Ishe Smith vs Carlos Molina - Fight Preview

By Andrew Graves @andrewgraves

On the 14th of September the current IBF Light Middleweight Champion American born Ishe Smith with a record of 25-5-0 and 11 knockouts will defend his title against Mexican Carlos Molina with a record of 21-5-2 and 6 knockouts.

Smith makes history with win over Bundrage!

By Jack Price @PriceyJ97.

Ishe Smith (25-5, 11 KO's) made history last night (February 23rd) by becoming the first ever Las Vegas-born fighter to win a world title. He did this by defeating IBF light-middleweight world champ Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage via split decision at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.

It was a tentative start from both men. Neither of the two fighters were able to take the initiative in the opening rounds, leaving it an incredibly hard fight for the judges to score at this point. Thankfully for the judges, and the fans, Smith upped his work rate from the 3rd round onward and brought the fight to his 39-year old opponent. Smith's come-forward pressure fighting took Bundrage by surprise. He was being beaten at his own game. Bundrage chose not to meet fire with fire and instead seemed content to just run away, something we are not used to seeing from the old warrior.

D-Hop picks up US title!

By Jack Price @PriceyJ97.

Demetrius Hopkins (33-2, 13KO's), nephew of the boxing legend Bernard 'B-Hop' Hopkins, picked up the USBA light-middleweight title last night with (February 16th) with a dominant victory over Charles Whittaker (39-14, 23 KO's).

The 32-year old put on one of the best performances of his career and applied controlled pressure to his awkward opponent for the first few rounds. Whittaker, 39, gave it his best efforts but just didn't have the skill or energy to keep up with his younger opponent.

Whittaker was floored once in the 3rd round and despite bouncing straight back up and recovering instantly, just couldn't get back into the fight. Hopkins kept his composure and stuck to his boxing, beating his unwilling opponent to every punch. It all eventually became too much for Whittaker and he retired in his corner at the end of the 6th round.

Miguel Cotto Vs Austin Trout - Fight Preview

By @davies18ass.

December 1st of next month Is a very special date for boxing fans. Why ? Simply because Miguel Cotto will be back In action against the stylish Austin Trout. Trout, who is from Las Cruces New Mexico, faces his hardest test to date against the war hardened Cotto , who is a legendary fighter from Caguas, Puerto Rico. 

Trout , who is the reigning WBA light middleweight champion is coming of a 12 round unanimous decision victory over Delvin Rodriguez and will enter the fight with Cotto very confident. He goes into the fight as the reigning champion with an undefeated record of (25-0-0-14ko's). Trout is well known for his fast hands and a slick and tricky boxing style, he is also a southpaw. 

Cotto has won five world titles in three weight divisions and is considered to be one of the best fighters coming out of Puerto Rico ever. In his last fight he fought pound for pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr. Although Cotto lost, it was a much closer and competitive fight than most people anticipated. Cotto was very competitive from the first bell to the last. 

Sergio Martinez expects Canelo to duck and fight Cotto...

WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is looking for a new challenge for the Spring of next year but believes that he may not be able to get some of the fights he wants.

'Maravilla' is coming off of a dominating performance over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and is hoping to face Mexico's other 'Golden Child', Saul Alvarez, in April or May of next year. The 37-year old has even stated that he would be willing to move down to 154lb to make the fight happen. However, he believes that this fight probably won't be happening anytime soon.

"Canelo has better and safer offers. After what happened to (Chavez) Junior, logic would tell me that he'll fight Cotto (because) there is less risk and more money," said Martinez.

Martinez has said that he will rematch Chavez Jr in the fall of next year but is really hoping for a "super-fight" with one of boxing's biggest stars before the rematch. And to be honest with you, he deserves one. The guy has done everything asked of him, fought everyone who's been offered to him and looked a class above all of them in the ring. He only wants one thing and that's a chance to prove he is the best pound-for-pound fighter out there today but unfortunately it looks like he isn't going to get that chance. In fact it looks like a rematch with the likes of Matthew Macklin is the most likely fight out there for him at the moment.

By Jack Price @PriceyJ97.

Andre Berto Vs Cornelius Bundrage looking set for November 24th!

Andre Berto.

According to reports, former two-time world champion Andre Berto is looking very likely to face the IBF light-middleweight world champ, Cornelius Bundrage, on November 24th. This has not been confirmed yet, but Boxingscene.com have revealed that discussions are ongoing and if the fight does happen, it will be televised live on HBO.

Cornelius 'K-9' Bundrage.

Now, to be honest with you, I really want this fight happen. I've never really paired these two guys together, but now the idea has been proposed, I think it could end up being a really good fight, not only for the fans but also for the fighters. Both men have been very, very inactive recently. Berto hasn't fought since last September when he TKO'd Jan Zaveck and Bundrage hasn't only fought once a year since 2009. So, the point I'm trying to get across is that, both fighters will take this fight without any doubts. Berto is obviously a very talented fighter and I'm sure that he will firmly believe that he can beat Cornelius Bundrage. And to be honest with you, I think Bundrage will want this fight even more. He has been calling out lots of top-level fighters recently and telling them to give him the shot he so desperately deserves and a fight against Berto is a very good opportunity for him to prove how good he is.

You must also remember that Bundrage has just signed with a new promoter, so if he asks for a fight at the moment there's going to be a big chance that he gets it as his promoter will be looking to get in his "star fighter's" good books.

The fight hasn't been confirmed yet but negotiations are taking place right now so if all goes well, we should hear more about this fight in the next few days.

By Jack Price @PriceyJ97.

Alvarez-Lopez 7-Day Weigh-in Results.



This Saturday (September 15th) Josesito Lopez takes on Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez for the WBC light-middleweight championship of the world. Lopez will be moving up in weight for the second fight in a row but it seems like he will have no problem making the weight.

Both men had to weigh-in on Saturday (September 8th) for the 7-day weigh-in. The fighters had to make sure that they were within five percent of the 154lb light-middleweight limit. This means they had to weigh 162lb or less. We were all thinking that 'Canelo' would be the only one that may have had trouble making the weight as he is the naturally bigger man and a big light-middleweight. However, Lopez actually weighed in slightly heavier than 'Canelo'. The official weights were: Alvarez - 159.8lb & Lopez - 160lb.

So to sum it all up, there should be no problems with the weight for either fighter and I don't actually think there will be any size advantage in this fight. If you look at Lopez, he is probably a natural welterweight or light-middleweight. He has been fighting at light-welterweight for most of his career but showed in the Ortiz fight that he can handle stepping up in weight. One thing we know with this fight is that weight and size will not be an issue.

 

By Jack Price (@PriceyJ97)

Ryan Rhodes Retires!

Sheffield-born boxing veteran Ryan Rhodes has officially announced that he has retired from the sport of boxing.

The 35-year old had 52 fights in his professional career and only lost six of them, three came whilst challenging for a world title. His last fight was a stoppage loss against up and coming prospect Sergy Rabchenko, he claims this was the main reason that he decided to retire.

Although Rhodes never achieved success at world level, he did manage to win titles at domestic level. 'Spice Boy' won the British light-middleweight in only the 10th fight of his career. He then won the Lonsdale belt over ten years later after a couple of world title attempts. He then managed to win the European crown by stopping Jamie Moore in one of the most thrilling fights of his career.

Now as you know when most fighters claim they have "retired" or "gone into retirement" it is only usually for a year or so, but I do think Rhodes is gone for good. He seems like the type of guy who thinks about things and sticks to the decisions he makes.

Good luck in the future 'Spice Boy' from all of us here at BoxingOpinions!

K9 is now a free agent, Eyes Miguel Cotto...

Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage.

IBF light-middleweight champion Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage has parted ways with his trainer and manager Manny Steward as he contract has expired and he does not intend to renew it. He is now a managerial and promotional free agent after his promotional contract with Don King ended earlier this year.

The former Contender series participant commented on the situation and claims that there are no hard feelings and it is nothing personal.

"I don't have any hard feelings or anything with my former manager Manny Steward. I kind of feel like how LeBron James felt when he became a free agent. He had a choice where he could stay with Cleveland or go to Miami and he went to Miami and became a world champion. My new manager will have it easy. He doesn't have to make me a champion. I am already a world champion. He just has to get me the big fights. He will be in a good situation," explained Bundrage.

K9 has been pretty inactive in the last few years of his career but his main target for the future is to become a more active fighter. His last fight was on June 30th where he knocked out Cory Spinks and that has been his only appearance in the ring so far this year.
At the moment, there is only one fighter that K9 wants, and that is Miguel Cotto.

"I would love to fight Cotto" said Bundrage. "He is a free agent just like me so a fight between him and me shouldn't be hard to make. I know he has a date to fight at Madison Square Garden in New York but he can come fight me here for my belt."

After disposing of Spinks, Bundrage wants Canelo...

IBF champ Cornelius Bundrage.

39-year old IBF light-middleweight champion Cornelius Bundrage showed on Saturday night that even at his age, he can still compete at the top level of the sport. 'K9' put on one of his career-best performances against Cory Spinks, knocking him down four times and then stopping him in the seventh.

Whilst Spinks (39-6, 11 KO's) is not a top fighter at light-middleweight, and he certainly is no Saul Alvarez or Miguel Cotto, he is still a decent fighter that would be a tough challenge for most  people at 154lb. So the fact that Bundrage disposed of him relatively easy, shows that 'K9' is still a force to be feared in the division.

Erislandy Lara.

And he wants to prove this even further by fighting the 21-year old Mexican superstar Saul Alvarez.

Bundrage called out the WBC world champ in the post-fight interview.

"The black 'Rocky' versus Canelo. Let's get it on... We want Canelo! We want Canelo," Bundrage exclaimed. "I think that would be a good fight. I ain't going nowhere. You see how I fight. I fight. I don't even really think about doing no jabbing. No, I fight. He a fighter. I'm a fighter. Let's fight."

Also on the card, was another potential opponent for Alvarez on September 15th, Erislandy Lara. The Cuban 29-year old scored a wide unanimous decision over Freddy Hernandez and also looked pretty good whilst doing it.

At the moment, it looks as though these two men are the only two people that would be allowed by the WBC and put up a good fight against Alvarez. Personally, I'd rather see 'Canelo' fight Lara but either of them would be an interesting fight. Not the best, but still interesting.

Cotto looking likely to move up to middleweight!

Cotto with his light-middleweight titles.

Former light-middleweight world champion Miguel Cotto has set a date for his return to the ring (December 1st) and he is even considering moving up to 160lb for the first time in his career. If he won a title at this weight, he would become the first Puerto Rican boxer to win a world title in four different weight divisions.

Although Cotto is a very, very good fighter, and no doubt one of the best in the world today, it would be very tough for him to become a dominant force at middleweight. He is only  5"7 and would be a lot smaller than most of the champions at 160lb. He is hoping that a catch-weight fight will be made.

"It's a very attractive option for me. We're analysing and studying to see if we can do it. Yes, it''s a motivation, to become the first Puerto Rican champion to win titles in four weight divisions," explained Cotto.

"I do not know [how high I could fight]. Those are things to discuss in the negotiations."

Cotto has ruled out any rumours and allegations that he will be the opponent for WBC light-middleweight champion on September 15th. 

"September is not a possibility. I have plans in my family with July. Fighting in September would be disrupting the plans that I have with them and that is something that I will not do."

The most likely opponent at the moment is the WBO interim-champion Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam. The Frenchman and his promoter have already revealed that they would be more than willing to fight Cotto in November. They also said that the right amount of money would overcome any potential issues about the weight.

Maidana calls out Saul Alvarez!

Maidana after his victory over Victor Ortiz.

Now that Victor Ortiz has suffered an upset loss to Josesito Lopez, Saul Alvarez needs yet another opponent for September 15th, and Argentinian former world champ Marcos Maidana is more than willing to step up and take the challenge.

Maidana left Ortiz battered and bruised.

He was actually at the Staples Centre on Saturday night when Lopez defeated Ortiz. He revealed that it brought back memories from when he defeated Ortiz in a similar fashion. But, he doesn't want to live on the past, he wants to look to the future.

"It was a great card. Great wins from Lucas Mattyhsse and Josesito Lopez. Now it's my turn and I want it to be against [Saul] Canelo Alvarez. That's the opponent I want," told Maidana.

If the fight was arranged, there would be just one small problem. Maidana would have to move up two weight divisions and fight a guy that is a very big light-middleweight. 'El Chino' has fought most of his career at light-welterweight (and sometimes even lighter) so it would be tough for him to put on the weight and still stay in shape.

"All I say is they are looking for a fight for Canelo and I want Canelo. I told that to Oscar De La Hoya in person last night. I know some might say that he's too big for me and I say I like the challenge because Canelo likes to fight and so do I. Styles make fights and it would be a war. A war that I can win."

The 28-year old is coming off of a points loss to American welterweight Devon Alexander and he feels that he needs to prove to himself and the world that he's still got what it takes to compete at the top level.

"I feel like I need vindication from the loss against Devon Alexander. And vindication can only be achieved by getting great victories against great opponents. Regardless of the weight, I know I can knock Canelo out. I like the toughest challenges," explained Maidana.

In all honesty, I can't see this fight happening. Maidana would just be too small and I don't think that Alvarez would feel that he had proved anything from getting a victory against Maidana. The Argentinian is a very good fighter but would just not be strong enough or powerful enough at light-middleweight. I'm not sure that Golden Boy would want this fight to happen either. They are also looking to prove that their young star is one of the best in the world, and you won't do that with this fight.

Alvarez Vs Ortiz made official!

Saul Alvarez with Victor Ortiz in 2010.

It's official! Saul Alvarez Vs Victor Ortiz has been confirmed for September 15th. This is one of the best fights that has been made this year and many people already believe that it could be a potential fight of the year if it lives up to it's expectation.

WBC light-middleweight champion Alvarez has had a lot of bad luck with his opponents recently. Firstly, there was the tragic motorcycle accident involving his original opponent Paul Williams, and then as a replacement he was set to face American up and coming talent James Kirkland. But, this fight fell through due to an injury suffered by Kirkland. However, none of this matters any more. We now have an even better fight to look forward to!
Ortiz and Lopez both have very exciting fighting styles and it seems almost impossible that the two young men will not provide the fans with a great night of entertainment on September 15th.

Ortiz already has a fight scheduled for June 23rd, but luckily for him it is looking to be a relatively easy night for him against Josesito Lopez. Providing that Ortiz does not lose or suffer an injury during that fight, the bout between him and Alvarez is a definite.

The fight will be shown on Showtime PPV and it is the first pay-per-view event since the Pacquiao-Mosley fight in May of last year. Showtime should have no problems getting fans to pay to watch this. I don't know a single boxing fan that will be willing to pay the small fee to watch such a fantastic fight. The event, which is named Knockout Kings, will feature a twist. There will be a $100,000 bonus for the fighter who scores the knockout of the night, which will be voted for by the fans. The reward is available to every fighter on the card, not just the televised fights.

The highly anticipated bout is made even more interesting due to the fact that both men are desperate to prove themselves. Ortiz is coming off of a knockout loss against pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr so he wants to show the world that he is back and more ready than ever to carry on competing at the top level of the sport. Alvarez is completely different. He is coming off of one of the best performances of his career. On May 5th he retired ring veteran Shane Mosley and dominated almost every round of the fight. However, he still has his doubters and he wants to prove to them that at just 21-years old, he is already at the level to compete with the best fighters in the world.

What a great night it is looking to be. Two young and hungry fighters battling to prove that are the top fighter in the world at light-middleweight right now.

Ishe Smith discusses his world title challenge against 'K9' Bundrage

@thaboxingvoice

Ishe Smith looks ahead to his world title challenge against the IBF's Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage. He also discusses his experience with The Money Team. 

Trout wants Mayweather after Canelo!

www.HustleBoss.com