Cotto reclaims WBO 154-pound title, will end career in December

A rejuvenated Miguel Cotto (41-5, 33 KOs) looked spectacular last Saturday, as the 36-year-old Puerto Rican legend became a world champion once again by claiming the vacant WBO super welterweight championship following a very impressive 12-round unanimous decision victory against Japan’s Yoshihiro Kamegai (27-4-2, 23 KOs) at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, CA.

All three official ringside scorers had Cotto winning by widespread margins of 120-108, 119-109, and 118-110 to capture his sixth world title in four weight divisions.

“It was a tough fight, but we did what we came here to do,” Cotto said. “We have another champion for Puerto Rico.”

Cotto, again, reiterated that 2017 is his final year as a professional boxer. Cotto will hang-up his gloves officially as of December 31^st.

“Come December 31st, I will retire,” Cotto said. “I’ve done it all. I’m 36 going on 27, and I think I’ve come to the end of my career. I will fight once more in December.”

December would give the winner of the upcoming showdown HBO Pay-Per-View showdown between unified WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO and Ring Magazine world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin vs. Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The two will meet on September 16, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“I’m always one to go out there and face the best,” Cotto said. “We are always willing to go against the best.”

Cotto also stated that he’d like to end his career at Madison Square Garden, New York City. The Garden has played host to many of Cotto’s career-defining fights: Kid Diamond, Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Daniel Geale, Sergio Martinez, Joshua Clottey, Sugar Shane Mosley, and of course his epic rematch with Antonio Margarito.

Golovkin is no stranger to the Garden’s bright lights. Golovkin has fought at the Garden five times including his most recent title defense against Daniel Jacobs in Marc h. Golovkin was dominant, but Jacobs ended Golovkin’s consecutive knockout streak at 22 by lasting the entire 12-rounds.

Cotto proved against Kamegai that he still has a lot of fight left in him, despite having decided that he has reached the end of an illustrious boxing career. Cotto will be a tough fight or Golovkin, should he defeat Canelo, who already has beaten Cotto.

Movement, movement, and more movement was the theme, as Cotto used excellent footwork to both set-up his punches and avoid Kamegai’s punches as well. Cotto doubled and tripled his left jab. Cotto also ripped three and four-punch combinations to Kamegai ’s body before attacking his head. Cotto was blasting away with punches, but Kamegai kept coming forward.

“I’ve never seen a guy like that,” trainer Freddie Roach said. “He really doesn’t know what’s good for him, I think. He’s the toughest guy I ever saw in my life. Miguel’s a good puncher, believe me.”

Kamegai didn’t have Cotto’s boxing ability and struggled to put his combinations together fluently, but the 34-year-old Tokyo native made a strong account for himself by applying pressure on Cotto.

It wasn’t an easy victory for the Puerto Rican superstar.

“He was just a tough opponent,” Cotto said. “I’m really proud of my performance out there and we’re happy.”

Walker on Boxing revisits “Mayweather defeats McGregor”

One year ago, Floyd Mayweather and Connor McGregor fought in the most anticipated fight in history. Two of the biggest and highest-grossing fighters, Mayweather and MgGregor, fought in a unique fight under rather unique circumstances. Mayweather was looking to finish his career at 50-0, while McGregor, who crossed over from the UFC, was making his professional boxing debut. 

What a promotion, as the build-up was indeed WILD! The fight was terrific too.

Mayweather-McGregor: Worth Every Penny (CNN feature)

Mayweather-McGregor (Credit Sports Illustrated)

“I know I am not the same fighter I was 20 years ago. I am not the same fighter I was 10 years ago and, as a matter of fact, I am not the same fighter I was five years ago, but I can still beat you.”

Those were the words Mayweather said to Connor McGregor during the insane build-up to what most likely will be the richest fight in boxing history.

“MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR THE MONEY FIGHT,” that occurred at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV last Saturday on August 26^th had many anxious moments and lasted a lot longer than what everyone had expected, as Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) stopped McGregor (0-1, MMA: 21-3) at 1:05 seconds into the tenth-round for “Money” Mayweather’s first knockout victory since 2011 when he knocked out Victor Ortiz to win the WBC welterweight championship.

Mayweather said he owed the public a more exciting performance from that dreadful bout with Manny Pacquiao, a fight in which Pacquiao entered the bout with a damaged right-shoulder.  Afterwards, Mayweather announced that “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT” woudld be his last.

“I felt like I owed the fans a last hoorah,” Mayweather said. “I wanted to go out with a bang.”

“MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT,” was the kind of fight that fans of Combat Sports had dreamed of for over a decade. The question of what would happen when the biggest star in the UFC were to enter into a professional boxing ring to face Boxing’s biggest superstar was answered in front of an expected worldwide pay-per-view audience.

In recent years we saw WWE superstars like Brock Lesnar leave the WWE championship to win the UFC heavyweight title. We’ve witnessed James Toney, boxing’s longtime champion in multiple weight classes, enter into the Octagon to last minutes against UFC legend Randy Couture. Women’s boxing champion Holly Holm entered into the UFC to dismantle Ronda Rousey. But never has a UFC fighter, a world champion like Connor McGregor, enter into boxing’s biggest stage to challenge a star as big as Mayweather, a 40-year-old that’s two years removed from his last fight.

While everyone that had an opinion on the fight stated that Mayweather would thrash McGregor within four-five, or six rounds, hardly anyone focused on the reality that McGregor, a legitimate Mixed Martial Artist and the only fighter to simultaneously hold to world titles in as many weight classes in UFC history, is 11 years younger and much bigger than Mayweather.

Mayweather, who hasn’t recorded a knockout victory since 2011, did achieve his goal of winning by knockout, but it wasn’t nearly as early as he initially anticipated. Mayweather was pressed and really had to work.

Mayweather’s body was pushed to the limit, as McGregor presented an unusual challenge for “Money.” Unlike many of Mayweather’s previous 49 opponents, McGregor “made Mayweather fight like a Mexican,” the Irish superstar stated, as McGregor was on the attack. McGregor was surprisingly quick on his feet, as he constantly switched from conventional to southpaw – hitting Mayweather with awkward punches.

It appeared as though McGregor was outworking Mayweather with is awkward punches, his slick-switching stance, and movement. However, McGregor lacked the one thing that was clearly evident in Mayweather’s victory. McGregor lacked Mayweather’s experience.

The experience that led Mayweather, a 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist, and world champion in five separate weight divisions, to an unblemished 49-0 record was on display against McGregor. It wasn’t Mayweather’s flashiest or greatest performance. Mayweather wasn’t the same unhittable target from years back, or the same fighter with the flashy-fast footwork that he used to defeat Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Diego Corrales, Canelo Alvarez, Shane Mosley, Genaro Hernandez, and Juan Manuel Marquez among many others. However, Mayweather was still good enough to beat McGregor.

Mayweather, against a much bigger, stronger, and athletic world champion from another sport who is at least a decade younger than himself, employed an excellent strategy that consisted of allowing the inexperienced McGregor to throw all of his hardest, fastest, and most awkward punches early.

McGregor landed some great right-jabs and actually caught Mayweather coming in with a sharp left-uppercut underneath his chin.

Mayweather paced himself accordingly, although it appeared as though McGregor had jumped off to an early by letting his punches go. Mayweather did just enough to keep pace with McGregor before asserting himself into the fight. When “Money” did assert himself into the contest, it was only a matter of time before McGregor, the “Notorious” one, would face an inevitable defeat.

Mayweather’s straight-rights were sharp and accurate, as they constantly found McGregor’s face. McGregor, who was coming forward with ease, was just as easily forced backwards whenever Floyd sat behind his punches. Mayweather plowed forward behind his jab and straight-right hand. Mayweather’s defense was present when he needed it. He moved his head slightly and used his elbow to avoid punches.

McGregor started to tire in the middle rounds, as Mayweather applied pressure and aggressively attacked the UfC star. Mayweather took the necessary time to figure out McGregor’s awkwardness to figure out McGregor’s punching patterns. Mayweather understood that McGregor’s punches were losing as much steam, as McGregor’s stamina was seeping away. Mayweather applied more power behind his punches, as McGregor rapidly started to fade in the ninth and was totally done by the tenth round.

McGregor had nothing left, as Mayweather punished those that placed tons of cash in wagers on McGregor by pummeling their massive underdog with straight punches and hooks that had McGregor reeling into the ropes defenseless.

Perhaps the referee could have allowed McGregor to continue just a little while longer, but for what? Why should McGregor have been allowed to take unnecessary punishment? That’s when fighters become seriously injured because, they took one, or two, or five, or ten unnecessary punches that either ruined their health, or caused permanent injury.

Mayweather credited McGregor for his toughness and unique challenge during what was an excellent boxing match between the biggest name in Boxing against one of the most exciting MMA artists the UFC has ever produced.

“He’s a tough competitor,” Mayweather said afterwards. “I told everybody that I was going to go for [a knockout]. I could have just sat back, took my time, and just boxed the way that I did in other fights. But I wanted to give the fans an exciting fight. He’s a tough competitor and still has a long career ahead of him. He has to get his conditioning a little bit better. I paid attention to his fights in MMA. He comes out and shoots a heavy load in the beginning. Then he starts to fade. He caught me with a couple good shots. He’s not as heavy hitter as the guys I’ve faced, but he packs a pretty good punch.”

Although McGregor lost, he is in a unique position. McGregor, who in his professional boxing debut lost to one of the greatest champions in boxing history, can possibly resume his boxing career. McGregor can also resume his UFC fight career, as he is still the lightweight champion at 155 pounds. The most McGregor made for an MMA fight was $3 million. His fight with Mayweather comes with a $30 million guarantee. McGregor will have many options available to him in the near future including a third fight with Nate Diaz upon his return to the UFC.

THE UNDERCARD

Gervonta “Tank” Davis (19-0, 18 KOs) disappointed everyone at Friday’s weigh-in, as he lost the IBF super featherweight title for failing to make the 130-pound weight limit. Davis was 2 pounds over, as he was stripped of the IBF 130-pound title he worked so hard to claim earlier this year at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“Tank” Davis, in perhaps the most important spot of his career, the co-featured attraction to the epic Mayweather-McGregor Pay-Per-View, was not impressive at all. Davis looked sluggish, rushed his shots, and did not appear fit as we’ve grown accustomed to see him. Davis even had moments when he fought Francisco Fonseca (19-1-1, 13 KOs) with both arms behind his back, which drew many boos from the ticketholders at the T-Mobile Arena.

Even the knockout blow that “Tank” Davis landed appeared to be an illegal rabbit punch behind Fonseca’s head. What a terrible fight, but there is always next time. Hopefully “Tank” Davis will appear in better form. Maybe a move toward the lightweight division at 135 is most likely the next power play for the still-growing 22 year-old from Baltimore, MD.

Badu Jack (21-1-3, 13 KOs), the former WBC super-middleweight champion, successfully moved up in weight to the 175-pound light-heavyweight division to capture the WBA title from Nathan Cleverly (30-4, 16 KOs) within five one-sided rounds. From the opening bell, Jack remained in the pocket firing combinations and applied relentless pressure that bloodied Cleverly’s face. Jack kept pummeling Cleverly until the fight was stopped at 2:47 seconds into the round five, as Jack, who became a career two-division world champion with a brilliant performance.

Also, unbeaten cruiserweight prospect Andrew Tabiti (15-0, 12 KOs) won a 10-round unanimous decision against former two-time IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham (29-9-1, 13 KOs). The judges scored the bout 100-90 and 97-93 (twice), as the 27-year-old Tabiti had little problems with a faded 41-year-old.

 

 

 

Cotto-Kamegai is approaching

Cotto-Kamegai face off  Guerrero vs. Kamegai  Kamegai stops Soto-Karass Cotto vs. Floyd Mayweather

On the night of “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT,” former four-division world champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) will challenge Yoshihiro Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO junior middleweight championship on Saturday, August 26, at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California.

HBO ‘World Championship Boxing’ will televise what will be Cotto’s 23^rd appearance on HBO Sports Programming that also includes Boxing After Dark and HBO Pay-Per-View. The telecast 9:45 PM/ET. In recent weeks, there is speculation that 2017 is Cotto’s last year in boxing, as he will retire with a farewell fight in December.

“For more than 16 years, Miguel Cotto has represented Puerto Rico. He has given fans incredible fights at a number of weight classes, and has won world titles in an astounding four divisions,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “Now, after nearly two years out of the ring, as he attempts to claim a sixth championship belt, we are fully expecting a tough war between him and Kamegai.”

Cotto is one of the greatest fighters from out of Puerto Rico. His is the only Puerto Rican fighter to have won world titles in four separate weight classes – junior welterweight (140), welterweight (147), junior middleweight (154), and middleweight (160).

Cotto has made a career out of fighting the best: Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, DeMarcus Corley, Joshua Clottey, Daniel Geale, and Sergio Martinez to name a few.

Cotto hasn’t fought in over two years since losing the WBC 160-pound title.

“I feel great, everything is working perfectly in camp together with Freddie and Gavin on every workout session. Freddie has a great game plan and I just follow him and do my best every day at gym. We look forward to have a big win” Miguel Cotto said.

Once again, Cotto is working with Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s longtime Hall of Fame trainer at the Wild Card Boxing Club in California. After a recent sparing session, Roach gave a detailed insight on what Cotto will be facing in less than two weeks.

“Kamegai [Yoshihiro] is very aggressive and I like that. I think it should make for a great fight because he’s coming forward all the time and always looking for a knockout. Guys who look for knockouts, get knocked out. So, we’re working on countering his attack, and it’s going really well so far,” Roach concluded.

Kamegai, at age 34, began his career in 2005 and fought exclusively out of Japan until when his in-ring debut against Jorge Silva in 2012 ended in a draw. In his biggest fights, Kamegai has dropped decisions against former world champion Robert Guerrero, Alfonso Gomez, and in two fights against Jesus Soto Karass he has a draw and a stoppage victory.

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are currently available and well-priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXSTIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT).

 

Job Well-Done! Timothy Bradley retires

Bradley vs. Witter  Bradley vs. Pacquiao 1  Bradley vs. Pacquiao 2 Bradley vs. Pacquiao 3  Bradley vs. Provodnikov  Bradley vs. Marquez   Bradley vs. Rios

Former unified WBC/WBO junior welterweight and WBO welterweight champion Timothy ‘Desert Storm’ Bradley recently announced his retirement from boxing. Bradley, a 34-year-old from California, retires with a respectable 33-2-1, 13 KO record. Bradley’s biggest victories were against Manny Pacquiao, whom he fought in an epic trilogy, Lamont Peterson, Joel Casamayor, and Nate Campbell, among others.

Bradley worked hard for everything he has received in boxing. Although he did not have a lot of knockouts during his 13-year-career that began with a victory against Francisco Martinez, Bradley was always entertaining. He was one of the best 140 and 147-pound fighters in the world. Bradley did everything right and managed to have a very good career.

“There always comes a point in life where we have to make choices that no matter how much we know the right option, it still leaves us filled with mixed emotions,” Bradley said in a statement.

“I have spent the past couple days trying to find the right words to describe this point in my life and no matter how long I sit and reflect, I still don’t know if these words can do my thoughts justice, but I’m going to do my best to open up my heart and share with all of you during this pivotal time,” Bradley added.

“It is no secret that a life of any professional athlete is not an easy one- yes it comes with a lot of fame and fortune but also comes with fear and fatigue – a balance that has to be achieved by ambition and maintained through perspective,” Bradley continued. “For over twenty three years, Boxing gave me purpose and it defined me. Dedicated to my craft and fueled by my passion for the sport, my love for my team and my admiration for all of you who supported me day in and day out– I was able to give 100% of myself to be the best and to always get up when I was knocked down. It was the biggest challenge in my life but I embraced the sacrifice with every victory and milestone reached.”

“Boxing gave me roots, it kept me off the streets, it gave me confidence, it taught me how to be a man and face every challenge head on and take the good with the bad. Yes I missed holidays, birthdays, even missed hearing some of my children’s first words but more than time, it took my blood, sweat and tears, all things I can never get back. Which is why turning the page for me is bittersweet. That once in a lifetime purpose to wake up everyday and give 100% is now fueled towards something else- my family. I find my strength in them, my peace and most importantly, unconditional love.”

“I wake up wanting to spend all my time being a father, being a husband and being free. Although that square circle I lived to dance in everyday gave me so many smiles and blessings, it could never outweigh the smiles and blessings I receive from my wife and children. It’s now my turn to support them and encourage them to live their dreams and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter,” concluded Bradley.

A veteran of more than a dozen world title fights, Bradley, although it never happened, deserved a chance to fight Floyd Mayweather, Jr. His body of work spoke volumes.

After Bradley turned professional in 2004, he fought his entire career exclusively out of California until he challenged Junior Witter for the WBC welterweight championship in May 2008 in Nottingham, England.  Bradley traveled to Witter’s hometown to win the WBC 140-pound title, via split-decision in what was one of the Bradley’s most important victories. He won his first world title on is first attempt in is first fight outside of California.

Bradley defended the WBC title six times which also includes a victory against Kendall Hot to also claim the WBO title in September 2009. Having defeated Witter, Casamayor Campbell, Peterson Kendall Holt, Edner Cherry, and Devon Alexander, Bradley became the No. 1 fighter at 140. Bradley had a lot of momentum, as Bob Arum of Top Rank offered Bradley a fight against Pacquiao.

In June 2012, Bradley (at the time) damaged Pacquiao’s chances of fighting Mayweather when he won a 12-round split decision to claim the WBO welterweight title. Pacquiao-Bradley I was regarded as one of the biggest upsets in boxing at the time.

Bradley would lose the WBO 147-pound title to Pacquiao in a rematch nearly two years later in 2014. Bradley would continue to do well in fights with Diego Chaves, Jessie Vargas, and Brandon Rios before losing  his third fight (a rubber match) with Pacquiao in April 2016.

Having beaten Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, Bradley finished his career among the top fighters at 147.

Gervonta Davis, Badou Jack, & Andrew Tabiti on Mayweather vs. McGregor pay-per-view

(SHOWTIME PRESS RELEASE): Two world championship fights including a title defense by America’s youngest world champion are part of the trio of high stakes matchups on the Mayweather vs. McGregor SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, Aug. 26 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Mayweather Promotions.

The four-fight SHOWTIME PPV event, beginning live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, is headlined by the unprecedented super welterweight matchup between boxing’s undefeated all-time great Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor.  In the co-featured bout, undefeated rising star Gervonta “Tank” Davis will make the second defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship against undefeated challenger Francisco Fonseca as the 22-year-old looks to continue his reign as the youngest current champion from the U.S.

WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Nathan Cleverly will defend his title against former 168-pound world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper”, who is stepping up in weight and into this world title tilt.

The pay-per-view telecast will open with undefeated rising cruiserweight contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti taking on two-time world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham in a 10-round bout for the USBA cruiserweight title.

“What a night this will be for fight fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Not only will they witness a first of its kind main event, but they will also see two incredible world title fights, as Mayweather Promotions’ very own current and former world champions go head-to-head in separate bouts. Gervonta Davis is nothing short of pure boxing talent with dynamite power.  Former super middleweight world champion Badou Jack is making his light heavyweight debut, and looking to take the title away from a tough and experienced Nathan Cleverly.  But first, Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will open the pay-per-view telecast with what I expect to be a magnificent performance.  This diverse card is an epic, international affair stacked with talent.  Make sure you don’t miss the biggest event the sport has ever seen.”

“This undercard includes three meaningful matches featuring fighters we’ve seen develop over the years on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “Gervonta Davis has fast-tracked himself to stardom on this network, we’ve seen Badou Jack develop from prospect to champion, and we’re now witnessing similar growth with Andrew Tabiti.  We’re excited to watch them compete in tough, competitive matchups on this global stage.”

Gervonta Davis vs. Francisco Fonseca – IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship

One of the fastest-rising young stars in the sport, Davis (18-0, 17 KOs) became the youngest reigning champion from the U.S. when he knocked out Jose Pedraza in January to capture the IBF 130-pound crown. The 22-year-old made his first title defense in style when he went to London and stopped Liam Walsh in May. Both bouts aired live on SHOWTIME.  Representing Baltimore, Davis won the 2012 National Golden Gloves championship and scored knockouts in his first eight fights after turning pro in 2013. He enters this matchup on a streak of nine-straight fights that have ended with a knockout victory.

“I’m really excited to fight as the co-main event on the biggest card in combat sports history,” said Davis. “I plan to put on a great show for everyone in attendance in Las Vegas and for those who purchase the PPV. I want to thank my team for this incredible opportunity. I’m ready for Floyd Mayweather to pass his torch to me. To my fans, I appreciate all of you. Support me and I’ll fight for you!”

Fighting out of San Ramon, Costa Rica, Fonseca (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has won 19 straight fights after turning pro with a majority draw in 2013. Fonseca quickly established himself as one of the top fighters from his country with victory after victory, including a fourth-round knockout of Luis Gonzlaez to capture a regional 130-pound belt last August. The 23-year-old will make his U.S. debut when he faces Davis and he enters this contest having won his last five bouts inside of the distance. Fonseca began his 2017 with a third round knockout of Eliecer Lanzas in March and is trained by two-time world champion Ivan Calderon.

“I am super grateful for this great opportunity,” said Fonseca. “The dream of every young boxer is to fight for the world title and this opportunity comes at the best moment of my career and in the biggest in the history of this sport. I will beat Gervonta Davis and I will shock the world that night.”

Nathan Cleverly vs. Badou Jack – WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship

A two-time world champion at light heavyweight, Cleverly (30-3, 16 KOs) bounced back from a defeat to Andrzej Fonfara in a 2015 Fight of the Year contender to defeat hometown champ Juergen Braehmer last October to pick up his WBA title. Cleverly’s previous title reign saw him take down the likes of Tony Bellew, Nadjib Mohammedi, Shawn Hawk and Tommy Karpency before dropping a contest to Sergey Kovalev. The Wales resident will make his fourth start in the U.S., having won two of his first three contests stateside.

“This is a fight I have wanted ever since Badou Jack moved to light heavyweight and I’m delighted to fight in Vegas on an event like this,” said Cleverly. “I’ve trained long and hard for this fight and I’m ready to be let off the leash. This is the biggest fight of my career so far and I’m going to do a number on Badou Jack on August 26.”

Now fighting in the 175-pound division, Jack’s final fight at 168 pounds came in a title unification on SHOWTIME in January against James DeGale.  Jack (21-1-2, 12 KOs) shook off an early knockdown to floor DeGale in the final round in a close majority draw in which both fighters retained their belts. The 2008 Olympian from Gambia won his world title in 2015 by defeating then unbeaten Anthony Dirrell and defended the belt against current champion George Groves and former champion Lucian Bute. The 33-year-old is unbeaten in his last six bouts as he seeks a world title in a second weight class.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and I’m excited about getting another shot at a world title,” said Jack. “To be a part of this event and fighting on this card is historic. Nothing beats it. I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m getting ready to take that belt, and win a title in my second weight class. The biggest difference between past training camps and preparing for this fight is the fact that I was training to get the weight down, now I’m training to build muscle and perfect my boxing strategy. This will be a tough fight, but I don’t see any issues getting through it. I feel confident and fans can expect a win by knockout or decision. He’s not leaving with that belt. It’s staying right here in Las Vegas.”

Andrew Tabiti vs. Steve Cunningham – 10 Round Cruiserweight Bout

Originally from Chicago but fighting out of Las Vegas, Tabiti (14-0, 12 KOs) recorded victories against previously unbeaten fighters Keith Tapia and Quantis Graves in his last two outings – both on ShoBox: The New Generation – as he works to solidify himself as a contender in the red hot cruiserweight division. The 27-year-old turned pro in 2013 after amassing a solid 32-6 amateur record and scored knockout victories in his first 10 fights. He’ll battle his most experienced opponent to date when he faces the multiple-time champion Cunningham.

“I’ve always been dedicated when it comes to training and this camp has been no different,” said Tabiti. “I know I am fighting a veteran who has a lot of experience, so I can’t slack on my conditioning and training. He’s tough and he’s only been stopped once and that was when he moved up in weight to heavyweight, so it would be a big statement for me to stop him. This fight is a test for me. Anytime you get in the ring you never really know how things will pan out, but I have a great team. To the fans, expect a victory and a great fight on August 26th because I am going to make sure I come out on top.”

Representing the great fight city of Philadelphia, Cunningham (29-8-1, 13 KOs) returned to action in March with a victory over Felipe Romero after an exciting challenge of cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Glowacki in April 2016. Twice a world champion as a cruiserweight, he defeated Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2006 to capture his belt before successfully defending his title against Marco Huck via a twelfth-round TKO. He became a world champion again in 2010 when he stopped Troy Ross in the fifth round. The experienced veteran also owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Amir Mansour and Natu Visinia and scored a knockdown of Tyson Fury in a losing effort during their 2013 bout.

“This is one of the biggest cards of the decade and its mind blowing to be a part of it,” said Cunningham. “I have to top it off with a victory. Taking on a good, undefeated young prospect is a challenge in itself, but a victory will prove age is just a number. Hard work is a part of my everyday life.”

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in the main event of an unprecedented four-fight pay-per-view boxing event.  Mayweather vs. McGregor takes place on Saturday, August 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The event is produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and promoted by Mayweather Promotions

MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT that had to happen!

Mayweather-McGregor Press Conference clip McGregor KOs Jose Aldo in 13 seconds Mayweather W 12 Canelo Alvarez highlights Mayweather W 12 Manny Pacquiao clips

The Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGregor fight is a spectacle of an event that will occur on Saturday, August 26, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. To many it is obvious that Mayweather is favored to beat McGregor, who has never fought professionally inside of a boxing ring. In fact, this fight is considered McGregor’s pro debut.

If Mayweather, at 49-0, is so much more experienced than McGregor inside of a boxing ring, and everyone thinks “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT,”  is such a distinct ‘mismatch,’ then why is this fight happening? Why are the general public as a whole risking millions of dollars on wagers on this fight? Why are MMA fighters like UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley risking a couple hundred bucks to win back thousands by wagering on McGregor?

Why is the general public extremely interested in “MAYWEATHER-MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT”?

The reason why the general public, boxing community, and the MMA world are so interested in “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT” is simple.

NEVER BEFORE! has the BIGGEST MMA fighter in the world entered into a professional boxing ring to fight the BIGGEST boxer in the world! Mayweather, the richest prizefighter in history, against McGregor, the only fighter to simultaneously hold two division championships, the UFC’s biggest star having owned four of the UFC’s top 5 Pay-Per-View sales records – beating out Lesnar and Ronda Rousey.

A fight between a professional boxer and a top MMA fighter has been a fantasy ever since the emergence of Mixed Martial Arts and the rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The debate as to whether MMA is better than boxing has divided fans of combat sports for nearly two decades. MMA fans and followers of the Sweet Science have debated this topic and craved for the day a popular professional boxer would one day fight a legendary MMA fighter. That day finally happened when James ‘Lights Out’ Toney challenged MMA legend Randy Couture to a fight in the Octagon.

On August 28, 2010, Toney entered into the cage and Couture, famous for his legendary victories against Tito Ortiz, Tim Silva, Gabriel Gonzaga, Chuck Liddell, and Vitor Belfort amongst others. The fight lasted slightly over three minutes, as Couture slaughtered Toney inside the Octagon.

We’ve also witnessed the transition of other worldly popular athletes from other sports into the Octagon, but none as successful as WWE superstar Brock Lesnar. “The Beast’s” transition from wrestling to MMA was one of the most successful decisions ever made in combat sports.

Brock Lesnar, a WWE champion, brought crossover appeal from linking the WWE and other professional athletes from other sports into the UFC Octagon. Lesnar, a former NCAA National Wrestling Champion, won the UFC heavyweight championship. He also held the UFC record for having the most Pay-Per-View sales in company’s history at 1.6 million for his rematch with Frank Mir until Connor McGregor’s rematch with Nick Diaz in the summer of 2016 generated 1.65 million buys.

“MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT” will mark the first time a MMA superstar will challenge boxing’s elite inside of a boxing ring. It’s a revolutionary and groundbreaking fight for not just both fighters, but the UFC will benefit as well. Dana White is leasing McGregor, not to another rival company, but as a free agent. The UFC doesn’t have to worry about the costs of distribution, as SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View, who works closely with Mayweather Promotions, will handle that.

“MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT,” is expected to challenge the Mayweather-Pacquiao’s 4.4 million Pay-Per-View buy rate, along with their record $72 million gate. Although tickets are still on sale at large quantities, more than $60 million has already been generated at the gate for “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR: THE MONEY FIGHT.”

“It will break all records – gate and pay-per-view,” said McGregor, as industry executives working closely with the promotion anticipate more than 5 million pay-per-view buys.

McGregor is going to make the most money in this one fight he’ll probably ever make, by signing on to fight Mayweather, who has nothing to lose and will probably make more money in this fight than what he made for fighting Manny Pacquiao in May 2015.

While Mayweather expects a reported $300 million payday, McGregor, Ireland’s favorite son, is expecting any figure north of $100 million. Not bad for a MMA fighter, whose biggest payday was a $3 million purse in the UFC.

“I’m the one that’s bringing this all the way home,” MgGregor said. “I am the one on those World Tours who went viral. I went viral multiple times on that world tour – the ‘Fuck You’ suit, the mink coat, the money! [Mayweather] even tried to throw money, it was raining above me. It has been all me!”

“I will collect every single dot on this. I am in on everything – the food beverages, the gate, the pay-per-view, the whole lot. When this fight is done, I will collect my show money, and then I’m going to start counting everything else. I’m going to get into that $100 million range and taking what I’m owed. Then, we will see what is next after that.”

Mayweather and McGregor may act as though they’re disrespecting one another and hate each other’s guts, but at the end of the day they’re going to be the best of pals because they’re simply making one another richer.

Let’s just hope that Mayweather and McGregor truly give both the UFC and Boxing the type of fight that their supporters have dreamed of for so long. The public was disappointed with Mayweather-Pacquiao, especially since Mayweather Promotions and at least Freddie Roach were aware of Pacquiao’s shoulder injury heading into the fight. No one said anything and everyone went along with taking the public’s money knowing that Pacquiao was injured beforehand.

 

 

 

 

Vasyl Lomachenko wins again

 Vasyl Lomachenko is “THE MATRIX”

The debate as to who is “The Best Fighter in the World” is a constant discussion that has been entertained by boxing insiders and fight-fans for quite a while. Since Floyd Mayweather’s ‘retirement,’ the debate as to who truly is the world’s best has been between Roman Gonzalez, Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin, and Andre Ward.

However, the crowning of who truly is “The Best Fighter in the World” may belong to Vasyl Lomachenko. The two-time Olympic gold medal winner is arguably the greatest amateur boxer to have ever laced a pair of gloves. Lomachenko was 396-1 with his only defeat having been avenged (twice).

Arguably, “The Best Fighter in the World” Lomachenko (9-1, 7 KOs), the man they call “Matrix” added another W in the win column last Saturday, when he clinically outclassed Miguel Marriaga (25-3, 21 KOs) in seven rounds.

“I did everything by the plan that we had,” Lomachenko said.

The victory, televised on ESPN from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, was Lomachenko’s third defense of the WBO super featherweight championship and already his 9^th career world title fight.

Lomachenko, in only his second professional contest, suffered his lone defeat, a 12-round split-decision against Orlando Salido in March 2014.

In the last three years since the Salido defeat, Lomachenko has lived up to his moniker “The Matrix.” The 29-year-old Ukrainian has won two division titles (126, 130). His victories against Gary Russell, Jr., Roman Martinez, Nicholas Walters, Jason Sosa, and a 51-1Suriya Tatakhun are amongst his best.

Against Marriaga, Lomachenko dazzled those in attendance with his speed, punching accuracy, and defense. Lomachenko even showboated for the crowd, coaxing Marriaga to throw punches. It was amazing how Marriaga had plenty of opportunities to hit Lomachenko, but could not land a punch.

There are a number of intriguing fights for Lomachenko. There’s a potential rematch between Lomachenko and Salido, who at age 36 with more than 60 professional bouts, is still active. Gervonta “Tank” Davis, the future of boxing, along with Guillermo Rigondeaux are a number of great fights that await Lomachenko down the road.

 

Gervonta “Tank” Davis: “I believe I have the best team in boxing.”

“Tank” Davis dismantles Liam Walsh

It was a quiet setting in the press room at the Barclays Center. While the undercard bouts leading to Mikey Garcia’s impressive junior welterweight debut against Adrien Broner, undefeated IBF super featherweight champion Gervonta Davis held a media-only press conference to announce that he has arrived and that he is working toward becoming boxing’s next biggest star.

“I’m just here to do my job, and that’s to put on a great performance every time I step into a boxing ring,” Davis said. “Whatever the fans like that’s what we’ll give them.”

Whether Davis will become boxing’s next biggest star remains to be seen. At age 22, he is not only a world champion, but has already made one successful title defense. 2017 has clearly been the most important year of his career. It was here at the Barclays Center in January when “Tank” Davis became the IBF 130-pound champion. He handedly defeated an unbeaten Jose Pedraza to claim the title with his promoter Floyd “Money” Mayweather at ringside shouting instructions near the ring apron for all to hear.

In his first title defense, “Tank” Davis traveled around the globe to the Eastern Hemisphere to dispatch undefeated IBF No. 1-ranked contender, Liam Walsh.

In nine years as a professional, Walsh fought exclusively at home in the United Kingdom. Throughout his rise to the top, Walsh has proven to be a very durable and sturdy boxer. However, Walsh lacked the explosiveness, speed, power, and style that could keep “Tank” Davis off of him. Again, with Mayweather looking on from ringside, Davis dispatched Walsh within three rounds.

Davis wasn’t looking for the KO, but the opportunity to pummel a fighter as talented as Walsh easily presented itself.

“If the knockout comes I’ll take it, but I never looking into a fight and say ‘I’m going to knock this guy out,” Davis said. “That’s asinine. When I was first with Al Haymon, a lot of guys I came up with were getting knocked out by cab drivers because, you go in there looking for the knockout and windup getting tired. I never go there looking for the knockout. I go there and do my job.”

On to the next one – the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard in Vegas

2017 isn’t over yet, as “Tank” Davis is currently preparing for his third world title fight this year. Making the second defense of the IBF 130-pound championship, “Tank” Davis (18-0, 17 KOs) will collide with unbeaten Francisco Fonseca (19-0, 13 KOs) of Costa Rica. That bout will be the chief-supporting, co-featured attraction to the epic Boxer vs. MMA showdown between “Money” Mayweather and UFC’s Connor McGregor on Saturday, August 26, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

Stephen Espinoza, the Vice-President of SHOWTIME Sports, understands that a fighter as talented as “Tank” Davis needs a platform with a large enough audience to perform in front of. It’s not going to get as big as Mayweather-McGregor. Espinoza also recognizes the increasing difficulty SHOWTIME will have in finding opponents for Davis to fight.

“When you are as entertaining as Gervonta is, things have yet to happen because, you’ve got fans putting pressure and networks putting pressure,” Espinoza said. “We know that he is an entertaining fighter. He gives the fans what they want to see. He takes fights at a level beyond what you’d expect at 17, 18, and 19 fights. He’s got a long career Ahead of him, but we all agree that the best thing for his career is to keep him busy and keep him learning moving forward.”

“After these last two performances, he’s definitely becoming more difficult to find guys for him to fight, Espinoza concluded.”

A 22 year-old world champion making his second title defense on the Mayweather-McGregor card is HUGE! Unlike most 22-year-olds, they probably would not be able to appropriately handle the fame and the exposure that comes along with a fight as enormous as a Mayweather-McGregor, but at the press conference, Davis proved his maturity while displaying a quiet demeanor at the podium.

“I believe I have the best team in boxing,” said Davis referring to his relationship with both Mayweather Promotions and SHOWTIME. “I’m undefeated and we’re going to stay this way. It’s up to my team to make the right decisions. I want to fight and think I’ve been fighting a lot.”

Speaking on behalf of his young champion, Leonard Ellerbe, CEO and lead advisor at Mayweather Promotions, both had high praise for their budding superstar in the making.

“I’ll say he’s the most exciting fighter in all of boxing,” said Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe. “Everyone wants to see him fight. So that’s a great thing for us to continue to find ways and opportunities to keep him busy. Keep him on the right platform because, again, he’s the present, he’s the future of boxing, and we’re very happy to have him a part of Mayweather Promotions.”

“Obviously, I’ve had the great opportunity of being part of Floyd’s entire career,” Ellerbe added. “Obviously, I’ve seen a lot of things happen in the sport. Again, we have an advantage because, we’re able to pass-on knowledge to him so he doesn’t make some of the same mistakes. He has a very big advantage over most young fighters. There is no worry about anything when we put him in the ring because, he’s an animal. He’s a beast.”

For Wladimir Klitschko: Failure Wasn’t An Option

Joshua vs. Klitschko – Amazing package    Wladimir Klitschko retires

When Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Lennox Lewis retired the consensus belief was “there goes the heavyweight division.” Many feared that for years, the world heavyweight championship would be squandered between heavyweight title hopefuls that would have never had the chance to become heavyweight champion of Tyson, Holyfield, and Lewis were still fighting.

Then came along Wladimir, along with his brother Vitali Klitschko.

Wladimir received international attention having won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the super heavyweight division. The quickly asserted himself as the future “Dr. Steel Hammer,” as he knocked out Fabian Meza in his pro debut in November 1996. Wladimir was an incredible prospect, who went on to win the WBO heavyweight title in 2000 by avenging his brother Vitali’s loss to Chris Byrd. However, the boxing community was really impressed when he arrived to Atlantic City, NJ to become the first man to knockout “Merciless” Ray Mercer, who at the time was at tad faded, but widely considered one of boxing’s top 10-15 heavyweights in the world.

Wladimir became an HBO favorite. He had massive size at 6’ 7,” 245 pounds. He was (and still is) muscular and he could fight very well. Wladimir Klitschko was taking guys out of there with relative ease and excitement.

In 2000, HBO started featuring his Wladimir’s fights Lennox Lewis’ heavyweight title undercards with the hope of the two fighting one day. Klitschko looked terrific at Madison Square Garden when he knocked out David Bostice underneath Lewis’ spectacular knockout of Michael Grant.

Later that night, walking along section – in the Garden arena, I came across both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. They were both friendly gentlemen, and were in a jovial mood. They appeared to be happy to have been in the Garden – the same building where Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought for the first time. There was something special about the Klitschkos, especially Wladimir, who appeared to have more upside since he was the younger Klitschko.

Fighters like   Klitschko again looked impressive when he dispatched Monte Barrett on the Lewis-Frans Botha heavyweight title fight from London, England.

Once Klitschko defeated Byrd for the WBO title in 2000, Lewis-Klitschko was the fight that everyone was talking about, until that horrific night in March 2003 when Klitschko was set to make his sixth WBO mandatory defense against Corrie Sanders of South Africa.  It was a disaster! There was a reason why guys like Tyson, Holyfield, and Lewis refused to fight Sanders. He was big and powerful southpaw with a left-hand so fast, you couldn’t see it coming. Wladimir was hit with a left-hand that he did not see coming. Sanders kept hitting Wladimir repeatedly, as Klitschko kept getting dropped to the canvas. The fight was over almost as soon as it began, as Sanders ruined any chance of Wladimir ever fighting Lewis with a stunning second-round TKO.

Wladimir, at this point, had lost only his second pro contest (both by KO). Klitschko was given an opportunity to reclaim the WBO heavyweight title, but against Lamon Brewster in Las Vegas in 2004. Klitschko administered one of the most brutal beatings ever witnessed. Wladimir was clearly beating Brewster around the ring until Brewster landed a series of left-hooks and subsequently Wladimir ran out of gas. An exhausted Klitschko tasted the canvas and the bout had to be stopped after the fifth round.

The loss to Brewster marked the first fight Klitschko had under new trainer Emmanuel Steward. The idea behind this unusual, but eventual legendary union, was to give an Olympic gold medalist and former world heavyweight champion with tremendous potential a chance to save his ruined career by working with one of the greatest boxing trainers ever.

Klitschko looked ordinary and vulnerable during a technical-decision win against DaVarryl Williamson in October 2004, but many suspected that it would be his end. That Olympic gold-heavyweight champion’s career was on a downward spiral and many feared Steward’s help would not be enough to help save him.

In September 2005, the boxing world awaited what appeared to be Samuel Peter bracing to serve Wladimir Klitschko’s head on a spike to HBO Sports. The Atlantic City Convention Center was the setting for the burial of Wladimir Klitschko. With a mandatory shot at then IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd at stake, Klitschko, for the first time in his career, overcame the knockdowns, stood in the face of adversity, and passed with flying colors. Klitschko saved his career, as he nearly separated Peter’s head from his body following a tremendous left-hook in the final round.

All three judges scored the bout 114-113 for Klitschko. Credit to Emmanuel Steward for 1) remaining calm, 2) keeping Klitschko relaxed, focused, while 3) providing Wladimir with the proper instruction that was necessary to control the fight and win!

In April 2006, Klitschko, the No. 1-ranked IBF contender, challenged Chris Byrd at home in Germany. Klitschko put forth a dazzling display of speed, power, combination-punching, great footwork, and excellent ring generalship. Finally, the pairing of Wladimir and Emmanuel, at long last, began to look-like a perfect pairing.

The relationship between Klitschko and Steward was lifelong. They became really, really good friends. Steward became a permanent fixture in Klitschko’s life until the Kronk legendary trainer’s death in 2012. Steward taught Klitschko that he simply couldn’t rely on fast abrasive knockouts based on just impulse. Klitschko had to use his massive height, his incredible reach, and survival skills to simply knock his opponents out.

Klitschko would remain as close to flawless while he was world heavyweight champion. He would remain unbeaten for nearly 10 years having unified the IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO, and Ring Magazine heavyweight championships, alongside his brother Vitali, a longtime WBC heavyweight champion, who is now Mayor of Kiev.

Together Wladimir and Vitali defeated everyone in the heavyweight division that mattered: Peter, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, Chris Arreola, Kevin Johnson, Ruslan Chagaev, Kurbat Pulev, Shannon Briggs, Bryant Jennings, Alexander Povetkin, Tony Thompson, Mariusz Wach, Hasim Rahman, Derrick Chisora, Manuel Charr, Odlanier Solis, Tomasz Adamek, Juan Carlos Gomez, and more.

Klitschko chased Joe Louis’ hallowed records for the longest reign in boxing history and most successful title defenses longer than any other fighter in history. Wladimir never really concerned himself with records, or even the record books. He understood the significance of there being only one recognizable heavyweight champion. Klitschko was a huge fan of all the heavyweight greats, as Steward constantly reminded him of his special knack for fighting and performing well.

But beyond boxing, Klitschko was heavily involved with different charitable organizations. Klitschko fought for something greater than his own career, but to create lucrative businesses while giving back.

Having spoken to the late Steward and Wladimir, of course, the conversations always went back to that night in Atlantic City, September 2005. The discussions always correlated with the first Peter fight and sometimes the Lamon Brewster fight. (Wladimir would later beat both Peter and Brewster in rematches more convincingly). Klitschko was fueled and retooled following those two defeats, as Klitschko used those two fights to remain motivated to train and fight as hard he could one fight at a time.

Very few fighters in history possessed Klitschkos size, power, and skills. The success of the Klitschkos paved the way for even bigger and younger heavyweights such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder to become world heavyweight champions.

Klitschko’s last stand, his last battle, and his last performance was perhaps the most impressive of his career. Klitschko, having not fought in 18 months after losing his world championships in a nightmare of a performance from both Fury and himself, reminded us last April exactly why he was a successful fighter for so long. It didn’t matter to Wladimir that he fought in front of 90,000 in Joshua’s hometown at Wembley Stadium In London. Klitschko was “obsessed” with becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion by beating a much younger, stronger, but inexperienced champion. Klitschko came off the canvas to violently floor Joshua, who was SECONDS! away from defeat.

The back-and-forth world heavyweight championship fight was one of the greatest heavyweight title fights in history. Joshua stunned Klitschko with three brutal knockdowns when it mattered most to seal both the biggest victory of his life and the end of one of greatest world heavyweight champions in history.

Joshua didn’t send Klitschko home defeated, by rather Wladimir exited the arena with the perfect storybook ending to what was one of the greatest heavyweight championship careers of all-time.

Wladimir Klitschko retires, leaves behind a lasting legacy

Wladimir Klitschko Announces Retirement

Two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement yesterday. Klitschko, who in his last fight was SECONDS away from defeating Anthony Joshua for the unified world heavyweight championship in front of 90,000 at London’s famed Wembley Stadium in April, came up short. Klitschko was rumored to fight Joshua again in November in Las Vegas, but opted to end what was a legendary career.

Klitschko, otherwise referred to as “Dr. Steel Hammer,” released a touching statement regarding his decision to call it a career on his website www.Klitschko.com. The site has so many views earlier, it shut down and Klitschko had to repost on his youtube channel.

“Twenty-seven years ago I started my journey in sport, and it was the best choice of a profession I could have ever made,” Klitschko said in his statement. “Because of this choice, I travelled the world, learned new languages, created business, built intellectual properties, helped people in need. Became a scientist, entrpreneur, motivator, hotelier, trainer, investor and much else. I was, and I still am, capable of doing all this because of the global appeal of sport and boxing, my own talent and most importantly because of you: my loyal fans.”

“At some point in our lives we need to, or just want to, switch our careers and get ourselves ready for the next chapter – a new course and fresh challenges. Obviously, I’m not an exception to this and now it’s my turn. I’m honestly doing this with greatest respect for these new challenges. But also with tremendous excitement, passion, dedication, expecting and hoping that my next career will be at least as successful as my previous one, if not even more successful.”

“Finally, instead of just saying, ‘hey, thanks and goodbye’, I want you to continue joining me in this new and exciting journey. When we’re together, we’re more creative, more efficient, more productive and simply stronger in every way.”

“Together we’re the driving force.”

Klitschko, along with is older brother Vitali, together, were “the driving force” of the heavyweight division. Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko became the first brothers in history to simultaneously hold the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine heavyweight championships.

Klitschko’s near 10-year world heavyweight title reign is second only to Joe Louis’ 11 ½ year-reign. Klitschko ranks third for most consecutive world heavyweight title defenses behind Louis (25) and Larry Holmes (20). Overall in two world heavyweight title reigns, no other fighter in history – Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, etc. – has competed in more world heavyweight championship fights than Wladimir Klitschko.

As accomplished Klitschko was as a fighter, not everything was an utter success for him. In March 2003, Klitschko was on the verge of fighting Lennox Lewis, then the WBC/WBA/IBF heavyweight champion, in what would have been an epic fight. Unfortunately, Wladimir ran into Corrie Sanders, the hard-hitting southpaw with a powerful left-hand that repeatedly drilled Klitschko to the canvas. Klitschko suffered a shocking third-round KO defeat, a loss to Sanders that was later avenged by big brother Vitali.

Wladimir had a chance to reclaim the vacated WBO heavyweight title in 2004 under the tutelage of his new Hall of Fame trainer Emmanuel Steward. Klitschko was beating Lamon Brewster repeatedly around the ring behind destructive knockout power and tremendous hand speed for such a big heavyweight. Unfortunately, Klitschko ran out of gas and was the victim of some of the hardest punches ever thrown by a heavyweight like Brewster. Klitschko was TKO’d in the fifth round.

After a lethargic showing against DaVarryl Williamson, Klitschko went from being referred to as “the next big thing” to “boxing’s next big bust.”

Klitschko was also labeled as “a dead man walking” prior to his September 2005 bout with undefeated Nigerian heavyweight title contender Samuel Peter. HBO and the boxing world awaited Wladimir;s head on a spike (Jesus). It was an awful situation, as everyone tuned in to see Klitschko’s career be ruined.

“Failure is not an option,” Klitschko would say.

I remember that night Klitschko entered the ring into The Red Hot Chili Pepper’s “Can’t Stop.” Entering into a raucous crowd, Klitschko appeared focused and determined to prove his value as boxing’s next great heavyweight by beating Peter.

Klitschko too was determined to ensure that the relationship between himself and Steward would be lifelong. Klitschko implemented a new strategy in which he would control Peter from the outside behind a powerful left jab, which he did. Should Peter got too close, Klitschko would drop the right-hand which he did. Klitschko out-boxed Peter, but not before suffering three knockdowns. Klitschko returned to his feet to resume control of the fight.

In the twelfth and final round, Klitschko sealed his victory when he dominated the session by drilling Peter so hard with a counter-right it badly wobbled Peter sideways. That moment when Klitschko stunned Peter changed Wladimir’s life. He never looked back, as the relationship between Klitschko and Steward lasted a lifetime until his famed trainer’s death in 2012.

Wladimir, in his next fight in April 2006, challenged IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd to a rematch from October 2000. Klitschko proved too powerful for Byrd, a longtime rival of the Klitschko brothers at the time. Klitschko’s spectacular KO of Byrd won him the IBF title.

For the next 10 years, Klitschko unified the IBF title along with the WBA, WBO, IBO, and Ring Magazine heavyweight championships. Klitschko managed to avenge his defeat to Brewster in impressive fashion. He soundly defeated Sultan Ibragimov, Calvin Brock, Ray Austin, Eddie Chambers, a big-talking David Haye, Ruslan Chagaev, Hasim Rahman, Alexander Povetkin, Francisco Pianetta, Alex Leapai, Jean-Marc Mormeck, Kurbat Pulev, Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson (twice) Marcusz Wach, and Peter in a rematch.

Spectacular performance, after spectacular performance, Wladimir Klitschko was unstoppable! No one could beat him. The deadly left-jab, right-hand combination ended so many of his fights in decisive and most memorable fashion. Every fighter to have challenged him, he was happy to accept their potential threat to end his reign atop the biggest of men.

It was as though it would be “Klitschko Time” forever and it was “Klitschko Time” until the very end. Klitschko remained champion for as long as he did

Unfortunately, Klitschko’s reign ended shockingly at the hands of Tyson Fury following a dreadful 12-round fight in October 2015 in Germany. Both fighters did absolutely nothing, but Fury landed more than the 52 punches.

Eighteen months afterward, Klitschko returned in April to challenge undefeated IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in front of 90,000 in Wembley Stadium in London, England. With so many questions lingering about Klitschko’s age of 41, whether his time has truly passed, or whether Joshua was taking on such an enormous challenge too soon, both Joshua and Klitschko produced one of the greatest world championship fights of all-time.

Klitschko came back from a knockdown in the early rounds and was SECONDS away from decapitating Joshua. Klitschko was seconds away from regaining the IBF title, while simultaneously unifying the vacant WBA and IBO titles. Klitschko and Joshua pummeled one another during an incredible fight, but ultimately Joshua’s youth and incredible conditioning outlasted a very game, in-form, and incredibly-skilled Klitschko, who easily erased the bitter memory of that dreadful Fury fight. Joshua stopped Klitschko in the eleventh and final round of not only a brilliant and thrilling heavyweight title fight, but also a remarkable Klitschko career.

Wladimir Klitschko will be remembered as one of the “Greatest Heavyweights of All-Time.” Klitschko’s legacy is cemented alongside Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, Rocky Marciano, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and Mike Tyson.  Wladimir Klitschko was certainly the greatest heavyweight of his generation.