A head of his toughest challenge to date Eloy “The Prince” Perez took time out to speak to 15rounds.com about his fight with Dominic Salcido which takes place on 15 October live on Telefutura from the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Ca. Unbeaten in 21 contests with the only blotches 2 draws & a no contest compiling an 18-0-2(5) ledger. He knows that he needs to keep building and add to his 3 wins this year already to improve his rankings. Currently he’s the NABO Super Featherweight champion and only ranked by sister organisation the WBO at number 2. A win over Salcido could see him edge into the other top organisations rankings. Here’s what the pride of Salinas, Ca had to say.

Hello Eloy, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You have arguably the biggest fight of your career to date when you fight Dominic Salcido on 15 October. What are your thoughts on that fight? Will it be on TV?

Eloy Perez – Yes it will be on TV on Telefutura, I think Dominic is a slick fighter I’ll be aggressive and hope to implement the style my coach Max Garcia wants me to. If Salcido stays back and tries to counter I’ll freeze him with feints and work, but if he decides to come forward I’ll pick him off with crisp straight punches either way my team has many plans we can adapt.

Anson Wainwright – How tough an opponent to you see Salcido as? He’s known as a skilled boxer who as never lost at 130? He looked pretty good last time out against Guillermo Sanchez what did you think of his performance?

Eloy Perez – I didn’t see his performance against Guillermo but I know he is skilled, he has fast hands but so do I. I don’t think he’s as versatile or as crafty as I am, but he does have good power he’s pretty tough and like I said has fast hands. I’m not so much thinking or worrying about Salcido as I am working on my own game, honing my skills and getting better. I know I’m not going in there taking on chumps or cupcakes these are real fights against skilled guys, going back all the way to Dannie Williams i’ve been in tough. I expect to be in tough October 15 but I also expect to win like 18 times before.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a little about your training for this fight, how are things going so far? Also where are you training and who are you sparring with?

Eloy Perez – Training is going as planned we settled in Oxnard California, and are sparring with Brandon Rios, Alfonso Blanco, and Aris Ambriz. I’m in great shape sparring 8-10 hard rounds and running my butt off with road work. My team has me ready I’m on weight things couldn’t be better.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Eloy Perez – I have the best team on the planet and maybe the universe, my manager is the hardest working woman in boxing Kathy Garcia she’s the heart of our team, she works everyday to make us all comfortable in the right hotel rooms, she plans everything without her my team wouldn’t be here getting the incredible training I’m getting from Max Garcia Kathy’s husband. He keeps me disciplined, he’s a great trainer, conditioning and boxing strategy. His son Sam Garcia is his assistant and helps with all training. Dean Familton helps with strategy he and Max come up with game plans for every fight, his father was originally part of the team (Don Familton,) he was a southern California legend he passed last year, I fight every fight with him in my heart and his name on my trunks. Melissa Garcia, Max and Kathy’s daughter is always supportive she handles most charity events for the Garcia Boxing Organization. The whole Garcia family is just as hungry for a title and to prove themselves as I am we want a world title!

Anson Wainwright – You fought on the high profile Mayweather-Mosley card in May, what was that experience like for you?

Eloy Perez – It’s was great to be on a card like that the buzz the people the electricity in the crowd, it’s something you dream of as a fighter it’s why we fight for moments like that. I hope next time I’ll be the fight that ends the show.

Anson Wainwright – What was your amateur career like? What title did you win? What top fighters did you fight and what was your record?

Eloy Perez – My amateur career seems like ages ago I’m a completely different fighter than I was lol. I fought about 60-70 fights winning all but 6. I fought Victor Ortiz, Shawn Porter Mike Chippers. I won the ringside worlds in 2004. It wasn’t a long amateur career I couldn’t wait to turn pro.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years and how you first got in to Boxing?

Eloy Perez – I was a big chubby troublemaking kid so my dad got me in the gym at Jim Dougla’s gym in my hometown of Rochester Washington, the rest is history.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing or training what do you like to do with your time?

Eloy Perez – When I’m not boxing I like going hiking, fishing, hunting, I like the outdoors. I enjoy football, and other sports.

Anson Wainwright – Your currently ranked at number 3 by the WBO and there were a few rumours that you could face Roman Martinez for his title he lost to Ricky Burns a few weeks back, what did you think of that fight? Would you like to fight Burns? or are you looking at the other 3 titles?

Eloy Perez – I think the Burns/Martinez fight was fight of the year so far, both are deserving to be as high as they are. Of coarse I would love to fight Burns for the title it would be a dream come true that’s why I moved to California that’s why I sacrificed all I have for an opportunity to be the best in the world at what I do. With that said I am only thinking about one guy right now that’s Dominic Salcido. I have no other plans other than meeting him in the middle of the ring October 15, at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio California. I let my manager work her magic she knows I’ll take on anyone anywhere.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a boxer?

Eloy Perez – If I wasn’t boxing I have no idea what I’d be doing this is all I know lol

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Eloy Perez – My goals are to become a world champion and fight mega fights that entertain the audience with skill and bravery. We have a new motto we stole from the Stanford University football “we’re here to win with character and cruelty” that pretty much says it all.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Super Featherweight division?

Eloy Perez – My message to the rest of the division is let’s not be like the other divisions that are deep with talent let’s all fight each other and bring respect back to the Super Featherweight division. If everyone fights each other the top guys against the top guys this can be a fun and exciting division.

Thanks for your time Eloy, good luck with your upcoming fight.

Thanks 15rounds and Anson Wainwright keep up the good work boxing is the best sport in the world let’s not forget that.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

The USSR disbanned in 1991 forming 15 new countries, one of them being Belarus. From a Boxing stand point Belarus has only produced one World Champion Sergei Liakhovich who reigned as WBO Heavyweight champion briefly in 2006. Up and coming Light Middleweight Sergey Rabchanko hope’s to follow in Liakhovich footsteps and become his homeland’s second champion. So far Rabchanko 24, who hails from the Belarus capital of Minsk has been perfect going 14-0(10) however he put his record on the line in a significant step up fight on 21 October when he fight’s battle hardened Roman Dzhuman. It will be the main event on a show promoted by Hatton Promotions billed as “Clash of the Titans”. One of Rabchanko’s managers Philippe Fondu who has an eye for talent happily waxes lyrical about his new charge and says he believes that Rabchanko is the best you fighter he has ever worked with. Now it’s for Rabchanko to prove his managers faith is well founded.

Hello Sergey, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You will be back in action on 23 October against Roman Dzhuman what are your thoughts on this fight?

Sergey Rabchanko – It is a big step for me indeed, I know very well that Dzhuman has a huge experience in boxing, he fought against many big names like: Lukas Konecny, Zaurbek Baysangurov, Jamie Moore, and his last win against Christophe Canclaux shows that he is still a very dangerous opponent, but I will be ready for it and I’ll do whatever I can to win this fight in style.

Anson Wainwright – It seems to be a step up fight for you, he is well known for going rounds, is that how you see this fight?

Sergey Rabchanko – It will be hard fight, but I’m confident I’ll win.

Anson Wainwright – Though you obviously don’t want to take anything for granted but what is your plan for the next 6 months to a year?

Sergey Rabchanko – I always dreamed to box in UK, and I am proud to have the opportunity to join the Hatton Promotion stable. I hope, after this fight, that the British fans of boxing will see me in action regularly in the UK.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer? Also what gym do you train at?

Sergey Rabchanko – I am training in the boxing gym “Golden gloves” in Minsk. My trainer is Sergei Pitilev, and my managers are Valery Kaplia and Philippe Fondu.

Anson Wainwright – For those who perhaps are familiar with your what could you tell us about your style of fighting?

Sergey Rabchanko – Aggressive style but in the same time I’m always looking for a key to knockout opponent

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your earlier years growing up in Minsk?

Sergey Rabchanko – Perfect job of my managers, who help me growing up very well. All fights in Minsk gave me good experience and I think now I am ready for a new level.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested and then take up Boxing and how old were you?

Sergey Rabchanko – When I was young I always liked to fight in the street, that is why I started boxing at the age of 10.

Anson Wainwright – Did you have much of an amateur career? What titles did you win? Did you fight anyone of note who is now in the pro’s & what was your final record?

Sergey Rabchanko – Yes I had a big career in amateur. I was Belarusian national champion many times in different divisions. Participated in several international competitions. But I was always dreaming to be a professional, so for me amateur boxing was just a small step for a future. I had a lot of amateur’s fights (over 100), but never counted the exact number..

Anson Wainwright – Who is your Boxing hero? What fighters do you admire and think set a good example to young fighters like yourself?

Sergey Rabchanko – I do not have a hero…Good example to young fighters : I think Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Marvin Hagler

Anson Wainwright – What do you hope to achieve in your Boxing career? Do you have plans away from Boxing with what you’d like to do when you retire?

Sergey Rabchanko – The maximum…first European title then World!!! After, I’d wish to become the jeweller .

Anson Wainwright – The Light Middleweight division is stacked with talent what are your thoughts on some of division at the moment and what fighter impress you?

Sergey Rabchanko – Yes, a lot of good boxer but no one impress me in this division in Europe…

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Light Middleweight division?

Sergey Rabchanko – Wait for me…I am coming…

Thanks for your time Sergey good luck with your upcoming fight.

At six foot eight & nearly 250 pounds David Price 7-0(5) commands respect from his piers. It hasn’t all been plane sailing for the 2008 Olympic Bronze medallist since going pro, he endured a frustrating wait before finally getting started only to find that start was to be stunted while others from the 2008 Olympic team were getting regular action. After Setanta crashed and David Hayes’s Hayemaker company no longer had TV dates Price decided to go with Frank Maloney who had among others successfully moved Lennox Lewis to the Heavyweight title. It’s something Price hopes will rub off on him, since signing with Maloney Price has been kept far busier. He fights this Saturday in London and hopes to use the win as a spring board to a big 12 months in which he hopes he can win his first title’s as a pro.

Hello David, welcome back to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – It’s been awhile since we spoke, how are things? What’s news?

David Price – Things are great my girlfriend just gave birth to our second child, a little boy David. That was August so I’ve been busy over the summer. I knuckled down now in training for my next fight which is 16 October, so I’m working hard in the gym with my trainer Frannie Smith and also my strength and condition trainer James Morton at the John Moore University in Liverpool. It’s going well, I feel I’m progressing in this camp physically & technically.

Anson Wainwright – What about away from the ring?

David Price – I’ve been doing bit’s of work with Liverpool F.C TV going on chat shows, phone in’s & debates little things like that because I’m a big Liverpudlian and have a bit of a profile in the City being an Olympian so they invite me on from time to time. Just that type of thing really.

Anson Wainwright – As you say you’ll be back in action on the 16 October who will you be fighting? Is it a 6 rounder or 8 rounder?

David Price – It’s due to be an 8 rounder so I’m hoping we can get a suitable opponent. We’ll be ready for a 8 rounder but it’s 1 and a half weeks out and still no sign of an opponent. A couple of names have been mentioned but I’ll have to see what happens, but I can’t really mention them.

Anson Wainwright – Will they be a step up for you would you say?

David Price – Yeah definitely. One name that has been mentioned if it goes through will definitely be a step up. Whether it happens we’ll see. All I can do is keep training in the gym and sparring up & train as if it’s a world title fight. I’m leaving nothing to chance no matter who the opponent is. So hopefully I’ll get in and they’ll extend me a bit at least.

Anson Wainwright – Though you don’t want to look past this fight, what are your plan of where you’d like to be in the next 6 months to a year?

David Price – I definitely want to be knocking on the door for the British title. Looking at what’s out there there’s nothing for me to fear at all. So I’m confident that in the next six to twelve months as long as I get there right learning fights. The next two or three fights are going to be important to me as far opponents are concerned because they could stand me in good stead for title fights which I’m expecting in 2011. That’s what I’m looking for British level then move on from there.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro now for 18 months how do you think you have adapted to the pro game?

David Price – At first it was a big transition, I concentrated on my power base punching and things like that. But the more we’ve delved into things. We’re working on a lot of different things. Some times we even work on the things that gave me success in the amateur’s like my speed, my speed of feet but what we’re trying to maximise my height, that’s a big advantage we’re trying to take a lot on board from what the Klitschko’s do because I’m a similar size and similar build to them. We’re trying to take there good points and bring them into my game. Obviously it’s more of a marathon than a sprint so I’m having to pace myself a lot more. When I first turned pro, in my first fight I think every single shot I threw was a power shot and I realised I can’t do that these fella’s are tough and you can’t just take them out you need to punch pick a bit more. We’re working on a lot in the gym. That’s why I’m hoping for someone who at least stands up a few rounds and show what I’ve worked on in the gym and what’s in store for the future.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

David Price – Frank Maloney is my promoter & manager, Frannie Smith is my trainer he was head trainer at Salisbury ABC through out 1990’s and early 2000’s and it was the regarded as the best amateur club in the country. The reason I took Frannie on board is because when I first turned pro Adam Booth wanted me to have a Liverpool based trainer at the same time as him being my main trainer so I asked Frannie Smith if he’d do it. Out of all the coaches in the amateur’s he was probably adapted to the pro’s better than most. So I asked him to come back and he did. We ended up working more together after the split with Hayemaker, but it seems to be a great decision he’s got a good boxing brain, he’s forward thinking in his training methods. He’s learning all the time taking things on board off every trainer he speaks too. It’s just me and him, there’s no one else involved so i get a 100% of his attention, it’s working well I think. We use Long Lane ABC the club I very first started with and I’ve kept a good relationship with them over the years. They’ve got good facility’s good full size ring, loads of equipment, showers everything we need really. We just go in there first thing in the morning when no one’s there do our thing. Then later on we use Liverpool John Moore University which has better facilities than most I’d say as regards weights and conditioning equipment so we all use that and James Morton who’s a doctor in sport science, he works for Liverpool FC as a nutritionist so he’s held in high regard, it’s good to work with someone as professional as him. So we use that in the night. We use the track (Running track) at Wavertree.

Anson Wainwright – Do Hayemaker still have any part of you interms as promotional rights etc?

David Price – I’m completely with Frank Maloney now.

Anson Wainwright – You have previously said you have sparred with several top fighters at Heavyweight can you name some of the guys and how did those sessions go?

David Price – I sparred with obviously David Haye, Kali Meehan the Australian Heavyweight who fought for the World Heavyweight title, Vladimir Virchis and I sparred with Albert Sosnowski. Out of all of them David Haye was the best. I’d still say i held my own, i never felt out of my depth with Haye. They all have nice things to say about me, obviously sparrings different but it’s been good scope for the future.

Anson Wainwright – The British scene while not in a age is pretty hot with several interesting fights further down the road including Dereck Chisora, Sam Sexton, Tom Dallas, Tyson Fury, Matt Skelton to name a few how do you see things on that front?

David Price – All those guys aren’t bad fighters, i’d rate Chisora highest out of most of them, i’d put myself above all of them. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a fighter being confident in himself, i think we should all believe. I was number one in the country as an amateur for a long time, i know it’s a different game but i’m going to adapt to what needs to be done. That’s my belief in myself as a fighter.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on Chisora’s win over Sexton?

David Price – I thought it was a good win. I thought Sexton’s fights with Rogan might of stood him in better stead. But Chisora dug deep and i think it was battle of wits and he was the stronger one on the night. But still the type of fighter Chisora is style wise might suit me but it remains to be seen. I’m confident i could beat anyone at domestic level, which is why it’s important Frank Maloney gets me the right opponent’s in my next fights to get me that learning experience and move on from there.

Anson Wainwright – How do you see the Haye-Harrison fight going & what do you think of that fight?

David Price – When I first heard about it I though maybe this was Audley Harrison’s time but I’ve though about it properly and my conclusion is that David Haye’s going to win the fight within five rounds I think he’s better in every department that Audley Harrison and it’ll show on the night.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

David Price – Thanks with being patient with things, because a couple of my last opponents have been not up to scratch but keep that little bit of belief, keep the faith. And thanks for the support.

Thanks for your time Dave, good luck on with the fight.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Earlier this year Leva Kirakosyan came to Britain in a bid to become a two time European Super Featherweight champion it ended up being a successful trip for him. This Saturday Kirakosyan 36, will be looking to retain that title for the second time when he fights former world title challenger Stephen Foster Jr 27-2-1(17) in Bolton, England. Fighting away from home has never been a problem for the battle tested Armenian who is the ultimate road warrior fighting on enemy soil in 32 of his 38 contests posting an impressive 33-5(23) record. He’s currently ranked WBC 3, IBF 4 & WBO 3.

Hello Leva, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hello Anson

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you have a fight with Stephen Foster Jr coming up, what can you tell us about this fight and what are your thoughts on Foster?

Leva Kirakosyan – I’m looking forward to a tough fight; he has good pedigree and is a very slick boxer.

Anson Wainwright – The fight will take place in Britain you have been there 4 times going 3-1 and fought all over Europe in your career, presumably it doesn’t bother you fighting as the away fighter? What can you tell us about how you feel fighting away from home?

Leva Kirakosyan – I get inspiration from being the away fighter.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team? who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at ahead of this fight?

Leva Kirakosyan – I’m self managed Hatton’s will be promoting me from now on i’ve been training in Toulon at the punch group gym with Danny Bischerey i also have a training base at Wodensborough ABC England with Varuch Davyatan and Steve O’Rourke.

Anson Wainwright – Your ranked WBC 3, IBF 4 & WBO 3 if all goes well against Foster Jr presumably you will be looking for a World title fight what would it mean to you to finally get that opportunity?

Leva Kirakosyan – That would be a dream come true but i would leave that to Richard Poxon and Philippe Fondu at Hatton Promotions.

Anson Wainwright – Are you targeting anyone as your rated in the top 5 of three of the sanctioning organisations?

Leva Kirakosyan – Not really all i’m focused on at the moment is beating Steve Foster Junior and retaining my European title.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current World champions at 130 WBC Tajbert, WBA Uchiyama, IBF Fana & WBO Burns?

Leva Kirakosyan – Everyone of them are world class fighters.

Anson Wainwright – What fight would you say was your best performance so far?

Leva Kirakosyan – When i beat Onik Archakyan for the Russian title a few years ago the rivalry was immense but i came good on the night.
(Editors Note it was Kirokosyan’s fifth fight and he beat then unbeaten Archakyan via split decision over twelve rounds)

Anson Wainwright – Who is the best fighter you have fought so far?

Leva Kirakosyan – Urango who Ricky Hatton beat.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Gyumri, Armenia? How did you first become interested in Boxing?

Leva Kirakosyan – We were very poor Boxing was way out of the poverty my brothers were both Russian champions they took me to the gym when i was 8 years old and i never looked back.

Anson Wainwright – Your homeland has several fighters on the world stage currently including Arthur Abraham, Vic Darchinyan & Vanes Martirosyan. How proud does it make you to see others from your country doing well? Do you know any of those guys?

Leva Kirakosyan – I know all of them very well it makes me very proud that a country like Armenia constantly produces world class Boxers at amateur and professional levels.

Anson Wainwright – What interests and hobbies do you have away from Boxing?

Leva Kirakosyan – I like to relax to music i also like to dance a lot i cant believe i told you that! Haha

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Stephen Foster Jr ahead of your fight?

Leva Kirakosyan – God bless and may the best man win on Saturday the 2nd of October.

Thanks for your time Leva and good luck with your fight with Foster.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

At the start of September Branco Milenkovic promoted a star studded bill in South Africa that contained two world titles fights & two world title eliminators. In one of the World title fights current IBF Flyweight champion Moruti “Babyface” Mthalane 26-2(17) made a successful first defence against compatriot Zolani Tete. Mthalane 27, hails from Johannesburg and is now a 10 year veteran of the ring. In the summer of 2008 he won an IBF title eliminator against the more experienced Hussein Hussein that win catapulted him into a title fight with Nonito Donaire. Despite putting up a good performance it wasn’t enough against Donaire who forced the stoppage on cuts in the sixth. Full credit to Mthalane after one more fight he once against challenged for the then vacant IBF title this time he wasn’t to be denied turning back Julio Cesar Miranda comfortably on points before his his recent defence against Tete. Now Mthalane wants a rematch with Miranda who since losing to Mthalane has won the WBO 112 crown. Perhaps a unification beckons.

Hello Moruti, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on your win over Zolani Tete, what can you tell us about the fight & how happy you were with the performance?

Moruti Mthalane – I was very happy with my performance. I always said, I will win the fight and although Tete is great prospect and was a puncher (13-0 11KO), he didn’t fought the same quality opponents as I did (Nonito Donaire, Julio Miranda, Hussein Hussein and ect).

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your title winning performance against Miranda? How did it feel to become World Champion?

Moruti Mthalane – Going it that fight against Miranda, I known I have to win and this is my last chance. It felt really great!! Miranda is now WBO World Champion makes me even better as the man I beat is very credible fighter.

Anson Wainwright – Thought its early days any idea when you maybe back in action?

Moruti Mthalane – I hope to fight end of the year, or early in the New Year. I would like unification.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use for training?

Moruti Mthalane – My trainer manager is Nick Durandt and the promoter of course Branco Milenkovic. The gym we using is “Durandt Boxing World”

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years in Johannesburg, were things tough? How did you first get involved in Boxing?

Moruti Mthalane – I’m originally from the cost city Durban. My older brother Innocent Mthalane was National Champion. I always had a dream to be national champion, and I never thought I would go far as IBF World Champion.

Anson Wainwright – You travelled to America and fought Nonito Donaire you lost when the fight was stopped on cuts in the sixth. What do you think of that fight looking back? How highly do you rate Donaire he’s now up at Super Flyweight and on Pound for Pound lists?

Moruti Mthalane – I was very unfortunate the way I lost first challenge for IBF Flyweight against Donaire in Las Vegas in November 2008. After losing first two rounds, I was getting on top of Donaire, but unfortunate cut at the beginning of round 6, have forced experience referee Cortez to stop the fight. I was very sad, and thought of giving up the boxing. I work hard over the years in order to challenge for Legitimate World Championship, and to lose on cut was very sad.

In the change room after Donaire fight, my promoter Branco Milenkovic promise me that he will work hard and get me another shot at the title with in one year. As always, Branco kept the promise and year later in November 2009 I challenged very experience fighter in Julio Miranda. I would love to fight Donaire again, but I don’t think he will be in hurry to give me a chance again.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Flyweight division at the moment? There are several top fighters in Asia WBC Pongsaklek WBA Daiki Kameda plus Koki Kameda, Sakata & Naito what do you think of all those guys?

Moruti Mthalane – I would be very confident to take on any of those. I would not mind to give Miranda rematch, but now for both titles IBF and WBO.

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies and interests?

Moruti Mthalane – I spend most of the time in the gym. Not only as a professional fighter, but I’m assisting executive clients in improving they health. I’m personal trainer for executives. The day is long and I don’t really go out – I spend any free time home reading, I love to read.

Anson Wainwright – If you weren’t a boxer what do you think you’d be doing?

Moruti Mthalane – I’m sure I will still be in Sport, maybe soccer player?!

Anson Wainwright – What has winning the title done for you? Has it raised your profile making you more popular in South Africa etc

Moruti Mthalane – With out doubt have changed my life! My family is very proud of me and the country as well. There weren’t many South African boxers who won Legitimate World Championships.

Anson Wainwright – What are your future goals in Boxing? Unification’s, fighting abroad move up to Super Flyweight?

Moruti Mthalane – For now I would like unification, but if opportunity comes to go division up and fight Donaire – I will take with both hands.

Thanks for your time Moruti.

Best Wishes

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

This Saturday European Champion John Murray 29-0(17) will make the first defence of his title against grizzled veteran Andriy Kudriavtsev 34-7(15). It wont be an easy for Murray 25, Kudriavtsev started out his career with 5 loses in his first 9 fights and has turned his career around since a bad start to his career. Manchester based Murray will be looking to do something that only former world champion Paulus Moses has so far achieved in stopping the tough Ukrainian. He hopes that if he can take care of business and extend the longest unbeaten current run in British Boxing that he can get a world title fight in the next 12 months. Currently Murray is WBC 3# & WBO 9#.

Hello John, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – This weekend you make the first defence of your European title against Andriy Kudriavtsev what do you know about him? How good do you think he is?

John Murray – I think he’s very good, I watched plenty of tapes and DVD’s on him. Yeah he’s a good fighter. He’s very good at what he does. He throws good bodyshots and he’s very strong. So I’ve got to make sure I’m at my very peak condition, which I have done. I’ve had a great training camp and looking forward to the fight more than anything.

Anson Wainwright – How do you see the fight going?

John Murray – I think he’s going to be competitive early but as the fight wears on my extra level in class should take over and I’m thinking I’ll stop him him around the mid round rounds. Round 8.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about the training you have done for this fight? How long you have been in camp, what sort of things you concentrated on?

John Murray – I’ve had a good 10 week camp. It’s gone really well it’s been one of the best I’ve had in two or three years. I’ve had good quality sparring with my stable mate Anthony Crolla (An 18-2(6) Super Featherweight who’s in training for an English title fight on 2 October against Andy Morris) he’s at our gym. It’s gone well and I’m looking forward to the fight. We used the normal routine. We got a set plan, set structure we use everytime. We’re expecting a really good performance from myself.

Anson Wainwright – In your last fight you won the vacant European title against Gary Buckland stopping him in eleven. What can you tell us about that fight? Looking at that fight how happy were you with that performance?

John Murray – Yeah i was very happy. That fight i only had 3 weeks notice so you know i had to cram a lot of work into them 3 weeks to get myself in shape in time. I went in there, it was a bit rushed (The training) but on the night i broke Gary down steadily over the 11 rounds and considering the late notice it was a very good performance.

Anson Wainwright- How easily do you make Lightweight?

John Murray – I make weight easily. I think i showed that last time. Considering i had 3 weeks i was down on weight and over the 11 rounds i showed how strong i am.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

John Murray – I’m managed by Michael Marsden from up Leeds way. My trainer is Joe Gallagher and i’m currently promoted by Mick Hennessy.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career?

John Murray – I only had 24 amateur fights i was 16-8. It was a very short amateur career the first year i went to the school boy final. In the second year i went to the Junior ABA final and in the third year i went to the North West finals of the ABA’s i also boxed for England twice.

Anson Wainwright – Though you obviously don’t want to look past this fight what are your targets for the next 6months to a year?

John Murray – I think i’m knocking on the door for the world title shot. The WBC have me at number 3 now. So it wont be long before i get my chance. I just have to take care of business Saturday and you know after that hopefully i’ll get a world title shot and i’m sure i’ll bring it home.

Anson Wainwright – There is a bit of rivalry between yourself and Kevin Mitchell and Amir Khan what are your thoughts on them and a fight with them?

John Murray – I think me and Khan would be a massive fight down the line. I think Kevin after losing to Katsidis is looking to rebuild. You know down the line maybe we could get it on.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro now for 7 years and had 30 fights after this one, how far from a World title do you think you are?

John Murray – I’d like to be a world champion in the next twelve months. I don’t know any reason why I can’t be. I’ve just got to make sure I do a good job Saturday. And after this fight I’m going to hopefully be fighting for a world title or one of the big names & get myself a title eliminator. I’m really excited about the next 12 months.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies and interests?

John Murray – I just like to chill out really. I spend a lot of time with my girlfriend we go for meals and stuff like that. I enjoy going to the pictures or me and Joseph (younger brother) will go play some pool. When I’m not training I go for a drink with my mates.

Anson Wainwright – You just mentioned your younger brother Joe, he was a very successful amateur fighting in the Worlds and Olympic games. How he doing at the moment?

John Murray – Yeah he’s fighting on the undercard of my fight on Saturday. He’s looking razor sharp in the gym at the minute. So I’m sure he’s going to be spectacular Saturday night.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Lightweight division at the moment?

John Murray – I think the Lightweight division on the world stage is wide open. You know it’s there for the taking. If I can get myself in a fight with Marquez or Katsidis I’ll takeover and become the dominant figure in the Lightweight division.

Anson Wainwright – Who do you think will win when Marquez fights Katsidis?

John Murray -I think Marquez will win it, I think he’s a bit to cute, a bit to clever for Katsidis.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for the Kudriavtsev and the Lightweight division in general?

John Murray – I’m just working hard, training hard and coming for a world title. I’m looking at fighting for a world title in the next 12 months and I’m sure I’m going to bring it home.

Thanks for your time John, good luck on Saturday.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.

Recently Mzonke “The Rose of Khayelitsha” Fana 30-4(12) won the IBF Super Featherweight title for a second time when he beat countryman and former nemesis Cassius Baloyi. It was a rematch from 2008 when Baloyi won, this time Fana got off to a better start and won convincingly. Over the past few years the South African quartet of Fana, Baloyi & Malcolm Klassen have all taken turns in holding the IBF title. With the win over Baloyi, Fana hopes that he can fight Klassen and repeat his previous victory in what would be a big fight in South Africa. At 37 Fana is a 16 year veteran at 130 and is considered the number 1 Super Featherweight by many including The Ring magazine & Boxrec. Here’s what Fana had to say when 15rounds.com recently spoke to him.

Hello Mzonke, welcome to 15rounds.com

Thank you! Nice to talk to your reputable website for the first time!

Anson Wainwright – Congratulations on your recent win over Cassius Baloyi for the vacant IBF Super Featherweight title. What can you tell us about that fight? How happy were you with your performance?

Mzonke Fana – I was very happy about my performance. This was the second time I fought Cassius. In our first fight two years ago, somehow I started “too late” and give away first 5 rounds. On the end, I lost my IBF title on majority decision. I could not afford the same again, so I started putting pressure from the opening bell and maintain it in all 12 rounds. Cassius is great fighter. He had many fights in USA and he never lost. It is great for me to be two times IBF World Champion.

Anson Wainwright – What does the future hold for you? When can we expect to see you back in action next? Who may you be fighting?

Mzonke Fana – Well, I’m no very young and at age of 37 I need two, three big fights in order to make same money. I will be waiting on my Promoter, and possibly end of the year I should be making the first defence.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Mzonke Fana – My manager is Butityi Konki and trainers Vuyani Bungu and Gert Strydom. You should remember Bungu. He defended his IBF Jnr. Featherweight Title 13 times and against some very big names at that point and time. Of course, my promoter is Mr. Branco Milenkovic. I have been with Mr. Branco for the past 10 years.

Anson Wainwright – There is a rivalry between yourself and Baloyi and more recently Malcolm Klassen. What can you tell us about this rivalry? Are you all good friends or not?

Mzonke Fana – Yes, we are all good friends but this is business. I would like to fight Klassen again, whom I already have beaten for the IBF World Title. It is big local match and as he has beaten Cassius as well, this fight does make sense.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years and how life first took you into Boxing?

Mzonke Fana – You are going to laugh. After I was given very bad split decision against my “homeboy” Mkhuseli Kondile for the National Title in 1997, I was so disappointed and I left the boxing for almost two years. I went to play soccer for Cape Town Ajax, and I never wanted to go back to boxing – I was very good soccer player!!

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your hobbies? What can you tell us about yourself that we wouldn’t know?

Mzonke Fana – I like soccer very much and music but as a professional fighter, most of the time I spend is something what have to do with boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro for 16 years, what is your proudest moment and why?

Mzonke Fana – I receive the most prestigious award – The State President Award for Sport Excellence, and this was my proudest moment. Of course, I was voted two times as a Boxer of the Year as well, and my fight against Randy Suico for WBC Mandatory eliminator was voted fight of the year.

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in South Africa? Do you do commercials and appear on tv? The Football World Cup takes place in June what are your thoughts on that?

Mzonke Fana – I’m popular as I been around for very long time. I do charity TV commercials by making awareness of HIV for young people. HIV has been major problem in Africa.

Anson Wainwright – You fought Marco Antonio Barrera, though it didn’t go well for you can you tell us about the experience of fighting a legend & being in America?

Mzonke Fana – Yes, with out doubt was very big experience to fight legendary Barrera. I thought I could do better, but Barrera is Barrera.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Super Featherweight division at the moment? WBC Vitali Tajbert, WBA Takashi Uchiyama & WBO Ricky Burns?

Mzonke Fana – I would love to fight any unification with any of those three. Maybe Vitali Tajbert would be option. I will talk to Branco about.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Mzonke Fana – Keep punching and keep reading 15rounds.com!!!

Anson Wainwright – Thanks for your time “The Rose of Khayelitsha”

Mzonke Fana – The rose is blooming!!!!

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

On an a stacked card from Birmingham, England in front of around 8,000 at the LG Arena Frank Warren matched several of his up and comers in intriguing fights. Notably Nathan Cleverly beat Karo Murat in a WBO Light Heavyweight eliminator & Olympic gold medallist James Degale put on his best performance so far vanquishing Carl Dilks easily. Both appear to have the star power to follow on from here to win World Titles.

The bumper PPV started at 6pm with James “Chunky” Degale 8-0(6) getting things underway against Carl Dilks 14-3(5). Though he was favoured to win, it was expected to be Degale‘s, toughest test to date and provide him with rounds and more experience. It turned out to be anything but that as Degale had far to much speed and power for a shell shocked Dilks. In the final 10 seconds of the round Degale opened up sending Dilks back into the ropes, he followed up before referee Howard Foster Jnr stepped in for what looked a premature stoppage at 2.54 of the first. However Dilks was already bleeding from the left eye and nose and seemed not to have a problem with the stoppage.

Originally Ryan Rhodes was supposed to defend his European title against Lukas Konecny 45-3(21) however when Rhodes fell out with injury Matthew Hall 23-3(16) who was due to fight a week later was drafted in to face Konecny for the vacant EBU crown. It was a fight that promised much, both guys appeared mirror images of each other both short, with shaved heads and similar all action styles. From the first bell both stood in close and fought at close distance. Hall was busier early on while Konecny was more accurate. The Czech Konecny picked his way through dropping Hall near the ropes mid way through the sixth, Konecny used his greater experience to quickly follow up and drop Hall for a second time prompting the stoppage at 1.53 of the sixth.

The third fight of the PPV was Wales rising star Nathan Cleverly 20-0(10) against fellow unbeaten Karo Murat 22-1(13) an electric crowd responded to both men’s entrance’s. From the first bell Cleverly neutralised his greater hand and foot speed picking his way through Murat’s high held guard. After three rounds Cleverly looked fantastic picking apart Murat who showed considerable resolve taking so many shots. Murat who is an Arthur Abraham hybrid looked to close the distance and though he did land some punches he had to take 3 or 4 to land one. Things got worse for Murat in the eighth when a slashing punch cut him across the nose. Finally Murat was retired at the end of the ninth round on the advice of the ringside doctor. It was vintage Cleverly all the way he later admitted he took a few chances because he believes in his own ability and wants to be exciting.With the win Cleverly became the mandatory for Jurgen Braehmer who has to face Cleverly next. The status of Braehmer is up in the air, because of a previous indiscretion he could be incarcerated. He’s currently appealing against this if he successful he has to face Cleverly next if not Cleverly will be named the new WBO Champion.

The much anticipated Kell Brook 22-0(15) & Michael Jennings 36-3(17) fight finally took place however it ended anticlimatically when Jennings was cut in the fifth soon after the fight was called off. After a quite start in which Brook seemed to take a look at what Jennings had to offer he slowly picked his way through until the cut forced an end to the fight at 47 of the fifth. With the win Brook retained his British & WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight titles also reaffirming himself as the number 1 contender for the WBO title currently held by Manny Pacquiao. It is hoped Pacquiao will vacate because of the Margarito fight taking palce at Light Middleweight allowing Brook to fight for the next available contender.

In a rematch from 2 years ago Heavyweights Sam Sexton 13-2(6) & Dereck Chisora 14-0(9) met for the British & Commonwealth titles. There was bad blood between the two, Frank Warren had to stand between them at the Weigh in when it threatened to boil over. The action began when both guys got involved early both having there moments. By the midway point Chisora was getting the better of things. In the final minute of the ninth Chisora put his punches together hurting Sexton who dropped to the canvas though he rose he was allowed to carry on, Chisora who’s an excellent finisher jumped on him and fired away until referee stepped in and called a holt to the action with Sexton in no position to defend himself with seven seconds left in the round.

The knockout of the night maybe the year came in the action packed Enzo Maccarinelli 32-5(25) & Alexander Frenkel 23-0(18) fight. After a lively start in which Maccarinelli appeared to be getting the better of things stalking his European title challenger. Though the wild shoot out expected by many never took place it seemed more a war of attrition. In the seventh both guys threw punches Frankel’s left hook landed hard pitching Maccarinelli backwards and down hard. Always a proud warrior he rose on unsteady legs and much to many in attendance chagrin was allowed to carry on. Frenkel charged over landing another monster left hook that nearly decapitated Maccarinelli who went down heavily. The fight was instantly waved over at 2.30. There were a few anxious moments as Maccarinelli received oxygen thankfully he appeared ok leaving the ring under his own steam. While Frenkel can look to fight the big names at Cruiserweight it must be the end for Maccarinelli who won the WBO title in a storied career.

The final fight of “The Magnificent Seven” saw local Matthew Macklin 27-2(19) win the European Middleweight title for the second time when he dismantled game but over matched late substitute Shalva Jombardashvili as he systematically broke him down over 5 rounds before the fight was called off early in the sixth. Macklin who hadn’t fought in nine months showed no signs of ring rust.

Former World Amateur champion Frankie Gavin improved to 8-0(7) with a workmanlike fifth round stoppage over game Michael Kelly for the Vacant Irish title. Gavin dictated the action behind a steady jab and picked apart Kelly before the stoppage at 2.59 of the fifth.

Also in action Light Middleweight Joe Selkirk 5-0(3) stopped Jan Cernouskis 4-8(4) at 2.17 of the fourth and final round.

At Welterweight Ronnie Heffron 3-0(2) went the distance for the first time against Billy Smith 12-82-2(7).

Afterward Frank Warren said his 30 year anniversary of promoting will be this December when he will stage another bumper bill on the 11th presumably as the British leg before Khan-Maidana. He said he intends to once again have a big show with Cleverly, Macklin, Brook among others appearing along with a come backing Kevin Mitchell with Billy Joe Saunders hopefully coming back from injury.?

Arthur Abraham, Sebastian Sylvester & Marco Huck were in attendance to support Kurat & Frenkel. Also watching were Naseem Hamed supporting friend Kell Brook, Paul & Stephen Smith, Tony Bellew, Billy Joe Saunders, newly minted WBO 130 champion Ricky Burns who was presented the title in the ring between on of the fights, Amir Khan who worked the PPV for Sky TV, David Haye & George Groves were also ringside.

WBO Welterweight Eliminator (10st 7lbs)
Michael Jennings – 10st 6lbs 8oz
Kell Brook – 10st 6lbs 8oz

European Middleweight title (11st 6lbs)
Shalva Jomardashvili – 11st 5lbs
Matthew Macklin – 11st 5lbs

WBO Cruiserweight Interim title (12st 7lb)
Karo Murat – 12st 5lbs 8oz
Nathan Cleverly – 12st 5lbs 8oz

12 Rounds Super-Middleweight (12st)
Carl Dilks – 11st 13lbs 8oz
James DeGale – 12st (at second attempt)

European Cruiserweight title (14st 4lbs)
Alexander Frenkel – 14st 0lbs 12oz
Enzo Maccarinelli – 13st 13lbs 8oz

British and Commonwealth Heavyweight title (No limit)
Sam Sexton – 17st 2lbs 8oz
Derek Chisora – 17st 6lbs 8oz

European Light-Middleweight title (11st)
Lucas Konecny – 10st 13lbs 12oz
Matthew Hall – 10st 12lbs 12oz

This Saturday several of the best fighters in Britain appear on a bumper Frank Warren promotion called “The Magnificent Seven” Though a few weeks back we had Darren Barker & Ryan Rhodes pull of there respective fights some good work behind the scene’s saw both fights saved with replacements stepping in. Here we look at the fights that make up an exciting night of Boxing that kicks off at 6pm on SKY PPV.

Nathan Cleverly –V- Karo Murat

WBO Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-nathan-cleverly-031610/

http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-karo-murat-072710/

Hometown; Cefn Forest. Wales Kitzingen, Germany

Record; 19-0(9) 22-0(13)

Rounds boxed; 101 121

KO% 47 59

Age; 23 27

Height; 6’3 5’10

Rankings; The Ring Cleverly 8 Murat 6, Neither fighter rated in the top 15 by WBC or WBA. IBF Cleverly 4 & Murat 11 & WBO Cleverly 2 & Murat 3.

Betting 1/4 11/4

This fight is see’s both guys fighting the best fighter they have to date. Cleverly will look to dominate with the jab and put Murat on the back foot using his height and reach advantages. By the mid rounds Murat will become marked up and frustrated at being repeatedly caught trying to get inside. To Murat’s credit he’ll continue to try, while Cleverly will build up the points on way to a comfortable decision.

Enzo Maccarinelli –V- Alexander Frenkel

European Cruiserweight Title

http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-enzo-maccarinelli-082610/

http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-alexander-frankel/

Hometown; Swansea, Wales Wurzberg, Germany

Record; 32-4(25) 22-0(17)

Rounds Boxed; 128 74

KO% 69 77

Age; 30 25

Height; 6’4 6’1

Rankings; Neither fighter ranked in the Ring top 10; WBC Maccarinelli 8 Frenkel 7; WBA Maccarinelli 3 Frenkel 2; IBF Maccarinelli 11 Frenkel 6 & WBO Maccarinelli unranked Frenkel 12.

Betting 4/7 11/8

One thing that you can always guarantee with a Maccarinelli fight is fireworks. Both guys will start cautiously of the others power. That wont last long as they’ll quickly engage. I’d be surprised to see this one go beyond half way with Maccarinelli’s edge in power seeing him score an impressive stoppage.

Matthew Macklin -V- Shalva Jomardashvili

Vacant European Middleweight Title

http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-matthew-macklin-091410/

Hometown; Birmingham, England Gori, Georgia

Record; 26-2(18) 27-2-1(19)

Rounds Boxed; 133 139

KO 64 63

Age; 28 23

Height; 5’10 5’9

Rankings; The Ring Macklin 5, WBC 5, WBA 5, IBF 9, WBO 8. Jomardashvili unranked by any of the organisations.

Betting 1/25 10/1

The always professional Macklin wont have a problem finding Jomardashvili who’s a come forward brawler. Look for Macklin who can be a quick starter to get off to a good start and make an impression by pushing Jomardashvili backwards from there he’ll methodically breakdown the tough durable Georgian until finally around the fifth or sixth he’ll bludgeon his brave but outgunned opponent to the canvas before seeing the fight called off.

Matthew Hall –V- Lucas Konecny

Vacant European Light Middleweight Title

Hometown; Manchester, England Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic

Record; 23-2(16) 44-3(21)

Rounds Boxed; 91 287

KO 64 45

Age; 26 32

Height; 5’7 5’8

Rankings; Both unranked by The Ring, Hall is also unranked in any of the organisations while Konecny is ranked 8 by the IBF & 6 WBO.

Betting 6/5 8/13

Pocket dynamo Hall was already in training for a fight when Ryan Rhodes pulled of this fight so sharpness shouldn’t be a problem Konecny could be a whole different ball game though. Konecny is battle hardened and has two wins over Khoren Gevor (who went on to challenge for world titles at 160 & 168) & only lost a split decision to the super talented Sergei Dzindziruk. The signs all point to Konecny being a bit to seasoned and having to much no how for Hall who will start well but fade by the middle rounds before coming on down the stretch before losing a spirited unanimous decision that will raise his profile while Konecny will be able to push for a second World title fight.

Kell Brook –V- Michael Jennings

British Welterweight Title

http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-kell-brook-081010/

Hometown; Sheffield, England Chorley, England

Record; 21-0(14) 36-2(17)

Rounds Boxed; 78 213

KO 67 45

Age; 24 33

Height; 5’9 5’9

Rankings; Both unranked by The Ring, WBO Brook 1 & Jennings 10.

Betting 1/6 4/1

Arguably the fight that most people are looking forward too on the card. A battle of youth (Brook) verses experience (Jennings) could be a changing of the guard of sorts with Brook’s star ascending while Jennings could be perhaps on the wane. Brook is very confident and to some may come across as brash even arrogant it’s not though it’s complete belief in his ability, he see’s this as a fight that can help him break out and make a statement. For his part Jennings is a very proud warrior who was out of his league against Miguel Cottobut is determined to prove many wrong and cause the shock. Though he’ll have his moments slowly but surely Brook will chip away until around the ninth Brook will put the shots together and get the stoppage.

Derek Chisora –V- Sam Sexton

British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Title

Hometown; London, England Norwich, England

Record; 13-0(8) 13-1(6)

Rounds Boxed; 54 70

KO; 62 43

Age; 26 26

Height 6’1 6’2

Betting 2/5 15/8

In a rematch two and a bit years after they first met both guys have improved considerably. It looks nicely poised, however Chisora has been more active of late he possess the better chin and knows he can hurt Sexton having previously stopped him in 6 that makes me think he can repeat it probably around the same time.

James Degale –V- Carl Dilks

WBA International Super Middleweight Title

Hometown; London, England Liverpool, Eng

Record; 7-0(5) 14-2(5)

Rounds Boxed; 20 84

KO 71 31

Age; 24 26

Height; 6’0 5’11

Betting 1/9 11/2

Last time out Degale fought very aggressively walking down Sam Horton as soon as he realised he couldn’t be hurt. This fight wont be much different Dilks doesn’t have the fire power to make Degale respect him though he is very tough and that should see him give Degale the rounds he needs. Degale will either force a late stoppage or coast to a comfortable decision.

Frankie Gavin –V- Michael Kelly

Vacant Irish Light Welterweight Title

http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-funtime-frankie-gavin-090210/

Hometown; Birmingham, England Dundalk, Ireland

Record; 7-0(6) 8-2-1(2)

Rounds Boxed; 24 41

KO 86 20

Age; 24 35

Height; 5’10 5’8

Betting 1/50 12/1

Fighting at home is an added pressure, that doesn’t seem to phase Gavin in fact he thrives on it. He’ll get some good work in an entertaining fight before scoring a stoppage in the seventh while comfortably ahead.

The weight in will take place at 2pm at the LG Arena on Friday 17 September.

The Running Order

Gates open at 4.30 with the first bell at 5.15

Joe Selkirk-V-TBA 4×3 Light Middleweight
Ronnie Heffron-V-Billy Smith 4×3 Welterweight

PPV Starts at 6pm

James Degale-V-Carl Dilks 12×3 Super Middleweight
Matthew Hall-V-Lucas Konecny 12×3 Light Middleweight
Nathan Cleverly-V-Kuro Kurat 12×3 Light Heavyweight
Kell Brook-V-Michael Jennings 12×3 Welterweight
Derek Chisora-V-Sam Sexton 12×3 Heavyweight

Swing Bout to be used before 10pm
Craig Evans-V-Mickey Coveney 4×3 Super Featherweight

After 10pm

Enzo Maccarinelli-V-Alexander Frenkel 12×3 Cruiserweight
Matthew Macklin-V-Shalva Jombardashvili 12×3 Middleweight
Frankie Gavin-V-Michael Kelly 10×3 Light Welterweight
Don Broadhurst-V-Najah Ali 10×3 Super Flyweight

The eagerly awaited clash between Matthew Macklin & Darren Barker was disappointingly cancelled when Barker was forced to pull out with a hip injury a couple of weeks ago. It was seen by many in the trade as a 50-50 battle that as well as being for the European title would also before British bragging rights. Thankfully some nifty work by Frank Warren has seen Barker be replaced by Shalva Jomardashvili 27-2-1(19) who will now meet Macklin for the now vacant European Title. Macklin 28, enjoyed a big 2009 when he demolished both Wayne Elcock & Amin Asikainen. Both wins firmly established him in the top 10 of the world rankings at 5 in both the WBC & WBA 6 with the IBF & 10 with the WBO. After being beset by cancellations finally the force of nature that has been “Mack the Knife” gets back to what he does best. Here’s what he had to say.

Hello Matthew, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you have a big fight coming up on the bumper 18 September show against Shalva Jomardashvili. What are your thoughts on him and that fight?

Matthew Macklin – I’ve not seen a lot of him. I’ve just heard he’s very tough, very strong and keeps coming basically. He gave Martin Murray (20-0(7) Current Commonwealth champion) a very tough fight. It was very close, some people thought he was unlucky not to get the decision (Murray won a six round decision 58-56) I didn’t see the fight myself so I don’t know a great deal. But I’m in great shape, I trained hard for the Barker fight. He (Barker) was more of a mover, this guy is more come forward type. I’ve boxed all over the world as an amateur in multi tournaments and boxed different styles, I had four fights in four days. I’m pretty experienced & seasoned now, you just have to be professional. The main thing is obviously not to be deflated after the Barker fight (was cancelled), it was then back on for a European title that was a boast. I’ve gotten over the disappointment of the Barker fight, I can’t dwell on it now it’s in the past. I have to focus on this guy because I don’t want it to be a banana skin.

Anson Wainwright – Obviously this fight is a late replacement for Darren Barker, what are your thoughts on what happened with that fight?

Matthew Macklin – People were saying the fight wasn’t going to happen but from my point of view it was 100% going to happen. With regards the injury I couldn’t answer, as far as I know he signed the contract, said he wanted the fight and I was going he was good to his word. But he pulled out and you think mmm it’s a bit coincidental. But at the same tune I’ve had injury’s in the past and had to withdraw from fights, so I don’t want to accuse him of anything without really knowing the facts. At the end of the day he’s pulled out and has his reasons whatever they are.

Anson Wainwright – It’s almost as if you scared everyone off with two very impressive performance when you demolished Wayne Elcock & Amin Asikainen last year. Is that how you feel and what has happened regarding other fights because you last fight was just before Christmas? Pirog/Barker/Mora etc

Matthew Macklin – Not even just that when I was European champion Dmitry Pirog was my mandatory challenger. He actually withdrew from the fight to sit on his WBO ranking. In fairness to him it ended up being a smart move because he’d of fought me and gotten beaten and where would he of been then. He was number 2 with the WBO (Gennady) Golovkin moved in for the WBA title that elevated him to fight Jacobs for the vacant belt, fair play to him what a performance. That was one fight, (Khoren) Gevor was mandatory when he withdrew. I was going to make a voluntary defence injured my nose but ended up vacating and parting with Hatton Promotions. There was a deal on the table with Golden Boy to fight Winky Wright then Sergio Mora. Winky Wright agreed then changed his mind, Mora just flat refused the fight. So it was getting to the stage where some fighters gather hype and momentum and everybody wants to fight them because there not as good as the hype. I’m one of the fighters all the other fighters know I can really fight and they don’t want to fight me. When I was European champion 2 mandatory’s withdrew. Whenever I’ve fought for a title Elcock, Jamie Moore, Asikainen I’ve always been mandatory. When I was champion the mandatory’s did want to fight me. Winky Wright & Mora whatever there reasons I’m not saying they didn’t think they could beat me who know what there reasons were but they pulled out of the fight or they refused to fight me. Now we have Barker saying he can’t wait for the fight blah blah blah the proof is in the pudding. Low and behold people said he was gonna pull out and what happens he pulls out. It’s frustrating, I put myself out there. I believe I’ll do any Middleweight in the world. In all honesty I think there’s 4/5 of us there’s me, Gennady Golovkin, Dmitry Pirog, Sergio Martinez & Sturm. On any given day we could probably all beat each other. But I’m certainly in the mix. I can beat all of those and I will beat them when it comes down to it. I’ll want it more than them & I will be in better shape. I just want the opportunity to prove I can be the best Middleweight in the world. I’m prepared to put myself out there and have been putting myself out there, it’s other people refusing to step up to the plate and fight me is preventing me proving myself.

Anson Wainwright – You didn’t mention Kelly Pavlik or Sebastian Sylvester?

Matthew Macklin – I didn’t mention them because I believe even though Sylvester is a world champion I don’t believe he’s as good as Pirog, Martinez, myself or Sturm. Sturm beat him. To be honest I don’t believe he beat Gevor. Gevor was unlucky against Sylvester not to get the decision. I’d say its between Golovkin, myself & Martinez the best 3 Middleweights in the world. If we could do the old box offs if you add Pirog. Pavlik had the big profile, he beat the man who beat the man but for whatever reason he’s not quite firing on all cylinders or maybe he’s had better days.

Anson Wainwright – Looking back at those fights with Elcock & Asikainen from your point of view what clicked into place for you on those nights?

Matthew Macklin – Yeah well if you go through my record the best people I’ve fought I’ve blew away. When I fought Alexey Chirkov he was 17-1(11) it was on the Hatton-Maussa card. I didn’t have a promotional agreement with Dennis Hobson so that was thrown in as a 50-50 fight, a good undercard fight. I wasn’t the house fighter because they had no interest in me. That was supposed on paper to be 50-50. He’d only lost once over 8 rounds to Khoren Gevor on points. I knocked Chirkov out in a round, I was up for a really hard fight same with Asikainen and I knocked him out in a round. I knew I’d do Elcock to be honest. I thought I’d knock him out in 5 or 6 rounds (Macklin ended up stopping Elcock in 3) It was a big local derby, a good local fight. Sometimes you fight a guy and hit him with a few good shots in the first and they go into a shell, they go into survival mode and you beat them on points, it’s almost like you go through the motions. I’m one of those fighters the better the opposition the better I fight. I’m like that in sparring that’s why I take better guys. If I spar guys a level below me I drop to there level. That’s why I don’t want easy fights. Ask Golden Boy, Richard Schaefer will tell you I wanted these fights with Winky Wright & Mora. I’ll fight anyone, you ask my manager Brian Peters a couple of years ago I wanted to fight Andy Lee & John Duddy. I never shied away from any fights. I could of fought in June against Giovanni Lorenzo but I wanted the Barker fight. Barker pulls out, I believe in myself and that I’d beat any Middleweight in the world.

Anson Wainwright – Word was that you were going to America to train at the Wild Card under Freddie Roach’s tutelage, what happened?

Matthew Macklin – I have trained there. Freddie maybe coming for the fight I’m waiting to here back from my manager Brian Peters. I did four and a half weeks at the Wild Card for this fight. I sparred over 70 rounds over there between “Kid Chocolate” Peter Quillen 21-0 Middleweight, Michael Medina he’s lost a couple in twenty odd, he lost a split decision to John Duddy on the Pacquiao undercard. I also sparred with the 28-0 Ukrainian (Stanyslav Kashtanov) who’s mandatory for Brian Magee (Current European Super Middleweight champion) and another kid called Rashad Holloway who’s 11-1-2 Welterweight. So I was over there, great sparring. I was doing pads with Freddie every other day. It’s a case of Freddie’s a great trainer, we work well together when he’s training me. But he does train Manny Pacquiao and fights can clash. It’s also important Joe Gallagher’s still part of the team. I’m happy and comfortable with Joe but I’m always going to be going to Freddie for fights.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym and where will you base yourself for the Barker fight?

Matthew Macklin – Manager is Brain Peters, my trainer is Freddie Roach but Joe Gallagher is very much involved. I did 4/5 weeks with Joe. I was over there 4 1/2 weeks and Joe came over for 2 weeks with me. A lot of fighters go there to work with Freddie. Senchenko was working with Freddie but also had his trainer from the Ukraine who’s a fundamental part of his training.

Before I went to America I got myself nice and fit with Joe Gallagher in Manchester and Joe came over (To America) with me and when I came back I was working with Joe as well. In between a 10 week training camp I just tick over.

Anson Wainwright – Your big friends with Ricky Hatton, can you tell us about how you first became friends? How close are you these days?

Matthew Macklin – Well like you said we were good friends we sparred a lot together. I was in his corner when he fought Mayweather and lots of fights. He worked my corner with Billy Graham on a few of mine and we were good buddy’s. I signed a 3 fight promotional deal, I only had the one. It didn’t quite work out I think for me or them and we agreed to part ways.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Birmingham and how it took you into Boxing?

Matthew Macklin – I played a lot of sports when I was younger. I played Football (Soccer), Rugby, Gaelic Football, Hurling. I was into all sports but I also started Boxing at the age of 10. I think I started watching a few of the fights Larry Holmes against Tyson the Benn-Eubank kind of fights and just wanted to Box.

Anson Wainwright – When your not training for a fight what do you do with your time? What are your hobbies?

Matthew Macklin – I just enjoy not having to diet, get up and go running. I could do with getting a few more Hobbies, I have Boxing on the brain! I like Hurling & Gaelic Football in Ireland there sports I follow through the summer. This year believe it or not I haven’t fought since last December I was out in America for 7 weeks in February & March when I came back every week there was something new happening, this fight, that fight, this deal, that deal. I was over for the Khan fight, the Cotto fight. Literally every week there was something going on so it was hard to switch off from it because I was constantly thinking this fight or that fight might happen. So I was ticking over and on the phone talking to my manager all the time.

Anson Wainwright – At the start of your career you were a Light Middleweight, you struggled massively. What can you tell us about that? How comfortable are you at Middleweight? What is your walk around weight?

Matthew Macklin – I walk around about 185-190 which is around 13.3/13.4 when I go up there it’s when I’ve had a long break and you’ve over indulged in the fridge. Otherwise i walk around somewhere between 12/13 stone otherwise. I’m strong a Middleweight i feel strong and comfortable, at Light Middleweight it was just a bridge to far. I made the weight but couldn’t perform at it. I think even in the amateur’s I was at Light Middleweight I was winning gold medals all over. When the World Junior’s came about I brought myself down to Welterweight. Won my first fight, lost my second and although it was a bad decision I didn’t perform particularly well. When I won the Senior ABA’s I moved to Light Middleweight and went to a tournament in Greece I lost in the final to the number one in the world and he only beat me by a couple of points. Before the Moore fight the 8 rounder’s the signs were there I was doing 4 pounds in the sauna to make 11.3/11.4 so common sense would tell you move up 3 pounds not down 3. But sometimes your so in the zone that you just ignore it “I’ll be ok, I’ll do 10 weeks” But you live and learn.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your favourite fighter growing up?

Matthew Macklin – Sugar Ray Leonard, though completely different in styles Roberto Duran. I remember watching the DVD “The Fabulous Four” and loved all four fighters. All very different but Leonard was probably my favourite. I’ve come to like Mayweather. Obviously Manny Pacquiao is very exciting. Umm Marquez he’s coming to the end of the road but he’s been a very underrated fighter, he’s a great technian. David Haye’s very exciting to watch. I watch them all really.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the fans ahead of your fight?

Matthew Macklin – Just shame the Barker fight didn’t happen but I’m in great shape and we’ve had great sparring. This guy comes to forward and comes to fight. He’s not going to take a backward step and neither will I. I’m going to make sure it’s exciting. A win first and foremost. Because of my nature and style I don’t think I’m ever going to be in a really bad fight. I’m pretty aggressive, I throw punches and this guy doesn’t take a step backwards so it should be exciting. I hope everyone enjoys it and continues to watch my progress because I’m ranked in the top five by I think the WBC, WBA & IBF and with The Ring. It’s not a case of if, it’s a case of when. I’m going to take it with both hands. Other fighters might have the hype but I’m the real deal. I don’t only think I can win a title but dominate for 3 or 4 years to come.

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Matthew.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Just last week it was rumoured that Argentinean power puncher Lucas Matthysse 27-0(25) 1 No Contest would make a quick return after his impressive first round destruction of Rogelio Castaneda Jr by taking the biggest fight of his career to date against Zab Judah on 6 November in Newark, NJ. While it is all just talk at the moment, it shows what kind of statement Matthysse 27, sent out after his recent drilling over the usually durable Castaneda. He’s from a fighting family which includes his brother Walter who fought the likes of Paul Williams & Kermit Cintron, both grew up in the small town of Trelew in the South of Argentina roughly 800 miles from where he now resides in the nations capital of Buenos Aires. Currently ranked at number 3 by the WBO, 8 by the IBF & 12 by the WBC.

Hello Lucas, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your win over Rogelio Castaneda Jr what can you tell us about the fight?

Lucas Matthysse – The fight was faster than I hoped, but I was trained to do 12 rounds. I am very happy.

Anson Wainwright – It looks impressive because you stopped him in one whereas normally he goes rounds with other contenders he’s fought like like Lamont Peterson, Francisco Bojado & Demetrius Hopkins to name a few. How pleased were you with the performance?

Lucas Matthysse – All of them are great boxers. I’m very pleased with my performance because I won easy to a hard opponent.

Anson Wainwright – Now that you have gotten the fight with Casteneda out of the way, what are your plans next? Who would you like to fight next?

Lucas Matthysse – I would like to fight with the big names. But I will fight anyone my manager indicates me to.

Anson Wainwright – You had fought Casteneda before but it was a Non Contest, you went back and cleaned that up with this win, do you intend to do the same with Vivian Harris? What are your thoughts on the first fight and fighting him again?

Lucas Matthysse – I don`t know, but I believe that I was going to knockout Vivian. I don’t have any problem in giving him the rematch.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your Manager, Trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use regularly? What other pro’s train with you?

Lucas Matthysse – My manager is Mario Arano, my trainer is Luis “Cuty” Barrera (a former South American welter champion), an my promoters are Arano Box and Golden Boy Promotion. I train in the Arano Box Gym, in Junin, Buenos Aires. Some pro’s who train with me are Carlos Ponce (former Argentine Jr Flyweight champ), Rogelio Rossi (new SA cruiser champ), sometimes Carlos Baldomir (former WBC welter champion) and others.

Anson Wainwright – Your older brother Walter was also a boxer fighting Kermit Cintron & Paul Williams, what is he doing now? Do you have any other brothers or relatives who are or were Boxers?

Lucas Matthysse – Walter is retired and he has a gym in our native city of Trelew, Chubut. My younger sister is a pro boxer and she`s good. My father (Mario) was a great boxer and my mother (Doris) also was boxer (she fought one time as an amateur). All my family involved in boxing!

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your early years growing up in Trelew?

Lucas Matthysse – My childhood was hard. We were poor but we haven’t needed anything. I walked in gangs. I liked the streets and in my 11 years I fought much in gangs. My mother introduced me to go to a boxing gym.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested and then involved in Boxing?

Lucas Matthysse – Like I say, my mother induced me to go a Gym and after, the boxing likes me so much. I follow the Walter’s career and years later, all the people said to me that I was very good and I was chosen for the Argentine Boxing team. I fought in a lot of cities and countries with the Argentine team. As an amateur my career was very large I fought near of 100 times

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing? What are your hobbies & interests?

Lucas Matthysse – I like to be with my family. I ‘ve a four years old daughter and she’s my treasure. I also like music (Cumbia)

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Lucas Matthysse – I don’t have any hero

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the talent packed Light Welterweight division?

Lucas Matthysse – Take care at all!!! The Lucas’ time is coming !!!

Thanks for your time Lucas.

Best Wishes

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

It didn’t bode well when last Christmas the entire Boxing world’s focus was on whether or not Floyd Mayweather Jr & Manny Pacquiao could work things out for them to fight in May. As we know it didn’t turn out well with arbitrations and law suits being thrown around ever since not to mention relations between the lead promoters of both fighter Golden Boy (Mayweather) & Top Rank (Pacquiao) are at an all time low.

We hoped that after both Pacquiao took care of business with Joshua Clottey in Texas & Mayweather put on a clinic against Shane Mosley that the two best practioners on the planet at the moment would settle there difference’s in the ring and not the court room this fall.

Unfortunately once again Mayweather-Pacquiao hasn’t come to fruition with all sorts of rumours spread. We can only hope things finally work out for next spring…don’t hold your breath though, if we’ve learnt one thing in the last year or so it’s that if one thing can stop two superstars meeting for around $40M apiece it’s ego’s.

Another unfortunate casualty of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is that the two promoters are one again engaging in a bitter battle that has some in the media dubbing it “The Cold War”. Of coarse the one’s who really suffer is the fans who don’t get to see both promoters pit there other best fighters together which they had done for a couple of years prior to the latest setback.

As if the break downs in negotiations that has marred 2010 between Mayweather & Pacquiao aren’t enough and believe me there pretty bad. Things have steadily gotten worse as the years gone on. Though it was completely understandable after the tragic lives of many in Haiti were lost (Including 8 relatives of Andre Berto) the first big fight of the year Mosley-Berto was cancelled a week out.

At Middleweight Paul Williams priced himself out of a Championship fight with number then one Kelly Pavlik. On the back of several impressive performance’s Sergio Martinez fought and beat Pavlik. While you would think a good looking, talented personable guy would find acquiring future dates relatively easy, however the dearth in contenders at 160 made that difficult and then neigh on impossible when Williams initially baulked at a rematch, thankfully he has since come to his senses and looks like accepting parity for the 20 November clash.

The Middleweight division isn’t likely to make anyone forget the Golden years of the 60’s and 80’s which is all the more reason the few top fights that can be made need to be made.

When one of the possible future stars Edwin Valero lost his life in a tragic turn of events back in April it taught us once again how you should cherish every moment of your life because you never know quite what is around the corner. It was reported that Valero had battled both drink & drug addiction, it was to see him completely unravel almost in front of our very eyes with various pictures and reports coming from South America. Many in Boxing believed Valero was the man to not only take down Pacquiao & Mayweather but also earn legendary status. Sadly that wasn’t to be the case and even more tragically Valero & his also deceased wife left behind two young children who will have to deal with the loss of there mother & father for there whole lives.

The Featherweight class is on the cusp of a Golden era like it has in the mid to late 90’s into the 2000’s. With any combination of Chris John, Celestino Caballero, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Elio Rojas, JuanMa Lopez & Rafael Marquez highly entertaining fights. As the fall calendar fills out it doesn’t look like any of them will of fought each other. John hasn’t fought in 2010 as yet, nobody wants to fight Caballero who is the most avoided fighter in Boxing. Cuban Gamboa has won two fights and looks to unify with tough Orlando Salido. Elio Rojas recently picked up and injury that will keep him out for several months meaning his one appearance so far in 2010 is likely to be his only fight in this year. It looked as if Lopez & Marquez would clash in a much anticipated fight on 18 September, however that was postponed when Marquez injured a thumb.

A couple of weeks back we heard that not only was Mikkel Kessler pulling out of his fight with Allen Green which was scheduled for the end of September but he was withdrawing completely from the Super 6 which has been beset by postponements in the past year since Ken Hershman’s brain child started. The sad news came through that Kessler would be on the sidelines due to an eye injury for 9 months.

We’ve also had talented fighters spend time on the sidelines in the prime of there career’s for no apparent reason. One of the names that springs to mind is Tim Bradley who had done so well in fights at 140 last year that he ended up waiting until July for a fight and then he had to head to Welterweight for a fight with the stronger but not as versatile Luis Abregu. Another who had to wait around was Chad Dawson who went without a fight until the middle of August when he lost to Jean Pascal.

Over the past 2 years we’ve all watched David Haye talk the talk but fail to back it up with a fight with either of the Klitschko brothers. Even when he cleared the way beating mandatory challenger John Ruiz in April rather than seek out a Klitschko it appears as though he fight Audley Harrison.

After the doom and gloom that has been 2010 a year that has no clear candidate for fight of the year that honour would probably go to Mikkel Kessler & Carl Froch who took part in a scintillating battle in April. What can we expect from the remaining part of the year or even 2011.

Just to prove I’m a half glass full type of guy here’s a few things that may light up the Boxing calendar over the next few months.

While the Klitschko brothers look light years ahead of the completion any combination of David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, Tomasz Adamek & Chris Arreola would prove entertainment.

It looks as though we could have a Super 6 at Cruiserweight which if word is true will kick off with Steve Cunningham fighting Marco Huck in a rematch from 2007.

Jean Pascal changed the Light Heavyweight landscape when he beat Chad Dawson it now looks like he will not satisfy himself by just staying busy and enjoying his new found fame as he will take on Bernard Hopkins on 18 December.

The fall will hopefully see the two Andre’s Ward & Dirrell square off and Carl Froch & Arthur Abraham meet in what could be a fight of the year type of fight with neither guy taking a backward step. The two winners then meeting in a huge fight which will also unify the WBC & WBA titles. It was agreed when Kessler pulled doubt that he would fight the winner of the Super 6 in late 2011.

Finally Martinez-Williams will rematch on 22 November. Dmitry Pirog came out of the shadows when he stunned Daniel Jacobs hopefully he’ll be kept in the spotlight and let us not forget a come backing Kelly Pavlik.

Any time Manny Pacquiao fights it’s cant miss TV and he’ll be looking to become a 7 weight world champion fighting Antonio Margarito on November 13. Miguel Cotto reinvigorated the Light Middleweight division when he moved up 7 pounds stopping Yuri Foreman looks like he many face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on 4 December. The winner of that could face Pacquiao-Margarito next year. Alfredo Angulo & a come backing James Kirkland also make there home at 154.

Traditionally one of Boxing stronghold division’s is Welterweight and that shows no signs of slowing down. We can all hope that Pacquiao-Mayweather can come together finally next year. Shane Mosley may not be getting any younger but he’s still more than capable. Andre Berto looks the future at 147.

Seems like Amir Khan may face Marcos Maidana on 11 December and six weeks later Tim Bradley could face Devon Alexander. Cross everything that the two winners clash by next summer.

Wisely Juan Manuel Marquez decided not to move up from Lightweight for a fall clash with Khan instead it looks as though he’ll face Michael Katsidis in a fight that could be a fight of the year candidate.

Scotland’s Ricky Burns became his countries twelfth ever world champion following in the footsteps of Benny Lynch, Ken Buchanan & Jim Watt when as a 3-1 underdog he showed considerable resolve to take the title from Roman Martinez in a thrilling fight.

JuanMa Lopez will square off with Rafael Marquez on 6 November in what could be a changing of the guard fight or further enhance Marquez stature as one of the best lighter weight fighters of his generation. Cuban whirlwind Gamboa fights Saturday, one thing with Gamboa is that he’s always in exciting fights.

Since Israel Vazquez, Marquez & Caballero moved up to 126 the Super Bantamweight division hasn’t been as strong as in bygone years Thailand’s pocket dynamo Poonsawat Kratchingdaeng always provides entertaining fights as does Toshiaki Nishioka who meets Rendall Munroe in what has the makings of a brilliant fight. Coming through in the next six months or so will be legendary Cuban amateur Guillermo Rigondeaux who has signed with Top Rank who are sure to give him the opportunities to show his considerable talent.

There is talent galore at 118, we hope to see Fernando Montiel meet Nonito Donaire in the next half year or so. It’s a fight that would likely see the winner move into the top 5 on many pound for pound lists. Showtime is putting up the money for an exciting clash between Vic Darchinyan-Abner Mares & Yonnhy Perez-Joseph Agbeko on 4 December with the winners meeting further down the line.

As you can see while 2010 hasn’t quite been the year we had hoped it maybe there are still plenty of things going on and in the works for this fall and early next year.

One of the fights dubbed the “The Magnificent Seven” will see one of Britain’s top prospects “Funtime” Frankie Gavin 7-0(6) bid for his first first title in the paid ranks when he fights Michael Kelly for the Irish Light Welterweight crown. In this fight Gavin will look to add another victory that he hopes will see him go one step closer to becoming the British Champion which he hopes to challenge for in the near future. The 24 year old achieved something no English fighter ever had in the amateur’s when he won the World Championships stunning two time Olympic Gold medallist Aleksei Tishchenko on route to the final. He then headed to Beijing with high hopes of completing the double, unfortunately he was unable to make the weight and couldn’t compete. He then opted to turn pro under the stewardship of Frank Warren and is currently trained by Anthony Farnell. Here’s what Gavin had to say.

Hello Frankie, welcome back to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly it’s been awhile since we spoke you have started off your pro career very impressively going 7-0(6) what are your thoughts on how things have gone so far in your career?

Frankie Gavin – Everything has gone to plan. I’ve stayed undefeated. I haven’t lost or drawn a round as a pro. So far everything has gone to plan.

Anson Wainwright – You will be looking to win your first title when you fight for the Vacant Irish Title against Michael Kelly, what do you know about Kelly & what do you expect him to bring to the fight?

Frankie Gavin – I think he’s a decent fighter. He was a really good amateur but it’s a completely different game now (In the pro’s). He’s very strong, he looks like he can fight a bit, but I’ve seen he makes quite a few mistakes so I’ll take advantage of that.

Anson Wainwright – This fight will be scheduled for 10 rounds, so far you haven’t been beyond 6. What are your thoughts on that?

Frankie Gavin – I do it in the gym fine. I spar Light Middle’s, I spar 8-10 with Mattie Hall (Hall is the former Commonwealth Light Middleweight champion who is 23-2(16) as a pro. So to do that with Mattie Hall I can easily do it with Michael Kelly.

Anson Wainwright – What are your feelings on the September 18 show in general, it must be a tremendous honour to be from the host City of such a big event?

Frankie Gavin – Yeah it’s brilliant. Obviously Macklin’s on, he’s going to knock Barker out. I don’t really like to comment on Brook & Jennings because I know them both. Then I think Maccarinelli & Cleverly are going to be fine. Degale is going to smash Dilks in four rounds. I think I’ll do Kelly easily enough. Chisora-Sexton is another one like Brook & Jennings. Such a good show. Don Broadhurst whoever he fights I think he’ll be fine. I think it’s such a good show. Ronnie Heffron & Joe Selkirk have just been added.

Editors Note: This interview took place on the 31 August, since then Darren Barker has pulled out with a hip injury.

Anson Wainwright – You were originally scheduled to fight Curtis Woodhouse. He played Football for your beloved Birmingham City F.C would that of been strange for you beating up a guy you had once cheered from the stands?

Frankie Gavin – No not one bit. He gets carried away, he thinks he’s the next big think thing, in all honesty he’s nothing more than an area fighter in my opinion.

Anson Wainwright – Without getting ahead of ourselves you obviously hope to achieve big things in Boxing, all being well after the 18 September what would you like to do next? What are your plans for say the next 6 months to a year?

Frankie Gavin – I want to be British Champion at least. I want to be challenging. In my opinion I’m ready for Lenny Daws, I want Lenny Daws. I want Nigel Wright, Lenny Daws anybody ahead of me in the rankings. In some people’s eyes Woodhouse is ahead of me but he’s not, people who know Boxing know he’s not ahead of me in the rankings. I want people who are genuinely ahead of me there the people i really want to fight.

Anson Wainwright – You have been cut a few times so far, you’ve dealt with the adversity well. Do you think this could be a problem for you? Have you looked into it?

Frankie Gavin – It’s one of those things. They’ve been head clashes. It hasn’t really bothered me. Just really one of those things, I’m not bothered about it. If it really bothered me you’d of seen me fold and go on the back foot and get worried but if anything it spurs me on. So far nothings really bothered me. I’ve been hit a few times with 8 ounce gloves and I’ve taken it. I haven’t been shaken as yet obviously it’s going to happen one day but I’ll deal with that when it happens. Once I’ve been punched and cut I’ll thing something must be wrong, but it’s always been with the head really hard. Anyone who gets hit with the heads going to cut.

Anson Wainwright – You were obviously part of the 2008 British Olympic team though you didn’t fight. With the exception of two who stayed in the amateur’s the rest have gone pro. How do you feel they have all done so far? Do you stay in contact with them all?

Frankie Gavin – Yeah I still speak to them all Price, Jeffries, Degale, Billy Joe Saunders & Joe Murray. We’re all friends, the good thing is we’re all still undefeated, none of us have been beat. As long as none of us can not get beat we’ll all be champions.

Anson Wainwright – From a British point of view the Light Welterweight division is stacked with talent. Amir Khan is a World Champion, Paul McCloskey is the European Champion plus British champ Lenny Daws, English holder Nigel Wright. What are your thoughts on those guys?

Frankie Gavin – I’ll beat in my opinion Nigel Wright now. I’m a better southpaw than him, I’m a better boxer than him. He thinks he’s a big puncher, but he’s not one of those guys I’m going to have to go looking for. Same with Lenny Daws. When I first went pro it would of been over 4 rounds, now I’m doing 6 I know I’d beat him over 6. I’ve done 8 and if I get my 10 & 12’s sorted I’ll beat him of that then. As long as I can do 10 rounds they can’t beat me. I’m a better boxing, they haven’t got variation like me they haven’t got the elusiveness like me.

Anson Wainwright – A fight with McCloskey would be huge in Ireland as would a fight with Khan in Britain. What are your thoughts on those guys?

Frankie Gavin – They’re at the very back of my mind. I’ve got a lot of things to prove and achieve before I can look to those guys. There doing things I can only dream about at the moment. When the time comes we’ll see. At the moment those two are well ahead of me so I’m not even looking at them.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans and anyone who maybe thinking of coming to the “Magnificent Seven” show on the 18 September?

Frankie Gavin – Just come, it’s going to be a great night. Your going to see some of Britain’s finest and it wont disappoint i’m sure of that.

Thanks for your time Frankie, keep up the good work

Anson Wainwright
15rounds

It’s one of the great wonders of Boxing how a guy can go from Journeyman to contender and in some cases even winning a World title. It happened with Glen Johnson he had multiple loses on his ledger, albeit several of them dubious before rose to become champion. It happened to Orlando Salido & Cristobal Cruz to battle tested Mexican warriors with double digit loses. They say you can learn more from a loss than you can a win that’s most definitely the case with Filipino fighter Michael Domingo he’s had plenty of practice going 40-14-2(18). He’s on a nice 9 fight winning streak which includes snapping Miguel Roman’s 21 fight unbeaten run, a stoppage over one time American Olympian Jose Navarro & last time he demolished former title challenger Luis Melendez in two. Domingo turns 31 in late August but believes he’s in his prime and above all wants to land the so far elusive World title fight. The message is clear don’t sleep on Michael Domingo if you do it might just be you who’s left sleeping.

Hello Michael, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hello Anson.

Anson Wainwright – Your scheduled to appear next on 28 August at Waterford Cebu City, any ideas as yet who you will be facing? What can you tell us about the show?

Michael Domingo – My next fight is actually going to be on the 29th of October 2010 at the Dubai Tennis Stadium in Dubai U.A.E. I am scheduled to fight Angky Angkota of Indonesia. It is a presentation of my promotional company ALA Promotions of Antonio L. Aldeguer, Philippine Television Giant ABS-CBN Sports and Dubai based KO Promotions of Zac Taumafai. My fellow ALA Promotions boxers Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and A.J. Banal is also fighting in the same card.

Anson Wainwright – Last time out you beat Luis Melendez when you impressively stopped him in two. What can you tell us about that fight?

Michael Domingo – The fight was good because I won. I did not get to enjoy it that much though because when I landed a hard punch in the first round I felt he was backing up too much and did not want to engage. After that I just went for the kill.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us who is part of team Domingo? Who is your manager, trainer & promoter and what gym do you train at?

Michael Domingo – My manager is Mr. Antonio L. Aldeguer who owns ALA Promotions and the ALA Gym where I train everyday and my trainer is Edito “ALA” Villamor.

Anson Wainwright – What is a typical day in they gym for you?

Michael Domingo – I wake up to jog around 5:30 AM and finish up at 7:00 AM everyday. I eat breakfast thereafter and then I rest. On Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays I do strength and conditioning training and on Tuesdays-Thursdays-Saturdays in the afternoon I spar.

Anson Wainwright – Could we rewind 20 plus years and tell us about your childhood and what your upbringing was like?

Michael Domingo – 20 years ago I worked with my parents on a farm planting rice. I got bored and decided to start a gang called the Peace Makers who ironically got into fights almost everyday. I always figured in street fights. There was one incident when a rival hit me with a rock in the head and it was really bad. After that I was encouraged by a neighbor to go into boxing and that started that.

Anson Wainwright – Your hometown of Cebu is known as a hotbed of Boxing in The Philippines could you tell us about how this influenced you and your path into Boxing?

Michael Domingo – Yes Cebu is a hotbed of boxing in the country but I actually am from Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao Philippines but I started my career in boxing in Davao City where I boxed for 5 years before moving to Cebu.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your hobbies?

Michael Domingo – I just want to relax and go to the mall. I love watching movies and go Videoke singing with my close friends.

Anson Wainwright – Going back to the start of your career you debuted back in 1999 you streaked to 10-0-1(3) before your first loss, then you then slipped to 11-12-1(5) in your next 24 fights over a 4 year period. What happened to you at that time?

Michael Domingo – I believe I was mismanaged then. I also needed money those times because I was away from home being in Davao. I accepted fights whatever weight class was offered. I lost focus and my drive. It was about survival then.

Anson Wainwright – At that point you looked like you would slip into journeyman status however you reinvented yourself going 18-2(9) putting yourself in line for a world title fight. Even then the two loses were on the road in Japan & France. Can you explain how you managed to go from a journeyman to a possible world title fight?

Michael Domingo – I am just lucky that ALA Promotions and my management team helped guide me to where I am now. I would like to thank most especially Sir Antonio Aldeguer and Sir Michael Aldeguer for guiding not just my career but my life as well.

Anson Wainwright – The Bantamweight class is strong at the moment what are your thoughts on the top fighters at 118? Who are you targeting?

Michael Domingo – The 118 Bantamweight class is one of the most talented and competitive divisions now but I feel I am ready for any one of them. I want Montiel:-). Vic Darchinyan, Perez is on the list too.

Anson Wainwright – Your countryman Manny Pacquiao won the race to congress. What are your feelings on that and what you feel he has done for Filipino Boxing?

Michael Domingo – I am very happy for Congressman Manny Pacquiao. He is one special individual and i know he has a lot to offer in helping his province of Saranggani. Manny Pacquiao has blazed the trail for Filipino boxers to follow and has inspired us boxers to believe nothing is impossible.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Bantamweight class?

Michael Domingo – To all you Champions of the Bantamweight class, I am just here ready and waiting to fight you. PICK ME!

Thanks for your time Michael, keep up the good work.

Thank you very much Mr. Anson Wainwright.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

A couple of weeks back I was made a promise by Giovani Segura’s manager Ricky Mota he agreed to my request to an interview with Segura ahead of his WBA & WBO Unification fight with Ivan Calderon. Now it’s not unheard for your requests not to come to fruition in this game. However a man of his word Ricky Mota contacted me from Puerto Rico to fulfill his part of the bargain. Now Segura 28, aims to complete his part of the deal he wanted the biggest and best fight out there and his team dually delivered Calderon. The fight takes place in Calderon’s homeland of Puerto Rico this Saturday where he is a National Treasure and very difficult to beat. A fact not lost on Segura or his team who know that they are public enemy number one at the moment and will most likely have to KO there Hall of fame bound opponent. Going into the fight Segura sports an impressive 24-1-1(20) ledger with 77% KO ratio

Hello Giovani, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – In the last few days it’s been announced that you will be facing Ivan Calderon in a Unification. What can you tell us about that fight ands how you see it?

Giovanni Segura – Im very happy to unify with best 108 in the world ivan calderon, I see the fans being the winner of the fight but without a doubt me beating him that night.

Anson Wainwright – What do you expect from Calderon? How good do you think he is?

Giovanni Segura – I think there is no secret he will run and box and i will try to be smart and knock him out.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been busy so far this year having two fights already winning both. What can you tell us about them?

Giovanni Segura – Good exciting fights that gave me more experience just what i need under m belt.

Anson Wainwright – Tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use?

Giovanni Segura – Manager Richard Mota, Trainer Javier Capetillo & promoter Top Rank. I train at the Azteca Boxing Club in Bell Ca.

Anson Wainwright – Much has been made of Capetillo after what happened with the Margarito-Mosley fight. What is your take on it?

Giovanni Segura – No Comment

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Giovanni Segura – To fight the best and keep unifying my world titles

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you first became interested in Boxing and went to the Aztec Club?

Giovanni Segura – Since I was kid I’ve been interested in boxing started when iwas 16 years old

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about yourself as a person, your hobbies, interests and facts about yourself? What fighters did you like when you were young and who do you like now?

Giovanni Segura – Im a clean honest man, that likes to play soccer and spend time with my family. julio cesar chavez, finito lopez, felix trinidad

Anson Wainwright – How do you find making 108? Do you struggle? What is your walk around weight when not training? Do you have a special diet when a fight is coming up?

Giovanni Segura – I struggle a little bit to make 108 but nothing crazy. my walk around weight is 122.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Light Flyweight division and the strength of it? What do you think of your fellow champions?

Giovanni Segura – I dont think much of my fellow champions.but would love unify with them all.

Anson Wainwright – What is the fight you would most like and how do you envisage it turning out?

Giovanni Segura – Ivan Calderon by KO.

Anson Wainwright – Finally is there anything you’ll like to add?

Giovanni Segura – Thanks for having me here dont miss my fight with calderon there will be fireworks

Anson Wainwright – Thanks for your time Giovani,

Giovanni Segura – It’s been a pleasure.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

European Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Maccarinelli 32-4(25) will look to make the first defence of his title against unbeaten Ukrainian Alexander Frenkel on the bumper 18 September show in Birmingham, England. Back in 2006 Maccarinelli was a young world champion with an entertaining style he would make 4 successful defence’s of the WBO strap before losing it in a bragging rights unification shootout with David Haye. It seemed to send his career into a tailspin when he lost two in a row in a bad 2009. While many fighters would opt to retire not Maccarinelli he decided against getting a day job, rededicated himself going back to basics. After two feel your way back wins both in the first round he was left with a decision to fight in Prizefighter for more money, against weaker opposition or fight for the vacant European crown which though more prestigious would be in Russia against Alexander Kotlobay. After deliberating it with promoter Frank Warren, Maccarinelli decided no guts no glory going for the jugular heading to Russia where he demolished Kotlobay in 135 seconds of the opening round. Maccarinelli hopes to get an impressive victory over Frenkel that would propel him into a muted Cruiserweight Super 6. Here’s what Big Macc had to say ahead of the fight.

Hello Enzo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you will be making your first defence of the European Cruiserweight title against Alexander Frenkel. What are your thoughts on Frankel? How good do you think he is?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah obviously he’s good. He’s got a good record, good knock out record. I’ve seen the boys he’s been fighting they haven’t been up to much i’ll be honest but he’s taken care of them. He beat what’s in front of him but i’m in a totally different kettle of fish to what he’s faced.

Anson Wainwright – Your fight takes place on the massive 18 September Birmingham show. What are your thoughts on appearing on that card?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah to be honest it doesn’t really bother me if i’m honest. I’m in this for myself, it’s not a team sport. But you’ve got to give some kudos to Frank Warren for putting on a show like this. It’s got to be the most stacked 50-50 fights for British Boxing for many years. I think it’ll be a fantastic night of boxing and i’m sure everyone will play a part in making it a great night.

Anson Wainwright – Over the past few years you’ve changed several things in your team having left the Calzaghe stable, who are you trained by now? Also who is your manager & promoter? What gym do you train at?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah i train with Karl Ince he does pads with me. A conditioner Chris Ware for fitness and an old trainer from when i was younger Derek who’s just pushing me. I’ve gone back to basics. I’ve left all the weights alone, which i’ve done over the last couple of years. Plenty of running, plenty of Boxing, plenty of sparring. I’m in London, I’ve sparred with Derek Chisora this week. Everything is going well. My manager & promoter is Frank Warren. I train over my dad’s gym where it all started, like i say i’ve gone back to basics, i train at home. The place that i grew up and made me. It’s a little tin shed in Swansea, it’s boiling in the summer & freezing in the winter. But it’s what i call my second home. It’s relight the fire inside me.

Anson Wainwright -From your point of view what made your decide to leave the Calzaghe’s and how are things between you now?

Enzo Maccarinelli – It’s all amicable. I gave them my reason’s why i left. I speak to Joe all the time. I speak to Enzo all the time. There’s no animosity at all with me leaving at all. When Joe retired Enzo lost some of his love for the game, he wouldn’t admit it at the time but i think he would now. It was just something i had to do. I don’t hold grudges there’s no grudges to hold. I’m very close to Joe, i’m very close to Enzo.

Anson Wainwright -Obviously Frenkel is a very real test for you, but all being well I’m sure you want to get back on the World stage. What is your plan of attack?

Enzo Maccarinelli – I want that world title back again. I’m in this for no other reason. When i lost to Lebedev and Afolabi i lost to boys who a couple of years ago wouldn’t of touched me. But i lost. I’m not making excuses, i’m not saying it wasn’t me. I prepared wrong for both of them fights, they prepared right they won, preparation is key. But the thing was i knew what i did wrong. Especially after the Lebedev fight i was embarrassed not because i lost because of the way i performed. It was upto me to either sit in the house and think of a new career or carry on and do the sport i love. Obviously here i am. Everyone gave me no hope what so ever going to Russia. I smashed the boy up. I did exactly what i said i was going to do. It was no lucky shot. I said it was going to be over in two rounds and it was the first!

Anson Wainwright -What are your thoughts on the current state of the Cruiserweight division? Where do you feel you fit in to things?

Enzo Maccarinelli – I fit in there. I feel i can beat any Cruiserweight on the planet bar none. As long as i prepare right, as long as i turn up right on the night. I think it’ll be a hard man to beat me. It’s a good division with good fighters. I’d place Steve Cunningham at the top he’s been around a long time he shows no sign of slowing down. Me and Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, Marco Huck would be a cracking fights. I’ve heard rumours of Super 6’s in all division’s so that would be something i’d love to do. But i’m not taking nothing for granted Alexander Frenkel is a dangerous opponent. I’m training as hard as ever. My weight is fine, i’m under weight already, i’m fit as a fiddle. I could do 12 rounds tomorrow. It’s just a matter of not going over the top.

Anson Wainwright – You touched on the Cruiserweight Super 6 which has been mentioned, what are your thoughts on that?

Enzo Maccarinelli – It would be fantastic. It would definitely be something i’d like to do. If i can put on something spectacular against Frenkel then maybe i could earn my way in there, that would be ideal for me, I’d be more than happy. It would be a fantastic tournament at the end of the day after Seven or so fights you find out who the number one is.

Anson Wainwright -You went into the Lions den so to speak last time out when you won the European title, was that a case of you having to win as a loss would of put you in a very difficult place?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Yeah that’s the way i see every fight from now on. When i lost to Lebedev i changed a few things, i didn’t feel anything i did in training was right. But maybe I didn’t have the hunger, but i went along with it, i knew it wasn’t right. I lost i thought i’m going to give it one last crack, i know i can still do it. I’m going to do it my way so if it F&!$’s up it’s all on me. I had that offer to go to Russia and it was either that or Prizefighter. On paper Prizefighter was a lot easier, i’d get paid a lot more money to win Prizefighter. But the rewards were more (For the European Title). Some journalists said it was the best performance by a British fighter on foreign soil in many a year. Nothing hindered me, i spoke to Frank Warren he offered me Prizefighter or the European title. I said which one do you want me to take? He said he’d like me to fight for the European, that was enough for me. I told them all i’d knock him out and that’s exactly what i did.

Anson Wainwright -The biggest fight of your career to date was the David Haye unification. Looking back what are your thoughts on that fight? Was it a case of him just being to big for you?

Enzo Maccarinelli – No not at all. If you watch the fight i hit him in the first round, i didn’t take my chance. He did in the second round. It was a matter of who landed the cleanest (Punch) first. He landed a few times in the first round. But the second round he caught me and finished the job, all credit to him. But after that fight i tried to change things but i just came up against a better boy that night.

Anson Wainwright -After the Haye fight you seemed to be on the way down losing to Afolabi & Lebedev. What happened at that time and how have you turned the corner now?

Enzo Maccarinelli – It was basically when i lost to Ola Afolabi i was winning every round but i was absolutely exhausted from the second round. If you see the fights from before like the first Hobson fight i’ll fight to the finish. Against Afolabi was exausted, I was quite surprised i lasted 8 rounds i’ll be honest. He caught me in the 8th but lets be honest people say about my chin but that would of knock out a Heavyweight. Some people say it was a lucky punch, it was nothing to do with luck. I was absolutely shattered, I threw a lazy jab, he threw it with everything he had into the punch. I changed trainers i went to Bolton with Karl Ince who still works with me. But when i first went with Karl he tried too hard to do everything too correct. I brought in one of the best strength and conditioner trainers in the world to make me do this make me do that. It just didn’t feel right for me. It was to much emphasis on rest and recovery not enough on ridiculous hard work which is what i have always been used to. I went back to Swansea, i didn’t like being away from the kids. I know you need to make sacrifices. But i didn’t like being away from them for all that time, i don’t know if it effected me. But back home in Swansea everyday i see my kids it gave me strength. I’ve gone back to the old tin shed i grew up in. It’s relight the flames i’m in love with Boxing again after i fell out of love with it.

Anson Wainwright -If it wasn’t for Boxing what do you think you’d be doing for a living?

Enzo Maccarinelli – I don’t know. My dad grew me to be a fighter. There’s pictures of me at 3 years old in the gym hitting the bag. Obviously i don’t know what i was doing but i’m hitting the bag. My dad just wanted me to be a fighter. I was good in school, very good but all my reports say the same Enzo wont be one of our brightest pupils he wont try hard because for some reason he thinks he’s going to be a World Champion boxer! Haha it was nice to go back to present awards as a World Champion boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Though your still young what do you think you’d like to do after your Boxing career?

Enzo Maccarinelli – Only one thing i want to do, train boys. I train boys 3 days a week at my dad’s amateur gym. The night i won the European title i had a call off my dad congratulating me. But we had a young boy 17, just gone to the World Youth Championship’s without much experience but won his first fight by 10 points against a top boy. I’m trying to explain to people i was just as happy for him as i was for myself but they don’t get that. How close i am with all these kids in the gym. I’m telling you i have 4/5 boys who are definitely going to go on and do something.

Anson Wainwright -Finally do you have a message for Alexander Frenkel ahead of your fight?

Enzo Maccarinelli – No i don’t have any message just be prepared. He’s shooting his mouth off saying he’s going to knock me out and go site seeing. He wont have to go far, I’ll meet him in the centre of that ring and i guarantee i’ll be the first person to hit him back and he’ll know what it’s like to be hit by Big Macc!

Thanks for your time Enzo, good luck on the 18 September

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

When Dmitry Pirog fought in Las Vegas, Nevada it marked his American debut on the Marquez-Diaz 2 card. It wasn’t supposed to be a good night for the 30 year old Russian. It was supposed to mark the coronation of one of the top young fighters in the game. However someone forgot to tell Dmitry Pirog 17-0(14), he went with a completely different script. Right from the first bell Pirog put Jacobs on the back foot and made the New Yorker mightily uncomfortable until nearly a minute into the fifth when Pirog landed a debilitating right hook that rendered the favoured American unconscious. A star was born it just wasn’t the one many thought it would be going in. With the win Pirog firmly established himself as a player in the Middleweight division. As you’d expect of a man who’s risen from nothing to the forefront of World Boxing he’s not sitting on his laurels, he wants the other top men who campaign at 160 including Kelly Pavlik and not in a few defence’s time he wants them now.

Hello Dmitry, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your outstanding win over Daniel Jacobs in Las Vegas where you won the Vacant WBO Middleweight crown. What can you tell us about that fight from your point of view?

Dmitry Pirog – Thanks for your congratulations! As for me it was a rather interesting fight, I hope all box-loving people do like this fight. I was glad to knock out Jacobs, because, if this fight would last for 12 rounds, I wouldn’t gain the victory.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you fell now having won the World Title?

Dmitry Pirog – I’m not interesting in gaining all the titles (but it’s great and nice), my main target was to show a spectacular and entertaining fight. I hope I succeed. And now I feel, it was another step for my future results.

Anson Wainwright – I believe you are now back in Russia, what sort of reception did you get when you returned home?

Dmitry Pirog – Yes, I’m now in Gelendzhik. I was meet with great cordiality – my friends celebrates me. There were many invitations to TV and newspapers for interviews. I’m glad to make boxing more popularized in Russia.

Anson Wainwright – This win really puts you in line for further big fights. Though it is early days have you spoken to your team about what maybe next for you? Who would you like to fight if it was possible?

Dmitry Pirog – It’s not a secret anymore, that my promoters do negotiations with Sergio Martinez, Kelly Pavlik. They are also interested in this. This will be very spectacular fight, because Kelly Pavlik and I have different styles of boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who your manager, trainer & promoter are? Also where do you train?

Dmitry Pirog – OK, here is my team: trainers: Vyacheslav Nepogodin and Victor Petrochenko – they are professional! promoters: Kirill Pchelnikov (Russia) and Art Pelullo (USA). I train in Gelendzhik and Samara – it’s comfortable for me, these are my favourite towns. In Gelendzhik I train in gym, named after me (Gym of Dmitry Pirog)

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro in July 2005 and you were already 25 years old how come your turned pro then and not a few years earlier?

Dmitry Pirog – At that time I was not sure, I would be a professional boxer. At that time it was only hobby. When I became a pro, first 9 fights I had taken without trainer. I trained myself. And only after that, I realized, that boxing come to first plan for me. And only after that I hire trainers.

Anson Wainwright – The Victory over Jacobs was the one that really got you attention, would you say that was the best performance of you career so far?

Dmitry Pirog – It was a really good performance. But Jacobs wasn’t the hardest rival in my career. I hope, the most interesting fights are ahead.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win, what your final record was & did you face any current pros if so what were the results?

Dmitry Pirog – Before Olympic Games-2004 I win the last amateur competition in Venezuela. And my final fight was again a Colombian (I don’t remember his name), who became a pro later (and he was rather successful). After I got know about it, I start thinking over to become pro. I don’t trace any other my previous opponents in their professional career.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years in Russia and how you got into Boxing?

Dmitry Pirog – I start training at the age of 8 in Temryuk (Russia, Krasnodar region).My trainer was Victor Serdyukov. He formed my style. At age of 17 I moved to Krasnodar and continue training there. And my trainer was Artem Lavrov. At the age of 24 I finished my amateur career and tried to start my town business in Gelendzhik. At 25 I realized, that do like Boxing more, than I thought. After that I carried out my first professional fight not for money, but for my own enjoy. And I liked IT!

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do?

Dmitry Pirog – I like to make money! And spend them moving boxing forward! This helps to take kids from streets to gym. I started to build a gym for poor children in Gelendzhik. This prevents them from crime.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Dmitry Pirog – There were no idols for me, but I really do liked Sugar Ray Leonard. You may say, he was my hero.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Middleweight division?

Dmitry Pirog – I’m ready to have a good and honest fight with any leader in this division. I’m sure, those fights would be entertaining for any show. I hope, the fight with Kelly Pavlik will be held very soon. I’m 200% sure, this would be an eye-candy fight!

Thanks for your time Dmitry, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Former WBO Featherweight World Champion Steve Luevano has retired from Boxing according to his manager Cameron Dunkin who said the decision was made late last night. Luevano 29, finishes with a 37-2-1(15) record. He held the title from July 2007 when he claimed the belt on the road in England scoring an impressive eleventh round stoppage over local hero Nicky Cook. He went on to make 5 successful defence’s before losing his crown to JuanMa Lopez in February. Over the summer Luevano was let go from his contract with Top Rank who had promoted him for his entire career. It’s not known what Luevano intends to do next but on behalf of 15rounds.com congratulations on a great career Steven enjoy retirement.

A month from the biggest fight of his life Alexander Frankel 22-0(17) took time out from training to share some thoughts with 15rounds.com. Frankel 25, will be challenging Enzo Maccarinelli for the European Title on 18 September in Birmingham, England. It’s a marked step up in quality for Frankel but one he’s confident he can succeed in. So far Frankel has engaged in only 74 pro rounds thought that’s in part to his power which see’s him boast a 77% KO ratio. Originally from Kirovograd in the Ukraine he moved to Germany from where he now fights and is rated in the top 10 by all four governing bodies WBC 7, WBA 4, IBF 6 & WBO 10.

Hello Alexander, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hi, it´s a pleasure for me.

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Enzo Maccarinelli for his European title on 18 September in Birmingham. What are your thoughts on this fight?

Alexander Frenkel – I hope, we´ll see a fair fight. Both fighters should be in a amazing shape. The better one will win.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have any concerns in having to fight away from home? This fight is scheduled for 12 rounds you’ve only been 8 so far, is this a concern to you?

Alexander Frenkel – You are right, I have never fought this distance. But when I fought for the IBF Youth title the fight was scheduled for 12 rounds. But I feel good and I´m happy to fight in England. I hope I´ll feel good abroad. It isn´t an easy job, it´s a challenge for me. But it´s a level, I have looked for.

Anson Wainwright – What do you consider Maccarinelli’s strengths & weaknesses?

Alexander Frenkel – Enzo Maccarinelli has got my respect. He is the European Champion and a former World Champion. He came back with a great victory against Alexander Kotlobay. He is brave, I hope I can show in the ring, that he is not able to avoid all his faults.

Anson Wainwright – What do you consider your strengths & what do you think you may need to work on?

Alexander Frenkel – My strengths are also my weaknesses. So I don´t like to talk about it. But there is one thing, I can tell you. I don´t like to get punched!

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about training for this fight. Where will you base yourself, for how long and what will a typical day of training be?

Alexander Frenkel – We are training two times a day, from Monday to Friday. I also train on the weekend. I work on my faults and try to become better every time.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Alexander Frenkel – I really have brilliant options and possibilities in our gym, it´s the Max-Schmeling-Gym in Berlin. I have got a great team. I´m very grateful for it, because they help my in a lot of things – also outside the ring. Often things seem to be peanuts, but all in all it´s a lot. My manager is Wilfried Sauerland. My trainer is Ulli Wegner. I´m fighting for Sauerland Event.

Anson Wainwright – Your originally from The Ukraine, what can you tell us about your younger days and how life was for you growing up in Kirovograd? Also how did you first get into Boxing?

Alexander Frenkel – To be a kid in Kirovograd was really interesting. It was a fantastic time with a lot of small adventures – I climbed on trees, visited a lot of sees and swam. I had a lot of friends. That was really great. Then, when I was seven years old, I started boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Did you have a good amateur career? Can you tell us what tournaments you entered and how you did?

Alexander Frenkel: I had about 60 amateur fights. I feel, that I have got enough experience. When I was an amateur, all what could happen, happened. I fought on different levels in different conditions. It was enough to be ready for my professional career.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you like to do away from Boxing? What your interests and hobbies are?

Alexander Frenkel – I´m a normal guy. I also try to work on my personality and my character. And I want to discover the world.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Alexander Frenkel – Of course I want to become world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Who were your favourite fighters when you were young and who do you admire today?

Alexander Frenkel – Oh, I had a lot of favourite fighters when I was young. But Muhammad Ali was the most impressive person for me. Today I like Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Enzo Maccarinelli?

Alexander Frenkel – I wish him all the best. I hope we can eat a pizza together after the fight.

Best Wishes and thanks for your time Alexander.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Decades ago when there were only 8 weight classes, not the 17 that exist today with only 1 champion per division and titles weren’t handed out like social security, things were much simpler. The World over knew who the Heavyweight champion was. There was no confusion. Slowly but surely as you went lower and lower in weight classes the names of the champions became less familiar to the general public. In those days the Flyweight division was the lowest; unless you were a real aficionado of the game you most likely hadn’t heard of whom even the champion was at that time.

Some fantastic fighters throughout the years have passed through the land of the 8 stone men: Jimmy Wilde, Pancho Villa, Benny Lynch, Pascal Perez and more recently Manny Pacquiao even reigned here in the 1990’s.

It’s not a division that has produced many big fights. If you head 3 pounds North to the Super Flyweight division in recent memory Johnny Tapia & Danny Romero met in as much of a Superfight as you get below Featherweight on Showtime back in 1999. Drop 4 pounds and the Light Flyweights have Chiquita Gonzalez & Michael Carbajal who will forever be linked together like the Yankees & the Red Sox or Siegfried & Roy. They made a million dollars in their rematch. Even at Strawweight the Great Ricardo Lopez fought Rosendo Alvarez.

The closest there is at Flyweight is Koki Kameda-V-Pongsaklek Wongjongkam.

As recently highlighted in The Ring magazine 4 of the top 5 Flyweight’s reside in Tokyo, Japan. More’s the pity that some of them couldn’t pair off and fight each other. Back in March the aforementioned Kameda & Pongsaklek clashed. It appeared going in as though Kameda would cement his place as top man at 112 and further add to his growing reputation. Pongsaklek, 32, was the long reigning former WBC champion who was ready for the taking and would allow Kameda to win and add his name to his ledger. Only someone forgot to tell Pongsaklek, as he soundly outboxed Kameda over twelve heats to reclaim his old title from Kameda. The win made him the Best Flyweight of his Generation and also most certainly sealed his place in Canastota.

Instead of the brash young outspoken Japanese fighter we got the grizzled veteran from Thailand. While Kameda may have reigned for several years and brought plenty of attention to his division, it’s unlikely Pongsaklek will reign for many years. However, hopefully what Pongsaklek may do is look for the biggest and best fights he can get.

Interesting future options for Pongsaklek would include a fifth fight with Naito. Recently Edgar Sosa moved up from 108 where he was the WBC champion, Sosa has said he wants a title shot after two more fights. Also the winner of the Light Flyweight unification between Ivan Calderon & Giovani Segura would also make for a pretty sizeable fight.

A quick look at the Top Ten according to the Ring.

C Pongsaklek Wongjongkam (Tha) 76-3(40) WBC Made a record 17 defences in his 2001-07 title reign. Appeared to have slipped when he lost the title to Naito then drew with him, only to rededicate himself and bounce back with a terrific away win in Japan over Koki Kameda back in March. Now 33, will hope to make a successful first defence against Suriyan Por Chokchai 14-4-1(4).

1 Koki Kameda (Jap) 22-1(14) Brash Japanese fighter was supposed to beat Pongsaklek and add his name to his resume, but that didn’t quite work out. Looks like Kameda may jump to 115 and look to do something no Japanese fighter has ever done by becoming a three-weight world champion.

2 Daisuke Naito (Jap) 34-2-3(22) You have to admire his resilience, if at first you don’t succeed try, try again. Lost in a record breaking 34 seconds to Pongsaklek, came back, lost a Technical decision before winning the third time, later drew with his Thai nemesis. At 35, he likely has only one more title run in him whether that be at 112 or 115.

3 Daiki Kameda (Jap) 15-2(11) WBA The second of the three Kameda Brothers. Only 21, will likely out grow 112 in the next few years if his recent non title fight where he fought up at Bantamweight is anything to go by. Has a tricky title defence with former champion Takefumi Sakata coming up on 25 September.

4 Denkaosan Kaovichit (Tha) 50-2-1(20) Another former champion fights Concepcion in Panama in October. A win and he’ll be a shoe-in for a WBA title fight; a loss will likely move him out of the top 10.

5 Takefumi Sakata (Jap) 34-5-2(15) Like Naito, third time was lucky when he finally beat Lorenzo Parra to claim the title. At 30, he’s a 12 year veteran hoping to reclaim his former title against Daiki Kameda in what will be a huge fight in Japan.

6 Luis Concepcion (Pan) 19-1(14) The best Flyweight outside of Asia. Has an interesting changing of the guard fight with Kaovitchit. A win there would establish him amongst the top 3-4 Flyweights in the world. Claimed the Interim title with a twelfth round stoppage, followed that with 2 more KO’s.

7 Moruti Mthalane (RSA) 25-2(16) IBF Gave Nonito Donaire trouble before being stopped on cuts, rebounded to beat Julio Cesar Miranda for the vacant crown and has an intriguing title fight with Tete at the end of August.

8 Zolani Tete (RSA) 13-0(11) Heads to Mthalane’s hometown of Johannesburg for a title shot very early in his career. So far only has 42 rounds as a pro. The Southpaw can punch in what is sure to be a big fight in South Africa.

9 Cesar Seda (PUR) 18-0(14) Puerto Rican hopeful is only 24 and squares off with compatriot Jose Lopez at the end of August in a changing of the guard fight. Rated highly by all four sanctioning bodies.

10 Julio Cesar Miranda (Mex) 32-5-1(25) WBO Bounced back from losing to Pongsaklek & Mthalane in 2009 title fights to soundly thrash Richie Mepranum for the WBO crown. No wasting anytime he gets back into action on 4 September against Columbian Ronald Ramos.

While World title’s are doled out far to easily these days and they don’t mean as much as they did in bygone years. A look at the top 10 guys provides a useful insight into some of the best fighters to ever lace gloves. While some fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya & Manny Pacquiao to name but three made names for themselves winning world title’s in multiple weights others like those on the list below achieved just as much but went about it in a different way.

Many fighters can win World titles and even make a few defence’s before being found out. Not many guys can take part in a better part of a Quarter of a century of World title fights without being seriously gifted.

Here’s a closer look at the Top 10 Fighters to engage in the most World title fights in History.

37 Julio Cesar Chavez 31-4-2(21) Mexican Icon engaged in 10 more World title fights than any other fight in history. Won the titles at 3 weighs from 130 to 140 stretching a mammoth 16 years from 1984 to 2000.

27 Joe Louis 26-1(22) “The Brown Bomber” holds the record for most title defence’s 25 and the longest uninterrupted reign 13 years 3 months in one weight class.

26 Ricardo Lopez 25-0-1(19) Half of the long reigning WBC Strawweight champion’s fights were World title fights. Even stepped up late in his career to become a two weight champion.

25 Roy Jones 22-3(15) Many believe the 4 weight former World Champion is one of the very best fighters ever beating Hopkins, Toney, McCullum, Tarver amongst others in Championship bouts.

25 Muhammad Ali 22-3(14) The self proclaimed “Greatest” enjoyed two lengthy reigns that help him post the numbers he needed to get on the list. Beat a who’s who from the Golden age of Heavyweights.

25 Bernard Hopkins 20-3-1(13) 1 No Con. Like Frank Sinatra he did it his way. Pretty much untouchable at Middleweight for 10 years when he cleaned out the 160 class.

25 Larry Holmes 20-5(14) Many unfairly believe he bridged the heavyweight division between Ali & Tyson. He was a highly competent Heavyweight in his own right who fought behind one of the best jabs ever.

25 Terry Norris 19-6(14) Supremely gifted Texan beat many top fighters during three championship reigns at 154 only let down by ill discipline and his chin.

25 Henry Armstrong 22-3(17) Did the almost unthinkable winning titles at 126, 135 & 147 in the days when there were on 8 weight classes.

24 Azumah Nelson 18-4-2(12) “The Professor” lost his first title fight but rebounded to become a 2 weight champion and one of the Greatest fighters ever from Africa.

24 Hilario Zapata 18-5-1(4) Smooth boxing southpaw had just 8 of 24 championship fights at home in Panama, fighting regularly on the road. Twice held the WBC 108 belt before moving up to claim the WBA 112.

Narrowly missing the cut were a host of other greats including Wilfredo Gomez who had 23 world title fights going 20-3(18) & Pernell Whitaker 19-3-1(4). On 22 were Sven Ottke 22-0(5), Eusebio Pedroza 19-2-1(11), Alexis Arguello 19-3(17), Ratanapol Sor Voraphin 19-3(16) &Roberto Duran 16-6(13). Still active Pongsaklek Wongjongkam will hope to add to his 21 championship bouts where he’s gone 19-1-1(8),with Felix Trinidad 20-1(16). On 20 Khaosai Galaxy 20-0(17), Wilfredo Vazquez 16-3-1(9) & Shane Mosley 15-5(11) who will hope he can still climb higher. Just a couple of fights away is a certain Floyd Mayweather on 18-0(9) who could also climb higher.

It maybe 6 weeks until Kell Brook 21-0(14) meets Michael Jennings but he’s already chomping at the bit. Brook 24, will be making the third defence of his British Title, the fight also doubles up as a WBO Welterweight eliminator. He see’s this as a real chance to break out from the pack and intends to use his fight with Jennings as a spring board to a World title fight. He’s trained by Brendan Ingle who has been one of the best and most succesful trainers of the past 20 years in Britain looking after amongst others Herol Graham who is thought by many to be the best British fighter to never win a world title, Johnny Nelson, Ryan Rhodes, Junior Witter and even a certain Prince Naseem Hamed. Brook like those who’s shadow he currently walks in and one day hopes to emulate fights with a similar hands down, unorthodox style that has been so successful and a staple of Brendan Ingle fighters over the years. Here’s what Brook had to say ahead of the fight.

Hello Kell, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly your going to be fighting Michael Jennings on the bumper 18 September show in Birmingham. What do you think of Michael Jennings as a fighter?

Kell Brook – I think Michael Jennings is a good fighter. When I turned professional Michael Jennings was up was up and coming at the time. He was top 10 in Britain then and he’s been there done it got the t-shirt. He boxed for a world title, he boxed Cotto, he boxed in high class, he’s fought all comers and beat them. But I think he’s in deep water with me on 18 September.

Anson Wainwright – It has been rescheduled a couple of times what from your point of view were those reason’s?

Kell Brook – I came down with a viral infection, then it got put on again and he hurt his hand. Then i had a saw rib and i couldn’t do any sparring. So this time, I know I’ll be there on 18 September. Training’s gone unbelievable so far, everything is tip top. It’ll definitely happen this time it’ll be a magical night.

Anson Wainwright – It’s obviously a great chance to show your ability. What are your thoughts on the fight card?

Kell Brook – I feel great, I’m looking forward to watching the rest of the card. I’d like to get my fight over with quickly so I can get washed up and watch the rest of the card. Every fight on the bill is brilliant, explosive fights. I believe really and truly I’m going to steel the show. I think a lot of people are looking to watch Barker & Macklin, but most of all people need to see me and Jennings it’s a brilliant match up.

Anson Wainwright – Is there any bad blood between the two of you?

Kell Brook – There’s no bad blood at all on my side. He’s a nice kid Michael Jennings, but I don’t like him at the moment in time and I’m going to have to put the hurt on him. But after the fight he can be my best friend if he wants to be. It’s just a business and he’s in front of me stopping me going forward and I need to get rid of this kid. So i can’t be friends with him before but after sure.

Anson Wainwright – As well as a British title fight it will also double up as a WBO Welterweight title fight currently held by Superstar Manny Pacquiao. What are your feeling on that?

Kell Brook – Manny Pacquiao is vacating I hear to fight at Light Middle with Margarito so the title looks like it’s vacant and who’s number one (In the rankings)? …Me! So if I beat Jennings and I train hard because i know after this fight i have a world title maybe before Christmas. Before the end of 2010 Kell Brook could be world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Any chance the WBO may make your fight with Jennings a world title fight instead of an eliminator?

Kell Brook – I don’t know, if they do they do. It’s worthy of being a world title fight. I just know I’m in great shape, I’ve got 6 weeks to go. Bring it on, I can’t wait for 18 September. Everything is running smooth.

Anson Wainwright – Who is part of team Kell Brook, your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you regularly use?

Kell Brook – Frank (Warren) is my promoter. Dominic, Brendan & John (Ingle) are Team Brook and my dad. I’ve got good people around me, that’s always good. I use the Wincobank Gym.

Anson Wainwright – For fight fans in America and the rest of the world how would you describe your fighting style?

Kell Brook – I’m elusive, sharp, good boxing brain. Good to watch. I throw punches from different angles.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your early years in Sheffield and how the path took you into Boxing?

Kell Brook – I used to watch a lot of Bruce Lee movie’s, Enter the Dragon stuff like that Van Damme (Films). So I practiced and when I was 9 my dad brought me to the Wincobank gym to burn a bit of that energy off. He noticed that if I could hit without being hit I could do things and I had a really big punch on me at that age, he saw something in me. So he brought me down to the Boxing gym. I fell in love with the game and I’ve been there pretty much ever since and done well.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do? What are your hobbies?

Kell Brook – When your in training you can’t do that much. I like walking with my girlfriend in the countryside with the dog. I like the pictures, going for nice meals. Stuff like that, playing snooker with mates. I watch all different kinds of sports but Boxing is obviously my main one.

Anson Wainwright – Obviously this fight is a huge one that will if successful put you in a very good spot, though realistically a fight with Pacquiao is still awhile away. Would you look to fight for perhaps the European title or even look at on of the other world champions whilst building your profile to make a fight with some of the big names at 147?

Kell Brook – I’ll fight anyone. I’ll leave that to Frank Warren, he’s the man. If Frank lines them up I’ll knock them out. Ask Frank, whoever he says I’ll fight them.

Anson Wainwright – Who were your hero’s growing up?

Kell Brook – Prince Naseem (Hamed) & Ryan Rhodes were my Boxing hero’s.

Anson Wainwright – How do you see the Welterweight division currently and where do you think you fit in?

Kell Brook – In the world it’s an electric division. It’s a colourful division Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Cotto, Mosley, Berto there’s some great fighters out there. It’s the main weight division with people looking into. So to be part of that is very good. I’m unbeaten and don’t think I’m getting beat anytime soon. I’d like to be looking at those fighters in the next 12-18 months.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Kell Brook – Make sure you buy it on PPV or preferably be ringside or get to the fight because it’s a tremendous bill and I’m going to put on a serious show on for you all.

Thanks for taking time to speak to you.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Boxing is full of hard luck stories, however Yonnhy Perez 20-0-1(14) isn’t such a case. The Columbian, is the current IBF Bantamweight champion of the World and has been for nearly a year. He broke away from the pack when he stunned Joseph Agbeko in late 2009. It was an eye opening performance that catapulted him from the fringes to amongst the best Bantamweight division has to offer. Perez 31, has never had anything easy in life. He first moved to America and was guided by Abner Mares father, though they don’t work together anymore. Today Perez is one of the most disciplined fighters around living with his trainer Danny Zamora, off a meagre $400 a month which is for food and rent when in training in Los Angeles, the rest he sends home for his family. While at home in Cartagena, Columbia he lives in the same area he’s always lived in, his home is made of Cinderblock with no windows just spaces with curtains hanging to separate each room. His first defence was ironically against one time friend Abner Mares in chief support to Vazquez-Marquez 4 at the Staples Center in May of this year. It was a hotly contested battle between the more battle hardened, harder puncher Perez and the quicker, better boxer Mares. Depending who’s work would depend on who you though edged it. In the end the 3 judges couldn’t be split and awarded a draw. It appears as though Perez will next be in action on 6 November in a rematch with Agbeko, as part of a mooted Bantamweight tournament that has been mentioned.

Hello Yonnhy, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly, i believe you returned home to Colombia after your fight, how are things?

Yonnhy Perez – I returned to Colombia right after the fight so i can go be with my two sons Yonnhy, Mateo and my wife because its very difficult being without them.

Anson Wainwright – Your back in America now, when do you start light training? You will fight Joseph Agbeko in a rematch, any idea when or where it will be?

Yonnhy Perez – I already started my light training when i got here. When i come to the us it is to train and get ready. About the Agbeko fight or my next opponent i don’t know what’s next for me i just get ready and let my promoters take care of that.

Anson Wainwright – In May you fought your Abner Mares. You seemed the stronger guy and he seemed to box well. How did you see the fight?

Yonnhy Perez – It was a tough fight i fought the fight i had to fight and Abner fought his fight and it turned out to be a great fight.

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your relationship with Abner Mares and his family, i know they had a part of your contract at the start of your career? It must of been hard for you mentally to fight Mares?

Yonnhy Perez – Abner is a great friend because of him i was able to come to the U.S. he treated me very well when i did arrive here in the U.S. His father saw me in the amateurs and was interested in bringing me and that’s how i got here. Mentally i get ready the same way for everybody because i know that there after my title, so i train hard and prepare myself to the best.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use ahead of a fight?

Yonnhy Perez – My trainer is Danny Zamora, i’m now managed by Frank Espinoza my promoters are Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw I train at the Santa Fe Springs Activity Center.

Anson Wainwright – During the build up to your fight with Mares Gary Shaw spoke very highly of you and how humble you are. He said how you live in a tough neighbourhood and that your home is made of cinderblocks. Can you tell us a bit about how life was for you as a child and how you first got into Boxing?

Yonnhy Perez – I started boxing when i was 8 years old and then was on the national team and then i turned professional. My dad introduced me to boxing. Life was very hard i come from a poor neighbourhood so i saw how hard it was for my parents to give the little that we got but one they always gave me all there love and support and that was motivated me all my career to be the best in the ring so i can give them what they need and also my immediate family. I thank god for everything he has done for me.

Anson Wainwright – Your last 3 fights have all been tough fights Silence Mabuza, Joseph Agbeko & Abner Mares. Who has been the toughest of your career to date? Who was the best boxer & who hit the hardest?

Yonnhy Perez – Silence Mabuza was the hardest hitter and hardest fight Abner was the best boxer.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are you hobbies and Interests?

Yonnhy Perez – Listen to music and eat.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have in Boxing? Maybe move up to Super Bantamweight or defend your title in Colombia?

Yonnhy Perez – Continue being a world champion and be a good example to fellow boxers and especially the young kids in my country and to the kids in my community. I would love to fight in my home country it would be a great honour

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in Colombia? Are you recognised in the streets by fans?

Yonnhy Perez – It seems like everybody knows me in Cartagena when i return from my fights they wait for me at the airport. When i won the title they picked me up in a fire truck and paraded me through the streets.

Anson Wainwright – What would you be doing if it wasn’t for Boxing? What do you intend to do when you retire from Boxing?

Yonnhy Perez – I would still be in the military. Go home and live with my family and spend as much time with them as i can because its been very hard on my family being away from them.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Yonnhy Perez – I would like to thank everybody who has supported me in my career and especially the community of Santa Fe Springs and My home country Colombia and all my fans. Thanks

Thanks for your time Yonnhy, keep entertaining us.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

The WBC visited Cardiff, Wales for The Night of the Champions. It took place over three days, opening on Thursday headlined by the movie premier of “Risen” about Howard Winstone’s unlikely road to the World Featherweight title. Many of the top amateur’s in the world met on Friday evening with many much anticipated fights. The finale took place on the Saturday evening when many of the greats gathered together at the C.I.A for a Gala awards banquet.

The first day opened up with everyone who had arrived heading to Cardiff Castle. First built in 1091, it’s ideally located in the City centre. It has also been the venue for many concerts and even a World title defence by Joe Calzaghe in 2002, it was also the scene of Joan Guzman’s first world title win. Many of the fighters walked around the grounds and enjoyed the sunshine before posing for a photograph together then heading to the top of The Norman Keep for more photo’s. The always energetic former WBC Lightweight champion Miguel Angel Gonzalez happily wandered around taking photo’s of the Castle. Shannon Briggs spoke with reporters telling anyone who would listen he was fighting Vitali Klitschko on 16 October in Hamburg. Another interested observer was Junior Witter who spoke with 15rounds.com at length about many things including a possible clash between Tim Bradley & Devon Alexander. When pushed for his opinion on who would win. Witter who lost to both in WBC title fights, Bradley via split decision in May 08 and Alexander stopped him in 8 last August, opinioned that he believed Bradley’s greater experience and ability to mix things up would lead to him winning the fight.

Afterward former female fighter Jane Couch MBE who won world titles at Lightweight & Light Welterweight took this reporter to Ronnie Rush gym in a suburb of Cardiff called Ely. The gym had previously been the home to former Welsh World Champions Steve Robinson, Barrie Jones & Robbie Regan. Couch spoke with several of the children who were in the gym giving them advice. All the while Rush told of his favourite moments with some of his fighters, one particular moment being when Robinson who won the WBO Featherweight crown in the early 1990’s at 48 hours notice complained of cramp during one of his bouts. Rush a man no bigger than 5 foot of West Indian descent stamped on Robinson’s feet and said “Welshman don’t quit” Robinson dually carried on and won the title in a modern day version of Cinderella Man.

It was then time to head back to the C.I.A for the movie premier of “Risen” 15 former fighters including Erik Morales, John H Stracey, Leon Spinks & Alan Minter were in the movie. Lasting approximately 2 hours and was generally well received with everyone enjoying it.

After a fantastic start the standard had been set. The second day started off with two buses touring the streets of Cardiff with all the fighters and dignitaries aboard. Approximately and hour later during which time Roberto Duran with two of his son’s in toe joined one of the buses. We arrived in Cardiff Bay at the Five star St David’s Hotel and Spa for lunch. Everyone sat inside overlooking the water of Cardiff Bay. Many old rivalries were relived including Iran Barkley & Roberto Duran exchanged a hug and a chat up.

Several fighters including John Mugabi, John H Stracey & Shannon Briggs visited The Mayor at his home. We were later joined by the Chinese Boxing team, who will be based in Cardiff ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Whilst awaiting the Chinese team Stracey told jokes and entertained everyone showing off his skills that now see him tour the country providing cabaret. Stracey told of his special relationship with the WBC which saw him become the first new champion under Jose Suliaman’s leadership the day after Suliaman was elected in December 1975. Mugabi was a joy to be around making people laugh constantly with a warm smile and handshake for everyone he saw. All three fighters were later presented with awards as a mark of respect of coming to visit the mayor in the form of a pennant.

Upon arriving back the C.I.A it was all hands to the pump setting things up ahead of the evenings 12 amateur fights between A British Team & a rest of the World team which included fighters from America, Swedon, China & Ireland. Just in time for the Boxing Vitali Klitschko arrived for his part in proceedings.

51kg Nicola Adams -V- Shipra Nilsson (Sweden) RSC4 1:48 (Nilsson’s right shoulder dislocated)
54kg Jaiwei Zhang (China) -V- Andrew Selby Pts 16-11
57kg Luke Campbell -V- Jun Tan (China) Pts 11-5
60kg Helena Falk (Sweden) -V- Amanda Coulson Pts 10-6
60kg Tom Stalker -V- Duran Cafferro (USA) Pts 16-11
64kg Scott Cardle -V- Ross Hickey (Ireland) Pts 20-12
69kg Savannah Marshall -V- Love Holgersson (Sweden) Pts 10-1
69kg Errol Spence (USA) -V- Fred Evans Pts 15-9 (Evans took standing-8 in first from body shots)
75kg Anthony Agogo -V- Jason Quigley (Ireland) Pts 7-4
81kg Fanlong Meng (China) -V- Obed Mbwakongo Pts. 10-3
91 kg Babacar Camara (Sweden) -V- Warren Baister Pts 8-4
91kg+ Sean Turner (Ireland) -V- Amin Isa Pts 18-14 raw score after original score of 7-7.

When all was said it all ended all square 6-6.

The final day saw everyone gather at the Town Hall for lunch, all the fighters once again took the stage for a group photo. After leaving several fighters agreed to take the stage outside at the music festival “Big Weekend”. One notable moment during the introductions that’s worthy of mentioning was when Former IBF Light Welterweight champion Terry Marsh was introduced he tripped as he entered sprawling across the stage. Fortunately Marsh was fine and later joked about the moment, even signing a picture one lucky photographer had taken of the incident.

The Champions were then given the afternoon off whilst the finishing touches were put to the main auditorium at the C.I.A for the Gala awards which took place that evening. It turned out to be a who’s who of World Boxing with many of the great fighters past and present attending including Vitali Klitschko, Roberto Duran, Joe Calzaghe, Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch, Carlos Zarate, Alfonso Zamora, Jesse James Leija, Chiquita Gonzalez, Zab Judah, Yuri Arbachakov, Sergio Martinez, Vitali Tajbert, Javier Castillejo, Alan Minter, John H Stracey, Iran Barkley, Earnie Shavers, James Bonecrusher Smith & Tim Witherspoon plus many others.

The main awards were given to

Fighters of the Year: Vitali Klitschko & Sergio Martinez
Female fighter of the year: Ina Menzer
Knockout of the year: Toshiaki Nishioka TKO3 Jhonny Gonzalez
(honourable mention): Carl Froch TKO12 Jermain taylor
Fight of the Year: Giacobbe Fragomeni D12 Krzysztof Wlodarczyk I

Many of the fighters had there pictures taken & signed autograph’s for fans who had attended. It was also notable that Calzaghe & Froch met on the stage and appeared to get on well. Also on stage Rendall Munroe met WBC Super Bantamweight holder Toshiaki Nishioka for the first time ahead of there much anticipated fight in Tokyo Japan on 24 October.

The whole event was well recieved by the Welsh public with many people travelling from all over Britain to be apart of such a fantastic event. It is hoped that Cardiff will host the event again possible 2013.

Earlier today in Cardiff, Wales whilst attending the WBC “Night of Champions” Shannon Briggs 51-5-1 (45) confirmed to 15rounds.com that he had signed to fight Vitali Klitschko for Klitschko’s WBC title on 16 October in Hamburg, Germany.

Briggs 38, returned to the ring in late 2009 and has won three straight this year all by first round KO since his two and a half year lay off. He will be hoping to become a two time champion and seems highly motivated to achieve that goal.

Back when things were in Black and white and Boxing had only 8 weights classes, Lightweight was one of the toughest division’s to make a name for yourself fast forward to today things haven’t changed much. Lightweight still has some of the elite performers in the game. Granted things aren’t as hot at 135 as they have been in the past years. That could all change this weekend when Juan Manuel Marquez heads back to the more cosy confines of Lightweight after his sojourn to a Welterweight catchweight against Floyd Mayweather. His opponent this time at least seems mortal, a rematch with Juan Diaz. Last February Diaz’s youth, size and strength seemed as though they would help him gain the biggest win of his career to date. Slowly but surely Marquez refined and tuned his considerable skills, creating gaps in Diaz defence until landing two howitzer right hands that dropped Diaz before conclusively ending the argument with a devastating right uppercut. It was ultimately one of the top fights of 2009.

Also on Saturday’s card will be Robert Guerrero & Joel Casamayor, though the fight is a few pounds above the Lightweight limit the winner will most likely look to fight the winner of the main event. Just a few pounds south at 130 Jorge Linares and Rocky Juarez duel in an intriguing fight in which the loser has no place to go. It’s not quite the Lightweight Lightening that took place last April when eight of the top Lightweights were scheduled to face off, though it never quite worked out. This could end up having more of an effect on the Lightweight demigraphic.

A few months ago Michael Katsidis scored possibly the best win of his career to date when he went into the lions den and stopped unbeaten Kevin Mitchell in three. Afterwards Katsidis declared he wants to fight the winner of Marquez-Diaz 2 this fall. The Lightweight confines also house the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera who recently ended a year long hiatus, he’s expected to return again in late summer before fighting another Mexican Humberto Soto for Soto’s WBC crown. Soto himself is angling for a big fight and would be a handful for anyone at 135.

In the past the Lightweight division has been the home to a murders row of greats including Joe Gans, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Carlos Ortiz, Roberto Duran, Pernell Whitaker and Shane Mosley, even briefly Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao.

Here’s a look at some of the guys who created havoc at 9 stone 9 pounds.

The Old Master Joe Gans fought in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, reigning from 1902-1908 making 15 defence’s. He died of tuberculosis in 1910, at just 35 years old with a record of 138-10-15(96) and considered one of the greats of Boxing. Sadly Gans passed away at just 35 from tuberculosis.

A year after Gans sad demise Benny “Ghetto Wizard” Leonard made his debut, losing a third round KO. It was hardly the start to a career that would make anyone forget Joe Gans. Over the next 6 years Leonard learnt his trade and stayed busy developing his skills. It was at this stage he won the Lightweight crown beating Freddie Welsh making 9 defence’s reigning from 1917-1925. In 1918 he even dared to go up to Welterweight where he drew with Ted “Kid Lewis, he again made that move in 1922 though lost a thirteenth round disqualification to Jack Britton, when he hit Britton while Britton was down. Leonard retired as the reigning Lightweight champion in 1925. Before briefly trying to make a return in 1931.

Like Leonard before him Tony Canzoneri fought out of New York. Canzoneri won the Featherweight world title in the late 1920’s before heading up to Lightweight where he demolished Al Singer in the first round in late 1930. He even went up to Light Welterweight where he beat Jack “Kid” Berg reigning at both weights consecutively. Canzoneri would reign until the summer of 1933 when he lost a majority decision to another Lightweight legend Barney Ross then losing a split decision 3 months later. It was at this stage he really showed his metal staying busy when most though he’d seen better days and winning his old Lightweight title back nearly 2 years later against Lou Ambers though he eventually lost it back to Ambers.

Puerto Rico Carlos Ortiz fought for 17 years and won the Light Welterweight crown four years after debuting in 1959 after one defence he lost the title. Ortiz then dropped to Lightweight where he had even more success beating Joe Brown for the title then reigning for 3 years making 4 defence’s before losing a very close decision Ismael Laguna in Panama. Not deterred Ortiz reclaimed the crown 7 months later outpointing Laguna in Panama making a further 5 defence’s until he lost to Carlos Teo Cruz in 1968. He continued until 1972 when he lost to Ken Buchanan.

The Pride of Panama Roberto “Manos De Piedra” Duran was a force of nature that for over 5 years in the 1970 was a wrecking machine. He devastated all before him, that version of Duran many believe was the greatest Lightweight to ever draw breath. He bludgeoned all 12 title challengers into defeat with only one lasting the course. Duran went onto become a 4 weight world champion fighting well into his forty’s and decades past his prime. His relentless pressure, unbridled ferocity coupled with no lack skill saw off all comers. Similar to Mike Tyson years later Duran beat many opponents before they stepped in the ring with him. Through out his storied career Duran beat some fantastic fighters most notably Sugar Ray Leonard thought that was up at Welterweight.

Having won Gold at the 1984 Olympics Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker was long known for his outstanding boxing skills, fantastic defensive ability along with an uncanny knack of making Hall of Fame Fighters look like novices. Whitaker was so gifted that it was difficult to find rounds he would lose let alone fights. Whitaker like Duran would go on to become a 4 Weight world champion. Both fighters were poles apart with Whitaker a modest puncher at 135 though he would end up using his mastery to conquer 140, 147 & 154 defeating many good fighters including Azumah Nelson, Jose Luis Ramirez, Buddy McGirt and in the eyes of everyone except the two judges who scored it a draw he beat Julio Cesar Chavez Snr.

After a stellar amateur career in which “Sugar” Shane Mosley narrowly missed out on taking part in the 1992 Olympics he embarked on a pro career starting out at Lightweight. Though many insiders and Los Angeles aficionados knew Mosley’s potential fans and media alike seemed to miss out on the secret that was Shane Mosley. Infact he arguably didn’t gain his full adulation until he relinquished the IBF crown he had defended 8 times all inside the distance, going straight to Welterweight where he posted an outstanding victory over a prime Oscar De La Hoya. Mosley joined Duran missing out Light Welterweight and heading straight to 147.

In the last decade or so Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao all had brief layovers at 135 before heading to Light Welterweight and then Welterweight.

De La Hoya lasted 18 months and 7 fights before he out grew the division. Though in that time he did post impressive stoppages over Rafael Ruelas, Jesse James Leija & Genaro Hernandez & a points win over seasoned veteran and former world champion John John Molina.

After an outstanding run at Super Featherweight Floyd Mayweather won his second world title at his second weight class when he barely squeezed past Jose Luis Castillo in early 2002. To shut up all the doubters he fought Castillo in a rematch and was far more convincing 8 months later. After two defence’s against average opponents in Victoriano Sosa & Phillip Ndou, Mayweather abdicated his thrown.

In the summer of 2008 Pacquiao made a brief pit stop of just a single fight when he flattened David Diaz to collect the WBC crown.

Another shooting star Edwin Valero threatened to join the elite at Lightweight before his untimely demise.

Just who joins the list of immortals in the future remains to be seen but one thing is likely to continue and that is that the Lightweight division will thrive as one of the strongest weight classes in Boxing just as it has over the past 100 or so years.

Rendell Munroe was last night given the date for his world title showdown against Japanese star Toshiaki Nishioka. Munroe (21-1) will challenge for Nishioka’s (36-4-3) WBC super-bantamweight title at Tokyo’s 10,000 capacity Sumo Hall on Sunday October 24.

Munroe, 30, will take eight weeks off from his binman’s job to prepare for the biggest fight of his career. The Leicester southpaw, promoter Frank Maloney, manager Mike Shinfield and trainer Jason Shinfield, will spend 12 days in Tokyo before the fight.

Maloney explained: “Tokyo is about eight hours ahead so we need to be there well in advance to make sure everything is spot on. “People are writing Rendall off, but there are far more hostile places than Japan for a fighter to travel to. “Nishioka’s camp have been complete professionals to deal with and I am sure Rendall will get a fair deal if the fight goes 12 rounds.”
The fight will take place early afternoon British time and UK television rights will be announced at a later date.

On the 18 September Frank Warren Promotions will present one of the biggest bill’s in recent British Boxing history, known as “The Magnificent Seven”. One half of the main event is Karo Murat 22-0(13) who know’s he wont have to much support when he enters the ring at The LG Arena to face’s fellow unbeaten Nathan Cleverly. Murat 26, will be looking to make history for his country of birth Iraq by becoming there first World Champion. He fights out of Germany these days having turned pro in September 2006, starting out at Super Middleweight where he won the European title before deciding to move up to Light Heavyweight. He’ll be looking to continue the run of German transplants at 175 after Dariusz Michalczewski and more recently Zsolt Erdei who reigned supreme as champions for the WBO. The fight with Cleverly will be for the Vacant Interim Light Heavyweight crown. The winner could be made up to full champion depending on what happens with a court case that currently surrounds current champion Jurgen Braehmer.

Hello Karo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you beat Tommy Karpency over 12 rounds on 1 May what can you tell us about that win and what do you looking back think of that performance?

Karo Murat – Karpency is a good, a strong fighter. You could see that he can box. He moved well. And he did well to get back on his feet after the knock down in the second round. It was a good fight.

Anson Wainwright – Your next fight is supposed to be against Nathan Cleverly. What do you think of the fight? What do you know about Cleverly?

Karo Murat – I have already seen a couple of his fights. I try to internalize his movements and style. He is tall and he is strong, and he has good movements.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your trainer, manager & promoter? Also what gym do you use regularly to train at?

Karo Murat – I am trained by Ulli Wegner in Berlin´s famous Max-Schmeling Gym. My manager is Wilfred Sauerland and my promoter is Sauerland Event.

Anson Wainwright – Your originally from Iraq, you must have a fascinating story to tell. Can you tell us abit about how you found growing up there? Where you living there through all the Gulf War? How did you get involved in Boxing from there?

Karo Murat – Our family original has Armenian roots. And to be honest I do not remember too much about that time because I was too young. I kept asking my father about it but he does not like to speak about it too much. I came to Germany when I was ten years old and at first I did not understand much but I learned the language and quickly found friends. I grew up in Germany so can I tell you a lot about it. I started boxing with 13.

Anson Wainwright – Did you have an amateur career? If so what titles did you win and what was your final record?

Karo Murat – I boxed in the Bundesliga. There were world-class opponents such as Vitali Tajbert or Eduard Gutknecht as well as a lot of strong fighters from abroad. I made around 120 fights, winning 95 of them.

Anson Wainwright – It was only late last year that you stepped up from Super Middleweight having held the European title there. How did you come to step up to Light Heavyweight?

Karo Murat – I kept growing and getting stronger. I always had to make a lot of weight for super-middleweight, so this is much more natural for me. Now I don´t have to focus on losing weight, I can eat whatever I wish to eat. That is a great feeling. All my focus is on my opponents now, not on the food. Light-Heavyweight is a great weight class for me with a lot of great fighters. I am determined to stamp my authority on the division. My goal is to beat the best.

Anson Wainwright – Who do you consider the best fighter you have fought to date and why?

Karo Murat – Gabriel Campillo was very strong. He later became a world champion. But my other opponents also were pretty good, too. Like Karpency, even though he did not have the best ranking, he was tough to beat. His style reminded me of Andre Dirrell – it was a good win for me!

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when you are not fighting?

Karo Murat – I like to spend time with my family and my friends. I love BBQs or just chilling out, having fun!

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Karo Murat – Prince Naseem Hamed.

Anson Wainwright – Finally what goals do you have in Boxing?

Karo Murat – I want to become the best, beat the best and be world champion soon!

Thanks for your time Karo.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Two months from the biggest fight of his life Nathan Cleverly already looks in fantastic shape. Cleverly 23, puts his perfect 19-0(9) record on the line against fellow unbeaten Karo Murat 22-0(13) when the clash for the Vacant WBO Interim Light Heavyweight crown as the headline fight of the “Magnificent Seven” Bill. Last Saturday Cleverly invited 15rounds.com to his gym to watch him sparring 6 rounds with young amateur Alex Wright also doing 4 rounds on the pads with his father Vince who wore a body protector, followed by 2 more rounds one each with his father and fellow trainer Alan Davies on the pads. Afterwards Cleverly said he estimates he’s around a half a stone over the Light Heavyweight limit now. This represents a step in class for Cleverly but early signs are that he’s very much in the mood to make himself Wales eleventh World Champion.