Sergey Kovalev Deerfield Beach Media Workout Quotes & Photos

Deerfield Beach, FL (Oct. 30, 2014) - Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev opened up his camp to the media today in preparation for his Nov. 8 light heavyweight unification bout with Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ and live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Question: How do you study Hopkins?

Sergey Kovalev:  "I don't study anybody. It is better to go to the gym to do some work for my shape or spend time to cook my breakfast or sleep in my bed. Why I need to spend the time?"

Q:  Other than your power, what could be your strength against Hopkins?

S. Kovalev:  "I always have bullets in my arsenal. My hands are my weapons. It's my weapon in the ring. Hopkins think that I only have two bullets but I will bring some more."

Q:  Hopkins is usually the teacher in the ring what do you expect to learn from him?

S. Kovalev "I wanna get some lesson from the professor of boxing. He is old school boxer. I want to get some experience from this fight that can make me better for another fight. I am not going to finish my career after this fight. There will be other fighters that will also be tough and very talented and very hard like a punch machine. I should be ready for everyone in the ring and in life too."

Q:  What are your plans for theremainder of training camp?

S. Kovalev: "It is already done. One more sparring session tomorrow and that is it."

Q:  Tell us about your discipline as you prepare for this fight.

S. Kovalev:  "I am trying to be disciplined because this is boxing. This is very intense and dangerous sport. Any punch from your opponent can be last for you. You must be very concentrated and focused for the fight. I just started a new level of my life with my son, so I need to be more safe. I am with my wife already 10 years. She asked me already five years ago that she want a baby. I want a baby too, but God don't give us baby. My life was not ready to give everything for my family. If earlier we had baby, I wouldn't fight. I started boxing because I need to get money. I box with the hope that somebody will sign me for three years. This is all a result of my patience. Our patience, me, Egis [Klimas, Sergey's manager] and my wife's patience. Very big thanks to my promoter and my team at Main Events. I also want to thank for my team John David Jackson and Derik Santos and everyone else who help me."

Q:  What would you tell your son if he wanted to be a boxer?

S. Kovalev:  "I not gonna stop him. I will teach him fighting. Any man must be safe and defend his family and be ready for anything in life. I will bring him to the boxing gym but if he said he don't want to be boxer, then I'm not going to push him. Maybe he will be musician. I will give him choice. He will go to boxing gym - not for career, but to make him strong like a man."

Q:  Why do you think you are going to win?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't think - I am sure. No, I am kidding. I am sure in myself. I believe in me. In my mind I am strong, but this is boxing and I don't what is going to happen. I hope and I wish that this fight will be very clean and fair. Who is strong should be who win. I want that this fight should be fair. I try to be polite, I try to be nice but, if my opponent don't respect me, then I don't respect him."

Q:  Has Bernard said anything negative about you?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't care what he saying. I don't understand him. It's not my language. I am very happy that this fight is in America; I am very excited that I get to participate at this level already. When I came to America, I waited long time to get to this level of fight."

Q:  What is your prediction for the fight?

S. Kovalev:  "Something will happen but what it will be I don't know. I will try everything to give to people exciting fight because I am going to continue my career. I am going to bring more people to the arena and to HBO."

Q:  Is it your plan to put on a good show for the fans?

S. Kovalev:  "This will be good show. I am sure because all my fights looking good. When I was an amateur, people love to watch me fight. When I came to America, nobody watch me in the beginning. Then Egis found me good team. Kathy Duva and her team turn attention on me here and now I am fighting against Hopkins."

Q:  Are you ready to go the distance if necessary?

S. Kovalev:  "I have been working hard here in the gym. I will give to my fans a great show. Working hard because it is my job. If my opponent work harder, he will get victory and I don't want that. This push me to working hard in the gym. My dreams come true in America. My first time in America I got a new car from dealer, but I never have a new car in Russia; not even a Russian car. But Russian cars is cheap. I didn't get money from the bank like credit because I didn't have the opportunity. When I came to America I got new Jetta from VW and I was very excited. I can't believe, wow I had a new car. I was happy. Now I am fighting against Hopkins and I have more of my dreams here in my mind. If they come true, you will see what is my next dream."

Q:  Who do you want to fight next?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't like to say what will be in the future until I did this one. Sometimes a lot of fighters talk about what they will do and then they didn't do it. In Russia, they do not respect people who just speak but not do. Say and do are two different things. I can do it and afterwards say I did it."

Q:  What does it feel like to be a dad?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't understand yet because I didn't meet with my son personally yet, but I saw him on the Skype within minutes of when he delivered. Now I have a conversation through the Skype with my wife and my son. He is really cute but he is growing up really fast. He is changing every day. I am very happy. After my fight I am going to go home and meet him personally. When I see him, hug him and spend time with my family."

Q:  How has being away from your family affected your training camp?

S. Kovalev:  "He has pushed me little bit. I want to do everything a little bit faster and a little bit rushed. I already can't wait for this day to come. I have patience and there is nothing I can do but wait for November 8 to get two more titles and go back and give this victory to my wife and my son."

Q:  Are you going to try to stop the fight as quick as possible?

S. Kovalev:  "If it will be possible, yes. If not, it will be 12 rounds for decision. For me it doesn't matter. First of all, I need to get a victory. When I came to this division I started growing up. Right now light heavyweight is very interesting division. When I came to America, only Hopkins was the name in the division. Hopkins has two titles. Right now Canadian champion, Russian champion and American champion, international division. It is very interesting division because I am here (joking)."

Q:  What do you think about Hopkins reputation for being a dirty fighter?

S. Kovalev:  "Because he is punching open hands. Punching from the head like a deer. He fighting like a street fighter. Because he is dangerous. He can cut you from the head, from the elbow, everything, from any part of his body. He is looking like a very dirty fighter. Sometimes he is making like a clown. He is a good actor. If he is feeling like he can't do something legally, he start playing like an actor and complaining about pain or a low blow or something. Like in his first fight against Chad Dawson, he was not ready for this fight. I saw his first round and after first round he understood that he is not going to win this fight and he complained he hurt his shoulder and got TD [technical draw] but he still keep title. We will see everything on November 8. I am not a prediction man. I don't know. Watch HBO or welcome to Atlantic City, Boardwalk Hall and you will see everything November 8."

Q:  What should the fans expect?

S. Kovalev:  "I can say only one thing that it will be a very interesting fight and everybody who support me will be happy."

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"Alien vs. Krusher: Hopkins vs. Kovalev" is a 12-round unification bout for the IBF, WBA and WBO Light Heavyweight World titles, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Corona Extra, AT&T, Hortitsia Vodka and Mexico, Live it To Believe It!. Ali vs. Abregu is a 10-round bout for the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50, plus applicable fees and service charges, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com, www.hbo.com/boxing orhttp://www.boardwalkhall.com/.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/main_events, www.twitter.com/hboboxing,www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/krusherkovalev , www.twitter.com/ realworldkidali,www.twitter.com/potroabregu,   www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and follow the conversation using #alienvskrusher.

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/ maineventsboxing,www.facebook.com/hboboxing and https://www.facebook.com/ BoardwalkHall.

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Why Pacquiao should move back down in weight?

Many boxing fans wondered why Pacquaio not able to win via knockout as he used to be. I think it is because Pacquiao needs to move back down to 140.

And yet, what's annoying is that: Freddie Roach keeps on predicting a knockout victory for his top pupil. A prediction that is unlikely to happen.

Although Pacquiao has been campaigning at the welterweight division since 2009 -- it's obvious that 147 pound is not his ideal fighting weight.

Since knocking out current middleweight kingpin Miguel Cotto in 2009 at 145 pounds contracted weight -- Pacquiao never won again via knockout again.

After the knockout victory over Cotto, Pacquaio won six fights and lost twice in his last eight fights. His wins were all decided by three judges at ringside.

Although it is safe to say that: Pacquaio still has the power in both hands at welterweight. However, his power has less damaging impact to the naturally bigger opponents in the division. Try to imagine Pacquiao and Rios fought at junior welterweight. If the same amount of power punches Pacquiao landed on Brandon Rios, do you think Rios heard the final bell?

On top of that, the 35 year old Pacquiao had weighed in 147 pounds only twice -- out of those eight fights. Although some fights contracted below 147 pounds, which is the welterweight limit.

It is extremely surprising, that those two fights wherein Pacquiao weighed 147 pounds -- he lost. He lost by split decision against Bradley during the first fight. And a stunning knockout loss in Round 6, against arch-rival Juan Manuel Marquez during their fourth encounter.

Below were the Filipino boxing icon's weights against his last eight opponents.

Pacman's weight versus:

• Timothy Bradley II - 145 lbs.


• Brandon Rios - 145 lbs.


• Juan Manuel Marquez IV - 147 lbs.


• Timothy Bradley I - 147 lbs.


• Juan Manuel Marquez III - 143 lbs.


• Sugar Shane Mosley - 145 lbs.


• Antonio Margarito (for light middleweight title) - 144.5 lbs.


• Joshua Clottey - 145 3/4 lbs.

Donnie Nietes has the chance to break Gabriel "Flash" Elorde's record

Donnie "Ahas" Nietes (33-1-4, 19 KO's) has the opportunity to re-write history books, if he will win against Mexican Carlos Velarde on November 15. Nietes-Velarde is the main event of Pinoy Pride 28 edition at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Granted Nietes passes the test Velarde brings inside the squared circle; Neites will become the longest reigning Filipino world champion of all time.

The late great Gabriel "Flash" Elorde currently held this record. He was the longest reigning world junior lightweight champion (seven years and three months) from 1960 to 1967. He defended the crown 10 times.

The 32 year old Neites reigned as world champion from 2007 until now. He first won the minimumweight title in September 2007 and currently the light flyweight champion.

The 24 year old Velarde has a record of 26 wins -- 14 by way of stoppage, three defeats and a draw.

Also in action

• “Prince” Albert Pagara vs. Raul Hirales of Mexico.


• Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo vs. Saul Juarez of Mexico.


• Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo vs. Indonesian Farris Nenggo.


• AJ “Bazooka” Banal vs Thai Maxsaisai Sithsaithong.


• Mark “Magnifico’ Magsayo vs South Korean Moon-Sun Jung.

SPB's new look

Dear Readers,

It has been a roller coaster November at work. Tremendous work load at hand. In short, I'm so busy that I have no time to update this blog regularly. However, whenever I got time to visit the admin panel of this blog -- Instead of writing updates -- I'm trying to find better ways to present to you this blog. So, you might have noticed that I've been changing the theme several times. Sometimes, the site itself is broken, under maintenance mode, or at times, inaccessible (I'm really struggling to design this blog, I have a very limited knowledge in HTML codes). I tried several color combination that would fit in, until I came out with the black and blue combination. I used also the copyblogger theme because it's simple, clean, yet very elegant. I hope you like it.

As an improvement, this blog also now runs with the genesis framework -- a robust framework for Wordpress blogging platform. I think this blog will be using this setup and theme for a longer period of time. So that it will not look stranger even to those 20 percent returning visitor of this blog.

Please feel free to write your feedback about the new look of this blog. Your comments would really help SPB improve.

I'll be writing updates soon, as my work load has been lessen. If you guys wanted to contribute boxing tips, stories and articles, please feel free to inbox me an email at retech_08@yahoo.com.

Regards,

Retech

Hopkins: I prepare to do what I know how to do best

During the media workout in Philadelphia, light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) was oozing with confidence. He said that "you can't worry about things can't change". Bernard is referring to Oscar talking about him fighting or preparing the fight against a much younger and heavy handed Sergey Kovalev without any pressure.

I believe the difference comes in the execution. If you think about it too much beforehand it will keep you up at night. You can't worry about things you can't change. I prepare to do what I know how to do best. That rule of code has never betrayed me."

But I don't think Hopkins had nothing to worry about the 31 year old hard-hitting Russian. Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) has been regarded as one of the heaviest puncher in the sport today. He's been undefeated in 26 fights and knocked out 23 of his opponents. His victims include Nathan Cleverly, Gabriel Campillo and Cornelius White. These fighters were former champion and top ten contenders in the light heavyweight division at the time they fought Kovalev. But none of them lasted five rounds.

But Hopkins recognized that Kovalev is "real" and a "threat" to everybody. An indication that he never under estimate Kovalev, and he understand that it won't be an easy fight.

Kovalev is a threat to anybody. It won't be an easy fight, even if it looks easy to you. I don't just have to beat the man, but I have to beat a lot of people. They're either going to watch me win or watch me lose, and I don't mind playing that game. I don't believe in luck. I believe in whoever brings the best and whoever sacrifices the most to be victorious will win.

I'm excited of this fight to see how Hopkins can again defy father time, and or how Kovalev handles the wits and ring smarts of oldest champion in the history of boxing that calls himself "The Alien"

 

Hopkins: How can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?

It's seldom in boxing wherein you will see a boxer fighting the student of a trainer he once fought.

On November 8, the 49 year old Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) will face Sergey Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) who trained John David Jackson who once fought Hopkins. The then, nicknamed "The Executioner" executed Jackson in the seventh round of their April 1997 encounter.

During the media conference call, Hopkins was asked if Jackson is a factor in any way, or something that could be a personal challenge to him.

It's not a personal challenge to me. First of all, John David Jackson, I always said, is one of the elite trainers out there who never really got his respect and November 8th he wants to get that big boost to get that respect. But, again, maybe John David Jackson will show him the fight that we fought and realize that he didn't have the code to beat "The Executioner" at the time and now it's "The Alien." So, maybe John realized how he should have ducked or how he should have fought at that time." Hopkins answered.

He further added that: "John isn't fighting, John isn't in the ring. You have to give the information to the athlete, the athlete has to be able to take that information, and be able to use it to his best ability."

Well, Hopkins has a point, but the fact that Jackson had the personal experience fighting him inside the ring; he (Jackson) actually had the first hand experience to pass on to Kovalev. However, that questions the ability of the trainer how to pass knowledge to his student as what Hopkins pointed out.

"Let's see if he can do that, because John David Jackson definitely can't fight for him. John David Jackson had his chance. John David Jackson got knocked out, I believe, in the ninth round. So, to me how can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?"

Bernard Hopkins turns 50 years old in January. And he will be fighting 31 year old hard hitting Sergey Kovalev to unify the three alphabet straps. Hopkins started his professional boxing career late in the late 80's. He first got a shot at the middleweight championship, but lost to former pound-for-pound kingpin Roy Jones Jr. in 1993. He got the opportunity again for the title, but ended up in a draw against Segundo Mercado. He finally became a world champion five fights after his lost to Jones by knocking out Mercado in a rematch in 1995.

Since then, Hopkins defended the title 21 times and became the undisputed middleweight champion. He held the title for one decade before he lost to Jermain Taylor in 2005. After the Taylor loss, I thought that was it, for the hall of famer career of Hopkins. But Hopkins move up in weight and started re-writing the history of the light heavyweight division.

Alexander Povetkin knocks out Carlos Takam in Round 10

Alexander Povetkin managed to score a huge knockout win tonight in front of his chanting fans at Luzhniki, Moscow, in Russia against a very game and athletic competitor Carlos Takam in 'must win' bout for both fighters in the heavyweight division. It was an extremely entertaining fight that made the partisan crowd chanting from start to end.

In early rounds, it seemed that Povetkin was not able to find his rhythm. His punches were off mark and was tagged by several overhand rights from Takam. I think he's behind from the scorecards before the knockdown in Round 9.

One thing I noticed: Povetkin is not using his jab to set his punches. While Takam was very effective in his jab from the distance. Although Povetkin was effective with his uppercuts from the inside it is obvious that the 33 years old Takam was the busier fighter who threw more and landed more punches.

However, the power of Povetkin carried the night. In Round 9, he landed a solid punch few seconds before the end of the round that sent down Takam. The native of Cameroon although managed to get up and beat the count was obviously hurt.  If the knockdown happened a little bit early, I think, the fight will end in Round 9 itself.

The bell sounded to end Round 9 before even the referee signaled to resume the fight.

In Round 10, Takam came out bouncing on his feet. I thought he recuperated from the previous knockdown. But when the 35 year old Povetkin, who's only lost was against  Wladimir Klitschko last year, pressed forward, Takam was not able to use his feet to evade. Instead, Takam tried to slug it out, but Povetkin landed a strong right-left combination that sent Takam flat on his back.

The referee did not bother to count and immediately stopped the contest and call for ringside help to assess Takam's condition.

With the win, Povetkin was again in the mix for the world title shot. But granted he will be given the shot again against heavyweight kingpin,  Wladimir Klitschko -- we all know what will happen... Right? I'm not entertained with the first fight at all. It was a boring fight wherein Klitschko was happy to use his long jab and clinched every time Povetkin came in. He never engaged Povetkin in a fight. He was there to capitalize all his advantages and bring home his money, not thinking the fans that pay to be entertained.

Do you want to see Alexander Povetkin in a rematch with  Wladimir Klitschko?

Eduard Troyanovsky stops Jose Alfaro in Round 5

Russian Eduard Troyanovsky (19-0, 16 KO) stops Jose Alfaro (27-9-1, 23 KO) in a one sided bout in Luzhniki, Moscow, in Russia during their lightweight battle.

From the beginning, the 34 year old Troyanovsky was in control of the fight, landing crispier punches from the outside. He's controlling very well the distance and was able to tagged the 30 year old Nicaraguan cleanly.

Alfaro on the other hand was too cautious from Round 1. He did not let go his hands as he tried to close the gap between him and the Troya.

In Round 3, Troya landed a solid punch that sent down Alfaro, 11 seconds remaining in the round. Alfaro survived the round, but from that point on it was evident that it is only a matter of time he will visit again the canvas for good. Alfaro did nothing to take at least the respect of the now more confident Troya. The crowd was very ecstatic from the knockdown and chanting Troya! Troya!

In Round 4, Troya tried to go for the homerun, attacking Alfaro with power shots. Alfaro to his credit tried to slug it out, but landed nothing of significant.

In Round 5, Troya landed a solid right hand on the chin of Alfaro during an exchange. Alfaro went down and was counted out by the referee.

Nicholas Walters demolishes Nonito Donaire in Six, proves he's an elite fighter

Jamaican Nicholas Walters (25-0, 21 KO's) had his undefeated record intact on Saturday night after a dominating performance over 2012 "Fighter of the Year" Nonito Donaire.

Walters scored knockdowns in rounds three and six before he finally landed a solid counter right hand on Donaire's head at 2:59 mark in round six. Donaire was able to get up, but in shaky legs. The referee did not risk letting Donaire continue and he stopped the contest although there's only a minute left to end the round.

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It was an extremely exciting fight, wherein both fighters have the power to hurt each other. Donaire showed he can hurt a guy like Walters who's naturally bigger than him.

Donaire (33-3, 21 KO's) moved up to featherweight division two fights ago before he faced the undefeated Walters at the StubHub Center, Carson, California, as the co-featured bout for Golovkin-Rubio middleweight clash.

In the dying seconds of Round 2, the 31 year old Donaire landed his home-run punch: the "left hook" to Walter's head. Walters wobbled and hurt. As we all know, Donaire is good finisher, if that punch landed a little bit early in Round 2, I bet, Walters might be knockout. And the fight might have ended in Round 2.

In Round 3, Donaire made a clear adjustment, or will I say, he executed another fight plan. In this round, he closed the gap and tried to neutralize Walters' long reach advantage. But Walters, being the younger and naturally bigger, dominated Donaire from the inside. He managed to sneak an uppercut that sends down Donaire to his knees.

In Round 4, Walters was in control of the fight, as Donaire went back to his original game plan, which to stay from the outside and look for counter opportunities. But Walters' long jab dominated Donaire from the outside.

In Round 6, Walters again scored a knockdown before he finally landed the shot that badly hurt Donaire that made the referee stop the fight.

It seems there's something in that Round 6, 2:59 mark for Filipino fighters. In 2012, in the same round and on the same mark, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, was also knocked out by rival Juan Manuel Marquez. What a coincidence! This time, it is the Filipino Flash that has been fallen in Round 6, 2:59.

With the win, the 28 years old Walters could be facing Jhonny Gonzalez next. Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KO's) is the number one featherweight according to the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. Walters' currently ranked number 5 in this organization. And might be push up to number two spot after his big win, pushing Donaire down in the rankings that currently holds the number two spot before their bout.

Meanwhile on Sunday, morning here's what Nonito Donaire posted on social media.

Beautiful Sunday morning! Sitting here with my team just feeling blessed. Thank u for all the well wishes but God is good. I went down swinging and not running and I wouldn't have any other way. I have fought the best and never ducked anyone and in doing so sometimes the outcome is not what I want.

God saved me last night. I would have died by the sword last night. I would have kept getting up and if I stayed in that fight til the 12th I could have gotten brain damage. Walters was just too big for me. If I got past Walters I would have fought with Salido at 130lbs and really gotten hurt.

I'm going to take some time off and rebuild myself all over again. I'll come back stronger and probably at a lower weight.

Thank you for all your support and belief in me.

God bless.

Manny Pacquiao vs Chris Algieri 24/7 premieres Saturday, November 8

Oct. 10 2014 - As a prelude to the upcoming HBO Pay-Per-View® showdown on Nov. 22 between world welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao and fast-rising challenger Chris Algieri, HBO Sports will air "24/7 Pacquiao/Algieri," an action-packed one episode, 30-minute special examining the 147-pound title showdown. 

The "24/7 Pacquiao/Algieri" special will premiere Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1:00 a.m. (ET/PT) on HBO immediately following the live World Championship Boxing event from Atlantic City. The all-new documentary-styled presentation will explore the intriguing storylines connected to the Nov. 22 fight: one of the world's most popular and famous athletes defending his crown versus a remarkably confident, poised and undefeated prizefighter from Long Island, whose journey to the highest-profile stage in the sport is unparalleled and reads like a Hollywood script.

And here is the rest of it. The quintessential underdog versus superstar storyline will be explored with"24/7" cameras visiting Algieri at home on Long Island and in camp in Las Vegas as well as traveling to the Philippines to visit with Manny Pacquiao as he trains for the fight.

The 30-minute special narrated by Liev Schreiber and produced by HBO's Emmy®-Award-winning "24/7" production team will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

Additional programming elements for Pacquiao vs. Algieri that will air on HBO will be announced shortly.

Other HBO playdates for 24/7: November 9 (11:00 a.m.), 10 (2:45 a.m.), 13 (2:30 p.m.), 18 (8:45 a.m.), 19 (6:00 p.m.), 21 (1:00 p.m. & 3:00 a.m.), and 22 (9:45 a.m.).

. HBO2 playdates for 24/7: November 19 (8:00 p.m.) and 21 (4:15 p.m. & 11:30 p.m.).

HBO Signature playdates for 24/7: November 22 (5:30 p.m.)

All times are ET/PT.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing,twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacAlgieri to join the conversation on Twitter.

Advance tickets to Pacquiao vs. Algieri are available for purchase August 26-28 for Sands Rewards Club and Cotai Ring Club members. This exclusive pre-sale offer is available only at the Cotai Arena box office, and is not available online or via phone. For more details, visit www.venetianmacao.com/macau-entertainment/clash-in-cotai-ii.html.

Tickets for the Pacquiao vs. Algieri world welterweight championship event go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. August 29 at all Cotai Ticketing™ box offices*. Tickets can be purchased in one of eight categories: HKD/MOP 24,080 (Diamond), 20,080 (Platinum), 12,880 (Ruby), 9,880 (Gold), 6,480 (Silver), 3,880 (A Reserve), 1,880 (B Reserve) and 880 (C Reserve). HKD/MOP 88 adds a round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry ticket between Hong Kong and Macao. Tickets can be booked online at www.cotaiticketing.com, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK) / 4001 206 618 (China) / +63 2 395 3370 (Philippines). Tickets are also available through Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies), online at www.HKTicketing.com or by phone at +852 3128 8288, and via Macao Kong Seng Ticketing Network, online at www.macauticket.com, by phone at +853 2855 5555, or in person at selected retail outlets (for locations, visit www.macauticket.com/TicketWeb/ServiceStations.aspx).

NOTE: Bouts and times subject to change

Shannon Briggs chases Wladimir Klitschko in deep waters

Shannon Briggs is true to his words. "Everywhere you go, I go!" screamed Briggs, while on a small boat chasing Wladimir Klitschko. He's been confronting Klitschko in press conferences, workouts and in a restaurant, challenging the champ to fight him in the ring. Klitschko keep ignoring him.

I'm waiting if Shannon will follow Wlad in a toilet and issue the same challenge.

Funny guy! Who wants to secure a fight stalking and annoying the champion. It's better for Briggs to work his way up. But he knows he's too old for that. That's why he's trying to do this short cut.

What if Manny Pacquiao will end up doing these things Briggs is doing, to challenge Floyd Mayweather. What do you think will happen?

Canelo Alvarez withdraws Dec. 6 bout due to ankle injury

In a brief press release from Golden Boy Promotions, Saul Canelo Alvarez (41-1-1, 31KO's) withdraws from his his December 6 bout against Joshua Clottey (38-4, 22 KOs) at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Canelo's withdrawal of the said bout is due to a persistent ankle injury.

Canelo Alvarez must withdraw from his December 6 bout. He thanks his fans for their support and looks forward to big things in 2015 on HBO.

Golden Boy Promotions and HBO are reviewing their options for the December 6 date." according to the press release.

The scheduled bout is supposed to be Canelo's first fight under the new HBO contract. Recently Canelo signed a massive contract with HBO Sports.

Steve Cunningham thanks boxing community for Fundraiser

Philadelphia (October 6, 2014)--Two-time Cruiserweight world champion & Current top-10 Heavyweight contender Steve "USS" Cunningham and his family would like to thank the boxing community for the contributions to the Kennedy Cunningham Fundraiser on www.heartbyfaith.com.

Knockout CP Freshmart decisions Carlos Buitrago

Better late than never. On Wednesday, 1st October, CP Freshmart of Thailand handed Carlos Buitrago the first defeat of the Nicaraguan's career. He won via unanimous decision front of his countrymen at the I-Mobile Football Stadium, in Thailand.

Freshmart (9-0, 5KO's) stalked and brought the fight to Buitrago all day long; landing the cleaner and telling blows.

The official scores were 115-113 on all three judges in favor of hometown favorite CP Freshmart.

The fight was a close. It reminds me of Buitrago's performance against Merlito Sabillo. The fight held in November 2013 in the Philippines that ended in a draw.

He was able to put the Sabillo out balance. The same he can be said with his fight with Freshmart.

Buitrago (27-1-1, 16KO's) is a well schooled boxer that knows the fundamentals of the sport. He moves around very well and he knows how to use his jab.

In Round 6, the referee momentarily halted the action to check Freshmart's cut with the physician at ringside. Freshmart's cut above the left eye as the result to Buiragu's effective jabs. Freshmart's right eye also almost swollen shut.

But what is lacking on Buitragu's arsenal is power.

Freshmart was able to come forward without worrying much on Buitragu's punching power. He landed powerful right hands that momentarily staggered Buitrago in Round 2.

To sum it up, Buitrago is busy and effective with his jab. But the judges may not gave too much weight. There were occasions that he land to the body. But Buitrago's power punches to the head were either block or avoided by Freshmart.

Kovalev: I'm living for this fight

The hard hitting light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev is expecting his first born child while preparing for the fight of his life. But he assured the fans that his focus is fixed 100 percent on Bernard Hopkins. He will face Hopkins for the light heavyweight unification bout on November 8.

Hopkins vs Kovalev 24/7 premieres Saturday, October 18

The award winning American reality television series 24/7 will premiere on Saturday, October 8 for the light heavyweight unification bout between Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins and Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev.

Sadam Ali vs Luis Carlos Abregu co-features Hopkins-Kovalev

US team member in 2008 Olympics, Sadam Ali of Brooklyn faces the toughest test of his young career as a pro against veteran Luis Carlos "El Potro" Abregu. The bout will be HBO's opener for the card headlined by Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev for the light heavyweight unification on November 8.

Mayweather-Pacquiao will happen if Showtime pressures Floyd to fight Pacman

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao has been more than five years overdue.

The claim for this fight started when Pacquiao retired Oscar De La Hoya in their welterweight clash in 2008. But Mayweather during that time was in his shell, serving his self imposed retirement.

The clamor for this fight became more intense after Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KO's) blew Ricky Hatton in Round 2 and battered Miguel Cotto too, in route, to Round 11 stoppage.

Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO's) came out of retirement and fought Juan Manuel Marquez -- the fighter Pacquiao struggled to win in three fights. Until Marquez leveled Pacman in 2012, to put a decisive performance to end a rivalry that started in 2004.

Mayweather won with ease against Marquez at welterweight.

In 2013, Mayweather made a stunning decision; jumping to Showtime from HBO. He got a multi-million dollar 6-fight deal in three years that makes Mayweather to fight twice a year. He fought Guerrero first and then the Mexican young top gun Canelo Alvarez that breaks all records in terms of revenue.

Showtime's massive deal with the number one pound-for-pound kingpin made a major hurdle for the network in 2013 over rival network HBO.

Showtime secured the best and compelling fights in 2013.  Many top fighters in the sport of boxing follow Mayweather's lead to Showtime.  Most of them signed and advised by the mysterious Al Haymon.

Showtime's reasons to deal with Mayweather were explained by Paul Magno of "The Boxing Tribune". In Magno's Monday column, "Magno's Monday Rant" He said that Showtime is not making fortune from Mayweather.

No, Showtime is not making a fortune from Mayweather, nor did they ever intend on making a fortune from his presence on their team.Signing Mayweather was all about publicity and, perhaps more importantly, about luring to the network all of the top shelf fighters eager to take a crack at boxing’s cash cow. It was also a move to formally invite all other Al Haymon-advised fighters to follow their leader to the new network." Magno writes.

I think magno is partly right here. I agree that Showtime might use Mayweather solely for publicity. Having the biggest draw fighter in their network would mean topping rival network HBO.

But I don't agree that Showtime is not making big fortune from Mayweather. Not until Showtime will pressure Mayweather to fight the Filipino star before his contract ends.

If Showtime will not demand for Floyd to fight Pacman, then the network is comfortable with the revenue Mayweather were generating by fighting hand pick opponents.

So, far Mayweather has very limited choices for opponent in his next fight that would hit the desired revenue, if he chooses not to fight Pacquiao.

Earlier, I wrote an article hinting that Showtime might pressure Mayweather to fight Canelo. Floyd's first fight against Robert Guerrero reported under-performed.

Until now I never saw any report of the PPV and gross revenue of the Mayweather Maidana II. It is a fact that I can conclude that the rematch did not perform well business wise. So, for two straight occasions, the Mayweather fight under-performed.

Then, if Magno is right, I should see a pressure coming from Showtime to force Mayweather to fight Pacquiao. I believe, although 5 years overdue, Mayweather-Pacquaio is still the biggest fight to date. Each fighter estimated to guarantee 50M dollars each fighter.

If Showtime indeed, lost for investing on Mayweather, then network has still two fights left on Mayweather's contract. They can still work for a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and yield from the investment.

There were reports saying that two big networks, HBO and Showtime are initiating talks to put on the fight that as a boxing fan has long been waiting for.

Two of America's biggest TV sports network, HBO and Showtime, are reportedly initiating talks on how to bring Mayweather and Pacquiao in the ring for the staging of the biggest boxing event with expectedly the biggest boxing payday for both fighters estimated at least $50-M each." writes Manny Pinol on Philboxing.com.