Teddy Atlas in Russia Evaluating Povetkin

Atlas (pictured above) autographing a boxing glove while at a book signing, is currently in Russia working with heavyweight Alexander Povetkin.

Renowned trainer Teddy Atlas is currently in Russia evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of highly rated, 29-year-old heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin who has a record of 17-0, 12KOs.

Atlas arrived in Moscow over the weekend. He is going to work with Povetkin for the next week-and-a-half to determine whether he feels he can develop the skills of the 2004 Olympic games gold medal winner.

Atlas is known as a demanding task master and he has walked away from several big name heavyweights in the past who have not followed his strict doctrine. Chief among them were Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs, Michael Moorer, Kirk Johnson and Michael Grant.

But after several years away from training fighters while concentrating on his duties with ESPN, Atlas has apparently been swayed by the Povetkin's handlers. The fighter is promoted by Sauerland Events who are based in Germany.

Atlas announced on last weekend's ESPN2 Friday Night Fights that, “Povetkin's people had contacted me a few weeks back and asked me about the possibility of me going out to Moscow to train him. To work with him, to train him for a two week trial period. An evaluation period to see how we would work together, to see whether or not I thought he was coachable and whether or not I think he could pick up certain things where I think he needs to – as far as developing, a little bit, his boxing IQ, so to speak.”


Povetkin has won all of his fights thus far. It may become Atlas' job to steer him to the heavyweight championship.

After winning an Olympic medal in Athens, Greece in 2004, Povetkin took nearly a year off to decide his professional future. After weighing multiple offers from several high-profile promotional firms, he eventually sided with Wilfred Sauerland. Part of the way that deal is structured is that Povetkin fights primarily in Germany, but he trains in Russia.

While Povetkin has adequately progressed over the past four years (he is the #1 ranked contender by the IBF and WBO and #6 by the WBC) the common belief in the industry is that were he to face either Klitschko brother for one of their titles in his next fight he would likely lose.

It will be Atlas' job to determine whether he believes Povetkin can improve enough in a short amount of time so that he can mount a serious challenge for a heavyweight belt. Sauerland is on record as saying, “We don't want Alexander to simply fight for the championship, we want him to win it.”

Atlas is very familiar with Povetkin's capabilities. He was ringside as a color commentator for the NBC network for all of Povetkin's 2004 Olympic bouts. However, Atlas is not elaborating except to say, “Ive agreed to go out there...I'm going to spend, probably around ten days, in training every day and evaluating what he has to do to get better and working on those things.”


June 2009

Iron Man 2 Movie

Iron Man 2 is an upcoming 2010 movie film, based on the Marvel Comics. It is the sequel to 2008's first Iron Man movie. The main actor is Robert Downey, Jr. reprising the title role. The Iron Man 2 movie will be released on May 7, 2010. In an interview, Jon Favreau also stated that Stark's revealing of his identity is taking its toll on him. Favreau revealed their version of Iron Man's comic book nemesis the Mandarin, while S.H.I.E.L.D. will continue to have a major role. During development, Favreau said the film would explore Stark's alcoholism, but it would not be "the Leaving Las Vegas version". Downey said, while promoting the first film, that Stark would probably develop a drinking problem as he is unable to cope with his age and Pepper getting a boyfriend. Before filming began, Downey revealed that while the film was not an adaptation of Demon in a Bottle, it was more about the "interim space" between the origin and the Demon story arc. There will be three major action sequences in the film. This film is directed by Jon Favreau.

Iron Man 2 Movie

Iron Man 2 is an upcoming 2010 movie film, based on the Marvel Comics. It is the sequel to 2008's first Iron Man movie. The main actor is Robert Downey, Jr. reprising the title role. The Iron Man 2 movie will be released on May 7, 2010. In an interview, Jon Favreau also stated that Stark's revealing of his identity is taking its toll on him. Favreau revealed their version of Iron Man's comic book nemesis the Mandarin, while S.H.I.E.L.D. will continue to have a major role. During development, Favreau said the film would explore Stark's alcoholism, but it would not be "the Leaving Las Vegas version". Downey said, while promoting the first film, that Stark would probably develop a drinking problem as he is unable to cope with his age and Pepper getting a boyfriend. Before filming began, Downey revealed that while the film was not an adaptation of Demon in a Bottle, it was more about the "interim space" between the origin and the Demon story arc. There will be three major action sequences in the film. This film is directed by Jon Favreau.

The King of Pop Died

Music industry mourns the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson an American popular singer, dancer, and songwriter, known for his dancing style, slight physical appearance, and unprecedented popular success. Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. At the age of five he joined his brothers' singing group and then known as the Jackson 5 and later renamed the Jacksons. Michael's dancing ability as well as his singing skills made him the group's leader. The group became very popular, recording albums and making personal and television appearances. Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills home and when the paramedics arrive they were unable to revive him. When paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back. Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived. A cardiologist at UCLA tells that Jackson died of cardiac arrest. Law enforcement officials are also looking for any foul-play. The police opened an investigation into Jackson's death. They stressed there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing but that they would conduct interviews with family members and friends. A large crowd gathering outside the hospital showing sympathy and mourns the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Some of Jackson's music was being played by the fans outside the hospital.

The King of Pop Died

Music industry mourns the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson an American popular singer, dancer, and songwriter, known for his dancing style, slight physical appearance, and unprecedented popular success. Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. At the age of five he joined his brothers' singing group and then known as the Jackson 5 and later renamed the Jacksons. Michael's dancing ability as well as his singing skills made him the group's leader. The group became very popular, recording albums and making personal and television appearances. Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills home and when the paramedics arrive they were unable to revive him. When paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back. Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived. A cardiologist at UCLA tells that Jackson died of cardiac arrest. Law enforcement officials are also looking for any foul-play. The police opened an investigation into Jackson's death. They stressed there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing but that they would conduct interviews with family members and friends. A large crowd gathering outside the hospital showing sympathy and mourns the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Some of Jackson's music was being played by the fans outside the hospital.

Don't Let the Smile Fool You

Baby-faced contender Victor Ortiz was all smiles earlier this week when he worked out in front of the press in Los Angeles.

He might just be the most famous person ever born in Garden City, Kansas.

And that's saying something considering the fact “Vicious” Victor Ortiz has only boxed 87 rounds as a professional prizefighter. He has yet to win a world boxing title, although he'll take the first step on that journey tonight when he faces Argentina's Marcos Maidana for the interim WBA 140-pound title. While he's still a baby in fistic terms and he's still cutting his teeth in the world where they punch for pay, Victor Ortiz is one of the most promising young prospects in the sport of boxing today.

Now aligned with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, the similarities between he and “The Golden Boy” are an inevitable fact of his life. Photogenic, engaging, amiable and outgoing are just some of the same complimentary adjectives that have been used to describe the young southpaw with a record of 24-1-1, 19KOs. He does remind you a bit of Oscar, too, especially when he smiles or when he chuckles at his own good fortune.

He looks younger than 22, and it would be a safe bet to say that it's not necessary for him to break out the Barbasol and a Gillette razor every morning in order to keep his baby face looking the way it does. The big silver watch he wears, the one that looks like it might be a Rolex, give him the appearance of a son that may have raided Dad's jewelry box. Since when does such a young kid worry about time?

At this early stage of his career, only four years removed from graduating from high school, Ortiz already seems more relaxed in front of the cameras and microphones than De La Hoya perhaps ever did. It's obvious that Ortiz is ready for the fame that is coming his way and he's comfortable in the spotlight.


Ortiz is promoted by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. The pair are pictured above displaying their pearly whites.

He is on the verge of the proverbial “big time” as tomorrow night he will appear on HBO as the headliner at the STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles. With success coming relatively quickly, Ortiz has managed to remain grounded because of his middle American upbringing and his humble Kansas roots.

“I always go back home, back to Kansas, after a fight,” says Ortiz who fights out of Oxnard, California. “After my fights, I'll go back home and maybe I'll look like I've been in a fight, but I just like to go back home. That's where I was brought up and that's where I'm from.”

When the ill-fated main event between WBA featherweight titlist Chris John and challenger Rocky Juarez fell apart earlier this week because of an irregularity discovered with John's blood, the promoters were left with little choice but to elevate the Ortiz vs. Maidana fight to the top of the bill.

“You know, it's kind of crazy and it's kind of nuts for this to have happened,” said a smiling Ortiz. “The fight is on HBO, I'm finally going to be headlining something. My career is definitely coming together and things are falling into place for me. This is something that I've always looked forward to and have always worked towards. I mean, I grew up watching fighters and fights on HBO and now it's me.”

If Ortiz comes away with a win tomorrow night, which is no sure thing since his South American opponent has a record of 25-1, 24 KOs (with 21 of those knockouts coming in three rounds or less) he will likely find himself in a major title fight situation before this year closes out. There are a multitude of talented fighters at or around the 140-pound division and the opportunities for attractive match-ups with some of the biggest names in the sport are limitless.


Ortiz and Maidana will meet again tonight under vastly different and less friendly circumstances.

“It's a world championship on the line and I just turned 22,” emphasizes Ortiz. “So, I'm staying hungry and I'm keeping on top of my game because I know there are a lot of guys out there that are very hungry right now, too. (Insert Pacquiao, Hatton, Mosley, Cotto, Khan, etc., etc. here) When you think about it, whoever is in my way is not going to be a walk in the park for me.”

And speaking of walks in the park, Maidana will likely not be a tip-toe through the tulips. Most fighters you see that come from Argentina don't cry for you - and they are usually wild bull types who rush ahead with wide, powerful punches. That being the case, Maidana looks to be straight from central casting. Aside from his impressive pro credentials, “El Chino” was an accomplished amateur who won the 2002 and 2003 Argentine nationals. He was a quarter finalist at the 2003 world amateur championships and he just missed the 2004 Olympic games after dropping a competitive decision to Philadelphia's Rock Allen in a semi-final match-up.

Despite the fact that most of these types of showcase events with young Golden Boy prospects on HBO are generally one-sided mismatches, this one could be different and Ortiz admits as much.

“Hey, I'm fighting a guy that is going to be very, very tough,” he says. “I mean, Maidana has a record of 25-1 with 24 knockouts, so I think it's going to a pretty good night. He'll come to fight and I think he'll fight hard.”

So how did such a nice kid, with such a bright smile, wind up with such a “Vicious” nickname? Ortiz claims it goes back to his amateur days when he was only 16 and he beat 43 other fighters in the 132-pound open division at the 2004 Olympic Trials.

“I was one the youngest fighter in the tournament and maybe the youngest in the history of it. I was knocking out men back then,” he says. “From then on I've been known as 'Vicious' Victor Ortiz."

So don't let the smile fool you.


June 2009

Arum Thinks Juan Manuel Lopez is the New Star

Juan Manuel Lopez is blossoming into a bright flower of a prizefighter. Bob Arum thinks the sky could be the limit for him.

Bob Arum has promoted a multitude of of mega-events and superfights in his 40 plus years in boxing, and he promises to continue doing so. But in order to have a mega-event a fighter first needs to be nurtured and developed. This weekend Arum is promoting “Latin Fury 9” a pay-per-view event that will take place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The centerpiece of the show will be Arum's new jewel, 25-year-old Puerto Rican sensation Juan Manuel Lopez, who will defend his WBO 122-pound title against Olivier Lontchi.

Arum is of the opinion that Lopez (25-0, 23KOs) will be the next big thing in boxing. But first, “Juanma” as he has come to be known, has to get by the undefeated Lontchi (18-0-2, 8KOs) who was born in Cameroon but now resides in Montreal and is known as the “Canadian champion.”

“Puerto Rico has produced so many great champions,” Arum said earlier this week. “The list is endless, but of course there is the great Wilfredo Gomez, Wilfred Benitez, “Tito” Trinidad and just last week you saw such a tremendously gutty performance in Madison Square Garden from Miguel Cotto. Now we've got Juan Manuel Lopez.”

Arum, 77, who has been around long enough to have promoted Muhammad Ali, is of the opinion that he will be able to build the young Lopez into another in the long line of his major attractions.

“I've got another one here now,” said Arum of Lopez. “He comes from the same town as Miguel Cotto – Caguas, Puerto Rico – and now he's the new star on the horizon out of Puerto Rico. His people really love him and it's almost like magic.”

Arum is of the opinion, that in the years to come, Lopez will be as big an attraction as Cotto is now. One of the ideas mentioned by the tireless promoter is to eventually put Lopez into the main event at Madison Square Garden on the eve of New York City's annual Puerto Rican Day parade. It's a spot thought to be exclusively reserved for Cotto, but Arum, ever the fistic visionary, one day sees that as a night that may instead be reserved for Lopez.

“As you know, we have a commitment to bring a major fight to the Garden the night before the big parade,” said Arum. “Now we have another great Puerto Rican star who will be able to fill the Garden like Miguel did. I'm very excited because this kid has everything. He's a boxer, he's a puncher and he's a nice, nice young man. He's a great family man and he represents all of us proud to be in boxing.”

Arum has had Lopez appear twice in “The World's Most Famous Arena” and both times it was on the undercard of Cotto fights on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Lopez is an exciting fighter with a good punch and no opponent has been able to last the distance with him in over three years

“Puerto Ricans adore this kid,” says Arum. “And now we have another really great Puerto Rican star.”


June 2009

Arreola Making a Play for the Klitschko Brothers

Dan Goossen is going to begin making a pitch for Chris Arreola (pictured far left) to face one of the heavyweight champion Klitschko brothers.

Promoter Dan Goossen, his fighter Chris Arreola and trainer Henry Ramirez are set to meet the press Thursday morning during a luncheon at Sisley Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, California.

It is no secret that Goossen and Arreola are now beginning their campaign to land a fight with either of the heavyweight champion Klitschko brothers; Vitali (WBC) or Wladimir (IBF/WBO).

Goossen has been around the boxing game for most of his life and he is, as they say, “striking while the iron is hot” in an effort to get his man a heavyweight championship fight. That effort begins in earnest this week as Goossen is making a play to get his man front and center for a title bout.

With news that Vitali Klitschko does not have to face Oleg Maskaev in his next fight, and as a result can fight whoever he likes next, the opportunity is there for Arreola who is currently ranked as the #1 contender by the World Boxing Council. While Goossen has made it known they would be willing to fight either brother, the most likely scenario for Arreola is a match against Vitali.

One date that that has been mentioned for the fight with Arreola is September 12th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. With Arreola hailing from just 60 miles down California 91 in Riverside, he would be expected to draw fairly well in L.A.

At age 28, Arreola is undefeated at 27-0, 24KOs and has fought the majority of his fights in “The Golden State.” However, in facing Vitali he would be taking a huge step up in competition considering his opponents thus far have mostly consisted of the unproven, untested and unranked.


Arreola has stormed to a #1 ranking and is now on the verge of a title shot.

Klitschko, who will turn 38 next month, is no stranger to the Staples Center or Los Angeles. He has resided in the city in the past and he fought Lennox Lewis there in 2003 and Corrie Sanders in 2004.

Vitali made a lot of fans in the city when he resurrected himself against Lewis in Los Angeles. Some in the press had labeled him “Quits-chko” for what they perceived as a non-effort in a stoppage loss due to a shoulder injury he suffered against Chris Byrd in 2000. But after the Lewis fight in L.A. that sentiment changed. Klitschko fought gamely with a serious cut that ultimately caused the fight to be stopped, but he gave Lewis all he could handle.

The word from Goossen and Arreola that will be expressed on Thursday is that they are ready, willing and able to take a fight against Vitali if a satisfactorily monetary deal can be put together. The fight, were it to take place, is likely headed for HBO.

However, Klitschko has a couple of other opponents in the running with England's David Haye, who had to pull out of a fight scheduled for last weekend against Wladimir because of a back injury. Another name being mentioned as a possibility is WBA regular champion Nikolai Valuev of Russia.

Goossen is obviously aware that other opponents are in the mix – it's now his job to make a public case that Chris Arreola should be the obvious choice.


June 2009

Kawanishi N1K

The Kawanishi N1K Kyōfū (強風 "Strong Wind", Allied codename "Rex") was an Imperial Japanese Navy floatplane fighter. The Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (紫電 "Violet Lightning") was an Imperial Japanese Navy land-based version of the N1K. Assigned the Allied codename "George", the N1K-J was considered by both its pilots and opponents to be one of the finest land-based fighters flown by the Japanese during World War II.

General characteristics

Crew: 1

Performance

Maximum speed: 369 mph (594 km/h)

Armament


4 × 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Mk 4 cannon in wings. 200 rounds per gun (up from 100 rounds per gun internally and 70 rounds per gun in underwing boots for the early N1K1-J). The 20×101 mm round had an effective range of 1,000 m (3,280 ft) and a muzzle velocity of 700 m/s (2,297 ft/s). The 128 g shell had 6-8% HE. Rate of fire was about 500 rounds/min per gun. The guns were synchronized to converge at 200 m (656 ft).
2 × 250 kg (551 lb) bombs
2 × 400 L (105 gal) drop tanks

Klitschko and Chagaev Deserve a Hand

Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev squared off for the press earlier this week in Germany.

I've shaken the thick, meaty hand of Ruslan Chagaev, so I hope I'm not at risk.

The American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians came out of nowhere yesterday and claimed that Chagaev should not be allowed to fight Wladimir Klitschko tonight in Germany because he has tested positive for Hepatitis B antigens.

The supposedly positive test was enough for officials last month in Finland to have called off Chagaev's WBA heavyweight title fight against Nikolai Valuev. The AAPRP is of the opinion that it is hazardous to your health to get within a few feet of Chagaev when he is engaged in gloved combat, lest you, too, become infected with Hepatitis B.

However, the medical uncertainties that surround Chagaev like throngs of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad protesters don't seem to bother the German officials too much.

The fight, as they say, “Ist auf!” which translated for you unilingual readers means, “Is on!”

It will all go down tonight in front of over 60,000 spectators and for the first time in over half a decade the outcome will hopefully produce a mostly unified heavyweight champion that will hold the title belts of the IBF, WBA and WBO.


Klitschko, 6'6 1/2" tall at 240 pounds and Chagaev, 6'1" tall at 225 display the wares they will be fighting for tonight in Germany.

Whatever the case with Chagaev and his health concerns, and although he's smallish by today's heavyweight standards, I can testify he has hands like catcher's mitts. Gripping his right hand is like dunking your hand into a bucket of foam rubber. Whether any of that means anything and whether any of that will help him upset Klitschko remains to be seen.

But the hands may play a part in all of this, at least as far as Chagaev is concerned.

“At this point, what is going to happen on Saturday is in God's hands,” said Chagaev. “I don't want to talk too much more except to say that I want to let my hands speak in the ring.”

The undefeated Chagaev (25-0-1, 17KOs) has a tendency to fight down to the level of his competition – an underachiever - if you will. He's the type of fighter that often does just enough to win, and little more. At 30-years-old he's young by today's low heavyweight standards and if he is to make a move this will be the time to do it. Should he fail miserably against Klitschko, then it is difficult to view an upside for him.

“This is the big chance for me,” said the oft-injured Chagaev at a recent press gathering. “This is the most important fight of my career and I understand that. I want to fulfill my dream and I really do want to win this fight.”


Chagaev has held the WBA heavyweight title since April 2007, but because of injuries he has only fought twice since then.

To do so, Chagaev will have to wage a disciplined, tactical and patient battle. He will have to come in behind his southpaw jab and move his head to get under Klitschko's punches. His best chance for victory will be to apply constant pressure while getting under and away from Klitschko's very educated left hand. If Chagaev is to win, he will have to take away Wladimir's jab. Otherwise he'll be stuck on the outside looking in and if he is kept at the end of Klitschko's long arms he will lose.

“I prepared intensively for the fight against Valuev,” said Chagaev. “After the cancellation, I had to forget about everything. I had to put all of the bad thoughts aside and think positive. My training plan did not change, because Nikolai is big and heavy and so is Wladimir. As such, for me, it's not a big difference. Therefore, it's no problem for me. After the cancellation, I took a few days break, then I got the fight and ever since then I've been in hard training. Wladimir is perhaps the world's best boxer, he has two belts, but I have more motivation, because if I win I'll have three belts.”

Klitschko's trainer, Emanuel Steward, who traveled over 8,000 miles from Germany to New York City and back last weekend (to call the Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey fight on HBO on Saturday, and then give a speech at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York on Sunday for inductee and former pupil Lennox Lewis) thinks that his charge has a great chance to do big things this weekend.


Emanuel Steward (right) puts Klitschko through one of his final workouts before today's big fight.

Steward, who usually rings the alarm bells in a frantic fashion when his man is going in with any fighter that has a heartbeat, sounds confident about Wladimir's chances. Klitschko's bout against David Haye was canceled because of a back injury suffered by Haye, so the availability of Chagaev was perfect timing.

“To tell you the truth, I'm very excited about this fight,” said Steward. “I think this is the best fight that could have been made on such short notice. When the Haye fight was canceled, Wladimir said, 'Get me a fight with whoever you can. I'm going to fight on June 20th because if I don't we're going to disappoint a lot of people.'

"I don't think Chagaev being a southpaw is going to be a problem because Wladimir has already fought and beaten several left-handed fighters," Steward continued. "It's a different style than the Haye fight because Haye is much more of an explosive puncher, but I truly feel this will be a better fight than the one with Haye would have been.”

As for the amiable Chagaev, who said he was “crushed” and “devastated” when the Valuev fight was canceled at the 11th hour, he likes his own chances and is just happy to be in a meaningful fight.

While he and David Haye are totally different fighters from a stylistic standpoint, they are also polar opposites in terms of temperament. Whereas Haye is full of caustic and hurtful one-liners, Chagaev is soft-spoken, humble and has even been described as “quiet.” When asked for his thoughts on Klitschko, he would say only this:

“He is a good, friendly man and a good boxer. What happens inside the ring is just business.”

And for Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev, two heavyweight nice guys, they deserve a hand for accepting this big fight at the last minute.


June 2009

The Left 4 Dead 2 is coming

Are you afraid of the zombies? Are you trigger happy and want to kill and shot dead people? If you already feel the suspense, excitement and thrilled by the first Left 4 Dead video game, try these new versions of Left 4 Dead 2. The new Left 4 Dead 2 is the sequel to the best-selling and critically-acclaimed co-operative multiplayer thriller, promises to set a new benchmark for co-operative action games. It’s a much larger game than the original. It was developed by Turtle Rock Studios, which was purchased by the Valve Corporation part-way into development. The game uses the Counterstrike Source engine, and is available for PC Windows and the Xbox 360. Set for release on November 17, the game adds melee combat to enable deeper co-operative game play, with items such as a chainsaw, frying pan, axe, baseball bat, and more. Featuring new Survivors, boss zombies, weapons, and items, Left 4 Dead 2 game offers a much larger game than the original with more co-operative campaigns, more versus campaigns, and maps for Survival mode available at launch. Left 4 Dead 2 is targeted for release on Xbox 360 and the PC on November 17, 2009.Feel the excitement of surviving with your team against those zombies in the game. If you want more watch the new Left 4 Dead thriller.

The Left 4 Dead 2 is coming

Are you afraid of the zombies? Are you trigger happy and want to kill and shot dead people? If you already feel the suspense, excitement and thrilled by the first Left 4 Dead video game, try these new versions of Left 4 Dead 2. The new Left 4 Dead 2 is the sequel to the best-selling and critically-acclaimed co-operative multiplayer thriller, promises to set a new benchmark for co-operative action games. It’s a much larger game than the original. It was developed by Turtle Rock Studios, which was purchased by the Valve Corporation part-way into development. The game uses the Counterstrike Source engine, and is available for PC Windows and the Xbox 360. Set for release on November 17, the game adds melee combat to enable deeper co-operative game play, with items such as a chainsaw, frying pan, axe, baseball bat, and more. Featuring new Survivors, boss zombies, weapons, and items, Left 4 Dead 2 game offers a much larger game than the original with more co-operative campaigns, more versus campaigns, and maps for Survival mode available at launch. Left 4 Dead 2 is targeted for release on Xbox 360 and the PC on November 17, 2009.Feel the excitement of surviving with your team against those zombies in the game. If you want more watch the new Left 4 Dead thriller.

"The Shark" Bites Back at Jean Pascal

WBC light heavyweight titlist Adrian “The Shark” Diaconu responded to challenger Jean Pascal's comments that appeared yesterday on this website.

In the piece, Pascal essentially dismissed Diaconu, his abilities and his title. Pascal said that he will win easily on Friday night when the two meet for Diaconu's title belt at Montreal's Bell Centre. Pascal also talked about a sparring session from several years ago, before he even turned pro, in which he claims he got the better of Diaconu.

“Listen, talk is cheap,” said Diaconu who hails from Romania but now, like Pascal, resides in Montreal. “Come the time of the bell the time for talking will be over. When it comes time to fight there won't be any room for him to say too much and there won't be any time for talking.”

Diaconu is undefeated with a record of 26-0, 15KOs. He has been a pro for eight years but is largely an unknown, even among those that follow the sport of boxing closely. Few in the industry have seen him fight and those that have admit to only seeing brief clips of his bouts on YouTube.

Diaconu says his style, “Is like Mike Tyson's, who is my idol. I'm also a four-time world amateur champion. The thing about me is that I can fight anywhere in the world and feel comfortable,” said Diaconu who has fought in the U.S., Canada, Romania and Germany.

The thickly built Diaconu seemed mostly amused by Pascal's comments, especially about the sparring session that he was apparently on the wrong end of.

“I honestly don't remember too much about what happened back then,” said Diaconu. “I remember he was an amateur, still. I seriously don't remember that much about it.” The best guess is that the sparring session took place at least five years ago before Pascal had turned pro and well before Diaconu had become the WBC 175-pound belt holder.

Diaconu says he has trained very hard for this fight and that he plans on sticking to the course of action that he and his team have developed to defeat Pascal. He is expecting many friends and supporters from Romania to cheer him on, although he admitted that Pascal will likely have more fans in attendance than he will.

And like “Broadway” Joe Namath, who “guaranteed” that his New York Jets football team would beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, Diaconu is making the same proclamation for his fight against Pascal.

“I want to tell you something,” said the likable Diaconu. “I'm ready to go. I'm going to guarantee a win and I'm looking for a great fight, a fight for the fans. I like for the people to remember me like a great champion. Boxing has given me everything that I have. All I know is boxing.”


June 2009

Jean Pascal Ready for All-Montreal Showdown

Jean Pascal is of the opinion that this Friday night in Montreal will be his night.

Challenger Jean Pascal says he is more than ready to take on WBC 175-pound titlist Adrian Diaconu at Montreal's Bell Centre on Friday night.

It will be one of the biggest fights to have ever been contested on Canadian soil and the arena is sure to be sold out when the two fighters, who both call Montreal home, clash for the title.

The 26-year-old Pascal, who was born in Haiti, is pumped for the fight in his hometown and he is outspoken about what he is going to do when the bell rings against Diaconu who was born in Romania.

“For me, fighting is a business and some of it is show business to be honest with you,” explained the vocal Pascal who spoke with BoxingScene on Tuesday. “Montreal is my city, my town. I'm the boss here and I'm going to show all my fans why I am the boss of this place.

“I think I'm stronger at light heavyweight than I was at 168,” said Pascal who has a record of 22-1, 15 KOs. Pascal's only loss came last year at the hands of Carl Froch in a super middleweight title fight.

“I'm not going to have to dry myself out, I can eat what I want,” he said. “It'll make me stronger so I can go to war and so I can bang away. Don't you worry about me, I'll have lots of energy to knock this guy out. You'll see.”


Diaconu wears the WBC light heavyweight belt. He also calls Montreal home and is an undefeated fighter.

Many are questioning whether Pascal, who is stepping up from 168 pounds, is ready to make the adjustment to the new weight division against the undefeated Diaconu who has a record of 26-0, 15KOs. Diaconu has waged most of his career at light heavyweight and he scaled 186 pounds in his most recent bout.

“Look, I've already fought at 175 earlier in my career,” answered Pascal when asked whether fighting the bigger man was a concern. “I've fought up that high a while ago and because I'm a true fighter it doesn't matter. It's not that much of a weight difference. I feel like I'm one of the elite fighters in the world and I'll show you that on Friday.”

Pascal also took a moment to send some criticism Diaconu's way and essentially called him a paper champion.

“He didn't fight Chad Dawson to get the WBC belt he has,” said Pascal. “He fought to become the mandatory and then they gave him the belt because he won the mandatory fight.” (against Chris Henry) “He didn't fight the real champion to get the belt.”

Pascal also claimed that when he was still an amateur fighter on his way up and Diaconu was a professional that they sparred. Pascal says he told everyone about it and that he got the best of the man he will fight on Friday night.

“He says he doesn't remember what happened,” says Pascal. “I'll tell you what happened – I kicked his butt – that's what happened that day. He probably does want to forget about it.”


June 2009

Cotto Gets a Gift in the Garden

Miguel Cotto enters the ring under the big top circular roof at Madison Square Garden - The World's Most Famous Arena.

NEW YORK – Let's say this right off the top – Miguel Cotto received a gift with a decision win over Joshua Clottey tonight.

Peering through blood and with a hideous, jagged gash that tore open his left eyebrow in the third round, courtesy of an unintentional clash of heads, Cotto obtained the split-decision win on the cards of two of the three official judges and escaped to go on to a possible mega fight against Manny Pacquiao.

Judge John McKaie saw it 115-112 for the defending WBO welterweight champion, Don Trella was way off base at 116-111 also for Cotto, whereas Tom Miller had it 114-113 for Clottey. This writer scored it 115-113 for Clottey.

CompuBox counted Clottey as landing more punches (222-179) with the decided edge in power punches (168-124). Cotto landed one more jab (55-54).

There was a lot of talk over the weekend about this fight. No matter where you went or who you asked, everybody had an opinion about who was going to win and who was going to lose. With the annual Boxing Writers Association of America dinner held here on Friday and the big fight on Saturday there was no shortage of boxing types kicking around town.

The entire occasion brought out all the big, old-time boxing names. Can you say Pete Hamill, Leonard Gardner, Budd Schulberg, LeRoy Neiman and Bill Gallo? With an electric night inside Madison Square Garden it made you realize what it must have been like when newspapers were king and boxing was the biggest game in town.

The only one missing was A.J. Liebling – and I think Joe would have loved it.


Abbott Joseph Liebling in his office at The New Yorker. "Joe" as his friends called him, was the greatest boxing writer that has ever lived.

The general consensus going in was that Cotto would come away with the win- most thought by way of decision. The difference, most surmised, was that Cotto simply possessed a higher gear, one that Clottey couldn't hope to match.

But Clottey proved to everyone, nearly a full house at Madison Square Garden and an HBO television audience, that he does indeed possess a higher gear. It seemed that tonight, it was the man from Ghana that landed the harder punches and came forward most of the fight.

“Yeah, I won the fight,” was all an exasperated and disappointed Clottey could say when it was all over. He tried to leave the ring immediately after the decision was announced, but was coaxed into staying and giving his comments. He was unmarked.

It was a raucous, festive atmosphere inside the Garden (music, banners, flags, colorful hats) on the eve of the city's annual Puerto Rican Day parade. The cheer that went up for La Borinquena, the national anthem of Puerto Rico, was ear-splitting. The Puerto Ricans booed the Ghanian anthem but cheered for Manny Pacquiao who was here in the house as though he were one of their own.

When Cotto made his way into the ring the ovation was deafening. He was carried to the ring with a tidal wave of support and as usual, he was all business. Clottey, who has a proud heritage to Ghana's Ga tribe was definitely in enemy territory.

The first round was a feel out if there ever was one with each man landing jabs. Surprisingly, Cotto put Clottey down at the end of round one with an innocuous looking jab. Clottey seemed as though he may have been a bit hurt by it, but he did rise on steady legs. Cotto, 10-8


Clottey was decked in the first round, but he came back like a house afire to give Miguel Cotto the fight of his life.

The second round was closer, but Cotto seemed to do more work and was looser. He let his hands go nicely and scored well when he punched. Cotto, 10-9

In the third Cotto was not as light on his feet and he stayed in the pocket more. Clottey hit him with left uppercuts and left hooks to the body. Right at the end of round, the two fighters clicked heads and Cotto came away with a deep cut over his left eye. Clottey, 10-9

The fourth saw Cotto bothered by the blood from the cut over his left eye. Clottey got the better of the action and was not bothered by Cotto's punches. Clottey backed Cotto up. With 30 seconds to go in the fourth Cotto seemed to hurt Clottey and the fight exploded with good two-way action. Clottey, 10-9

The fifth round saw Cotto getting hit flush. The blood stopped early. He was not seeing the right hand that Clottey was throwing. Cotto could be seen shaking his head and wiping away blood. Cotto threw or Clottey fell to the floor. Clottey down. Manny Pacquiao standing up during the break in action and watching Cotto intently. Clottey got up after a break and took over the remainder of the round. Clottey, 10-9

The sixth saw Clottey do his own version of rope-a-dope and his strategy seemed to be to make Cotto wear himself out. Cotto's primarily because of Clottey's inactivity. Cotto, 10-9


Cotto was cut, horribly so, over his left eyebrow. The blood was an impediment to his vision and he had a hard time seeing Clottey's right hand shots.

In the seventh Clottey did very good work. He delivered sharp punches. A big uppercut backed Cotto up. Cotto took a lot of heavy punches. Clottey controlled the ring and Cotto took many hard punches to the body and head. Clottey, 10-9

The eighth saw Cotto laying along the ropes not landing anything with power. The Puerto Rican crowd senses danger and begins chanting “Cotto! Cotto!” Cotto seemed weary, was bleeding heavily and his punches didn't seem to be hurting Clottey. Clottey, 10-9

The ninth round saw Clottey still coming forward. Cotto went back to the ropes ropes. Cotto not the same man that I saw beat Zab Judah two years ago. Cotto's punches are not moving Clottey. Clottey, 10-9

Cotto did the sign of the cross before coming out for the tenth. This was the lowest action round of the fight. There was a vicious exchange at the end of the round. Cotto landed with a big left hook, Clottey fires back. Even round

In the eleventh, Cotto could be seen shaking his head to get blood out of his eyes. The crowd against is chanting “Cotto! Cotto!” Cotto is not the type of defensive whiz that can fight effectively with his back on the ropes like fellow countryman Wilfred Benitez used to do. Cotto has a granite chin as Clottey hit him with some tremendous punches. Any other welterweight in the world would be on the floor. Clottey, 10-9


Cotto reels after getting hit with one of Clottey's shots. It was a brutal fight in which both boxers were pushed to their mental and physical limits.

In the final round, Clottey walks into a right hand. Crowd roaring, “Cotto! Cotto!” Cotto boxing smartly. He nails Clottey with a rabbit punch. Referee Arthur Mercante, Jr. who did a great job tonight calls time for Clottey to recuperate. Action resumes and Cotto is warned for a low blow. Clottey stalking. Cotto, 10-9

Most of the same people that were milling about afterwards were split in their view as to who won the fight. Manny Pacquiao and Bob Arum were smiling as Cotto could be next.

Cotto looks beatable now. He's not the same machine that he was before the Margarito fight. He may now be damaged beyond repair.

All-in-all, a good night of fights in a city that still does boxing better than any city in the world.

Joe would have loved it.


June 2009

TOP 20 Torrent Sites of 2009

Bittorrent networking is the most popular form of P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing. Since 2006, Bittorrent sharing has been the means of choice for users to trade software, music, movies, and digital books online. Bittorrents are very unpopular with the MPAA, the RIAA, and other copyright authorities, but are much beloved by millions of college and university students around the planet.

Below were 20 of the most popular sites that offer limitless software, music ,movies, and everything. After all this is what is Internet is all about...Gudnyt everyone and enjoy thiese sites. Remeberyou must have at least a file sharing application like BitTorrent to use these sites.

1. Isohunt.com In a shocking turn of the tables this September, the Isohunt webmaster is counter-suing the Canadian music industry. He is claiming that previous copyright violation suits against him were unfounded, and that he is entitled to have his legal expenses recovered. Read the entire story at www.isohunt.com.



2. The Pirate Bay
   News Flash, April 18, 2009: the Stockholm district court has sentenced the four Pirate Bay founders to a year in prison, and over $USD 3.5 million in fines. This is as punishment for violating their country's copyright laws. More on this shocking court ruling here...



3. Demonoid.com is back online! After legal conflicts in April of 2008, they have reestablished themselves outside of the USA. Demonoid is still a private community, and members are held liable for any leeching that their invited friends do in this community. If you are lucky enough to get a Demonoid membership, invite your friends carefully, lest you lose your own membership.



4. Torrentz.com (special thanks to reader, Jonathan R., for this link)



5. Bitsoup Bitsoup is a growing favorite amongst P2P downloaders.



6. BiteNova (formerly known as “Bi-Torrents”, BiteNova is a free Torrent site with a spartan look and fast searching format.)



7. Torrentmatrix.com



8. Torrentscan.com (a "meta-search" engine, which is a search engine that searches other search engines)



9. Torrentportal.com



10. Torrents.to



11. Mininova.org Mininova is the successor to Suprnova, one of the original big torrent databases of the Web.



12. YouTorrent.com Still in beta testing format, this new torrent site claims to be the largest legal torrent search engine today. Accordingly, the result sets are much smaller than the "pirate" counterparts, but definitely try this site for yourself.



13. Torrentbox.com FYI: like Isohunt, Torrentbox is being sued by the MPAA as of February 28, 2006. The days for this fine search engine may be numbered.



14. FileMP3.org



15. BTjunkie



16. Torrentreactor.to (Torrentreactor has made a comeback from a hijacking and an uncooperative hosting service. They have moved to a different server setup and a Tonga country domain outside the USA. Read the details on their home page.)



17. TorrentTyphoon.com (this database is up for sale, if anyone is interested in running a torrent service)



18. Yotoshi.com



19. Torrentspy.com March 24, 2008: Torrentspy has voluntarily closed its doors. Instead of conforming to the American court mandates to change their privacy policies, the Torrentspy team has opted instead to cease operations. A sad day for downloaders everywhere.



20. Snarf It! (currently offline finding a new home)

Global Warming will Kill Us All

When we say the end of the world, we just really mean the end of the human race. The world itself will carry on as it has for billions of years before the first man walked the earth. Or should the end come in the form of humongous asteroid that crushes the planet or a black hole that gobbles it up into nothingness, chances are life will prevail. Just not life as we know it. But then we don’t really need a menace from outer space to send us to kingdom come, do we? We’re plenty enough to handle as it is. Evolution need not run its course to see Homo sapiens go the way of the dinosaur. Notwithstanding our species’ lofty claims to rational thought, we are on the fast track to extinction and have only ourselves to blame. No kidding – it will be game over for us sooner or later. And going by a recent US study on Global Warming, sooner it more like it. Global Warming, increase in the average temperature of the atmosphere, oceans, and landmasses of Earth. The planet has warmed (and cooled) many times during the 4.65 billion years of its history. At present Earth appears to be facing a rapid warming, which most scientists believe results, at least in part, from human activities. The chief cause of this warming is thought to be the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which releases into the atmosphere carbon dioxide and other substances known as greenhouse gases. As the atmosphere becomes richer in these gases, it becomes a better insulator, retaining more of the heat provided to the planet by the Sun. Read Countdown to Extinction, our feature on the havoc we’ve wrought on the planet and find out why the clock is ticking

Global Warming will Kill Us All

When we say the end of the world, we just really mean the end of the human race. The world itself will carry on as it has for billions of years before the first man walked the earth. Or should the end come in the form of humongous asteroid that crushes the planet or a black hole that gobbles it up into nothingness, chances are life will prevail. Just not life as we know it. But then we don’t really need a menace from outer space to send us to kingdom come, do we? We’re plenty enough to handle as it is. Evolution need not run its course to see Homo sapiens go the way of the dinosaur. Notwithstanding our species’ lofty claims to rational thought, we are on the fast track to extinction and have only ourselves to blame. No kidding – it will be game over for us sooner or later. And going by a recent US study on Global Warming, sooner it more like it. Global Warming, increase in the average temperature of the atmosphere, oceans, and landmasses of Earth. The planet has warmed (and cooled) many times during the 4.65 billion years of its history. At present Earth appears to be facing a rapid warming, which most scientists believe results, at least in part, from human activities. The chief cause of this warming is thought to be the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which releases into the atmosphere carbon dioxide and other substances known as greenhouse gases. As the atmosphere becomes richer in these gases, it becomes a better insulator, retaining more of the heat provided to the planet by the Sun. Read Countdown to Extinction, our feature on the havoc we’ve wrought on the planet and find out why the clock is ticking

F4F Wildcat

The Grumman F4F Wildcat was a carrier-based fighter aircraft that began service with both the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy in 1940. Although first used in combat by the British in Europe, the Wildcat was the only United States Navy or Marine fighter in World War II 1941-42 in the Pacific Theater besides the brief appearance of the F2A Buffalo. With a top speed of 318 mph, the Wildcat was outperformed by the more nimble 331 mph Mitsubishi Zero, but its ruggedness and tactics such as the Thach Weave resulted in a air combat kill-to-loss ratio of 5.9:1 in 1942 and 6.9:1 for the entire war.

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Performance

Maximum speed: 331 mph (531 km/h)
Armament


Guns: 4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns, 450 rpg
Bombs: 2 × 100 lb (45 kg) bombs and/or 2 × 58 gal (220 l) drop tanks

Plastic Eating Micro-Organism discovered

It's not your average science fair when the 16-year-old winner manages to solve a global waste crisis. But such was the case at last month's May's Canadian Science Fair in Waterloo, Ontario, where Daniel Burd, a high school student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute, presented his research on microorganisms that can rapidly biodegrade plastic.
NOTE: a bit of confusion... there are TWO high school students who discovered plastic-consuming microorganisms. The first was Daniel Burd (last year). The second was Tseng I-Ching (last month), a high school student in Tawain.

Daniel had a thought it seems even the most esteemed PhDs hadn't considered. Plastic, one of the most indestructible of manufactured materials, does in fact eventually decompose. It takes 1,000 years but decompose it does, which means there must be microorganisms out there to do the decomposing.

Could those microorganisms be bred to do the job faster?
That was Daniel's question which he put to the test by a very simple and clever process of immersing ground plastic in a yeast solution that encourages microbial growth, and then isolating the most productive organisms.

The preliminary results were encouraging, so he kept at it, selecting out the most effective strains and interbreeding them. After several weeks of tweaking and optimizing temperatures Burd was achieved a 43 % degradation of plastic in six weeks, an almost inconceivable accomplishment.

With 500 billion plastic bags manufactured each year and a Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch that grows more expansive by the day, a low cost and nontoxic method for degrading plastic is the stuff of environmentalists' dreams and, I would hazard a guess, a pretty good start-up company as well.

NOTE: to the comment below. Yes there are certainly methods for decomposing plastic, but most are chemical in nature not organic, requiring high temperatures and chemical additives to cause the plasticizers to vaporize, for instance this patent on PVC extraction. There have been several successful bacteria based solutions developed at the Dept. of Biotechnology in Tottori, Japan as well as the Dept. of Microbiology at the National University of Ireland, but both apply only to styrene compounds.

It goes without saying that these discoveries need to be tested to ensure, for instance, that the bi-products of organic decomposition are not carcinogenic (as in the case with mammalian metabolism of styrene and benzene). The processing of plastics by these methods would also have to be contained in highly controlled environments. So, no, we're not talking about a magic panacea or a plastic-free paradise, but the innovative application of microorganisms to break down our most troublesome waste products is nevertheless a major scientific breakthrough.

Joshua Clottey Wants to Make it Here

NEW YORK – Frank Sinatra said if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Tomorrow night against Miguel Cotto inside the ring at Madison Square Garden, Joshua Clottey gets his chance to make it.

In this melting pot of a city that is filled with equal parts of ego and ambition, Clottey via Accra, Ghana via the Bronx is putting everything he has fought for over the past 14 years on the line. He will do so against Cotto, arguably the world's best welterweight.

Clottey will have to overcome long odds, an arena that will be filled to the rafters with Cotto supporters and the lingering doubt of those in the know that think he may come up empty handed when he makes the big grab for the brass ring.

To be clear, the night is all about Miguel Cotto. His appearances in the big room at the Garden on the eve of the city's annual Puerto Rican Day Parade are designed as a showcase. It is Cotto that has fought here in the main event five times and five times he has come up a winner. With a record of 33-1, 27 knockouts and with the only loss coming last summer at the tainted hands of Antonio Margarito, Cotto is on the precipice of mega-fights against Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

But Joshua Clottey, who turned pro in the dusty rings of the Ivory Coast in West Africa, cut his fistic teeth in England and then hopped a flight to the United States in 2003 to live out his dream as a champion prizefighter - doesn't think much about what it is Cotto can do and what Cotto has done. His thoughts are about a world that will be filled with endless possibilities should he manage to spoil the best laid plans of promoter Bob Arum and his men.


Miguel Cotto (left) and Joshua Clottey met up to hype the promotion for their title fight at Madison Square Garden.

That Joshua Clottey is even here, on this stage, is an accomplishment in itself. A great number of his countrymen scrape out a meager existence in squalid conditions and they subsist on about a dollar per day. He has fought through problems with managers, promoters and injured hands to get here and he is of the mindset that all of that simply prepared him for tomorrow night.

“To be frank with you, this is the opportunity in which I will never allow anything to slip away from me,” said an animated Clottey through his thick African accent. “I really want to fight with Miguel Cotto and that is what boxing is supposed to be all about – the best fighting the best.”

Even though the 32-year old Clottey has been a world-class and highly ranked fighter for the past few years he has not always had an easy time in coaxing other fighters into the ring with him. He has a busy, come ahead style and he holds his hands and arms in such a way that makes him difficult to hit. He likes to punch when his opponent stops punching and he has a sturdy chin that allows him to take the chances he needs to take. In his long career, he has only lost twice, a disputed disqualification to former welterweight champ Carlos Baldomir and to Cotto's arch-nemesis, Margarito.

It's the Margarito fight that he wishes he could do over again. He did well early in the bout but ended up injuring both hands and dropping a competitive unanimous decision. Margarito steered clear of him and moved on to bigger things and Clottey bristles with the fact that he didn't receive the opportunity for a rematch.


Clottey hits the pads and breaks a sweat during a workout earlier this week in New York City.

“My hands are good now,” he says as he thinks about what might have been against Margarito. “If I were to fight Margarito again it would be a different story because I am a much better fighter now. But in this fight, I want it so much, that even if something was wrong with my hands, I would still fight.”

Clottey has been in a long training camp for this fight, squeezed his body down to a low weight early on and he did it because he knows a win means everything for him. He has also spent a great deal of time thinking about the style Cotto will implement and he feels that the Puerto Rican bomber may turn into a runner.

“I know that Miguel Cotto is a good fighter,” surmises Clottey as he puts his chin in his right hand. “But if he tries to fight me with the same styles he has fought with other fighters, it is going to hurt him. I think the problem that I'm going to have tomorrow night is Cotto coming to the ring and actually fighting me.”

Clottey thinks that Cotto may turn into a mover against him, similar to what he did with Antonio Margarito in the early rounds.

“Look, I have no idea what style he is going to use against me. In his last fight [a 5th round kayo win over Michael Jennings] he was very cool and calm. I don't know if that will work against me to be honest with you. But if he runs like he did against Margarito, then there is going to be a problem for him, because I'm not going to allow him to run away from me, you understand? Maybe he will come to trade punches.”


Cotto took his training to the streets and put on a show for his thousands of fans in the city.

Cotto is the betting favorite to win on Saturday night, but none of that comes as a surprise to a man that fought his first pro fight in Accra, Ghana. “He's the champion, so he's the favorite,” says Clottey.

But even if Clottey loses tomorrow, in a way, he has already won. None who were spectators on that night in Africa when Clottey turned pro could have ever predicted that the 18-year old Clottey would find himself here, in New York, on a world stage, 14 years later. He has beaten big names such as Diego Corrales and Zab Judah and he did manage to win the IBF welterweight title against Judah.

For his part, Clottey claims he doesn't spend the time in his life thinking about the past or things he has no control over. However, what he says he does have control over is what will happen inside the ring tomorrow night in the building that is known simply as “The World's Most Famous Arena.”

“I think about my boxing career more than anyone else,” he says. “I have always just wanted to fight the best. Today, they say that Miguel Cotto is the best, but we will see, we will see. Even if I am going to lose he will have to fight me to make it happen and that's all I ever wanted. I want the best from my opponent. But I will tell you this, he will have to fight me to beat me.”

In speaking to Clottey, you realize there is a certain calmness about him. He has a lifetime of experience and he has the patience to have waited this long for his big shot. Despite a career filled with disappointments, injuries and near misses none of it has broken him down.

“You know something?” he asks. “I feel something inside of me when I am hitting a guy. But you know if you don't finish the job, the job will finish you.”

And for Joshua Clottey, the job isn't quite finished.


June 2009

Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Marquez

To all boxing Fans watch Mayweather vs. Marquez fight on July 18, 2009. Few hours before the Pacquiao vs. Hatton fight Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr., announces his retirement at a theater in MGM Hotel. After 17 months of retirement Mayweather decided to return in boxing ring. The unbeaten Mayweather Jr. 39-0 with 25 knockouts, an outspoken American welterweight champion announcing a comeback fight in July and reclaiming his pound-for-pound throne. According to Mayweather: "Line 'em up and I'll knock 'em down!” very strong words but many boxers are now lining up to challenge if Mayweather is as strong as his words. The first in line to test is Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez. Marquez 49-4-1 with 36 knockouts, is the World Boxing Association lightweight champion, will move up in weight for the bout, likely to be staged at a limit of 143 or 144 pounds even though Mayweather would not say exactly what catch weight would be used. Mayweather has return to his boxing career, but also putting his undefeated record on the line when faces the one of the dangerous and highly touted five time world champion in three weight division Juan Manuel Marquez in Mayweather vs. Marquez fight this coming July 8, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather vs. Marquez bout is an exciting fight that all Filipino boxing fans should be watch. This Mayweather vs. Marquez match will determine the future match with our very own boxing star Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Marquez

To all boxing Fans watch Mayweather vs. Marquez fight on July 18, 2009. Few hours before the Pacquiao vs. Hatton fight Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr., announces his retirement at a theater in MGM Hotel. After 17 months of retirement Mayweather decided to return in boxing ring. The unbeaten Mayweather Jr. 39-0 with 25 knockouts, an outspoken American welterweight champion announcing a comeback fight in July and reclaiming his pound-for-pound throne. According to Mayweather: "Line 'em up and I'll knock 'em down!” very strong words but many boxers are now lining up to challenge if Mayweather is as strong as his words. The first in line to test is Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez. Marquez 49-4-1 with 36 knockouts, is the World Boxing Association lightweight champion, will move up in weight for the bout, likely to be staged at a limit of 143 or 144 pounds even though Mayweather would not say exactly what catch weight would be used. Mayweather has return to his boxing career, but also putting his undefeated record on the line when faces the one of the dangerous and highly touted five time world champion in three weight division Juan Manuel Marquez in Mayweather vs. Marquez fight this coming July 8, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather vs. Marquez bout is an exciting fight that all Filipino boxing fans should be watch. This Mayweather vs. Marquez match will determine the future match with our very own boxing star Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

Hatton's Decision on Future is Over Due

This punch landed by Manny Pacquiao knocked out Ricky Hatton for several minutes. It may also have sent him into retirement.

It's been nearly six weeks since Manny Pacquiao knocked Ricky Hatton cold in Las Vegas, and since then “The Hitman” has been vague in regards to his future plans as a prizefighter. He was expected to have announced by now whether he will hang up the gloves for good or continue on.

A month ago Hatton said, “That I'll know better in a couple weeks,” when it came to his future. But so far he has made no announcement which is leading many to speculate that he is struggling with his decision.

In the meantime, Hatton has spent time away on a family vacation and he recently opened a new, state of the art $4 million health and fitness gym in Hyde. He is also beginning a boxing promotional company in which he hopes to sign some big name talent.

Whispers emanating from the Hatton inner circle indicate that his family, particularly his soon to be wife Jennifer Dooley, and his mother Carol, are hoping that he chooses the retirement option.

Hatton's father, Ray, said last month that whatever his son decides the decision will be all his. “Well, the thing is, Ricky is now 30 years old and it's a big decision to make. For us, for his family, whatever decision he makes, we'll be behind him all the way.”

Hatton has mentioned that if his decision is to retire that he will have lots on his plate to keep his mind off actually fighting. He would like to open more gyms and he is moving full steam ahead with his boxing promotional company.


Jennifer Dooley, Ricky's soon to be wife, looked on in horror and agony when he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao.

Gareth Williams has been named CEO of Hatton Promotions and he says they are ready, willing and able to make an immediate impact. They have already signed a deal with Sky Sports for eight future broadcasts.

“If there are any fighters out there who aren't under a promotional arrangement with somebody else, then we are now in the market and in the business to speak with those fighters,” said Williams. “We're close with Golden Boy Promotions and it's exciting times for British fighters. We believe we can offer the best of British talent a great opportunity, not only here in England, but also in America.”

With millions in earnings over the past few years, a record of 45-2, 32 knockouts, and having won multiple title belts at 140 and 147 pounds, many think now may be the best time for Hatton to call it a day.

Hatton, however, told Sky Sports that he wants to make the right call on his future.

“It was hugely disappointing to lose the way I did,” he said. “What I need to do, before I make any decision, is to let the dust settle, spend some time with my family and make a decision when my mind is in a little bit better place.”


June 2009

Little Ivan Confident of a Big Win

Ivan Calderon will be on the big stage this weekend in the Big Apple.

WBO light flyweight titlist Ivan Calderon, all 108 pounds of him, is confident of victory and believes he'll be successful in making the fourth defense of his belt on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Calderon's bout is the chief support to the Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey WBO welterweight title fight and his opponent is Rodel Mayol from the Philippines. Most aren't giving Mayol much of a shot of upsetting the undefeated Calderon who has a record of 32-0, 6 knockouts and is beginning to find his way onto several of boxing's pound-for-pound lists.

“I barely know a thing about Mayol,” the 34-year old Calderon said this week. “All I really know about him is that he's a righty, he's four inches taller than me and I've heard that he has a very good left handed punch.”

The 27-year old Mayol is a five-time Philippine amateur champion who began his career with 22 straight wins before losing in his first shot at a title against Eagle Kyowa in 2006. He also lost in a title bid to Ulises Solis in 2007. But what is interesting about Mayol is that although he lost both championship fights, most who know him say that he is a much better fighter than given credit for and that his losses can be blamed on bad management.

Prior to his fight against Kyowa he didn't sleep the night before the fight due to travel issues and just prior to the fight against Solis he was abandoned by his then Japanese manager. Mayol held his own against Solis despite the fact in the days and weeks before the fight he had little sparring, and only had enough money to eat once a day.

Mayol, who has a pro record of 25-3, 19 knockouts, hasn't fought since last August. But his managerial contract was recently purchased by Manny Pacquiao which helped to get him the shot against Calderon who, like Pacquiao, is promoted by Bob Arum. Also good for Mayol is that he trained for this fight at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym and by all accounts he is in excellent shape. Pacquiao even sent one of his camp members, Buboy Fernandez to watch over Mayol's preparations.

Calderon is a slick southpaw who has held some version of a world title since 2003 but he has little power.

“I'm just going to do what I always do,” said Calderon, a consummate pro who has been on weight at 108-pounds for well over a week. “I'm not going to change anything now. We'll see what he does and what he can do and then I'll go from there.”


June 2009