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Nigel Benn v Marvin Hagler

In one of the match ups of the first round both enter the ring confident, there has been an air of respect between the two in the build up to this fight. Benn claims it is the hardest he has ever trained for a fight, while Hagler as usual is giving little away. They meet in the middle of the ring and touch gloves during the referees instructions, both men’s eyes are burning with intensity, they need to get this going before the place explodes with tension and excitement.

The bell for the first round sounds and the too fights rush each other, Hagler is starting in an orthadox stance, Benn rushes in and loads up with a huge over hand right, Hagler sees it coming a miles off and rolls underneath it following back with a perfectly timed left hook which catches Benn cold and off balance. Been staggers to his left and Hagler follows in with a one two combinations that leaves Benn sprawling on the canvas in disarray. After all the build up for this one surely it can’t be over this quickly?

Benn scrambles to his feet on rubbery legs, that one hurt. Hagler is a great finisher and as the referee allows Benn to continue Hagler goes in for the kill. For anyone that knows Nigel Benn he is like a wounded animal and at his most dangerous when he is hurt. Hagler throws a straight ring hand but Benn manages to slip it and unloads with one of his trademark left hooks which lands flush on the chin of the oncoming Hagler. This time it’s Hagler who is hurt rocking back on his heals.

At first Benn possibly still dazed is unaware of the real damage he has just caused and by the time he reacts Hagler is moving freely again with his hands up. Benn rushes him throwing flurries of punches, Haglers head seems clear and he is blocking the shots well all be it being pushed back into a corner. Hagler turns defence into attack and fires back with his own shots, neither men seemed fazed by the shots anymore and are concentrating hard to get there own shots through, this one could live up to the expectations after all. Neither men hear the bell for the end of the first round and continue hitting each other with bombs until the referee bravely separates them. Both men are pushed to arms length but stand staring at each other refusing to take a back step, the referee pushes both back to there respective corners.

Round two starts a little different to the first, neither rushes in and they circle each other like a time bomb counting down to explosion. Hagler switches back to a south paw stance, as he switches Benn throws a straight right hand down the pipe which lands flush, Hagler takes it well and time bomb explodes Hagler fires back and both men stand toe to toe. The large ring is wasted on these two who might as well be in a telephone box. First Hagler seems wobbled but then fires back and Benn seems hurt, what a fight. Benn jumps in with a big left hook and the heads smash together, Benn was caught high on the forehead and although staggers back holding his head, Hagler gets it right in the right eye, opening up a nasty cut. Hagler dabs the bleeding eye with his glove and then steps straight back into the action. The bell ends yet another amazing round.
There is a worried look in Hagler’s corner as the ring doctor looks at the cut on Haglers eye, the corner wipes away the blood, it is a bad cut in a awful position, the blood flowing directly into the eye. The doctor shakes his head, will give you another round and then we will have another look he says. Hagler’s corner man turn to Hagler and shouts you gotta stop this boy, lets have a big effort, Hagler nods in agreement. The bell for the third starts and Hagler turns back to orthodox to try and give the eye as much protection as he can, keeping his right hand high against his head. Benn can smell blood and moving to his left throwing as many left hooks into the eye as he can muster, Hagler fires back with some great shots, the eye doesn’t seem to be affecting his attacking options.

While moving to his left Benn meets a sweet right upper cut from Hagler, Benn looks hurt and staggers back, Hagler sees the opportunity and unloads with every shot in the book pushing Benn back into the corner. The referee is taking a closer look at Benn as for the first time there isn’t much coming back, just as he about to leap in and stop the action Benn winds up a left hook which comes from his waist area and swings it in the direction of Hagler missing by absolute miles but he put his whole body behind it and as it misses he follows it to the canvas with the huge momentum of the shot. The referee signals no knock down and Benn uses every second to recover. Hagler is just about to jump on him again as the bell sounds to end the round. Hagler shakes his head as he walks back to his corner knowing he had the fight in the palm of his hand.

The fourth starts and Benn has somehow got a new lease of life and comes out bouncing. This time it’s Hagler who is looking tired, probably from the frustration of the previous round, the corner have done a decent job with the cut and Hagler has been allowed at least another round. Benn unloads with bombs crunching into Haglers bald dome, many a fighter would have been carried out the ring after taking half the shots that these two have so far, Hagler does his best to block, the cut seeps blood into his eye once again affecting his vision. In this round Hagler just doesn’t seem to have answers to Benn, and for the first time in the fight Benn looks really on top. Benn continues the work for the whole round, Hagler does his best to block and move but that was a big round for Benn. As the bell sounds Benn raises his arms and screams to the crowd who by this time are mostly out of their seats cheering Benn’s new found success.

The rest Hagler had in the fourth appears tactical as he roars out for the fifth like a steam train. He starts but switch hitting and picking Benn off almost a will the energy that Benn had in the last round seems to melt away. Hagler forces Benn back into his own corner and unloads with huge punches most of them landing flush on Benn who is now wilting under the attack. The referee take a good look at Benn and says something. This time there is nothing coming back and Hagler refuses to stop the onslaught, the referee speaks again, this time it can be heard, “you need to do something Nigel”, as the words come out Hagler lands four heavy shots to Benn’s head which is flopping around, the referee dives in with no other choice and calls an end to a fantastic fight. Benn slumps against the referee his head buried into his shoulder. Hagler spins around and raises his hands aloft, knowing that the fight would go down as an all time classic.

With a great TKO victory Hagler moves on to the second round of the competition. Benn losses but can walk away with his head held high, as he gave it his all.

Watch out on Friday 22nd for the next gripping 1st Round action between Chris Eubank and Carl “the Cobra” Froch

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Gerald McClellan v Mikkel Kessler

Don’t blink as with these two big punchers in the ring this one could last seconds rather than rounds. Both men look wound up ready to explode, Kessler the cooler of the two but McClellan is bouncing on the spot staring at him. They come together and touch gloves, and then circle each other like to wild animals ready to pounce. McClellan paws with the jab while Kessler is unmoved poised to strike. Kessler faints with the jab and then follows in with a massive right hand almost spinning McClellan on the spot who drops to one knee with his back to Kessler.

Surprisingly he doesn’t seem hurt, more shocked and is up onto his feet almost immediately, nodding to the referee while taking his eight count. Both men circle each other again gearing to strike and then pulling away. This time Kessler starts to paw with the jab and McClellan gets up on his toes and starts to move with fluent speed, picking off Kessler with the jab at will. McClellan steps to his left and launches forward with a straight right hand down the pipe knocking Kessler off his feet onto his backside, Kessler shakes his head more with annoyance that he got hit with the shot, and within seconds he was back on his feet the power of the shot took him off his feet rather than it hitting the spot. The bell rings to end an eventful first round.

They came out for the second this time both men are much more cautious and are looking to defend rather than attack showing respect for each others power. Barely a shot is landed in the whole of the second round, seemingly taking turns in leading off and the other moving well on the back foot. There are chants from the crowd already of “ Come on Come on “ who know how explosive this one could be if they start opening up on each other. The bell sounds to end the second and both men walk back to their corners shaking their heads disappointed with there performance so far.

The third is a different story and both men come out like charging bulls and stand in the centre of the ring toe to toe, the crowd erupts with excitement. Both men throw identical right hands at the same time both landing flush and both men drop to the canvas, this time both men are in serious trouble. The count starts for both and by six Kessler is onto his knees, McClellan is still on his back. By the count of eight Kessler is up on very unsteady legs and by nine McClellan joins Kessler on rubber legs. The referee looks at both men neither really looking ready to continue, the referee shakes his head and signals them to fight on. They stagger towards each other and this time it’s left hooks that they both throw and again land simultaneously which send them both back to the canvas. This time it’s McClellan who is first to his feet and looks the less dazed of the two, again the referee signals both men to continue. Just as they wade in again the bell goes and both men stumble back to there corners on unsteady legs. Both corner men empty almost buckets over there men to try and revive them.

The crowd have never seen anything like this and are going crazy. As the bell goes for the third it’s McClellan who seems to have recovered best and almost runs over to Kessler who still staggering. McClellan throws a right hand with every inch of energy left in him which sends Kessler almost horizontal through the ropes leaving him sprawling on the judges table, he lifts up his head which then thumps back down. The judge takes one look at him and removes the gum shield and rolls him onto his side as the corner rushes over to him. The referee signals the end of the fight and McClellan drops to his knees barely able to raise his arms. Kessler manages to get himself back into the ring for the announcement and both men raise each others arms. McClellan goes through to the next round with a superb 3 round knockout.

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Mike McCallum v Joe Calzaghe

Both men enter the ring looking confident, as they come out for the first round they touch gloves and then it’s straight into the action. It is an electrifying start from both men matching each other punch for punch . Calzaghe pushes McCallum back, then McCallum fires back to the head and body. Two and fro neither man prepared to back down and neither getting the upper hand. Something has to give surely they can’t keep this pace going. The bell for the end of the 1st ends the action and both men smile at each other in acknowledgement of each others work rate.

The second round starts and neither man is prepared to let up and starts off just as they finished the first. I wouldn’t like to be a judge if this one goes the distance, the bell for the end of the second it the only thing that stops the action. The pair slap gloves, not only a great fight but is also fought in great spirit. The third is a little slower both men have taken and given out big shots and seem to be taking a well deserved rest, that is until about a minute to go in the round, McCallum pushes Calzaghe into his own corner and unleashes a huge Left, right combination to Calzaghes body almost cutting him in half Calzaghe leans forward from the shots and meets an almost perfect upper cut flush on the chin. Calzaghe falls forward into a heap.

He is up at the count of six and raises his gloves nodding to the referee. The referee signals the fight to continue and McCallum rushes in and unloads again with hurtful shots to the head and body, Calzaghe winces but refuses to go down again, he takes in a big gulp of air and fires back with his own shots forcing McCallum to stem the attack, when the bell rings to end the third both fighters nod at each other. What a fight, in the 4th Calzaghe seems to have recovered from the knockdown and now has McCallum on the back foot, McCallum fires back with a big right hand which Calzaghe ducks under and unleashes with a powerful right hook followed by a left straight and another right hook, this time it’s McCallum’s turn to raise himself from the canvas. He doesn’t appear hurt as he gets to his feet and when the referee signals them to fight again it is McCallum who takes the attack to Calzaghe, both are standing toe to toe in the centre of the ring as the bell goes to end the forth.

In the 5th and 6th the pace slows a little but is still furious neither man really getting the upper hand, the seventh starts and Calzaghe comes out quickly, he leads again with the right hook which lands flush, Calzaghe follows up with 10 unanswered punches which forces McCallum to the canvas once again. This time on rising McCallum definitely looks shaken by the knockdown. Calzaghe steps back from the knockdown shaking his left hand, rather than rushing in for the finish Calzaghe eases off and starts moving for the first time boxing off the back foot throwing the jab. He doesn’t throw the left for the remainder of the fight, has his injury curse struck again? The bell sounds and both men head back to their respective corners McCallum on slightly rubbery legs.

The bell for the seventh rings and again Calzaghe is on the back foot throwing right jabs and the occasional hook, McCallum seems to be still suffering from the knockdown and his hands are dropping. Calzaghe is moving well and McCallum is struggling to catch up with him, still Calzaghe has not thrown the left hand. The round ends and McCallum walks back to the corner, his corner man points out Calzaghe’s damaged hand and screams encouragement to his man, McCallum sits up straighter on the stool and takes in a big gulp of air.

The eighth starts and McCallum seems to have a new lease of life, he starts to move to his right no longer fearing the left cross, just as he does so Calzaghe unleashes with a huge left straight into the face of McCallum, the crack from Calzaghe’s hand can be heard about four rows back as the shot landed, McCallum off balance crashes to the canvas. Calzaghe cannot hide the pain from his damaged left and his face screws up with agony. McCallum jumps to his feet eager to carry on once the referee finishes the eight count McCallum almost sprints forward pinning Calzaghe on the ropes throwing left hooks to the body and head forcing Calzaghe to block the shots with his damaged hand. As the bell sounds Calzaghe walks back to his corner clutching the damaged hand . The referee comes over to Calzaghe’s corner and asks if he is ok and whether he can carry on. Calzaghe nods and says “Never Better” the lie from gritted teeth.

The ninth sees Calzaghe on the back foot again using the jab well but McCallum is outscoring him with better work and it’s the same in the 10th and 11th round, McCallum is starting to tire but is on top. The bell for the 12th Round rings and both men embrace in the centre of the ring. The action starts again almost the second they let go, McCallum is surprised as Calzaghe comes out throwing leather with both hands biting down hard on his gum shield, the punches don’t carry the same power but the speed of them puts McCallum on the back foot, both men fire shots as if it was the first round again neither giving an inch the whole last round shows a true example of the fitness and determination of both men. The bell rings to end the fight and both fall into each others arms and raise each others arms.

This one is going to the judges cards and it’s a close one, the result seems to take forever both men stood with the referee waiting to see whose hand will be raised. 1st Judge 115-113 Calzaghe, a cheer erupts from the crowd as McCallum claps as well, 2nd Judge 115-113 McCallum again the cheers come, both fighters are looking tense as the final Judges score is read out 116-114 for Calzaghe, he has scrapped through by a split Decision. What a fight they don’t come much better than that.

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Over the last 25 years the Middle and Super Middleweight Divisions have produced some of the best talent to enter a boxing ring, no one can ever say who the best were as many of them have not and will not fight each other in their primes.

The following competition is my idea on how the fights would have gone should they have fought each other whilst in their prime. There are 32 qualifiers entering the competition and they are split into 2 sections, to qualify fighters must have either competed at Middleweight or Super Middleweight at some point in their career even if it was not their ideal weight and must have fought within the last 25 years.

The fights are seen as if each fighter was in his prime. The draw is made totally randomly and the outcome of each fight is as I would have seen it, they may have already fought each other, this will be taken into account however it will not necessarily determine the result.

The first two rounds will be completed within the sections and then the final qualifying 8 will form the quarter finals. It will be a knockout competition so a loss removes the fighter from the competition.

Section 1

1. Steve Collins
2. Mike McCallum
3. Michael Watson
4. Nigel Benn
5. Chris Eubank
6. Joe Calzaghe
7. Carl Froch
8. Mikkel Kessler
9. Bernard Hopkins
10. Jermain Taylor
11. Herold Graham
12. Julian Jackson
13. Sugar Ray Leonard
14. Sven Ottke
15. Gerald McClellan
16. Marvin Hagler

Section 2

1. Ronald Wright
2. James Toney
3. Roberto Duran
4. Thomas Hearns
5. Roy Jones Jr
6. Michael Nunn
7. Montell Griffin
8. Iran Barkley
9. Reggie Johnson
10. William Joppy
11. John Mugabi
12. Alan Minter
13. Hector Camacho
14. Kelly Pavlik
15. Arthur Abraham
16. Cory Spinks

1st Round Draws

Section 1 –

Steve Collins v Sugar Ray Leonard
Chris Eubank v Carl Froch
Bernard Hopkins v Sven Ottke
Michael Watson v Jermain Taylor
Nigel Benn v Marvin Hagler
Gerald McClellan v Mikkel Kessler
Mike McCallum v Joe Calzaghe
Herald Graham v Julian Jackson

Section 2 –

Ronald Wright v Hector Camacho
Roy Jones Jr v Michael Nunn
Reggie Johnson v Kelly Pavlik
Roberto Duran v William Joppy
Thomas Hearns v John Mugabi
Arthur Abraham v Alan Minter
James Toney v Cory Spinks
Iran Barkley v Montell Griffin

Fights will be posted on a weekly basis with 2 fights per week randomly selected

Week 1

Gerald McClellan v Mikkel Kessler and Mike McCallum v Joe Calzaghe

Watch out for these two awesome fights this week

Are Judges ruining Boxing

I know over the years there has always been bad decisions from boxing judges, but things have changed, in the past a fighter would get a bad decision brush himself down and be back in the ring again a couple of weeks later with the decision forgotten about. With modern boxers one bad decision can almost destroy a fighters career, even being granted a re-match could take up to the best part of a year.

Look at Damaen Kelly for example, he fought his heart out against Simone Maludrottu for the European Title, he won nearly every round in my opinion, and nearly everyone watching apart from the three men at ringside. I have watched the fight a number of times in disgust trying to work out how one judge scored it 118-111 in the favour of Maludrottu. This fight has basically ruined Damean Kelly as a fighter he had his heart ripped out that night and although he got a rematch 7 months later he wasn’t the same fighter and was stopped in three rounds.

There are so many to speak of, another big example for me was the fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Sturm, De La Hoya already had his big money match lined up with Bernard Hopkins and took on at the time undefeated Felix Sturm. De La Hoya came into the ring and for the first time in his career looked out of shape. Sturm out boxed and out sized him for the whole contest. If De La Hoya lost there would be millions of pounds lost so as long as he was on his feet at the end of the fight he would win, basically that is what happened. Sturm lost a big part of his career because of the loss and it took nearly two years before he got another shot at a major title.

With all the modern technology there has to be a better and fairer way of scoring fights, boxers train too long and dedicate so much of their lives more than in any other sport to be robbed of a victory that was so obviously there’s. I have interviewed lots of professional boxers and asked them about what they think. I am yet to come across any who are happy with the current scoring method. What should be done ? That is the million dollar question, you can’t just score a professional fight on the number of punches landed, it works for amateur boxing but that is a different sport.

I carried out a recent interview with Reggie Johnson and he came up with a great suggestion of having 3 former world champions judging the fight as well as the officials, this would pressure them into scoring correctly. Or if there has been a poor decision there should be a right to appeal and have a fight re-scored by a panel and the decision be reversed if incorrect. I realise this will take something away from the sport as every fighter who lost would probably be appealing against it. Also to be given a world title belt and then have it taken away after a decision has been turned around would also not be fair on the fighter.

Something has to be done though as it is ruining the sport, a number of times of late I have come away from watching a fight with a bad taste in my mouth after seeing yet another shocking decision. Things can be changed, as they have recently with the British Title fights now having 3 judges rather than being judged solely by the referee, which is an improvement if the judges do their job correctly.

I can fully understand when the rounds are hard to score and the fight is close it goes on that persons judgement, I have no problem with that whatsoever. For example in my opinion Oscar De La Hoya did enough the other week to beat Floyd Mayweather, a certain amount of people will agree with me and probably the same amount will disagree. I am talking about the likes of the first meeting between Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver, Jones looked poor and was totally outworked but got the decision, I have never spoken to one person that thinks he won that fight, or even that it was close.

As I have said something needs to be changed but what ? Someone will have the answer, but we need to come up with something as it is only getting worse, and boxing is losing out because of it and as a result losing a lot of fans.

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Life and career of Diego “Chico” Corrales – 45 Fights 40 Wins 5 defeats (33 KO’s)

Date of Birth – 25th August 1977
Date of Death – 7th May 2007

Diego Corrales tragically lost his life in an accident at the tender age of 29 he was involved in a three-vehicle accident near his Las Vegas home. Corrales was driving a 2007 Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorcycle, travelling northbound on Fort Apache Road in the southwest part of the city, when he attempted to pass at a high speed. Corrales struck the back of a 1997 Honda Accord, Las Vegas police spokesman Sgt. Tracy McDonald said. “The accident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. PDT on the 6th May 2007. McDonald said there was no outward evidence of drugs or alcohol involved. He could not say how fast the motorcycle was travelling”. But apparently he was thrown a great distance and died instantly.

Corrales was involved in violence from a young age, he was raised in Sacramento, California born to a Colombian father and Mexican mother, he was involved in street gangs from the age of 13. His best friend was shot and killed during a drive by shooting which was witnessed by Corrales and had some lead into him changing his life and putting on the gloves.

He was a busy amateur having 117 bouts, winning 105 of them, he was runner up in the US Amateur Championships losing on points in an action packed final against Frankie Carmona in the Featherweight Division and Bronze Medallist also at Featherweight in the 1995 Pan American Games, he moved up in weight to lightweight for the 1995 World Championships in Berlin 1995, but lost to Marco Rudolph who eventually finished with the Bronze Medal.

On the 19th March 1996 Corrales made his professional debut against Everett Berry and started off with a good win by TKO in the 3rd of 4 rounds. He went on learning his trade winning 13 fights straight before taking his first real challenge in the form of Steve Quinonez who at the time held a record of 15-1-1, Corrales came through the challenge with flying colours winning by TKO in the 4th Round announcing himself to the world at Super Featherweight.

He was tall for the weight but also carried great power with both hands and proved a real handful. He won the IBA Continental Super Featherweight Title, he briefly fought at Lightweight winning the IBA Continental Lightweight Title, before dropping back to Super Featherweight to take on unbeaten Super Featherweight Gairy St Clair in an IBF Super Featherweight Title Eliminator, after completing 12 rounds for the first time he came out with the victory with a great points win.

Nearly a year and 3 victories later he finally got his chance at the title. His record at the time was a superb 28-0, he took on more experienced and also unbeaten champion American Roberto Garcia who was 32-0. With 60 victories and 0 losses between the two the stage was set for a classic encounter. Neither men disappointed, the scorecards were almost level until the 7th Round when Corrales after a blistering attack of heavy punches stopped the champion for the first time in his career in the 7th Round.

Corrales made on defence of the title before challenging Derrick Gainer for his IBA Belt, after winning this one as well by 3rd Round stoppage Corrales seemed unbeatable, at 5’10” he towered over most Super Featherweights and was able to use his range to good effect but if need be he was also happy to engage in combat. Corrales won a further two fights defending his titles successfully against Justin Juuko and Angel Manfredy.
Corrales was dominating the division and had an incredible record of 33-0 with 27 by way of Knockout.

On the 20th January 2001 Corrales took on rising Star Floyd Mayweather Jr who was racing through the division and had clocked up 24 straight victories and was the WBC Champion. During the bout Corrales was knocked down 5 times (3 times in the 7th and twice in the 10th) and despite Corrales protesting to his corner he was retired after the second knockdown in the 10th round and the fight was stopped, these first times he had ever been knocked down, but he showed the heart of a champion even in defeat.

After the bout Corrales had some personal issues and he was accused of violence against his pregnant ex-wife, he accepted a plea bargain and this saw him spend 14 months behind bars.

Corrales returned to the ring in 2003 and after 4 relatively easy victories he took on Joel Casamayor for his old IBA belt back. After a torrid 6 rounds in which Corrales was down twice and Casamayor down once the fight was stopped due to a horrendous mouth injury Corrales suffered. Even then Corrales wanted more but the doctor advised otherwise as he could see the teeth of Corrales through a gaping hole below his lower lip he was in no fit condition to carry on.

The re-match was arranged and this time it was for the vacant WBO Super Featherweight Title, it was another close fight Corrales was down in the 10th Round but rose to claim a close split decision victory and was crowned the Champion once again.

Corrales decided to step up to Lightweight and took on undefeated and highly rated big punching Brazilian hero Acelino Freitas, who came into the fight as a big favourite. Freitas started well and looked to have the fight won when Corrales stormed back knocking Freitas down three times to claim one of the best victories in his career in the 10th Round.

Then came what is regarded as one of the best fights in recent times, Corrales again the underdog took on Jose Luis Castillo a man who had taken Floyd Mayweather Jr the distance twice losing close points decisions and also held a win over Joel Casamayor.

The two warriors stood toe to toe battering each other with hard combinations and big power punches throughout the entire fight. Finally in the tenth round Corrales was the first to give and was floored, Corrales looked out spitting out his gum shield onto the canvas before clawing himself to his feet. The time taken to replace the gum shield just allowed Corrales to recover enough to continue. Corrales was knocked down again seconds later after the restart again removing his gum shield and discarded it onto the canvas. This time referee deducted a point for this but it gave Corrales the recovery time he needed.

Castillo rushed in to finish the fight but was caught with a perfect right hand, Corrales spurred on by his success trapped Castillo on the ropes and battered him until his hands dropped and only the ropes were holding him up causing referee Tony Weeks to dive in and rescue Castillo who was stopped for the first time in his career, handing Corrales a fantastic victory from the brink of defeat.

A rematch between Corrales and Castillo occurred on the 8th October 2005. On the day before the fight, Castillo weighed-in 3½ lbs over the 135 lb lightweight limit. Since Castillo did not make the weight, the fight became a non-title bout. The two fighters continued with the same fighting style that they had used in the first fight, trading inside punches throughout the first three rounds. Early in the fourth round, Castillo knocked down Corrales with a left hook to his chin. Corrales wobbled to his feet at the referee’s count of ten, causing the fight to end. Although due to the weight issues before hand it was argued that Castillo held an unfair advantage.

Corrales vs. Castillo III, dubbed “The War to Settle the Score,” had been scheduled for the 4th February 2006, but it was postponed because of a rib injury that Corrales suffered while training. The fight was rescheduled for the 3rd June 2006. At the weigh-in, however, Corrales weighed the 135 lb lightweight limit whereas Castillo weighed 139½ lb—causing the fight to be cancelled. Corrales recently sued Castillo for punitive damages.

In October 2006 Corrales was scheduled to defend his lightweight title in a third bout against Joel Casamayor on. However, in an extremely ironic case, Corrales weighed in 5 pounds over the lightweight limit of 135 pounds for the fight. He was given two hours to shed five pounds, but came back at 139 pounds, still four pounds over the limit. Corrales would have been stripped of the title if he had won the bout, but Casamayor defeated him by Split decision for the WBC and The Ring Lightweight titles.

In his final fight Corrales moved up two weight divisions to Welterweight to take on tough Joshua Clottey. The step up proved two much after a reasonably close fight Clottey’s natural weight and power became too much for Corrales who was knocked down in the 9th and 10th Rounds narrowly surviving the 10th round to lose on an unanimous points decision. Corrales again proved his huge heart battling on when defeat was imminent.

Diego Corrales will be remembered for being a true warrior and a man that no matter how badly he was losing or how hard he was being hit he would still wear his heart on his sleeve and battle back for more. He was a true fighters fighter and will always be remembered for all the great performances he gave win or lose.

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Boxing Weekend for the 5th & 6th May 2007

Prediction - Kovacs win on Points

This is a really tough fight to call, Kovacs is unbeaten in 17 fights, and does have the home town advantage, however Frazier has been in with the best and gave nearly all of them a run for their money, the likes of Winky Wright, Felix Sturm, Roman Karmazin and Sechew Powell just to mention a few and has only been stopped once although he did retire in the sixth round in his last fight with Anthony Thompson.

He will definatly be a step up from anyone that Kovacs has ever been in the ring with and this will tell how far Kovacs can go but he is only one year younger than Frazier at 32 years old how far is he likely to go anyway. Due to Frazier’s lastest bad run of 1 win in his last 7 fights and the fact Kovacs is in his home town I will go for a points win for Kovacs but don’t be surprised if there is a shock in this one.

MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Prediction – Carares win mid to late stoppage

Big step up in class for Perez and is considered a warm up fight for Cazares who takes on Ivan Calderon in August and won’t afford any slip up here, Perez is tough but Cazares should take care of business in the mid to late rounds.

Palms Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Prediction - Guinn Points win

Unbeaten Heavyweight Eddie Chambers 28-0 takes his first real risk against under rated Dominic Guinn, Guinn has already been in with the likes of James Toney, Serguei Lyakhovich and Tony Thompson, and with wins against Audley Harrison and Michael Grant he certainly will be a handful for Chambers and I am going for an upset and it will see Chambers face his first Defeat.

Heavyweight –

Prediction - Arreola win Late Stoppage or Points

Up and coming rated Heavyweight Arreola faces more experienced Tann in another good learning curve fight, Tann has a record of 23-2 but hasn’t really been in with anyone rated, Arreola is currently 19-0 and although still hasn’t had any real tests should be too good for Tann

Saturday 6th May

Prediction - Henrotin points

Decent match up both men coming off good wins, home fighter Henrotin should just have enough to scrape a points victory

Super Middleweight –

Prediction - Diallo win on Points

Experienced Diallo should have too much for Connell, neither men are highly rated

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Prediction - De La Hoya points win

The big fight is at last upon us, both men have been in and beaten the best in their respected weight Divisions, De La Hoya is a six weight World Champion, winning Titles from Super Feather weight all the way up to Middleweight. Mayweather is 4 weight World Champion also from Super Featherweight up to currently Welterweight. De La Hoya is considered the bigger man competing at a higher weight for longer but looking at the stats Mayweather started out at 131lbs and De La Hoya only 2 pounds more at 133lbs.

The difference in my view is that Mayweather has beaten great fighters the likes of Corrales, Castillo, Judah and Gatti to name but a few, but De La Hoya has beaten legends the likes of Chavez, Trinidad, and Whitaker. De La Hoya is considered the older man at 34 but Mayweather is only just behind him at 30. As far as ring experience goes De La Hoya has definitely the edge, but Mayweather is still unbeaten at 37-0 while De La Hoya has 4 defeats on his record.

Hopefully this will be a fight and not a chess match, for me Mayweather is just biting off a little more than he can chew at Light Middle and Oscar will prove to be just too strong and won’t allow Mayweather to have his own way and box the way he likes, but who I am to write off the chances of the fighter that most believe to be the best Pound for Pound fighter in the world today. Should be a classic.

Super Bantamweight –

Prediction – Bautista points win

This fight could actually be better to watch than the May weather v De La Hoya, both fighter are undefeated Baustia 22-0 and the more experienced Medina 28-0. Bautista for me has been in with better competition and should have enough to beat Medina registering his first ever defeat

Super Featherweight –

Prediction – Juarez points win

Juarez is coming off 3 defeats in his last six fights, 2 losses to Barrera and one to Soto, Hernandez is coming off a fantastic win over highly rated and previously undefeated American Superstar Jason Litzau however I think Litzau took Hernandez too easily and got caught with silly shots, when he boxed correctly he was making Hernandez look poor, Juarez will not make the same mistake and although Hernandez is tough and has decent power he shouldn’t trouble Juarez.

Welterweight –

Prediction - O’Donnell win Late stoppage or Points

O’Donnell will be looking to impress and stretch his unbeaten record to 16-0, and I can’t see Solano messing with either of those plans, When Solano has stepped up he has been in trouble and is coming off 3 consecutive defeats. O’Donnell might do the job earlier but Solano is limited but tough and O’Donnell will be nervous, surrounded by such greatness on the bill.

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Leading up to his bout on the undercard of the Mayweather v De La Hoya Show, Scottish Middleweight managed by Oscar De La Hoya, and former Amateur Champion Craig McEwan gives an exclusive interview

Exclusive Interview with Unbeaten up and Coming Scottish Middleweight

12 Rounds with Craig McEwan

1) After a fantastic amateur career did you feel a lot of pressure stepping up to the professional ranks or was it a natural transgression ?

Well, I had 378 amateur fights so my experience stood me in good stead. I have learned to adapt my amateur style into something more suited to a pro.

2) You have had a great start to your career and with the backing of Freddie Roach and Oscar De La Hoya you must have high hopes for your future, obviously everyone wants to make it to a world title, realistically do you think you have a chance ?

Yes, I am so lucky to have the backing of a great trainer and great promoter. You know, if Freddie Roach and Oscar De La Hoya keep telling you, you can be a World Champion then you start to believe it.

3) All your fights so far have been in the US, any plans to fight back in Britain soon?

I would love to fight in Britain, especially in Scotland in front of a home crowd, but I don‘t think it will happen this year. I want to learn my trade in America then take Britain by storm!! Ha ha! The American boxing fans have shown me great support in all of my fights. Most of them have Scottish roots!

4) If you were offered one million pounds cash in hand or a world title shot in the location of your choice which would you take, if the fight which location and who would be the ideal opponent ?

Without question, I would take the world title shot. That’s why I am in the sport. I have trained all my life to win a world title. I would love to fight for it in Edinburgh Castle. I can’t name an ideal opponent. I would fight anyone. I would love it if there were, say, four top guys in the weight and we could all fight each other, like the Leonard, Hagler, Duran, Hearns fights.

5) Which moment of your boxing career amateur and professional are you most proud of ?

Well, fighting in the MGM Grand in Vegas on a Barrera under card for my first professional fight was amazing. I was terrified!! But to top it of with a first round KO was the icing on the cake. I couldn’t have asked for a more exciting or successful debut.

6) There are already looking towards another US v UK contender series for next year if offered would you like to be involved and if so whose side would you be fighting on ?

Well, I had been working with Peter Manfredo Jr in the run up to the Joe Calzaghe fight so I was in Newcastle for the Contender show as part of Team USA. This is a really difficult question. I’ll just say that while I am promoted by Golden Boy I probably couldn’t be part of the series so I don’t have to chose sides!! Ha ha!

7) What is you favourite fight you haven’t been involved in ?

The most memorable fight I have watched is my dad, fighting as a amateur on Easter Sunday, in the Scottish Championships, when I was a kid. I remember sitting at ringside cheering him on, eating an Easter Egg. It was when head guards were first introduced into the amateur game. My dad knocked his opponents’ head guard off three times. For a kid that’s so exciting!!

Who do you think is the best pound for pound boxer around today ?

Well, I have to be bias and say my pal Oscar De La Hoya. I am fighting on the De La Hoya/Mayweather card on May 5th. It’s going to be a great fight!!

9) Do you think there are any fighters around today who will still be talked about in 50 years, like the Sugar Ray Robinsons ?

Again, I would have to say Oscar and Mayweather, especially after this fight. I think if you have a few top guys in one weight division then you will get some super fights. Even non boxing fans remember the Fab Four. At the moment you have a similar situation with Morales, Barrera and Pacquiao. However, I have to say the one who will stick out in 50 years will probably be Mike Tyson.

10) When you retire how would you like people to remember you ?

I would like to be remembered as a great fighter and someone who is prepared to fight the best to get to the top. I don’t want to be one of these fighters who fight on when I’ve got nothing else to prove. I still want to be able to answer questions like this in 10 years time!!

11) Who is the toughest guy you have ever been in a ring with ?

Being in the Wildcard Gym, every time I get in for sparring I am working with a tough guy. I have sparred with Vernon Forrest, Vanes Martirosyan, Peter Manfredo and some really tough Mexican fighters! I just remember the first time I sparred in the Wildcard, Freddie put me in with Kingsley Ikeke. Now I pride myself on being difficult and awkward to hit but, that first time, every time Kingsley stuck out that huge long jag of his it seemed to hit me…even when I was on the other side of the ring!! I’ve gotten used to it now and it has got easier but that first time was a nightmare! I’ve learned so much from these guys, and Freddie, of course.

12) Which Boxer has inspired you the most in your career ?

Got to say my dad. He started boxing at 32 and would fight anyone! He tried to get my two older brothers into boxing. They got fed up he stuck at it. He had 100 fights as an amateur and boxed for Scotland. He now has his own amateur gym in Edinburgh and has produced a number of champions. When I started boxing at 7, my dad’s hero was Sugar Ray Leonard. He taught me how to move before I could punch!! And to this day I still watch Sugar for moves I can add to my arsenal!!

Thanks very much. Great questions.

I had to think long and hard. Glad it wasn’t a TV interview!! Ha ha !

Thanks Craig, some great answers

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Results for Saturday 28th April 2007

Prediction - Joppy KO before the 6th Round

Joppy continued his comeback after McClendon retired from the fight between the first and second round.

Coliseo Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

Prediction - Calderon Points

Calderon scraped through a Split Decision to remain the undisputed undefeated champion

Light Welterweight –

Prediction - Torres win by KO before 6th Round

It took Torres the whole distance to beat Moura but he did the job well and retained his title

König-Pilsener-Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Prediction - Sturm Points Win

Sturm avenged the defeat from Castillejo winning a close fight on points

Light Heavyweight –

Prediction - Drews on Points

Drew became the new WBA Light Heavyweight Champion taking Branco’s hard earned title, Branco just couldn’t find his range against the taller man, losing on a close points decision.

Cruiserweight –

Prediction - Krai win by KO before 6th Round

As predicted Ordiales chin was tested and failed

Light Welterweight –

Prediction - Blain Points Win

Good boxing display from the still undefeated Blain

Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut, USA

Prediction - Freitas Points win

Cracking slugfeast of a fight Diaz proved himself as a true champion meeting warrior Freitas fire with fire forcing Freitas to retire on his stool at the end of the 8th Round, both fighters showed there hearts and although Freitas retired take nothing away he fought until he had nothing left to give.

Palace of Sport, Minsk, Belarus

Prediction - Romano win points

Romano put on a superb performance to stop tough Tontchev

Heavyweight –

Tommy Morrison v Dale Ortiz

This fight was called off due to Morrison not having the correct medical paper work which draws more question marks over his fitness to be competing in a ring. He should call it a day.