Saturday, June 14, 2008

Boxing Rumors (Maybe Hidden Truths) 6/14/08

1. One of my favorite fighters, Nonito Donaire, is now a free agent. Donaire's manager, Cameron Dunkin, negotiated and got a release for Donaire from Gary Shaw. Donaire had been upset about his inactivity and was not happy about being offered at best an undercard fight on Vic Darchinyan's next fight. The reason why he was not happy is because he beat Darchinyan last July, so he should not have to be under him. Donaire, respectful as always, said he is willing to move up to 118 to get a big fight. I wish Nonito Donaire the best of luck.

2. Kelly Pavlik-Ricardo Mayorga??? It is possible. Since Joe Calzaghe said at this time he did not want to fight Pavlik, Pavlik's calendar is open. At first it was supposed to be Marco Antonio Rubio but now Mayorga's name is being mentioned. Mayorga is still a big name and draws a nice audience, unlike Rubio who most have never heard of. Nothing has been confirmed, but Don King is trying to push Bob Arum to get going on making Pavlik-Mayorga this fall.

3. Ricky Hatton says he would be willing to fight Oscar De La Hoya in summer 2009. Hatton was offered the fight with De La Hoya after Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired. However Hatton declined saying there was not enough time for preparation. De La Hoya has now pushed his next and final fight of his career until December 6. If De La Hoya stays true to this being his last fight, then Hatton and many others will not get the chance to fight him.

4. Hasim Rahman says he will knock out and destroy James Toney in their fight next month. I have my doubts because Rahman had trouble with Zuri Lawrence, a guy who has no knockouts in his career. Yes I am serious Zuri Lawrence has no knockouts in his career. Rahman also could not destroy Taurus Sykes who is one of the poster children for lazy heavyweights. Granted Toney has not come into fights in the best shape, but he still was better than both of those guys.

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