King Khan Wants Winner of Ortiz/Mayweather

Amir Khan could add the IBF Light Welterweight title to his WBA with a win over Zab Judah July 23^rd and plans for the future are already being put in place. King Khan has stated that he wants to be more active in 2012 and plans to fight again this year but who against?. In a BBC Sport interview Khan said “I’m hoping to get Zab Judah out of the way and look good against him, I’d like to fight the winner of Ortiz Mayweather”.

Amir Khan much like the rest of the world does not give much of a chance for Ortiz to come out of the fight victorious so he may as well have just said I want to fight Mayweather. It is Not likely Maywether and Khan will get it on this year as the May weather v Ortiz fight is not until September so this will open the door again for WBC/WBO champion Tim Bradley.

Even with the Judah fight just around the corner Khan still talks about Bradley and the way he ducked out of the fight. Bradley said Khan would be a step down but I think there’s a lot more to it. There is a list of fighters that want to get in the ring with Khan including Marcos Maidana, Paul McCloskey, my Uncle Tom and Robert Guerrero so Khan should not have a problem in finding an opponent for the end of the year.
If Khan v Mayweather was likely to happen it is most likely to be the back end of 2012. There is still the small matter of P4P number one Pac-Man. Everybody wants this fight to happen apart from Mayweather and with Bradley doing the best he can to stay away from Khan you’d think “Ok Khan v Mayweather, Simples” but in reality we are talking about possibly the two most greedy fighters in world boxing and the split of the TV money will surely be a factor and the fighter’s purse.

There is every chance Khan v Mayweather won’t happen for said reasons but let’s pretend it does happen. Of course you could put Amir Khan in a fight with a one armed, blind folded 10 year old kid and the press would still not fancy Khan to win. The media is all over the case even if they just hear a whisper of King Khan’s name and yes of course they are out in force already rubbishing Khan’s style and chances of ever winning a fight.

One reporter has said it would be a case who gets beat up more Khan/Ortiz?, Adding, and this is my favourite bit “Mayweather will be hitting Khan at will and Khan would be staggering arounf like a drunk”. where as Khan being the man he is said “Mayweather style is very perfect, he’s smart and will break Ortix down” see, respect for a fellow fighter. I am not writing to blow bubbles up Khan’s backside but to say he has a better chance of beating Mayweather than Hatton ever did.

Can Khan beat Mayweather? Probably not at this stage in his career but give him a Catch weight to see how he fairs. It will certainly be tough for Khan if he was to fight mayweather but to all ready say that Mayweather will knock him out is a little premature. I would like to see Robert Guerrero v Amir Khan at the end of the year. I don’t believe he should fight Maidana or McCloskey again yet. Guerrero and Maidana get it on 27^th August with the winner said to be inline for a shot at Khan’s WBA title which by this time will then be Khan’s WBA/IBF titles.Khan/Mayweather fans please feel free to have your say and leave a comment below.
　

If The Glove Fits!!!!

Boxing 101, Move your head, a lesson that proved to be missing from Raphael Butler's preparation's prior to this skull crushing finale in Liverpool. Why write about this now? this was months ago, yes it was a while back and Tom Dallas has also felt the right hand of David Price but there's two men out there that may well be heading for the famous right hand.

Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora slug it out July 23rd on Channel 5 for the British and Commonwealth titles with David Price only one fight away from taking on the winner. So this is a small reminder of what is yet to come. The punch heard around the world, Some did say maybe it was a fluke against the American slugger but to do it again to a 6ft 6" Tom Dallas was something else. Could 6ft 9" Tyson Fury suffer the same fate?

Of course let's not get carried away, John McDermott is up next for 'Pricey' and should prove a tough test according to the Boxing experts, well Johnny Nelson, Anyway, I still think David Price will be too much for John McDermott and I agree with Prices' claims that he will not be tested until he is at world level.

So if you haven't already check out this video, it won't take long. Also look up the David Price Fan-Page on Facebook join in the fun.

Guerrero v Maidana Date Set

27^th August, Remember that date, put it in the diary, take a holiday from work or call in sick, this one is surely going to rock the foundations of world boxing to its very core. Robert Guerrero and Marcos Maidana are to get it on at the HP Pavilion San Jose California on August 27^th. HBO host the show that is already being talked about for a possible fight of the year and personally I think this is right up there with the likes of Haye v Klitschko.

Two time world champion (29-1-1 (18KO) Robert Guerrero gets his fight after some time on the sidelines waiting to get in on the action. The fight will take place at Light Welterweight as Guerrero steps up due to the lack of availability of big fights that he graves at Lightweight.

Marcos Maidana will be out to rectify his unconvincing performance last time out claiming a narrow victory of retirement bound Erik Morales. I had scored that fight as a draw and thought Maidana was lucky to get the win and his commitment to his preparations prior to the Morales fight were most certainly questionable. Maidana was not the same fighter that tested WBA champion Amir Khan in their 12 round fight of the year.
Marcos Maidana can not afford to make the same mistakes in the run up to Robert Guerrero, The Ghost is the sort of fighter that will punish you if you are not on the top of your game and make you look silly. Worthy of a world title fight the future is looking good for both fighters. The winner is likely to be the next opponent of whoever comes out on top when Amir Khan takes on Zab Judah July 23^rd.

However I feel win or lose the odds may slightly be in favour of Guerrero, Maidana wants a rematch with Khan but King Khan is looking more in the direction of Tim Bradley, and this is where it gets really confusing. Maidana wants Khan but Khan’s not interested, Khan wants Bradley but Bradley’s not interested. Maidana could very get a shot at Bradley with Tim Bradley over keen to stay away from Amir Khan and call him names from half the world away. Maidana may have other ideas as a fight with Paul McCloskey seemed to be on the cards as the two fighters swapped contacts in each camp and are still in contact with each other almost everyday which could leave Khan’s door open to Guerrero and boy wouldn’t that fight be sweet?.

Ultimately Maidana and Paul McCloskey have the same goal, Knock Amir Khan off his perch but they better move quickly as Freddie Roach plans to move Amir Khan up to welterweight as soon as he’s unified the Light Welterweight division. Amir Khan also has Floyd Mayweather in his sights, Amir Khan will be fighting well into his 60s if he was to fight everybody that wanted a piece of him which puts the ball firmly in Amir’s court.

Robert Guerrero v Marcos Maidana, tough fight to call, I think we might need a best out of 3 to get any closer to knowing who is the best. if either fighter is not 100% it will be the toughest night of thier life. My gut feeling is another speed bump in Maidana's road to glory but he can't afford to lose this one. Still feel Guerrero will be too good on the night.

Into the Lions Den

Take a look inside one of the most famous Boxing gyms in the world. Gallagher's gym Mancheter where records are meant to be broken.

Courtesy of Ringside Sky Sports

New Deals for Hitman Trio

Following a breath taking night of boxing courtesy of Hatton Promotions the hard hitting trio have struck up a new deal and contract extension. Newly crowned British Middleweight champion Martin Murray, ’Genius’ Joe Murray and Anthony Crolla all signed their immediate future to the Hitman.

Ricky Hatton has said “I’m delighted and honoured that the lads have put their future in my hands and I intend to repay them by steering them to world title”. This is great news for all involved with Hatton Promotions and if Saturday night was anything to go by then the boxing universe is certainly in for a treat.

I had fears for Hatton Promotions and his pulling power to attract the biggest names in the middleweight division with the likes of Darren Barker and Matthew Maklin set for world title fights but it’s news like this that will give Hatton the shot in the arm they need. News of new contracts will only prompt challengers to test their grit against the Hatton trio and other Hatton fighters.

Joe Murray put in an astounding 12 rounds and Anthony Crolla never broke a sweat against Harve De Luca on Saturday night topped off with a truly professional show from Martin Murray and all three fighters are said to return to action come September/October. Martin Murray still hoping for a European shot at domestic rival Darren Baker who is all but set to fight Middleweight king Sergio Martinez October 1^st so that is not going to happen any time soon. Matthew Maklin fights WBA Middleweight champion Felix Sturm next week so he could b a possible target for Murray whom also has set out on Maklin’s sparring partner and stable mate Paul Smith.

Either of these fights will suit Martin Murray down to the ground and mutual respect between Hatton and Frank Warren their should not be any problems in getting the Paul Smith fight signed.

Master Class from A ‘Genius’

Out of the grade A pack of Joe Gallagher, Genius Joe Murray comes up trumps against Journeyman James Ancliffe of Scotland. In what was one of the most enjoyable one sided 12 round fights you are likely to witness Joe Murray showed his skill and endurance in abundance against an opponent that just kept going and going. Now with an 11-0 record under his name Genius Joe can look forward to a bright future and I would suggest world honours are a formality.

Joe looked sharp and dangerous from the first bell much as you would expect from anyone fighting out of Gallagher’s gym but this kid makes it look so easy and may have been just as dominant had the fight gone 15 rounds. Tight defence and good head movement made Joe untouchable early on and it looked like this one was going to be over quickly.

James Ancliffe much to his credit can add to his CV that he was the first to take Genius Joe the distance. Ancliffe made a real account of himself and made Murray fight for the victory and fight he did. It was clear in the early goings of the fight Joe Murray’s preparations were perfect with a good snap behind the jab followed by the straight right. Slipping oncoming jabs and striking eye catching counters.

After a great 1^st round Joe Murray continued to show his class and displayed lightning hand speed connecting with three left hooks while Ancliffe was still feeling the first. Murray kept his work tight and economical not wasting much at all leaving Ancliffe gasping for air at the end of the 2^nd round.

Joe Gallagher at this point wanted an early night telling Joe to finish it in the 3^rd. On any other night he may have ended it there and then if it was not for James Ancliffe in the other corner. Ancliffe came out for the 4^th round and starts to get through Murray’s defence in a take one to give type style but Murray’s boxing brain took over and put him back on top, going in when he needs to and out to relinquish any threat from the Scotsman. The 4^th round was a more productive round for Ancliffe but still not enough to win it.

It was much of the same throughout the fight Murray landing big shots and combinations up and downstairs with Ancliffe taking them and coming back for more. Valuable 12 rounds for Joe who had previously never been past 6 but handled it well and looked as strong at the end as he did when he started.
There is not a great deal else to say about ’Genius’ Joe apart from well done and good luck for the future but with the boxing pedigree that surround him day by day in the Gym I believe Joe Murray has the world at his feet mush in the same way as big brother John. Just how many world titles can Gallagher’s gym hold? time will only tell but my advice is make sure you got some size trophy cabinet and save up them pennies, it’s going to cost a fortune in exceeding luggage.
　
Another Gallagher contender continued his winning ways in the shape of Anthony Crolla. Three body shots and an early shower were order of the day against Hervee De Luca of Belgium. De Luca first got acquainted with the canvas after only 36 seconds, I had to rewind it as I was making a cuppa. A devastating body blow and down he went. De Luca bravely got himself back together to beat the count on to a barrage of missiles from Crolla and a right hook seen De Luca don again, “It’s over” I thought but once again proving me wrong De Luca got up and tried to reset himself. However he failed to withstand the punishment from Crolla whom with 14 seconds before end of the first round landed that trusty left hook, the fight was over and my coffee was still hot, which was nice.

Joe Gallagher after the fight said “Crolla is the most improved fighter in Britain over the last year, he is the European champion without the belt”. Joe also expressed his desire for a shot at Ricky Hatton’s Gavin Rees in which Hatton replied “Absolutely, let’s make the fight”. The Crolla v Gavin Rees fight would be perfect for both fighters added The Hitman. Boxing diaries at the ready for this one.

End Of The Rhodes?

End of The Rhodes?

I’m sure the great British public were all willing on Sheffield’s Ryan Rhodes(45(31)5-0) last night, we all love an underdog, but unfortunately our English warrior fell short in his second shot at a world title against Mexican wonderkid Saul ‘El Canelo’ Alvarez(37(27)-0-1).
Rhodes fought a brave fight, battling right through until the twelve round when the referee and his corner decided he had took enough punishment for one night. A lot was made before the fight about the weaknesses Alvarez possessed, but last night you would have to incredibly critical it was difficult to spot any last night.

Silver Dukes ‘Boxer Of The Week’ showed once more why he is Oscar De La Hoya’s and the Mexican nation’s most prized asset. Showing every attribute that trainers dreams are made of and at only 20 years old and already 38 pro fights behind the world is quite literally at the fists of this incredible young talent

As for Rhodes, well, where does he go from here? His loss didn’t come as a surprise and losing to such a credibly opponent wouldn’t of done his reputation to much damage. At 34 Rhodes claimed before to be in the best shape of his career and was previously unbeaten at Light-Middleweight, but you do wonder if this was his last chance to be a World Champion.

He certainly seemed to have some fight in him yet but it’s rare a fighter goes on much longer after they turn 35, not unheard of, but rare. I’m sure Ricky Hatton has something in mind and Ryan Rhodes will be considering all options available. I, for one, will keeping a close eye on future developments on both these fighters.

Martin Murray Plans European Title after Win

Still undefeated and now 23-0 Martin Murray believes he is ready to take on the next Challenge after attaining the British Middleweight title last night in Wigan. Adding the British title to his Commonwealth and Inter-Continental straps after Nick Blackwell failed to return from his stool before the 6^th round Murray has his eyes firmly set on Darren Barker’s European title.

Starting off a good night for Hatton Promotions which seen three out of four winners for the Hitman, Murray looked good against borderline novice Blackwell having only 8 pro fights to his name previous to last night. Martin Murray took control of the fight early on much as expected working behind the jab and claiming the centre of the ring.

Blackwell determined to spoil the party found his feet in the 2^nd round after an early onslaught and found some success. Murray’s defence was tight and many of Blackwell’s punches failed to get past the gloves, True to his word Nick Blackwell stood toe to toe with Murray until Murray started getting to the body of Blackwell which caused him some discomfort. Murray’s best blow early on was upstairs, a right uppercut in the 2^nd round that found the target and a nose bleed for Blackwell the result.

Seemingly undeterred Blackwell exchanged blow for blow with Murray in the 3^rd with Blackwell coming off 2^nd best, unable to possess the power to really worry Murray. A good right hand from Blackwell momentarily had Murray against the ropes only for Murray to counter with a telling left hook.

In credit to Blackwell, he had his chin tested by Murray in the 4^th round and walked through it. The snap behind Blackwell’s Punches diminishing in the middle rounds and his left hand hanging low opened up the shop for Murray who started to really put the pressure on. Blackwell now with blood on his trunks and heavy breathing it looked like it was only a matter of time before this one was over and a good time to ring your taxi.

The referee checked in on Blackwell’s corner after showing affects from numerous body shots at the hands of Murray. Blackwell was deemed fit to continue and came out for the 5^th round on his tip toes and looked refreshed, This however was short lived. Murray could smell a wounded animal and wore down Blackwell with stinging jabs, playing the patience game knowing this is my time. Blackwell defiantly trying to land anything that could possibly turn things around, throwing a wild left hook, but by the time the punch was thrown Murray was six feet away and felt nothing but the breeze from Blackwell’s almighty swipe.

Blackwell absorbed more body shots and looked uncomfortable when he went back to his corner at the end of the 5^th and was never to return when his corner waved off the fight and Blackwell retired on his stool.
I would like to say this was a great win for Martin Murray and surely this performance will grab the attention of Eddie Hearn and Darren Barker but I’m afraid as much as Murray had things very much his own way and without many faults throughout Murray could have done more.

Murray showed he has skills and technical ability but was Nick Blackwell at British title level with only 8 fights under his belt?. Yes Stuart Hall amongst others have been given British title shots with the same record I just feel if Martin Murray is serious about moving on to the European then world titles I think he can do a little better than Nick Blackwell. All due respect to nick I think he will bounce back and become British champion just thought maybe it was a little premature.

I would like to see Martin Murray have two more fights Before thinking about Darren Barker or Matthew Maklin, He is certainly capable but sometimes it is best to make sure you are at the top of your game and if Murray was to have to more fights there’s a good chance when he gets around to Barker or Maklin he could be fighting for a world title or a vacant European title then beat his domestic rivals on a bigger stage, bring in a bigger pay day and more fans to pack out a big arena or stadium.
The Future is bright for Martin Murray and if Hatton can keep hold him big things await.

Share The Ghost Story

Courtesy of Team Guerrero and Mario Serrano (Publicist) To the Boxing Community, In complete respect for your opinions and understanding that it must be very hard to comb through and observe all of the boxer's careers throughout the world, in all the different weight classes, I ask you to please review the stats below and give consideration to Robert Guerrero as a candidate for the Pound for Pound rankings. Robert Guerrero... · Has won world titles in multiple divisions: o Featherweight (2) o Jr. Lightweight o Lightweight § Undefeated in 6 world title fights winning 4 by KO · Welterweight: If the Maidana fight gets made and he is successful in beating him with the title on the line, he'll have become a 6-time world champion in 4 different weight classes. · Is willing to fight all comers and the best in or around his division, never turning down a fight. · Has boxed, fought inside and can be a counter puncher to win a bout. · Started fighting ten round bouts in his tenth pro fight. o In 13th pro fight beat former world champion Enrique Sanchez (30-2) who's only losses were to world champions Marco Antonio Barrera and Nestor Garza · Went overseas to capture a world title: o Stopped Spend Abazi (35-1) via 9th round TKO in his native country (Denmark). · Successfully fought and won in 5 weight classes (122, 126, 130, 135, and 139). · Won 90% + rounds in championship fights. · Undefeated since 2006 riding a 13-fight winning streak, avenging his only loss by knocking out Gamaliel Diaz in rematch (6th round KO): o Only the great's rematch and KO their nemesis. · Fought 7 current or former world champions. · With wife's illness, still continued to win at the top ten level: o Named Fighters beaten during adversity...(Martin Honorio (KO), Jason Litzau (KO), 2-time world champion Malcolm Klassen, Olympic Gold metal winner and 3-time world champion Joel Casamayor, Olympian Vicente Escobedo, 2-time world champion Michael Katsidis). I greatly appreciate your time and consideration of Robert Guerrero for the Pound for Pound list as I also greatly appreciate the great support you've all shown him in the past. Thank You very much for this consideration. Best, Mario Serrano Publicist ~ Team Guerrero   Many thanks to Mario for send this to us, it's nice to share the views of others concerning a boxing great, Robert Guerrero was the basis of and the first to go into out Boxer of the week page. A great boxer, a great champion and a great man.