Joel Diaz to Train Ruslan Provodnikov

10/08/201510/07/2015 Olly Campbell

As he plots his next move following April’s FOTY candidate loss to Lucas Matthysse, ‘Siberian Rocky’ Ruslan Provodnikov has parted ways with esteemed trainer Freddie Roach, and switched to ex-Tim Bradley cornerman Joel Diaz in a bid to freshen up his game.

Diaz recently split from WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley – whom he had coached since day one in the pro ranks – and was in Desert Storm’s corner when he faced Provodnikov in their 2013 slug-fest, thriller – a fight Provodnikov lost by decision despite both men being out on their feet at points.

continue

George Groves Taunting Old Rival James DeGale

10/08/201510/07/2015 Olly Campbell

George Groves has conducted his first sit-down interview since losing in his WBC 168 lb title challenge to Badou Jack on last month’s Mayweather/Berto undercard, using the opportunity to put the boot into bitter rival James DeGale, claiming that he will ‘always have his number.’

Following the loss to Jack, Groves deleted his social media accounts and parted for good from trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick, although now he has had a month to reflect, appeared to be using a bit of reverse psychology regarding old foe DeGale, claiming he was in ‘no rush’ to land a fight with the IBF super middleweight champion.

continue

Arthur Abraham/Martin Murray Confirmed for November 21st

10/08/201510/07/2015 Olly Campbell

Britain’s Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15ko) will hope 4th time’s a charm when he travels yet again for a world title opportunity, challenging WBO 168lb champion Arthur Abraham (43-4, 29ko) in Hannover, Germany on November 21st.

The St.Helen’s fighter has been unlucky three times previously in title tilts when on the road at middleweight, taking Gennady Golovkin further than any man prior in Monte Carlo back in February [11 rnds], dropping a decision to Sergio Martinez in the Argentines’ backyard in 2013, and getting stiffed with a draw against Felix Sturm in Germany in 2011.

continue

Caris Boxing Club Charity Fundraiser: The Big Spar 2015

10/08/201510/07/2015 Olly Campbell

This Saturday in Islington, London, a local boxing-focused community project that provides help and support to [primarily] homeless individuals of all ages holds it’s 4th annual fundraiser, known as ‘The Big Spar 2015.’

Caris Boxing Club was founded in 2012 by Sam Hadfield in his role working for the charity of the same name [Caris Islington], and since it’s inception has attracted a diverse clientele with a focus on teaching not only boxing knowledge in the ring, but how to apply some of those lessons outside of it and into everyday life.

continue

Frampton/Quigg Could be Done in a Fortnight says Hearn

10/06/201510/06/2015 Olly Campbell

It may well still prove to be a case of wishful thinking, though Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn has today stated he is confident in being able to make a deal for his fighter Scott Quigg to face IBF 122lb champion Carl Frampton in early 2016.

2nd tier WBA titlist Quigg, and the Al Haymon advised Belfast fighter – who holds a bone fide world title – have been negotiating through their respective camps over recent weeks, with numerous sticking points holding up the talks, though financial minutiae and a neutral venue for the fight are thought to be chief among them.

continue

Bute Not The Same Since He Was Cobra’d says Froch

10/06/201510/06/2015 Olly Campbell

Former super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch may well be one of the most perfectly placed to speak on IBF 168 lb champ, James DeGale’s next opponent, Lucien Bute, and claims today in his Sky Sports column that the Romanian simply isn’t the same fighter that he was before being “Cobra’d” by Froch in 2012.

Froch was fantastic that night in his hometown, entering at the time as a slight underdog and facing the cold reality that a defeat could really put the skids on his career at elite level, as he’d just come off being soundly beaten by Andre Ward in the final of the Super Six and was thus, belt-less.

continue

Joshua: I Will Put Whyte Away & Get My Revenge

10/06/201510/06/2015 Olly Campbell

Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Anthony Joshua (14-0, 14ko) has predicted he will get his revenge on old rival Dillian Whyte (16-0, 13ko) on December 12th in London, and avenge his 2009 loss to the Brixton-based “Bodysnatcher” via knockout when the two go head to head at the city’s O2 Arena.

Joshua, who has so far destroyed all in his path since turning pro following Olympic gold in 2012, has acknowledged the rock and a hard place situation that has developed in his career, with him now more than ready to move on to the ‘next level’ of opponent – taking the very first step with this crunch bout against fellow big-hitting prospect, Whyte.

continue

Adrien Broner Calls Out Ashley Theophane Following Title Win

10/06/201510/05/2015 Olly Campbell

After his world title winning effort over Khabib Allakhverdiev at the weekend, capturing the WBA (sup) 140 lb strap, Adrien Broner has called out British “Money Team” member, Ashley Theophane (39-6-1, 11ko).

Broner captured his 4th divisional world title with the 12th round stoppage of the relatively inactive Allakhverdiev, to the chagrin of many, maneuvering into title contention despite coming off a losing effort against Ohioian rival Shawn Porter back in June.

continue

I’m Looking at the Big Fights says James DeGale – Ward / Dirrell / Abraham

10/06/201510/05/2015 Olly Campbell

It’s been confirmed that IBF 168 lb champion James DeGale will make the maiden defence of his title on November 28th against former champion Lucien Bute in Quebec, Canada – the Romanian fighter’s adopted backyard – and following that fight “Chunky” has stated he only wants the big names in the future.

There had been high hopes of a rematch with bitter rival George Groves – who squeezed past DeGale in their close 2011 encounter – although those plans were scotched when Groves came up short in last month’s WBC title tilt against Badou Jack on the Mayweather/Berto undercard in Las Vegas.

continue

Frank Warren to Petition IBF for Immediate Ramirez/McKenzie Rematch

10/06/201510/05/2015 Olly Campbell

Queensbury Promotions’ Frank Warren has gone on record to air his dissatisfaction at Friday night’s scoring in Argentina, that saw his fighter, Ovill McKenzie (25-12-1, 13ko), battle to a disappointing draw with hometown IBF cruiserweight champion, Victor Ramirez, despite appearing to have done enough to win the fight.

The 36 year old McKenzie boxed the fight of his life, having taken the golden opportunity on just 11 days notice, and was clearly the busier of the two on the night, negating much of the plodding champion’s best work with a fleetness of foot one is unaccustomed to seeing from the Jamaican-born “Upsetter.”

continue