It’s been just over 50 years since Ingemar Johansson ruled the Heavyweight division. Since then no Scandinavian fighter has threatened to make his mark on Boxing’s most famous division that is unless you want to include Brian Nielson…no thought not. That could all be about to change however with the emergence of Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius. The 26 year old boxer debuted in May 2008 and has moved quickly. A year into his career he stopped former British Champion Scott Gammer in six. Then last October the Finnish Boxer stopped Taras Bidenko in the third round he followed it up just a few weeks back when he turned back battle hardened former World Champion Lamon Brewster. At a strapping 6’6 and a svelte 240+ pounds Helenius took apart his more experienced foe. Whether Helenius is ultimately a Johansson or a Neilson is still to be decided but if he doesn’t reach the promised land of untold riches that being Heavyweight champion of the world it wont be because he isn’t willing to test himself.

Hello Robert, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You recently beat former World champion Lamon Brewster. What can you tell us about that fight? How pleased were you with your performance? What did beating Brewster do for your confidence?

Robert Helenius – Of course it was a really good fight. I was in good shape and everything worked well. Everything worked fine. I did almost everything that my coach said and that lead me to victory. He said I should throw 1-2 punches – I did that and Lamon was on the floor in the second round.

Anson Wainwright – Do you know where and when you will be back in action? How about an opponent?

Robert Helenius – My promoters are planning a fight in Finland sometime soon. It would be great to fight there again!

Anson Wainwright – Three of your last four opponents have stepped you up in terms of competition. Is this something you will continue to do?

Robert Helenius – That is entirely up to the trainer and the promoter. I fight everybody they throw at me.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Where do you train for your upcoming fights?

Robert Helenius – I train in Berlin most of the time with Ulli Wegner and Georg Bramoswki. My promoter is Team Sauerland, the matchmaker is Hagen Doering and the manager is Wilfried Sauerland.

Anson Wainwright – Though you were born in Sweden you were raised in Finland which has no history of Boxing. How did you you first get into Boxing?

Robert Helenius – Through my father – he was a trainer in our hometown and he had trained for maybe 20 years and he got me started. He had a lot of boxers in Finnish championships and won lots of medals with them. I started at the age of 14.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about how you progressed through the amateur’s. What titles you won and what your final record was?

Robert Helenius – My biggest success was the silver medal at the European Championships in 2006!

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do away from Boxing?

Robert Helenius – I love to spend time with my family – we´ve got two young children and I really enjoy being around them!

Anson Wainwright – What is your career plan for this year? What are your goals in the coming years?

Robert Helenius – That is entirely up to my promoter and trainer and what they think is good for me, I want to be a champion one day but we have to take things slowly. There are still a lot of things I need to work on – I can keep improving every day.

Anson Wainwright – Who has been the toughest opponent to date? What is your best performance?

Robert Helenius – The Brewster TKO…for now!

Anson Wainwright – Who was your boxing hero growing up and why?

Robert Helenius – When I grew up I really loved to watch Lennox Lewis – and Muhammad Ali of course.

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

My pleasure. Please send my regards to all the Boxing fans in Ameica!

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Life after Amir Khan began for Frank Warren on Saturday at the Wembley Arena in front of around 5,000 people. It proved to be a successful night for his up and coming young guns all getting the W, most of them doing it inside the distance.

In the main event Nathan Cleverly 19-0(9) stepped up from domestic level to European level with little problems scoring a fifth round stoppage over Italian Antonio Brancalion 32-8-2(8) claiming the vacant European crown. After a lively opening round in which Cleverly had the better of things he took over and although he was caught with a few punches the 22 year old landed far more, some impressive flush shots. By the end of the fourth he dropped the Italian with a hard right, the bell rang before Cleverly could follow up. Smelling blood the Welshman went straight for Brancalion who he had on unsteady legs and teetering by the time referee Jean-Louis Legland saved him from any further punishment at 1.15 of the fifth.

The Welshman appeared at the press conference with a broad grin and all three belts he’s collected over the past 15 months. Cleverly described the fight as “A comfortable night” Warren was pleased with his charges performance and praised him adding “I’d be surprised if he didn’t fight for a world title before the end of the year” Though he still has things to learn Cleverly has a very good base to add to and proclaimed “I’m still a maths student….i haven’t taken this business serious yet” Well if this is a part time pro and as he believes he has a further 25% to add to his game the world scene should be on red alert.

Londoner Kevin “The Dagenham Destroyer” Mitchell improved to 31-0(23) with a thunderous second round stoppage over Ignacio Mendoza. In the first Mitchell sized the Columbian up, after that he clearly had the measure of his man. When Mendoza threw a combination Mitchell counted with a booming right hook before landing a left as Mendoza was falling. It was easily the best KO of the night. Mitchell holds the best unbeaten record in British Boxing at the moment.

At the press conference Warren proclaimed that the WBO had given him and Golden Boy 28 days to finalise a fight between Mitchell and there Interim Lightweight champion Michael Katsidis. It’s a fight Mitchell would very much like adding “I’m a big fan of his but i think he’s made for me” When asked about the knockout Mitchell added “I sized him up in the first, in the second i went for him. I caught him and he went down, i thought what a touch!”

Olympic Gold medallist James “Chunky” Degale 6-0(4) scored an impressive second round stoppage over Matthew Barr 14-6(6). Barr was dropped three times before the fight was waved off at 1.38 of the round. Degale later went on to say that he though he’d come a long way in the past year and felt like a much better fighter that he was a year ago when he debuted. It certainly looked that way, in his early fights he boxed on the back foot but he seems to have developed a bit more devil in his work to go with his undoubted talent.

Though he heard the bell for the first time and had a few scratches Frankie “Funtime” Gavin 6-0(5) scored a shutout 60-54 points win over the always durable Peter McDonagh 14-16(2). Gavin’s superior skills and speed clearly won him the fight but McDonagh deserves credit for his toughness. It was a case of get the win and look good next time for Gavin who will without doubt be a better fighter for this fight.

Afterwards at the press conference Frank Warren said he thought Gavin would be ready for a domestic title by the end of the year. Gavin echoed his promoters comments saying “After watching Lenny Daws (The British Champion at 140 who drew with Jason Cook) last night i’m ready”

In a British Heavyweight eliminator Derek “Del Boy” Chisora 12-0(7) made good on his promise to beat up Carl Baker 9-5(6) stopping his over matched opponent in two one sided rounds. The first was a feeling out process for Chisora before he went to work in the second and repeatedly hurt his man before Baker was stopped on his feet at 2.13 by referee Howard John Foster.The previous day at the weigh in when both men squared up to each other for the face off Chisora planted a kiss on Baker’s lips. Baker took exception and pushed Chisora to the ground. It looked at though there would be bad blood between them but it ended up being a one sided beat down from. Word is that Chisora will now face the winner of Sam Sexton & Danny Williams who have been ordered to fight each other by the the British Boxing Board of Control.

Swindon’s Jamie Cox 14-0(8) appeared to have a warm up fight on paper when he met Michael Frontin 2-7-1(0) but it turned out to be anything but that. Though he won the fight he was cut and bleeding at the final bell. Cox won 78-76 on referee Grant Wallis card.

It was a good night for the Walsh clan with Liam Walsh 7-0(6) scoring an impressive four round stoppage over the usually durable Sid Razak 4-41(1) at Super Featherweight.

Ryan Walsh moved to 9-0(3) when he beat Ian Bailey 5-4(0) by the single score of 59-55 on referee Jeff Hinds card at Super Bantamweight.

In Bantamweight action Michael Walsh continued his KO streak to take his record to 7-0(7) with a stoppage over Najah Ali 3-1(1).

Though big brother Kevin had done the business earlier Vinny Mitchell 11-1(2) wasn’t able to complete a good night for the family when he was surprisingly stopped in four by former opponent Jon Baguley 9-17-1(4).

George Michael Carmen successfully made his debut with a four round decision over Matt Seawright 3-25(0) in Welterweight action.

In attendance were Up and coming Light Heavyweight Tony Bellew who hopes to get a fight with Cleverly down the road. European Light Middleweight champion Ryan Rhodes. Along with the Light Middleweight Prizefighter Steve O’Meara who was part of James Degale’s camp. English Soccer player Joe Cole was also ringside.

It seems likely that Victor “Mermelada” Cayo 25-0(16) will get his big chance to break into the upper echelons of the talent laden Light Welterweight division when he takes on Marcos “El Chino” Maidana 27-1(26) for Maidana’s Interim WBA Light Welterweight crown on 27 March live on HBO. Cayo 25, who hails from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is ranked highly by the WBA #2 & IBF#10. Having maintained a busy 2009 schedule going 5-0(2) with one of those wins being against former World champion Julio Diaz. He took time out of a busy training camp in Oxnard, Ca. to share his thoughts on various things including his upcoming fight.

Hello Victor, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You have your biggest fight of your career on 27 March when you travel to America to face Marcos Maidana. What do you know about Maidana and what do you expect him to bring to the fight?

Victor Cayo – Maidana, is a tough fighter with a great record, I expect him to come forward and try to knock me out. My plan is to use his aggression against him and make him pay for his mistakes.

Anson Wainwright – He’s known as a big puncher do you think you’ll have to be cagey for a few rounds and box him or are you looking to try to get on the front foot and back him up?

Victor Cayo – It’s hard to say, definitely keep my distance and use my speed to beat him. My job is to listen to my coaches and execute our plan of attack.

Anson Wainwright – Do you see this as a coming out party for you?

Victor Cayo – Absolutely, this is the most important fight of my life. There is lot at stake for both of us. God willing on March 27th the whole world will know who Victor Cayo is.

It has been rumoured that both Maidana and you had to sign an agreement in the contract with HBO that the winner wouldn’t enforce a title fight with Amir Khan for at least a year. Is this true and can you tell us about this?

Victor Cayo – I’m not sure regarding that question. Sampson & my manager handle all my business in the U.S.

Sampson Lewkowicz – This is a very tough fight and we’re not looking past it, we’re just focused on this fight.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter and also where do you regularly train for fights?

Victor Cayo – I have a great team: My manager is Caesar Mercedes Maguita from DR, my trainer is Gabriel Sarmiento, & I am promoted by Warrior Boxing. I train at World Crown Sports training facility located in Oxnard, CA. I enjoy coming to Oxnard, CA to prepare for my fights it has a great training environment and keeps me 100% focused in my boxing.

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

Victor Cayo – I started boxing at the age of 11; I would always get into street fights so I needed to learn how to protect myself. One day I was walking by this boxing gym in my neighbourhood asked the coach to teach me how to box and defend myself. I have been doing this ever since and won’t stop till I become a World Champion.

Anson Wainwright – Did you have much of an amateur career back in your homeland? If so what titles did you win, what was your record and did you face any well know guys who are now pro’s?

Victor Cayo – I had easily over 300 amateur fights; I won numerous tournaments growing up. I participated in the Military Games in DR which are very competitive, these games show who is the best in DR. I won a Silver Medal in the Cupa Independencia De Boxeo; we would fight against Canada, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Haiti, Ecuador, & Italy. I did fight against and beat Felix Diaz who was the 2008 Gold medallist in Beijing.

Anson Wainwright – What do you enjoy doing when you’re not fighting?

Victor Cayo – I love staying active when I am not boxing, I enjoy playing basketball, softball, & playing pool. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and family get-togethers.

Anson Wainwright – Your nickname is “Mermelada” how did you get that nickname?

Victor Cayo – Well for the people that don’t speak Spanish “Mermelada” means Marmalade (Fruit Jam). When I turned pro, I signed with my boxing manager Caesar Mercedes during the signing we were having lunch together I asked him to pass me the marmalade to put on my toast, then he said that’s it your ring name is going to be “Mermelada” with your slick boxing style and good looks that fits you perfectly.

Anson Wainwright – Who would you say is the toughest opponent you have faced so far?

Victor Cayo – Noe Bolanos. He was a tough SOB, there are certain fighters in the world that won’t go down, he’s one of them.

Anson Wainwright – What is your first boxing memory and who was your hero growing up?

Victor Cayo – My first boxing memory was at age 11 walking into that boxing gym amazed by the sparring sessions and training regimen, I was very impressed. I don’t have a boxing hero but one of my favourite fighters is Bernard Hopkins.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for the Boxing world ahead of your fight with Maidana?

Victor Cayo – First things first, I want to thank 15rounds.com for your time and support I don’t get much exposure in the U.S. but on March 27, 2010 the whole world is going to know who Victor “Mermelada” Cayo is. I want to thank all the boxing fans around the world that support boxing and especially to my all friends and family back home. I want to dedicate this fight to my country of Dominican Republic and hope to inspire the young fighters like I was inspired at age 11.

Thanks for your time “Mermelada”

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Big time Boxing kicks off in Britain this Saturday when Frank Warren Promotions stages “The Night of the Champions” from Wembley Arena in London. It’s a double header that see’s Wales Nathan Cleverly fight Antonio Brancalion for the Vacant European title and Londoner Kevin Mitchell will be making the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight crown. Also in action are former amateur stars James Degale & Frankie Gavin. At Heavyweight Derek Chisora fights Carl Baker in a British title eliminator.

In an interesting cross roads battle Nathan Cleverly 18-0(8) will be looking to complete his old fashioned route to the top by claiming the European title having already conquered Britain & the Commonwealth. Brancalion looks like a step up for Cleverly with vast experience in his 34 years which has seen him boast a 32-7-2(7) ledger. Though Brancalion may be starting to slip if last years defeat to Jurgen Braehmer is anything to go by when he was demolished inside a minute and a half. Though Cleverly’s power is getting better with 5 straight coming inside the distance it’s unlikely Cleverly can do it as quick but look for him to use his speed and pick off Brancalion early before stepping up the action and forcing the Italian to quit in the middle rounds.

The WBO Lightweight number one contender Kevin “The Dagenham Destroyer” Mitchell 30-0(22) will be bidding to please his hometown fans and get an impressive win whilst making the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental title. Though he has World title asperations it’s important Mitchell keeps up the impressive form that saw him put on a clinic last time out against hard hitting Breidis Prescott one time conquer of Amir Khan. Again he’s matched with a Columbian, Ignacio Mendoza 27-5-2(18) who has been on British shores before when he lost in 8 to John Murray. Mitchell will slightly better Murray’s result forcing a seventh round stoppage.

When Danny Williams pulled the plug on his British title fight with Derek “Del Boy” Chisora 11-0(6) it left Chisora scrambling for a replacement. Thankfully Carl “The Fridge” Baker 9-4(6) stepped up to the plate and will be hoping to provide the second shock of his career after outpointing the afore mentioned Danny Williams in Prize-fighter late last year. Though Baker will have in excess of a two stone weight advantage it’s Chisora who has the pedigree and that should see him see off Baker inside 6 rounds.

World amateur champion Frankie “Fun time” Gavin 5-0(5) will be looking to keep hold of his perfect record against his toughest opponent to date Peter “Connemara Kid” McDonagh 14-15(2). Many believe Gavin 24, has looked the best so far of his fellow Olympians. However tough Irishman McDonagh will have designs on not only making him look bad but also getting a surprise win. McDonagh is better than his record suggests and is more than capable of giving Gavin a few problems. Just last year McDonagh went the full ten with British champion Lenny Daws in and English title fight. If Gavin is able to do what only Giuseppe Lauri has done so far and stop McDonagh then that will be a clear statement of intent making people sit up and notice. Though that maybe tough as he only has 6 rounds to do it, look for Gavin to post a clear points decision.

In preparation for his Fight with Matthew Barr, James “Chunky” Degale 5-0(3) has been sparring with Heavyweights and reportedly is in the form of his life. If Degale who fights for the first time at home in London can put it all together he should get get the stoppage inside three or four rounds.

Swindon’s impressive Welterweight Jamie Cox 13-0(8) stays busy fighting novice pro Michael Frontin 2-6-1(0). Cox will be favoured to take care of business relatively quickly.

Also seeing action are the three Walsh brothers. Michael 6-0(6) at Bantamweight where he’ll look to continue his 100% record against Najah Ali 3-0(1), Liam 6-0(5) fights at Super Featherweight against proverbial loser Sid Razak 4-40(1) though Razak has only been stopped once. Ryan 8-0(3) goes up against Ian Bailey 5-3(0) at Super Bantamweight. All three are scheduled for 6 rounds.

Also at Super Featherweight Vinny Mitchell 11-0(2) fights Jon Baguley 8-17-1(4) over six.

Rounding out the show George Michael Carmen makes his debut against Matt Seawright 3-24(0).

One of the most decorated amateur’s of all time Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux debuted last May. Since then he’s run his record to an impressive 5-0(4) with his most recent one on the recent “Friday Night Fights” he ended the fight with Adolfo Landeros in just 28 seconds with a debilitating body shot. Rigondeaux 29, a two time World & Olympic champion hails from La Prueba in Cuba first tried to escape his homeland in 2007 but was foiled. However in he was successful in a second attempt in early 2009. Though many fighters would be looking to build themselves up slowly this isn’t the case with Rigondeaux who is widely regarded as a blue chip prospect. He’s trained by the highly regarded Freddy Roach who praises the Cuban to such an extent he believes Rigondeaux will be a World Champion inside 10 fights. It looks like a heck of a journey that should be worth paying attention too.

Hello Guillermo, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hello Anson it is nice to speak with you.

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you fought Adolfo Landeros on Friday Night Fights, what did you think of your performance? When are you looking to be back in action next?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I didn’t even get going but I have been working on fighting more aggressively and I showed Friday night how I can be as effective when
attacking as defensively.

Anson Wainwright – After so many years in the amateur’s how have you found the move to pro’s? What are the biggest difference’s for you?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – In the pro game I have to train very hard and be very disciplined. I love training hard and sparring with very experienced opponents.

Anson Wainwright – Your manager is Gary Hyde. However until recently this wasn’t clear with it going to arbitration. What happened exactly from your point of view?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Gary was the first manager to sign me and looked after me when I had nothing in Cuba. When I left Cuba I met with some other people who took advantage of my situation but all the problems are behind me now and I have a good team around me

Anson Wainwright – In your opinion how far away do you think you are from fighting for a world title in the pro’s?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I will fight in March this year for the 118lbs title and then I will move back up to 122lbs and then 126lbs. I will be a 3 weight champion in the next 18 months

Anson Wainwright – In the amateur’s your had probably the best record of any fighter that ever lived winning countless International tournaments and medals. Could you tell us what you won altogether & what your final record was as there has been several different records that have been published?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Two time Olympic Gold medal, Two time world champion, Pan American Champion 246 fights with just 3 losses

Anson Wainwright – What title do you consider to be the one that meant the most to you & why?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Olympic Gold because it is the most prestigious and very competitive.

Anson Wainwright – Who has been the toughest guy you fought in your entire amateur career?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I fought many tough guys so I would not like to single one out in case I disappoint some of the others. There are a lot of very tough amateurs on
the world circuit

Anson Wainwright – Having fought so many times in the amateur’s how close do you think you are now to your prime?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I am a novice pro but ready to fight for a world title that should answer your question. I am preserved and seldom hit because of my defensive
skills so I will be champion in to my late 30s.

Anson Wainwright – You train at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles with Freddie Roach. There are many talented guys around there including Manny Pacquiao & Amir Khan. Have you sparred or trained with them, if so what can you tell us about it?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Manny and Amir are very exciting fighters. I would love to spar both of them because I will gain a lot from them and they will from me but we
are in the same team so the competitiveness will be there but its not the same as actual combat.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in La Prueba in Cuba can you tell us about when you were young and how life was for you and then how it took you towards Boxing?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I used to pull large tanks of water for many miles to my family home from the village so I think that’s where I get my base strength. As for the
boxing in Cuba if you don’t get on the national team life is very difficult so when I joined boxing first I found it very natural and spent most of my days practising

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing how do you enjoy spending your time?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – I like to dance and listen to Rega Bo but I train 3 times a day so I don’t get much time away.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up and favourite fighter?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Pernell Whitaker is my favourite pro fighter

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – To defend my title, when I win it, in Cuba and be the best fighter and champion that I possibly can and to be respected for this.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans around the world along with the people of Cuba?

Guillermo Rigondeaux – 2010 is Guillermo’s year and I will make you very proud when I will be world champion.

Thanks for your time Guillermo, keep up the good work

Thank you Anson

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Hello Tomasz, welcome to 15rounds.com

Firstly you have a fight this weekend with Jason Estrada. What do you expect him to bring to this fight?

I don’t really care what other fighters are bringing. I always thought it was up to me. The wins and losses are controlled by me.

Now your fighting up at Heavyweight now, how do you find fighting much bigger guys?

There is no difference in my approach to training, whether I am fighting someone who is 5’ tall or someone who is 7’ tall. It really doesn’t matter to me. It’s about me imposing my will on the other fighter. Training is basically the same just my sparring partners are heavier. The bigger fighters aren’t scaring me.

What is your walk around weight between fights? What weight are you looking to be for Estrada? Did you struggle with weight much making Light Heavyweight and then Cruiserweight?

I walk around naturally at 209 to 214 pounds. I will be between 220 and 222 pounds for the Estrada fight, which seems to be the best weight for me – the most natural. I absolutely struggled to make Light Heavyweight. I’d have to lose between 15 and 20 pounds for each fight. My body took a big beating. Even at cruiserweight I’d have to lose 7 to 10 pounds. It was not easy at either weight.

Without getting to far ahead of ourselves it has been mentioned a win over Estrada will propel you into a fight on HBO with Chris Arreola. Do you have any thoughts on that potential fight?

Do not ask me about Arreola today. I have this fight to think about. Ask me on Sunday.

What prompted you to first make the move up to Heavyweight? Is it the pay days, the possibility of becoming a three weight world champion, or did you struggle to make weight?

Struggling to make weight at the other weight classes had something to do with it, but it’s really always been my dream.

What do you think of the current state of the Heavyweight’s?

I think there are mostly 2 dominant players – the Klitschko’s. But even those guys are beatable. I think there is a huge difference between them and all the other heavyweights.

Can you tell us about you early years in Zywiec, Poland and how it took you into Boxing?

I started boxing when I was 12, I liked it right away. My father loved boxing. He died when I was 2 years old, I don’t remember him, but he said to my Mother, ‘If we have a son, he will be a boxer’, I want to make him proud.”

What do you like to do when your not Boxing?

I enjoy playing tennis and soccer. I have always liked working out to keep in shape. And I like driving fast!

Who would you say is the best fighter you have fought in you career to date?

I would have to answer Chad Dawson because he is the only one who ever beat me.

Your extremely popular in your homeland of Poland and also in Polish communities in America like Chicago and also in Newark. Can you tell us a bit about why you think your so popular amongst your countrymen?

I think it’s because of the way I fight. Polish people can identify with me. Everyone really counts on me to be a good reflection of the Polish people. I am obviously very proud of my Polish heritage.

Finally do you have a message for your fans?

I would love for all of my fans to come support me at Prudential Center. I really get such energy from the crowd. I will win!

Best Wishes Tomasz & good luck on Saturday.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

NOTE–Tomasz Adamek will take on Jason Estrada this Saturday night and be viewed on www.gofightlive.tv for just $9.99 by clicking:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=581

Following the withdrawal of Danny Williams last week Derek Chisora’s 11-0(6) will now face Williams Prize Fighter conqueror Carl “The Fridge” Baker 9-4(6). The fight will be billed as an eliminator for the British title. The 28 year old Baker who hails from Sheffield appeared capable enough in Prizefighter and should provide Chisora with a test. It was also rumoured that Tyson Fury was offered the chance to fight Chisora but decided against it.

Also appearing on the Wembley Arena card will be James Degale 5-0(3). He has reportedly been offered £50,000 to fight former amateur rival George Groves 8-0(6) on the David Haye-John Ruiz undercard on 3 April. However it would be a major surprise if this comes off as many behind the scene’s will believe that a few years down the road that the purse they would get for fighting each other would be considerably more than what has been offered at the moment.

At the end of last year many of Boxing’s experts picked their up and coming prospects. One guy who may of escaped there gaze is fledgling pro Yaundale “Money Shot” Evans. Since turning pro nearly 6 months ago the 21 year old has streaked to 5-0(3). His team have high hopes for the future and hope to get him back into action by the end of February early March on a ESPN undercard. Then he’ll take his place on the Roy Jones Jnr-Bernard Hopkins card on 3 April. They hope that by the end of August he may take his fight ledger into double figures with the aim of around 16 fights by the end of the year. His manager Paulie De Blasi says of his young charges prospects “He has the skills and knowledge to become a great fighter. With close to two hundred amateur fights and being so young really helps his chances of becoming a great professional. Being a southpaw also helps the cause. In my opinion it is up to Yuandale on how far he goes but the sky’s the limit”

Hello Yaundale, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your last fight and how you felt you performed?

Yaundale Evans – The fight was a good learning experience I actually had fun which is what I tend to do, every fight you have to love what you do. I fought an experienced fighter but I also made mistakes that I’ll fix, just giving the crowd who booed me from being from Ohio a whooping all 6 rounds to see.

Anson Wainwright – Did you get any positive feedback from Teddy Atlas or anyone else at ESPN?

Yaundale Evans – I mean Teddy saw the fight back in N.C. and felt I did good but this fight he said I’m not a finisher but if I recall he also called the fight needed to be stop, so I got positive and negative feedback but you know what? I’m the boxer in the ring the odds are against me Gino was from Laredo so if they wasn’t going to stop it in the beginning. I felt to pace myself and box my first 6 rounds.

Anson Wainwright – You’ ll be back in action in late February early March. Any ideas who your opponent maybe?

Yaundale Evans – I actually never know who my opponents are till they are in the ring with me being introduced ha ha but not a clue. I’ll be ready though because I train I’m ready whenever they call me.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a bit about your team? Who your manager, trainer and promoter etc are?

Yaundale Evans – My team is full of guys who been successful with their boxing career we have Terrell Gausha rank #1 in the country in amateur, Prentice Brewer who is under rumble time promotions who is now 14 and 0, Willie Nelson who also is with rumble time 14 and 0 and our freshman Brett Simmons he just had his debut the same night I fought. So our gym pretty much is spectacular I would say. My manager is Paulie Deblesi, Promoter is Roy Jones Jr and Square Ring Promotions, trainer Renard Safo who I have been with since 12 tears of age, and I’m under Square Ring Promotions with Roy Jones and John Wart.

Anson Wainwright – What is the plan for you this year? How are you looking to progress your career this year? Where do you hope to be at the end of the year?

Yaundale Evans – The plan for this year is to continue to stay in shape train even harder and stay busy in the ring I don’t want to catch ring rust at all ha. I am actually coming for fighters who are in my weight class cause I want to experience the top spot n stay there ya know? I want to be at least 10-0 by this summer and continue to shine whenever an wherever. I will be studying my mistakes and practicing on not making them, getting more deep into boxing, studying other fighters and challenging myself to the higher limits. I hope Anson at the end of this year I will be high in rankings and ill have numbers under my belt. I’m thinking more of a title i’ll make sure I take a picture and send it to you Anson ha-ha once I attain one.

Anson Wainwright – So far in your career you’ve fought on a Roy Jones card when he beat Jeff Lacy. As well as cards with Guillermo Rigondeaux & Demetrius Andrade on. What can you tell us about the experience of being around guys like that?

Yaundale Evans – Aw man Anson I love Roy always did always will he’s a great guy, watching his fights gets me up and going I mean nobody can do it like him so I find myself smiling every time I see him fight. It’s like a dream come true. Everybody tries to met him now. I just feel good about being around them because I feel like now we getting somewhere. I’m around celebs so I feel in the boat with these guys now lol.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about how life was for you when you were young and how it took you into Boxing?

Yaundale Evans – Well actually life for me was I can say fair and average. I always was straight A student tutoring kids and attending Art after school programs. Single parent (mom) in the house with 2 other younger siblings. I rarely fought in school because I knew I wouldn’t be able to trade enough hits before they grab us loll and I was a people person. All the ladies liked me and I was popular. So growing up was ok I did get a lot of whoopings till I learned to run. My younger brother started amateur boxing before me 1998, and I would watch him go at it and thought to take it up. I was short so it wasn’t a sport I could really do regardless how good I was I wanted to be noticed and take the fame. So 2000 I started boxing amateur, I felt it was new and something crafty to try, plus it wasn’t a group thing like Basketball. I also attend Church.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win and what was your record?

Yaundale Evans – Wow it’s been 10 Years now since I been in boxing, and 6 months since I been pro. I have so many fights it’s hard to remember but estimating I’m about 147wins and 13losses 16referee stop contest and 13 ko’s. We travel so many places cities and states we stayed busy building an amateur record to get known and respected. Amateur was hard and easy to me, I always had good national opponents. I was always a slim guy also so I fought at light weight classes. My only rival from Cleveland was Raynell Williams an Olympian from 2008 who is like a brother to me. I was a silver glove champ also making high rankings every year I went to the silver glove nationals, jr.olympic regional champ, I won the platinum gloves in Washington D.C. National Pal I made it to the finals, I won the jr golden gloves, State fair 2009 champ in Columbus, Golden Gloves rank #3 in 2009 Salt Lake City and my biggest tournament ever the USA open men tournament 2009 I made rank 3 Bronze medalist after fighting 5 times in the whole tournament I enjoyed the victories and opponents. I have 9 amateur belts most of them national titles.

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

Yaundale Evans – Things I do when I’m not pounding at someone face ha-ha, um I attend a community college the field I attend is Computer Engineering. I like to draw cartoons and also ideal tattoos, I’m a neat freak so I’m always cleaning, chase woman ha-ha and play basketball. I always keep up with my mother and siblings and attend holiday meetings or family days. I’m more of a low keyed person so I shop on odd days the mall is not busy. I go see movies and I dine in on odd days. But most of the time study study study, I want to get my bachelor degree, and I watch a lot of known Boxers tapes like Roy Jones Jr. Floyd, De La Hoya, Ali, The Brown Bomber, B Hop and etc…… I even keep my eyes open to good amateurs and pros around my weight or other weights.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Yaundale Evans – I completed my amateur goals already, pro goals are to receive that Super Feather weight title and other titles under that, keep a clean record off 0 losses and challenge myself as I grow I will not dodge better fighters I will fight them and win to better my skill. I won’t stop until I have won that title though; I want to make this career fun and earn a lot of good money and invest in things like houses, stores and things that I can make more money off. I want to continue to make the coach, manager, Promotion Company and promoter proud to see me grow as a prospect.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Yaundale Evans – I’m sure like a lot of athletes I’m the same with the hero deal, because mine is my mother, I watched her struggle an carry 3 kids on her back like it was a back pack with only loose paper in there. She fed us provided a roof over our heads and provided us with the correct house hold respect and manors we needed. She played a Daddy to me even though he was alive and in calling distance he slacked being a father. She was my Super woman and will remain ya know.

Anson Wainwright – Finally for fans who may not now you to well do you have a message for them?

Yaundale Evans – My message for the audience and people, who love to see me box, is that you can never give enough until you make history and get your message and point to the world. Always give more than 100% because that next man or woman is so no slacking because it’s someone who wants where you standing and they’re going to go hard for it or go home, remember no quitting

Thanks for this terrific interview Mr. Wainwright hope to speak again.

Anytime Yaundale, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Firstly you will be fighting Glen Johnson on 5 February. It has the makings of a very good fight. How do you see it?

Yeah I think it will be a great fight both of us know this is it, Glen knows it’s his last chance and I know if I lose I will have thrown away 2 years of hard work and I ain’t going to let that happen. There are a lot of people saying that Glen is past his best and all that but I just think Chad was smarter with him last time and used his boxing skills more than standing with him. The styles make for a good fight he is a come forward fighter and I am a counter puncher, so they tend to make good crowd pleasers. I have worked too hard and not cut any corners I will have just too much for him.

He’s obviously a former world champion with bags of experience but a win will set up a world title fight for you. How hungry do you feel for this fight?

Starving, I have trained hard and made the sacrifices of leaving my family, Glen is going to feel how hungry I am on Friday night.

Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, your trainer and promoter. Also where you are training for this fight?

I train up in the mountains in a place called Lake Arrowhead near Big Bear, at the Talon Boxing camp, it is perfect for getting ready for a fight no distractions, the gym is private so me and my trainer John Tandy (JT) get no distractions, we had Prince Badi and Kris Andrews up here for sparring but I also spar down in LA, either at Goossens, Wildcard or Fortunes and have had quality sparring from people like Edison Miranda as well. JT has been my trainer for 5 fights now and we are undefeated together, he has changed my whole approach to boxing, we work well together and he has got me into the shape I need to be for a fight like this. My managers are Rory Donadio and Greg Cipriano, they have both been like fathers to me and supported me in getting this far both financially and emotionally. Rory brought JT in after the Andrade loss and things have been perfect since then, I have beaten some of the best opponents of my career and am now looking to fight one of the best guys out there and go on to win a major belt, then start collecting them. My promoter is Lou Dibella, who with Rory and Greg quickly got our fight on another card after the Mosley v Berto card was canceled, also new members of my team are the Armstrong Performance and Treament center, they have been looking after me in regard ensuring my body can take the pounding of hard training. I wouldn’t be where I am now without all these guys and I am thankful to have such a great team supporting me.

Your now fighting up at 175 and have done for your last five fights. How much better do you feel fighting at Light Heavyweight than you did in your Super Middleweight?

So much better, I remember when I first met JT he took one look at me and was like how the hell have you been making super middleweight, I was like 196lbs and there was hardly any fat on me, I used to burn down from like 190+ to 168lbs in the last week, now my preparation is much better I have an on site nutritionist Michele Tandy (JT’s Wife) and she starts bringing my weight down slowly from the start of camp, by the end I am only losing 4-5 pounds in the last week and I feel so much stronger. I am 5-0 at light heavy so that tells the story as well.

Can you tell us about your younger days and how it took you into Boxing?

My dad and first trainer Bus (Percy Custus) got me into it, I remember being 7 years old when I first went into the gym, I remember my first sparring session and this bigger kid hit me in the body and I went down and thought to hell with this, but i went back and eventually kicked the kids ass, I had a successful amateur career then went on to turn pro.

Can you tell us about your amateur career what titles you won and what your final record was?

I was 40-7 I won two Golden Gloves 97 & 98 and a lot of Philly State tournaments, I lost to Jeff Lacy in the finals of the nationals in 2000 and turned pro

You just turned 30 which is still young in the Light Heavyweight division with Hopkins, Roy Jones Jnr, Tarver & Johnson all in there 40’s. Do you think that your maturing as a fighter and entering your prime now?

Yes I think I am in my prime now, I think the heavier guys mature a little later, so I am still relatively young in comparison to those guys, those guys have had their time now and now it is guys like myself, Chad, Cloud etc who are going to take over the division.

What goals do you have in Boxing?

To be a world champion, I want all the belts and I want to be remembered as a great, all the best fighters have lost at some point in their careers it is how you come back from those losses that make you a champion, I lost two fights and it was hard, but I made changes in my life and learned from them and never want to feel what it is like to lose ever again. I also promised JT the WBC belt, so after I get the IBF I will be coming for Pascal or whoever the champion may be then.

Who was your hero growing up?

Evander Holyfield, he was and still is a true warrior

Who is your toughest opponent that you’ve fought so far in either the pro’s or amateur’s?

People may be surprised by this but I think Richie Grant when I was fighting for the USBA at super middleweight, I have fought all my best opponents at light heavyweight Chris Henry and guys like that but I was in great shape for those fights, I fought Henry pretty much with one arm after dislocating my elbow in the 2nd round, my trainer actually clicked it back in between rounds, so that was a tough fight, but Grant was very awkward and no matter what I hit him with he kept coming.

Finally do you have a message for Glen Johnson ahead of your fight with him?

I am coming for you Glen you better be in shape and you better not be looking past me or you will get a big shock, you haven’t seen a fighter like me before I respect you and I have always liked you as a fighter and I am sorry that it has to be me that ends you career, you have had you time at the top, move aside the Mack Attack is coming.

Good luck on the 5 February Yusaf.

Thanks appreciated, make sure you tune in

Whether it’s in the ring or the kitchen Carlos “El Olímpico” Tamara 21-4(15) has been cooking up a storm of late. Last week the Columbian went to The Philippines and as a heavy underdog scored the best win of his career sensationally knocking out home favourite Brian Viloria to claim the IBF Light Flyweight title in the final round whilst narrowly behind on points. Now back in his adopted home of North Bergen, NJ made famous by former Heavyweight champion James J Braddock. He’s enjoying life and hoping to do just the same as Braddock and provide a better life for his family. He may only weight 108 pounds but Tamara certainly doesn’t starve himself when not in camp. The mighty mite who by his own admission loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking knock out food for all the family. It’s just one of a number of things he does to care for his family. To go on the road to another country the other side of the world and win a world title and in dramatic fashion says a lot about a fighter and you get the impression that this is just the beginning of what may just be another Cinderella story. James J Braddock would be proud.

Hello Carlos, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on winning the IBF Light Flyweight. What can you tell us about that fight?

Carlos Tamara – Thank You. It was a very hard fight and a fight that I knew shortly after I signed the contract that I would have to be in the best shape of my life and I was not wrong about that. Viloria is a very, very, very good fighter and very strong.

Anson Wainwright – Looking back how proud do you feel now about that win? Have you received any congratulations as yet from your homeland?

Carlos Tamara – I feel very proud and I have to thank my team. (Butch Sanchez, Angel De Jesus, Nelson Fernandez and my promoter Universal and it’s president Javier Bustillo) Yes, I have gotten a lot of phone calls from my country and they are all waiting for me to go back so they can congratulate me in person and give me a giant party.

Anson Wainwright – It’s always tough to go on the road and take the title you did this and showed a huge heart by stopping a great champion Viloria late in the twelfth. This is likely something that has been instilled in your from a young age. Can you tell us a bit about growing up in Columbia and how it took you on your path into Boxing?

Carlos Tamara – Thank You it was a great opportunity and Viloria gave me that opportunity and I thank him for that and hopefully he will come back and show everyone why he is one of the best in this business. It’s funny you ask me about how it was instilled from a young age by my mother and father and they did the same when we moved from Sincelejo to Barranquilla when I was 12 and that opened the path for my boxing because when I got to Barranquilla for 3 years I was getting beat up by kids so I decided I better learn something QUICK or they going to kill me and I took up boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You had a very impressive amateur career that saw you fight in the 2004 Olympics can you tell us about this experience? What titles you won in the amateur’s and what your final record was?

Carlos Tamara – Never thought I could get there as an amateur but my silver medals in the Pan Am Games got me to the Olympics and I was very happy but back then I did not think I could win a medal or even place. I won my first fight and I thought I won my second fight but the judges and the point system did not favour me.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us who your team is your manager/trainer & promoter and where you regularly train?

Carlos Tamara – My team is Butch Sanchez and Angel De Jesus my main trainers, my manager is Nelson Fernandez and he oversees all of the training and strategy for training and the fights and my promoter is Universal Promotions in Ponce, Puerto Rico. We train five days a week at the Bergen County PAL in Hackensack, New Jersey and when we are close to fight day we train 6 days. For the Viloria fight we trained even on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day there were no breaks for that fight.

Anson Wainwright – You live in New Jersey now, what brought about you moving from Columbia?

Carlos Tamara – Needed to be here in the USA were the purses were more lucrative and the training a lot better, sparring and everything is a lot better in the USA.

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

Carlos Tamara – I like to write and listen to music and I’m an excellent cook as well maybe someday you can come over and I will make you a nice Bandeja Paisa.
.

A dish from Antioquia, it is made with several ingredients making necessary to use a platter (Bandeja in Spanish, hence the name). it is made of beans, rice, fried eggs, chorizo pork rinds and other ingredients.
As well as my family’s specialty TAMALES.
A corn “cake” is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. They can be filled with everything from chicken, potatoes, peas, carrots, to rice. Many consider the Tamales from Tolima, which are made with a female pig, a roast pig, to be the best.

Anson Wainwright – Though you have only just won the title. What do you hope to be able to achieve with the title?

Carlos Tamara – Be able to give my family a nicer house and a better life for my 2 daughters, my mother, my father and my 5 siblings.

Anson Wainwright – Who’s the best fighter you have fought in either the pro’s or amateur’s and why? How did the fight go?

Carlos Tamara – THE VERY BEST WITHOUT A DOUBT BRIAN THE HAWAIIAN PUNCH VILORIA – HE IS AWESOME!

Anson Wainwright – What do you make of the other champions at 108 WBC Rodel Mayol, former opponent WBA Giovanni Segura & WBO Ivan Calderon?

Carlos Tamara – They are all extremely good and that is the reason they are World Champions – Rodel Mayol paid his dues and had a few cracks at the title and finally did it – I like that! Giovanni Segura, a good fighter, very strong, very intelligent, tremendous team and very respectful champion. Ivan Calderon “the very best of all times” when we all get old and a little heavier we are going to then appreciate his talents, determination and domination of this weight division – FUTURE HALL OF FAME! My manager’s favourite fighter of all times!

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Carlos Tamara – My mother and father who always gave us everything! Even if times were bad we had a good life.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for your fans in North Bergen, NJ & back in Columbia? Also do you have a message for Brian Viloria who was hurt after the fight?

Carlos Tamara – Thank You so much for all of the support everyone has given me in the past and present and hopefully in the future. We tried to go and visit him in the hospital in Manila and his manager Gary Gittelsohn told us that was not necessary because he was OK and that he was going to make sure that we were concerned with his well being. Brian Viloria is a TREMENDOUS FIGHTER and he should stick to this game and I can guarantee that he will again become World Champion – he is AWESOME.

Congratulations again & thanks for your time.

Thank You very much for the time and the great questions.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

On Saturday 13 February Frank Warren presents “The Night of the Champions” from Wembley Arena in London. In total 9 bouts are currently scheduled. With Nathan Cleverly, Kevin Mitchell, Danny Williams featuring in title action plus an Olympic Gold medallist as well as World Amateur champion & several of the top prospects..

In one of the three headline bouts Wales Nathan Cleverly 18-0(8) attempt to add the vacant European Light Heavyweight crown his British & Commonwealth titles. He will square off with the tough experienced Italian Antonio Brancalion 32-7-2(8).

It promises to be another step up in class for Maths student Cleverly who will be looking to take the title just days before his 23 birthday. The fight was originally due to take place in Italy as Brancalion’s backers had won the purse bid but when the proposed date fell through the fight was added to this already impressive bill.

Cleverly told Frankwarrentv “I’m really excited about this fight because it’s a step up. In 2008 i won the Commonwealth title, in 2009 it was the British and in 2010 hopefully it’ll be the European”

For his part Brancalion 33, will be hoping it’s third time lucky having come up short for the same title against Stipe Drews on points 2006 & in his last fight in June 2009 when he was stopped in one by Juergen Braehmer. Interestingly both Drews & Braemher soon after went onto win world titles.

Popular local Kevin “The Dagenham Destroyer” Mitchell 30-0(22) will be looking to build on his emphatic win over former Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott when he makes the first defence of the WBO Inter Continental Lightweight title against dangerous Columbian Ignacio Mendoza 27-5-2(18).

For Eastender Mitchell it’s a chance to keep busy and maintain his lofty place as WBO number one contender and hopefully get a title opportunity before the years out against either modern day great Juan Manuel Marquez who maintains the honour of full champion though he seems likely to look else where leaving Interim holder Michael Katsidis who is no stranger to a British ring as a very possible future foe for Mitchell.

Mendoza has once previously fought on British shours when he lost an eighth round technical decision to current British Lightweight champion John Murray back in 2005.

In what could be a changing of the guard fight between two Londoners. Danny “The Brixton Bomber” Williams 41-8(31) makes a defence of his British Heavyweight crown against Derek “Del Boy” Chisora 11-0(6).

This fight was originally due last summer before Chisora inexplicably bit Paul Butlin and received a ban that meant the fight was cancelled. However when Sam Sexton pulled out Chisora stepped up to the mantle.

Williams who at 36 is 10 years older than his opponent came up with an amusing anecdote when he told franwarrentv ” Chisora has got a repuation as a bit of a biter, but then so did Mike Tyson and look what happened to him”

Williams has already said that no matter what the result this will be his last fight before he retires. Maybe Williams has one last chapter to add to a storied career that has seen him win British & Commonwealth titles, stun the world when he KO’d Mike Tyson and fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBC Heavyweight title.

The rest of the undercard is made up of 2007 World Championship winner “Funtime” Frankie Gavin who’ll be looking to take improve his 5-0(5) record against grizzled vet Peter McDonagh 14-15(2) who has only been stopped once in those loses & is less than a year from having fought Lenny Daws for the British title.

2008 Olympic Gold medallist James “Chunky” Degale 5-0(3) also gets his 2010 campaign off and running with his first fight in his home town when he takes on Matthew Barr 14-5(6).

Also returning to action are the 3 Walsh Brothers. Liam 6-0(5) fights at Lightweight, while twin brother Ryan 8-0(3) see’s action down at Featherweight. Leaving elder brother Michael 6-0(6) a former ABA champion to fight at super Bantamweight. Opponents will be announced nearer the time.

Kevin Mitchell’s younger brother 22 year old Vinny 11-0(2) rounds out the show at Super Featherweight. No opponent is know as yet.

Ticket are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150.

They are available at 0871 220 0260 www.seetickets.com & from the venue 0844 815 0815 www.wembleyarena.co.uk.

While many of the top stars in Boxing enjoyed a successful amateur career winning various honours it’s not always integril to their development. It also doesn’t gaurentee success in the pro’s. The two sports after all are very different. There’s no exact formula to enjoying success in both sports. In America & Britain fighters tend to go from the amateur’s to pro’s without the same sort of grounding that they get if they were from Cuba, Russia or another Eastern Block country. This isn’t nessessarily a bad thing as a punishing schedule can mean that a guy leaves the best years in the unpaid ranks. However it can also provide him with the chance to hone his skills further and give him much more experience. At the end of the day it’s a fine balancing act.

We start off our closer look into some of the most prestigious amateur tournements with the National Golden Gloves.

Super Heavyweight – Over 201 – Only came into existance in 1982 since then no fighter has successfully won this title and gone on to fight for the Heavyweight title much less win one. Larry Donald probably holds the distinction of being the best fighter of the past winners who went on to have a decent pro career.

Heavyweight – 201 – Is one of the original division’s which debuted way back in 1962. Four fighters have won both the National Golden Gloves & later World title. Michael Dokes became the first in 1976 he later won the WBA Heavyweight crown when he briefly reigned from 1982-83. Greg Page followed in 1978 he beat the very man who unseated Dokes a certain Gerrie Coetzee and again only reigned briefly from 1984-85. In 1984 Mike Tyson won the title before going on to have a stellar career that saw him win become the youngest Heavyweight champion in history. He also unified the title before coming back to win the WBC & then the WBA crowns. Finally in 1986 Orlin Norris won Golden Gloves. Unlike Dokes, Page & Tyson he opted to drop down to Cruiserweight when he became WBA championship. In the 23 years since Norris triumph only Fres Oquendo & Calvin Brock have fought for a version of the Heavyweight title. While 2002 winner Matt Godfrey has dropped to Cruiserweight and will look to emulate Norris when he fights for the vacant title possibly in March.

Light Heavyweight – 178 – Another original weight class. That has seen 5 previous winners go onto world honours in the pro’s. Firstly Marvin Johnson who was the 1971 champion before winning the WBA Light Heavyweight crown in 1978 after a brief reign he then won the WBA title that didn’t last long either before he regained the WBA title in 1986 only to lose it in 1987. Lee Roy Murphy achieved the honour as 1979 champion and followed it up winning the IBF Cruiserweight title reigning from 1984-86. The Great Evander Holyfield became the third to do so when he won the 178 title in 1984 before going onto unify both Cruiserweight & later the Heavyweight division in the late 80’s early 90’s. Ten years later Antonio Tarver won the Golden Gloves then held either the WBC/WBA or IBF titles at some point in the past decade. In 1998 Steve Cunningham became the most recent he went on to hold the IBF Cruiserweight crown from 2007-08.

Middleweight – 165 – Since it debuted back in 1962 the Middleweight’s have produced 5 future World champions. First came Marvin Johnson who first won the 1971 title before moving up to 1972 to win the Light Heavyweight crown. In 1976 Michael Spinks took the honours before winning the IBF Light Heavyweight championship he then unified it over the next few years before heading to Heavyweight where he became the IBF kinpin. As well as fighting at the 1984 Olympics Virgil Hill won that years Golden Gloves before having 3 successful stints as WBA x2 and one as IBF Light Heavyweight holder before in the latter part of his career when he moved to Cruiserweight where he collect the WBA laurels. The following year William Guthrie followed Hill’s lead. In 1997 he won the vacant IBF Light Heavyweight title before losing it in his first defence. The most recent winner was Byron Mitchell who claimed 1996 title then twice became WBA Super Middleweight champion.

Light Middleweight – 156 – Though this division is now defunct in amateur circles it did run from 1967-2002. In those years 6 fighters won the championship. The first to hold this distinction was Michael Spinks who won it in 1974 before moving up to Middleweight. Frank Tate was the 1983 holder before embarking on a pro career that saw him become the IBF Middleweight champion in 1987, a title he held for nearly a year. Future four weight world champion Roy Jones was the 1987 Golden Gloves champion. Lonnie Bradley held took the honour in 1992 and held the WBO Middleweight crown from 1995-97. Jermain Taylor is among very few to successfully retain the title he won in 1998 when returned in 1999. He then went on to win the Unified Middleweight Championship in 2005 before being stripped of two of the belts, he lost the remaining two in 2007. Andre Berto was the 2001 champion, he currently hold the WBC Welterweight belt.

Welterweight – 152 – Seven men have enjoyed success in both the Golden Gloves and the pro’s. It started with 1966 champion Hedgemon Lewis who in 1972 became the NYSAC holder. In 1977 & 1979 Mike McCullum held the title he went on to become a three weight world champion. In 1980 Donald Curry achieved one of his best amateur honours before going onto become Unified Welterweight holder and later the Light Middleweight champion. Frankie Liles was next in 1986 then in 1994 he completed the double winning the WBA Super Middleweight title remaining champion until 1999. Prior to winning gold at the 1996 Olympics David Reid won the 1993 championship. He went on to hold the WBA Light Middleweight title for a year from 1999 to 2000. Cory Spinks followed in his uncles steps winning the 1997 crown. As a pro he became the Unified Welterweight holder and a two time IBF Light Middleweight champion to which is is still today. After winning the 2001 Light Middleweight title Andre Berto dropped four pounds to again become champion in 2003.

Light Welterweight – 141 – Since this division came into being in 1967 at the Golden Gloves 6 men have achieved both titles. The first three are the Legendary quartet of Sugar Ray Leonard who won it in 1974 before going on to win world titles in 5 weight classes from Welterweight through to Light Heavyweight. He was followed by rival Thomas Hearns in 1977 who also went onto become a 5 weight world champion also from Welterweight to Light Heavyweight. In 1986 Roy Jones Jnr held the title before again going onto hold World titles at 4 weights from Middleweight upto Heavyweight only missing out the Cruiserweight crown. St Louis Terron Millett became the 1991 holder. He shocked many people when he beat another former Golden Gloves champion Vince Phillips for the IBF Light Welterweight title in 1999. Another Olympian David Diaz won three out of four titles from 1993, the one he didn’t win was in 1995 when DeMarcus Corley took the honours. Diaz of coarse became WBC Lightweight holder while Corley was the WBO Light Welterweright champion.

Lightweight – 132 – Five men here won both titles. Starting with the aforementioned Hedgemon Lewis in 1964. Followed by Sugar Ray Leonard in 1973. The outstanding Aaron Pryor won back to back championships from 175-76 before going onto have an fantastic pro career in which he is widely regarded as one of the best Light Welterweights ever. He held a first the WBA then IBF crown from 1980 to 1985. When Pryor was stripped of the WBA crown in 1983 Johnny Bumphus held the title though only four six months. He won the National Golden Gloves in 1979. The most recent winner was way back in 1985 by Vince Phillips.

Featherweight – 126 – Only three previous winners here firstly Eddie Hopson in 1988 he later held the IBF Super Featherweight in the mid 90’s briefly. The following year Oscar De La Hoya captured the title he then went on to become the first 6 weight world champion enjoying many successes along the way to collecting 10 World titles in the 90’s and 2000’s. The third to do this was Floyd Mayweather Jnr in 1996. Like De La Hoya he has gone on to enjoy a brillaint career in which he’s won championships at 5 weights all the way from 130-154.

Bantamweight – 119 – Also produced three guys, interestingly in consecuative years in the early 80’s. Steve Cruz was the first do so in 1981 before he upset the Barry McGuigan apple cart to become WBA Featherweight champion. Meldrick Taylor dazzled many in both his amatuer and pro career. He won the 1982 crown and went on to have pro glory at Light Welterweight & later Welterweight. Texan Jesse Benevides claim the prize in 1983 before winning the WBO Super Bantamweight title.

Flyweight – 112 – The first of seven winners came in 1974 with Greg Richardson who went on to in 1991 hold the WBC Bantamweight crown. Leo Randolph won it in 1976 before winning the WBA Super Bantamweight championship in 1980. Jesse Benevides won it in 1982 then went upto Bantamweight to do it again the following year. Next came Johnny Tapia in 1985 he went on to win world titles in 3 weight classes firstly the WBO & later the IBF Super Flyweight titles before WBA & WBO Bantamweight crowns before at the tail end of his career the IBF Featherweight championship. Carl Daniels won the title in 1987 then 8 years later grew into a Light Middleweight where for 6 months in 1995 he held the WBA Light Middleweight laurels. future IBF Bantamweight champion Tim Austin won the title in 1990 & 1991. The most recent winner is Floyd Mayweather who collect 3 Golden Gloves titles this one being in 1994.

Light Flyweight – 106 – Only came in being in 1982 the following year Johnny Tapia won it two years later he went up to Flyweight to become a two weight amateur Golden Gloves champion. In 1986 it was Michael Carbajal’s turn, he of coarse went on to win a pro world title at Light Flyweight. The supremely talented future two weight world champion at Flyweight & Super Flyweight Marc Johnson was the 1988 holder. In 1993 Floyd Mayweather won the second of his three crowns. Olympian Eric Morel collected it in 1994 before becoming a pro champion in 2000 at Flyweight. Most recently it was Brian Viloria in 1999, since then he has become a two time and still reigning IBF Light Flyweight champion.

Winners in 1960’s – 1
Winners in 1970’s – 16
Winners in 1980’s – 22
Winners in 1990’s – 17
Winners in 2000’s – 1 Only Andre Berto has so far from the 2000’s gone onto win a proffessional world title.

MARTIN LINDSAY will make the first defence of his British featherweight title against in-form Jamie Arthur.

Their 12 rounder takes place at Leigh Indoor Sports Centre on March 19 and will be televised live by the home of boxing Sky Sports.

Belfast’s Lindsay (15-0) won the title last April with a sixth round stoppage of Scot Martin Lindsay in one the best domestic fights of 2009.

And now the 27-yerar-old is determined to make if a Celtic double when he tackles Welshman Jamie Arthur (16-2) in a clash that promises to be an all out war.

Lindsay is already in training camp and added: “Everything is going well except that is about -12 in the gym.

“You are training harder just to stay warm. The weather does have a bit of an effect on your roadwork but there are a few treadmills in the gym so you can still go in and tick away on them.”

Cwmbran’s Arthur is a 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, but retired from boxing in July 2005.

He returned almost three years later and has won seven fights on the bounce.

The 30-year-old earned himself the mandatory position for Lindsay’s Lonsdale belt after outpointing Akaash Bhatia in June.

He said: “The reason I came back was to win the British title and I think my challenge will be a helluva fight.”

The undercard is stacked with talent from Maloney’s and Steve Wood’s impressive VIP stable.

Among those fighting are Olympic bronze medallist David Price, former British super-middleweight champion Tony Quigley, British flyweight king Shinny Bayaar, Paul Edwards, Mark Moran, Karl Place, Rick Goddins and Kieran Farrell.

Tickets for are available for £40 and £80 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com

The recent update we received on Z Gorres is nothing less than amazing and remarkable and most of all – inspiring.

We are constantly in touch with Datches the wife of Gorres and Tony “The Good Samaritan” Martin and his wife, Yvonne. They all keep us posted almost every other day on the progress of Gorres.
The brain surgery of Z has not affected his memory. He recognizes everyone who visits him in the hospital.

Z is no longer in the respiratory and breathes on his own and is now eating solid food and has started to talk but in whispers.

It is only his left side that still needs to recover fully. He can now move his left arm but very slowly so with his left leg. Those are the part of his body that needs to be monitored closely as he progresses to recover.

ALA Promtoions President, Michael Aldeguer is in close touch with Tamara Greene the new Medical Social Worker at University Medical Center and is the one coordinating Z’s discharge planning.

Since the time Z has been admitted several people have visited him. Among the visitors were Wakee Salud, Boboy Fernandex, Gerry Penalosa and Rodel Mayol, cutman Miguel Diaz and the Top Rank people headed by Bruce Tampler, Brad Goodman, Sean Gibbons, Dan Pancher and Richie Sandoval, Cornelius “Boza” Edward and Dr. Allan Recto.

Promoter and matchmaker non-pariel Sampson Lewkowicz with his wife and maybe a few more others who have also visited Z but without our knowledge.

We are sending the most recent photos of Z with his wife Datches and ALA trainer Tony Martin and his wife Yvonne.

Vic Darchinyan will be back in action on 6 March on Showtime in what is likely to amount to a keep busy fight while Nonito Donaire will stop Gerson Guerrero in February to set up the rematch sometime over the summer. Donaire will repeat his win then head for a fall fight in The Philippines with Jorge Arce who will KO Angky Angkota first. Nobau Nashiro will most likely rematch Hugo Cazares this time Cazares will take the title to make him a two weight world champion. Though he may not see the year through especially if he has to take the title on the road. South African Simphiwe Nongqayi is in his mid 30’s surprised everyone when he won the IBF title. He may have enough to see his way through the year as the IBF top 15 isn’t particularly threatening with the exception of Alexander Munoz who may be campaigning at Bantamweight anyway.

In a mega fight in Japan Koki Kameda’s youth prevailed as he overcame Daisuke Naito to take the WBC crown last year. I expect a big year from Kameda with him outpointing battle tested former champ Pongsaklek Wongjongkam in a close maybe controversial fight. I’d not be surprised to see Naito get another shot if he doesn’t retire. Kameda will also beat make a third defence. Thailand’s Denkaosan Kaowitchit fights Daiki Kameda in another rematch after narrowly winning last time. It wont happen this time and Daiki will claim the title making it the second weight class where two brothers hold world titles at the same time. At some point the WBA will make Daiki square off with Interim WBA champion Luis Concepcion in what should be very interesting. IBF ruler is another South African Moruti Mthalane who will successfully defend his title at home but will lose it in the second half of the year when he’s comes to Mexico to fight Herman “Tyson” Marquez. Long standing WBO ruler Omar Narvaez has been champion since 2002 and made 16 successful defence’s and at 34 you wouldn’t think he could last to much longer but he hasn’t looked like losing and will see the year through fighting twice at home.

Puerto Rican mighty mite Ivan Calderon fought twice in 09 and suffered from bad cuts in both he’ll enjoy more luck this year. He’ll fight twice more both successful defence’s which will take place in the cosy confines of his homeland. Brian Viloria finally came good on his promise last year and will keep his crown with three wins first up will be tough but limited Carlos Tamara which takes place in The Philippines. He’ll be back then in America where he’ll get a place on one of Top Ranks cards in the spring/summer. By the end of the year Viloria will be mentioned as a possible counterpart for Koki Kameda & Calderon. Power punching Giovanni Segura will continue to fight on Latin Fury cards with a stoppage over Wisanu Pornobnum an excellent fight with Francisco Rosas beckons. Rosas is teak tough and should provide a really intriguing fight for Segura but will yield late on or on points. Another possible fight is Ulises Solis who would fend off Segura’s early charge to pick apart his fellow Mexican in an excellent fight to become a two time champ. Rodel Mayol finally got over the hump to win a world title thanks to his head when he stopped Edgar Sosa. I don’t see him keeping the title with tough fights against the likes of Omar Nino & Adrian Hernandez his top contenders.

Roman Gonzalez will continue to reign supreme, first fighting in Mexico on 30 January though no opponent is know don’t expect it to be anyone to tough while Gonzalez scores a KO. Expect 2 other challengers to go the same way one of them being in Japan. Oleydong Sithsamerchai is a little to slick for anyone at Strawweight. He turned back Juan Palacios who was his toughest opponent so don’t expect any of his coming challengers to be able to take his title. Two more defence’s beckon which both go the distance. Raul Garcia will leave Baja California Sur, Mexico for the first time when he travels to South America face his toughest fight to date in mandatory challenger Nkosinathi Joyi. Joyi is also unbeaten and poses a major threat to Garcia 2 year and 5 successful defence’s. It’s one that i think will pose to much for him with Joyi taking the title via lopsided points decision. Don’t expect anyone to unseat him either as he’ll develop further and score a couple of KO victories. WBO ruler is Donnie Nietes who gets the year off to a good start when he stops Jesus Silvestre on 23 January. He’ll follow that with maybe a road trip but he’ll be good enough to keep the title.

Humberto Soto carries the WBC laurels at 130 but last time out fought up at Lightweight. He hasn’t decided yet if he’s going to 135 full time yet. I suspect he’ll flit back and for until either he gets one of the top guys at Lightweight or can’t make 130 anymore. Nobody except possibly Robert Guerrero is capable of being Soto at Super Featherweight. Guerrero will be impressive in the coming year fighting 3 times one being against Mzonke Fana. Such wins along with Soto abdicating his thrown could see Guerrero becoming top dog here.

Roman Martinez has to defend his WBO crown against mandatory Ricky Burns. That fight is at purse bids currently and while Burns is a good fighter it’s unlikely he’ll unseat Martinez. Juan Carlos Salgado burst into the limelight with a huge KO over Jorge Linares he’ll make his first defense against Takashi Uchiyama. That should let us know where Salgado is. I suspect Salgado will stop Uchiyama and then fight in America & Mexico before the years out. Linares will use 2010 as a rebuilding exercise fighting on a few Golden Boy undercards.

When Chris John came onto the world scene in 2003 he wasn’t very well known but slowly year after year he’s chipped away and got the begrudging respect of his peers and fans alike. The first sign that he maybe more than just a belt holder came in March 06 when he surprised everyone beating Juan Manuel Marquez. Unfortunetely he wasn’t able to capitalise on that, taking nearly 3 years to get a big fight. Then he made his much anticipated American debut when he fought Rocky Juarez only to be awarded a draw, 7 months later righted that wrong again in America. He’ll not fight until April/May as he has been ill with no obvious opponent. Yordan will fight Ponce De Leon in January if Ponce De Leon wins that will be one foe though look for Yordan to go a different way is he’s victorious. Elio “Kid” Rojas went to Japan and performed very well to snare the WBC crown and he’ll be back on the road this time to Mexico where he’ll meet veteran former champ Guty Espades who he should stop. Hopefully Rojas will be busier than most Don King fighters and fight a few times though he may have to be a road warrior to do so. JuanMa Lopez will break down Steve Luevano for an 8th round stoppage. On the same show Cuban Dynamo Yuriorkis Gamboa will fair better with Rogers Mtagwa than Lopez did and score a late KO. Both guys have been on a collision course for months before finally getting down to business in June. That looks like a bombs away fight that will see someone’s star assend even higher. I see it ending inside 5 rounds possibly with both guys hitting the canvas, though i’ll go with Lopez to get the win. After a few months off to recuperate Lopez gets back to action against Mario Santiago after Santiago beat Bernabe Concepcion. Expect a big year from Mikee Garcia who’s currently 18-0(15) at 22 he’s mature for his age physically. He’ll be let off the leash starting against another young gun Joksan Hernandez in January. All being well look for Garcia to be moved onto bigger promotions and into the publics eye in the coming year. He’s well backed with Cameron Dunkin as his manager, Robert Garcia his elder brother as his trainer and promoted by Top Rank.

In 2009 the Super Bantamweight division was pretty packed but over the coarse of the year some of the top dogs have moved up to Featherweight. Israel Vazquez took most of the year off but when he did comeback in October it was up at 126 the same can be said for his dance partner Rafael Marquez who fought in May before being involved in a road accident. When a deal couldn’t be worked out for them to fight in the fall of 09 it was pushed back until 22 May 10. After that fight hopefully with them both making a well deserved fortune they’ll decide to enjoy there money and retire though don’t bank on it a title fight at Featherweight would loom for the winner. JuanMa Lopez looks likely to be next. The vacant title will be contested between Wilfredo Vazquez Jnr who’s father of the same name won world titles in 3 weight classes and the emerging Marvin Sonsona who is jumping from 115 to 122. There are many intangibles in this fight but i’ll take Vazquez who’s gotten better and better in 09 to take the title with a late stoppage, however id Sonsona does win it’ll be his second world title before he’s 20. Look for the winner to stick around a while. Top dog will be Celestino Caballero who owns the WBA & IBF crowns, he’ll turn 34 in 2010 so doesn’t have time to waste. Caballero is the 122 version of Paul Williams at 147 at 5’11’ he’s a tough night for anyone and he’ll continue this trend with 2 defence’s, most likely on the road. It would be interesting to see Caballero tangle with Poonsawat Kratchingdaengym who went to Ireland and demolished Bernard Dunne. The battle hardened WBC holder is Toshiaki Nishioka who may have to face Hozumi Hasegawa if Hasegawa goes through with his wish to move up from Bantamweight. If that happens look for Hasegawa to win the title either via late stoppage or on points then fight the winner of Rendall Munroe-Victor Terrazas which again Hasegawa will win. Hopefully some combination of Caballero, Poonsawat & Hasegawa will happen in 2010. The best of the rest will be Ricardo Cordoba who’ll remain busy, Antonio Escalante who will have a good year but wont be good enough to beat any of the afore mentioned quartet at the top of the division and in Europe Zsolt Bedak will continue to develop.

With Hasegawa moving up to 122 Abner Mares will win the vacant title maybe as soon as the end of January when he may get a chance to fight Simpiwe Vetyeka. He’ll grow with the title and defend on a few big bills and become the first home grown talent Golden Boy has taken from the amateurs to a professional world title. The WBA champion Anselmo Moreno will fight the ridiculous interim champion Nehomar Cermeno in the first half of the year in what looks a 50-50 the winner would have a justifiable claim to be the top man with Hasegawa at 122. Look for Moreno to eke out an close decision in Panama. He’ll follow that with another defence or two. Look for one of them to possibly be against former 115 champion Alexander Munoz. Yonnhy Perez won a barnstormer in October when he took the title from Joseph Agbeko look for Perez to fight twice with one of them a rematch with Agbeko on Showtime. Fernando Montiel didn’t look so good last time out and escaped with a no contest he’ll fight Ciso Morales in February 13, Montiel will be expected to retain his title before fighting the winner of Eric Morel-Gerry Penalosa in the summer. Either should be interesting, i’ll look for Montiel to keep the title again possible fighting Nonito Donaire late in the year. If so, Donaire will win a chess match over the distance. The best of the new breed is 20 year old Californian Chris Avalos 14-0(11) look for him to step upto 10 rounder’s against increasingly tough opposition.

Negotiations are moving ahead to make a Kelly Pavlik-Sergio Martinez fight this May. While they are still at the early stages it seems as though Martinez hot off a disputed loss to Paul Williams could challenge Pavlik for his WBC/WBO Middleweight crown.

It appears as though it would happen in Atlantic City where Pavlik is extremely popular and Martinez fought last time out.

Martinez agent Sampson Lewkowicz told 15rounds.com that “It’s and Exciting fight that people want to see” He also added that they had an offer to fight the rematch with Paul Williams but preferred to get his man a straight title shot. He also said he is requesting WBC approved judges.

So finally it appears that things are getting back to normal in the Boxing world after being held hostage regarding the on off on and finally off negotiations between Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao.

Photo by Chris Farina of Top Rank

The top man at Middleweight may not have had the best of years but now Kelly Pavlik’s healthy again hopefully he’ll engage in some big fights and bring excitement back to the Middleweights which have been derelict over the past few years. With Paul Williams having to sit out much of the first half of the year look for Sergio Martinez to take advantage of the situation and fight Pavlik in Atlantic City in April/May. Martinez has skills in abundance and his speed of foot could also cause Pavlik problems, however “The Ghost” is tough, gritty with a huge heart who’ll keep going until the last and pull off a hard fought decision win. Paul Williams will get back into action over the summer possibly against someone like John Duddy or Peter Manfredo either should give Williams the opportunity to put on an impressive performance setting the stage for a highly anticipated fall fight with Pavlik. When all the smoke has cleared Pavlik will have scored a late impressive stoppage in give and take battle. WBA Kingpin Felix Sturm will have several problems getting free of his contract with Universum so wont be very active. Even so it’s difficult to see Sturm losing as he’ll likely have home advantage and probably won’t be matched with any of the top dogs. Fellow German IBF ruler Sebastian Sylvester will make his first defence against the very average Pablo Navascues of Spain. Sylvester shouldn’t have any problem keeping hold of his title in that fight setting up a May/June fight with his mandatory challenger. That will be Roman Karmazin who will best Dionisio Miranda in early January. Karmazin is skilled and tough but at 37 passed his best so Sylvester who will likely also have home advantage, again getting the win. European champ Matthew Macklin has a tough fight with Dmitriy Pirog in February the winner of that will be well positioned to fight Sylvester before the end of 2010. The best of the rest will see Daniel Jacobs become a top 10 ranked contender on the verge of a world title fight. French transplant Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam will also have a good year. Gennady Golovkin will be hoping to fight Sturm but that may largely depend on if Sturm can free himself of his Universum contract. If the fight happens Golovkin is good enough to win it. Matt Korobov will also be busy and start to face better opposition placing him on the fringes of the world scene.

With Sergio Martinez fighting up at 160 leaving him to vacate the WBC title which will see Kermit Cintron paired with Ryan Rhodes. Both guys carry a good story coming in, Cintron will be the better guy scoring a unanimous decision. Don’t be surprised to see Cintron hold onto the title through out the year. Yuri Foreman is on standby to square off with Manny Pacquiao encase Pac-Man’s fight with Floyd Mayweather doesn’t come off. Eventually he’ll settle for a spot on the undercard fighting Japanese WBA Interim champion Nobihiro Ishida. Ishida shouldn’t provide too much of a challenge with Foreman posting an easy points win. Its possible Foreman will be matched with Miguel Cotto over the summer. Foreman has the style and size advantage to give Cotto fits if it happens. Another option could be Joachim Alcine who is popular in Monteal. As time goes by Cory Spinks is slowly morphing from cagey mover into a more stationary boxer which is good for us but not so good for him. Spinks probably due to Don King not keeping his fighters too active will keep the title in 2010 with only Vanes Martirosyan in the top 15 of the IBF posing any threat. With Sergei Dzindziruk not having fought at all in the last calendar year he may have to vacate which will see Alfredo Angulo promoted to full champion. If this happens Angulo backed by Gary Shaw will become a staple in the HBO cards taking part in at least two fights. He’ll be matched carefully against tough fighters and not cagey runners. The best of the up and comers is Martirosyan who’ll outpoint teak tough Kassim Ouma in mid January from there the Freddy Roach trained prospect will continue to develop having a busy year marking him out as the top contender in the division. Shawn Porter came to prominence late in 09 he’ll continue to develop and may even drop down to 147.

The world awaits on what will happen in the soap opera that is the tediously long and drawn out negotiations between Floyd Mayweather Jnr & Manny Pacquiao. Hopefully soon enough they will sort out the Blood tests and put pen on a deal that will see both men earn more than they’ve ever earnt before. Hopefully the fight will then live up to the drama that has ensued in the build up if it does we’re all in for a treat. It pits the skills of Mayweather verses the power of Pacquiao plus many many other intriguing intangibles. When all is said and done and the dust has settled Mayweather will prevail via unanimous decision looking every bit the star he believes himself to be. The only real threat then on the horizon would be Shane Mosley who’ll roll back the years once again and dominate the young skilled but not quite ready Andre Berto. After much posturing they’ll square off in Las Vegas in another huge fight. Again Mayweather will back up his talk and win a competitive but clear cut decision. Antonio Margarito may re-emerge but struggle to get a big fight because of previous history. Cotto after several months off will put himself back in the picture with a couple of wins. Among the possible opponent’s for Cotto if elects to stay at 147 could be Jesus Soto Karass & Jose Luis Castillo. Joshua Clottey will continue to struggle to gets fights and not manage to get any of the big guys in the ring. If he can get a fight with the ordinary Jan Zeveck he could once again be the IBF champion. Zaveck will not get through the year as IBF champion in such a talented weight class. The younger guys coming through should provide enough action to again make the 147 hot top to bottom whereas in 2009 this was only the case for the top 5 or so guys. Selcuk Aydin has the power and attitude to take him to the top, it may get him a European title or even the IBF crown if he gets the chance. The often underappreciated Mike Jones will break out as a top 10 contender. Young guys like Saul Alvarez & Kell Brook could also supplant there credentials with successful years that could leave them with in striking distance of the best.

Another talent laden division is the Light Welterweight’s. The numero uno is Tim Bradley who had a great 09 that run should continue this year with him again struggling to get the Big name that he craves to bring him big money. With Bradley fighting on Showtime and most of the other champions fighting on HBO it’ll be interesting to see who Bradley gets in his next fight. On 6 March Devon Alexander & Juan Urango will look to unify there WBC & IBF titles in a fight that has a lot of promise. Alexander will be getting back into action after 7 months off since he beat Junior Witter, this fight will give him the chance to really push himself out there. I look for him to post a dominant decision win before fighting Victor Ortiz over the summer. Look for Ortiz to get a win in the first half of the year to set up that fight with fellow young gun Alexander. Amir Khan will fight Marcos Maidana possibly on the same card as Alexander-Urango. That could eventually be a prelude to a future match up between two of the very best at 140. Khan will use his speed to befuddle Maidana on his way to getting a points win. At some point a fight between Khan & Paul Malignaggi could very well happen though that may not be until the fall with Khan squeezing in a defence in Britain. The ever popular Ricky Hatton will make his comeback possibly on 1 May as co-main event with Juan Manuel Marquez. The double header will help set up a fight with Marquez for later in 2010. Kendall Holt will beat Tim Coleman in an IBF eliminator but he’ll lose if he steps up to fight Alexander. When neither Malignaggi nor Holt can get a title shot they may elect to fight over the summer in a fight that will help the winner get a title opportunity. It would also be a pretty big fight in New York or New Jersey. Another fight that may interest Malignaggi would be Dimitri Salita if Salita can get a few wins under his belt. That would be a pretty big fight in New York. Ireland’s Paul McCloskey broke out last year and is now the European champion. Expect him to continue his development and gain a few more defence’s that should enable him to improve his rankings in the alphabet organisation’s top 10. Nate Campbell who has signed with Golden Boy should get a big fight but likely wont be able to win it. Lucas Matthysse will get the best win of his career stopping shop worn Vivian Harris on the Mosley-Berto card. That may get him a shot at Bradley later in the year. Noteworthy guys coming through are Philadelphia’s Danny Garcia who was very impressive on the Hopkins-Ornelas card & Britain’s Frankie Gavin who appears headed for the big time.

After losing to Floyd Mayweather, Juan Manuel Marquez will drop back to a more natural 135 on 1 May when he will fight in a co feature with Ricky Hatton. He’ll face either Juan Diaz or Michael Katsidis both have styles that suit Marquez who’ll be favoured to beat either. Edwin Valero fought twice last year against ho hum opposition and will be hoping for a bigger year…he’ll have one too. Starting on 6 February he’ll defend his title against Interim holder Antonio De Marco. De Marco’s a good fighter but he looks made to order for Valero with his come forward style. He may start off ok, but will get caught and when that starts happening the whole fight will change. Valero will take De Marco out by the mid rounds. Valero will be back in action over the summer and he’ll get a license to fight in America where he’ll meet David Diaz. Diaz is teak tough but will also fall into the same trap as De Marco and get stopped in 9. By the end of the year Valero-Marquez will be talked about as well as a move up to 140 for Valero. Another possible opponent’s for Valero could be Urbano Antillon & Humberto Soto. Ali Funeka will finally get his big break when he claims the vacant IBF crown when he stops Rolando Reyes in ten. Funeka is promoted by Gary Shaw who look’s after his charges. I expect Funeka to thrive with the title and be active with a couple of defence’s. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if the 6’1 South African stepped up to 140 late in the year to fight Bradley. If Katsidis doesn’t get the opportunity to face Marquez on 1 May look for him to possibly feature on the undercard against Jorge Barrios for the vacant WBO title. It would be a war from start to finish with both guys bleeding and hitting the canvas. At the end Katsidis will take the title and improve his status and see him get on another big card before the year is through. Anthony Peterson will come into his own and be a threat to anyone by the end of the year, he’ll get chances to show his talent on Top Rank cards. Another talented young guy Luis Ramos will get more chances on bigger Golden Boy Promotions.

IAN NAPA has been handed a chance to regain the European bantamweight title.

The slick Hackney boxer (19-7) has been nominated to face Frenchman Jerome Arnould for the vacant title, which is likely to take place in March or April.

Napa, 31, will still press ahead with his British title defence against Jamie McDonnell at Brentwood Centre on Friday January 22 despite his date against the former world title challenger.

Promoter Frank Maloney said: “The pressure is on now for Ian, because a loss to McDonnell and the EBU will withdraw their nomination.

“The fight against McDonnell is all or nothing for Ian, but if he has prepared right McDonnell cannot beat him.”

Arnould, 24, is on a eight fight winning streak and unbeaten since being knocked out in the seventh round of a WBA bantamweight title challenge Wladimir Sidorenko in June 2007.

Napa lost the European title ten months ago when he was shocked by Arnould’s countryman, Malik Bouziane.

Top of the bill is Ian Napa’s (19-7) British bantamweight title defence against Jamie McDonnell (12-2-1)

On the same bill Cheshunt’s cocky Ashley Sexton (8-0) faces fellow extrovert Usman Ahmed (6-2-1) in a clash for the vacant English flyweight championship.

On the comeback trail is former British super-featherweight champion Carl Johanneson (27-4) who boxes for the first time since his defeat to Kevin Mitchell in March 2008.

Maloney’s heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo (6-1) moves up a notch when he boxes Irish puncher Scott Belshaw (10-3).

Tickets for this top class show, priced £80 and £35 are available on line www.frankmaloney.com or 0871 226 1508

The Heavyweight’s have largely been dominated by The Klitschko’s through out the later part of this decade. I don’t see much change in that this year with Wladimir beating his WBO mandatory Eddie Chambers in March by eighth round stoppage then closing out the year fighting his IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin who may have a few moment along the way before being stopped in the tenth. Big brother Vitali wont fight until the summer when he’ll take on either Odlanier Solis who’ll win an eliminator against Ray Austin or Tomasz Adamek if he gets past Jason Estrada in February & Chris Arreola in late April. Either way he wont lose. That will set the platform for Vitali to face David Haye who’ll force the stoppage against John Ruiz. After all the jostling for position Vitali will stop Haye who may give the big man trouble early with movement in the 5 with a big KO. Sam Peter to continue rebuilding on Top Rank shows and have a good year. The most noteworthy guy coming through is Russian Denis Boytsov. At just 23 boasting a pristine 26-0(21) he looks to have a bright future which could see him win the European title before the end of the year. The fast rising Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev could also have a good year. He’s fighting once a month at the moment but already beating decent guys with his next appearance due late in January against the vastly more experienced Oleg Platov.

With Tomasz Adamek abdicating his thrown as the top man at Cruiserweight the other will jostle for position. Steve Cunningham will regain his IBF crown when he turns back Matt Godfrey on points in the first quarter of the year. The Philadelphia product has never been the most active of guys and may only fight once more in that calendar year and that may be a road trip North to Canada to fight Troy Ross or even further a field to Europe. Marco Huck looks the future of the division at 25. He managed to win the WBO title in 09 look for him to defend it three times this year all at home one likely foe is Grigory Drozd. It’ll be interesting to see if Zsolt Erdei elects to stay at Cruiserweight i don’t think he will. Leaving Krzysztof Wlodarczyk to beat Herbie Hide for the vacant WBC title. Look for Wlodarczyk to defend at home in Poland before possibly having to go to Germany for a defence where Cuban Juan pablo Hernandez may be dangerous. Guillermo Jones finally got over the hump in 08 when he won won the WBA title after 3 previous shots at various world titles. However he hasn’t capitalised on that having not fought since September 08, time seems to be running out for Jones who turns 38 in May. He’ll either be stripped of at some point have to fight Alexander Alexeev. Either way Alexeev will win come good on his promise to win.

When Danny Green stopped Roy Jones a few weeks back he changed the landscape of the division dramatically. First off we we wont get to see Jones square off with long time rival Bernard Hopkins in a rematch that has been 16 years in the making. That means that Hopkins will have to find a new dance partner. One possible is Danny green who’d love the fight. If the money’s right it’ll happen, just don’t bank on Hopkins going the way of RJJ. Hopkins will be far more studious and out fox Green if it comes off. One fight that it wont set up is Hopkins against Chad Dawson who will instead have to sit out until June when Jean Pascal’s shoulder will hopefully of healed. Dawson will go to Canada and regain his old WBC title with a hard fought points win. With a lack of opportunity’s Dawson will then make a routine defence at home in Connecticut against Chris Henry. It looks as though there will be rematch in the first quarter between WBA kingpin Gabriel Campillo & Beibut Shumenov. This time Shumenov will prevail. Look for him to take his new title back to Kazahkstan and make a few lucrative defences. In 2008 Tavoris Cloud entered the ranks of a contender with a drubbing of former champion Julio Cesar Gonzalez then after a full year without a fight he fought for the vacant IBF crown when he outpointed Clintonm Woods. Since that fight in August he hasn’t fight and has nothing in the works. Hopefully he’ll get back to work and capitalise on being a champion with a couple of defence’s. One could be against Glen Johnson if he gets past Yusef Mack. Jurgen Braehmer became WBO champion when Zsolt Erdei moved upto Cruiserweight. It’s possible that Erdei could comeback to 175 and that fight would be pretty big in Germany. If it happens it’ll pit Braehmer’s power against Erdei’s clever boxing i’d look for Erdei to be a little to clever for Braehmer and take a points win. However if it doesn’t come off there isn’t to much in the WBO rankings to suggest Braehmer will lose. Just outside the world scene Nathan Cleverly of Wales is going the old fashioned way of British, Commonwealth and in January he’ll travel to Italy where he’ll look to add the European title. If all goes according to plan he’ll stay at theat level turning back a few challengers whilst maturing ready for the world stage.

Future fights for many of the top guys at 168 are largely mapped out for 2010 thanks to the Super 6. Which goes into stage two and kicks off when Andre Dirrell will host Arthur Abraham in California in March. It figures to be an interesting fight with Dirrell’s speed putting him and early lead before Abraham comes tearing back even rocking Direll late though Dirrell will hold and get the victory. Then on 17 April Mikkel Kessler will outpoint Carl Froch in Denmark and Andre Ward will score a tenth round stoppage over Jermain Taylor. Also possibly on the same date arguably the best 168er in the world Lucian Bute will fight though across the airwaves on HBO. It was rumoured that possible foes would be WBO Kingpin Robert Stieglitz in a unification or possibly Edison Miranda who was due to meet Stieglitz until he fell ill. Either way it wont matter to Bute who’ll score another impressive stoppage. It has also been rumoured that Sakio Bika may face Allen Green in an elimination fight to decide who would go into the Super 6 if someone pulled out. I look for Green to out box the rugged Bika and campaign for his shot at a place in the Super 6. The final phase of the super Six will take place before the end of the year. It will see Ward face countryman Dirrell in what could be a modern day Jones-Hopkins. With Ward eking out a close chess match. Froch to fight Abraham both coming off loses it’ll be close early. Froch using his speed advantage while Abraham will pick his moments ultimately late on Abraham will enjoy the more success and win a close points decision. Taylor will decide to sit out the final round with Allen Green stepping in to face Kessler. Green will have his moments but Kessler will prevail by unanimous decision. The best two up and comers are Olympic gold medallist James Degale and his compatriot George Groves. Both did well in 09 and will do even better in this year.