Karim Mayfield "I feel great, real strong"

By John J. Raspanti - DoghouseBoxing.com

　
NABO Junior welterweight champion Karim Mayfield (15-0, 9 KOs) makes his second appearance on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" May 18, when he defends his title against fellow undefeated fighter Raymond Serrano (18-0, 8 KOs) at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York.　 Mayfield, 31, is aware of Serrano's boxing ability.

　
"He's fast.　 I've watched some tape of his fights, "Mayfield said during my visit to Andre Ward's gym a few weeks ago. "He's definitely a good opponent .　 I've never really had bad opponents.　 I never take anyone lightly, he said. "I'm going in there thinking I'm fighting Floyd Mayweather." 　

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Maurice Harris On Fighting In Germany

MAURICE HARRIS

DISPUTES LOSS TO GERBER IN GENTLEMANLY MANNER　　

　

By Maurice Harris as told to Doveed Linder - BoxingTalk.com

　

Heavyweight Maurice Harris (25-16-2, 11 KOs) discusses his recent fight with Edmund Gerber (L UD8) and the years he has spent in the sport of boxing.　 The Gerber-Harris fight took place in Gerber's homeland of Germany.　 Team Harris believes that their fighter deserved the decision. 　

Maurice tells it his own way:

　

I like Germany.　 I went there last fall when I sparred with Edmund Gerber, and then I went there a couple weeks ago when I fought him.　 Germany is different.　 It's a country that has a history.　 There were hard times in Germany and even though it's not like that anymore, you can tell that some of the people have been affected by it.　 They have really nice restaurants in Germany and the people treated me really good.　 There are a lot of boxing fans over there.　 It's not like America.　 The fans love boxing, and some of them came up to me and asked for an autograph, but they were really there to support their man Edmund Gerber.　 That's why they were so quiet during our fight.　 They weren't used to seeing their man fall behind like that.　

　

The main thing about fighting in Germany is having to adjust to the different time zone.　 As soon as I got off the plane, I slept for two hours and then got up and went for a run.　 The air was good.　 Everything was good.　 It was relaxing and peaceful.　 Some fighters don't like to go overseas to fight, but I don't care.　 When you're a fighter, you fight.　 This is our job.　 It doesn't matter if you're in Alaska.　 True fighters will fight anywhere.　

　

I get nervous before my fights and I always pray before I go out there, because anything can happen in the ring.　 When you get in the ring, you have to be ready to die.　 It's a blood sport and I accept my role as a fighter.　 This is what God put me here to do.　 I haven't had a fortunate career like a lot of other guys, but I'm a student of the game.　 I study it, inside and out.　 I have an eye for it.　 It takes me about thirty seconds to see what type of fighter you are.　 I know how to adapt and capitalize on your mistakes. 　

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An Evening with Frank Bruno & Rasheda Ali

On Monday 4th June　Muhammad Ali’s　daughter,　Rasheda Ali,　is flying into the UK to join Britain’s best loved boxer　Frank Bruno　at a unique dinner event at the Sheridan suite, Oldham Road, Manchester to help raise awareness for Parkinson’s condition.

Rasheda’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the early age of 42 and she now travels all over the world speaking about the condition in order to improve understanding and give encouragement and hope to those families struggling with the condition.

"My purpose for travelling is to help local organisations raise insight and funds for their programmes and specifically to help local families suffering with the condition," she said.　

Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno, himself a supporter of the cause, still treasures a photo of himself and Ali playfully sparring.Frank Said,　"I went to the United States when I was a young man, and people ask me what Ali was like, I tell them Ali was the legend, everybody knew him to be that. Ali was also very warming, inspiring and uplifting."

　
The event, sponsored by Inview Monitoring Solutions of Lancashire and owned by businessman Yasin Aslam, himself is a keen boxing coach, will also be attended by a number of other celebrities and the Parkinson’s UK charity.

　
Tickets which include entertainment and a three course meal are available at £50 each or £450 for a table of ten. VIP tickets are £75 each or £700 for a table of ten.
　

Tier 2 tickets (no food or beverages) are also available at £25 per head.

　
There will also be an　auction and raffle to raise money for　Parkinson’s UK during the evening.

　
"Muhammad Ali is a sporting legend and much-loved in the UK," said Parkinson's UK Chief Executive, Steve Ford. "Everyone who knows Muhammad Ali knows how facing the daily challenge of Parkinson's has been the other big fight of his life. We are grateful to Rasheda Ali and all the Ali family for their support in the UK. As a degenerative neurological condition, Parkinson's can affect every aspect of a person's life, restricting movement and causing shaking and tremors. It is hugely important to make people aware of Parkinson's, because we want everyone to know we are here to help and because we are passionately committed to trying to raise money to support everyone affected by Parkinson’s"

　
To book tickets, please visit our website,
www.sportscorporation.com　or contact us directly on 0845 163 0845 / 07989 991316. Alternatively, for any further information please call Debbie Kelly at Ethos Public Relations on 0161 830 7640

Ochieng Brimming With Confidence, Ahead Of Title Defense On May 26th

Photo by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Back in January Stoke Newington’s Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng won the English Light Middleweight title in emphatic style, on just his tenth professional outing, in a sensational all action battle against Liverpool’s Nick Quigley, that many have as an early contender for 2012 ‘Fight of the Year’ honours

In just under two weeks time 25 year old Erick will make the first defense of　 this recently acquired　 title, against Newark’s AA Lowe, on the undercard of the biggest, most meaningful UK event of the year so far, when Carl Froch challenges Lucian Bute　 for the IBF Super Middleweight Crown, at the Nottingham Arena.

Following a recent training session, at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, an ebullient Erick was not only brimming with confidence, of victory on the 26th May, but was also keen to emphasize his Championship credentials.

"Yeah, I’ll be out again on the 26th May defending my English title against AA Lowe.

He’s a good boxer, he’s been around, so we’re looking to perform good, look good and retain my title in style."

"Training has been excellent as ever, my manager/coach Brian Lawrence wouldn’t have it any other way and again I’ve had the best sparring you can get.

The quality of sparring here at the TRAD TKO makes all the difference, I did some eight rounders with Colin Lynes the other week and have had plenty of other quality sparring, these sparring sessions are great preparation."

"I mean Colin Lynes is a former British, European and World Champion, you can’t get better than that, you’re always learning from those guys.

As you can see we’re not leaving any stone unturned in the gym, I’m in good shape so I’m looking to put a good performance on the 26th May."

"I never look past people or my next fight, but have to say this is just the start, I’ve always said I am already a World Champion, just people don’t know it yet, they will soon but right now they know I’m the English Champion.

I will defend my title successfully on the 26th May and then by the end of the year my focus will be on the British or Commonwealth title."

Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng’s English Light Middleweight title defense, against AA Lowe, will be main support at the Matchroom Sport promoted event headlined by the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship bout between Montreal, Canada based Romanian Lucian Bute and Nottingham’s Carl Froch, which　 co-features Carl Frampton versus Raul Hirales, for the IBF Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title, at the Nottingham Arena in Nottingham on Saturday 26th May 2012 and will be shown live and exclusive on Sky Sports.

Tickets, priced £40, or £50 including coach from London to Nottingham and return, are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or direct from Erick at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

MATCHROOM SPORT WIN RACE TO SIGN KAL YAFAI

Amateur star gets Froch and Brook backing – debut on July 7

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport are delighted to announce the signing of Kal Yafai – and the exciting youngster has been backed by Carl Froch and Kell Brook to become a big star.

Yafai will make his debut on the undercard of Brook’s IBF welterweight showdown with American Carson Jones on July 7 at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, where Brook will be looking to secure a World title shot in the autumn.

The 22 year old from Birmingham turns over to the pro ranks after a glittering amateur career that saw him pick up key honours including World Junior title, three European silver medals and an ABA title, as well as representing Great Britain at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

"It's a massive show and a fantastic opportunity and the sort of night all fighters want to appear in," said Yafai. "It's a huge showcase for my talent on the very first night and I can't thank Eddie enough for putting me on such a huge bill in my first fight. It's a new chapter in my career and it's what I've wanted to do since I started boxing - to turn pro and become a World champion.

"I just want to get into the pro game and get a feel of it, I'm not going to rush into making bold predictions that I'm going to be winning British titles inside a year, but I've got big ambitions and I know that Eddie is going to want to move me on quicker than others because of my amateur pedigree, which I'm obviously really happy with."

Two-time World super middleweight champion Carl Froch has trained beside Yafai at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield and has tipped his new stablemate to be a hit in the pro ranks.

"Kal has definitely got the goods to go a very long way in the pros," said Froch. "He’s got fast hands, light on his feet and really strong – Kal is perfect for the pro game and he will be great to watch."

Unbeaten Sheffield star Brook has also seen Yafai at close quarters and believes he is a great ambition to Hearn’s top class stable of British talent.

"I’ve seen Kal down at the EIS a lot and I’m really impressed with his attitude," said Brook. "He’s keen to learn and improve which is really good to see – especially as he already has the makings of a top class fighter. We got on really well and he’s a very confident lad and that bodes well for his career. I’m delighted he’s making his debut on my show and I’ll be there to give him any advice he needs, and I’m sure the rest of Team Matchroom will be too."

Yafai’s signature was much sought after and Hearn spoke of his delight at adding him to former Team GB teammate Scotty Cardle in his stable.

"Every now and then a fighter comes along that is very, very special," said Hearn. "I'm so pleased that Kal has joined the team. He will be a superstar and deserves the superstar treatment and that begins now. We will give him the big build up for his debut at Sheffield Arena on July 7 and viewers and fans will be seeing plenty of him over the next few years."

Tickets for Kell Brook vs. Carson Jones featuring Kal Yafai’s debut and the European title rematches between Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews (lightweight) and Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa (middleweight)are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)

Q & A With IBF Middleweight Champion Daniel Geale

By Ray Weatley (World of Boxing) - FightNews.com

Just over one year ago, after fighting all his previous fights in Australia, IBF middleweight world champion Daniel Geale (27-1, 15 KOs) made the long trek to Germany and dethroned reigning-champion Sebastian Sylvester by split decision. After that, Geale headed back down under, where he has defended the title twice, both times at the Derwent Entertainment Centre in Hobart, Tasmania. But Geale isn't planning to be a fighter who only fights at home. "My last two fights were in Australia but I want to travel the world and fight the best," he says. With promoter Gary Shaw in his corner, Geale may be headed to the the USA for his next fight.

You have defeated Roman Karmazin, Sebastian Sylvester, Eromsele Albert and Osamunu Adama. What fight was your best performance?

They have been all good wins but probably the best one to watch was Roman Karmazin. It was also great to beat Sylvester in Germany for the world title. The fights with Albert and Adama were tough fights in their own way.

Did you know the Adama camp falsely claimed a substance was used on your gloves to effect Adama's vision?

No I did not know. He never complained to the referee Jack Reiss or the IBF. 　

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McCloskey and Frampton to perform Betfair Prizefighter draw at Stormont

Photo by Lawreence Lustig

Dudey and the Jackal to decide all-Irish Middleweight contenders fate on Wednesday

Paul McCloskey and Carl Frampton will perform the draw for the all-Irish Betfair Prizefighter Middleweights at Stormont Parliament Buildings on Wednesday afternoon (May 2) ahead of the action live on Sky Sports from the King’s Hall on Saturday night (May 5).

The eight contenders will look on with great interest as Dudey and the Jackal match them up for the 24<sup>th edition of Matchroom Sport’s eight man, one night tournament which precedes McCloskey taking on ‘Chop Chop’ DeMarcus Corley as the Dungiven star aims to get a second World title shot. Former British featherweight champ Martin Lindsay kicks off the night but Jamie Conlan has been forced to pull out of the show through illness.

Previous Prizefighter nights have seen the draw made live on Sky Sports in the ring, but now the fighters will know the route they have to take in advance, and Belfast man Joe Rea hopes his path leads to a final with fellow Belfast fighter Eamonn O’Kane, so he can exact revenge for defeat in their eight round cracker in the Odyssey Arena in September.

"Eamonn is a good fighter but I know 100 per cent that I have the beating of him so I do really hope for a rematch with him for the title," said Rea. "I’d like to see him in the final. We’re both from the north so it’d be great for Irish boxing. I know Eamonn will sell a load of tickets and I know that I’ve sold a load of tickets so I think the Belfast public deserve that final."

O’Kane and Rea are joined by former two-weight Irish champ Ciaran Healy, Irish super middleweight champion JJ McDonagh, former champ Anthony Fitzgerald, unbeaten Lurgan man Ryan Greene, ‘Slick Fightin’ Irish’ Simon O’Donnell and Roscommon’s Darren Cruise.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster on: 0844 277 4455 (UK/Northern Ireland) or 0818 719 300 (Republic of Ireland) and at www.ticketmaster.ie

VIP packages priced £150 are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com</sup>

SELBY LIFTED BY MAYWEATHER

Lee Selby has been boosted by training alongside the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter Floyd Mayweather ahead of his Welsh homecoming on Friday 25th May at the Newport Sports Centre.

The Barry star has just finished a training stint at Mayweather’s Las Vegas gym as he prepares for his Commonwealth Featherweight title defence against Patrick Okine which is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).

Selby also saw first hand Mayweather’s preparations for his super-fight against Miguel Cotto which takes place this Saturday (5th May) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is also live on BoxNation.

"It was a fantastic trip and well worth it to be in the same same gym as the number one boxer in the world,"said the 25-year-old who created a huge upset last September when he beat Stephen Smith.

"I worked a lot with Floyd’s uncle and trainer Roger Mayweather on the pads and he showed me plenty of new things as well as getting plenty of world class sparring with guys in the gym like unbeaten Australian featherweight Joel Brunker who’s number three in the world,"

"The experience of being around the best fighters in the world has really opened my eyes and given me the motivation to be the best that I can be in my career,"

"Before I left I had my photo taken with Floyd and he wished me luck and said he’d keep a look out for me on the internet to see how my career goes and that I was welcome back to the gym anytime, which is real nice,"

"They allowed us to stay and watch Floyd’s training for the Cotto fight and it was awe-inspiring stuff,"

"He’s looking as sharp as a razor and is super fit, I saw him doing eight minute rounds sparring with only a 15 second rest in between, he’s unbelievable,"

"Cotto’s tough and is his best challenger so far, but Floyd’s just on a different level to anyone and I can see him stopping Cotto late or on points."

He’ll need all the benefits from training with Mayweather against the dynamite punching Ghanaian Okine who has stopped nine out of his 11 winning victories early. Okine is currently on a KO run with his last five fights all ending early.

Selby, who also holds the British title which won’t be on the line, added, "Obviously Okine’s a hard puncher, but this doesn’t bother me, I’m in the business of facing hard punchers,"

"He’s only got one loss on points to Emmanuel Tagoe who’s a good fighter himself so it’s going to be a tough job for me, but no one is going to upset my first fight in Wales for nearly a year,"

"These African’s are tough, hard, boys and I’ve sparred with plenty, but this is the first in my career. I can see myself winning by late stoppage or points."

Selby v Okine for the Commonwealth Featherweight Championship headlines an action packed card that also features some of Britain’s best unbeaten prospects: Birmingham welterweight Frankie Gavin, super-featherweight Craig Evans, light-welterweights Lewis Rees and Francis Robinson and middleweight Liam Williams.

Tickets priced at £40, £50 and£60 are available from the Frank Warren Promotions Box Office on 01992 550 888, Newport Sports Centre Box Office on 01633 656 757 or online at www.frankwarren.tv

Selby v Okine will be live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) on Friday 25th May.

BoxNation is the first dedicated subscription boxing TV channel in the UK to bring together the biggest names in amateur, domestic and international boxing with an unbeatable schedule of matches from across the globe.

For just £10 per month BoxNation offers unbeatable value for money for all fight fans. To subscribe to BoxNation simply go to www.boxnation.com and hit the "Subscribe Now" button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

Gary Shaw sadden by the passing of his mother

Promoter Gary Shaw is grieving today with the loss of him mother, Iris Shaw, who passed away this morning in Boca Raton, Florida.  She was 90 years old, lived a wonderful life and left behind 2 children, Gary and Cheryl, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. 

"My mother was a very strong woman who was always there for us.  She was a charismatic person who always put a smile on our faces.  She was a fight fan, whose first date with my late father 70 years ago, was at a live fight.  I know she's in a better place now but I will always remember the fun times we shared as a family.  Words can't describe how much I loved her.  I will miss her dearly." - Gary Shaw

 

Mario Serrano

Publicist ~ Gary Shaw Productions

boxingpublicist@aol.com

Brilliant Bellew delivers brutal KO in Liverpool

Champ defends British light heavyweight title with 5^th

^{Round stunner against McIntosh}

<sup>Tony Bellew sent a chilling warning to Euro champ Eduard Gutknecht after a stunning fifth round knockout of Danny McIntosh in his British light heavyweight title defence live on Sky Sports at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

The hometown star delivered an over hand right at the start of the fifth that was a fitting finish to The Big Bang billing, and there was only one winner from the start as Bellew bossed proceedings in front of his raucous army of fans.

Bellew rocked McIntosh in every round, finally flooring the Norwich fighter at the very end of the fourth round. McIntosh had a minute to recover, but it was not enough as Tony put the icing on a dominant performance with his devastating knockout blow.

McIntosh came into the fight brimful of confidence knowing he’s prospered in tough waters before after winning the European title in France against Thierry Karl. But he was unable to silence the partisan crowd this time around as Tony jumped all over the challenger from the off and is looking to face Gutknecht for the European strap after running out of patience over a rematch with Nathan Cleverly.

"I needed to make a big statement tonight and that’s exactly what I did," said Bellew. "It was a calculated performance and my game plan was all about speed.

"Danny wasn’t in France tonight, he was Scouseland and he couldn’t handle me or stop me. I’m humbled that people spend their hard earned cash on coming to see me fight. I’m no different from the fans; I just punch people in the face for a living that’s all.

"I don’t need Nathan Cleverly to make a name for myself. He’s fighting number 83 in the world, which says it all. I just want to fight someone who will challenge me. I’m not interested in anything less than that. I would fight him anywhere but he doesn’t want to know, so let’s move on.

"Who is there in this country to fight? I want to fight the best. I don’t want to train for 12 weeks and fight someone who I can blow over. 　To be European champion would be a dream and I would love a fight in Germany with Gutknecht, what an experience that would be."</sup>

CLEVERLY AND BELLEW ASSESS HOPKINS-DAWSON 2

Two men guaranteed to be tuning in to this evening’s blockbuster WBC World Light-Heavyweight clash are FWP’s brace of world class 175 lbers, Nathan Cleverly (current WBO king) and Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew (reigning British champion).Both shall be itching to secure a future date with whoever prevails in Atlantic City.


Here, they provide their take on how the blue-chip BoxNation televised dust up is likely to pan out.


Nathan Cleverly’s Assessment:


”I think Hopkins is a great fighter. He’s very clever technically and his leg work, his movement around the ring is always top class. He’s exceptional at taking away an opponent’s strengths. Above all, he knows how to win fights. Whenever he needs to step it up he always can. He usually does just enough to get his hand raised.


Dawson is also a quality fighter. For a start, he’s southpaw and that always causes problems. He’s also very big for the weight and can be very fast and explosive when he opens up. Unlike several of Hopkins prior opponents, I don’t think Dawson will be spooked by Hopkins attempts to get into his mind. Dawson appears a pretty cool customer and, at elite level, I think the top guys know how to handle the pressure. They don’t really get intimidated.


I definitely don’t expect a knockout. Both are very clever counterpunches, better suited to opponents who walk on to them. I don’t expect either to be particularly assertive. It’ll be a cagey stand up and they might neutralise each other.


For Hopkins to win, he needs to mess Dawson about a bit, cause him to fluster. Sometimes Chad can be prone to lapses in concentration and that can hurt him. Jean Pascal appeared to break his heart.


When Hopkins throws his right hand, he tends to lunge in. He still usually manages to land it then he falls into a clinch and holds. I think he’ll be looking to win rounds by spoiling Dawson’s work and doing as little as he can, to conserve energy. He knows he’s older and has more miles on the clock.


However, he definitely likes to operate at his own pace and gameplan, and seems troubled by those with speed who can keep it intense. In their first fight, I thought Dawson commanded centre ring and, though there wasn’t much action, he looked ‘The Boss’ in there.


For Chad to be victorious, he needs to hold the centre of the ring again, really snap his jab and force Hopkins to move around. He doesn’t need to set a crazy workrate, just continually stay one or two points in front.


In this fight, I think Father Time might finally catch up with Hopkins and, provided Dawson turns up hungry, enthusiastic and switched on, I think he pulls it off. Dawson on points, for me.”


Tony Bellew’s Assessesment:”


I’m really looking forward to this. I think it’s going to be far more entertaining than Hopkins’ fights usually are because this time he’ll be made to fight. Dawson will force him to be more aggressive than he normally is. We’ll find out how much Hopkins still really wants it.


Dawson’s massively underrated. On his day, I believe he’s the best light-heavyweight in the world. He’s a well schooled southpaw who can sustain a very high pace. Also, though he hasn’t got a ridiculous amount of stoppages on his record, I think he hits far harder than people might realise. That’s why opponents never attack him much. He’s usually the one dominating the centre of the ring, driving the other fella back. I believe he’d have stopped Jean Pascal if that fight had been allowed to run its natural course. (Bad Chad lost an 11 round technical decision when the fight was halted because he incurred an accidental cut and was unable to continue).


In the brief time that their first fight lasted, I felt that Chad Dawson’s speed and workrate were having a massive affect on Hopkins, who failed to impose himself and push Dawson back. In previous fights, Hopkins’ opponents have been a bit intimidated, shown him way too much respect.


I’ve studied Hopkins for a long while. What he’s achieved is absolutely amazing. His biggest attributes are his mental toughness, his determination and his conditioning.


He’s pretty good all round without having any serious strong points, technically. I couldn’t say he’s brilliant in any one area. He’s good inside and a fantastic athlete. No one can live with him in a pure boxing contest. He comes from exceptional angles and is probably the best counterpuncher in the higher weights. Andre Ward today reminds me of the Bernard Hopkins of 10 years ago.


Above all, ‘BHop’ has a great boxing brain, exceptional gameplans, always finds a way. One thing I’ve picked up is that he always improves in rematches, if he’s struggled with an opponent previously.


On the downside, he doesn’t like to fight at a pace. I believe the loss to Joe Calzaghe was entirely down to himself because he failed to put his foot on the gas over the last few rounds. He likes to be allowed to control and dictate the pace and Calzaghe never allowed that. At his own pace - the tempo he set in the Tarver, Pavlik and Pascal fights - Bernard’s pretty untouchable.


I believe Dawson is a very dangerous opponent for him. For a start, Chad’s very hungry and I think he has a nasty streak. I think he harbours a genuine dislike of Bernard Hopkins. He won’t be intimidated one iota and he appears very fired up to show Hopkins who’s ‘The Man’.


The type of fighters to trouble Dawson are the explosive ones. Chad does like to get into a rhythm and I don’t think he copes with aggression very well. Pascal enjoyed success by attacking him in bursts, springing two phase attacks, not allowing him to settle.


But I think this is a very hard fight for Hopkins and could see the end of him. For Hopkins to win, he has to rough Dawson up, really let him know he’s in a fight but age catches up with everybody and, though he’s very good at tying opponents up, I don’t think he can really fight beyond a minute and a half each round. It’ll go to points but I see Dawson as a clear winner.”


Hopkins v Dawson will be live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) from 2am tomorrow morning (Sunday 29th April).  Join at www.boxnation.com


BoxNation is the first dedicated subscription boxing TV channel in the UK to bring together the biggest names in amateur, domestic and international boxing with an unbeatable schedule of matches from across the globe.


For just £10 per month BoxNation offers unbeatable value for money for all fight fans. To subscribe to BoxNation simply go to www.boxnation.com and hit the “Subscribe Now” button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

SEXTON HOPING FOR SCOUSE DOUBLE

SAM SEXTON reckons Liverpool sporting fans will be sick of Norwich by the middle of next month.

The proud Norwich heavyweight is predicting a sporting double starting on Saturday when Paul Lambert’s men face Liverpool at Carrow Road.

But big Sam (15-2) believes the biggest shock will happen when he travels to Merseyside and challenges David Price (12-0)　 for the vacant British and Commonwealth crowns.

The bruisers clash at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday May 19th and both are promising plenty of thrills and spills at the world famous Grand National home.

Sexton, 27, said: "I reckon Norwich has a great chance of beating Liverpool this weekend and I aim to complete a famous　sporting double.

"Price is a good fighter and I have the upmost respect for him, but I will take him to places he has never been.

"I have fought far better quality opponents and I think that will show."

Both of the former Commonwealth champion’s losses have come against Dereck Chisora and he insists: "I will be in the shape of my life for David.

"I have had some brilliant sparring with Richard Towers who is 6ft 8in tall just like David."

In the chief support Ashley Theophane (31-4-1) defends his British light-welterweight crown against local Steve Williams (12-1).

A special attraction sees classy Leeds boxer Adil Anwar (16-1) tackle Lenny Daws (23-2-2) in a vacant English title and eliminator for Theophane’s crown.

Other fights include: John Donnelly (13-2) v Mike Robinson (5-4-3) (English super-flyweight title), Paul Edwards (9-1) v Kevin Satchel (7-0) vacant English flyweight title, Bob Ajisafe (9-2) v Travis Dickinson (12-0) English light-heavyweight crown.

Tickets are selling fast. The are some available priced at £95 (ringside), £75 (main floor) and £55 (floor) from　www.frankmaloney.com/www.ticketmaster.com

Drink Clean Water, Breath Clean Air - Be Healthy Longer! boxing

LAST MAN STANDING & SUPER FIGHTS - SATURDAY 12/05/12 The New Bingley Hall, Hockley, Birmingham

This years LAST MAN STANDING 3K KO TOURNAMENT & SUPER FIGHTS under Full Thai Rules will be contested at 67KG max from Birmingham’s biggest new venue The Bingley Hall in Hockley Birmingham. The show is one of the biggest this year with a scheduled 20+ A/B Class fights on the card including the biggest 8 Man tournament to take place in the UK to date!

The Bingley Hall is a state of the art 2000 seat/standing venue located at the heart of Birmingham Central. The venue offers everything from onsite bars and hot food to ample car/coach parking facilities for over 600 vehicles, the venue also has clear views on all angles and all spectators are seated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dlWcYL-keOc

A CLASS FULL THAI RULES 67KG MAX (7 FIGHT TOURNAMENT)

1) Nathan Bendon (Corefit / Birmingham)
2) Thomas McCormick (Wicker Camp / Sheffield)
3) Richmonds Annan (KO Gym / London)
4) Salah Abdulsalam (Minotaurs / London)
5) Liam Robinson (Pra Chao Suua / Northampton)
6) Tim Thomas (Naksoo / Bedford)
7) Mike Egan (Taz Muay Thai / Wales)
8) Costel Pasnic (Ministry Of Martial Arts / Romania)

A CLASS SUPER FIGHTS

Dean James (Pra Chao Suua) V Luca Roma (Italy)

Kerrith Bhella (Firewalkers) V Michele Botezatu (Italy)

Kris Addis (Kao Loi) V Jon Greenwood (Bradford Thai)

Ross George (Kaang Raang) V Darren O'Connor (TMAS)

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Fight To The Death - 20th May 2012

IN DEPTH WITH FREDDIE TURNER

 

Exciting welterweight Freddie Turner aims to take his record to 6-0 when he features on the big Royal Albert Hall show on Saturday 28th April.

Turner takes on Scunthorpe’s experienced Steve Spence over four rounds on stable-mate Billy Joe Saunders undercard.

Boxing writer Glynn Evans talks to Turner about his career and background.

Born: Romford, Essex

Age: 23

Family background: I live with my mum on a farm over Upminster way (Essex). I’ve two older sisters and two younger brothers. The youngest plays cricket for Essex and is on the national development squad.

Trade: I’m a utilities engineer. I work on gas and water mains.

Nickname: Don’t really have one yet but ‘Freddie’ isn’t my real name. I was Christened Luke but, as a kid, I had really long hair and apparently looked like a character called ‘Fred’ from the TV programme Bread. It just stuck.

What age did you become interested in boxing and why? At primary school, I had a lot of energy and aggression. I was a rough, tough, physical kid and could be very disruptive. An uncle suggested I try the boxing and it was a good move. Boxing really helped me out with my discipline. I’d train so hard I was too tired to be disruptive.

What do you recall of your amateur career? I started at the Alma club in Upminster and, in my first year, I got beat by a kid from Northside (Manchester) in the national schools final. Second season, I joined the Repton club in Bethnal Green (east London) but again got beat by the same kid in the schoolboys final.

That was my only loss in three years at Repton. Darren Barker and Audley Harrison were there at the same time and we went away on some fantastic trips. I had an unbeaten run of about 25 to 30 bouts, coached by Cliff and Bradley Spronge but I was the same weight as Gary Barker (late brother of recent world middleweight challenger Darren) and the club tried to force me to drop a weight so Repton could win two national titles. I weren’t happy so moved to West Ham which caused a bit of friction.

In my first start with West Ham I got stopped by Luke Gray of Stevenage and the Repton mob rubbed it in a bit but I went on to have over 100 amateur bouts. I only lost about 12 and got back (avenged) most who beat me. Trained by Mickey May and Brian O’Shaughnessy, I went on to win two national schools titles, the junior ABAs, the NABCs plus a junior Four Nations gold. I boxed for England three times.

I went in the senior ABAs twice. First time, in 2007 at lightweight, I got beat by Frankie Gavin in the quarter finals. That was a highlight in my career because he’d just won the Commonwealth Games and I was completely written off but gave him a tough fight. Even Frankie admits that.

In 2009, up at light-welter and back at the Repton, I lost in the London semis to Bradley Skeete. Brad won fair and square – he was fit and very awkward - but I’d really bashed him a few weeks before in sparring and was looking past him. I really should’ve won the ABAs that year. I was training with Jimmy Tibbs at the time. He’d slowed me down and made me more pro, stylewise. Jimmy put a lot of work into me. He advised me to take the week off work but I worked right up to, and including, the day of the fight and gave a bad display. Jimmy was fuming and we parted for a while.

Why did you decide to turn pro when you did? I took a bit of time out after Skeete but didn’t want to turn pro after a loss. I won the Ricky Hatton Cup then a gold medal in Cyprus but the buzz of the ABAs had gone and I had a pro style so I turned pro with Tunde Ajayi. I had my first three pro fights with Tunde who was very good at getting you fit before patching things up with Jimmy.

Tell us about your back up team: I’m managed by Dean Powell promoted by Frank Warren Promotions and trained by Jimmy and Mark Tibbs.

Jimmy’s head coach and he’s so experienced. Technically, he’s brilliant and he’s also great with the conditioning. He appreciates I’ve a physical job so knows when to ease off.

Mark’s greatest quality is his attention to detail. He really analyses opponents, develops Plan A, B and C. He really puts the time in.

I also see a body health specialist called Warren Williams on alternate Sundays. He helps me with my diet plus keeping me healthy and injury free but doesn’t upset the Tibbs’s by interfering with the boxing side.

What’s your training schedule? Which parts do you most and least enjoy? I have to schedule things around my work. I’m up at 4.45a.m and generally on site at 6.30 to start work at 7. I go the gym in the evening.

I train three times a week with the Tibbs’s at the TKO gym in Canning Town; Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’ll go for a light jog, do sprints or, if needed, take a night off. I’m always fit, don’t drink or smoke and my job’s very manual so I only need two or three weeks to get sharp for a fight.

I’ll usually have a brief chat with Jimmy and Mark about the (pending) session, then, if I’m not sparring, I’ll start with six rounds intense shadow boxing, followed by three or four on the pads, a couple more shadow, a 10minute skip, groundwork, then finish with a good stretch and a shakedown. If I spar it’s usually with either Colin Lynes or Lee Byrne.

Sparring or pads are what I enjoy most. Sparring allows me to fully utilise my talent, show how skilled I am, make the Tibbs’s proud of me. On the pads, Jimmy really sucks the life out of ya. If you can manage four rounds on the pads with him, you’ll manage 12 in the ring, no problem.

The worst aspect is training without a date for your fight. I never cut corners or cheat but, without a specific goal, it can be frustrating.

Describe your style? What are your best qualities? I like to think I’m a slick, slippery southpaw that doesn’t get hit a lot. I’m a good counterpuncher with a naturally good grasp of distance. If drawn in, I can have a fight and be exciting but I prefer to go ‘in and out’, frustrate ‘em mentally.

What specifically do you need to work on to fully optimise your potential as a fighter? If I feel I’m winning comfortably, I’m prone to slowing the pace and coasting which isn’t good to watch. I probably need to work at becoming more busy.

What have you found to be the biggest difference between the pro and amateur codes? There’s a lot more roughness in the pros; heads coming together, elbows going in. Also the pace is a lot slower which suits a counterpuncher like me. The whole pro scene has a lot more glitz and excitement to it.

Who is the best opponent that you’ve shared a ring with? When I was 15, I sparred (Uganda’s future Commonwealth featherweight king) Jackson Asiku at the Newham (ABC) gym. He was sharpening his tools with a fight pending when his sparring partner let him down. I did six rounds with him and started to frustrate him which made him wild, despite my age! He was very strong and a big puncher. That was a very tough spar!

All time favourite fighter: Pernell Whittaker or Joe Calzaghe. No point watching orthodox!

All time favourite fight: Corrales-Castillo I. They were evenly matched for power and talent so it came down to who wanted it most. Corrales victory showed ‘will to win’ in its extreme.

Which current match would you most like to see made? Kell Brook against Amir Khan at welterweight. It’d be a great fight for Britain and, on their last performances, I’d probably side with Brook.

What is your routine on fight day? I’ll get up at eight and, provided I’ve weighed-in the day before, mum will insist on making me a full cooked breakfast. After that, I’ll just make sure my gear’s ready and chill out. Throughout the day I eat lots of nuts and berries plus small portions of beans on toast, stuff like that. In my mind, I’ll think through different scenarios: ‘What will I need to do if I get cut or dropped or hurt?’ Mentally, I leave no stone uncovered.

I always like to arrive at the arena before any punters, even before the ring’s set up. In the changing room, I’m quite calm always happy and joking. Jimmy wraps my hands and I’ll be thinking: ‘I’ve done all the hard work training. Now go out and perform to the best of my ability.’

Entrance music: ‘Can’t Stop This’ by the Chilli Peppers.

What are your ambitions as a boxer? I’m motivated by achievement; going through all the hardship to reach your goal. I’ve a good job which pays well so don’t desperately need the money.

Ultimately, I just want to find my level. Dean Powell is already pushing for a 10 round title fight for me. In sparring, (stablemate and reigning British champ) Colin Lynes never holds back yet our spars are very close so I know I’m at a good level. Too many are anxious to protect their zero but I’m quite happy to fight the other unbeaten prospects, just as happens in the U.S.

How do you relax? I enjoy doing the maintenance on our family run farm. It’s a chance to learn new skills. I also watch a bit of tennis, cricket and athletics.

Football team: I’m not a fan but West Ham are the nearest one so I root for them.

Read: I’m not a big reader of books. I read Boxing News cover to cover plus The Sun.

Music: No selected genre. Easy listening. My favourite artist is Jack Johnson who does melodies.

Films/TV: I like deep, meaningful films, anything with Robert DeNiro in. I don’t watch a lot of tv but Sky Plus all the boxing.

Aspiration in life: To live a clean, fair life and be well respected. I’m a humble person.

Motto: If you don’t, somebody else will!

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