WITH DAVID HAYE insisting that he will retire as soon as he reaches the age of 31 – which will be on October 13, 2011 – William Hill are offering odds about whether he will fight again with two years of that date – and offer 4/6 that he will NOT fight again for at least two years after October 13,2011, and 11/10 that he WILL fight again between those dates.
‘I’m sure David is fully intending to quit on his 31st birthday, but there is every possibility that he will be offered so much money to carry on that he will be tempted’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe, ‘Boxers regularly make ill-advised comebacks and the Joe Calzaghes and Lennox Lewises who don’t are a rarity.’
DAVID HAYE IS 11/8 WITH WILLIAM HILL TO BEAT WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO, WHO IS 4/7 FAVOURITE FOR THE FIGHT, WITH THE DRAW A 33/1 CHANCE.
WELSH YOUNGSTERS AIM TO LIGHT UP THE O2
Wales’ next generation of boxing talent, Francis Robinson and Lewis Rees, are aiming to do their country proud on May 21 at The O2 in London.
It’s a big night for boxing in the Principality with young star Nathan Cleverly facing the biggest test of his career when he tackles tough German Jurgen Braehmer for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Light-Heavyweight title.
And both Robinson and Rees say the unbeaten 24-year-old has already been an inspiration.
Rees was a highly decorated amateur and makes his pro debut on Frank Warren’s blockbuster card.
And Robinson, who has only had one pro fight to date, has boxing in the blood because his dad is former world champion Steve.
“Nathan grew up with tales of Joe Calzaghe, and although I did too, Cleverly is the boxer that I look up to now,” said Rees.
“In a couple of years he has come through from being a prospect to being on the verge of a world title.
“He’s putting Welsh boxing on the map again, and hopefully we can get some big fights down in Wales and I can be a part of that.
“He can be the man like Calzaghe, and encourage a whole new generation of talent in Wales to take up boxing.
“I don’t know when my fight will be on the evening, but I’ve asked matchmaker Dean Powell to get me on early so I can watch Nathan winning that world title!”
Robinson added: “We’re a proud boxing nation and we’ve had a real production line of talent over the last few years.
“I just want to get a few wins under my belt and get as much experience as I possibly can.
“To box on such a huge card on what could be a very important night for the sport in Wales is a dream come true really.
“My dad might have been a world champion, but I’m my own man and I want to carve out a name for myself because of my achievements, not his.”
UNDEFEATED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT JERRY BELMONTES SIGNS WITH MANAGER CAMERON DUNKIN
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (May 9, 2011)—Undefeated Super Featherweight prospect Jerry “The Kid” Belmontes has reached an agreement with powerful manager Cameron Dunkin to help guide his career towards a world championship.
Belmontes of Corpus Christi, Texas has compiled a perfect record of 14-0 with five knockouts.
The twenty-two year old turned pro in 2008 at the age of nineteen after a stellar amateur career that included winning regional Golden Gloves; State Golden Gloves; Under-19 tournament wins.
He was a quarter finalist at the United States Championships; Runner up at the 2008 USA World Championships and a semi finalist to qualify for the 2008 Olympic team.
He turned pro on January 18, 2008 with a first round stoppage over undefeated Olvin Mejia (3-0-1).
He was with promotional powerhouse Top Rank for much of his early career and appeared on the big Antonio Margarito – Shane Mosley undercard in Los Angeles as well as getting television time for his wins against Morris Chule (11-9) and Gil Garcia (2-0).
Belmontes is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Eddie Eamirez (5-4-1) on December 10, 2010 in his hometown of Corpus Christie, Texas.
“I am excited to be working with Cameron Dunkin”, said the undefeated Belmontes.
“He works with nothing but the best and his knowledge will help me get to where I want to be and that is knocking on the door of a world championship. To be included with his stable of fighters which includes Timothy Bradley, Nonito Donaire and Kelly Pavlik just to name a few of the countless world champions that Cameron has been a part of just gives me more confidence that I can be there too”
When asked about Belmontes, Dunkin was equally excited about his future prospects.
“Jerry is a great kid and was a terrific amateur”, said Dunkin
“He has shown by being 14-0 that he has all the makings of a bright future. We will look to get him in the right fights on his way to competing for a world championship.”
Belmontes is co-managed by Adrian Clark