July14 "FINISHED BUSINESS"

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE S

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34 PAGE MAGAZINE

finished business issue #11 JUNE 2014

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froch send groves back to the drawing board

BOXING MAD MAGAZINE CONTENTS

EDITORS NOTES

Contents 6

4

18 08 14

THE RUN DOWN Page 4 ASK THE FANS. Page 6 WHO WINS Experts opinion on a possible route back to a world title shot for George Groves.

Page 14 FROCH VS GROVES ROUND

BY ROUND Page 18 DeGALE WILL HAVE TO WAIT.

Page 8 PAUL BUTLER WORLD CHAMPION. INTERVIEW

Page 22 COTTO: FOUR WEIGHT

Page 10 I’M READY FOR BIG NAMES: BRADLEY SAUNDERS.

Page 26 BRAEHMER RETAINS

Page 12 FRANK WARREN “PAUL AND JAMIE MUST FIGHT”

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FOUR WORLD TILES!

Page 28 RAMPAGE

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

The last two weeks of boxing have not disappointed in the slightest with a pairing of all British world title fights and a revival of a Puerto Rican legend at middle weight.

Miguel Cotto seemingly vanished a battle worn Sergio Martinez to retirement in emphatic fashion, forcing Martinez’s corner to halt the Argentinians last stand at the end of 9th round, in doing so crowning Cotto the WBC Middleweight Champion, the first Puerto Rican to hold four world titles at four different weight classes.

Paul Butler stepped up to Bantamweight to dethrone Stuart Hall as the IBF Champion; David Mathews was there on the night for BMM and was informed by Promoter Frank Warren that a fight between Jamie McDonnell and Butler must happen. Could this be the breaking point in the cold wars between Frank Warren Promotions and Matchroom Boxing? Probably not!

I had the privilege of being at the spectacle that was Froch Vs Groves II “Unfinished Business”. Hats off to all of the Matchroom Boxing team as the event at our national stadium was everything it was billed to be and more. From the star studded ringside attendance (mostly the cast of EastEnders but not without a Wanye Rooney to boot) to two of the best ring entrances I can remember in the sport in the prelude to the final fight. A final fight that started off, understandably cagy but finished with all the fire and fireworks that the two men entered the ring with. Carl Froch finally “Finished Business” and will be in full gratification that if he never fights again, he’d be more than happy to go out on such a high.

For me it’s a great time to step away as editor of Boxing Mad Magazine and hand over the reigns to a more than qualified Jack Sumner whilst British boxing is on such a high. I only hope that the powers that be can keep the public’s attention with more domestic clashes that prompt the heart to start thumping in there chest at the mere thought.

Creative Department Creative Director: Callum Harris Senior Designer: Callum Harris

Sales Department

Senior Manager: Callum Harris CONTACT: calharris09@hotmail.co.uk

Writers Sam c Coulter Jack Sumner David Mathews Peter Wells James Bhrama Arson Wainwright

TM BOXING MAD MAGAZINE / BMM 2011

Cal Harris boxingmadmagazine tm

issue #11 JUNE 2014

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE ASK THE FANS

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

@BoxingMadMag

THIS ISSUES QUESTION WAS A SIMPLE ONE. WHAT NEXT FOR ST GEORGE GROVE? EACH ISSUE WE ASK THE BOXING COMMUNITY VIA TWITTER THERE OPINIONS ON SOME OF THE SPORTS HOTTEST TOPICS.

#ASK THE FANS! alpha ‫@‏‬alphadog187 @BoxingMadMag @StGeorgeGroves he’s just been in biggest fight in Britains history got beat off good champion, deserves another crack WBC/WBO

Peter Wells BMM ‫@‏‬boxingsaddler @BoxingMadMag @StGeorgeGroves He’s proved he’s world class in both fights with Carl. Abraham seems a perfect fit 4 him. Shud be easy 2 make

Jim Lee @Jim_L_ @BoxingMadMag @StGeorgeGroves bus driver ?

michael smith ‫@‏‬msmith3110 @BoxingMadMag @FrochGroves2 @StGeorgeGroves I think groves should have a nice easy 10 rounder then chase the winner of Abraham vs smith!!

Save Kennedy #Boxing ‫@‏‬FightersRated @BoxingMadMag @StGeorgeGroves Rebuild, rebuild and more rebuild. No title fights till the George from before the 1st Froch fight is back.

JC ‫@‏‬jcblakeway @BoxingMadMag @FrochGroves2 @StGeorgeGroves I think Groves should have a semi-easy comeback, then fight Abraham for the WBO strap. #easywin Edward Roe ‫@‏‬P80ROE @BoxingMadMag @FrochGroves2 @StGeorgeGroves he’s going to have to have a couple of easy fights then maybe go after bika for WBC.

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Allardyce out ‫@‏‬RyanGodbold1 @BoxingMadMag @FrochGroves2 @StGeorgeGroves probably a few low key fights, build himself back up.

Then a fight with @jamesdegale1 hopefully Jamie Bourne ‫@‏‬BoxingBourne 1h @BoxingMadMag @StGeorgeGroves 10 rounder - Abraham fight - Kessler defence. dave ras ‫@‏‬DaveRas1981 1h @JamesFarley2 @BoxingMadMag @StGeorgeGroves @jamesdegale1 can’t see him getting shot at ibf just had a shot that why I think bika better way issue #11 JUNE 2014

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who wins?

groves vs abraham

BOXING MAD MAGAZINE WHO WINS?

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BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

DANNY "CASSIUS" CONNER

03

I think that’ an ideal fight for Groves, he can outbox Abraham as easily as Froch did. Gorge would need to keep his hand tight up close or run the risk of being hit by one of Abrahams bombs. He’s a massive puncher!

ronald mcINTOSH

garry lockett

I think it’s a fight Groves wins should it happen. He has all the tools to give Abraham fits!

My first response would be “what about Paul Smith?”

Joe Gallagher was ringside at Abraham’s most recent defence on something of a scouting mission. Gallagher and Smith feel they’re close to securing a title shot against “King” Arthur. They’ll be hoping they’ve got next.

I was also ringside in Berlin that night, commentating on the fight. It was quite instructive to witness up close. From the outset, Abraham used his right hand sparingly and almost exclusively to the body. He said after the fight that he’d carried a hand injury into the bout. A product of two fights in quick succession, perhaps? Despite being a clean liver in between contests, perhaps at 34 and with a lot of miles on the clock, the body needs more time to recover.

This notion was reinforced by the manner in which Abraham fought. He picked his spots, fought in bursts, but showed a fair degree of lethargy overall; even his trainer was asking him as early as round 1 “why are you so passive?”

In picking his spots though, Abraham showed great accuracy.

His jab was a thing of beauty that night; he used it to control the distance and the tempo and showed terrific variety, despite being the shorter fighter.

I feel it’s this model of Abraham that any young Brit would be facing.

Groves has the edge in speed and mobility and is a natural Super-Middleweight, which could be significant; all of Abraham’s defeats have come at 168.

But it remains to be seen how Groves will be affected by the devastating knockout defeat to Froch in their rematch, both physically and mentally.

He could come to terms with it instantly and continue to grow as a fighter, or he may never be the same again. Only time will tell.

Having signed with Sauerland, Groves most certainly has the connections to make the fight. But will he want to come straight back in an event of that magnitude? Will he fancy travelling to Germany, as he’d invariably have to?

All in all, I feel Groves at his best against this model of Abraham would have a very good chance of success. His speed, movement and energy could cause Abraham significant problems. (Remember Froch’s display against the Berlin resident?)

However, Abraham is a proud, determined champion with heaps of experience at championship level. He won’t surrender his title without a fierce battle. But the timing could be right for a fresh, young, energetic fighter to take “King” Arthur’s issue #11 JUNE 2014

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE PAUL BUTLER WORLD CHAMPION

PAUL BUTLER WORLD CHAMPION

As he faced up in the centre of the ring with the IBF bantamweight champion Stuart Hall, the tiny frame of the Baby Faced Assassin Paul Butler was strikingly apparent. In the time between the weigh in and their next meeting at Newcastle’s Metro Arena on Saturday night, the difference in size between the two men had become more evident, though as soon as the fight got underway it appeared as though it would have little bearing on

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the fight.

Though his speed and movement, Butler quickly established control in the bout behind a dominant jab and raced to a commanding lead on the scorecard through five rounds. It took Hall that long to begin getting a foothold in the fight and his problem was evident to watching fans – Hall was taking a lot of shots to get into range but then failing to let anything of worth go before Butler had counter punched and moved again.

From the sixth round onwards it was a much closer fight, Hall forcing Butler back at times and landing the odd heavy

DAVID MATHEWS BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM shot which would have caused most bantamweights problems, but Butler discounted theories of him being too small for the weight and absorbed the attacks well whilst staying composed.

At the end of twelve rounds, both fighters had put on a show worthy of the occasion and it seemed inevitable that the verdict would be close.

Had Hall’s late rally been enough to see him retain his title, or would it be heading back to Ellesmere Port with the challenger, who had made such an impressive start?

It was Butler’s night, as the judges gave a majority decision in favour of the latter and the world title changed hands to the unbeaten fighter.

I caught up with Paul afterwards for a few quick words, as he attempted to digest his achievement: “I was told at the age of eleven years old that I would become a world champion, it’s hard to believe that at only twenty-five I have already fulfilled that prediction. It’s amazing. It went perfectly.

The only thing that was not planned for was Stuart’s slow start, we really expected him to come out all guns blazing which never happened. Regardless though I was intent on getting the first 6 or 7 rounds in the bank then fending off whatever he came with late on.”

Butler was caught once or twice with heavy shots and given the pre-fight insight that had suggested his size could be a disadvantage, I asked him if he’d been in trouble at any point: “No never. Stuart is a great

fighter with a huge heart and anyone who is coming to his backyard can expect a battle, I felt one or two but at no point did I feel pressured or in trouble.”

Butler’s victory scuppered Hall’s plans for a domestic unification showdown with recently crowned WBA titleholder Jamie McDonnell.

Clamoring has begun however for Butler to meet the Doncaster man, with talk of offers between the two men’s promotional teams hot off the press in the wake of Saturday’s fight.

Frank Warren announced on Monday that he had made McDonnell an offer that would amount to a career-best payday for the 28-year-old to meet Butler on BoxNation, only for Eddie Hearn to dispute the offer and instead issue his own proposal of £200,000 for the fight to take place on Sky Sports. Prior to the fight with Hall, I’d asked Butler about Jamie McDonnell as his next target at bantamweight and following the bout, I was eager to find out if it was still the case: “Yeah I’d love that, but as we know there is a lot of politics to be worked through before it can happen. I’m a boxer and am ready as soon as the call is made but with regards setting the fight up, that’s down to

Frank Warren and his team.”

At that point, manager Asif Vali was pressing us to leave the room and attend the main press conference, so I quickly asked Paul about the phenomenal support that had came up from Merseyside to see him win the title.

“Fantastic, I couldn’t ask for more really. I have a massive following and it’s continuing to grow, I’m so glad that winning tonight means I can take the belt home and perform in front of those fans who couldn’t make it tonight.”

I gave Paul his due congratulations and thanked him for allowing BMM a few words before the main presser.

“Not a problem and thanks for the coverage you have given this fight, it’s been great.”

Butler’s win came by courtesy of split decision, with two judges scoring for the Ellesmere Port fighter and one judge scoring for the North East man. Official scorecards read 117-111 and 115-113 for Butler, with the card award to Hall tallying 115 – 113.

Hall blamed his slow start for the loss and not many would disagree.

But credit goes to Butler, who after just sixteen fights and at twenty-five is a bantamweight world champion and looks like he will grow into the role.

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE DAVID MATHEWS

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

still holds plenty of options, with Curtis Woodhouse the British champion aiming to add Willie Limond’s Commonwealth crown later this month. Woodhouse is a lucrative opponent for any British 140-pounder, which Saunders recognizes.

es m a

the

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or f I’m ady re ter-Continental Title, but once North East fighter Bradley Saunders stepped out at Newcastle’s Metro Arena to a fantastic reception on June 7th, as all corners of the crowd welcomed in the likeable light welterweight who is quickly becoming one of British boxing’s hottest properties. Just nine fights into his pro career, the unbeaten Saunders had claimed seven of his victories inside the distance, evidence of the knockout quality he brings every time he steps through the ropes.

His tenth bout however came against a much more seasoned opponent. Ville Pilspanen had fought at a much higher level, cemented on the European stage and a very stubborn operator having never being stopped. The Dane looked a real test for Saunders as they faced off for the WBO In-

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the opening bell rang, reality struck and Saunders punch power and shot selection had Ville in trouble within seconds.

A beautifully timed uppercut was the first bone rattler to shake the Dane and he did well to survive it, but seconds later a world class body shot almost ripped him in half and left him crumpled on the canvas. Just eighty-one seconds into the bout, referee Phil Edwards reached the count of ten and Saunders’ biggest test was all over inside the first round, with Pilspanen still writhing in agony. With his most impressive performance to date, Bradley Saunders

proved he really has the class to face the best. I caught up with Saunders in his dressing room after the bout.

“I really wasn’t expecting to do that before the fight, we

trained long and hard expecting a full ten rounds,” the 28-year-old from County Durham told me.

“Pilspanen has never been stopped and has been in with some top fighters, he has fought for the title three times and won it once I believe.

Boxers can never tell how well they will do until that first jab goes out in a fight, sometimes it’s miles off and you have to use a couple of rounds up just

getting your range – tonight the first jab connected beautifully and I knew this wasn’t going to last long.”

When asked about his power, Brad excitedly shared some of the work he has been doing in sparring at the MGM – Matthew Macklin’s gym out in Marbella. Saunders relocated to the Spanish resort earlier this year, where he believes the sparring he has received has prepared him for the best that the 140lb division has to offer. ”I’ve always had power and always used it, hence all the hand injuries I’ve endured over the years, that’s what made me go to the body in an attempt to protect my hands back then. I practised bodywork over and over, weeks at a time until the shots flowed naturally and I’d built up a vast selection of damaging body blows to add to my arsenal. The one that finished Pilspanen tonight has creased middleweights in sparring so I knew he wasn’t getting up once it landed.”

“MGM offers me some top sparring opponents and I’m dealing with them comfortably, I feel I’m ready for some real names now.”

Intrigued, I asked him if there was any names in particular he had in mind.

“Eric Morales, DeMarcus Corley. That kind of name. I’ve got about four years to leave a mark on boxing and leave some great memories that me and my boy can be proud of years from now, tonight I’ve won my little boy his first belt in the pro ranks and this is just the start I hope.”

“I’m over calling people out, we made an offer which was ignored and I don’t blame Curtis.

Why fight Bradley Saunders for nothing when he can fight Limond for another belt? Fair play to him, Curtis is a great lad and I’m sure we’ll meet sooner or later.”

I was aware that weight has been a struggle for Saunders at light welter. Intrigued, I wanted to know if he and his camp had discussed moving up a weight?

“The weight is always a struggle for me but we work hard and never miss it. Seamus and the team are constantly suggesting I move up, the power and speed would still be there and I would have more opportunities. Maybe it is time to try welter out, let’s see what the boys in that division have to offer.”

Having finished early again with no wear or tear, the line of questioning then moved to when the unbeaten fighter would be out next?

“I think I could be out on the Fury v Chisora bill if it can be sorted, I need to speak to Frank but watch this space.”

Finally, I asked the fighter what his long term goals were in the four years he spoke of? ”I want to fight regular, stepping up each time.

If I get found out then at least I’ll know I wasn’t good enough. I want to make my family proud and give my little boy something to be able to boast about when he is my age, make him proud of my achievements. I’m not a Chris Eubank Jr, he fought his 16th fight tonight at a level way below him, it’s pointless. I’m at ten fights and have won a title and am one fight off mandatory for the British. I’m not looking for a safe way to the top; I’m looking to get there on merit”.

Domestically the light welterweight division

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE WARREN INTERVIEW

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM they are both world champions it’s a fight that can’t be ignored.”

Will this force Eddie Hearn and yourself to work together, we know it’s been difficult in the past but could this be a turning point maybe?

“You would have to ask Eddie, I have never stopped my fighters going on Matchroom’s Sky bill if it’s a fight they want or need. The problem is none of their fighters are ever allowed on BoxNation, even if it’s for their benefit with regards a good fight or a title bout. So like I said, ask Eddie.”

So are you saying it’s a one way street?

“Yes, everyone in boxing knows that. My outlook is if it’s a fight that benefits my boxers or a fight the fans are screaming for, let’s try and make it happen. I fear though our only option will once again be purse bids.”

Moving onto Bradley Saunders, that was another devastating finish tonight!

“Yeah the kids unreal, he is fighting top European fighters now and breaking them up. Really exciting.”

Where do you see him going next?

“Again it’s a difficult one, we made two massive bids for Curtis Woodhouse before this was made and they were ignored - so what can you do?”

Bradley is asking for big names from America like DeMarcus Corley, do you think that’s realistic?

“We can look at that and many other options, Brad’s 28 and in a hurry but he’s a young 28 - lots of time and even more options, so we’ll see.”

Boxing Mad Magazine had the pleasure of hearing

art knows nobody gets anything for free when they

Frank Warren’s views on the title-winning displays of

fight him - ask Malinga how much courage Stuie has.

two of his fighters in Newcastle; newly crowned WBO

Tonight was all about Paul though and he dominated

Inter Continental light welterweight champion Brad-

early with a solid jab and great movement. Stepping

ley Saunders and Paul Butler, who of course wrestled

up to bantamweight was always going to be tough

the IBF world bantamweight strap from home favou-

but he did it, he deserves all the plaudits he gets.”

rite Stuart Hall. BMM’s David Matthews pressed the promoter on his opinion of both his charges’ perfor-

Will Paul get the Jamie McDonnell unification fight

mances, starting with Ellesmere Port’s world champi-

next?

on: “Well that’s what we will be aiming for, there is the

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“I thought Paul was terrific tonight,” said Frank, “It is a

IBF to be kept happy first but if that can be sorted

real achievement to come to Stuart’s home venue and

then why not? I tried to set up the fight with Jamie a

pull off that performance, anyone who knows Stu-

long time ago but it never happened, hopefully now

JUNE 2014 issue #11

How far do you think he can go?

“Undoubtedly all the way, he has fought all over the World as an amateur and at the highest level - look at the impact he has made in only ten fights as a pro! I expect big things from both Brad and Paul, it’s a very exciting time and I feel lucky to be part of it.”

WARREN “Jamie Mcdonnell and Paul are both world champions it’s a fight that can’t be ignored.” issue #11 JUNE 2014

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE ROUND BY ROUND

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

FROCH VS GROVES II

ROUND BY ROUND

JACK SUMNER BREAKS DOWN THE ACTION

Carl Froch retained his WBA and IBF super middleweight titles with a brutal eighth-round stoppage of George Groves, in the biggest British fight for a generation at Wembley on Saturday. It was a career-defining performance by the Cobra, but the challenger played his part in a memorable encounter. Here’s how the action unfolded, round by round.

ROUND

T

1

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ROUND

ROUND

2

4

Groves is down. . . but not from a punch, rather a push from Froch as the fight momentarily breaks out into a wrestling match. The champion received a ticking off from referee Charlie Fitch but also enjoyed some genuine success in the round and was scoring with his jab. As the round reached its climax, another close session swung in Groves’s favour as the challenger countered Froch’s jab with a big right and did more damage with a hard left hook.

Froch was holding the centre of the ring and forcing Groves back with his rapier-like jab to set up his attacks, but for all Froch was throwing plenty missed the target and the Saint was boxing well off the back foot and was out-landing, even out-jabbing the Cobra by increasing numbers. One of those rounds where the subjectivity of boxing’s scoring system comes into play, a swing round, dependant on ‘what you like’.

ROUND

ROUND

3

5

The round that Groves predicted the finish in his favour with a left hook, but it was again that lethal counter right hand that was the pick of his arsenal, with two of them landing hard to catch the eye of the judges. But Froch came marauding forward with a flurry and backed Groves up to the ropes. The action was heating up and there was nothing to split them as they headed back to their corners.

A huge round for Froch as Groves was forced back to the ropes again but this time courtesy of a hard right hand and the challenger looked hurt. A series of vicious digs to the body did little to help his cause and towards the end of the round Froch snapped Groves head back with a jab. The early rounds had been tight and a couple of them difficult to score though with Groves ahead in the eyes of most observers, but round five definitely belonged to Froch.

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE ROUND BY ROUND

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

DOWN AND OUT

LAWRENCE LUSTIG ROUND

8

LAWRENCE LUSTIG ROUND

Froch was tagged by a retreating Groves and made to swing at thin air by a now confident looking challenger, who was getting into his groove. But that would be shattered when he backed up to the ropes once more. Froch pressed forward and with a combination he’d been timing for a few rounds got Groves attention with a left-hook before crashing home with a devastating right hand that relieved Groves of his consciousness and left him sprawled on the canvas; his head underneath the bottom rope and a leg bent back in a worrying state. Groves came to and fought to beat the count, but referee Fitch had seen enough and waved the contest off to jubilant scenes in the Froch corner.

6 Froch was coming on strong, the centre of the ring was his territory and Groves was constantly being backed up, Froch landing more and unleashing combinations. Groves had developed a mouse under his right eye that substantiated the period of dominance that Froch was enjoying.

ROUND

7 But that was broken in the seventh as Groves fired back and a stiff jab forced back Froch’s head and jolted the legs of the champion. His boxing was coming together again and he landed his landed his right hand often, Froch came back with another flurry against the ropes but Groves had the last word and finished the round strong.

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LAWRENCE LUSTIG issue #11 JUNE 2014

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE DeGALE WILL HAVE TO WAIT!

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

Sam C Coulter LAWRENCE LUSTIG

F

ollowing what were emphatic wins from both Carl Froch and James Degale at our national stadium of Wembley there is a possibility that the two super-middleweights will face-off in another domestic dust-up.

Froch aged 36 is the money man of the division following his conclusive victory over bitter rival George Groves. Froch was more switched on mentally for this massive rematch and it showed in his performance.

Froch was not continually hit with big shots and the opening rounds were a lot closer than the first fight. Froch finished the fight in the 8th round with an absolute peach of a shot. A huge right hand landed flush on Groves and knocked him to the floor. He was clearly in no fit state to continue and the referee was correct to step-in.

DeGale On the undercard of Froch’s fight James Degale defeated the previously unbeaten American Brandon Gonzales in hugely impressive fashion.

Degale rocked Gonzalez as early as the first round and was dominant for the entirety of the fight before it was ended in the 4th round.

Degale looked like a man who had got his passion back for the game following a few years of fighting in the wilderness in small venues. He looked determined to grab his massive opportunity and he did so in style.

Degale is now the mandatory challenger for Froch’s IBF world title. Degale would love the

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will have to wait! shot at ‘The Cobra’ as he believes that his style is all wrong for the veteran champion.

Degale is a slick operator who can box from the southpaw or orthodox stance and was a highly decorated amateur having won an Olympic Gold Medal. He has also shown that he has the power to hurt his opponent which would be key if he were to face Froch.

If Degale wasn’t able to hurt Froch, then he would face a constant battle to keep the champion away and his chances of success would be lessened greatly.

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE DeGALE WILL HAVE TO WAIT!

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

LAWRENCE LUSTIG

It does however seem unlikely that Degale will get his shot straight away. Froch has fought George Groves twice in a row as mandatory challenger for his IBF strap and he may be allowed time to fight someone else before he has to face another mandatory.

A fight with Degale has the potential to be big as it would be another all-British affair but there are bigger fights out there for Carl Froch at this point in time.

Having just fought in front of 80,000 people and come out on top in what will prove to be his career defining moment he needs something big to motivate him to carry on in the sport. No offence to James Degale but it just isn’t him at the moment.

All the signs from Froch are that he wants to fight in Las Vegas for the first time. The most likely candidate would be the tough Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr who has a massive following.

The fight would have the potential to be dual-pay-per-view over here on Skysports and in the US on HBO.

Down for a count!

Degale will be looking to try and persuade Froch into fighting him but it would look as though Degale will have to seek another fight if he wants to become world champion this year.

Sakio Bika could be a possibility for Degale if Eddie Hearn can negotiate a deal. Chavez is rated as number one below Bika in the WBC but if Chavez and Froch fight then there would appear and opening for another fighter.

Bika would be a very winnable fight for Degale and if he was to face Bika and become a world champion than a potentially huge domestic unification fight with Froch could take place next year.

James Degale wins in style but he may have to wait for his shot at Froch.

FOLLOW bmm EVERYDAY VIA TWITTER! FOR UPTO DATE OPINIONS AND NEWS ON SOME OF BOXING HOTTEST TOPICS!

@BoxingMadMag WWW.BoxingMadMagazine.com

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n hall of fame weekend, the likes of Wilfredo Benitez, Wilfredo Gomez and Felix Trinidad, who are all inductees and three weight orld champions and legends, were eclipsed, with Cotto managing to go one better than all of them. his post-fight interview he told Max Kellerman that it was the “Happiest day of my life, this is the biggest achievement of my profesBOXING MAD MAGAZINE onal career.”

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

COTTO: FOUR WEIGHTS, FOUR WORLD TITLES. H

istory was made on Saturday night as Miguel Cotto became the first fighter from the boxing mad island of Puerto Rico to win four world titles in four separate weight classes after stopping Sergio Martinez in the 10th round at Madison Square Garden.

Cotto managed to score four knockdowns, three of them coming in the first round, in what was a unexpectedly dominant victory. Martinez was still sitting down when his trainer, Pablo Sarmiento, refused to let him come out for the 10th round, having also suffered his fourth trip to the canvas in the 9th round of the fight, it seemed like a good decision. As Michael Griffin waved the contest off, the largely Puerto Rican crowd that had come out to support Cotto, on the eve of the annual Puerto Rican parade in the big apple, celebrated wildly.

On hall of fame weekend, the likes of Wilfredo Benitez, Wilfredo Gomez and Felix Trinidad, who are all inductees and three weight world champions and legends, were eclipsed, with Cotto managing to go one better than all of them.

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JUNE 2014 issue #11

On hall of fame weekend, the likes of Wilfredo Benitez, Wilfredo Gomez and Felix Trinidad, who are all inductees and three weight world champions and legends, were eclipsed, with Cotto managing to go one better than all of them.

In his post-fight interview he told Max Kellerman that it was the “Happiest day of my life, this is the biggest achievement of my professional career.”

The WBC middleweight crown joins Cotto’s other titles won at Jr middleweight, Welterweight, and Jr welterweight.

After the early excitement of the three

first round knockdowns, Cotto managed to keep up his dominance throughout the entirety of the night and was leading 90-77 on all three scorecards when it was waved off.

Freddie Roach was positively beaming as well.

The hall of fame trainer has reinvigorated Cotto in the two fights he has trained him for, and deserves a huge amount of credit for the role he has played in the Puerto Rican’s renaissance. “I’m proud of Miguel. He worked so hard, He deserved this historic victory.”

Roach, in the build-up to the fight, had made no secret of his desire

to bring back the devastating left hook that was previously Cotto’s signature punch. And, in the first round, we got treated to it in all it’s beauty as Cotto sent Martinez crashing to the canvas with it for the first knockdown. Not long afterwards, a stinging right hand sent Martinez back to the canvas before a body shot put him on the floor for the third time.

“I got hit with the punch and I was cold and I never recovered after that,” Martinez, who took defeat like a gentleman and refused to blame recent knee injuries for his loss, said after the fight. “I tried to do my best and I want to

apologise to the Argentine fans and I want to thank all of the Puerto Rican fans for coming out. You’ve got to know when to win and you’ve got to know when to lose and I give all congratulations to Miguel Cotto.”

“I never went wild even after I knocked him down three times. This was a 12-round fight, not one-round fight. I was following Freddie’s game,” Cotto told his audience after the win.

It would hard to disagree with Cotto’s observation.

The 33 year old Cotto stayed alert and stuck to what was working as Martinez crumbled in front of him.

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE COTTO: FOUR WEIGHT FOUR WORLD TILES!

JAMES BHAMRA BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM Despite Martinez begging him to let it continue for another round, he stopped the fight.

“He was unstable and not responding, that’s why I stopped the fight, he was hurt badly in the first round and he never got better”.

Questions about Martinez’s future are sure to loom large over the next few weeks. Having already had three operations on his knee and suffered two broken hands in as many fights, the time may be right to step away from the ring.

During the fourth round the Argentine fans in the crowd, who had been stunned into silence earlier on in the fight, tried to lift Martinez with repeated chants of “Martinez!”. But they proved to be ineffective, as Cotto’s fans, who were the majority, drowned them out.

Not long after, yet another left hook landed flush on Martinez’s face, putting him in danger once again. The work Cotto was doing was evidently pleasing Roach in the corner, who even put his game face to one side at the end of the seventh round and told his fighter “Miguel, you are giving Martinez a boxing lesson,”.

Cotto remained focused and stayed in the zone as he hit his opponent with a variety of punches in the 8th and had his opponent in trouble once again in the 9th thanks to a brilliant combination of work to the body and head before he was hit flush late on in the round and briefly touched his glove down.

That was the beginning of the end. After walking back to his corner, Sarmiento told Martinez, “Your knees are not working, champion. They are not working. It is my responsibility, champion. They are not working.”

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His promoter, Lou Dibella, was gracious in his man’s defeat. “Cotto looked unbelievable,” He said. “He fought a brilliant fight after he hurt him, too. He was controlled, he didn’t do anything stupid. He laid down a lot of punishment. I never thought he’d look like that at middleweight. That was the best performance of his I have ever seen. He deserves all props. Freddie said he didn’t want to hear any excuses and he won’t hear any excuses.”

When he was asked about Martinez’s future, and whether we’ll see him in the ring again, Dibella said “It’s up to him, I wouldn’t push him either way. I don’t think it’s a decision to be made tonight.”

“I thought he was absolutely sensational,” Bob Arum of Top Rank told us afterwards “I was saying to myself, ‘What a waste that he didn’t get to Freddie earlier.’ And the way he did it, he fought like a perfect fight. He just blew him out.

“I think Sergio probably was better a number of years ago. You can’t take a lay-off like that and fight a guy with the skill and the stamina that Cotto has. No way you can do that.”

Arum said they were looking at fighting again on December 6th or December 31st, depending on when the arena can accommodate them. Arum continued by saying he would meet with former friend turned rival turned friend again, Oscar De La Hoya, who runs Golden Boy Promotions, about a showdown between Cotto and former junior middleweight titleholder Canelo Alvarez. If it can be made, the fight would pit Puerto Rico and Mexico’s most popular fighters against one another, adding fuel to what is already a simmering boxing rivalry between the two countries.

Arum also said that the much feared Gennady Golovkin could get a shot at unifying the titles with Cotto, although, for now at least, the Canelo fights seems the easiest to make.

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE BRAEHMER RETAINS

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him at www.twitter. com/AnsonWainwright

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The German once dubbed the 100-year talent is in his second title reign having previously held the WBO strap was unable to hurt his opponent but would have things his own way coasting home down the stretch in an uneventful bout until Boloti came alive in the final seconds of the fight engaging the cham-

pion. It was too little to late and Braehmer was able to up his record to 44-2 (32) while Boloti drops to 35-3(24).

2012 German Olympian Enrico Koelling (14-0, 4 KO’s) light heavyweight continued his rapid progression in the paid ranks with a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision against Patrick Bois (11-3-1, 2 KO’s).

middleweight prospect Tyron Zeuge stopped Armand Cullhaj (15-5-3, 9 KO’s) in the ninth round.

Zeuge (14-0, 8 KO’s) dropped the tough Albania native in the seventh before getting the stoppage at 1.12 of the ninth, retaining his WBO Youth 168-pound title in the process.

Koelling outpointed the French champion in a competitive bout 116-113, 116-112 and 115-113 to win the vacant WBA Inter-Continental strap.

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Rising cruiserweight prospect Noel Gevor (12-0, 7 KO’s) continued his progression with a second round blitzing of Hungarian journeyman Bela Juhasz (8-3, 5 KO’s) forcing the stoppage at 2.29 of the round.

Heavy handed super middleweight prospect Vincent Feigenbutz (13-1, 12 KO’s) stopped Gheorghe Sabau (10-2, 6 KO’s) at the 2.57 mark of the third round with a right hand.

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE RUNNING TITLE

PETER WELLS BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

RAMPAGE BUTLER RIPS THE IBF Bantamweight title AWAY FROM THE NORTH EAST!

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JUNE 2014 issue #11

AND THE NEW

Froch vs George Groves 2 the

win, and he delivered, running

week before.

out to an early lead before

The former Super Flyweight,

seeing off a second half charge

While the UK fans enjoyed

Paul Butler took over as world

from the former champion

a battle between two of the

champion with a split deci-

Stuart Hall 16-3-2(7).

countries best Bantamweights,

sion victory that highlighted

Butler came out the blocks

the world was slightly less in

the nature of the tale-of-two-

sharp, a couple of fast com-

tuned, despite the contest be-

halves bout. Unbeaten now in

binations along with a sharp

ing for the IBF Bantamweight

16 starts – 8 knockouts - as a

jab ensured he took the first

title, it was not quite hitting the

professional it was a world title

round. . His blistering hand

domestic rivalry heights of Carl

that many had tipped Butler to

speed would also ensure that

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE RAMPAGE

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM who had slightly less behind

was slowly pulling his way right back into the fight.

his punches than he did in the

Butler soon retaliated with a combination of his own

early rounds. Arms by his sides

before Hall had the South West fighter on the ropes

Butler tried to make himself an elusive target but his upper

again. Hall looked in full ascendancy to end the 8th as he was forcing Butler to work at a high tempo, who had a good round himself, another stanza that could have

body movement was not frus-

gone either way.

trating Hall who landed with

Two left hooks from Butler were greeted by another

enough to convincingly take

Hall barrage, most failing to get through but the attack

the round.

Butler came out slightly chirpHall could not find a rhythm,

ier again in the 7th, coming

Butler taking the centre ring

around the side with a good

against the bigger man.

right hook. A solid double jab

Butler dug a left hook to the

reaffirmed centre of the ring

body early in the second, while

for Hall. Another flurry before

Hall tried to get his jab into the

the bell from Hall stole him the

was effective nonetheless. Butler’s quick burst was once

face of Butler. A big right land-

round.

again met by a bruising one-two. It was another round

ed from Butler with a minute to

Butler came out slightly chirp-

of Butler’s flashy punches vs Hall’s gritty attacks. A right hand caught Butler on the ropes just before the rounds

go in the round, before making

slightly less active although

ler’s attacks but that resulted in

ier again in the 7th, coming

the Darlington man miss wildly.

a few right hands got around

a clash of heads leaving a cut

around the side with a good

Butler put together multiple

Hall’s gloves. As Hall looked to

over the left eye of Hall. But-

right hook. A solid double jab

good one-twos in the 3rd,

take the round in the final min-

ler increased his output, most

reaffirmed centre of the ring

neutralising the momentary

ute, Butler burst out to possibly

punches hitting the gloves but

for Hall. Another flurry before

success that Hall had when he

sway the judges.

it was noteworthy work from

the bell from Hall stole him the

backed Butler onto the ropes.

Butler came out with a little

the challenger. The 6th opened

round.

ing in kind. Hall dug to the body, Butler swung a left

Both had their successes in the

more offense in the 5th, sens-

with Hall thoroughly in the

A sharp right caught the atten-

upstairs before they exchanged jabs that had all the

4th, one that could have gone

ing that Hall was beginning to

drivers seat with his foot on the

tion of Hall’s supporters more

same mean intentions of the right crosses and left

either way. Hall landed several

find a comfort zone. Hall con-

gas as he closed in on Butler

than it did Butler, but it was

hooks. Both were mustering up all they could in a hard

good jabs, while Butler was

tinued to try to break up But-

who had slightly less behind

another indication of how Hall

fought 11th round.

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JUNE 2014 issue #11

end.

Hall’s pressure was telling early in the 10th as he backed Butler onto the ropes, Butler unable to find the target with a quick flurry.

A solid right found its way through from Butler before Hall poured it on to the favourite, Butler then respond-

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE RAMPAGE

With uncertainty over the scorecards, both Butler and Hall had to put it all on the line in the final round. Butler was the more accurate to start the 12th as he avoided tired punches from Hall while finding the target with short left hooks. Butler was able to find that little bounce in his

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JUNE 2014 issue #11

BOXINGMADMAGAZINE.COM

step when he needed it as

moved up to Cruiserweight

he avoided what was coming

to dethrone Tony Conquest in

back from Hall. Hall finished

five rounds and now Dickinson

with a flurry with Butler on the

in two.

ropes just waiting for the final

It was a straight right that sent

bell to ring.

the tentative Dickinson 15-3(4)

It seemed that Butler’s early

to the floor just prior to the

work was enough for him to

bell. He rose but stumbled

take the verdict in a fight that

back towards the ropes, Victor

was very difficult to score

Loughlin rightly ignoring

from the 5th round onwards.

the time of the knockdown,

The official scorecards were

waving the contest off based

115-113 (Hall) and 115-113,

on the fact that Dickinson

117-111 (Butler) – I scored the

was in no position to defend

contest 116-113 for Paul Butler

himself at that time. The feel

who will now have to defend

good story continues for the

his newly acquired IBF title

likeable McKenzie 23-12(12)

against mandatory challenger

who will now likely be defend-

Randy Caballero 21-0(13).

ing against English champion

On the undercard Ovill McK-

Matty Askin 17-2(10) although

enzie was the ‘Upsetter’ once

Lawrence Bennett 6-1 won a

again as he stunned Jon Lewis

final eliminator against Chris

Dickinson in two rounds to

Keane 12-2(5) in Swindon on

claim the British Cruiserweight

the same night.

title while retaining his Commonwealth strap. After losing in 11 to Enzo Maccarinelli, the Jamaican born Ovill has

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BOXING MAD MAGAZINE RUNNING

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JUNE 2014 issue #11