By: William Holmes
The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of April 14th to April 21st, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
Cotto vs. Geale Announced
It was announced late last week that WBC Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (39-4) will have his first fight under Roc Nation Sports on June 6th, 2015 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. He will defend his titles against former two-time world champion Daniel Geale (31-3).
Both Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale offered their thoughts at the initial press conference.
Miguel Cotto: “All I have to say is I’ve been here for the past two days and I’m eager to get back to Los Angeles and get into another training session and get back to New York on June 6. All I have to worry about is my mindset during the fight. I know Daniel is a great fighter and I’m going to do my best as always to bring a good and exciting fight to all the fans. See you all on June 6.”
Daniel Geale: “I’m as excited as you can ever imagine. This is a great moment for me. And come June 6, it’s going to be a hell of a fight and I can’t wait to walk away with the titles.”
Paulie Malignaggi to Face Danny O’Connor on May 29th
Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6) will return to the ring in his hometown to face Danny O’Connor (25-2) as the co-feature for the PBC on Spike TV on Friday, May 29th at 9 p.m. ET from the Barclays Center.
Amir Khan is already scheduled to face Chris Algieri in the main event of the night.
“My supporters and I have been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this on the big stage,” said O’Connor. “It’s a throwback matchup…Irish vs. Italian, Boston vs. New York. I’ll be bringing down busloads of people and I’m sure he’s going to have a big hometown crowd. I’ve never been more ready for the challenge that lies ahead of me.”
Tickets will be available online at www.ticketmaster.com
Joe Calzaghe to Serve as Guest Analyst for PBC on Spike TV
International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Joe Calzaghe has been added to the broadcast team as a special analyst for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV April 24th fight card taking place at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.
Calzaghe retired in 2009 after making more than 21 defenses of his super middleweight title and had a record of 46-0.
Calzaghe will help analyze the main event between Daniel Jacobs (28-1) and Caleb Truax (25-1-2) and the second televised bout between Anthony Dirrell (27-0-1) and Badou Jack (18-1).
Andre Dirrell and James DeGale to Meet in Super Middleweight Showdown
2004 Bronze Medalist for the United States Andre Dirrell (24-1) is scheduled to meet the 2008 Gold Medalist for Great Britain, James DeGale (20-1), in a super middleweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC in Boston on May 23rd, live on NBC and NBCSN.
Live coverage will start on NBC at 4:30 p.m. ET and will switch over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET until 7:00 p.m. ET.
“I’m ready for this fight,” said Dirrell. “I’m so happy and honored to be fighting on NBC for a world title against a worthy opponent in James DeGale.”
“We are almost there, on May 23 it’s my time to make history as the first Briton to win an Olympic gold medal and a world title,” said DeGale.
“I’m excited about coming to the U.S for this fight, Boston is a great city and I will be bringing plenty of support from the UK. It’s been a frustrating period waiting for my shot but now it’s here and no one is taking it away from me.”
Barrera Wants to Face Chilemba then Kovalev
Light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (15-0) looks to face his stablemate Isaac Chilemba next. Light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev is scheduled to face his mandatory challenger Nadjib Mohammedi this summer, so Barrera feels the time is right to face Chilemba.
Barrera stated, “We should fight each other on Kovalev’s next undercard. It creates the next opponent for Kovalev. I’m sure HBO would show the fight. I will destroy Chilemba and then I will be ready for Kovalev in the fall.”
He went on further to state, “I can’t just sit around. I need a meaningful fight. Me and Chilemba have the same promoter. It’s an easy fight to make and the world can watch me destroy him.”
Svensson: La Pantera Will be Running Out of the Ring with her Tail Between her Legs
On May 2nd Klara Svensson (15-0) will challenge Erica Anabella Farias (21-1) for the WBC Female Light Welterweight Championship at the Frederiksberg-Hallerne in Copenhagen. Svensson is known as the “Swedish Princess” while Farias is known as “La Pantera”.
Svensson stated, “I’m going to break Farias down, both physically and mentally. The Panther will be running out of the ring with her tail between her legs!”
“I’m not taking anything for granted. I know she is a dangerous opponent. She is experienced and mentally very tough, but I don’t think she is a remarkable boxing technician, and that is where I hold advantage. I will need to be careful, but I know what Farias is bringing to the table and I’m ready for it.”
Jennings Arrives in NYC for Klitschko Clash
Gary Shaw Productions’ undefeated heavyweight contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-0) has arrived in New York City for his upcoming championship bout against Wladimir Klitschko (63-3). The fight is presented by K2 Promotions and the Klitschko Management Group in association with Gary Shaw Productions and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT in the United States.
Sadam Ali is scheduled to face Francisco Santana in the co-main event of the evening. Tickets may be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Ishe Smith to Face Cecil McCalla on April 30th
Mayweather Promotions will give fans a fight card at the Palms Casino Resort on April 30th in Las Vegas as Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (26-7) takes on Cecil McCalla (20-1) live on a special Thursday night edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights.
The co-main event will feature Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (37-6-1) taking on Mahonri Montes (29-4-1), and the other televised fight will be between Ronald Gavril (11-1) and Eddie Hunter (10-12-2).
Live coverage will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
“Headlining in my hometown of Las Vegas is always a great thrill and I will not disappoint all the people who come out to watch me fight,” said Smith.
“I have aspirations of getting another world title belt and this fight is my first step towards getting another opportunity.”
“I’m thrilled to get back in the ring and show the world what ‘The Treasure’ is all about,” said Theophane.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I am going to make the most of it.”