Chauncy Welliver Wants Odlanier Solis Rematch

“2011 was just a year for setting up 2012. This next year will be big for me.”

 2011 was certainly a good year for WBO Asia Pacific and China Zone heavyweight champion Chauncy Welliver. The “Hillyard Hammer” continued to bang as the 28 year old Welliver stormed to a perfect 6-0 for the year and he pushed his win streak to 16 straight. As 2012 begins, Welliver’s record is an astounding 51-5-5, and he plans to continue moving up in the division’s ranks.

 I spoke with Welliver today and he assured me that 2012 would be a year for his fans to savor.

 “I have stepped it up slowly, but surely. I consider my career to really have started after the Solis fight. That is when I realized I could fight.”

 Back in October of 2008, Welliver last tasted defeat at the hand of the unbeaten Odlanier Solis in Germany. A little over three years later, a focused Welliver has not looked back…until now.

 “We’re pushing for a rematch with Solis” a confident Welliver told 8CN’s Darren Barcomb. “It’s not solid yet, but being negotiated.”

 If Welliver wants to make a statement in the heavyweight division and take home some personal redemption, beating Solis would be a great way to do it. The 31 year old Cuban Solis (17-1) is considered a top tier heavyweight and is coming off of an unsuccessful WBC title shot against Vitali Klitshcko back in March. Solis injured his right knee in that matchup and saw his title dreams dashed in the opening round. He is now healed and has a lot of nay-sayers to prove wrong himself.

 Since their initial bout in 2008, Welliver has stayed the busier of the two at 16-0, while “La Sombra” has gone 5-1. Activity is not the only thing leaning Welliver’s way though; a new training regimen has done wonders as well.

 Working with Joe Hipp and trainer Ali Crosbie has gotten Welliver into the best shape of his career as he now weighs in a bit over 230, down about 50 lbs. from the Solis fight. “I went in nervous last time” Welliver admits….and that was 50 lbs. ago.”

 “Joe is my first trainer ever and we’ve come up with how to beat Solis. Ali gets me in the best shape I can be in, so I know I can go 12 easy. Last time I went 2 and was done at the end of the 2nd. I’d come in prepared and not nervous this time.”

 Ring jitters shouldn’t be a concern this time around though; Welliver seems at ease in the ring, has travelled the world to fight, and has picked up some serious title gold along the way.

 On January 28^th, he will defend his WBO Asia Pacific, WBC Asian Boxing, and New Zealand titles against Moyoyo Mensah (21-8-1, 9 KO’s) in a 12 rounder in Auckland, New Zealand.

 After that, nothing is definite but Welliver added “Let them know we can bring the fight to China”, where he has amassed solid fan base and is a big draw. “In China, I’d not worry at all. I was on his turf last time and worried. Now he’s rolling in my neck of the world.”

 It sounds like the ball is in Odlanier Solis’ court. 2012 is looking promising already……

By: Darren Barcomb

http://www.8countnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/5043/2012-01-11.html

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum predicts the clash between Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr of Puerto Rico for the vacant WBO jr featherweight title at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas on February 4 “should be a tremendous fight.”

Donaire who won the WBO/WBC bantamweight title with a sensational 2nd round TKO over highly favored Mexican Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel on February 19, 2011 and then scored a shutout twelve round decision against two division world champion Omar Narvez of Argentina at The Theater of Madison Square Garden on October 22, 2011 has been training hard under Robert Garcia who warned that it won’t be an easy fight..

Donaire who is following the path laid out by eight division world champion and Ring Magazine pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao had earlier won the IBF flyweight title with a smashing 5th round demolition of Australia’s Vic Darchinyan and then captured the WBA super flyweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over an overweight Rafael Concepcion on August 15, 2008 before sealing his title bid with an 8th round TKO of Mexico’s Hernan Marquez on July 10, 2011.

Coincidentally, it was on that same fight card in Puerto Rico that Vazquez Jr scored a 4th round knockout of former WBO super flyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona to win the 122 pound crown..

Arum noted that Vazquez who lost his title to Mexican warrior Jorge “Travieso” Arce was “beating Arce most of that fight but Arce caught him in the last round and knocked him out..”

He said “I think this fight (against Vazquez Jr) is going to be a big step for Nonito.”

Arum disclosed that should Donaire win he would look to arrange a fight against Arce and then WBC champion Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan. He said he plans to promote one of those two fights at the new Mall of Asia stadium and that HBO Sports had agreed to send a crew to the Philippines to cover the fight on a Sunday morning.

Arum said that based on the early ticket sales “we expect a huge crowd” since WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesaar Chavez Jr will defend his title against Marco Antonio Rubio “who can really punch and that should be a great fight.”

Chavez’ strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza told the Manila Standard that he was “very happy with the way Chavez is coming along. He is working very hard because he knows that this is going to the fight that is going to take him to the super fights against Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Saul Alvarez.”

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-65091.html

Manager and trainer Olrando Pinero is confident that his boxer, super bantamweight Jonathan Oquendo (22-2, 15KOs), will get the winner of Nonito Donaire-Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., taking place on February 4th in San Antonio, Texas. Donaire and Vazquez will battle for the vacant WBO title. Oquendo, the WBO Latino champion, is the mandatory challenger after winning an eliminator last October with a second round knockout of Jose Luis Araiza. Oquendo has been unbeaten with eight wins since losing to Juan Manuel Lopez in 2008.

“Oquendo will be active on the card where Juanma will fight for the world title [against Orlando Salido] on March 10 or 31. Vazquez and Nonito Donaire will fight on February 4 for the WBO super bantamweight crown. And I am confident that Jonathan, the WBO’s official challenger, will be next. The winner between Vazquez and Donaire will then fight Oquendo. He has the quality to be world champion,” Pinero said.

By Rey Colon

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48326

“I‘ve said this over and over before and I’m saying this again,I want Floyd Mayweather Jr. to be my next opponent and I haven’t changed my choice despite recent developments.”

Thus World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao declared by way of reacting to reports in media partly blaming him should the projected mega-fight not materialize.

“I am meeting with my promoter, Bob Arum on Tuesday and I will insist that the fight with Mayweather be given the preference than the four others in the list I will fight next,” Pacquiao told this writer in Tagalog in a long distance telephone conversation yesterday from General Santos City.

Asked where and what time his meeting with Arum, will be held, except to say that the American Hall of Fame promoter is arriving today .

“It’s not really fair for some quarters to blame me if, in the long run, the fight wouldn’t push through,” the 33-year-old RING MAGAZINE pound-for-pound best quipped. “As I have also been saying many times before, I fight for the fans. I want the fans to be happy always.”

“Whoever the fans want me to fight, I will face him atop the ring. I don’t choose fight. It is my promoter who does because it’s his job. My job is to fight, everybody must realize that,” Pacquiao, a lawmaker, a singer, movie actor, television host and a columnist, emphasized.

“Whoever says I’m ducking this fighter or that fighter, doesn’t know me, or just plainly wants to put me in bad light,” he surmised. “I never dodged from fighting anybody. If I did, I won’t be where I am now.”

The Pacquiao-Mayweather confrontation, the fight all of the boxing world wants to see, looked to have cleared of the impediments that aborted previous tries for it to materialize after Nevada Justice of the Peace Judge Melissa Saragosa deferred the unbeaten American welterweight 90-day incarceration she herself handed down shortly before year 2011 ended.
Statements coming from Arum though beclouded its realization in May as Mayweratherr himself wants leading every Tom, Dick and Harry to finger-pointing and blaming all those concerned, including the eight-division kingpin. The Harvard graduate Arum wants the Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown held in November instead.

One of the arguments Arum advanced was that since the fight could be biggest in the history of boxing in terms of economics, he wants the fight held in a bigger arena he’s proposing to be constructed in the sing city of Las Vegas rather than the MGM Grand the World Boxing 147-pound belt holder had, in fact, reserved.

“After we’ve met, there will be negotiations between my promoters and his counterpart in whoever I’m going to fight. And you and I know that many things can happen in a negotiation,” he related. “If we agree that I will face Mayweather, then my promoter will talk to his counterpart in the Mayweather camp.”

“When Arum sits in the negotiation table, he will be laying on the table all the conditions we want, which , everybody knew already are simple. That I will abide by his demand for drug testing. I am even agreeable to get lesser purse just so the fight would push through,” he recalled. “In other words, as far as my side is concerned, there will be no problem.”

“We know, too, that Mayweather has no promoter. He negotiates by himself. So if the fight won’t be realized, it’s no longer because of me,” Pacquiao said.

By Eddie Alinea

http://philboxing.com/news/story-65006.html

Veteran trainer Nacho Beristain believes WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38KOs) will possibly select Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6, 39KOs) as his next opponent. In the next few days, Pacquiao is going to hold a meeting with his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank. Arum is going to present Pacquiao with four possibilities – Lamont Peterson, Miguel Cotto, Timothy Bradley and Marquez. A June return is expected for Pacquiao.

After three close fights, all smeared with controversy, Nacho expects the Filipino star to strongly consider his fighter for a fourth bout.

“Pacquiao is obsessed with beating Juan,” Nacho said.

Their last bout came on November 12th. Pacquiao won a close twelve round majority decision, with many at ringside disputing the final verdict. Nacho saw a few things that Marquez could correct for a fourth meeting.

“I thought Juan Manuel was a little slow, but he was very strong. He will work on that aspect. With more explosive speed, I’m sure Juan would have taken Pacquiao down. It was clear that Pacquiao was desperate [in the third fight], and at times he was attacking [Juan] with everything, but he couldn’t knock [Juan] out,” Nacho said.

There are several problems to prevent a fourth meeting. Marquez refuses to face Pacquiao in Las Vegas, but doesn’t have a problem with Texas. There are finances. Pacquiao has already made comments that he wants a guaranteed purse of $28 million for a fourth bout with Marquez. Marquez doesn’t have a problem with Pacquiao’s requesting a high purse, as long as both parties are taken care of. But with Floyd Mayweather Jr. reserving Cinco De Mayo weekend on HBO pay-per-view, Pacquiao’s return is forced to the month of June where a Marquez fight might not be a profitable.

By Miguel Rivera

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48276

Maritim Hotel, Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany – In a fierce battle, up-and-coming WBO #6 light heavyweight Robin Krasniqi improved to 37-2, with 13 KOs, after a spirited twelfth-round TKO over dуtermined Frenchman Hakim Zoulikha (16-3, 8 KOs).

This fight was very much different than the previous encounter thanks to the will and determination of the challenger. Zoulikha, 25, and the smaller of the two, tried to find his luck on the inside. The Frenchman lacked quality punching power but was very active in winging wild hooks and swings to scare the lanky Albanian. Krasniqi, his real name being Haxhi, used some elements of rope-a-dope tactics alongside constant lateral movement and uppercuts on the inside. The first couple of rounds was rather even but in the third and in the fourth stanzas Krasniqi reached some success with his jabs and uppercuts to trouble Zoulikha a bit.

Rounds five and six turned into a crowd-pleasing war with both fighters swinging wildly in order to deliver one meaningful punch. It soon became obvious that the close quarters favored the French brawler over the German boxer, both fighters landing bombs in a sensational sixth round. Sensing the fight was going his opponent’s way, Krasniqi found something in him to turn back the tide. He increased the distance between him and Zoulikha in the second half of the fight. He was also fresher than the Frenchman and he got better and better with each fought round.

As the bout progressed into the final quarter Krasniqi’s advantage became clearly visible. However, he was unable to rock durable Zulikha up until the middle of the twelfth and final stanza. It was when his combinations had finally penetrated Zoulikha’s guard and started to wobble him. After a lengthy barrage of unanswered punches referee Lahcen Oumghar of Netherlands halted the action with just five seconds remaining. Krasniqi retained his WBO European title in a surprisingly thrilling encounter.

By Alexey Sukachev

Photos: Eroll Popova

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48244

Robin Krasniqi 174.4 vs. Hakim Zoulikha 173
(WBO Europe light heavyweight title)

Venue: Maritim-Hotel, Magdeburg, Germany
Promoter: SES Boxing

Today in his hometown of Magdeburg, Germany, WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz finished the sparring phase of his preparations for his January 14 fight against Henry Weber, the first world title defense of any champion in 2012.

“I’m prepared!” declared Stieglitz. “The fight against Henry Weber is on Saturday next week. For my fifth title defense I had a great number of sparring rounds with, for example, Stjepan Bozic, Christopher Rebrasse and my two stablemates, the light heavyweights Robin Krasniqi and Dennis Simcic. Especially Stjepan Bozic was very useful because he is tough and had a great performance against Henry Weber in their last fight. My trainer Dirk Dzembski found the right motivation program in the last two months after the postponement of the fight against Mikkel Kessler and so eight months without a fight. This year 2012 will be my year. Starting with Weber on January 14th I’m highly motivated to cross my gloves with all the other champs in my division!”

Photos: Eroll Popova

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/stieglitz-ready-for-first-world-title-defense-of-2012-105550

Omar Figueroa (14-0-1), trained by Coachella’s Joel Diaz, overcame a slow start and overwhelmed Michael Perez (15-1-1) before the fight was stopped by the corner after the sixth round for a TKO victory.

Figueroa claimed the vacant WBO intercontinental youth title in the lightweight division.

Perez controlled the fight during the first two rounds, moving on the outside and sticking Figueroa at will.

Midway through the second, Perez slowed down, and Figueroa began to turn it on.

“It was my legs. I didn’t have any legs after the second round. I had no power,” Perez said. “I’m really disappointed. I thought it was even, but I had no power.”

And apparently Perez had no endurance either.

Figueroa, who was two pounds overweight at Thursday’s weigh-in, looked fresher despite having to lose two pounds at the last minute.

After the second, Figueroa controlled each round and finished each round strongly. By the fourth, Figueroa had Perez hurt and on the ropes before the bell.

“I was a little disappointed,” Figueroa said. “I hit him with my best shot, but he didn’t go down. But I was confident. I didn’t think I would lose.”

In the fifth, Perez hurt Figueroa with a body shot, but Figueroa shook it off and finished strong again. In the sixth round, it was more of the same.

After the sixth, Perez’s corner indicated he had enough and the fight was stopped.

http://www.mydesert.com/article/20120107/SPORTS03/201070332/Luis-Ramos-scores-unanimous-decision-over-Raymundo-Beltran-Fantasy-Springs?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|s

Exciting 22 year old Weng “Capt. Barbell” Haya, fresh from a gallant showing against WBO featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido of Mexico last December 17 battles equally tough Jose “The Bomber” Ocampo for the WBO Asia Pacific junior lightweight title at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City on February 4.

Haya who is ranked No. 9 in the Philippines has a record of 15-4 with 8 knockouts while Ocampo who is ranked No. 5 is also 22 years old and sports a record of 14-5-1 with 9 knockouts.

In his fight against Salido who had earlier won the world title with a stunning 8th round TKO over Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez on April 16, 2011 exploded with seconds remaining in the third round and caught Salido with a picture-perfect left hand counter that sent the world champion crashing to the canvas.

With Salido still groggy at the start of round four Haya nailed Salido with a solid left straight to drop the champion for the second time in the scheduled ten round bout but the Mexican was saved by the bell.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani said a low blow by Salido in round six hurt Haya and as the champion began to use his experience and ring smarts Haya appeared to get frustrated. Salido hurt Haya with a punch that sent him reeling against the ropes. The 31 year old champion went after the young and comparatively inexperienced Filipino and dropped him after which the referee stepped in and called a halt at 0:35 seconds of the 8th round although Gello-ani thought .the stoppage was premature.

Ocampo himself is coming off similar unlucky circumstances when he lost by a 5th round technical decision to southpaw Rey Labao on August 6, 2011.

In an action-packed bout Labao was proclaimed the winner after the ring physician instructed vreferee Sammy Bernabe to call a halt because Ocampo was bleeding badly from a cut over his right eye which Bernabe claimed was caused by an accidental head-butt.

However, repeated slo-motion replays by AKTV IBC 13 which telecast the fight showed it was a perfect left straight that opened up the cut.

At the time of the stoppage judges Salven Lagumbay (48-47) and Eppie Almeda (49-46) had Labao ahead while the third judge Romy Yulo had it even at 48-48.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-64847.html

Argentine star Alejandra Marina Oliveras (24-2-2, 10KOs) captured her third championship. She previously held the WBA female lightweight title and the WBC female super bantamweight crown.

She won the vacant WBO female featherweight title with a fifth round stoppage of Jessica Villafranca (13-5, 7KOs) at San Antonio de Areco in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Villafranco took punishment during the contest and the boxer was unable to continue after the fourth round. When the bell rang to start the fifth round, Villafranco sat on her stool and the ref started a count, until ten, and stopped the fight.

Oliveras made boxing Argentine boxing history by becoming the first fighter to win titles in three weight divisions.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48194

Kevin Mitchell will be forced to wait for his highly-anticipated comeback fight, but vowed to win a world title in 2012 after pulling through a nightmare year.

Mitchell was set to take on Stephen Ormond in a WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title bout in February, but the unbeaten Irishman pulled out of the fight, leaving Mitchell to look for a new challenge. Despite the setback, Mitchell says he is ready for whichever boxer decides to take him on after overcoming personal issues in the past 12 months.

“I think they know I’m in good shape and I’ve been back in the gym,” Mitchell told iFilm London. “Word’s probably got out that I’ve not had a drink over Christmas and that I mean the business. That’s probably put the fear factor into [Ormond].

“I’m ready. I’m prepared for anyone and I’ll be prepared for whoever they put out in front of me. It doesn’t matter who it is.

“I’ve been in very good shape so, whoever it is, I’ll deal with it in a great fashion. I knock anybody early, I can knock them out late – I’ve proven that in fights.

“I’ve given up drinking. I’ve given up messing around. I’m serious and I want to do a big job this year and turn into a superstar. It’s what I’ve always dreamed about. This year I’m going to smash it. Watch.”

Promoter Frank Warren has been in discussions with Mitchell about a July fight at Upton Park against Scotland’s WBO interim lightweight champion Ricky Burns as the 28-year-old plans the next step of his comeback.

http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/129395.html

Kevin Mitchell has promised to win a world title this year after a nightmare 2011.

The Dagenham Destroyer returns to action on Friday 10th February to defend his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title at London’s York Hall.

Unbeaten Irishman Stephen Ormond pulled out of the fight and promoter Frank Warren is looking at a new challenger for Mitchell.

The 28-year-old had well documented problems outside of the ring last year despite his sensational eighth round stoppage win over rival John Murray in July.

Mitchell said, “I was on a downward spiral and could have ended up in prison because of my drinking, but I’ve had a good kick up the backside and I realise that I want to become a world champion,”

“I lost it last year even though I had a great win over Murray, but I’m looking forward to returning to the York Hall with my home crowd behind me,”

“I’m not a playboy anymore and from now on I’m serious about winning the world title and making plenty of money to secure my future,”

Warren is aiming to get Kevin a world title shot that could see him in a Battle of Britain with Scottish WBO World Champion, possibly a return to West Ham United’s ground where he lost to Michael Katsidis in 2010.

Also, Warren has spoken to American promoter Bob Arum about a possible fight with WBA title-holder Brandon Rios who beat Murray in December.

“The obvious fight would be Ricky Burns in the summer with West Ham’s ground being an option,” said Warren.

“My relationship with Kevin went off the rails towards the end of last year, but I’m delighted to say that we are back on track and we’re both working towards the world title,”

“This is about Kevin going back to basics, his problems are behind him now and it’s all about moving forward and achieving what I believe he can achieve.”

“I’m really disappointed that Ormond pulled out of the fight for whatever reason, he was training for a fight in December that fell through and we lined him up with Kevin so he would have been ready.”

Mitchell added, “I’d love Ricky Burns at West Ham which would be an absolute dream to return to the stadium again,”

“Although if Rios was offered to me I’d fancy doing a number on him, in fact I reckon I’d knock him out,”

“To me he’s sluggish and one dimensional and if I got him in the ring it would be like a cat playing with a mouse.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48161

WBO interim lightweight champion Ricky Burns was attacked by thugs while he was training at home in Scotland.

Burns, who returns to the ring at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena in March, was out jogging in his hometown of Coatbridge in Lanarkshire when a group of youths began chasing him, hurling abuse and throwing cans and bottles at him.

Burns said he was not prepared to risk losing his boxing license by challenging the thugs, but called the police, who arrived too late to catch the attackers.

“Out jogging tonight and a group decide to shout abuse at you, chuck stuff and chase after you,” Burns wrote on his facebook page. “You phone the police and report it and they just drive by 10 minutes later. It’s a joke. What’s Coatbridge coming to?”

“I am absolutely disgusted, not just at the crowd of hard men that were throwing bottles at my son but at Strathclyde’s ‘finest’ who don’t seem to care,” Burns’ mother Tracey said. “Time to move out to the countryside, methinks.”

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said, “We received a complaint about youths harassing a man on Coatbridge Main Street at around 10.30pm on Monday night. Officers attended but no further action was taken.”

http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/129267.html

Nonito Donaire knows his next fight won’t at all resemble his repulsively dull win over Omar Narvaez.

“The Filipino Flash” is heavily favored to defeat Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., too, but Donaire won’t have to worry about Vazquez keeping away from him and not actually trying to win.

“The last fight, the guy didn’t want to fight me,” Donaire said. “But I know that this fight, there’s not going to be room for any boring moments. Because I know that Vazquez, not only is he a good person, you know, he’s a great guy, but I know that he comes out there to fight. He wants to prove to himself, to Puerto Rico and the world that he belongs [on] this level of elite fighters.”

Vazquez lost the WBO super bantamweight title to an aged Jorge Arce on May 7 in Las Vegas, but Donaire (27-1, 18 KOs) anticipates facing an improved Vazquez next month in their HBO co-feature.

“From what I saw in the Arce fight, he did a great job,” Donaire said. “But I know that a fighter of his caliber, with the blood that flows in him from his father, he just gets better. And I know that I’m going to fight the best Vazquez Jr. come Feb. 4.

“So I’m going to train to the best of my ability. And this is what makes boxing great, when you have two guys who respect each other, but we go out there to tear each other’s heads off.”

Mexico’s Arce (59-6-2, 45 KOs) and Vazquez (21-1-1, 18 KOs) were even on two scorecards heading into the 12th round of their bout, but Arce hurt him with an array of power punches against the ropes that caused Vazquez’s father/trainer to throw in the towel with 2:05 left in the fight. The 27-year-old Vazquez, who didn’t participate in a single amateur fight before making his pro debut five years ago, thinks his inexperience hurt him against Arce, who has had 67 fights in a 16-year pro career.

“I know everybody is thinking about the Arce fight,” Vazquez said. “I mean, I didn’t have any amateur experience and I got a lot of experience from that fight. I’m learning every day and I’m ready to win the world title.”

By Keith Idec

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48129

WBO junior welterweight champion Tim Bradley has received heavy criticism from Amir Khan since their July 2011 fight fell through.  After Bradley defeated Devon Alexander and Khan beat Marcos Maidana the two fighters where supposed to face each other in a fight for junior welterweight supremacy.  The fight never materialized as Bradley opted to sit out his promotional contract so that he could sign with Top Rank.

Last month Khan was upset by heavy underdog Lamont Peterson in Washington, DC. While on The Boxing Lab, BoxingScene.com’s official audio show, Bradley said that despite Khan’s loss, he still wanted to meet the British star in the center of the squared circle.

“I still want Khan. Don’t get it twisted,” stated Bradley.  “Like I said before payback is a bitch. I still want to bust that dude up and hit him in the mouth. He talked sh*t and he is definitely a guy that I want to leave cuts on his face.”

Bradley said that he feels that 2012 will be his best year yet.  He thinks that the new year will bring a changing of the guard and boxing’s young guns will take over.

“When I had my toast on New Year’s eve I said that 2012 is the year of Bradley. Its time for the new faces of boxing to take over. Guys like me, Andre Ward and other young guys will be taking over.  If you bet on Bradley you always get paid,”  Bradley said in closing.

By Ryan Burton

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48121

WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39KOs) has once again discussed his interest in facing WBO 140-pound champion Timothy Bradley (28-0, 12KOs). Marquez, who turns 39-years-old in August, is looking to retire by the end of 2012 and wants the best fights possible. The top priority is a fourth fight with WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, who won a twelve round majority decision over Marquez on November 16th.

If Pacquiao is unavailable, Marquez wants Bradley. He considers Bradley’s style as being more diffcult to overcome in comparison to Pacquiao, who the Mexican champion faced for 36 rounds.

“If it won’t be Pacquiao, then I want it to be Bradley. Erik Morales is a good fighter [at 140] but we want the best possible options there are.Bradley is the better option. He holds the best ranking [at 140] and he has a style that is more difficult than Pacquiao,” Marquez said.

By Miguel Rivera

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48084

WBO World Light-Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly will make his homecoming title defence against American Tommy Karpency on Saturday 25th February.

The unbeaten Welshman has his first fight in Wales for over four years when he takes on Karpency at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).

Cleverly recorded the best win of his career when he beat rival Tony Bellew last October in a thrilling, all-action, fight that saw the 24-year-old win on points.

An offer went to WBA title-holder Beibut Shumenov to face Cleverly, but he said he would not be ready in time – although it could happen later this year.

WBC Champion Bernard Hopkins was also sent an offer, but Hopkins has a forthcoming rematch with Chad Dawson.

WBA number 11 ranked Karpency, 25, has a good record of 21 wins from 24 fights and 14 knockouts and last year took Karo Murat – who Cleverly beat in September 2010 – the full twelve rounds.

“This is my first fight in Cardiff for a long time and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show for my fans’ against Karpency,” said Cleverly.

“My return has created a big interest in Wales and it’s going to be a fantastic welcome home on 25th February at the Motorpoint Arena,”

“I’ve trained over Christmas and I’m in great shape already and we’re still over seven weeks’ away from the fight so I’ll be spot on come fight night,”

“Karpency looks like a tough fighter and he took Murat the distance last year and Murat gave me a hard fight,”

“I’ve got big plans for this year that I hope will include a unification fight so I’ve got to keep busy and beat Karpency in style.”

Tickets for Cleverly v Karpency from £40 are available from the Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 02920 224 488

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48090

According to WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido (37-11-2, 25KOs), his proposed rematch with Juan Manuel Lopez (31-1, 28KOs) will probably take place on March 10th in Puerto Rico. Salido had one of the biggest upset wins in 2011, when he stopped Lopez in eight rounds to capture the WBO crown. He followed up his victory with two stoppage wins, Kenichi Yamaguchi in July and Weng Haya in December. Lopez returned from the loss to stop Mike Oliver in two rounds.

By Miguel Rivera

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Undefeated WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (19-0, 15KOs) is ready to face WBA king Felix Sturm (36-2-2, 15KOs) in any location – even in Sturm’s home of Germany. Pirog has been mentioned as possible opponent for Sturm on April 13th. Pirog is holding out hope that Sturm follows through with a possible fight, but he’s not sure if anything is going to actually happen with the ongoing rumors.

“Finally, [Sturm] has already started talking about a fight with me, although in the past he’s been silent on this subject. So, there is the possibility to organize a fight between us, although he had previously tried to ignore me. I hope this fight doesn’t just stay at the level of conversation, because I’m ready to act – even in Germany,” Pirog said. “If Sturm decides to fight me, I’m ready to sign the contract tomorrow. It’s important for me to have this fight happen.”

By Ruslan Chikov & Alexander Pavlov

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WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner (22-0, 18KOs) is hoping to have a very active 2012. The unbeaten champion returns on February 25th and defends his belt against fellow unbeaten Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7 KOs), in St. Louis. The fight will be televised on HBO as a co-feature to a welterweight clash between Devon Alexander and Marcos Maidana. Broner wants to fight at least four times in the new year.

Andrew Williams, a co-promoter of Broner along with Golden Boy Promotions, told Cincinnati News that his Broner’s next fight after St. Louis will be back in Cincinnati in May.

“We’re looking to fight four times in ’12 – two on the road, two here,” Williams said. “HBO was very impressed with how we did here. It’s good that he’s staying active – he’s the kind of kid who needs to be in the ring. He loves to box. He’s a gym rat.”

By Edward Chaykovsky

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48012

Adrien Broner (22-0, 18 knockouts) is wasting no time getting back into the ring, now that he holds the World Boxing Organization belt at 130 pounds. He’s defending his junior lightweight title Feb. 25 against Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7 knockouts), in St. Louis as the co-feature event with his close friend, Devon Alexander.

“It helps both of them,” said Broner’s father, Thomas. “And it’s on HBO again, so it’s in both their interest to fill the place up, and I think they will.”

Andrew Williams, a co-promoter of Broner along with Golden Boy Productions, said Broner’s next fight after St. Louis will be back in Cincinnati in May.

“We’re looking to fight four times in ’12 – two on the road, two here,” Williams said. “HBO was very impressed with how we did here” Nov. 26, when Broner won the vacated WBO title by knocking out Argentinian Martin Vicente Rodriguez in the third round at U.S. Bank Arena.

Williams said he expects Broner to have an especially big fight at the end of 2012, and that it will be in Cincinnati.

“It’s good that he’s staying active – he’s the kind of kid who needs to be in the ring. He loves to box. He’s a gym rat.”

And, apparently, Broner’s beginning to make a name for himself nationally.

Wrote ESPN.com senior boxing writer Dan Rafael recently:

“Broner has quickly polarized boxing fans … Some love his flashy, brash style …. Others despise it.”

http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20111231/SPT/312310091/Broner-defend-title-St-Louis?odyssey=nav|head

World Boxing Organization lightweight super champion Juan Manuel Marquez has joined WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel in the “Kids Drug Free” program of the WBO and made a donation to the children of Hogares Providencia of Father Chinchachoma in Coyoacan, Mexico City..

Valcarcel said “We are very happy to be in Mexico with our great Super Champion helping the future of this country.” The WBO president said “We have been helping the children with our WBO “Kids Drug Free” program in over 25 countries.

Hogares Providencia of Father Chinchachoma is a non-profit organization which helps homeless children by giving them a place to live and providing them with an education so they could become better citizens.

Marquez and Valcarcel others who attended the ceremony were Luis Perez (WBO Ratings Chairman), Rafael Lopez Santos (WBO Representative Mexico), Albert Rodriguez (WBO Executive Committee),Felix “Tuto” Zabala, Jr (Promoter) and . Moises Fuentes (WBO Minimumweight Champion),

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-64583.html

Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39KOs), the lightweight world champion of the WBA and the WBO, is going to explore his options for 2012. The Mexican star is looking to have a fourth fight with Manny Pacquiao, the WBO’s welterweight champion. If no deal is made for Pacquiao, Marquez is willing to chase a world championship at 140-pounds, but he’s not interested in an all-Mexican showdown with Erik Morales. He would rather fight undefeated WBO king Timothy Bradley (28-0, 12KOs).

“My plans are not to retire, and I am focused on the fourth fight against Manny Pacquiao. So far I do not know if it will happen in May or all the way in November. If [the fight] is not made ​​soon, then I look for another great opportunity, like Timothy Bradley, the WBO’s junior welterweight champion,” Marquez said. “[Morales] is a great fighter, very good, but there are other opponents who are bigger, like Bradley. I want to face the best, and that’s what I remember Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns doing.”

As previously reported, Marquez refuses to fight Pacquiao in Las Vegas. He would fight the Filipino champion in Mexico or a neutral location like Texas.

“With Pacquiao I said I would fight him, but outside of Las Vegas, where I was robbed [in more than one fight] against him. I doubt he would agreed to come to Mexico, or Azteca Stadium in Mexico. We could fight in Texas. I am able to fill the Azteca, but with prices according to the economy. I still hope to fight for one or two more years. At my age I can not think about continuing to fight for too many years. Boxing is dangerous, and no matter how much money you can win, you won’t be able to buy another brain. ”

By Ernesto Castellanos, notifight.com

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WBO Ranking as of December 2011

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