Press Release - 1st June 2009

The battle between two former Cruiserweight World Champions, Steve 'USS' Cunningham (IBF) and Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite (WBC), is a mouth watering prospect in itself, but when you add into the equation that the winner will earn the right to face current Champion, Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek, in the mandatory defense of his IBF title later this year, you just know that it's going to be one seriously exciting, all-action affair with "Fight of the Year" potential plastered all over it in capital letters.

Now if that isn't enough to get every boxing fan salivating at the prospect, the heavily armed destroyer, 'USS' Cunningham, announces that he has added even bigger guns to his already power packed arsenal by enlisting, "Trainer of the Year" and fight strategy maestro, Naazim Richardson, to prepare him for the fight.

Richardson, without doubt the hottest property in the business today after masterminding and coaching the magnificent victories of Bernard Hopkins over Kelly Pavlik and 'Sugar' Shane Mosley over Antonio Margarito - in the latter also famously discovering the tampering of Margarito's wraps, has been working with 'USS' Cunningham since March this year, at The James Shuler Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia, as the former Cruiserweight King prepares for his long awaited IBF title eliminator against former WBC Cruiserweight Champion Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite, which will be on the under card of the Joseph Agbeko-Vic Darchinian Bantamweight title fight, on July 11th.

To read full release please click here...

News Update: - 29th May 2009

It's Official - Tomasz Adamek vs. Bobby Gunn!!!

OK, have to admit to writing a rather scathing article for Boxing Republic, Diamond Boxing and FightHype on the original news that Tomasz Adamek was going to face Matt Godfrey for his second title defense at The Prudential Center on July 11th. All I can say is it is lucky they didn't announce this fight then as it would have been unprintable.

I am going to keep my thoughts to myself and just say that Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek will now be facing club fighter Bobby Gunn instead on July 11th.

No major television company has taken up the fight so unless you want to cough up a load of dosh to see the slaughter at the 'Rock' you will not get to see this, let's just say major mismatch.

News Article - The Bolton News - 9th May 2009

Maccarinelli makes his base in Bolton

By Liam Chronnell

ENZO Maccarinelli has picked Bolton as his new base to plot his way back to reclaiming his world title.

The Welsh cruiserweight has split with long-term trainer Enzo Calzaghe after his career stalled badly following two defeats in his last three fights.

But Maccarinelli is convinced he can once again rule the world and has joined forces with Bolton-based trainer Karl Ince to help him in his quest.

The former WBO champion began a seven-week training camp at Elite Boxing Gym on Mayor Street on Monday as he prepares for his WBO intercontinental showdown with unbeaten Russian Denis Lebedev at London's O2 Arena on June 27, on the undercard of Amir Khan's world-title fight with Andriy Kotelnik.

And the Maccarinelli believes Ince is the man to lead him back to the big time. "I trust Karl and trust is a big thing for me," said 28-year-old. "My career has stalled ridiculously and I felt I was ready for a change. I like the way Karl works and so far things have gone really well."

To read full release click here...

News Update: - BadLeftHook - 1st May 2009

Adamek-Godfrey likely for July 10

Matt Godfrey is most likely the next opponent for cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek. The fight would take place on July 10 in Newark.

When HBO passed on a fight between cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek and light heavyweight contender Glen Johnson, the hope was that Showtime or someone could rescue that bout. Turns out, according to Dan Rafael, that Showtime just doesn't have the money in its budget to make that bout.

With Adamek scheduled to return on July 10 at Newark's Prudential Center, which has become his fighting home, it looks now like his opponent will be 28-year old American Matt Godfrey. Adamek says he's 99% sure Godfrey will be his opponent. The fight will likely end up on one of those "special" Shobox broadcasts, the night before Vic Darchinyan's fight with Joseph Agbeko on Showtime.

Godfrey, from Providence, has fought most of his career in the northeast, but did venture over to Germany to face Rudolf Kraj last year. Kraj beat Godfrey via unanimous decision (115-113, 116-113, 117-111) in a WBC eliminator. Godfrey has a career mark of 18-1 with 10 knockouts.

It's not to blast Godfrey as a bad opponent, because he's not, but he's not a really good one, either. He's roughly the same level of opponent that Johnathon Banks was for Adamek -- decent resume, American, good record, and Adamek should be the very heavy favorite. It's not Adamek-Hopkins or Adamek-Johnson, let's put it that way.

For anyone wondering, Steve Cunningham is still without a fight on the docket

News Update: - Boxing Scene - 27th April 2009

By Rick Reeno - Boxing Scene

Adamek vs. Johnson is Turned Down By HBO

BoxingScene.com has learned that HBO took a pass on the proposed cruiserweight bout between IBF champion Tomasz Adamek and former light heavyweight champ Glen Johnson. I hear the deal for the fight is practically done. All the fight needs is a television date. Adamek vs. Johnson has "action" written all over it. Hopefully Showtime picks up the fight.

HBO really dropped the ball by passing on last Saturday's fight between Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch. HBO's loss was Showtime's gain. The fight was a smoker and every person I know is raving about it. Instead of Taylor-Froch, HBO televised the super bantamweight bout between Juan Manuel Lopez and Gerry Penalosa, which in all honestly was a physical mismatch on paper and proved to be a physical mismatch in the ring.

News Update - 27th April 2009

Ola Afalobi Ready to fight.

According to his promoter Dino Duva, newly minted WBO cruiserweight champion Ola Afolabi will make the initial defense of his title on either June 20th in Canada versus Troy Ross or the following week against Denis Lebedev on the Andreas Kotelnik-Amir Khan undercard in England.

Press Release - 17th April 2009

Former British, Commonwealth and WBU International Cruiserweight Champion Bruce 'Lionheart' Scott, along with six of his fellow seven contestants in Prizefighter 7 - The Cruiserweights tournament, that takes place at Earls Court on Tuesday 19th May 2009, were all together for the first time in one place when they attended a press conference held by the promoter of the series, Barry Hearn of Matchroom Sports, aboard HMS Belfast moored on the River Thames close to the iconic Tower Bridge in London.

Bruce's six fellow combatants, all former champions, as is the seventh, Mark Krence (who failed to make the press conference having had the misfortune of being stuck in a traffic jam on the infamous "car park" laughingly called the M1 Motorway) were Commonwealth Champion Darren Corbett (27-4-1), British and European Champion Terry Dunstan (20-2), British, Commonwealth and European Light Heavyweight Champion Dean Francis (30-3-1), British Champion John 'Buster' Keeton (26-16), British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion Neil Simpson (26-18-1) and British Southern Area Champion Micky Steeds (12-4).

Click here for full release...

News Update - Fight News : 17th April 2009

Marco Huck vs Vitaliy Rusal on May 9

Marco "Captain" Huck (24-1, 19 KOs) will make a third defence of his European Cruiserweight Title in Bamberg on May 9 when he takes on Vitaliy Rusal. The 28-year-old Ukrainian, ranked 12th by the WBA, is unbeaten in 23 fights (16 KOs). "Rusal has never left the ring as the loser," coach Ulli Wegner warned. "He is a strong boxer who knows how to fight. Marco needs to be on full alert. He must not underestimate him. I will make sure he will be well prepared.."

Huck, who last knocked out Geoffrey Batello in January, has set his sights on his 25th victory. "I am proud to be the European champion and I want to defend my title," he stated. "I am keen to defeat Rusal but I know that it will not be easy."

The 24-year-old has only the best memories of Bamberg. "In 2007 I defeated Vadim Tokarev in an IBF eliminator," he stated. "The crowd was great and really gave me a boost. I look forward to returning."

Also in action will be EE-EU light-middleweight champion Alexander Abraham (24-0, 16 KOs) and Alexander Frenkel (16-0, 12 KOs) as well as hard-hitting Cuban Yoan Pablo Hernandez (18-1, 11 KOs), who takes on Aaron Williams (19-1, 13 KOs).

Press Release - 13th April 2009

Hackney, London based Jamaican Cruiserweight, Bruce 'Lionheart' Scott, (27 (18 KOs) wins - 9 (4 KOs) losses) , returns to the ring, on the 19th May 2009 at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, after a three year sabbatical from the sport.

The former British, Commonwealth and WBU International Cruiserweight Champion is in training, under the watchful eyes of eminent coach, John Rooney Jnr. at Gleason's Gym near Tower Bridge, in preparation for the upcoming Cruiserweight knockout tournament which is part of the highly acclaimed Prizefighter series.

After a grueling training session Scott spoke of his return and his future Championship aspirations "I've been training hard for the Prizefighter series. It's an exciting format. Barry (Hearn) has made it a huge success. It's good for the fighters and the fans. I want to win it then go for the British title again."

Beaming at the thought Scott went on to say "Yeah, I want the British title. Rob Martin (the current British champion) didn't want to fight me when I was champion so it would be great to get a match with him after I win the Prizefighter. I'll make this a great victory and have a lot more coming. Maybe this could be the greatest comeback in British boxing history. "

Click here for full release...

News Update - Fight News : 6th April 2009

Arslan injured; Huck fight off!

Former WBA cruiserweight champion Firat Arslan from the Spotlight Boxing Team has had to pull out of his May 9th European title shot against Marco Huck of the rival Sauerland Event Team due to an injury to his left foot. Arslan suffered a stress fracture in the foot back in January that seemed to have healed, but the foot has not responded well to the demands of a full training camp and a continuation of his pre-fight preparations was not possible. "Until recently I had hope that this injury was healed up and I could fully get through the preparations for the fight against Marco Huck. Now, however, I have a medical training ban and need to ensure my future health. I hope that the injury completely heals and then I can line up the next title chance. I'm very sorry for my fans. They have given me so much encouragement over the last few months and everyone was cheering me on for the fight against Marco Huck. I'm sure that I'll come back very soon and be ready to box Marco for the title!"

Fight News - FightNews.com - 3rd April 2009

Ramirez-Ismailov rescheduled!

By Alexey Sukachev

A fight for a full version of the WBO cruiserweight title between the newly crowned champion Victor Emilio Ramirez (14-1, 12 KOs) and WBO #12 Azerbaijani veteran Ali Ismailov (15-1-1, 11 KOs) is no go on April 11 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. "Two weeks ago we received documents which confirmed that Ramirez had sustained an injury during his training camp", explained Alexander Yagupov, Ismailov's representative and vice-president of Jab Promotions. "We hope to get a new version of the contract in coming days. The new date is still to be defined exactly but the first week of May seems to be the biggest possibility. The fight is signed and the preparation is under way for Ali. The only feature to be changed is the date."

News Update: - Boxing Scene - 26th March 2009

By Rick Reeno - Boxing Scene

Glen Johnson Willing To Replace Hopkins, Fight Adamek

One door closes and another door opens. During the last few weeks negotiations were ongoing to make a cruiserweight fight between Tomasz Adamek and Bernard Hopkins for July 11 on HBO. As most know by now, negotiations fell apart when Hopkins refused to budge from the monetary terms that were presented to Adamek's promoter Kathy Duva. Golden Boy Promotions [where Hopkins is a partner] was only offering Adamek a "flat fee" of $500,000. Adamek, and many people in the industry, found the offer insulting.

Well, one former champion has stepped forward, ready and willing to replace Hopkins. Former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson is open to moving up in weight to challenge Adamek for the IBF cruiserweight title. Johnson has no issue with giving Adamek the lion's share of the money. Last April, Johnson surprised everyone by nearly derailing the undefeated run of rising superstar Chad Dawson. The same Chad Dawson that thoroughly dominated Adamek in February 2007. Based on their styles, Adamek vs. Johnson would be a very physical fight.

Click here to read full article...

Press Release - 27th March 2009

RAN NAKASH Vs. DAVE BRUNELLI IN MUCH APRIL 3RD AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

PHILADELPHIA (February 20, 2009)-On Friday night, April 3rd one of more intriguing matchups to have hit Philadelphia in a long time will take place when undefeated Israeli sensation, Ran Nakash battles former Heavyweight prospect and extremely popular Dave Brunelli in the eight round Cruiserweight main event of an exciting night of boxing at The Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia

The great card is promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc.

This fight harkens back to the days where great ethnic battles between Jewish and Italian fighters were commonplace in the sport of boxing.

Nakash of Haifa, Israel has not only become a staple at The Legendary Blue Horizon but he has become one of the most popular fighters in Philadelphia.

This will be his ninth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon as he has won his previous eight fights at the Blue with five knockouts. Overall Nakash is 17-0 with thirteen knockouts.

To read full press release click here...

News Update: - Boksing News 24/ESPN - 26th March 2009

By Dave Lahr: - Boxing News 24

Hopkins vs. Adamek Fight Dead on Arrival

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, the perspective bout between boxing legend Bernard Hopkins (49-5-1, 32 KOs) and IBF cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek (37-1, 25 KOs) is dead on arrival, because Main Events and Golden Boy were too far apart in their negotiations. The word is that Golden Boy was only offering Adamek a pitiful flat fee of $500,000 for the fight, which would be split between Adamek and his promotional company Main Events, whereas Hopkins and Golden Boy would get an estimate $4 to $4.5 million for the fight.

Kathy Duva, the owner of Main Events, reportedly felt that they were being treated as "chumps", because Adamek makes $500,000 for his regular fights and should expect more if he were to be facing Hopkins. She proposed a percentage split of the revenue, but that reportedly was rejected by Golden Boy Promotions.

Click here to read full article...

News Article - 22nd March 2009

Byrd is back...As a Cruiserweight and he wants Adamek!

by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Chris Byrd is back, last night he fought on the Klitschko-Gomez undercard as a cruisereweight. The quickly arranged bout came about after the superb work Byrd had been doing in camp as a sparring partner for Vitali Klitschko.

Former IBF heavyweight champion Byrd controlled the early going, confidently out boxing his opponent, Mathias Sandow, throughout the first three rounds.

In the fourth Sandow unloaded a wild assault on Byrd pinning him in the corner. The partisan crowd went wild expecting an early victory from their home-boy.

Sandow paid the price through. Byrd turned the tables on him eventually pushing him in to his own corner before punishing the German with viscious hooks and uppercuts before the referee intervened at 1:30 of Round four.

Byrd, whose record is now 41-5-1 (22 KOs), is clearly eager to secure a title shot as he said. "I don't need a chain of fights to build up my confidence, Tomasz Adamek is the man at cruiserweight and I want to fight him as soon as we can get it on."

Press Release - 19th March 2009

In February '08 legendary Heavyweight boxing champion of the world Smokin' Joe Frazier simply said "She's going to be the Champ." and his son former Heavyweight contender Marvis said "Marianne is the hardest working (training), committed fighters I have seen in a long time. She's very hard for any fighter to deal with. She's strong, fast and accurate, has lots of combinations and punches hard, so hard it's like being hit by a Heavyweight."

In April '08 Jnr. Middleweight world champion Robert 'Bam Bam' Hines said "Marianne's an exciting fighter who's got it all. One thing for sure she's going to be the Champ...soon."

Then in November '08 IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve 'USS' Cunningham was so impressed with her that he invited her to be part of his team.

Now after various well publicised false starts Philadelphia based English Bantamweight Marianne 'Golden Girl' Marston, who was originally brought to America by the legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin' Joe Frazier in a blaze of publicity, will finally have her long awaited debut, virtually one whole year later than planned, on the undercard of Brian Cohen's WBO Light Heavyweight title fight in South Philadelphia on the 9th May 2009.

To read full release please click here...

News Article - Boxing News 24 - 19th March 2009

Maccarinelli Wants a Rematch With Afolabi

By Manuel Perez:

Former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli (29-3, 22 KOs) was knocked out for the second time in a year, this time by largely unknown Ola Afolabi (14-1, 6 KOs) last Saturday night at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, Lancashire. Maccarinelli, 28, was leading in the 9th when Afolabi, 29, suddenly unleashed a big right hand that dropped Maccarinelli flat on his back. Maccarinelli attempted to get up but staggered around the ring causing the fight to be stopped by referee Terry O'Connor at 1:50 of the round.

Now, it seems, that Maccarinelli is interested in a rematch with Afolabi, and that Afolabi has made a verbal agreement to take give him a badly needed rematch. However, Afolabi, the new WBO interim cruiserweight champion, has other options as well, starting with a title match with full WBO champion Victor Ramirez. That's a fight that Afolabi would likely want to take rather than go over old ground by facing Maccarinelli again.

To read full release click here...

Press Release - 16th March 2009

Former IBF Cruiserweight King Steve 'USS' Cunningham, who lost his crown by close split decision to Poland's Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek after their "fight of the year" nominated battle in December '08, praises Ola 'Kryptonite' Afolabi for his stunning ninth round knockout of former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo 'Big Mac' Maccarinelli on the 14th March to take the vacant interim-WBO title.

'USS' Cunningham, who had offered to be Maccarinelli's opponent for this fight after Detroit's Johnathon Banks pulled out of the bout in February to face current cruiserweight top dog Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek, was clearly impressed by Afolabi's win as he said. "What a great win for Ola, I wish him the best against Ramirez. Being a World Champion is something that every boxer aspires to do, but a very select few actually get that title. I was blessed to hold the IBF Cruiserweight title for two years and I'm going to get it back and then go after the other belts and prove that I am the best Cruiserweight in the world. I have my work cut out for me, but I am ready.

I'm sticking with my plan "Two time in '09"

To read full release please click here...

News Article - 15th March 2009

Afolabi Proves To Be Super Mac's "Kryptonite"

by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Enzo 'Big Mac' Maccarinelli's title aspirations, and possibly his career, were bought to an abrupt end last night at Manchester's M.E.N. Arena when a relatively unknown California based Brit, Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi knocked him out in the ninth round of their WBO interim title battle.

Maccarinelli, who was the bookies 1-20 favourite, started the fight strongly and dominated round after round, constantly pushing forward and pinning Afolabi against the ropes. Playing to Afolabi's strategy, "Big Mac" pulled out every weapon in his arsenal, but as if armour plated Afolabi deflected every bomb with ease and let rip with a few of his own. Late in the third Afolabi landed a cracker of a right that rocked Maccarinelli to the soles of his feet. Luckily for "Big Mac" it was so late in the round that Afolabi couldn't capitalise and finish off the former WBO champ.

The break gave Maccarinelli enough time to regroup and take control again. Maccarinelli landed a glorious left hook that wobbled Afolabi in the sixth. Maccarinelli controlled the seventh and eighth round with ease and looked to be cruising to an easy victory as his challenger had only won one round at this point.

The ninth round started as had the previous eight with "Big Mac" controlling the proceedings and Afolabi absorbing everything Maccarinelli could throw at him. One minute and 50 seconds into the round Afolabi took advantage of Maccarinelli's slack defense and let rip with a huge overhand right that sent the Welshman crashing to the canvas. "Big Mac" beat the count but was clearly in no fit state to continue, leaving referee, Terry O'Connor, no option but to stop the bout.

News Update: - Bokser.org - 14th March 2009

By Michal Koper - Bokser.org

Hopkins vs. Adamek To Take Place on July 11?

According to Polsat TV, that owns the Polish TV rights to Tomasz Adamek, there is a tentative date of July 11 for Adamek to defend his IBF cruiserweight against Bernard Hopkins. New York's Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center in New Jersey are two of the possible venues being discussed.

Golden Boy Promotions, where Hopkins is a partner, and Main Events, who co-promote Adamek, are currently in talks to make the fight a reality.

Press Release - 12th March 2009

Former IBF World Cruiserweight Champion, Steve 'USS' Cunningham gives his view on this weekend's big battle at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester between Wales' Enzo 'Big Mac' Maccarinelli and American-based Brit Ola 'Kryptonite' Afolabi for the interim WBO Title.

World No. 2 ranked Cruiserweight 'USS' Cunningham, who had offered to step in and face Maccarinelli after Johnathon Banks backed out of their planned date to face Cunningham's former foe and current IBF champion, Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek, relishes the thought of No. 5 World ranked 'Big Mac' being victorious as he said. "Man, I'm disappointed that I didn't get to fight Enzo on the fourteenth. It would have been a great fight. I really want to fight in England, the fans there are awesome, just like the Polish fans, they're so enthusiastic.

That aside, this is going to be a real banger of a fight. Ola (Afolabi) is an underrated talent. I don't think this will be as easy as Enzo thinks. Word is Ola can really battle, he's no walk over. No disrespect to Ola, I'm hoping that Enzo wins though, so he gets a shot at Victor (Emilio Ramirez - Current WBO Champ).

To read full release please click here...

Press Release - :10th March 2009

BJ FLORES FACES JOSE LUIS HERRERA ON MARCH 21ST

World ranked cruiserweight BJ "EL PELIGROSO" Flores returns to action on Saturday, March 21st to face Columbian banger Jose Luis "EL PANTERA" Herrera in Pensacola, Florida in a twelve round bout for the NABO Cruiserweight Title.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity, Herrera is a very hard hitting veteran, I saw what he did on ESPN with his great win over Aaron Williams last year and know that I'll have to be at my very best to beat him" said Flores. 'He's a legitimate force in the division and has never gone the distance, either he knocks me out or I knock him out which should make for an action packed fight for the fans."

The Miami based Herrera brings a record of 16-5-1 into the battle with Flores, all of his wins and losses coming by knockout.

The Flores/Herrera bout is the co-main event to "MARCH BADNESS" at the Pensacola Civic Center featuring the return of native son and boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. who will battle Omar Sheika in the main event.

To read more click here...

News Article - Eastside Boxing - 10th March 2009

Enzo Maccarinelli Wants Hide, Adamek, And The Undisputed Cruiserweight Title

by James Slater

There is not long to go now until former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli climbs into the ring for his first meaningful fight since losing quickly and badly to David Haye. Reportedly looking in excellent shape in the gym, the big-punching Welshman says he can't wait to get it on with London-born Ola Afolabi in their interim WBO 200-pound title fight clash..

However, though he says he is not looking past the largely unknown talents of 28-year-old Afolabi, Maccarinelli, also 28, has spoken about his ultimate plans for the future. Enzo, in speaking to The Sun newspaper, made it clear there are three things he craves the most right now: a fight with Herbie Hide, a fight with Tomasz Adamek, and finally, the title of undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world around his waist.

To read full release click here...

Press Release : 10th March 2009

Team Sauerland wins purse bid for Huck vs. Arslan

Marco "Kapt'n" Huck (24-1, 19 KOs) makes his in-ring return in May to defend his European cruiserweight championship against Firat Arslan (29-4, 18 KOs), former world cruiserweight champion. Team Sauerland won the purse bid today in Rome with an offer of 514,000 Euros. "We are delighted that Marco will defend his title on a Sauerland show," General Manager Chris Meyer said of the mandatory defence. "The fight will be staged in May. We will announce the date and the venue within the next two weeks."

"Kapt'n" Huck, who has battered both Geoffrey Batello and Fabio Tuiach in his reign as European cruisweight champion since taking the title from Jean Marc Monrose last September, is very excited to climb into the ring with Arslan. "We are both under contract with German promoters," the 24-year-old said. "That makes the fight very special. It will be very interesting for the German boxing fans. I am really looking forward to it."

Press Release - 9th March 2009

"Trainer of the Year" Freddie Roach training Cruiserweight Contender Ola Afolabi for March 14 World Title Shot in UK

Cruiserweight contender Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi has reunited with elite trainer Freddie Roach for his March 14 showdown against Enzo Maccarinelli for the Interim WBO Cruiserweight Championship at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England.

Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs), who is already in the UK training hard and getting accustomed to the time and climate differences from his home in California, says the addition of Roach has given him a boost. "It makes me even more confident. Who else would you rather have in your corner than Freddie Roach? The knowledge and experience he brings; you can't beat it."

Afolabi says he feels fortunate that Roach was already in the UK working with former Olympian Amir Kahn for his big fight on the same event."We worked together before and what I know is that having Freddie in your corner is a lot better than having some trainer shouting 'use your jab,' especially if things don't go my way at some point. I know that Freddie will have a plan for me. He knows fighters and comes up with actual strategies in the corner. All I have to do is listen to him."

Afolabi's promoter, Dino Duva of Duva Boxing, also welcomes the hall-of-fame addition to the training team."This is the biggest fight of Ola's life and it's a beautiful thing for Freddie Roach to be training him. Freddie has clearly established himself as one of the best trainers in the business and Ola Afolabi is one of the most naturally gifted boxers I have seen in a long time. With Freddie now as his trainer, I believe Ola has the potential to be a great champion for a long time."

Article - 5th March 2009

By Patrick Mullin 411Mania

Why Cunningham vs. Adamek II NEEDS to Happen

The possibilities for boxing lie here...

Perhaps no division in boxing has been as lightly regarded for its entire history as the cruiserweight division. Its inception in the late 1970's was founded on the belief that smaller heavyweights ranging from 176 to 190 pounds were at an unfair disadvantage facing the heavyweights regularly ranging in size from 220 to 230 pounds.

While all time great heavyweights such as Rocky Marciano and Joe Louis would be seen in modern terms as cruiserweights, the fact is that they were heavyweights, and great ones, and forever synonymous with that division. When the cruiserweight division was founded, the fighters were seen as too small to compete with the heavyweights, and not disciplined enough to make the light heavyweight limit. They were merely being granted a division of convenience due to their own physical limitations.

The division has seen changes over the years as well. While the current weight limit is 200 pounds, it was initially 190 pounds, and at some times ranged anywhere from 185 to 195 pounds. It was also at times officially referred to(most famously by the WBA) as the junior heavyweight division, immediately making them seem inferior to the men fighting north of their weight limit.

To read full article please click here...

News Update: Norwich Evening News - 5th March 2009

Exclusive extracts from Herbie Hide's autobiography

He's one of Norwich's most infamous characters and now boxer Herbie Hide has released his autobiography. Nothing But Trouble: My Story covers his colourful life both in and out of the ring. Over the next two days the Evening News will be running exclusive extracts from the book.

"There is a famous football chant, sung on the terraces of The Den by the Millwall supporters, which goes, "No one likes us, we don't care." I know how those fans feel because, for as long as I have been a professional fighter, people have looked upon me as the bad boy of boxing - the pantomime villain whom the audience loves to hate. Even though I have enjoyed a more successful career than all but a handful of Britons, I have never experienced the support and adulation of a Lennox Lewis or a Frank Bruno.

"Don't get me wrong; it's not something I get upset about. In fact, it has its advantages because, wherever I go and whatever I do, people will always be interested.

To read full article in the Norwich Evening News click here..

Press Release - 4th March 2009

Big Mac Gets Beered Up for Afolabi

HOBOKEN, N.J. (March 4, 2009) &endash; Former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli has been working on a unique training method for his March 14th WBO cruiserweight title fight against NABO title-holder Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi, headlined by the showdown between 22-year-old lightweight prospect Amir Khan and Hall of Fame bound multiple world champion, "The Baby Faced Assassin"Marco Antonio Barrera, on pay-per-view love from The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

WBO No. 1 contender Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs) recently revealed his secret for his clash with No. 2 rated Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs), who now has famed trainer Freddie Roach working his corner, for their vacant WBO cruiserweight championship bout &endash; a dozen beer barrels. The Welshman has been lifting, not draining, them to improve his strength and conditioning.

Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the "Khan-Barrera" pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET &endash; 1 PM/PTon cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Veteran blow-by-blow announcer Ian Darke and color analyst, former WBC lightweight champion Jim Watt, will be calling the action from ringside for Sky Box Office and Integrated Sports PPV.

To read full release click here...

Press Release - 2nd March 2009

Steve 'USS' Cunningham Praises Tomasz Adamek's Knockout Victory

Former IBF Champion, Steve 'USS' Cunningham was ringside at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Friday night supporting his former foe, current champ, Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek, when he faced Kronk fighter Johnathon Banks from Detroit in the first defense of the IBF title.

Adamek secured the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World titles on December 11th '08 with a close split-decision win over the then champion, 'USS' Cunningham, in one of the greatest Cruiserweight battles of all time. The fight had it all, spectacular non-stop action, drama and three knockdowns and was rightly nominated as "Fight of the Year" candidate.

'USS' Cunningham, who later this year is to face former WBC title holder, Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite, in an IBF title eliminator to earn the rematch with Adamek he so eagerly desires, was just as fanatical in his support for the Champion as were the Polish fans that packed the arena.

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