Manuel Charr Forgives Would-Be Assassin
Would you forgive someone who tried to take your life with several bullets? That’s exactly what Heavyweight contender Manuel Charr did, and actually his reasons for doing so are most admirable. Youssef H., the man who recently confessed to shooting Charr three times in the stomach last September, has now been sentenced to five years in prison. It’s been claimed the attack was motivated by Charr’s Syrian nationality.
Youssef, who once trained with Charr, apologized and offered $15,000 euros through his attorney as compensation for Charr’s trauma, injuries and emergency surgery. Charr accepted the apology, but refused to take the money, explaining:
“I don’t want the family to be in debt for this kid’s mistake. I have faith in God who forgives us of our sins. What kind of a man would I be not to forgive this boy? I always stood up for peace in my home country Syria and all over the world. I need peace and love for my country Syria, this is my prayer and why I began my decision for peace and forgive[ness].”
Upon hearing of Charr’s calm resolution, the WBC has appointed the former world title challenger their WBC Peace Ambassador. Boxing Base wishes Charr a speedy recovery and successful return back the ring.
Takashi Uchiyama vs Jezreel Corrales in April
Were you looking forward to the rather tasty clash of unbeatens in Takashi Uchiyama vs Javier Fortuna on April 27th? Well you can’t have it. Apparently both world champions have reached an impasse on the final stretch of negotiations and Panama’s Jezreel Corrales will now step in as Fortuna’s replacement. Which is disappointing.
Corrales is the WBA’s ‘Interim’ champ, granted, but even still, the Uchiyama vs Fortuna matchup was just that much sweeter sounding. Mainly because it’s a better fight on paper and is arguably more meaningful for the Junior Lightweight division. But hey, it is what it is. Corrales, 24, is on a 17-fight winning streak if you don’t count the No Contest blemish from 2013 (Corrales tested positive for Marijuana post-fight).
It’s unlikely that Corrales will be the first man to upset Uchiyama, who looks pretty unstoppable right now, but we’ll soon see. Uchiyama will bring 24 wins, no defeats, 1 draw, 20 knockouts to the ring, and Corrales 19 wins, 1 defeat, 7 knockouts.
Adrien Broner in Walmart Shenanigans
Adrien Broner – are you sure you’re ready for this? – has posted a video on Instagram of himself throwing loose change on the floor in a Walmart shopping mall. Apparently because Broner’s so rich that he doesn’t need to hold onto change after purchasing goods. Hey, it’s news and I’m obliged to report on anything to do with boxing. Even this, apparently.
Floyd Mayweather has responded, concluding to FightHype that Broner “has a lot to learn”, which kind of sums up this whole story. As for the loose change left behind, customers and Walmart staff are currently debating whether it’s a ‘finders keepers’, ‘charity box’ or ‘back into the till’ situation. That’s a joke, but probably a conundrum of sorts. (Man, I’m bored.)
Best of the Rest Boxing Headlines
Kovalev to Keep an Eye on Ward
Sergey Kovalev, who is supposedly involved in an HBO deal to fight Andre Ward in the closing months of this year, will be attending Ward’s weekend bout against Sullivan Barrera. Ward vs Barrera isn’t the Light Heavyweight fight we’ve all been crying out for (do I need to tell you that?), but at least Ward and Kovalev will be in the same arena. For now, that’s about as close as the best fighters at 175 pounds are going to be to each other. Yay.
Bernard Hopkins Ready for Final Hurrah
Bernard Hopkins says he’s optioning some potential opponents for a June matchup, but will be hanging up his gloves for good when 2016 is through. “This year I’m done,” Hopkins told FightHype. “Whether details [for a June fight] get together or not, I’m done. I’m completely content.” And what a career it’s been, B-Hop.
What’s your take on the peaceful resolution of Manuel Charr, Takashi Uchiyama’s upcoming clash with Jezreel Corrales, Adrien Broner’s, er…unusual checkout, plus the rest of today’s boxing news.
