Boxing Rumors (Maybe Hidden Truths) 3/26/08

1. The May 24 fight between Edison Miranda and Mikkel Kessler is OFF!!!!!! Kessler who had refused the fight several times before they actually made the fight pulled out. No reason was given at all. Showtime had announced it was going to show the fight, so Kessler has definitely left a bad taste in their mouth. Miranda promoter Leon Margules of Seminole Warriors Boxing and promoter Lou DiBella, who brokered the deal on behalf of Kessler's Danish promoter Mogens Palle are all upset because they worked hard to make the deal work. Everything that Kessler requested was in the deal. I doubt if this is the last we hear about this situation. To see all the demands of Kessler check out this link here http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=14992&more=1


2. Andy Lee-Brian Vera rematch????? Most likely yes. Due to the fact it was an upset by Vera in the eyes of most, the demand for a rematch is high. Lee wants it, his manager and trainer Emmanuel Steward wants it and so does the promotor of the fight. Promoter Lisa Elovich of Pugnacious Promotion - who promoted the first Vera-Lee matchup has a July 25 ESPN2 Friday Night Fight date and would love to present a rematch. The drama is set already for the rematch and that particular weekend happens to be the annual "Future Night of Champions" at the Saratoga Springs City Center in Saratoga Springs, New York.

3. Edwin Valero, who was just approved for a license in Texas, is in need of a US promotor. Teiken Promotions, based out of Japan, is Valero's promoter. Teiken Promotions is looking for a partner in the US to help Valero get the name opponents, US television and big money fights.

4. One of my favorite referees, Joe Cortez, will be the third man in the ring for the Bernard Hopkins-Joe Calzaghe fight on April 19. Cortez, known for his saying "I'm fair but I'm firm," has been in the ring for 138 world title fights.

5. Tonight on Larry King Live, which airs on CNN, the topic is behind the WWE. Vince McMahon, Big Show, and Floyd Mayweather Jr along with others will be the featured guests on the show. Larry King Live comes on CNN at 9pm EST.

6. Laila Ali stated in the May issue of Essence Magazine that her and her husband, former NFL Player Curtis Conway, are expecting their first child. This will be the first child for the couple who got married this past July. Congratulations to them both.