Disappointed by the postponement of this weekend’s scheduled bout with Robert Guerrero, former 140 pound beltholder Marcos Maidana will not sit around and wait as he will take an interim bout in his native land of Argentina according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

That includes going home to Argentina for a Sept. 16 fight, Sebastian Contursi, Maidana’s adviser, told ESPN.com. Contursi said Maidana was “terribly frustrated” about the fight with Guerrero called off so close to the bout after spending a month training in Argentina and then two more months training in Puerto Rico.

“He was ready to go as he went out of the gym last Thursday at 144 pounds,” he said.

“We did, as Maidana was like a lion locked in a cage, ready for war, but Soto turned it down, which is understandable, of course,” Contursi said. “As we were told that no dates were open for Maidana within the next few weeks we decided to go back to Argentina and have a fight here for Marcos to stay busy. That’s why we are making arrangements to hold it on Sept. 16.”

The fight will take place in Buenos Aires in the neighborhood of Villa Ballester, where Maidana has lived since he was 16. No opponent is set yet, but Contursi said he is working with Golden Boy to secure one.

The fight will take place in Buenos Aires in the neighborhood of Villa Ballester, where Maidana has lived since he was 16. No opponent is set yet, but Contursi said he is working with Golden Boy to secure one.

“Obviously, Marcos was depressed (about) the cancellation of such a big fight and got a little out of focus during the weekend, but now he is back at training (in Argentina),” Contursi said.

If Maidana comes through his fight next month, Contursi said he hopes to face a big-name opponent before the end of the year. Maidana’s main target is titleholder Amir Khan, who is tentatively slated for a Dec. 10 fight as part of his HBO contract.

“Another guy Marcos likes is Tim Bradley, of course,” Contursi said of another of the 140-pound titleholders.

In one of his last training sessions before his August 27th bout with Marcos Maidana, Former world champion Robert Guerrero hurt his should which is forcing the be bout to be postponed according to various reports.

The whole card, which was to feature Seth Mitchell taking on Mike Mollo as part of the HBO televised show at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California has been scrapped for the time being.

“Robert Guerrero injured his shoulder [Wednesday] in sparring to the point where it was numb,” Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer said on a teleconference with boxing reporters that was supposed to feature Guerrero and Maidana talking about their fight. “He couldn’t move it at all. It was numb. They were hoping it would get better overnight. It did not. He can’t move the arm at all, can’t put on a jacket.”

“We’re afraid it is a torn rotator cuff,” Schaefer said. “We don’t know. As a result, the fight card, which we were all very much looking forward to, has unfortunately been canceled. I hope it will be rescheduled. This is a fight that was on track to selling out in San Jose. It really is very unfortunate that this exciting showdown is not happening at this point. We wish and hope that Robert will be well and that it is an injury that can be taken care of. When I talked to Bob Santos he sounded extremely, extremely, extremely concerned. This is a big setback for (Guerrero).”

“HBO (was) saddened by the news as well,” he said. “We will have to wait to see what the doctors will say about his status. Hopefully, it can be rescheduled for a later date. Marcos Maidana obviously wants to fight, but on a week’s notice it is impossible to find a suitable opponent on such short notice.

“I would be surprised if Robert isn’t going to be out for quite awhile. If that’s the case Marcos Maidana will be fighting against somebody else (later in the year).”

“We’ll be working to see where we can place the other fighters,” he said. “We’ll look to see how we can accommodate them.”

Former world champion’s Robert Guerrero and Marcos Maidana will meet in an Jr. Welterweight bout on August 27th at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I think it the biggest one so far and I think it’s the most dangerous one so far, too,” Guerrero told ESPN.com on Monday after finding out the fight was signed, sealed and delivered.

“He’s a tough guy. He has punching power. He keeps coming and he gets off the canvas when he gets knocked down,” said Guerrero, who will move up to junior welterweight for the bout. “When I watch Marcos Maidana fight, I look at the fight and I think the better the opposition in front him, the more he steps up his game.”

“Robert is stepping up to face the hardest puncher in the division,” said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions said. “I really think he belongs on that pound-for-pound list because of what he has accomplished. Maybe if he wins against Maidana that will get him there.”

“It was an exciting fight to watch, especially knowing a fight with me and the winner could be made with Golden Boy, and now here it is,” Guerrero said. “They both went to war. They put on a great fight and me and Katsidis also put on a great fight. And now the winners, we’re clashing in August.”

Maidana, who will train in Puerto Rico, confirmed that he had agreed to the fight, tweeting, “I think everybody (will) like the fight vs. Guerrero. I’ll prepare myself 100 percent since it’s a tough one. But I will win!”

Said Schaefer, “This confirms what we know about Maidana, that he fights anyone, anywhere, anytime. There are very few fighters like that, but he believes in his talents and his skills and in his iron chin and iron will. He feels this will be another big test and he’s ready, and it doesn’t matter where he’s going to take it.”

“Sometimes when you make a fight you know on paper going into the fight it has fight of the year written all over it and you know its going to be an action battle. This is one of those fights,” Schaefer said. “It can only be a great fight. In the 140-pound division, this is as big as it gets. There many big fights there, but this is certainly one of them.

“This is one I am going to look forward to between now and Aug. 27 until the first bell rings. You’ll have people split 50-50 on who is going to win the fight.”

“I’m super-excited about the move to 140. Just being at 140, I will be stronger, faster and more well rounded. I’m excited about it,” Guerrero said. “Making 140 will be very easy for me. I’m just excited about this fight.

“It will be great for the hometown fans. I’ve been wanting to fight a world title fight in San Jose and it’s here. Aug. 27,” he said. “I know all the fans are excited about it. I’ll stay focused and not get caught up in the hype with all the fans. Just focus and do what I gotta do and everybody is happy.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that a high stakes Jr. Welterweight bout between former two division champion Robert Guerrero and Marcos Maidana is in the works for San Jose, California on August 27.

“I have a very good feeling, but it’s not done yet,” said Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer. “I don’t have it signed yet, but if I can get it done it is absolutely as good of a fight as you can make. It’s good to be a boxing fan.

“It’s a big opportunity for Robert and another big fight for Maidana. A win here can really establish Robert in the 140-pound division. He’s a big guy and can definitely move up to 147 as well. A win over Maidana makes him a factor in that 140-pound division, which we all know is one of the best in boxing. The winner could potentially fight the winner of Amir Khan and Zab Judah.”

Argentinean hard man Marcos “El Chino” Maidana 30-2(27) has been enjoying a well earned rest of late after going life and death with modern day legend Erik Morales back in April. The 27 year old regained the WBA Interim Light Welterweight title when he scored a close majority decision over the rejuvenated Morales. He had lost that very crown when he fought WBA champion Amir Khan last December in a fight that was voted fight of the year at the weekend’s BWAA awards in Las Vegas. After surviving a torrid opening round when he was almost broken in half from a debilitating bodyshot from Khan, Maidana came on and showed how much of a warrior he is going toe to toe with Khan rocking him several times before losing a close decision. He first gatecrashed the world scene when he lost a razor thin decision to Andreas Kotelnik back in 2009; he rebounded with a career best win over new WBC Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz. It was another exciting fight in which both guys were on the canvas 5 times in total before the fight was stopped in the sixth round. If you want excitement Maidana is your man, he boasts knock out ratio of nearly 90% and is regularly in thrill a minute fights. Here’s what “El Chino” had to say in an exclusive interview with 15rounds.com when he kindly took time out from his vacation.

Hello Marcos, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently fought Erik Morales, what are your thoughts on that fight looking back?

Marcos Maidana – Great fight, great rival! It was a close fight in which I made the difference in the last two or three rounds.

Anson Wainwright – Was Morales tougher than you expected? Were you 100% in shape for the fight or did you look past Morales?

Marcos Maidana – If you review all my quotes before the fight I always said he would come tough and prepared for a war. You should never write off a great champ like Morales. No way I underestimated him at all. And yes, I was fully prepared.

Anson Wainwright – What have you done since your last fight?

Marcos Maidana – It was crazy and we were jumping from here to there since we got back to Argentina. Press conference and tons of interviews in Buenos Aires, first. Then, I finally made it back to my home province of Santa Fe, where the governor appointed me as Sports Ambassador. Then, I had the best welcome party ever in my birth-town of Margarita. All the people went out to the streets to greet me. It was great. Now I am finishing my vacation after spending time with my family.

Anson Wainwright – What are your plans for 2011? Do you have a rough idea when you’ll be next in action? Are you targeting anyone?

Marcos Maidana – Our plan is to have the next fight by the end of July or early August. We have a few offers to fight in America and others to fight here in Argentina. My team will weigh them all and make a decision very soon. I am not targeting anyone in particular.

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

Marcos Maidana – My advisor is Sebastian Contursi, who I worked with since a few years back. My trainer is the well known Mexican Rudy Perez, who formed Marco Antonio Barrera. I worked with him for the first time for the Morales fight. My promoter is Golden Boy Promotions. I usually train in Buenos Aires only for a few days before going to training camp overseas.

Anson Wainwright – You were going to train with Nacho Beristain for the Morales fight however Juan Manuel Marquez wasn’t happy with this and ultimately you didn’t work with Beristain. What are your thoughts on that? Would you like to fight Marquez?

Marcos Maidana – We were quite upset with Beristain’s last minute decision to go back on his word to train me. But things in life happen for a reason. We were already in Mexico City when this happened but we were lucky enough to find Rudy in the same city. I’ll fight Marquez, of course. But I’m not particularly interested on him. If it comes, it comes.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current Light Welterweight champions WBC/WBO Tim Bradley, WBA Amir Khan & IBF Zab Judah?

Marcos Maidana – They are all great champs, no doubt about it. They are skilled and fast. I respect them all and I’d like to face them.

Anson Wainwright – You lost a very close fight with Khan last December, what do you think you’d need to adapt if a rematch took place?

Marcos Maidana – I’d make a only few changes in the tactics. But I’d try to put the same pressure on him in a rematch ‘cause I think he would not take it again.

Anson Wainwright – One fight many people have wondered about is you against fellow Argentinean Lucas Matthysse. You both have very similar records and are both big punchers. You fought in the amateur’s could you tell us about those fights and what your thoughts on Matthysse and fighting him are?

Marcos Maidana – Matthysse is a great fighter. We fought four times in the amateurs, when we used to compete for a spot at the national team. I beat him three times and we had a draw. Three of those fights were tough and close but I came stronger in the end. We could very well fight each other as pros yet I guess he needs to beat a few names out there first.

Anson Wainwright – You currently fight at 140, do you make weight easily enough or do you think you’ll move up to Welterweight at some point? What is your walk around weight between fights?

Marcos Maidana – For the time being I can make 140 lbs. Not easily, but I can still make it comfortably. Between fight I normally go up to 160 lbs. Yet, I feel I have a few more fights before moving up to Welterweight.

Anson Wainwright – You’re younger brother Fabian is a top amateur, he won a bronze medal at the 2010 Youth Olympics. Can tell us about him, will he go pro? Are any other members of your family Boxers?

Marcos Maidana – He is the only other boxer in the family. He is tall with long arms and more skilful than me. He will probably go pro next year but he is trying to qualify for the next Olympics first.

Anson Wainwright – You were born in Santa Fe, can you tell us about your early years growing up there? Was it tough for you as a kid and was that how you first became Interested in Boxing?

Marcos Maidana – I was born in a little town called Margarita, which has about 5,000 people. I was raised in a farm and had great memories of my childhood. We were poor but always had something to eat. I started boxing at 14 and then moved to the city of Santa Fe, where it was tougher ‘cause I had to be on my own until I was called up to the amateur national team.

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

Marcos Maidana – I am a family guy. I enjoy myself spending time with my 7-year-old son Yoyo, my mom, dad, bros and sisters. I don’t have the chance to be with them often, so I spend good time with them between fights. I love hunting and fishing also. My tattoos don’t have a special meaning for me. Just like the street-style ‘cause I know the streets.

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

Marcos Maidana – I always thank my fans for the great support they show me every time I fight. They know I am not the most skilful boxer but I always leave it all in the ring for them.

Thanks for your time “El Chino”

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Weekend Thoughts – Manny Pacquiao has taken a bit of criticism for his performance against Shane Mosley, it’s tough being Pacquiao it seems not even a near shut out is enough against one of the best fighters of the past 20. In truth it wasn’t his best performance and he only fought in spells but when he went through the gears, it was all Mosley could do to get out the way of the firestorm. It was surprising to hear boo’s in the arena during the fight, the Las Vegas crowd is indeed a tough crowd. Perhaps we are seeing the very first signs that Pac Man is actually slowing down but I’m still not sure there is a fighter in the game outside of Mayweather who could live with him…It was good to see Kelly Pavlik return to action after a year out in which he’s gone into rehab for an alcohol problem. He lacked the sharpness though that was to be expected, the ten rounds would of done him good. Hopefully they can keep him active and get him back out in the next few months, perhaps in front of his adoring fans in Youngstown while moving towards something bigger…I didn’t expect Jorge Arce to be much more than cannon fodder against Wilfredo Vazquez, but full credit to the old warrior who joined and illustrious band of Mexicans to win world titles in 3 weight classes. Arce started extremely fast and bullied the young Puerto Rican for much of the first four rounds before walking onto to a huge hook from Vazquez who gamely hung in there and did well in the middle rounds when it looked like Arce was fading. Full credit to Arce who charged out in the eleventh and let his hands go like a human windmill. By the end of the round Vazquez was hanging on, a minute into the final round Arce scored the KO when Vazquez corner called the fight off. Arce’s will to win was humbling. It was a brilliant fight with fantastic two way action. At the time of the stoppage two judges had it all square while the third has Arce up 107-102.

This past Saturday night at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Golden Boy Promotions hosted a highly entertaining HBO Pay-Per-View dubbed ‘Action Heroes.’ In the main event, light welterweight contender Marcos Maidana survived a surprisingly stiff challenge from aging former champion and all-time great Erik Morales. The undercard featured several other surprises and thrills, as did the post-fight press conference, thanks in large part to the emcee work of Oscar De La Hoya.


Watch Morales-Maidana Post-Fight Press Conference in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — Beloved Mexican boxing icon Erik Morales returns to Las Vegas as a long shot to knock off fearsome puncher Marcos Maidana with a vacant interim title at stake to headline an event dubbed ‘Action Heroes’ at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino tonight. Fighters for the HBO Pay-Per-View event weighed in Friday at the same venue where the fight will be taking place tonight.

The match-up has many questioning aloud Morales’ readiness for such stiff competition and worrying about his well-being. Morales (51-6, 35 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico returned to the ring a year ago last March, and has scored three wins against mid-level opposition. Morales, the WBA #5 ranked light welterweight, won over the hearts of Mexican fans everywhere over his long career with his aggressive and fiery style. Though he is a classy boxer when he wishes to be, he has a penchant for trading once the action heats up and the crowd gets into it. It is a penchant that could get him in serious trouble tonight. Morales weighed in at 140 Friday, bearing no resemblance to the anorexic guy that used to make 122-pounds.

Maidana (29-2, 27 KOs) of Jose Leon Suarez, Buenos Aires, Argentina claimed the interim WBA title which is at stake tonight back in June of 2009 with an upset of Victor Ortiz and made three defenses before running into full champion Amir Khan last December. It is Maidana’s obscene knockout percentage that has many worried about Morales’ health. If there is one thing to pick out on Maidana’s resume that could give Morales supporters hope it would be the Argentine’s off night against DeMarcus Corley last August. Even though he won a clear decision, Maidana struggled with the classy boxer in a bout that went the full twelve. Maidana, the WBA #1 ranked light welterweight, weighed in at 140-pounds.

In the fight most insiders are predicting will steal the show, Robert Guerrero (28-1-1, 18 KOs) of Gilroy, California will take on Michael Katsidis (27-3, 22 KOs) of Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia in a twelve-rounder with two interim belts on the line.

Guerrero, the WBA #1/WBO #1/IBF #4 ranked lightweight, appears to be on the cusp of breaking through as a major player in the sport and an impressive victory over Katsidis would go a long way in making that happen. In Katsidis, the WBA #2/WBO #3 ranked 135-pounder, Guerrero has an adversary that could make for a thrilling war, which is the type of fight that could launch the Gilroy native into stardom. Guerrero claimed titles at featherweight and super feather before abdicating the latter title for a move up to 135-pounds a year ago. Guerrero came in at 134-pounds Friday.

Katsidis is a blood and guts warrior in the mold of the late Arturo Gatti. Katsidis, a former WBO Interim Lightweight titleholder, has tripped up at the elite level, but always given a good account of himself in those situations. Does Robert Guerrero represent the elite level of the sport? That is the question that will be answered tonight. Katsidis, who unveiled a beach bum character throughout fight week, donning sunglasses and suntan lotion on his nose, scaled 134 as well. If you try to keep on the crazy title belt situation, this fight is for both the WBO and WBA interim versions of the lightweight crown. Juan Manuel Marquez holds the more recognized versions of both those titles.

In his first test since regaining his freedom after a 17-month prison term, former rising star James Kirkland (27-0, 24 KOs) of Las Vegas take on former interim belt holder Nobuhiro Ishida (22-6-2, 7 KOs) of Osaka, Osaka, Japan in an eight-round middleweight attraction. Kirkland returned to action for the first time in two years just one month ago and has already scored two quick stoppage victories. However, the former junior middleweight contender did look rusty in his last outing on March 18th, which ultimately ended in the second round.

Ishida, who claimed the WBA Interim Light Middleweight title in 2009 before dropping it to Rigoberto Alvarez by split decision last October, does have a sizeable height and reach advantage over the power-punching Kirkland. The loss to Alvarez was Ishida’s only fight outside of Japan, and it was a loss. Kirkland, already the WBO #4 ranked middleweight, and Ishida, the WBA #4 ranked junior middle, both scaled 158-pounds Friday.

The always colorful Paul Malignaggi (28-4, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York, who takes on Jose Miguel Cotto (32-2-1, 24 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico in the ten-round pay-per-view opener, stole the show at Friday’s weigh-in, as came out painted up like a golden Green Lantern, spandex shorts and all. The former 140-pound title holder is now campaigning at welterweight and will take on the diminutive brother of Miguel Cotto in his second fight at the new weight class.

Cotto, who was underpowered as a lightweight title challenger, did rock current 154-pound titlist Saul Alvarez early in their meeting last May before succumbing to a ninth-round stoppage. Malignaggi has a history with the Cotto family, having fought Jose’s brother Miguel to a twelve-round decision defeat in a war back in 2006. Malignaggi, the IBF #11/WBO #12 ranked welter, and Cotto, the WBO #11 ranked light welterweight, both scaled the 147-pound welterweight limit Friday.

Fast-rising light welterweight contender Danny Garcia (20-0, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia Pennsylvania looks to embellish his reputation a victory over faded former unified lightweight champion Nate Campbell (33-7-1, 25 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida in a ten-rounder that will be televised just before the pay-per-view hits the air at 6 o’clock.

Garcia has been on a knockout tear over the last year, most notably knocking out former title contender Mike Arnaoutis last October. Campbell retired after a shocking loss to journeyman Walter Estrada via split decision last November. Garcia is expected to get the victory, but a win over Campbell will look good on your resume nonetheless. Garcia, the WBC #9 ranked light welterweight, scaled 139, while Campbell came in at 140-pounds.

In the heavyweight attraction, former international amateur star Rakhim Chakhkiev (9-0, 7 KOs) of Hamburg, Germany by way of Tobolsk, Russia takes on journeyman Harvey Jolly (11-16-1, 6 KOs) of Adrian, Michigan. Chakhiev, who is apparently moving down to cruiserweight, weighed in at 203-pounds, as did Jolly.

In the scheduled curtain raiser, touted former amateur star Mikael Zewski (8-0, 5 KOs) of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada takes on west coast tough guy Clint Coronel (4-1-2, 1 KO) of San Jose, California in a six-round light middleweight fight. Zewski and Coronel both weighed in at 151-pounds.

2008 U.S. Olympian Gary Russell Jr. (14-0, 9 KOs) of Capitol Heights, Maryland was slated to fight on the free preview portion of the televised card, but had several opponents fall out before finally his bout was scratched. Russell was originally pegged to fight Ira Terry, and his replacement opponent Sherali Dostiev missed his flight to Las Vegas.

According to Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer, a late replacement opponent for undefeated Omar Figueroa (10-0, 8 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas that was matched late Thursday also missed his flight. Originally tabbed opponent John Figueroa fell out early Thursday.

Ivan Morales (9-0, 5 KOs) of Tijuana, a southpaw that bares a striking resemblance to his older brother Erik, never had an opponent scheduled and fell off of the card.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Box Latino and Universum Box Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBA Interim Light Middleweight Championship, 12 rounds
Morales 140
Maidana 140

WBA Interim Lightweight Championship
WBO Interim Lightweight Championship, 12 Rounds
Guerrero 134
Katsidis 134

Middleweights, 8 Rounds
Kirkland 158
Ishida 158

Welterweights, 10 Rounds
Malignaggi 147
Cotto 147

Light Welterweights, 10 Rounds
Garcia 139
Campbell 140

Heavyweights, 4 Rounds
Chakhkiev 203
Jolly 203

Light Middleweights, 6 Rounds
Zewski 151
Coronel 151

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.

Courtesy of fightpickexperts.com

Intrigue is attached to Marcos Maidana-Erik Morales, perhaps for debatable reasons in a fight that might be determined more by what each fighter can’t do rather than what they can.

By now, fears for Morales’ well-being are well-documented. Rival promoters, trainers and media have talked about their concerns, which – right or wrong – have helped sell the junior-welterweight fight Saturday night Las Vegas’ MGM Grand on an HBO pay-per-view card. A heightened sense of danger never fails to attract a crowd.

Morales is quick to say that he picked Maidana, who in fact was the first option after Juan Manuel Marquez said no. Nevertheless, Morales, who is about a year into his comeback, looks at Maidana and sees vulnerabilities.

I suspect that Morales is looking at the powerful son of an Argentine gaucho with the sharp eye of the insightful trainer he could be and should be. Maidana’s loaded war chest includes everything but a GPS. There aren’t many smart bombs in there.

Maidana says referee Joe Cortez allowed Amir Khan to survive a ferocious 10th round in Maidana’s loss on Dec. 11 in the Fight of the Year. He won’t have Cortez to blame Saturday night. Tony Weeks has the assignment.

But the referee could have been Barney Fife for all that it mattered against the courageous Khan. Maidana had only himself to blame. He simply didn’t know how to set up a fight-ending combination. Maidana’s last trainer, Miguel Diaz, suggested exactly that when he called the Argentine’s tactics in pursuit of the wounded Khan “disorganized.’’

Maidana’s lack of tactical focus, surely detected by Morales, appears to be the cumulative result of never one trainer long enough in his corner to direct, discipline and refine all of his evident talent. After 18 months with Diaz, he left the experienced corner man following the loss to Khan.

“I feel that I reached a point with Miguel where I wasn’t advancing anymore,’’ Maidana said. “I think that’s what happened to me in the Khan fight. I felt that I needed a change.’’

The change was supposed to include Nacho Beristain, Marquez’ longtime trainer in Mexico City.

“I was there in Mexico,’’ Maidana said. “I traveled to Mexico. We had an agreement. I was supposed to train with Beristain. As soon as I touched down in Mexico, Beristain informed us that he wasn’t going to be able to work with us, that Marquez pretty much prevented him from working with him, that Marquez made a comment that possibly down the line there could be a fight with Maidana.

“I think maybe he just got jealous and he didn’t want me to train with him.’’

Maybe.

A string of maybes in any corner often adds up to an incomplete fighter, a beatable one. I’m not sure Morales, now 34 and back after losing four straight before an abbreviated retirement, still has the physical wherewithal to beat him. The best of his Hall of Fame career appears to have been left in the ring against Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao.

Uncertainty in Maidana’s corner, however, creates a hedge, a reason to wonder whether Morales can in fact pull it off. Angered at Beristain’s sudden about-face, Maidana hired an able and experienced Rudy Perez. But there is no way to know whether the two can forge a working relationship within a few weeks. The corner shuffle had to cause some early confusion in Maidana’s approach to training camp.

“Yes, of course, I was upset,’’ Maidana said. “I was very upset. That’s something that’s very unprofessional. I was upset about it. But at the end of the day, there’s other trainers at the same level, if not better than Beristain. I think I found that in Rudy Perez. But, yes, I think it would bother anybody.’’
Bothered long enough perhaps for Morales to do what few think he can anymore.

“Look, he’s only been with Rudy Perez for a little bit of time,’’ Morales said. “It’s only been a few weeks. …It’s very clear to me what type of fighter I’m going to face. It’s going to be the same old Maidana. I don’t think that Rudy Perez can be a miracle worker.’’

The biggest miracle for Maidana might be a long-term trainer. Without one, his promising career might be remembered as disorganized, a puzzle full of unfulfilled potential.

Erik Morales has heard questions loaded with suggestions that he is damaged and in danger of permanent disability or worse when Marcos Maidana’s power figures to land with probability dictated by a record that includes 10 first-round knockouts and stoppages in 87.1 percent of his 31 fights.

Fear not, Morales says.

“I feel good,’’ Morales said this week at the end of a conference call 11 days before his April 9 date with Maidana at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. “I feel calm.’’

The questions, he says, are coming from his former promoter, Fernando Beltran.

“It is a matter of revenge, because I am not with him anymore,’’ Morales said through an interpreter, Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Eric Gomez. “I know Fernando Beltran is causing these problems.’’

At 33, Morales is still at an age when many are at the end of their prime, which means they are still capable in mind and body. Like so many Mexican fighters, however, it’s not the age so much as the record. They are kids, teenagers, when they begin a trade so often mastered in a perilous exchange built on the ability to set up a punch by enduring two, three and four. Morales was 16 when he answered his first pro bell, one of 57.

“I know I have been in some wars,’’ Morales said in a matter-of-fact tone with a comment that also is a matter-of-record, yet cuts both ways.

For him, the experience represents well-practiced skill, the knowhow to avoid power long enough to counter it and transform it into an advantage. But those wars aren’t video games. They come with a physical price, each tagged with the same question: How much is left? I have no doubt that Beltran is asking, again and again.

He wouldn’t be the first former promoter to do so and he won’t be the last. Maybe, he is motivated by reasons other than concern. Maybe not. But Beltran also is asking only what so many others have. Morales’ four fights, all defeats, before he left the sport after losing to David Diaz in 2008 were full of troubling signs. Two of them were to the undisputed best, Manny Pacquiao.

It was the second loss to Pacquiao in 2006 that left a moment impossible to forget. Morales was down in the third and final round. He looked up at his father and trainer, who urged him to get up and continue. Morales waved him off with a gloved right hand. It was as if he was saying good bye. No, no more. For one of the toughest fighters of his generation, it was a concession that his best days were over.

Perhaps, a flicker of what he once was will be there for what would be a significant upset of Maidana.

“I’m not old,’’ said Morales, who won three comeback fights in Mexico last year. “I just decided, at 30 years old, to take a little break.’’

In Maidana, Morales sees a flawed fighter. At 28, Morales would have beat him, no doubt. Five years later, however, there are doubts about whether the toll he paid in speed and reflexes against Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera left him with enough to match the knowhow, especially when Madaina’s shotgun style of power is unleashed. It’s one thing to know how to get out of the way. Doing it, however, is something altogether different.

According to Gomez, Morales passed a battery of medical tests in Mexico, including one administered in Mexico City by the same neurosurgeon who reportedly put a plate in Barrera’s skull in 1997 to correct a congenital condition, one not related to boxing.

What’s more, Morales believes he is stronger perhaps healthier than ever, in part because he doesn’t have to break himself down to make junior-welterweight, 140 pounds. At his featherweight prime, Morales often would step onto the scale at the official weigh-in looking as if he had starved himself. He was always as gaunt as a refugee. If you saw him a couple of months and several meals later, he was hard to recognize.

Maybe, the fears have been overstated. I can’t help but think of Evander Holyfield in 1996 before his first fight with Mike Tyson. From promoter to bookie to fan, the prevailing talk was that Holyfield was damaged. Few thought he could win. The better chance was that he would suffer serious injury.

Holyfield won.

Maybe, Morales will too.

In the meantime, however, I can’t help but wonder about the questions and worry about the result.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former Jr, Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi will face Jose Cotto on April 9 as part of the Marcos Maidana – Erik Morales Pay Per View in Las Vegas.

“I think it’s a good opportunity. It’s a logical next step up in level of opponent for me at welterweight,” Malignaggi told ESPN.com on Monday night. “It’s a great opportunity to be showcased on a card like this. It’ll give me some good TV exposure. I’m very happy with the progress I’m making and this is the next step to get back up the ladder. It’s a good fight for me. Las Vegas, MGM Grand, HBO PPV. I’m excited. How could I not be?”

“Cotto is an action fighter. He comes to fight, he comes forward,” Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer said. “This is a big opportunity for him to be in Las Vegas and on pay-per-view again against Paulie Malignaggi. He feels it is a very winnable fight and he is convinced he will win. For Malignaggi, he’s been a champion at 140 pounds. Now he wants to make a name for himself at 147.”

“I really don’t think about that too much, but I guess when you do think about it, that factors into it,” Malignaggi said. “I fought Miguel Cotto, now I’m fighting Jose Miguel Cotto. They’re brothers, but I fought the better Cotto back in 2006. But having fought a Cotto, I know you have to come prepared. Jose Miguel Cotto may not have the resume of his brother, but he’s a good fighter. Both of his losses (to Alvarez and a lightweight title bout to Juan Diaz in 2006) came to name fighters. Both of our records have losses that have come only to name fighters. He’s always solid, always gives his best. But he’s a guy, if I am going to make my way back up the boxing ladder, he’s a guy I’m supposed to beat. He’s a guy I should beat pretty handily. I shouldn’t have a competitive fight with Jose Miguel Cotto in my eyes.”

“Following his loss to Khan, Paulie wanted to move up to welterweight. He felt it was time to see what he can do at 147 pounds,” Schaefer said. “He’s a very talented fighter. He’s a very good boxer, but not known as a knockout puncher. But to move up to 147 and the first guy he fights, he not only wins, he knocks him out. I have to say I was pretty impressed. It was a great first impression at 147 and first impressions count. I was impressed with that performance. So here he goes again at 147 against Cotto, a fighter who [Alvarez] had a little bit of trouble with.”

Former Unified lightweight champion of the world Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell has confirmed that he has singed a contract to face tough Philly fighter Danny Garcia 20-0(14KO) on April 9th on the great undercard of the Marcos Maidana vs Erik Morales card. This card is shaping up to be one of the best undercards of the year so far with Paul Malignaggi facing Jose Miguel Cotto, Robert Guerrero vs Michael Katsidis and top middleweight prospect James Kirkland making his post prison return.

Dan Rafael of espn.com reported that former Jr. Middleweight champion Winky Wright injured his hand and his bout with Matthew Macklin is off the April 9 Pay Per View that will be headlined by Erik Morales and Marcos Maidana.

“I hurt my hand sparring, so I’m not going to be able to fight,” said Wright, who added that he was at the doctor’s office and just about to meet with him.

Wright said he injured his left hand during a sparring session with welterweight prospect Keith Thurman on Thursday.

“I hit him on top of the head or on his elbow and I hurt the hand, but I kept working with it,” Wright said. “And then I did it again and I had to shake it off. My hand swelled up a little bit. I went to get it checked out [on Friday]. It ain’t fractured, but it’s pretty sore and swollen and the doctor said wait about a week and then we’ll see. But I’m near the end of my career. I can’t go into the fight not at 100 percent. I can’t be going in there with a hurt hand and half-trained. I want to go in there and show people I can be a champion and look good. If I lose a week, that’s a problem. So I figured let’s call it now and at least give Golden Boy a chance to get another fight.

“I know if I am out a week or two, I won’t be ready for the fight. The important thing is to be healthy when I get in the ring. I was looking forward to a good fight. This is a little setback, but this ain’t gonna stop me. This train is going to keep on moving.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com former three time world champion Erik Morales will takes on Marcos Maidana to headline an HBO PPV card on April 9 in Las Vegas.

“I got the ‘Fight Freak’ card done,” Said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, referring to the hardcore boxing fans he hopes to please with the lineup. “Everything is locked in.”

The other televised bouts on the show:

• Robert Guerrero, a former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist, and Australian action star Michael Katsidis will meet in the co-feature matching lightweight contenders.

• Middleweight Winky Wright will face Matthew Macklin of Great Britain in a previously announced bout.

• Junior middleweight James Kirkland, one of boxing’s hottest rising stars before his career was sidetracked by an 18-month prison stint, will open the card against an opponent to be named. Kirkland’s fight is contingent upon winning and not being injured in a fight scheduled for March 5, his first fight since being released from a halfway house where he recently completed his sentence.

“I can tell you what Erik Morales said to me, that he feels like this is an early Christmas present,” Schaefer said. “It’s really the fight he wants. He feels that he has the style to beat Maidana and he feels with Maidana, he is taking on the most dangerous 140-pounder. He said, ‘I don’t want to just do a fight. I want to do a fight where a win will take me back to where I was.’ I agree with Erik that a win against Maidana will do exactly that. Maidana is one of the most credible 140-pounders and an exciting fighter. Most people rank him third in the division [behind Timothy Bradley Jr. and Khan].”

“He and his father were begging us for this fight,” Schaefer said. “He did take some time off and there is a history of fighters who took time off and came back and did write another chapter in the career, and not only pick up where they left off but go to bigger heights.

“Erik has had three fights [on his comeback], not against the easiest opponents, but not against the toughest opponents. But that shows how serious he is about his comeback. Each opponent was a gradual step up and it allowed him to measure where he stands. I’m happy for him that we were able to deliver that early Christmas gift to him. Not many fighters would sign up to fight Maidana.”

“It’s one of the most exciting fights one can make in boxing and I’m really looking forward to it,” Schaefer said. “Helluva fight. The winner will come out as a major guy.”

When touching on the Wright-Macklin fight, Schaefer said “There’s a lot at stake for both guys,”

“James Kirkland will open up the show,” Schaefer said. “The plan is that we have James fighting on March 5 in a non-televised bout and then he’ll come back on April 9 on the opening bout of the pay-per-view.”

As Tim Bradley’s nickname “Desert Storm” suggests he’s a trooper. He’s one of Boxing’s blue collar fighters, he’s never had anything given to him the easy way, just through sheer hard work. He first won a world title back in May 2008 when as the underdog he traveled to England where he fought awkward, southpaw Junior Witter. Witter started well, but typical of Bradley he slowly solved the puzzle that was Witter dropping him in the sixth along the way to winning a split decision. The old adage winning a title makes a fighter better came to bear when he outpointed tough guy Edner Cherry before again accepting a tough assignment, he headed to Quebec, Canada to defeat Kendall Holt. This time Bradley revealed something different he showed just how well conditioned he is twice dragging himself off the canvas and riding out some tough patches to unify the his WBC crown with Holt’s WBO title. After being forced to vacate the WBC title he fought former unified Lightweight champion Nate Campbell, after handling Campbell well winning the opening three rounds on all three judges cards Campbell appeared to retire between rounds. At later inspection the California commission wavered the result opting to change it to a No decision. The Californian Native closed out an impressive 2009 with a sparkling display of savvy and ring generalship as he posted a near shut out of Lamont Peterson in a fight many believed to be 50-50 going in. When various fights fell out including a mooted battle with Argentine power puncher Marcos Maidana fell through Bradley opted to head up to 147 and meet another Big punching Argentinean in the form of Luis Abregu. While Bradley may not of had the power or size of Abregu, he had the ring smarts and speed advantages to gain the points win. During 2010 Bradley struggled to get any of the fights he hoped for at 140, however he helps get Boxing off with a bang when he fights unbeaten Devon “The Great” Alexander on 29 January on HBO at the Silverdome, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Hello Tim, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you have a “Super Fight” coming up with Devon Alexander. What are your thoughts on that fight? How highly do you rate Alexander?

Tim Bradley – Pretty much my thoughts are it’s going to be a great fight. Our styles, he’s a lefty, we have similar attributes, high volume type of fighters, smart boxers. So it’s going to be an interesting fight. Different strategy’s, what I’m going to take as far as my strategy and as far as his strategy. As far as how I rate Devon? I think Devon is one of the best 140 pounder’s in the world. I rate him at number two fighter in the division, hands down. Now that Khan beat Maidana you can argue and say Khan maybe number 1 or 2 as well. It just depends on how all these fights play out. If I can get a win over Devon and fight Khan or someone of that nature then we’ll see who the best 140 pounder in the world is. But I rate Devon right now as the number 2 and I rate myself as number 1 and we’re going to see who’s the best.

Anson Wainwright – If you win you wont receive the WBC belt. What are your thoughts on that?

Tim Bradley – Well I really don’t have any thoughts on it. It was a decision I made and that’s that. If I wasn’t going to be recognized as WBC champion. It is what it is. There’s nothing I can do about it, so I’m not worried about it.

Anson Wainwright – Your known in the sport as a gym rat but when did you start training for this fight and can you tell us about the training you do?

Tim Bradley – I started in mid December. I did my press tour. I sparred for the first time in 5 months, but I felt great, I like to stay in shape. So it’s not like I haven’t done anything in 5 months. I’ve been really active running and staying fit. So when I get back to the gym it’s not hard to comeback like most fighters. My last couple of sparring sessions have been superb. Like I say I haven’t sparred for 5 months but the way I’m looking I can’t wait to see me after about 6 weeks of sparring.

Anson Wainwright – Who is part of Team Bradley, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? How did you come to work with them? Also what gym do you train at?

Tim Bradley – Team Bradley is pretty much my family. Joel Diaz is the head coach, you have Timothy Ray Snr, my father as second in the ring. Then you have a good friend of mine Sam L Jackson he’s another one of my corner men. Team Bradley consists of my wife, she handles all my phone calls, pretty much anything that I need she handles. We have Cameron Dunkin he’s my manager. He does everything to make sure I’m fine and all the contracts are great, all those good things. You also have Michael Miller, he’s my lawyer he handles all the contract things as well and also my promoter who is Ken Thompson and Gary Shaw Promotions. Thompson’s been with me about 6 years, I’ve been with Gary Shaw 4 and a half maybe 5 years. Also my brother in law and my mother, we’re a close team. I train at the Indio Boys and girls club.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first come to work with Joel Diaz & Cameron Dunkin.

Tim Bradley – Joel had his brother’s, he trained Antonio and former two time world champion Julio Diaz. My father was training me in the amateur days and when I was looking to turn pro I was looking for someone who knew the business, someone who was very efficient like I was, a hard worker and dedicated. So we traveled out maybe 30 minutes outside where we live to Lee Espinoza’s gym out in Coachella and Joel was training fighters, helping guys out. So we asked him if he’d be willing to train me professionally and he said “Yeah”. From that point on he groomed me and helped me become one of the best fighters in the world today. With the help of my father and Team. I have a great support team. That helps me stay focused and on my toes. There’s always positive people around me. That’s how I met Joel. I was talking to Cameron for a few months, I was looking for a bit more protection and someone who was very knowledgeable about the game, that has been in the game a very long time and I knew he had some great fighters in his stable that he managed and some great fighters over history. Cameron Dunkin is a huge name in Boxing as far as management. I really wanted him, I needed his expertise. To go over my contract make sure everything is legit and help and protect me and make sure I’m getting my just do’s.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us what it was like for you growing up in Southern California, were things tough for you early on?

Tim Bradley – Well growing up in Southern California, I grew up in a Neighbourhood there were a lot of gangs, tough streets. I knew everybody in the area and everybody knew who I was but it was tough to not be pulled in. That type of thug mentality was very hard to keep myself isolated. Boxing helped me do that. I hung out with some of my friends who were in gangs and you tend to roll with and think like them. Boxing was my foundation. My parents were hard on me growing up as well. They disciplined me, they made sure I was a respectable young man.

Anson Wainwright – When did you first become interested and take Boxing up?

Tim Bradley – I think it was sixth grade, I had a friend who was Boxing at the time. He was Boxing and I always got in trouble in school, fighting, getting in trouble, being a knucklehead, being a boy, beating up kids in the school. That’s how I got started. I nagged my dad for about 2 months “Can I go to the Boxing club, my friends doing it. I want to fight, please take me” He finally said ok, he said “If you like it there’s no quitting, you can’t quit if you like it” I said “Ok, that’s a deal” I never looked back. I’ve been training for 17 years of my life and I’ve never taken a break. The thing with most guys they take a break after a fight or amateur tournament, they leave for a couple of months. I was back the next Monday, after the tournament. I never really took a long lay off, when I was coming up in the amateur’s.

Anson Wainwright – You were a good amateur, what titles did you win? What guys who are now pro did you fight? What was your final record?

Tim Bradley – I won the National PAL Championship, I won under 19 Championship and Junior Gloves. I travelled and fought the French, Puerto Rican, Irish, Mexican’s. I had some duals under my belt. I had over 140 fights, I think I had about 20 loses.
I fought Andre Berto, Anthony Dirrell, Andre Ward, Vaughn Alexander, Lamont Peterson. I’m sure there’s more, I just don’t remember.

Anson Wainwright – When we spoke to Devon Alexander he mentioned you beat his brother Vaughn 6-4. So he’ll be gunning for revenge while you’ll be looking to do the family double.

Tim Bradley – Absolutely, I beat his brother and now I’m going to beat him. He wants revenge for his brother and it would probably mean a lot to him. He’d be like to his brother “I got him back” but that’s going to be a tough task.

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro in the summer of 2004, you stayed active over the next four years before you fought Junior Witter for the WBC title in Nottingham, England for his WBC title. What are your thoughts on that fight and what did it mean to you?

Tim Bradley – That fight meant everything to me. I was chasing that WBC title, that was the only belt I wanted as a kid. I had to have it and I felt if I had the opportunity I was going to take full advantage and was going to win and I was able to. Thank god I was strong enough, he gave me the strength and he gave my trainers the knowledge and myself the ability to go to England. That crowd over there. The amateur experience came into play because I’ve already traveled across pond and I’ve already faced the top amateur’s. So I had the experience to travel and I knew that. I felt I couldn’t be denied. Junior Witter was a great fighter at that time, a lot of people argue “Oh Devon stopped him”. I fought Junior Witter when Junior Witter hadn’t lost in years, the only loss he had was to Zab Judah and that was 6 or 7 years ago. Witter was number two fighter right behind Ricky Hatton and this guy was just full of confidence coming off a great knock out win over Vivian Harris, he was at the top of his game. He was one of the most feared boxers in the game. I fought Witter when he was at that point. Devon fought Witter after I shattered everything I took what Witter wanted and what made Witter, holding on to the WBC belt. I pretty much gave Devon the blueprint to beat Witter. To outbox him, to stay patient. I softened him up. Witter had to come to my hometown which is ironic because I went to his and he had to come over to my hometown to face Devon. That shows you how hard it is, ask Witter. I fought him at his best.

Anson Wainwright – When you went to England, were you well looked after or was there some gamesmanship?

The hotel we stayed in was quite pleasant, the people, the concierge, everybody was very nice to me. When we arrived my room wasn’t ready. I arrived at 2 in the afternoon and the room wasn’t ready. So I had to sleep on the ground for 3 hours in the computer room, I was exhausted from the plane ride. Then I get in my room and my A.C doesn’t work. God forbid it was hot outside at that time. It was very hot and muggy in my room, I stuck it out. I just said this is what it’s all about, I’ll deal with it. So that went on. The day later they checked my weight and before I left the house I was 143 pounds and I’m like I should be lighter. I didn’t eat much on the plane, I drank a bottle of water. You know when you come off a plane your 2 or 3 pounds lighter because of radiation you become dehydrated on that plane. So I was 146 pounds and I was like what the hells going on here. I said they must be wrong. They said they’d check in a couple of days. So they came back two days later and I checked the scales again and was like 145 pounds. I was like I’ve been training the last few days, there’s no way I can be 145 pounds. So what I did was check my weigh on scales which I brought, I always bring my own scales. I weighed 142, so I went downstairs and said “Hey your scales are wrong” and my trainer told me to go back upstairs and what he did was take our scales, there scales and one from the training room and we got a 25Ibs dumbbell and placed them on each scale. My scale said 25Ibs, then we checked the training room scale and it said 25Ibs and we used there scale it said 28Ibs. We said that scale is wrong. Whether they were doing it on purpose or not, I don’t think they’d do it on purpose but maybe they were trying to drain me, make me work harder during the week than I should be. That was my experience fighting Witter for the Championship coming out hearing all the boo’s. It could get under your skin but like I say I was on a mission and there was no way I was losing that fight.

Anson Wainwright – They say that when a fighter wins a World title it makes him a better fighter. Would you say this is the case with you?

Tim Bradley – Absolutely, because of the confidence it goes a long way. When you have the confidence in yourself, you have that title wrapped around you or strapped across your chest you have something your fighting for. It makes you feel much better or greater. The fact you have a target on your back you work harder during training. You work harder because you want to keep that title it’s your bread and butter, that’s how you eat. So you improve.

Anson Wainwright – You were ringside for Khan-Maidana what did you think of that fight?

Tim Bradley – That fight was awesome, it was one of the best fights I’ve seen in a long time. Due to the fact Khan stood there at times, sat on the ropes. I figured Khan would move all night and make it easy on himself, I guess Maidana was able to close the gap on him and wear him out a bit. Khan was hitting him with serious combination’s. I bet Khan was like “Gee I’m hitting this guy with my best punches and this guys still in my face”. I don’t know if he was discouraged in there but they felt that pressure. I couldn’t get him out of his face. He boxed off the ropes, I don’t think that was part of the game plan at all. Khan showed a tremendous amount of heart, that he’s a true champion. He disproved me and the critics out there. He does have a chin. Maidana showed how clever he is and how he’s like a little pit bull. He has no quit in his heart, that makes for a dangerous guy especially with his heart, he’s fearless.

Anson Wainwright – Did you see things you could implement in your strategy against those guys?

Tim Bradley – Absolutely, Khan is really young, I’m young myself and we all have a lot to learn in this game. We’re not veterans yet. We’re still grooming ourselves into great fighters and superstars. I’m working on that, I’m going to get better. I feel Khan fought the best that he could and thank Khan for fighting that fight he did because we’d never known he had the heart he did. Let alone you see Maidana get up from an hellacious liver shot and comeback. This guys a freaking animal, I was blown away. These guys are tougher than I thought but there are things I can capitalize on with both fighters.

Anson Wainwright – Do you feel as though having gone to 147 and fought a big puncher like Abregu that the power of guys like Maidana wouldn’t be a problem for you down at 140?

Tim Bradley – Yeah absolutely. At 140 I think I’m a nightmare for anybody. Maidana I know would keep coming at me. I’d just get ready for that. Get on my toes, on my bicycle and just box him for 12 rounds and make it an easy fight. Don’t stand and trade with this guy. Pot shot him from the outside, make him miss, right, left and give him so many angles.

Anson Wainwright – You have only fought once in 2010 up at Welterweight. Why was this? How did you feel at 147?

Tim Bradley – I really wanted to test the waters at 147, I wanted to leave that option open. I needed a test, a strong test to see if Welterweight was for me or not. Luis Abregu was a bigger puncher, very dangerous, very big. He was very unproven but he still was a dangerous guy. This guy had hands of stone. I really wanted to show the Boxing world I’m willing to go up in weight and fight the best to see if I had the ability to withstand the punching power at that weight. I took Abregu’s power very well and I can compete with anybody at 147 in the world. I felt great, I felt stronger, I felt like I had a little bit more power in my punches. I was less tired at 147, I have to put a lot of energy at 147. I was able to put out a lot of energy but I had a lot in reserve. So it wasn’t as stressful on my body at 147, it’s more natural. I walk around about 160.

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

Tim Bradley – I’m a big car freak, I love cars. When I’m away from Boxing I like to go check out cars, go to auctions and look at some old school car’s, get on-line and look for some nice deals on some old school cars and pick them up. I like to spend time with family. I do a lot of community work, I go to different schools and talk to students, tell them high schools important and what school was like for me. I have a football league that I help run, I’m the president of Juniors in Cathedral City where I live. My daughter does gymnastics. So I’m pretty much a family type of guy. I stay close to home, I’m very spontaneous and whatever I want to do that day I do.

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

Tim Bradley – Pretty much to all Boxing fans out there. I love and appreciate the support from all my fans. Especially when I’m fighting I’m not only fighting for myself and family I’m fighting for my team, for god and my Boxing fans out there. There standing behind me and there giving me that backbone saying Timmy Bradley is a force to be reckoned with and everybody needs to recognize that and that means a lot to me. I don’t want Boxing fans to be like “Ah Tim Bradley’s a joke, I want them to say Tim Bradley delivers. I can depend on Tim Bradley, he’s going to put on a great show, he’s going to perform as best his best each time, i can trust him”.

Thanks for your time Tim, good luck on the 29 January.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Remaining tickets, priced from $25-$400, can be purchased at the Silverdome box office, by calling (248) 338-2500 or online at www.silverdometickets.com.

HBO Boxing: Ring Life – Timothy Bradley

What inspires Timothy Bradley in and out of the ring? Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO

http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/u/0/YC55PfMm5Es

Fight of the Year: Amir Khan UD12 Marcos Maidana
For the last year and a half, boxing scribes were accusing “glass chinned” Amir Khan of ducking dynamite fisted Marcos Maidana. Khan, the WBA Junior Welterweight titleholder, had been viciously stopped a few years back in less than a minute by unknown Breidis Prescott. Naturally, Khan and his handlers took their time before risking a fight with the dangerous Maidana.

The wait turned out to be well worth it.

Last month, Khan and Maidana produced a twelve round thriller packed with non-stop action. Khan appeared close to scoring a knockdown in the opening round after a monstrous body shot, but Maidana battled back valiantly, showing tremendous heart and grit. Both fighters were hurt during this twelve round warfare and Maidana came close to turning the tides down the stretch. Khan managed to whether the storm and finished strong in the twelfth round of a bout that had the boxing world buzzing.

Fighter of the Year: Sergio Martinez
Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez went from being a junior middleweight known mostly for holding one of the many available championship belts to the sport’s newest superstar in 2010. In a matter of twelve months – less than that technically – Martinez won the middleweight title by slicing up Kelly Pavlik and scored one of the best knockouts in recent memory, dramatically stopping a top five pound for pound in Paul Williams. Maravilla’s 2010 was a treat for boxing fans to say the least!

Prospect of the Year: Saul Alvarez:
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is being billed as the next great fighter in a country that has produced hundreds of boxing greats and rightfully so.

He’s already 36-0 as a professional, beat two former world champions, multiple contenders and is only getting better. In 2010, Alvarez defeated Brian Camechis, Jose Cotto, Luciano Cuello, Carlos Baldomir (viciously knocking out the iron chinned Argentinean) and Lovemore N’dou.

Although he is not legally allowed to drink in the United States, Alvarez has many people sipping the kool-aid after defeating 5 solid opponents with a combined record of 169-27-9 record this pat year. Alvarez is definitely on the fast track to becoming a future pound for pound superstar.

Trainer of the Year: Gabriel Sarmiento
Trainer of the Year could once again go to Freddie Roach, but since it’s so close, Gabriel Sarmiento gets it for a change of pace.

Sarmiento had a marvelous year, guiding the Fighter of the Year, Sergio Martinez to two marquee victories, and in doing so, capturing and retaining the WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight championships.

Days before his fighter’s Nov. 20 rematch with Paul Williams, Sarmiento couldn’t sleep, he had noticed flaws in William’s game. He called Martinez and two days before the fight their entire game plan was scrapped, a new one implemented.

Martinez will move to his right and throw a looping overhand left. Williams won’t see it coming.

That was the plan. That was what happened.

Three times in the bout, the third being the KO, Martinez moves his body to the right, while a looping left hand trails. About 20 seconds before the final left hand lands on Williams chin, Martinez lands the exact same punch. Only difference was Williams saw the first one and took it well.

He didn’t see the Knockout Punch of the Year, though. For his guidance of Martinez, Sarmiento earns Trainer of the Year.

Sarmiento also works with Lucas Matthysse, who almost upset Zab Judah in November. He is also the primary trainer of up and coming Dominican prospect, Javier Fortuna, who scored a scary one-punch KO a-la Martinez only one week after the Martinez-Williams rematch.

Story — Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather unable to agree on terms:
When two sides have to split up $60-80 million dollars 50/50, there shouldn’t be much to bicker over. Boxers can only fight on for a certain number of years so why not go for the most money, especially if it’s a fight the entire world is salivating over?

Here’s the shortest possible explanation; Olympic style drug testing and arrogance.

Between Pacquiao’s refusal to take the strictest possible drug tests and Mayweather’s attitude along with his out of the ring issues, the biggest fight of 2010 never happened. Mayweather is currently facing a number of criminal charges and could end up in jail while Pacquiao is fighting on in bouts few care to see him in.

If the two never manage to meet in the ring regardless of circumstances, drug tests or jail time, it will severely hurt the great sport of boxing.

Fight we want to see in 201 besides Pacquiao-Mayweather: (Tie)—Andre Ward- Lucian Bute & Juan Manuel Lopez-Yuriorkis Gamboa
Since it doesn’t look like we’ll witness a match up between the two best fighters in the world (see above), it’d sure be great to see bouts between undefeated world champions that are in their prime and at the top of their weight class.

Andre Ward, the WBA Super Middleweight champion, is likely gong to win the coveted Super Six Tournament. He was a 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and is quickly moving his way onto pound for pound lists. He has few if any flaws and is yet to miss a beat. Bute, like Ward, has a super middleweight title (IBF) and never suffered a loss as a pro. Bute has good skills, massive drawing power in his adopted home country of Canada and US fans have quickly taken an interest in his career.

In addition to being one of the most notable fights possible, the Ward-Bute winner would become a megastar.
A Gamboa-Lopez fight has been discussed during the last year or so and understandably so. Both fighters have solid punching power, dynamic skills, excellent toughness, are relatively young and the backing of premium cable networks. Much like in a potential Ward-Bute fight, the winner in this bout would definitely become a big time star.

Upset of the Year: Jason Litzau SD10 Celestino Caballero
Celestino Caballero fought his way off of many top ten pound-for-pound lists when he dropped a split decision to Jason Litzau.

In the weeks leading up to his fight with Litzau, the lanky Panamanian was seemingly consumed with making YouTube videos taunting JuanMa Lopez. He called him a “chicken” and told him that he has “no heart.” His lack of focus showed during the fight — as he seemed even more awkward as usual (if that’s possible) and didn’t seemed prepared for someone close to his height. The fight on the whole reflects poorly on both Caballero and his trainer, Jeff Mayweather.

Litzau was coming off a nice string of victories, included one against Rocky Juarez, and he was able to keep his momentum rolling when he scored a split decision victory of Caballero. Scores were 96-94, Caballero and 96-94, 97-93 Litzau.

All things considered, this was not a fight Caballero should have lost. As Larry Merchant pointed out in the HBO broadcast, Caballero was a 13-1 favorite.

Fighter Most Likely to Have a Breakout Year in 2011: David Lemieux
Canadian power puncher David Lemieux is quickly becoming a name in boxing. He’s stopped 24 of his 25 opponents, is already a draw in his home country and has a style made for television. Much like Alvarez, the 22 year old Lemieux is taking steps in the right direction, having defeated respected opponents in Walid Smichet, Elvin Ayala and Hector Camacho Jr. With another solid victory or two, Lemieux should become a fighter on every fan’s radar.

Kyle Kinder contributed to this article

LAS VEGAS – He has mastered the Manny Pacquiao pose. Amir Khan looked as if he had been rehearsing it Friday at the weigh-in for his junior-welterweight date with Marcos Maidana at Mandalay Bay.

Khan was on target, on the scale and for the cameras. After checking in at the mandatory 140 pounds, Khan went into the Pacquiao pose, arms down and hands pressed together in a familiar look that has rippled through the internet for as long as the Filipino has been the brightest in a sport without many.

It was no coincidence, perhaps. Khan (23-1, 17 KOs) has been learning at the foot of Pacquiao’s throne as a sparring partner. For now, at least, Khan is Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach’s second favorite student. But it is impossible to know whether the pose was just another imitation in a town already full of Elvis impersonations.

A hint is forthcoming Saturday night.

Against Maidana (29-1, 27 KOs), the pose will prove to be nothing more than a cheap mask or in fact a sign that Khan is poised to move in when Pacquiao moves on, possibly in three years. The bet is that Khan’s pose is real — a good look at what can happen. He is about a 3-1 favorite to beat Maidana, a feared power puncher who was at 139 pounds Friday.

In the other featured junior-welterweight bout on a nine-fight card, Maidana knockout victim Victor Ortiz (28-2-1, 22 KOs) was 141 pounds and Lamont Peterson (28-1, 14 KOs) was at 140.

But the small crowd was there to see Khan and only Khan

“A-mir, A-mir’’ was the chant from his British fans.

There was only a fraction of the UK party that used to follow Ricky Hatton to Vegas. Then again, the Maidana fight is Khan’s first on the Strip and only his second in the United States. His first U.S. bout was in New York last May in a victory over Paulie Malignaggi.

Khan, who was was heavier Friday than he has ever been at a weigh-in, remains mostly-unknown in the U.S. and that might be evident at the box office. Ticket sales were reportedly slow Friday.

But if the pose takes on the real look of a potential Pacquiao successor, Saturday will be remembered as a successful introduction.

Photo By Claudia Bocanegra

LAS VEGAS — There is no advantage in hype, at least not at opening bell. Amir Khan has all of it. Marcos Maidana has none of it.

Maidana, an Argentine farm boy who can punch like a mule, is the son of a gaucho and about as anonymous as one in the hours before he faces Khan, whose good looks and versatile collection of agile skill have some anointing him as Manny Pacquiao’s heir apparent.

If this was a horse race, Maidana’s advertised chances Saturday night at Las Vegas Mandalay Bay would be about as good as a Clydesdale pulling a keg-filled wagon in six furlongs against Secretariat. It’s not. It is 12 rounds, thirty-six scheduled minutes and every second a chance for Maidana to unload a kick that damaged one prospect’s career with doubts that have yet to be eliminated.

Victor Ortiz still bristles at suggestions that he surrendered in June, 2009 to Maidana, who was more anonymous then than he is now. A few days ago during a conference call, Ortiz would not answer questions about whether he wants a rematch with Maidana. No answer needs no translation. Of course, he does. A complete rehab of his prospects can’t be complete without one.
For Khan, the good news is that Ortiz is there, on the Golden Boy-promoted and HBO-televised card against Lamont Peterson. Khan won’t have to look far to know what can happen if he lets the hype blind him to the imminent danger posed by Maidana.

Khan, a British silver medalist at the 2004 Olympics, is the latest Pied Piper for the UK media, which is about to stage its biggest invasion of Vegas since Ricky Hatton.

“A mini-England,’’ Khan said of beer, Union Jacks and more rounds of beer that he expects will transform Mandalay Bay into another colony for one night.

By the way, Hatton was a good example of what hype can do. Likable and entertaining, Hatton also was overrated, a fact proven first by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and then Pacquiao in crushing stoppages. The guess here is that Khan, the British-born son of Pakistani immigrants, has more physical skills than Hatton and is smarter than Naseem Hamed. In boxing terms, Khan has the skill and instinct to be the UK’s best since heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis.

But Maidana stands in the way. For fans and often media with a short memory, the Argentine’s chances at an upset have been ignored, mostly because of a lousy performance against DeMarcus Corley, who hurt him with an uppercut.

But that performance was a lesson, says Maidaina trainer Miguel Diaz, a fellow Argentine with as much horse sense as anybody in any corner. The Argentina connection is coincidence perhaps, yet impossible to ignore. Khan’s quickness, precise jab and budding relationship with Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach are considered insurmountable.

Khan can just do more things. If that sounds familiar, think back to Atlantic City a few weeks ago. Paul Williams was feared, had speed, energy and all of the hype against Sergio Martinez, another Argentine. But with one big punch, Martinez made himself a contender for Fighter of the Year with a stunning second-round stoppage. Sometimes, upsets come in bunches.

If there is a weakness in Khan, it is his vulnerability to the big punch, which Maidana possesses two-fold, right and left. Breidis Prescott exposed that vulnerability in 2008 with a KO within a minute of opening bell. Sparring with Pacquiao and listening to Roach are the double-edged lesson in the plan to resurrect Khan and transform him into the fighter who was the talk of the 2004 Games in Athens.

Until opening bell Saturday night, however, the only sure thing is that the hype is back. The guess in this corner is that Maidana is too. That might not be enough against a fully-restored Khan. But for everybody talking about Khan as the next Pacquaio, or against Pacquiao or against Mayweather, beware.

Beware of Maidana.

The sun set on the British Empire long ago, but it might be rising for the UK’s newest hope at conquering the world, or at least the junior-welterweight’s version of it. Amir Khan’s promotional nickname is King.

King Khan sounds good, but an alliterative ring straight from Hollywood’s history of a much-aped film doesn’t make him worthy of a real crown. Not yet, anyway.

Khan’s chance at a claim takes him to Las Vegas next week for a Dec. 11 date against Marcos Maidana at Mandalay Bay. On the path back from his lone defeat, the fight looms as a decisive marker en route to perhaps the Devon Alexander-Tim Bradley winner and undisputed rule of the rich 140-pound division. Lose it, and a potential milestone turns into a deadly millstone, a career killer.

In a conference call Thursday, Khan was part confident, part cautious.

The confidence comes from the most capable corner in this empire and perhaps a few others.

Freddie Roach is there and has been since Khan beat Marco Antonio Barrera, a fading fighter with a master tactician’s undiminished smarts. Through four fights with Roach, Khan first re-established credentials tarnished by a 2008 loss – a first-round knockout – to Breidis Prescott in front of his stunned countrymen in Manchester, England. A steep learning curve followed, one which displayed a marked increase in versatility and poise.

“We haven’t lost a round since we’ve been together,’’ said Roach, who predicts Khan will knock out Maidana in a late round. “… I don’t see us losing a round here either.’’

Further confidence is rooted in Khan’s work with Manny Pacquiao in a globetrotting camp that started in the Philippines, stopped in Los Angeles at the Wild Card Gym and ended in Dallas before the Filipino Congressman dismantled Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium. During 15 to 20 rounds of sparring, Roach said Khan had some good moments against Pacquiao, who took the mythical out of the pound-for-pound debate with a performance that, among other things, displayed speed that Maidana does not possess.

Do well against Pacquiao, Khan said, “and you can do well against anybody.’’

But a good measure of caution was unmistakable Thursday in perhaps a reflection of Khan’s growing maturity and certainly a byproduct of Maidana’s record. Maidana has already proven himself to be a dangerously effective roadblock for anybody with eyes on a bigger horizon. Ask Victor Ortiz, a surfer who sounded as if he wanted to leave the ring and retire to his board after suffering a sixth-round stoppage at the powerful hands of Maidana.

Lest anybody forget that Maidana is dangerous, the Dec. 11 card includes a warning with the presence of Ortiz, who faces Lamont Peterson in an attempt to go 5-0 since his lone loss in 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“It won’t be easy, because he is durable guy,’’ Roach said.

And Khan said he won’t be focused to on trying to make good on Roach’s knockout prediction.

“Because when you do, you make mistakes,’’ said Khan, who perhaps betrayed some of his confidence when he said Maidana’s unadorned, straight-ahead style means he “won’t be hard to find.’’
In terms of career momentum, Khan has an edge. He has been on a roll, especially since he joined Roach. For Maidana, there are questions left by a poor showing in a decision over DeMarcus Corley in August. He spent too much time training in his native Argentina, trainer Miguel Diaz said.

“First he came to the United States, late and fat,’’ Diaz said. “Then, he signed a contract with Golden Boy (Promotions). That was another week lost.

“For this fight, he has already been here nine weeks. By the time of the fight, it will be 10 weeks in America. He has been isolated. He comes only to the gym, leaves and rests. He is ready.’’

Problems against Corley, Diaz said, taught Maidana that there would no more training in Argentina, where boxing has become a popular diversion from soccer and tango. First, there was Maidana. Then, there was Sergio Martinez’ stunning second-round knockout of Paul Williams.

Translation: Khan would be surprised if he doesn’t see the best in Maidana; if he doesn’t encounter the stubborn, power puncher who shocked Ortiz. Actually, it sounds as if he would be more than just surprised. He’d be disappointed. Khan’s birthday is Wednesday. He’ll be 24.

But there won’t be a celebration of some newfound maturity until at least Saturday, Dec. 11. And there won’t be one at all if Khan can’t display it against a prepared and capable Maidana.

Canelo in, Junior out
In a budding rivalry to win over Mexico, Saul Alvarez appears to have grabbed an advantage over Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., who inherited a name and crushing expectations from his father, the senior legend and scarred face of the Mexican franchise.

Alvarez is fighting Saturday.

Chavez isn’t.

The Golden Boy-promoted Alvarez, better known as Canelo, faces Lovemore N’dou in Veracruz on a night when a reported fever and flu bumped Junior off a shuffled Top Rank card Saturday in Anaheim, Calif., against Pawel Wolak, who stepped in for injured Alfonso Gomez.

“This happens sometimes,’’ said Chavez promoter Bob Arum, who went on to to describe Junior’s luck as the kind that gets flushed. “Really bad luck, not of his doing. Anybody can get a serious fever and get knocked out of a fight. It’s not something you can really guard against. It just happens.

“It’s like fate, man. It happens. Bleep happens.’’

What won’t happen any time soon is a fight with Miguel Cotto, who could do more damage to Chavez’ career than the flu.

“I don’t think it would be prudent, at this point, to put him in with Miguel,’’ said Arum, who is offering ticket refunds for anybody who wants one, yet will proceed with the pay-per-view card at the Honda Center with bantamweight Nonito Donaire in the main event against Volodymyr Sydorenko.
Ideally, Arum said, he would like to see Chavez win two fights at 154 pounds before Cotto is again a possibility for Junior, still an heir-apparent in name only.

Donaire, who has Margarito trainer Robert Garcia in his corner, is fighting for a shot at Fernando Montiel. Montiel and Donaire turned down a chance to be part of a bantamweight tournament that includes Yonnhy Perez -versus-Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares-versus-Vic Darchinyan at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash., in a Showtime-televised doubleheader on Dec. 11.

Drachinyan ripped Montiel in a conference-call doubleheader Thursday.

“He’s already a loser,’’ Darchinyan said from Australia. “He didn’t want to be part of the tournament.’’

On second thought
Attendance was disappointing for cards in November, which looked like a banquet for fans starved for fights throughout a long, dark summer.

Juan Manuel Marquez’ victory over Michael Katsidis at Las Vegas MGM Grand on Nov. 27 drew 4,920.
Andre Ward’s win over Sakio Bika, also on Nov.27, in Oakland, drew 4,100.

There were 4,818 for Juan Manuel Lopez’ win on Nov. 6 over Rafael Marquez, also at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao’s destruction of Margarito on Nov. 13 attracted 41,734, but even that was a disappointment. Arum predicted 60,000-plus.

In a tight economy, perhaps there were too many fights. It might have been tough on the wallet to see them all. Or maybe fans are staying away, turned off by the abortive talks for Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Then again, more and more living rooms have high-definition television screens, which are getting cheaper almost by the day.

It is easier to stay at home and more satisfying to watch a fight on HDTV than it is from a seat at the venue. You save on parking and see more. A lot more. Even from the press section on the floor at Cowboys Stadium, I found myself looking up at the brilliant screen above the ring throughout Pacquiao-Margarito. The fighters were bigger on that screen than they were in the ring.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Just less than a year and a half ago, a hard-hitting Argentinian made his United States debut on HBO. He was introduced to American audiences as a “knockout artist,” having won all but one of his twenty-four victories by way of knockout. The boxer: Marcos Maidana. The result: a sixth round TKO victory over then-unbeaten Victor Ortiz.

On Saturday night at Newark’s Prudential Center, another hard-hitting Argentinian “knockout artist” will make his American debut on HBO. The boxer: Lucas Matthysse. The task: derail the ‘comeback’ of Zab Judah, whose last three fights have led the boxing world to believe he has recaptured his championship form.

Matthysse will try to mirror the winning efforts of Maidana in his American and HBO debut, and if successful, will help avenge his brother, Walter Matthysse’s, HBO debut loss, which marked the beginning to the end of his career.

In late 2005, an undefeated Walter Matthysse easily won his first fight on American soil with a first round knockout against Xavier Tolliver. Less than a year later, the heavy-handed Argentinian found himself on HBO trading blows with fellow undefeated contender, Paul Williams.

In a spirited effort, Matthysse hung in with the “Punisher” for nine-plus rounds before the fight was stopped by referee Jack Reiss in the tenth. Matthysse never recovered from his loss to Williams, losing four out his next five bouts, three of them by knockout.

Having had two Argentinian “knockout artists” in their HBO debut’s blaze two very different trails before him, the importance of this fight with regards to the direction of Matthysse’s career is clear.

In preparation for Saturday night’s showdown with Judah, Matthysse set up camp at the World Crown Sports gym in Oxnard, California, where he trained alongside fellow Argentinian and middleweight champion, Sergio Martinez.

Matthysse, who sports both a ponytail, as well as a tattoo of his mother, is primarily trained by Luis Dionicio “Cuty” Barrera; but while in Oxnard, also worked with Martinez’s trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento.

Undoubtedly, with Martinez and Sarmiento will benefit the hungry Argentinian. A win over Judah would simultaneously propel Matthysse into title contention and all-but end Judah’s ‘comeback’ campaign.

There is little chance Matthysse outboxes “Super” Judah and an even slimmer chance he’d be awarded a close decision in Newark if he did.

It is for this reason that the Argentinian “knockout artist” will need to win in his usual fashion and do so by landing power punches with the precision of a da Vinci portrait.

With regards to his ponytail, Matthysse told AOL Fanhouse’s Elie Sechback through a translator, “It is a promise to myself that when I win a world a world title, I will cut it off.”

A win will put Matthysse’s hat in the ring of 140 lb. contenders, while a loss would sabotage any plans for a haircut.

For more on Argentinian boxing, I urge you to read Anson Wainwright’s comprehensive piece titled “State of the Game,” that first ran on 15Rounds.com on Oct. 27.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBA Super Lightweight champion Amir Khan will battle interim champion Marcos Maidana on December 11 in Las Vegas.

“We came to an agreement [Tuesday] night. Khan is on board. Maidana is on board and I am finalizing everything with Mandalay Bay,” Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said outside of Staples Center during a news conference promoting Saturday night’s Shane Mosley-Sergio Mora HBO PPV card.

“Amir wanted to have this fight in the U.K. and Maidana wanted the fight to be in the United States, but we worked on things and I was informed by Amir’s lawyer that he would fight in the U.S.,” Schaefer said. “There was some urgency for us to make a deal because of the purse bid coming up, but now we have a deal and I will inform the WBA that the fighters have reached agreement.”

“We worked it out financially where everyone was happy,” Schaefer said. “It was a difficult fight to put together but this was the fight I kept hearing from fans and media that they wanted to see. Golden Boy made some concessions and we got the fight done.”

“I want this fight and the fans want to see this fight,” said Khan, who had called Schaefer’s cell phone from England and spoke to ESPN.com. “It’s two explosive styles meeting up. It’s the explosive puncher [Maidana] against the quick and explosive boxer. They say Maidana has a style to beat a boxer, so let’s see how good he is. Maidana wants to stop me from having my legacy, but that is not going to happen. But let him try.”

“I’m coming to fight him where he wants to fight. But I want this fight, so I am going where he wants to fight,” Khan said. “That’s how much I want this fight.”

Former world Jr. welterweight champion, DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley talks about his upcoming world title challenge against Marcos Maidana

Watch DeMarcus Corley in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBA Interim Super Lightweight champion, Marcos Maidana injured his back and his June 19th bout with WBO champion, Timothy Bradley has been postponed.

“Maidana got hurt and the fight will be postponed for about a month,” said Bradley’s promoter Gary Shaw.

“They confirmed that Maidana hurt his back but that he still wants the fight, but that he’s needs roughly 20 days [off],” Shaw said. “They said he still wanted the fight, otherwise, I could have switched back to [Luis Carlos Abregu]. I will take them at their word that it’s Maidana’s back and that he still wants to fight Tim.”

“I’ve been on the phone with HBO but we need to work with HBO and Agua Caliente to find the right date that works,” Shaw said.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a Jr. Welterweight shown between WBC champion Timothy Bradley and WBA Interimn champion Marcos Maidana is set for June 19th in the Agua Caliente resort in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

“It’s done,” said Gary Shaw, who promotes Bradley. “It’s a tremendous fight. It’s a great fight in a great division. Great for fans, who will definitely see an exciting fight, great for HBO, great for Gary Shaw, Golden Boy, Bradley, Maidana and boxing. It’s great for all of us.”

“He asked if I had a signed agreement from Abregu and when I said I didn’t, he said, ‘I have an idea. Would you fight Maidana?’ I said, ‘In a heartbeat.'” Shaw said. “We talked about it for a few days and when I spoke to Richard we were able to get it worked out and the fight got made.”

“We’re ready to go,” said Cameron Dunkin, Bradley’s manager. “It’s what Tim deserves and what he needs. The other kid [Maidana] deserves this too. It’s a great opportunity for both of them. Tim was so excited when I told him about it. He just went crazy. He sounded like a little kid. It makes you feel good when something like this gets done and your guy is happy.”

Marcos Maidana retained the WBA “Interim” Super Lightweight title with a sixth round stoppage over previously undefeated Victor Cayo at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The bout was competitive over the first four rounds as each guy accomplished what they set out to do. In Cayo’s case it was to move in and out and mix it up when need be while Maidana was looking and at times imposed his will on Cayo.

At the end of round two, Maidana landed a left to the top of the head just as the bell sounded that put Cayo on the canvas. Replays showed that the punch may have come a split second afher the round finished but was still was ruled a knockdown by referee Joe Cortez.

Round five saw the most action with fighters having success with Cayo landing the flurries and Maidana landing the hard shots.

In round six, Maidna landed a good right hand that was followed up by a right to the body that sent Cayo down to the canvas for Cortez ten count at the 1:38 mark of thr round.

Maidana, 140 lbs of Santa Fe, Argentina is now 28-1 with twenty-seven knockouts. Cayo, 140 lbs of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic loses for the first time and is 24-1.

Joan Guzman made amends (sort of) for his poor performance last November when he was bludgeoned by Ali Funeka only to get a gift draw. This time Guzman showed the skills that many boxing insider praised throughout the last half decade as Guzman defeated Funeka by split decision in a fight that was tainted by Guzman’s in ability to make the weight for the bout which originally to be contested for the IBF Lightweight title.

Guzman showed his elusiveness early by showing lightning handspeed and reflexes as he would make Funeka miss and then make him pay. Funeka came forward to throw more then 250 more punches then did Guzman and had some success as he pressed the action but Guzman was efficient was his countering and body punching.

In round six, Guzman landed a huge right to the top of the head that sent Funeka to the canvas. Funeka had some moments going down the stretch but they werent enough as Guzman was very consitant with his combinations and movement.

Guzman won by scores of 116-111 and 114-113 while Funeka took a card by a 114-113 tally.

Guzman was unable to compter for the IBF crown as he weighed in a staggering NINE pounds overweight at Fridays weigh-in. After a financial deal with Funeka’s camp, the fight went on. Guzman, 144 lbs of Brooklyn, NY remains undefeated at 30-0-1. Funeka, 135 lbs of East London, South Africa is now 30-3-3.