Tag Archives: boxing

Year in Review / The Best in Boxing 2010

David Martinez, Manny Pacquiao, News, Recap, Year in Review / The Best in Boxing, , , ,

By David Martinez, Boxing Historian

I have assembled personal choices in boxing for THE BEST OF 2010 in the major categories, and they are:

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Sergio Martinez

On April 17, Sergio scored an impressive upset victory over Kelly Pavlik to win the WBC / WBO Middleweight Championship. Then on November 20, he avenged a previous loss to Paul Williams with a spectacular second round knockout to retain his middleweight belts.

FIGHT OF THE YEAR: Humberto Soto vs. Urbano Antillon (Dec 14)

This was 12 rounds of toe-to-toe non-stop action and a fight fans dream fight. Soto retained his WBC Lightweight Championship by a close, unanimous decision in this fight for the ages.

Runners Up: Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana … Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Michael Katsidis … Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler

ROUND OF THE YEAR: Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana / Round 10 (Dec 11)

This fight started off with Khan registering a first round knockdown over Maidana. With Khan ahead on all scorecards going into the 10th round, a desperate Maidana landed a huge right hand to Khan’s jaw. THis buckled Khan’s legs and it appeared he would be knocked out. A vicious right hand followed by a left literally had Khan out on his feet. He weathered the storm to retain his WBA Junior Welterweight title with a unanimous, but close, 12 round decision.

History of Modern Boxing: Heavy Weight Champions Since the NBA Began

Heavyweights, History, , , , , ,

Though the sport of boxing has historical roots as far back as the Roman Empire, modern boxing can arguably be dated to have begun with the Marquis of Queensbury rules. Additionally, heavyweight championships are widely accepted to have began with Jack Dempsey and the ‘National Boxing Association’ in 1921. From this point onward, the sport of boxing began to demand more skill from its athletes and a new format for fighting bouts was established. The old lean-back stances and bone blocks gave way to new styles, styles as dependent on defense as offense, styles that put emphasis on skill and speed, not just overwhelming power and brute force. With that said, let’s now take a look back at nearly a century of Heavyweight greats…

… and for those who may not have an image based browser, or just love it in plain text. Here is the whole breakdown with a bit more detail.

July 4, 1919 September 23, 1926 Jack Dempsey Universal United States American
September 23, 1926 July 31, 1928 Gene Tunney Universal United States American
Tunney announced his retirement from professional boxing on July 31, 1928, relinquishing the championship.
June 12, 1930 January 7, 1931 Max Schmeling Universal Germany German
Schmeling defeated Jack Sharkey to earn universal recognition as champion but was stripped of the NYSAC version of the title in 1931 for refusing a rematch with Sharkey. The NYSAC title remained vacant until the two men eventually did fight in 1932.
January 7, 1931 June 21, 1932 Max Schmeling NBA & IBU Germany German
June 21, 1932 June 29, 1933 Jack Sharkey Universal United States American
June 29, 1933 June 14, 1934 Primo Carnera Universal Italy Italian
June 14, 1934 June 13, 1935 Max Baer Universal United States American
In late 1934 the International Boxing Union ordered world champion Max Baer to defend his title against the reigning European champion, Pierre Charles of Belgium. When Baer instead opted to fight James J. Braddock they withdrew recognition of him as champion. The IBU matched Charles with the American heavyweight George Godfrey for their version of the title with the fight taking place in Brussels, Belgium on 2 October 1935. Godfrey won a fifteen round points decision but did not press any claim to the championship and was inactive for the next two years. The IBU then recognized Baer’s successor, James J. Braddock, as champion.
June 13, 1935 June 22, 1937 James J. Braddock Universal United States American
June 22, 1937 March 1, 1949 Joe Louis Universal United States American
As of 2009, Louis still holds the record for holding the title longer than any man (11 years, 8 months and 8 days.)
June 22, 1949 September 27, 1950 Ezzard Charles NBA United States American
Charles won the vacant National Boxing Association championship in June 1949, but was not universally recognized as champion until June 1951.
June 6, 1950 June 16, 1951 Lee Savold EBU United States American
On the retirement of Joe Louis in March 1949, the European Boxing Union announced that a fight in May 1949 between Lee Savold of the USA and British champion Bruce Woodcock would determine their version of the world heavyweight title. The NYSAC and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) also decided to recognize the winner of the fight as their champion but it was postponed for over a year due to injuries Woodcock had suffered in a car crash. The NYSAC decided instead to recognize the winner of the upcoming bout in September 1950 between Ezzard Charles and Joe Louis as their champion. Louis was returning to the ring after an absence of 27 months. When the fight for the EBU and BBBofC world heavyweight titles eventually took place in June 1950, Savold defeated Woodcock in four rounds.
September 27, 1950 June 16, 1951 Ezzard Charles NBA & NYSAC United States American
June 16, 1951 July 18, 1951 Ezzard Charles Universal United States American
Following his defeat to Joe Louis in a non-title fight in June 1951, Lee Savold was no longer recognized as the world heavyweight champion by the EBU and the BBBofC, who both immediately transferred their recognition to Ezzard Charles. Charles therefore became universally recognized as world heavyweight champion.
July 18, 1951 September 23, 1952 Jersey Joe Walcott Universal United States American
September 23, 1952 November 30, 1956 Rocky Marciano Universal United States American
Marciano announced his retirement from professional boxing, relinquishing the championship.
November 30, 1956 June 26, 1959 Floyd Patterson Universal United States American
June 26, 1959 June 20, 1960 Ingemar Johansson Universal Sweden Swedish
June 20, 1960 September 25, 1962 Floyd Patterson Universal United States American
September 25, 1962 February 25, 1964 Sonny Liston Universal United States American
February 25, 1964 June 19, 1964 Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) Universal United States American
The WBA and the NYSAC withdrew their recognition of Clay (now known as Muhammad Ali) as champion for agreeing to an immediate rematch against Liston, a violation of the organization’s rules at the time. The WBC and other organizations continued to recognize him. (See Ali versus Liston.)
June 19, 1964 February 6, 1967 Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) WBC United States American
March 5, 1965 February 6, 1967 Ernie Terrell WBA & NYSAC United States American
February 6, 1967 April 29, 1967 Muhammad Ali Universal United States American
The WBA, the NYSAC and several other US state boxing commissions withdrew recognition of Ali as champion for his refusal to be inducted into the United States Army subsequent to being drafted in early 1967.
April 29, 1967 March, 1969 Muhammad Ali WBC United States American
The WBC eventually followed the lead of the WBA and the NYSAC and stripped Ali of their title in March 1969.
March 4, 1968 February 16, 1970 Joe Frazier NYSAC United States American
April 28, 1968 February 16, 1970 Jimmy Ellis WBA United States American
February 16, 1970 January 22, 1973 Joe Frazier Universal United States American
Frazier and Ellis fought on February 16, 1970, at Madison Square Garden, New York. Frazier entered the ring as the holder of NYSAC version of the world title and Ellis held the WBA heavyweight title. The fight was also for the WBC title vacated by Muhammad Ali. Frazier defeated Ellis and was universally recognized as champion. He cemented his reputation upon defeating Muhammad Ali on March 8, 1971.
January 22, 1973 October 30, 1974 George Foreman Universal United States American
October 30, 1974 February 15, 1978 Muhammad Ali Universal United States American
February 15, 1978 March 18, 19783 Leon Spinks Universal United States American
March 18, 1978 September 15, 1978 Leon Spinks WBA United States American
March 18, 1978 June 9, 1978 Ken Norton WBC United States American
Spinks was stripped of his world title by the WBC for refusing to defend his title against their #1 ranked contender, Ken Norton. Spinks instead agreed to fight a return bout against Ali for the WBA crown. The WBC awarded Norton the title and, since he lost to Larry Holmes in his next defense, he is sometimes omitted from a list of heavyweight champions because he never won a world title fight.
June 9, 1978 December 11, 1983 Larry Holmes WBC United States American
Holmes relinquished his WBC title to assume the championship of the newly formed International Boxing Federation.
September 15, 1978 April 27, 1979 Muhammad Ali WBA United States American
Believing his career over, Ali relinquished his WBA title in exchange for a payment from promoter Don King, who was trying to stage a bout between then-WBC champ Larry Holmes and John Tate for the undisputed title. The bout never materialized, and Ali would return to the ring in 1980.
October 20, 1979 March 31, 1980 John Tate WBA United States American
March 31, 1980 December 10, 1982 Mike Weaver WBA United States American
December 10, 1982 September 23, 1983 Michael Dokes WBA United States American
September 23, 1983 December 1, 1984 Gerrie Coetzee WBA South Africa South African
December 11, 1983 September 21, 1985 Larry Holmes IBF United States American
March 9, 1984 August 31, 1984 Tim Witherspoon WBC United States American
August 31, 1984 March 22, 1986 Pinklon Thomas WBC United States American
December 1, 1984 April 29, 1985 Greg Page WBA United States American
April 29, 1985 January 17, 1986 Tony Tubbs WBA United States American
September 21, 1985 February 19, 19873 Michael Spinks IBF United States American
January 17, 1986 December 12, 1986 Tim Witherspoon WBA United States American
March 22, 1986 November 22, 1986 Trevor Berbick WBC CanadaJamaica Canadian / Jamaican
Jamaican born Berbick was a naturalized Canadian citizen and former Canadian heavyweight champion.
November 22, 1986 March 7, 1987 Mike Tyson WBC United States American
December 12, 1986 March 7, 1987 James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith WBA United States American
March 7, 1987 August 1, 1987 Mike Tyson WBA & WBC United States American
May 30, 1987 August 1, 1987 Tony Tucker IBF United States American
August 1, 1987 May 6, 1989 Mike Tyson Universal United States American
May 6, 1989 January 11, 1991 Francesco Damiani WBO Italy Italian
Though Damiani defeated Johnny DuPlooy to become the WBO’s first Heavyweight champion, Tyson’s reign in the division during this period is virtually undisputed. Additionally, during this period Tyson also knocked out Michael Spinks who some regarded as the ‘lineal champion.’
May 6, 1989 February 11, 1990 Mike Tyson IBF, WBA & WBC United States American
February 11, 1990 October 25, 1990 James “Buster” Douglas IBF, WBA & WBC United States American
October 25, 1990 November 13, 1992 Evander Holyfield IBF, WBA & WBC United States American
January 11, 1991 December 24, 1991 Ray Mercer WBO United States American
May 15, 1992 February 3, 1993 Michael Moorer WBO United States American
November 13, 1992 December 14, 1992 Riddick Bowe IBF, WBA & WBC United States American
Bowe was stripped of his WBC championship for refusing to fight Lennox Lewis.
December 14, 1992 November 6, 1993 Riddick Bowe IBF & WBA United States American
December 14, 1992 September 24, 1994 Lennox Lewis WBC United Kingdom British
Lewis was born in England but moved to Ontario, Canada at the age of 12, later winning an Olympic gold medal for Canada. Lewis defeated Razor Ruddock on October 31, 1992, in a WBC ‘eliminator’ fight. When Riddick Bowe‘s championship recognition was withdrawn by the organization, the WBC immediately awarded Lewis the title.
June 7, 1993 October 29, 1993 Tommy Morrison WBO United States American
October 29, 1993 March 19, 1994 Michael Bentt WBO United States American
November 6, 1993 April 22, 1994 Evander Holyfield IBF & WBA United States American
March 19, 1994 March 11, 1995 Herbie Hide WBO United Kingdom British
April 22, 1994 November 5, 1994 Michael Moorer IBF & WBA United States American
September 24, 1994 September 2, 1995 Oliver McCall WBC United States American
November 5, 1994 March 4, 1995 George Foreman IBF & WBA United States American
The World Boxing Association withdrew its recognition of Foreman, but Foreman retained IBF championship recognition until it too was withdrawn.
March 4, 1995 June 28, 1995 George Foreman IBF United States American
The IBF withdrew its recognition of Foreman when he declined a rematch with Axel Schulz of Germany. Schultz was matched with Francois Botha of South Africa for the vacant title. The bout took place on December 9, 1995 in Stuttgart and resulted in a split decision points victory for Botha. Botha however tested positive for illegal anabolic steroids in a post-fight drugs test and the result was changed to a no-contest. Although some record books continue to list Botha as a world champion, the IBF state that they do not regard that he was ever champion.
March 11, 1995 May 1, 1996 Riddick Bowe WBO United States American
April 8, 1995 September 7, 1996 Bruce Seldon WBA United States American
September 2, 1995 March 16, 1996 Frank Bruno WBC United Kingdom British
March 16, 1996 September 7, 1996 Mike Tyson WBC United States American
June 22, 1996 November 8, 1997 Michael Moorer IBF United States American
June 29, 1996 February 17, 1997 Henry Akinwande WBO United Kingdom British
Akinwande had been ranked the WBC’s #2 contender when he won the WBO title. The WBC, which has feuded with the WBO since the latter’s founding in 1988, dropped Akinwande from its rankings altogether. Akinwande subsequently relinquished his WBO title in exchange for the opportunity to meet Lennox Lewis in a bout for the WBC championship.
September 7, 1996 September 24, 1996 Mike Tyson WBA & WBC United States American
September 24, 1996 November 9, 1996 Mike Tyson WBA United States American
November 9, 1996 November 8, 1997 Evander Holyfield WBA United States American
February 7, 1997 November 13, 1999 Lennox Lewis WBC United Kingdom British
June 28, 1997 June 26, 1999 Herbie Hide WBO United Kingdom British
November 8, 1997 November 13, 1999 Evander Holyfield IBF & WBA United States American
June 26, 1999 April 1, 2000 Vitali Klitschko WBO Ukraine Ukrainian
November 13, 1999 April 29, 2000 Lennox Lewis IBF, WBA & WBC United Kingdom British
In early 2000 the World Boxing Association and Lewis were sued by representatives of John Ruiz claiming that they had reneged on an agreement by which Ruiz would have fought Lewis for the WBA title. A New Jersey court ruled in favor of Ruiz, and ordered Lewis to either have his next bout against Ruiz or relinquish the title. Lewis elected instead to fight contender Michael Grant, relinquishing his WBA title on the day of the match.
April 1, 2000 October 14, 2000 Chris Byrd WBO United States American
April 29, 2000 April 22, 2001 Lennox Lewis IBF & WBC United Kingdom British
August 12, 2000 March 3, 2001 Evander Holyfield WBA United States American
October 14, 2000 March 8, 2003 Wladimir Klitschko WBO Ukraine Ukrainian
March 3, 2001 March 1, 2003 John Ruiz WBA United States American
April 22, 2001 November 17, 2001 Hasim Rahman IBF & WBC United States American
November 17, 2001 September 5, 2002 Lennox Lewis IBF & WBC United Kingdom British
Lewis relinquished the IBF title upon receiving payment of $1 million (US) by promoter Don King, who wished to stage a bout between Chris Byrd and Evander Holyfield for the vacant title.
September 5, 2002 February 6, 2004 Lennox Lewis WBC United Kingdom British
December 14, 2002 April 22, 2006 Chris Byrd IBF United States American
March 1, 2003 February 20, 2004 Roy Jones Jr. WBA United States American
March 8, 2003 October 9, 2003 Corrie Sanders WBO South Africa South African
February 20, 2004 December 17, 2005 John Ruiz WBA United States American
Ruiz beat Hasim Rahman on December 13, 2003, to become the WBA’s “interim” champion. He was awarded the championship following Roy Jones, Jr.’s announcement that he was relinquishing it to concentrate on lower weight divisions. Ruiz’s title reign ended on April 30, 2005, following a loss to James Toney but ten days later, a drug test on Toney detected he had used products containing nandrolone, an anabolic steroid. Thus, Toney’s victory was changed to a ‘no contest’ by New York state athletic commission, and as a result, the WBA declared Ruiz was keeping the title.
April 10, 2004 April 1, 2006 Lamon Brewster WBO United States American
April 24, 2004 November 9, 2005 Vitali Klitschko WBC Ukraine Ukrainian
November 9, 2005 August 13, 2006 Hasim Rahman WBC United States American
Rahman defeated Monte Barrett on August 13, 2005, to become the WBC’s “interim” champion. He was awarded the championship following Vitali Klitschko‘s announcement that he was retiring due to injury.
December 17, 2005 April 15, 2007 Nikolay Valuev WBA Russia Russian
April 1, 2006 November 4, 2006 Sergei Liakhovich WBO Belarus Belarusian
April 22, 2006 February 23, 2008 Wladimir Klitschko IBF Ukraine Ukrainian
August 13, 2006 March 8, 2008 Oleg Maskaev WBC United StatesRussia American/Russian
Maskaev was born in Kazakhstan to Russian parents. He originally held Kazakh citizenship but was granted US citizenship in 2004. In December 2006 he was also granted Russian citizenship. On September 24, 2007, Samuel Peter was declared the WBC’s “interim” champion. Peter ultimately defeated Maskaev on March 8, 2008.
November 4, 2006 June 2, 2007 Shannon Briggs WBO United States American
April 15, 2007 July 4, 2008 Ruslan Chagaev WBA Uzbekistan Uzbekistani
Chagaev’s mandatory title defence against former champion Nikolay Valuev, scheduled for July 5, 2008, had to be cancelled for a second time after Chagaev suffered a complete tear of an Achilles tendon during his training for the fight. Because of the injury and necessary recovery time, the WBA elected to make Chagaev “Champion In Recess” and mandated that top-contenders Valuev and John Ruiz meet for the title. They set a deadline of June 26, 2009 for Chagaev to fight the champion but as this deadline was not met, Chagaev was stripped of his “Champion In Recess” title when the WBA published their Official Ratings as of June 2009.
June 2, 2007 February 23, 2008 Sultan Ibragimov WBO Russia Russian
February 23, 2008 present Wladimir Klitschko IBF & WBO Ukraine Ukrainian
March 8, 2008 October 11, 2008 Samuel Peter WBC Nigeria Nigerian
July 4, 20084 July 24, 2009 Ruslan Chagaev WBA Uzbekistan Uzbekistani
The WBA had set a deadline of June 26, 2009 for Chagaev to fight the champion but this deadline was not met. On July 24, 2009, when the WBA published their Official Ratings as of June 2009, Chagaev was stripped of his “Champion In Recess” title.
August 30, 2008 November 7, 2009 Nikolay Valuev WBA Russia Russian
Valuev regained the WBA title by beating John Ruiz on August 30, 2008, shortly after Chagaev had become the “Champion In Recess”. Upon making Chagaev the “Champion In Recess”, the WBA set a deadline of June 26, 2009 for him to fight the champion. This deadline was not met and Chagaev was stripped of his “Champion In Recess” title when the WBA published their Official Ratings as of June 2009.
October 11, 2008 present Vitali Klitschko WBC Ukraine Ukrainian
November 7, 2009 present David Haye WBA United KingdomBritish
In 2010 Haye was awarded citizenship of North Cyprus Northern Cyprus. A state whose existence is recognized only by Turkey.

There is no doubt the heavyweights will always be the ‘Kings of the Ring’ and be the big names. The last hundred years or so of heavyweight history have been an amazing thing to watch, read and be a a part of. I don’t know about you, but I cant what to see what and who comes next.

data courtesy of Wikipedia editors, image courtesy of Wikimedia

Related articles

In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin, Uncategorized, ,

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

As I prepare for my annual holiday vacation, I want to make sure that I reach each and everyone who reads this column (and even those who do not), the very best wishes for the holiday season.

Both ShowTime and HBO have a nice early Christmas present on tap for boxing fans.

Let’s take a close look at two fights which will be held at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, on December 11.). The double main-event figures to have more action than most of the fight cards you’ve seen this year. What would you expect from some tough bantamweights?

In the first bout, hard hitting Vic Darchinyan, 34, from Australia, takes on undefeated 25-year-old, Mexican Abner Mares. This bout is going to be a classic boxer versus slugger match, with Mares, 20-0-1 (13, much preferring to box and Darchinyan, 35-2-1 (27), always ready, willing and able to tee off.

Except for Darchinyan’s power, this bout really offers little to choose from. Darchinyan is a southpaw, which may create problems for Mares, who does have a 3 ½” reach advantage.

I make it a point to pick a winner, and so I’ll give a slight edge to Mares to take a hard-fought decision in a fight that will see a lot of blood fly.

The other bout, for the IBF bantamweight title features champion Yohhny Perez, a tough 31-year old Colombian taking on former IBF champ Joseph Agbeko, 22, from Ghana.

Perez, 31, is a talented boxer with a mark of 20-0-1 with 14 knockouts, while Agbeko, 27-2 (22), wants his title back.

Perez, seems to have a bit of a problem with his defense, so my gut feeling is that the African fighter will take a close decision in a very tough toe-to-toe brawl.

Both fights are scheduled to be shown on ShowTime.

On HBO, a couple of light welters compete for the WBA crown, from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

These two fighters are better know in Europe than in America as they have seen most of their action out of the USA.

Amir Khan 23-1 with 17 knockouts from the U.K., takes on Marcos Madana 29-1 (17) for the WBA light welterweight title.

On paper this bout also appears to be a toss-up. Madana 29, from Argentina, having more ring experience, but Khan a slight edge up in opponents talent as well as punching power.
Continue reading In Rusty’s Corner →

She caught my eye… Maggie Suarez

California Boxing, , , ,

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian

I have followed boxing now for about half a century and I truly consider myself blessed meeting so many wonderful people in that tenure. The past twenty-five years I have also been blessed being involved in working with amateur fighters in local boxing gyms in which I have met many kids that have delighted in my teaching and expertise.

In August of this year, I, along with Henry Calles, a former amateur fighter and owner of Duke’s Boxing in Isla Vista, California, took one of our young fighters to a show in Lompoc, California. These shows are a showcase for all amateur boxers, male and female, and are simply a treat for boxing fans to come out and support their fighters.

Once at the Lompoc arena, we were preparing our male fighter for his fight. Off in the distance, I couldn’t help but notice a young girl warming up with her trainer prior to her fight. I must admit that I was distracted because of the excellent shadow boxing and mitt work that I observed. I knew right then and there that this girl was special, and so I anxiously waited to see her fight in the ring.

When her bout came, I sat close to ringside and I was very impressed to see this young female boxer do her work in such an amazing style; a beautifully executed left jab and complete focus in the ring. After winning a three round bout by decision, I knew that I wanted to do a feature story for my website to showcase her and what she represents in female amateur boxing. Her sportsmanship and ring generalship is what really impressed me the most.

Continue reading She caught my eye… Maggie Suarez →

RING TRIVIA for November 2010

Trivia, , ,

1) Sugar Ray Robinson suffered his first defeat of his career to Jake LaMotta on  February 5, 1943 … the rematch for that fight would take place how many days later in same month ?

a) 7 days

b) 10 days

c) 14 days

d) 21 days

2) What Gold Medal winner was voted the most outstanding boxer in the 1976 Olympics ?

a) Howard Davis, Jr

b) Sugar Ray Leonard

c) Leo Randolph

d) Michael Spinks

Continue reading RING TRIVIA for November 2010 →

In Rusty’s Corner (Pacquiao Prediction)

Manny Pacquiao, Rusty Rubin,

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

We finally have a fight at the Superdome in Dallas, and it’s not the Cowboys or their cheerleaders who are involved.

The Dallas Cowboys are an embarrassment as a team. Except for their cheerleaders and a lap dance or two, they offer nothing of interest for the fans.

With that in mind, there is the possibility of a good fight taking place in this venue on November 13.

Manny Pacquiao is a solid fighter, and if Mayweather would be willing to put his undefeated tag on the line, you’d have a great fight with a great crowd. Using the Cowboys cheerleaders as ring girls seems like an extra incentive for a fight that probably doesn’t need the push.

So, let’s get to the fight in question, Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against Tony “I plead innocent” Margarito.

Seriously, this could be a very interesting fight. The question that has to be asked is if Margarito has a solid punch with the loss of the “heavy” material in the gloves, why didn’t he show that power against Shane Mosley last year.

Another question that must be answered is if Pac Man, who trainer Freddy Roach said “had the worst training camp he had ever had.” Manny, not training hard, raises many other questions; mainly, is he taking Margarito too lightly.

First, let’s take a look at the match-up itself: At 32, Margarito is a year older than the southpaw Pacquiao.
Continue reading In Rusty’s Corner (Pacquiao Prediction) →

In Rusty’s Corner

Boxing Books, Rusty Rubin,

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

Okay Rusty, the election is over and the votes are in; it’s time to “man-up”!

Bet you’re thinking about the local and national elections, but in truth I’m talking about the election for the newest class for the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota.

The ballots had to be in by November 1, and in the interest of being true to my word (in boxing)? I could not vote for Mike Tyson.

As I wrote in this column a few weeks back, I cannot and will not, vote for anyone who has used performance enhancing drugs, unless that person goes into the Hall with an asterisk after his/her name.

It’s not that Tyson needs my vote. He’s a lock for the Hall on the first ballot, and deservedly so. Tyson won a lot of his fights on the fear of his ring foes, but he still deserves admittance to the IBHOF. But he should have the fact that he used these banned drugs registered on his record. Until the Hall of Fame does so, either via asterisk or other means, I’ll continue to vote for anyone proven to have used these substances.

In my mind, or what’s left of it, I have to believe that these PED drugs not only assist in the performance of the fighter, but also fool the fight fans as well.

For the record, I voted for Julio Cesar Chavez, and five others, who, to the best of our knowledge fought ‘clean’.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Glove 2 Glove:

Sad to note the passing of Alan Rudkin, British bantamweight champ, who left us at age 68.

Also news that Johnny ‘Smiler’ Van Rensburg, 78, South African light and welterweight champion. Prayers are requested.
Continue reading In Rusty’s Corner →

FIGHT CALENDAR for November 2010

Fight Calendars, Manny Pacquiao,

Be sure to stay posted to www.dmboxing.com every month for your complete boxing schedule…
< FRIDAY > November 5, 2010 (Showtime)
from: Fargo, North Dakota
Edwin Rodriguez vs. James McGirt, Jr (Super Middleweights)
Marcus Johnson vs. Kevin Engel (Super Middleweights)

< FRIDAY > November 5, 2010
from: Manila, Philippines
Brian Viloria vs. Liempetch Sor Veerapol (Flyweights)

< SATURDAY > November 6, 2010 (HBO)
from: Newark, New Jersey
Zab Judah vs. Lucas Matthysse (IBF Junior Weltwerweight Championship)
Robert Guerrero vs. Vicente Escobedo (Lightweights)

< SATURDAY > November 6, 2010 (Showtime)
from: Las Vegas, Nevada
Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Rafael Marquez (WBO Featherweight Championship)
Glen Johnson vs. Allan Green (Super Six / Super Middleweights)

< SATURDAY > November 6, 2010
from: Merida, Mexico
Omar Nino vs. Gilberto Keb Baas (WBC Junior Flyweight Championship)

Happy Halloween!

David Martinez, John Boitnott, News, Photos, Uncategorized,
By John Boitnott  / dmboxing.com Producer

I really like knowing David Martinez. Of course there’s his endless boxing knowledge – his ability to analyze a fight – even as it’s happening. I respect his advice big time.

One of the best things he does is something that only happens at Halloween. He will dress up like a masked wrestler. So let me share with you now a photo of this years 2010 edition of him at a party posing with young lady – Kim. He will always accommodate others for a picture and let me say that it’s my absolute pleasure to serve as his producer since this website started back in July 2007 – thank you David!