a native of Rainier, Wash., now fighting out of Salinas, Calif., makes his first attempt to win a world title by challenging WBO junior lightweight champion Adrien Broner (22-0, 18 KOs) of Cincinnati. As the fighters’ records suggest, this represents more than just a match between two in-their-prime young guns trying to set themselves up for bigger challenges. It could be a defining moment for either (or both) fighters, who have the same agenda and very similar skill sets, although Broner is clearly the heavier puncher and Perez the slicker technician.

We caught up with Perez — “El Principe” — during the last stages of his preparation for the most important fight of his career, and this is what he had to share:

What can you tell us about your training for this fight?
I’ve been training in Oakland [Calif.]. I had some great sparring partners, like Keandre Gibson, Mike Dallas [Jr.] and others. The preparation has been great; I couldn’t be happier. I am getting ready and focused, and just waiting for the final countdown.

What’s your take on Broner as a fighter?
What can I say? He is a world champion and he’s got skills. He is undefeated for a reason. But when I get my chance on [Saturday], I will show that I want it more.

Broner’s nickname is “The Problem.” What is the biggest problem he could give you Saturday?
To be honest, I can’t tell you. That’s my team’s mission, to find out what I should work on and what I need to beat him. But he hasn’t done anything to show me that I’m not better than him. I am prepared for him. I am prepared for whatever he has to offer. He’s not going to beat me.

This could be seen as a classic boxer-versus-puncher type of fight. Do you see it that way?
No, I think this is going to be a fight based on speed. He’s fast, I am fast, so this is going to be the main thing. Obviously he can pop, as his record shows, but it’s going to be an exciting fight and I am going to be on top of him. There’s going to be a new world champion on [Saturday].

What’s the strategy for a relentless guy like Broner, strictly from a boxing point of view? We’re both fast, so whoever is the smarter fighter will win. It will be an exciting fight.

Is Broner the most difficult of the champs in this division?
I don’t think so. There are five champions in each weight class and we all have to fight each other to see who’s the best at 130 pounds. I think that [IBF titlist] Juan Carlos Salgado and the Japanese champs [Takashi Uchiyama and Takahiro Ao] are the most difficult ones.

You grew up professionally in front of your local fans. What do you expect for this fight on neutral ground? Do you think you’ll be able to win over fans?
From my point of view, I think it’s going to be an exciting fight for all boxing fans — and especially for my fans, to see me on such a big stage. And there’s a lot of fans in my hometown in Salinas, Calif., who are going to follow me there because they want to see the people’s champ.

How do you envision Saturday’s fight playing out?
Explosive. It’s not going to be a distance fight. Someone’s not going to make it through the 12 rounds. That’s all I can say.

Diego Morilla is a contributor to ESPNdeportes.com.

http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/7596097/not-making-12-rounds

After a four year drought, WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (23-0, 11 KOs) receives a well earned homecoming this Saturday when he defends his WBO belt for a third time against Pennsylvania’s Tommy Karpency (21-2-1, 14 KOs) at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales. An impressive victory will leave Cleverly primely placed for a huge outdoor blockbuster in the summer that could elevate him into an elite level earner.

Cleverly’s assessment top light heavyweights Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson, Jean Pascal, Beibut Shumenov and Tavoris Cloud:

For me, Hopkins is number one in our division. He’s the oldest world champion in the record books, a legend, but, with my youth and enthusiasm, I’d definitely fancy it.

I view (WBC king) Dawson as the most dangerous in the division. He’s big at the weight, southpaw, heavy handed and technically good as well. The timing would have to be right for that one, maybe a few more fights down the line.

Pascal is a fight that definitely interests me. I think our styles would really blend well. He’s a big name and a huge draw in his home country. I’d be prepared to go to Canada, if needed. He’s big, strong, powerful, pumped up, explosive but I’d back my speed and stamina to wear him down over the 12 rounds.

Shumenov (the WBA champion) is more inexperienced and that would be a good unification fight, a good stepping stone. He’s young and hungry and he’d definitely give me a tough fight but, from what I saw of him against (Gabriel) Campillo, it’s a fight I should definitely win.

Cloud (IBF boss) is a very vicious fighter; a big puncher who likes to come forward and stamp his authority. He’s an American who’s been given the Jeff Lacy style hype. He’s also quite busy and fit. Like Pascal, I think our styles would mesh well. We all like to fight on the front foot and get involved. It could be very entertaining.

If I could choose, I’d go with unification against either Shumenov or Cloud. Both would be progressive moves towards getting to the very top guys in the division, Hopkins and Dawson.

On former champ Juergen Braehmer, who handed over the title to Cleverly by pulling out of three straight defenses late and getting stripped.

He did make a comeback recently but didn’t look too sharp. He’s too temperamental, too unreliable to line up a fight with.

On a possible fight with former WBC super-middleweight boss Carl Froch, whom Cleverly recently called out:

I just think it makes sense. Two top British fighters, just one weight class apart. It would generate a lot of interest. Carl’s mentioned stepping up before and he’s mentioned my name in the past. We’ve both displayed our heart and guts, both like to stand and trade so it’d sure to be entertaining. If that was offered for this summer, I’d definitely take it. Carl’s tough, has a granite chin so it’d likely be a distance fight but I just think I’d have too much speed and movement.

On looking past Karpency:

The way I train, I don’t need an opponent to get up for. My main focus is always to improve myself; to be sharper, fitter, more technically sound. I’ve just opened a new gym in Aberbargoed and training there, plus the opportunity to fight in Wales again and deliver a spectacular performance for the Welsh fans, provide me with all the motivation I need.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/cleverly-eyes-big-fight-in-summer-108601

Beverly Hills, Ca. (L-R)  Superstar Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy “The Desert Storm” Bradley Jr. pose during the first stop in Los Angeles of their cross-country media tour to announce their upcoming World Welterweight title mega-fight. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, AT&T and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs Bradley will take place, Saturday, June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live on Pay Per View. Photos by Chris Farina/Top Rank and Media View.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, AT&T and MGM Grand, tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley go on sale This Friday!  February 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT, and are priced at $1,200, $900, $600, $400, and $200.  Ticket sales at $1,200, $900, $600 and $400 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $200 are limited to two (2) per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000.  Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49834

WBO mini-flyweight champion Moises Fuentes (14-1, 6KOs) will make the first defense of his title on March 3rd in Tijuana, against Filipino contender Michael Landero (15-5-4, 5KOs). If all goes well, Fuentes will move forward to a showdown with former champion and Puerto Rican superstar Ivan Calderon (35-2-1, 6KOs) on April 28th.

“I’m thinking of a great future. I know I have the weapons and tools to work well and do a good job in the ring. I want to beat Landero and go forward against Ivan Calderon, the number one challenger,” said Fuentes

“I know I can make a lot of defenses at this weight. I want to make history, my dreams are big, and I have no fear.”

By Salvador Rodriguez

Salvador Rodriguez covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49819

As a nice distraction from the everyday training, WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz celebrated “Rose Monday” among the carnival revelers in Köthen, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, the hometown of his trainer Dirk Dzemski. The champion was invited to b guest of honor in the largest carnival parade in Central Germany. Just beginning his training camp for his April 14 clash with Mikkel Kessler in Copenhagen, this trip was a pleasant and above all fun change of pace. Tens of thousands were on hand to take part in the festivities as the parade moved through the city Köthen with Stieglitz right in the middle tossing sweets from a float, shouting “KU-KA-KÖ” and of course signing many autographs.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/robert-stieglitz-update-2-108576

World Boxing Organization flyweight champion Brian Viloria defends his title against Mexico’s Omar Nino Romero in Manila on April 1 in a fight card presented by Solar Sports.

It will be the third meeting between Viloria and Omar Nino Romero with the first two fights ending in controversy.

In their first clash on August 10, 2006, Nino won a questionable lopsided twelve round decision at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in a WBC light flyweight title fight, while in the rematch on November 18, 2006 Nino retained his title in a draw. However, because the Mexican tested positive for a banned substance the fight was declared a no-contest.

Viloria faced Edgar Sosa for the vacant title and dropped another controversial majority decision on April 14, 2007, but came back with a string of five wins before taking on highly fancied Ulises Solis, another Mexican, for the IBF light flyweight title at the famed Araneta Coliseum on April 19, 2009.

Viloria scored a spectacular 11th round knockout and was once again embraced by Filipino fans who had been disappointed with his showing against Omar Nino Romero.

Viloria successfully defended his title against Jesus Iribe at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu on August 29, 2009 but  lost by a 12th round TKO to Panama’s Carlos Tamara on Jnauary 23, 2010 when he was overcome by fatigue with 75 seconds remaining in a fight where Viloria was well ahead on the scorecards of all three judges.

Realizing that his struggle to make the 108 pound limit was taking its toll, Viloria decided to move up to the flyweight limit and won the title with an impressive twelve round decision over Julio Cesar “Pingo” Miranda on July 16, 2011 in Honolulu.

His first defense is regarded as Viloria’s finest ring performance. He battered and bewildered pound for pound No. 9 and heavily favored Mexican KO artist Giovanni Segura with a clinical but power-packed performance to score a sensational 8th round TKO at the Ynares Sports Center on December 11, 2011.

Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn who has treated the fighter like a son told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that he was “putting the finishing touches” to the title defense against Nino.

He said Viloria “is very excited to return to Manila   and we look forward to a great fight.”

Gittelsohn said that since winning his second world title and his third belt Viloria “is finally the fighter we all knew he would become” adding that this year they are “looking forward to the big match-ups – Roman Gonzalez, Hernan “Tyson” Marquez etc.”

The likeable manager stressed he would “do everything possible to draw attention to these ‘little giants’. The new programming teams at Showtime and HBO Sports are very savvy guys and I suspect they will open their  airwaves to showcase them.”

Having fought Segura in a mandatory, Viloria chose Omar Nino Romero for a voluntary defense and possibly for a chance to settle the score with the Mexican once and for all.

The 31 year old Viloria has a record of 30-3 with 17 knockouts while Omar Nino Romero is 35 and has a record of 30-4-2 with 12 knockouts that includes a victory over former WBC world flyweight champion Rode Mayol on June 19, 2010. However, in his last fight for the WBC light flyweight title Romero lost by a twelve round majority decision to Gilbert Keb Baas on November 6, 2010.

by Ronnie Nathanielsz

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WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referee and judges who will work on the world title bout between WBO jr lightweight champion Adrien Broner vs Eloy Perez this Saturday at the Scottrade Center, Saint Louis, Missouri. The referee will be Genaro “Gino” Rodriguez, from Illinois/Puerto Rico. The judges for Broner-Perez are Michael Pernick from Florida, Ted Gimza from Illinois, and Jerry Griffin from Missouri. WBO supervisor for this fight will be John Duggan from Illinois.

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) anuncia los oficiales que estarán trabajando en el combate de título mundial entre el campeón junior ligero Adrien Broner frente a Eloy Pérez, que se efectuará este sábado, 25 de febrero, en el Scottrade Center de San Luis, Missouri, en una presentación de Golden Boy Promotions.

El presidente de la OMB, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, informó que para el combate, en que el estadounidense Broner (22-0, 18 KOs) defiende por primera vez su cetro de las 130 libras ante su compatriota Pérez (23-0-2, 7 KOs), el árbitro será el puertorriqueño Genaro “Gino” Rodríguez.

Los jueces que trabajarán en la pelea entre Broner y Pérez son los estadounidenses Michael Pernick (Florida), Ted Gimza (Illinois) y Jerry Griffin (Missouri). El supervisor de la OMB para el encuentro es el también estadounidense John Duggan.

Broner, de sólo 22 años, ganó el título el pasado 26 de noviembre de 2011 cuando noqueó en el tercer asalto al argentino Vicente Martín Rodríguez en Cincinati, Ohio.

El encuentro entre Broner y Pérez, por el título junior ligero de la OMB, podrá ser visto por la telecadena HBO desde las 10:00 p.m. (hora del Este).

BoxingScene.com recently caught up with Eloy “The Prince” Perez who faces WBO super featherweight champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (22-0) on Saturday in St. Louis, MO. The fight will be aired live on HBO along with the Devon Alexander versus Marcos Maidana clash that serves as the evening’s main event.

Perez opened his camp in Oakland, CA where he sparred with Michael Dallas (who defeated Miguel Gonzalez on ESPN last Friday) and Stan Martinez before moving his camp down to Oxnard to wrap up his sparring.

“Camp has been more than perfect. I sparred with Michael Dallas and Stan Martinez in Oakland.  Then we had good sparring in Oxnard with Robert Garcia’s guys,” stated Perez.

This fight will be Perez’s HBO debut.  He has been a regular on Telefutura’s ‘Solo Boxeo’ series and is looking forward to the prestige that fighting on HBO brings.  He also said that it is a privilege to get to this point and that many prospects get lost on the way to a title shot.

“Its an honor to get to this point. I’m pumped because it’s do or die. I’m happy to be in St. Louis on HBO. Some people get sidetracked or don’t get this far. I’m ready to go,” Perez told Boxingscene.

Last year Broner struggled in his fight against Daniel Ponce De Leon who was fighting in the super bantamweight division for the first time. Despite the size disadvantage, Ponce De Leon came forward and pressured Broner throughout the fight.  Many observers felt that the Mexican fighter had earned a draw at minimum for his efforts.  Perez feels that he has the perfect game plan in place for Broner.

“We have put together a great game plan.  I didn’t see the De Leon fight but I heard it could have went either way.  Pressure bothers him but all of the fighters he fought have stood right in front of him. You know me. I’m smart and fast. I stick and move. I hope he comes after me so I can catch him,” Perez revealed.

Perez is coming into this fight with a chip on his shoulder.  He has been the subject of Broner’s verbal taunts for months now.  Since the fight has been announced, Broner has turned up the heat even more while Perez has remained silent for the most part.  Perez feels that Broner is underestimating him and is chomping at the bit for a chance to shut Broner up when they enter the ring on Saturday.

“I want to shut his mouth.  I think people do underestimate me because of my knockout ratio. He definitely is going to feel my power,” said a confident sounding Perez.

“I definitely think I am his biggest test. He has never fought a guy like me. I do think he is underestimating me and he is making a mistake. I think he will be in for a surprise.  On Saturday night I will be the answer to The Problem,” he continued.

By Ryan Burton

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49793