Khan vs Garcia Fight Video

This video of the Khan vs Garcia fight starts at the end of the third round and the first knockdown.

 

Floyd Mayweather Wins....Hands Down

Trailer for the Documentary "Box or Die", Directed By: Uri Borreda

Posted here with the expressed permission of Uri Borreda

 Short Synopsis:By Uri Borreda

 This is the story of a 16 year old boy from Belgium, who was faced with the choice of boxing for survival. The story makes a curious turn at the boxing ring, where he meets Victor "Young" Perez, a Tunisian born Frenchman, and the first ever Jewish World Flyweight Champion, who had become a legend during his time. The story becomes even more amazing when it becomes apparent that the entire story takes place at the Auschwitz Death Camp between the years 1942-1945. The Jewish boy’s name is Noah Klieger, who is today 82 years old; a highly reputable reporter for the Yediot Aharonot daily newspaper; a reporter for the French Sports Magazine, L'EQUIPE; a former editor of the Sports Section of Yediot Aharonot; as well as a former chairman of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Team. The story is based on Noah's book “Dozen Rolls for Breakfast ".

Classic Boxing Movie: The Ring (1952)

You can read the review and synopsis for "The Ring" here.

Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears

"He got as much out of himself as there was to give, and maybe more, and you can't ask any more of any man, including yourself" - Larry Merchant

By Randy De La O

I was privileged, recently, to view a video of the new documentary "Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears". Joe Frazier's story has been told time and time again. The story is familiar to us by now. Yet director Mike Todd still managed to give us a fresh perspective on Frazier's life and career. Narrated by Joe's eldest son, Marvis Frazier, along with testimonials from family, friends and boxing personalities, including George Foreman, Bernard Hopkins and Larry Merchant, who share some candid memories. However, this is much more than a "This is Your Life" documentary. It is more like a well crafted, tightly woven tapestry that comes together to form a beautifully clear picture of it's subject, in this case "Smokin' Joe" Frazier, former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

The film begins with Frazier singing a reworked song made famous by Frank Sinatra, "My Way" and he was indeed doing it his way, as only "Smokin' Joe" can, a little slow perhaps and a little off key but with a passion and heart that has defined Joe Frazier to his legion of fans and admirers. The common belief is that Joe Frazier has been left bitter on the issue of Muhammad Ali, maybe at one time, but this peek into his current life says otherwise. If anything Frazier seems content with his place in boxing history, he is content with what he knows. So is his family. Joe Frazier is truly loved by his family, friends and fans and the film seems to answer that question "is it better to be popular or well liked?" As this film shows, being well liked, or loved, in this case,  travels a lot deeper than popularity. I believe this is where Frazier draws his contentment and satisfaction. Frazier seems to relish the attention and enjoys talking about the 1971 "Fight of the Century", a fight he won by unanimous decision.

Marvis Frazier, who wears his love for his famous father on his sleeves, has become, in a sense, the defender and protector of his father's legacy. The bond between father and son is at the core of the film. A brief look back at Marvis Frazier's fight with Larry Holmes was somewhat emotional and we see Joe's pain, immediately after the fight. Both Frazier's have continually given back to the community both in the rural south where Joe was born and in Philadelphia where he lives today. In the south he is remembered as a local boy made good who has never forgotten where he came from and in Philadelphia, a town known for the ferocious gym wars and tough fighters,  where he is heralded as the epitome of a "Philly Fighter". There are a couple of other clips, including Ali vs Frazier I and Frazier vs Foreman I, but the film focuses more on the Joe Frazier of today. This is the story that is being told

Growing up in the South, and later Philadelphia, Frazier experienced the full gamut of the black experience in America, contrary to the way he was portrayed by Muhammad Ali during their well covered rivalry. Joe, a proud man and more importantly, a proud black man has stayed close to his roots; family, friends and community. He has done so as the owner and operator of the Joe Frazier Gym, along with his son Marvis. Much of this documentary was filmed in the gym. Sadly, the gym was closed earlier this year for financial reasons. Still, that doesn't take away from what Frazier has accomplished over the years, nor can we ever count the number of young men that have been helped along the way, whether they became fighters or just good citizens.

There are some scenes in the film where an elderly Frazier is seen working the bag and shadowboxing in the ring.  If you look closely, into his eyes, you can still see the fire burning inside. That wry smile and knowing look gives the impression that Muhammad Ali is still on the receiving end of his punches, thus the look of satisfaction on his face. I cannot say with 100% certainty, that Joe Frazier has exorcised the bitter memories of his rivalry with Ali, nor can I say that he has truly forgiven him for the cruel words that cut Joe deeply. All I can say for sure is, that Joe Frazier has learned to deal with it, and is living life "His Way" and on his terms.

If you are a fight fan, especially if you are a life long fan of Smokin' Joe Frazier, as I am, than you will be moved by this film, and in the long run, isn't that what art is all about?

Written and Directed by: Mike Todd
Produced by: Geseth Garcia, Mike Todd & Louise Rosen
Director of Photography: Quenell Jones
Narrated by: Marvis Frazier

Joe Frazier Film on Facebook

HBO: Erik Morales and Marcos Maidana

Erik Morales

Marcos Maidana

In This Corner With James Smith: Rios Battles Back and KO's Acosta

Sergio Martinez vs Kelly Pavlik (with Williams vs Martinez Video)

Full Fight

Anyone interested in the Kelly Pavlik vs Sergio Martinez fight tomorrow night on HBO? Might turn out to be interesting. I thought Martinez did a good job against Paul Williams back in December of last year. I though the fight was his. He proved himself to be a tough customer. Great endurance too. Pavlik's only loss was to Bernard Hopkins but he sort of got exposed a bit in that fight.

Matinez' only loss other than Williams was to Antonio Margarito back in 2000. I think he might just surprise Pavlik. Regardless I hope it turns out to be a good fight. The above video is the complete Paul Williams vs Sergio Martinez fight. It's worth a watch. Below is a video of Pavlik's greatest hits.

Kelly Pavlik's Greatest Hits

Erik Morales Returns to the Ring

Pacquiao Dominates Cotto!

2009 World Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet

World Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet of Champions Program Cover by Roger Esty

Jeri and I attended the World Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet at the Lax Marriott last weekend and met up with our friends, Frank and Connie Baltazar, Roger and Maria Esty, Rick Farris, Dan Hanley Jr and his "Pops" Dan Hanley Sr and Ed Hernandez.

Frank was being honored for his lifetime of hard work in SoCal boxing, receiving the first Johnny Flores award. It was a big night for Roger Esty, as well. His amazing art work graced the cover of the Hall of Fame program. It was a great accomplishment for both of them. Rick Farris was our host and his attention to detail made for a great night not only for our group but for the event as well.

There were quite a few fighters attending the Banquet, guys like James "Bonecrusher" Smith, Tony "The Tiger" Lopez, Loreto Garza, Gil King, Gaspar Ortega, Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez, Bobby Chacon, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, Yaqui Lopez, Mando Muniz(President of the WBHF) and last but not least, Rafael Herrera, Brian Mitchell, Orlando Canizales and Lucia Rijker, who were being inducted that evening. Boxing announcer and analyst Al Bernstein was there to receive his induction as well.

All the fighters got their proper accolades that night but it was Lucia Rijker that stole the show. From the moment she left the dais and returned to her seat she was swarmed by fans asking for photos or autographs. It was big night for her.

After the banquet was over we all went to Champions Sports Bar which is located inside the Hotel. It seemed the logical place to go.

The next morning we had breakfast with Roger and Maria Esty and Gaspar Ortega and his wife Ida. It gave us a chance to get to know Gaspar a little. Like most exfighters he was humble and unassuming.

It was a great weekend spent with some great friends. I'm looking forward to next year.

Holyfield and Tyson Live on Oprah this Friday 10/16.2009

It's been at least a dozen years since Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson last shared the ring, or an ear, or spoken to each other for that matter. Tomorrow, Friday October 16, both will appear live on The Oprah Winfrey Show. We know Oprah can interview but can she referee? I'm not here to promote Oprah's show which I do not normally watch but this is an exception and should be interesting.

The Three Stooges - Punch Drunks

Toy Tiger - The Movie

Visit Toy Tiger - The Movie Website

Playing At

The El Portal Theatre

North Hollywood

3:30pm on October 3rd, 2009

“Art Hafey’s prizefighting career began in Maritime hockey rinks and ended in the biggest fight venues the Pacific Coast had to offer. Along the way he knocked out the greatest fighter in Mexico’s history and rose to the rank of number #1 contender to the featherweight title. The most feared fighter during the West Coast Featherweight Wars, Art Hafey is forever remembered as one of the greatest never to contest for the world championship. Toy Tiger is both a celebration and an investigation into Art Hafey’s extraordinary Journey through the boxing jungle. From the sports corrupt “governing” bodies to his controversial trainer, the effects of a mysterious neuromuscular disorder and finally to an examination of the man himself, “Toy Tiger” presents “Irish Art Hafey” in all his neck-snapping, bone-crunching , unfulfilled Glory.”

Brad Little/Director

The Toy Tiger Movie Trailer

Juan Manuel Marquez vs Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Photo by Chris Cozzone

By Randy De La O

Juan Manuel Marquez and Floyd Maweather Jr fight this Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather is fighting for pound for pound supremacy and the money, and Marquez is looking, no doubt, to position himself for a third fight with Manny Pacquiao. Both are fighting for their legacy.  I don't know what the odds are and I really don't care but Mayweather is the likely favorite.


I'll be pulling for Marquez to win. It's not like he doesn't have a good chance. He does. Considering he fought to a draw with Pacquiao in their first fight and lost by a split decision in the second fight, the difference between him and Paquiao is razor thin. Throw in the fact that many experts and sportswriters feel Marquez should have got the nod in both their fights and you have an indication of  just how good Marquez is.

Marquez has fought 55 times with 50 wins, with 37 KO's, 4 losses and 1 draw. He lost his professional debut against Javier Duran in Mexico City in 1993 and remained undefeated until he met Freddie Norwood in 1999 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, losing a 12 round decision. It was a big setback. His next loss came in 2006 against Chris John in Indonesia. The last loss came last year against Pacqiao.

Marquez, an excellent boxer and counter puncher with a heavy hand has shown a capacity to endure and to comeback. The fights against Pacquiao have shown us that Marquez can come back in a fight after being knocked down, when a loss almost seemed a foregone conclusion. In his fight with Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz earlier this year, Marquez again showed an ability to endure and overcome. Marquez is a fighter with heart. That and counter punching will be the key to his victory should he win.

The two close fights with Manny Pacquiao and his victory over fellow Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera have brought him out of the shadows of both Barrera and Erik Morales, proving himself to be one of Mexico's best and a great fighter by anyone's definition of the word.

Mayweather, with 39 wins and 25 KO's,  on the other hand has been exceptional from the beginning. His speed and cat like agility have been nothing less than phenomenal.  There is no loss on his record. He has posted victories over guys like Genaro Hernandez,  Diego Corrales, Carlos Hernandez, Jesus Chavez (twice), and Jose Louis Castillo, winning twice against Castillo, though the first fight was controversial the second fight removed any doubt.  Mayweather continued his dominance with his victories over Arturo Gotti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, by 6th round stoppage.

Still, I think the time is ripe for a Marquez victory. I think that Marquez is one of those fighters that has come into his own and will find a way to win. In the HBO special 24/7 Marquez revealed that he drinks his own urine as part of his training process. While I wouldn't touch the stuff for a million dollars, (Okay, maybe for a million) any one that can drink his own piss, will stop at nothing to win. There is a certain mental toughness and a certain amount of craziness that Mayweather picked up on when he was watching the video. It was evident.

Most of the boxing world wants to see a Mayweather - Pacquiao fight. I don't. Well that would certainly be the money fight, I still want to see a conclusion to the Pacquiao - Marquez rivalry. If Paquiao can get past Miguel Cotto in their fight in November (no easy task), he'll have to fight Marquez. That's the fight I'm waiting for.

I won't make any prediction. I will say that I hope Marquez can pull it off. Marquez has emerged as one of the pound for pound best in recent years. He deserves the attention. A fighter with a big heart will always have my loyalty and no one fighting today has a bigger heart.

Below are the weights of all the fighters on the card courtesy of Fightnews.com and Andreas Hale & David L. Hudson

From the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for tomorrow night’s “Number One/Numero Uno” card promoted by Golden Boy Promotions & Mayweather Promotions, televised on HBO-PPV:

Floyd Mayweather 146 vs. Juan Manuel Marquez 142
Chris John 126 vs. Rocky Juarez 126
Michael Katsidis 135 vs. Vicente Escobedo 134
Orlando Cruz 126 vs. Cornelius Lock 125

Said Ouali 146 vs. Francisco Rios 148
Erislandy Lara 155 vs. Jose Varela 156
Jessie Vargas 140 vs. Raul Tovar 141
Dion Savage 167.5 vs. Loren Myers 167.5
Mike Perez 133 vs. Richard Ellis 133

What Does Sugar Ray Leonard Think Of Pacquiao

Sugar Ray Leonard speaks out about Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Video: Boxing world and famous friends outraged Arturo Gatti’s death ruled suicide

 

Talking "Irish Thunder" With Micky Ward and Bob Halloran

An interesting interview with a very humble and gracious Micky Ward.

A Video Tribute to Alexis Arguello By Pepe Rodriguez

A moving tribute to an all time great, Alexis Arguello. Gracious in victory and in defeat, Alexis was the epitome of a Champion.

ALEXIS ARGUELLO from PEPE RODRIGUEZ on Vimeo.

HBO Legendary Nights: Aaron Pryor and Alexis Arguello