Canelo Alvarez Opens Training Camp
WBC Middleweight champ Canelo Alvarez has officially kicked off training camp to prepare for his kinda freakish yet intriguing May 7th clash with Amir Khan. FightHub TV cameras caught the Mexican star beasting on the mitts and generally looking dangerous for Britain’s Khan.
Timothy Bradley Expecting Same Old Pacquiao
Timothy Bradley, who will be meeting with Manny Pacquiao for the third time on April 9th, expects to see few new tricks coming from his old rival. That’s probably a given, sure, since Pacquiao is now 37 and about to bow out from the sport, likely for good.
“I’m sure his right hook will be better,” Bradley told World Boxing News, referring to a past shoulder injury exacerbated during Pacquiao’s encounter with Floyd Mayweather. “But Manny Pacquiao pretty much does the same thing.”
“He’s going to come forward and be the same Pacquiao we are always used to seeing, being explosive with speed and looking to take guys out. He’s going to be the same dangerous Pacquiao we have always seen.”
Bradley also gave his take on Pacquiao’s one-sided loss to Mayweather back in 2015.
“Pacquiao fought to the best of his ability. Mayweather is known for taking the air out of the ball – that’s the reason why he is the best in the world. He doesn’t let you do what you want to do and he’s able to do what he wants to do.”
That’s a pretty accurate summary, and, shoulder injury or not, Pacquiao was pretty much destined to face defeat in that fight. Of course, things may have been a little different if the ‘Fight of the Century’ had happened five or so years ago. Well, there’s something you already knew, folks. You’re welcome. Moving on…
Jermall Charlo vs Austin Trout in Advanced Talks
Top 154-pounders Jermall Charlo and Austin Trout could be about to meet in the ring as early as May, Charlo’s trainer Ronnie Shields has confirmed. WBA champ Erislandy Lara, another 154 fighter trained by Shields, is also in talks to rematch old foe Vanes Martirosyan. Fight venues for both encounters are currently being optioned.
If Charlo vs Trout and Lara vs Martirosyan II come to fruition, they would seriously shake up the current Junior Middleweight Top 10 standings. In other words, they’re pretty darn significant fights that need to happen.
“I love the fight,” Shields said. “Trout is a former champion and he’s fought some of the best and if you can beat Trout than you also prove that you’re one of the best. When you’re a champion you can’t exactly pick and choose who you fight. You want to prove you can beat any style and Jermall wants to match his skills with the best out there and Trout is a guy that if you beat you’re making a big statement.”
Yuriorkis Gamboa Signs With Start-Up Promoter
After 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions banner went pear-shaped, Lightweight contender Yuriorkis Gamboa was left without a banner to perform under. The former champ, who has suffered defeat only to ‘special one’ Terence Crawford, has now become the first fighter to sign with Barcelona-based BB Promotions. Nicholas Walters and Javier Fortuna are reportedly in Gamboa’s sights for the near future.
“I want to thank BB Promotions for making this new stage possible, in which I am sure that some important fights will be coming my way. I feel like a real part of this excellent team, it was such an experience to visit Barcelona, where I hope to base my future trainings … I want to extend my thanks to all my fans for their support and let them know to keep an eye on our website for upcoming important news.”
Gamboa vs any Top 10 Lightweight in 2016 would be received well without doubt. Myself included.
Roman Gonzalez Isolates Himself for Arroyo
Roman Gonzalez, Boxing Base’s numero uno Pounder for Pounder, isn’t about to become complacent as he sits atop of the world. Gonzalez will be chasing his 45th straight victory and 11th consecutive knockout when he faces McWilliams Arroyo on April 23rd, and to remove all distraction he has removed himself from his native Nicaragua to begin fight preparations in Costa Rica.
“Moving camp to Costa Rica at this time makes sense,” Gonzalez’s translator told ESPN. “The sparring there is better, and the location allows me to completely focus on the fight without any distractions. The distinction of being the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter is a great honor. I hope to continue to please the fans and media with my performances.”
Arroyo lost a controversial Split Decision to Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and stopped Victor Ruiz in 3 last April. Gonzalez is coming in off a near faultless performance against Brian Viloria last October which saw a spirited yet ultimately overmatched Viloria fall in 9.
Marco Huck Nemesis Ola Afolabi Retires
The durable Cruiserweight, who will be remembered as Marco Huck’s greatest adversary, compiled a record of 22 wins, 11 knockouts, 5 defeats and 4 draws. Afolabi, 36, one of Britain’s best nearly men, never quite realised his world title dreams, but came awfully close against Huck, losing razor-thin decisions in their first three clashes before being stopped by Huck in February.
Boxing Base thanks Afolabi for the memories, and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.
Best of the Rest Boxing Headlines
Glen Tapia Heads to Middleweight to Face David Lemieux
The former 154-pounder’s manager Pat Lynch has confirmed that his fighter is moving up in weight to face David Lemieux. The fight itself, which would feature on the undercard of Canelo vs Khan on May 7th, is close to being made.
Roy Jones Jr vs Fan Given Green Light for Tonight
We definitely didn’t save the best till last (sorry, Roy). Remember that ‘Roy Jones Jr is fighting a fan’ business? Well, it’s happening tonight and the guy’s name is Vyron Phillips. Except that…well, the fan in question is an actual fighter, albeit limited and of the MMA variety. Which is weird. Anyway, the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission has licensed the scrap to take place, which could see Phillips win $100,000 if he beats Jones.
What’s your take on today’s top boxing stories? Are you excited to see Canelo Alvarez in training ahead of his meeting with Amir Khan? How do you view Austin Trout’s chances against Jermall Charlo (assuming the scrap materializes)? And how will Britain’s unsung hero Ola Afolabi be remembered?
