By: William Holmes
The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of May 26th to June 2nd, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
Amir Khan Says Floyd Mayweather Fight Could be Announced in Less than Two Weeks
The guardian has reported that Amir Khan has stated that there has been movement in negotiations since his win over Chris Algieri for him to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the United States in September. He has also stated that he has no interest in facing domestic Kell Brook at the present time.
Khan said: “I don’t think I have ever been closer to getting the fight with Floyd Mayweather than I am at this moment. The indications are that I have strengthened my case with my win over Algieri and I believe there is every chance the fight could be confirmed within the next two weeks.”
“The welterweight division is one of the hottest in world boxing at the moment and there are any number of other possibilities, including Miguel Cotto and Keith Thurman,” Khan said.
“I have waited too long and, while I believe it is finally going to happen, I am still determined to pursue other big fights in the United States once I have had some time off with my family.”
Mike Tyson Added to Lineup for Fan Expo in Canada
Mike Tyson will be headed to the Fan Expo in Canada which will run from September 3rd to 6th. Other guests will include Robin Lord Taylor, Billy, Dee Williams, George A. Romero and others. The event will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Carl Froch Not Ready to Retire, Could Face Golovkin or DeGale
Many people felt Carl Froch’s recent activity indicated that he may be ready to retire, but recent reports suggest that he will either face Gennady Golovkin or James DeGale next.
The Irish Mirror reported Froch as stating, “Retirement is always on my mind and I was hoping to make a decision this week actually, but it looks like I’m not going to be making that announcement.” He went on further to state,” I would love nothing more than to show the British people what I would do against someone like James DeGale.”
He went on further to discuss a matchup with Gennady Golovkin. He stated,” The only reason I’d like that fight is because it would be really difficult to win.” “He’s a tough kid, he’s unbeaten and he’s got a knock-out punch. I don’t think many people would give me a chance and you know what, that excites me. I like that.”
Manny Pacquiao Hands out Food Supplies to Children in the Philippines
Many Pacquiao handed out school supplies and food to the children of Sarangani, Philippines after returning home after his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. His charitable work was reported by the daily mail.
Pacquiao wrote on instagram about the experience and stated,” Distribution of school supplies and food to the children of Sarangani! Lord, thank you for your blessings. Thank you for letting us help those around us. “Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation.”
Erislandy Lara to Face Delvin Rodriguez
On Friday, June 12th at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara (20-2) will face Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike in the main event of the evening. The undercard will feature Artur Beterbiev (8-0) against Doudou Ngumbu (34-6) in the light heavyweight division.
“I’m very excited to be fighting on Spike TV on June 12th in Chicago.” said Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara. “Delvin Rodriguez is a tough veteran fighter who I respect. He has a lot of heart and determination. But once the bell rings I’m looking for the knockout!”
“On June 12, I am going to change everyone’s mind about me and show that I can beat Lara,” said Rodriguez.
The broadcast will begin on Spike at 9 p.m. ET.
US Olympian Dominic Breazeale Added to Guerrero vs. Martinez Undercard
2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (14-0, 13 KOs)battles Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KOs) in a matchup between two undefeated heavyweights that will kick off the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC telecast Saturday, June 6 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. with televised coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
This eight round heavyweight attraction will support the afternoon’s main event, which pits former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs) against Aron Martinez (19-3-1, 14 KOs). Also featured on the card is the 12-round featherweight showdown between Jesus Cuellar (26-1, 20 KOs) and Vic Darchinyan (40-7-1, 29 KOs).
Other boxers on the undercard include Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, Marvin Sonsona, and Oscar Molina.
Joe DeGuardia Says Chris Algieri “Clearly Established” He Is a “Legitimate Contender” in Loss to Amir Khan
Star Boxing president Joe DeGuardia says that Chris Algieri “clearly established himself as a legitimate contender” in the welterweight division in spite of the 12-round decision loss to Amir Khan last Friday night (May 29) at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
In the most aggressive performance of his 22-fight professional career, Algieri was moving forward throughout the 12-round tilt, putting the pressure on Khan from the outset. It was a courageous effort for the Long Island product during an action-packed tilt which went to the judges’ scorecards. Joe Pasquale and Benoit Roussel both scored the fight 117-111. But Don Ackerman’s card had it much closer – 115-113 – and many ringside observers, and those watching on television, scored it that close (Spike TV televised as part of the Premier Boxing Champions series).
Algieri fought with purpose and aggression, and the statistics provided by CompuBox after the fight indicated that. Algieri threw 703 punches, landing 199, while Khan was 218 for 609. In the power punch department, the totals were 145 of 433 for Algieri compared to 154 of 333 for Khan.
“I thought I did great pressuring him,” Algieri said. “I got my touches in. He definitely didn’t like it when I got into his body. I thought I hurt him several times. But Khan is a cagey guy, and he spun off. I guess the judges liked that. I thought the cleaner, harder shots would get more respect.”
Khan praised Algieri following the decision saying: “I give Chris a lot of credit. He came forward more than I expected.”
DeGuardia says that he will evaluate the timing and possible opponents for Algieri’s next fight in the days and weeks ahead.
Dominic Wade to Face Sam Soliman on Showtime
On Friday, June 26th Showtime’s ShoBox series will present a triple header that features a main event between undefeated prospect Dominic Wade (17-0) and former world champ Sam Soliman (44-12). This card will take place at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington.
2012 US Olympian Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (11-0) and Erickson Lubin (10-0) will be featured on the undercard against opponents to be determined.
“This is a great opportunity for me to face a former world champion,” Wade said. “While he’s more experienced I truly believe my time has arrived and I plan to show the boxing world that I’m ready for the next level.”
“I know what it takes to be a world champion, the sacrifices needed to endure, the battles that need to be won. My road to regaining the world title begins on June 26 against Dominic Wade,” said Soliman.
Mauricio Herrera to Face Hank Lundy for Vacant NABF Super Lightweight Title on July 11th
Golden Boy Promotions and CES Boxing will present a West Coast vs. East Coast showdown on July 11th as Mauricio Herrera (21-5) will battle Hank Lundy (25-4-1) for the NABF Super Lightweight Championship. This bout will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on HBO Latino beginning at 11 p.m.
The co-main event will be between Michael Perez (22-1-2) and Sharif Bogere (27-1) in a lightweight bout.
Garrett Wilson to Face Anthony Caputo Smith on June 20th
On Saturday night, June 20th King’s Boxing will host a night of boxing at the Valley Forge Casino Resort.
Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson (13-9-1) will take on Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4) in a ten round fight for the Pennsylvania Cruiserweight championship. Wilson’s resume includes wins over Omar Sheika, Chuck Mussachio, and Andres Taylor. Smith holds wins over Dhafir Smith and Tony Ferrante.
Kennan Collins (15-9-3), Pavel Miranda (19-10-1), Coy Evans (10-2-1), Early Newman (5-0), John Magda (10-0), Stephen Fulton (5-0), and Milton Santiago (10-0) will be featured on the undercard.
