Associated Press: 1:22 AM EST, February 28, 2009

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) &emdash; Tomasz Adamek knocked out Johnathon Banks with a flurry of shots midway through the eighth round Friday night to retain his IBF cruiserweight title.

Adamek (37-1, 25 KOs), making his first defense after defeating Steve Cunningham for the title in December, sent Banks to the canvas with a right early in the eighth round. Banks (20-1) staggered to his feet and referee Eddie Cotton allowed the fight to continue, even though Banks appeared in no shape to go on.

The Polish champion closed in and let loose another flurry that dropped Banks in a heap in the corner, and Cotton finally waived the fight to an end at 1:30 of the round.

"The body punches were crucial because no matter who you are, after a while you start fighting slower," Adamek said. "We knew as the fight wore on he would wear down."

Fighting out of Detroit, Banks started strong and appeared ahead on the scorecards through four rounds. A right hand stunned Adamek in the opening round, and the champ went stumbling back toward his corner in the fourth after a right-left combination.

To read full release click here...

Press Release: 25th February 2009

The always-exciting Tomasz Adamek will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight title against undefeated Johnathon Banks in the main event this Friday, Feb. 27, on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

To read full press release click here....

Press Release - 17th February 2009

Steve 'USS' Cunningham Supports Old Foe Adamek.

When Jersey City's Polish ex-pat Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek defends his IBF Cruiserweight title, on the 27th February 2009, against Detroit's Johnathon Banks at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; he will have an unexpected supporter cheering him on ringside, former Cruiserweight King Steve 'USS' Cunningham.

On the 11th December '08 former Light Heavyweight champion Tomasz Adamek secured the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World titles in a close split-decision win over the then champion, Steve 'USS' Cunningham. In the end it was so close no matter which way the decision went there couldn't and wouldn't be any complaint. The fight had it all, nonstop action, drama and three knockdowns, and as such was hailed by many in the media as "Fight of the Year" candidate and the greatest Cruiserweight fight of all time, no mean feat when the previous holder of this accolade was the awesome 1986 war between the legendary Evander 'The Real Deal' Holyfield and Dwight Muhammad 'Camden Buzzsaw' Qawi.

'USS' Cunningham, who later this year is to face former WBC title holder, Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite, in an IBF title eliminator, explained his reasons for supporting his old foe and gave his thoughts on the upcoming Adamek-Banks battle. ""I'm looking forward to watching this. It should be a good fight. Their styles call for action. Johnathon seems like he can crack. He can take them as well as throw them. And Adamek, is tough, he's a good solid, fighter.

To read the full press release click here...

Press Release: 12th February 2009

Hide Trashes Wilson Challenge

After Matt Godfrey had to pull out of his WBC final elimination bout against Herbie Hide scheduled for March 6 in Cuxhaven, Germany, Darnell "Ding-A-Ling-Man" Wilson started calling out the "Dancing Destroyer" for an eight-rounder.

"Darnell Wilson can't be serious," said Hide. "He must have some 'Ding-A-Ling' in his head. Isn't he the man who just lost in Singapore to Ehinomen Ehikhamenor, a guy I clearly outclassed last year? How dare this kid calling me out?

"Wilson, listen son, if you want to come and play with the big boys do your homework first. You are coming of two straight losses and got nothing to offer. I am lined up for a final elimination bout. You can come and do sparring with me if you want.

"If you're interested in a thorough thrashing from the 'Dancing Destroyer' &endash; how much do you want to pay for it? If you bring some money to the table, I might give you a good lesson. Otherwise start beating mediocre guys before you try to compete at the top level."

Press Release - 10th February 2009

Afolabi: "This is my Coming-out Party!" The Era of Ola begins March 14

Cruiserweight contender Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) is hosting a party on March 14, the day he faces former champion Enzo Maccarinelli for the Interim WBO Cruiserweight Championship at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester.

"This is my coming out party!" grins the 28-year-old London, England-born Nigerian currently living in California. "He (Maccarinelli) makes his base there, but what people may not know is that the UK is my home country too. I am coming home to win the title!"

For Afolabi's promoter, Dino Duva of Duva Boxing, being able to negotiate a world title shot for his fighter means letting the rest of the world in on something he's known for a long time. "Ola is the best kept secret in boxing, but after March 14 he will no longer be a secret. Ola is the best cruiserweight in world and fighting Enzo Maccarinelli is the way to prove it."

Duva also admits he's pleased by the Maccarinelli camp's willingness to face Afolabi. "Ola has always had trouble getting fights because real boxing people know how talented he is. I want to thank Enzo and his promoter Frank Warren for their professionalism in honoring Ola's position as the leading available contender - it's going to be a great fight!"

"I'm getting this shot at a perfect time for me. I'll finally get the chance to show I'm the real deal," adds Afolabi. "I'm going in as an underdog, but I know I'm going to win. He's not as good as people make him out to be and he's in trouble.Look out for the best kept secret in boxing!"

Press Release - 9th February 2009

Steve 'USS' Cunningham to face Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite

Former cruiserweight king, Steve 'USS' Cunningham, is close to securing his first opponent, Guyana's Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite, in his quest to regain the IBF cruiserweight crown he lost, by a close split decision, to Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek last December.

'USS' Cunningham, who beat Krzysztof 'Diablo' Wlodarczyk to become the IBF cruiserweight champion in Katowice, Poland in May '07 and successfully defended it seven months later against Marco 'Kapt'n' Huck in Bielefeld, Germany, had been hoping to secure a quick rematch with Adamek of their December 11th "Fight of the Year" nominated classic, but after the announcement that Adamek was to face Johnathon Banks on the 27th February, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, started to look elsewhere.

When the news came through that an opportunity to face former WBC cruiserweight champion, Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite, was available, after BJ Flores decided against facing Braithwaite in an IBF cruiserweight title eliminator bout, 'USS' Cunningham could barely hide his joy as he said. "I am really looking forward to this fight. This is a fight that I expected to happen a few years ago. Wayne is a tough, strong guy. He was a great champ and I expect this to be a great fight.

To read the full press release click here...

News Alert: 9th February 2009

Hide vs. Godfrey postponed

Bad news for Herbie Hide: The WBC Final Eliminator in the cruiserweight division between the "Dancing Destroyer" and Matt Godfrey that was originally scheduled to take place on March 6th in Cuxhaven, Germany, has to be postponed for at least eight weeks because Godfrey suffered a hand injury while preparing for the fight. Nonetheless Hide (46-4, 42 kos) will make his next appearance on March 6th in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be announced.

"I am fired up to get back to Cuxhaven", says Hide. "I wasn't happy with my last performance here and I am glad about the chance to show my fans the real 'Dancing Destroyer'. I am not coming here for playing. I will use this fight to prepare for Godfrey. My goal is to become the first former heavyweight champion to win the cruiserweight title and nobody will stop me on my way."

News Update - Boxing Scene - 6th February 2009

Maccarinelli-Afolabi For The WBO Interim-Title on 3/14

Enzo Maccarinelli will now take on rising star Ola Afolabi for the Interim WBO World Cruiserweight title on Saturday 14 March.

The bout will feature on the same card as Amir Khan's showdown against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester.

Maccarinelli, the former WBO World champion, was due to face Argentine Victor Emilio Ramirez, but he will not be ready in time to face the big punching Welshman.

Instead Big Mac faces the dangerous Afolabi who is Nigerian born and moved to London with his parents where he was raised and now resides in Los Angeles.

Afolabi, 28, is under the famous Duva boxing banner with promoter Dino raving about of his prospect: "The most amazing thing about him is that for a man of his obvious tremendous skills, he never had an amateur fight! I've never seen a fighter with incredible skills despite having no amateur background."

To read full article click here...

News Update - FightNews - :6th February 2009

Square Ring inks BJ Flores!

By Flattop

FightNews has been informed that world ranked cruiserweight contender BJ Flores has signed with Square Ring and that he will appear on the March 21st pay-per-view which is headlined by Roy Jones Jr. vs. Omar Shieka. Flores (22-0-1, 14 KOs) is currently ranked #2 by the IBF, #8 by the WBA, #11 by the WBC, #13 by the WBO and #13 by FightNews. "I am happy to be working with a promoter that will make the right moves so that I can fight for a world championship," commented Flores. "It is very special to be working with someone like Roy Jones Jr. He was my idol growing up. I remember as a little kid taping his fight with Toney and I would run home everyday to watch that fight."

Asked about the cruiserweight division, Flores said: "The cruiserweight division is an exciting division. I want to make a big statement with my March 21st bout and then I want go right after the champions." Flores surprised FightNews with a challenge to former cruiser champion Enzo Maccarinelli. "He fights March 14th and I fight a week later. Let's fight in the summer. I will fight him in England or over here. It doesn't matter." Maccarinelli fights WBO interim cruiserweight champion Victor E. Ramirez for the vacant WBO title on March 14th at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. "It is my time," declared Flores.

To read full article click here...

Press Release - :5th February 2009

World ranked cruiserweight contender BJ Flores will head to Bristol, CT this Friday night, February 6th, to co-host ESPN's Friday Night Fights studio show with Brian Kenny. Flores will be co-hosting as part of an agreement recently announced with the leader in sports entertainment with further appearances in 2009 to follow.

This week Flores will also announce his upcoming fight for the middle of March. "We're just finalizing the details for a fight on March 21st that will give the fans across the country an opportunity see me back in action. It's great to be back in the ring so soon."

About returning to ESPN, Flores stated, "I truly enjoy my time in the studio with Brian. We did a couple of shows together last year and I'm very happy to return in 2009."

This week's Friday Night Fights feature a ten round main event between light heavyweight Chris Henry and Yusaf Mack, the two hour broadcast to air at 9pm EST, 8 pm CST.

Said Flores, "I'm familiar with both guys and they both have a lot to gain with a win. A win for either guy could lead to a world title shot and fans should expect a great fight."

The co-main event showcases hot middleweight prospect Fernando Guerrero in a ten round bout against Gabriel Rosado. "I saw Guerrero's fight with Tyrone Watson late last year and he's an all action crowd pleasing fighter that the fans will love."

Press Release - 5th February 2009

Alekseev extends Universum pact!

Cruiserweight contender Alexander Alekseev has extended his contract with the Spotlight Boxing team. Promoter Dietmar Poszwa wanted the fast extension send a signal. "I firmly believe that Alexander Alekseev can be a champion," said Poszwa. "Also nothing has changed after his fight in Dusseldorf. We still have many years together. We have now sealed the deal. I look forward to the future with Alexander. He has extraordinary skills in the ring and is a very fine fellow."

News Update - This Is South Wales - 2nd February 2009

Enzo title tilt delayed

ENZO Maccarinelli is not expected to fight for the WBO cruiserweight title until April &emdash; but will still feature in Manchester next month.

The former WBO king was expected to take on Argentinean Victor Emilio Ramirez for his old crown at the MEN Arena on the March 14 bill along with Amir Khan and Nicky Cook.

But Maccarinelli has been dealt a minor blow, with Ramirez's demand for more preparation time granted by the WBO.

The 24-year-old shocked Russian Alexander Alexeev to win the interim title a fortnight ago, and now has the full title in sight.

To read full article click here...

Press Release: 27th January 2009

It's On - Tomasz Adamek - Johnathon Banks 27th Feb 09

Newly-crowned IBF Cruiserweight Champion Tomasz "Goral" Adamek of Jersey City and Golwice, Poland returns to Newark's Prudential Center on Friday, February 27th to make the first defense of his world title against Detroit's undefeated Johnathon Banks when Main Events and Ziggy Promotions, in association with K2 Promotions, bring boxing back to "The Rock." The inaugural event of Main Events' "Brick City Boxing Series" at the Prudential Center also will be aired on Showtime as part of its ShoBox boxing series.

Just a month ago, Adamek (36-1, 24 KO's) thrilled thousands of cheering fans as he electrified Newark's state-of-the art arena, scoring three knockdowns over defending champion Steve Cunningham, to earn a blistering 12-round win in a fight that many boxing scribes have dubbed "The Fight of the Year." Also the former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, Adamek is no stranger to "Fight of the Year" consideration. Making his first-ever US appearance, the former Polish national amateur standout traveled to Chicago in May of 2005 and defeated Number One Contender Paul Briggs in a brutal 12-round slugfest hailed as a candidate for "Fight of the Year" honors.

To read full press release click here....

Press Release - 25th January 2009

'USS' Cunningham Hopes Scuppered As Maccarinelli Chooses Ramirez For WBO Title Fight.

Steve 'USS' Cunningham's hopes of facing Enzo Maccarinelli in Manchester, England on the 14th March were dashed when promoter, Frank Warren, wrote in his weekly column in the British newspaper, The Sun, that Maccarinelli will now face interim-champion, Victor Ramirez, for the vacant WBO title.

On being told the news 'USS' Cunningham, the former IBF cruiserweight champion who recently lost his title to Thomas 'Goral' Adamek in one of the greatest fights of 2008, said: "Man, I thought this would be a great time to fight Enzo. We tried to put that fight together last summer, but it never happened. I'm ready to dust of my passport, but that'll have to wait for now.

Oh man, It's a shame. I think it would have been a seriously great fight and I've wanted to fight in Britain for a long time. Shoot, I don't have any luck getting it on with British fighters. Haye moved to the heavyweights last year and now this chance to face Enzo is shot. You know, one day I will get to fight in Britain or face Enzo. I'm sure it'll happen.

To read the full press release click here...

Fight Result : 24th January 2009

Huck destroys Battelo!

By Alexey Sukachev - Fight News

Highly regarded European champion Marco Huck (24-1, 19 KOs) retained his belt in front of a fully packed Erdgas Arena in Riesa, Sachsen, Germany, destroying previously undefeated yet untested Belgium knockout artist Geoffrey Battelo (18-1, 15 KOs) at the end of the third round. Battelo fearlessly started the action in the first round, trying to stalk Huck around the ring to a little success though. The Belgian fighter worked behind the jab but EBU titleholder Huck (IBF #3 and WBA/WBC #6) established a solid defense to negate Battelo's best punches. At the end of the round Huck connected with a couple of huge blows himself almost knocking off-balance Battelo down. The pace was measured in the second round with Battelo trying to turn the bout into brawl. Huck was well aware of these intentions keeping Belgian guest at the end of his jab. Both fighters stated toe-to-toe action in the third round but Marco Huck was by far the best of the two in exchanges. Battelo was slightly wobbled since the midst of the third stanza, considerably wobbled at the start of the last minute and finally went down after a huge right uppercut by Huck with only twenty seconds remaining. Battelo barely beat the count but Huck jumped right on him firing punches in bunches. The fight was stopped right near the bell (2:57) by referee Guido Cavalleri. All in all, another impressive performance by Huck who is in line for tougher challenges from now on.

To read full fight card report click here...

Fight Result : 24th January 2009

Lucina retains his title

By Alexey Sukachev - Fight News

German-based Serbian native Enad Licina has successfully passed the biggest test of his career with an eighth-round TKO over upset-minded Columbian banger Jose Luis Herrera (now 16-5, 16 KOs). Both fighters started the bout cautiously but in the last minute of the first stanza Herrera suddenly increased the tempo and can't miss Licina's head and body. The Serbian fighter was down at the end of the round after a short left hook by the Columbian puncher and barely survived until the first bell. He was able, however, to redeem himself during the break and started the second round better. Both fighters preferred to play a defensive game in the next couple of rounds and fought on even terms in rounds four and five but the local hero was a bit better to steal the fifth round with his aggression. IBF #13 Licina was able to maintain his attitude and to land with increasing precision in the sixth. Both fighters were fairly inactive in the seventh but when the fight seemed to finally make a shift from a brawl version towards a tactical encounter in the eighth round, Licina (16-1, 10 KOs) connected with a thunderous right cross to put Herrera down. The Columbian fighter was able to get up but the fight was stopped by referee Howard John Foster at 2:14 of the eight round after another Licina combo. Enad Licina has also retained his IBF intercontinental belt with this win.

To read full fight card report click here...

Fight News - 24th January 2009

Ramirez to face Maccarinelli on March 14th

In his regular saturday column in the British newspaper, The Sun, British promoter Frank Warren wrote:

GOOD news for Enzo Maccarinelli and Nicky Cook.

They will both be involved in world title fights on March 14, against Argentinean Victor E Ramirez and Roman Martinez respectively.

Those fights will go on the undercard of Khan-Barrera at the MEN Arena, while there's a cracking domestic showdown between Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Bradley Pryce and big-punching youngster Matthew Hall.

News Item - www.lasvegassun.com - :24th January 2009

By Jeff Haney

Cruiserweight contender B.J. Flores handled journeyman heavyweight Matt Hicks in the headliner of Friday night's fight card at the Plaza hotel-casino, then turned his attention to setting up a potential world title bout against one of the current belt-holders in boxing's 200-pound division.

"A.S.A.P.," Flores said after winning by technical knockout at 2:50 of Round 3 in a scheduled six-rounder. "I'll fight anybody. We just want to make sure the deal is right and the situation is right. We deserve a fair amount of money and a fair amount of time to prepare. Give me that and I'll fight any of the champions."

Flores (22-0-1, 14 knockouts) scored a second-round knockdown against Hicks (13-4), who took the fight on short notice, before finishing him off a round later.

To read full article click here...

News Item - www.15rounds.com - :23rd January 2009

Mario Ortega Jnr in his Northern Califoria Notebook feature on www.15rounds.com wrote

In tonight's main event, cruiserweight contender B.J. Flores (21-0, 13 KOs) of Chandler, Arizona will take on Larry Robinson (10-4, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in an eight-round cruiserweight fight. Flores' situation is a bit up in the air at the moment. Flores, ranked #2 by the IBF, decided against pursuing an eliminator with IBF #6 Wayne Braithwaite and may lose his world ranking with the organization. Flores, born in San Francisco, California, is currently ranked #9 by the WBO and #11 by the WBC.

To read full article click here...

Interview - FightNews.com - 22nd January 2009

Q&A: Alexander Alexeev!

By Alexey Potapov

Cruiserweight Alexander Alexeev (16-1, 15 KOs) lost a challenge for the WBO interim cruiserweight title and his unbeaten record via TKO to Victor Emilio "El Tyson del Abasto" Ramirez (14-1, 12 KOs) last Saturday. In an exclusive interview with Fightnews.com, Alekseev tells us what happened.

Alexander, what was the reason for your defeat?

It's a lot of reasons. I was not in the best physical form. I had good tactics in the fight, I was winning on points, I was in command. I don't know what happened to me in the ring.

What you can tell us about Ramirez?

Nothing special. Before the fight we had studied him very well. He's a very strong-willed boxer. That's what rescued him.

To read full interview click here...

News/Rumour Alert Update: 20th January 2009

Conflicting reports: Adamek Vs ??????

Today the Polish media received two conflicting reports regarding Tomasz Adamek's opponent for the 27th February.

The first report stated that Johnathon Banks and Tomasz Adamek have now signed contracts - OK, we were all expecting to hear this so no surprise.

But then a report came in saying: Banks is not satisfied with money he has been offered for the Adamek fight and as for now (about 1 PM EST) Banks is set to fight...Maccarinelli.

It was rumoured that Enad Licina will instead fight Adamek. Personally can't see that happening , well he fights Jose Luis Herrera at the Erdgas Arena in Germany in a few days time on the 24th January!!!

Currently unable to confirm either report. So watch this space for the next episode in this never ending saga.

Note to Kathy Duva (Main Events) I know a fighter who would love to get in the ring with Tomasz on the 27th February (-;

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Press Release - 20th January 2009

'USS' Cunningham Wants Maccarinelli As Adamek Chooses Banks For First Title Defense

In a recent interview with Polish on-line boxing magazine Bokser.org, current IBF cruiserweight champion, Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek, confirmed that his next opponent is to be Johnathon Banks. This decision thwart the efforts of former cruiserweight king, Steve 'USS' Cunningham, whom he defeated by a close split decision to gain the title on December 11th 2008, and his team to secure the quick rematch they have been campaigning for.

Cunningham took a little time off from training to give his views on Adamek vs Banks. "To me that fight could go either way. You Know, Johnathon Banks can crack. He had that big fight against Eliseo Castillo and he got hit and took a big shot but came back and finished that guy. That's a good bangers fight. Adamek's got a pretty good European style with power, so there'll be some fireworks in that fight. I want the winner of that fight!

You know, I'd like the winner. I still believe I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I know the audience and the fans see that in my last fight. I don't consider that a loss. I feel like I won. I lost the decision, but feel that I won the fight. Two time in '09 is my plan. We'll be back, I can't wait to see what will unfold in the future."

To read the full press release click here...

News Alert: 19th January 2009

WBC Final Eliminator Hide vs. Godfrey March 6th 2009

"The Dancing Destroyer" will be back at the North Sea on March 6th. Herbie Hide will return to the Kugelbake-Halle in Cuxhaven, Germany, for his WBC Final Eliminator against Matt Godfrey. In his last fight on November 18th, 2008, Hide won an unexpected hard fought unanimous decision over Polish journeyman Lukasz Rusiewicz.

"I was sick at that time and could not show my real power and speed", says Herbie. "That's why I am very happy that I can go back to Cuxhaven and show the people there the real "Dancing Destroyer". I will get rid of Godfrey in style to go on and become cruiserweight champion of the world."

If Hide is true to his word he could make history in becoming the first former world heavyweight champion to claim the cruiserweight title. The winner of Hide vs. Godfrey is set to face the winner of the WBC title bout between Giacobbe Fragomeni and Krysztof Wlodarczyk (March 27th in Milan).

"Herbie might be world champion by summer", states promoter Ahmet Öner. "Nobody would have thought that when he first signed with me two years ago. I was the only one who trusted in him. I knew that he still had what it takes to achieve great things. Herbie is special."

There will be seven fights in Cuxhaven in total. Eurosport will broadcast the show live on March 6th from 9pm on.

Fight News - 18th January 2009

Ramirez stops Alekseev to win cruiserweight belt

DUSSELDORF, Germany (Ticker) -- Victor Emilio Ramirez scored a 10th-round technical knockout on Saturday, stunning Alexander Alekseev to claim the WBO cruiserweight title at the Burg-Wachter-Castello.

Ramirez (14-1, 12 KOs) was the more aggressive fighter and continued to charge ahead undeterred to wear down his opponent in front of a pro-Alekseev crowd.

The Argentine wobbled Alekseev in the eighth and had him in trouble for the majority of the ninth round.

The Russian clearly looked like a beaten man in his corner and after rising for the 10th, his corner decided not to let him continue, giving Ramirez the victory.

Alekseev (16-1) had knocked out 15 of his first 16 opponents before dropping his first fight beyond six rounds.

News Update - This Is South Wales - 17th January 2009

Enzo still Banks on it

SPORTS Network are confident Enzo Maccarinelli will fight Johnathon Banks for the WBO title, despite the fact the American is rumoured to be eyeing up the IBF belt instead.

Maccarinelli and Banks were due to lock horns on February 28 following the late postponement of their December bout, with the vacant WBO crown up for grabs.

But with Banks &emdash; undefeated in his 20 fights &emdash; believed to be set to fight IBF champion Tomasz Adamek in New Jersey on February 27, Maccarinelli's hopes appeared to be very slim.

But Maccarinelli's promoters have reiterated their belief that the Swansea star will take on Banks at the MEN Arena on a new date of March 14 &emdash; on the same bill as Amir Khan and Nicky Cook.

To read full article click here...

News Update - This Is South Wales - 16th January 2009

KO blow to Enzo's hopes

ENZO Maccarinelli's hopes of reclaiming the WBO cruiserweight title have been dashed as his fight with Johnathon Banks has been scrapped.

The Swansea star was expected to face the undefeated American on February 28 with the vacant title on the line.

That was proposed following Banks's late withdrawal from their scheduled fight in December.

But with Banks believed to be lined up for a crack at IBF champion Tomasz Adamek, Maccarinelli will now be made to wait a further fortnight to fight.

An opponent is yet to be named for Maccarinelli, who will feature on the same bill as Amir Khan and Nicky Cook on March 14.

But Sports Network chief Frank Warren revealed Maccarinelli is "likely to be in the mix for a version" of the WBO crown.

News Alert Update: 15th January 2009

Bokser.org

Official: Tomasz Adamek to fight Johnathon Banks on 27th February 2009

In an interview with Michal Koper of Polish boxing magazine, Bokser.org, Tomasz Adamek confirms that he will be fighting Johnathon Banks in February.

He also says he will be fighting in June against a "Big name" and again in the Autumn.

On the subject of a rematch with Steve 'USS' Cunningham, Adamek says he could take the fight, but doesn't sound convincing.

The full interview is currently only available in Polish, however Michal Koper will be arranging an English translation version which we will have on WWAR soon.

To read the interview with Tomasz Adamek click here...

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News Alert - Jamaica Gleaner: 15th January 2009

Bell's no-show baffles boxing world

by Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

The failure of Jamaican-born, former world boxing champion O'Neil 'Supernova' Bell to re-launch his career as a heavyweight has knocked boxing observers cold with a combination of disappointment and bewilderment.

The enigmatic former undisputed cruiserweight king, in a bid to step up from the 200-pound class to the more lucrative heavyweight division after a shocking and uninspired loss last April, had been billed to fight American Domonic Jenkins in one of the main events on the 'Hard Knocks at the Hard Rock' card here last night.

Pulled out of bout

Bell's photograph was prominently displayed on posters and the website of Seminole Warriors Boxing, which promotes his fights. But it later had to be removed after Bell pulled out of the bout.

To read full article in the Jamaica Gleaner click here...

Ringside Report - 14th January 2009

Steve 'USS' Cunningham Listed In Top Ten Of Boxing's Pure Boxers By Ringside Report

A Look at the Best Pure Boxers in the Fight Game

By Daniel "Tex" Cohen-January 14, 2009

Floyd Mayweather is the best pure boxer on the planet. The biggest vacuum created by the Mayweather departure was not in the category of boxing stars or even in the welterweight ranks. What can be truly missed about Mayweather was his ability to emulate those great fighters of yesteryear, the boxers that truly made the sweet science into the sport of Daniel Mendoza. Sugar Ray Robinson and Willie Pep may have better resumes than Mayweather, but he carried their styles and their heritage more capably and strongly than any other fighter alive before the Pound for Pound King retired.

To read the full article including the inclusion of Steve 'USS' Cunningham click here...

News Alert - Jamaica Observer: 14th January 2009

Bell pulls out of heavyweight debut

HOLLYWOOD, Florida (CMC) - Jamaica's former world cruiserweight boxing champion O'Neil Bell has pulled out of a scheduled return bout against American Domonic Jenkins on Wednesday night.

The non-title contest at Seminole Hard Rock Casino should have been Bell's first outing since he lost a world title eliminator to Poland's Tomasz Adamek last year, but promoter Leon Margules told CMC Sport yesterday that Bell pulled out for "personal reasons".

Bell announced late last year that he would be moving up to the heavyweight division after losing his last two bouts in the 200-pound cruiserweight class.

With a ring record of 26 wins (24 knockouts) against three losses and one draw, Bell has been among the world's most prominent boxers in the heavier weight divisions and Margules believes the 34-year-old could make an impact in the heavyweight class.

To read full article in the Jamaica Observer click here...

News Alert : 12th January 2009

Huck to defend European Cruiserweight Title against Batello

Marco "Captain" Huck will make his second defence of the European Cruiserweight Title against Geoffrey Batello in Riesa on January 24 after challenger Vadim Safonov has been hindered by an injury. Unbeaten in 18 fights, Batello boasts an impressive record of 15 KOs. "Batello is an excellent challenger for Captain Huck," Sauerland Event general manager Chris Meyer said. "The fight against him will be more difficult than the one against Safonov. We know Batello very well. He has been in full practice and is in top shape. And his fight record speaks for itself.."

In the last six months, the 29-year-old Belgian has been a sparring partner at the Max-Schmeling-Gym in Berlin where he proved to be a tough opponent for Sauerland´s cruiserweights. "He is very dangerous," head coach Ulli Wegner said. "He is very athletic, very dynamic and very offensive-minded. Marco really needs to be on alert."

Captain Huck (23-1, 18 KOs) is looking forward to his first bout in 2009. Fighting top opponents is business as usual for the 24-year-old. "If you want to reach the top, you have to defeat the best fighters," he stated. "Weak opponents do not help your development at all. The European Cruiserweight Title will be at stake in Riesa and that certainly means a lot. I have been practicing for six weeks now. I know Batello from sparring. He is good, but I am better."

Huck became European champion last September when he stopped Jean Marc Monrose in the last round. Also in action will be Enad Licina, Alexander Abraham, Cengiz Koc, Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Arthur Hein.