Boxing FanHouse

Floyd Mayweather to Pay $5.6 Million in Back Taxes to Internal Revenue Service

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:49:00 EST

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. agreed to pay $5.6 million in back taxes before the Internal Revenue Service was poised to take the money from his purse after his Saturday comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

The IRS sent the Nevada Athletic Commission a levy notice on Sept. 4 ordering Mayweather's unpaid taxes from 2007 to be deducted from his $10 million fight purse, commission executive director Keith Kizer told The Associated Press.

Kizer said the IRS backed off one week later, after Mayweather agreed to pay the money. Mayweather won the fight in a unanimous decision.

Mayweather's tax attorney, Jeffrey Morse, told the AP on Tuesday that federal officials never intended to take Mayweather's purse, and the five-division champion has satisfied all his IRS debts.

"Floyd has - and I will absolutely attest to it - more than satisfied every tax obligation that he has,'' Morse said. "As of today, as of some time ago, which I can't tell you when, he owes zero to the IRS.''

Morse said he expected the IRS to release a $6.17 million lien filed with the county recorder's office in Las Vegas in October last year.

Records on Tuesday showed the lien was still open.

IRS spokesman Raphael Tulino said he could not comment on individual tax matters.

A copy of the levy notice obtained by the AP shows the IRS was seeking less than what it filed for in its lien. The notice dated Aug. 25 said Mayweather owed $4.71 million in unpaid taxes and $930,000 in statutory additions calculated through Sept. 25.

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Mayweather Victorious in Return

In his comeback from a short retirement, Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, overpowered the smaller, lighter Juan Manuel Marquez for a unanimous decision victory. The undefeated Mayweather was taunted and challenged after his win by WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley. Click through to see more fight photos from Mayweather vs. Marquez.

AFP/Getty Images

AFP

Mayweather vs. Marquez Photos

Floyd Mayweather Jr. steps back after knocking down Juan Manuel Marquez, of Mexico, during their welterweight boxing match in Las Vegas, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009.

Laura Rauch, AP

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Juan Manuel Marquez (L) and Floyd Mayweather Jr. battle in the ninth round of their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Juan Manuel Marquez;Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Floyd Mayweather Jr. celebrates his unanimous-decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Floyd Mayweather Jr. gets water from a sponge squeezed at his face as he walks back to his corner at the end of his fight against Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) throws a punch at Juan Manuel Marquez in the seventh round of their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr.;Juan Manuel Marquez

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (R) throws a punch at Juan Manuel Marquez in the sixth round of their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Juan Manuel Marquez;Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) dodges a punch from Juan Manuel Marquez in the fifth round of their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr.;Juan Manuel Marquez

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) throws a punch at Juan Manuel Marquez in the fourth round of their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr.;Juan Manuel Marquez

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) and Juan Manuel Marquez exchange blows in the fourth round of their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr.;Juan Manuel Marquez

Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Juan Manuel Marquez (R) throws a punch at Floyd Mayweather Jr. during their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr.;Juan Manuel Marquez

Getty Images

"Although we have given the notice and demand required by the (Internal Revenue) Code, the amount owed hasn't been paid,'' the notice to boxing regulators said. "This levy requires you to turn over to us this person's property and rights to property that you have or which you are already obligated to pay this person.''

Kizer said the IRS did not notify the commission until fight week that the levy would not be necessary. Mayweather and all other fighters on the card were fully paid, he said.

Morse said Mayweather owed substantially less than the $5.6 million levy, but would not say why it was valued at less than the original lien.

Morse said the levy itself was part of Mayweather's agreement with the IRS, not an impetus for the boxer nicknamed ``Money'' to settle the debt. Morse said the levy was used by the IRS as collateral.

"Unfortunately, if we knew that this information would be out there and disclosed to reporters, we probably wouldn't have entered into that agreement,'' Morse said. "Floyd likes to keep his private business private.''

Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) has faced liens in the past and paid them off, according to recorder records in Clark County. The IRS filed liens totaling nearly $6.3 million for unpaid taxes from 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006, and four homeowners associations also filed claims against the boxer that were later resolved, county records show.

The IRS in August released Mayweather from a lien for nearly $15,900 for unpaid taxes from 2001, county records show. Also last month, a homeowners association rescinded a lien against Mayweather valued at nearly $4,200 last year.

Two other homeowners associations still have open liens against the boxer worth $5,200, according to Clark County records.

A New Jersey Superior Court judgment from 2007 for a state tax debt of $193,000 was still unpaid, according to the court.

Morse declined to comment on the judgment.

Mayweather also faces a lawsuit in Las Vegas from JP Morgan Chase, alleging he owes more than $167,000 on an unpaid loan for a half-million dollar luxury car from 2007. The lawsuit filed Sept. 9 alleges Mayweather bought a Mercedes Maybach 57S in February 2007 and stopped making monthly payments of more than $9,000 a year later.

Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, said Tuesday that Mayweather had not been served with the lawsuit and declined to comment.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Floyd Mayweather to Pay $5.6 Million in Back Taxes to Internal Revenue Service originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Juan Manuel Marquez Drinks His Urine

Michael David Smith — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Video, Boxing Gossip, HBO

As Juan Manuel Marquez prepares for the biggest fight of his boxing career on September 19 against Floyd Mayweather Jr., he's willing to do anything to get an edge -- including drinking his own urine.

Yes, Marquez revealed on the latest episode of HBO's Mayweather-Marquez 24/7 that he believes in practices urophagia, the consumption of urine. Sounds disgusting to me, but Marquez is one of millions of people around the world who think drinking urine is beneficial. Many Eastern cultures have viewed urine as having healing powers, and in the West drinking urine has become an alternative medicine.

Marquez isn't even the only world-class fighter who drinks urine; UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida also drinks his own urine. If it's good enough for Marquez and Machida, it's probably worth trying for other pro athletes. Even if I'm not going to try it myself.

What do you think? Tell me on Twitter @MichaelDavSmith.

Juan Manuel Marquez Drinks His Urine originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Floyd Mayweather Talks Trash on Twitter

Michael David Smith — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip, Media Watch

Over the course of his boxing career, Floyd Mayweather has probably spent as much time working on his trash talk as he has hitting the speed bag. But as Mayweather prepares to step into the ring with Juan Manuel Marquez -- his first fight in almost two years -- he has a new forum for talking trash: Twitter.

Yes, Mayweather is the latest in a long, long line of athletes to get on Twitter, and he'll be using it to hype his September 19 pay-per-view fight.

Here's his first 140-character salvo:

Marquez says hes goin after my ribs but theres no weakness in MONEY MAY. Only ribs he'll b diggin n2 will b at Outback after I take him down

Not a bad first effort as far as trash talk goes, but I hope he'll also use Twitter to provide us with some real insight, such as what he's working on with his sparring partners and what he thinks about his uncle and trainer Roger Mayweather getting into trouble with the law. That's the kind of thing that builds up a Twitter following.

If you follow boxing and you're on Twitter, follow my boxing Twitter updates.

Floyd Mayweather Talks Trash on Twitter originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto Official For November 14

Michael David Smith — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: WBO, Boxing Gossip, HBO

One of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year has become official, as the promoter for Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto announced today that the two will fight on November 14 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao-Cotto joins Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez as one of two fights this fall that have boxing fans salivating, and we can be sure that the promoters and the fighters (especially Mayweather) will engage in some trash talk about which of the bouts is truly the year's biggest fight.

Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, made the official statement:

"Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto have reached an agreement to fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, November 14," said Arum. "The fight will be seen live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Top Rank is working on a major media tour to start right after Labor Day. Further details will be announced as we get closer to kicking off the tour."

Pacquiao vs. Cotto is a great fight. Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, but Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion, is a real threat to him.

Now let's hope Mayweather, Marquez, Pacquiao and Cotto can all agree that the two winners of these two fights will meet each other in the ring. That would be the superfight every boxing fan would crave in 2010.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto Official For November 14 originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Battle of Britain' May Not Be on Horizon

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: WBA, Boxing Gossip

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- With Amir Khan now a world champion, many English boxing fans will be hoping to see him in the ring with Ricky Hatton.

Though the 22-year-old Khan's trainer is enthusiastic about a Battle of Britain bout, promoter Frank Warren has strong reservations.

Hatton's future in the sport has been in doubt since he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in the second round of their 140-pound title fight in May and he went to the hospital for a precautionary brain scan.

Hatton, who has been known for quickly putting on weight after fights, has returned to a hospital in his native Manchester in the past week with a stomach bug.

Warren insists that the 30-year-old Hatton is not up to fighting Khan, who captured the WBA light-welterweight title by unanimous decision against Andreas Kotelnik on Saturday.

"Ricky shouldn't be fighting - it's not good for boxing and it's not good for him more importantly,'' Warren said on Sunday. "He's just been in hospital for overindulgence or whatever that may be.

"I don't think he should fight again, he should definitely retire. If the fight happened and, God forbidden, something bad happens, everyone would blame boxing. Sometimes fighters go on and at the end of the day bad things happen.''

Trainer Freddie Roach, whose strict regime has turned around Khan's fortunes since he was knocked out in 54 seconds by Breidis Prescott, is less gloomy about Hatton's future prospects.

"If he does decide to fight again and continue his career, then he's made for my guy,'' Roach said. "I'd take that fight in a heartbeat.''

Khan is leaving the decision to his team.

"I'm a fan of Ricky Hatton and I'd like him to support me on the way to achieving what he's achieved,'' Khan said. "Boxing is a game where you have to face fighters, and for Britain it would be a huge fight.

"Let's see what happens. I'll leave it with Frank and Freddie and if they think it's the right move for me to make, then I'll do it.''

A more realistic prospect for Khan, after outclassing Kotelnik from start to finish with quick combinations and impressive footwork despite stepping up a division, is traveling to the United States.

"It's time to go to America and fight the big names over there,'' Khan said. "Now I'll get people knocking on my door. I want to fight the likes of (Juan Manuel) Marquez, because I think my style will go up against theirs. ... We'll give it a few weeks and see where we go.''

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

'Battle of Britain' May Not Be on Horizon originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Haye Is Ready to Return, but the Hype Has Already Faded

Tom Herrera — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: WBC, Boxing Gossip

Boxing fans had hope for David Haye. As he began to heat up the war of words with Wladimir Klitschko in April, it finally looked like there was a heavyweight title match worth getting excited about. For a fleeting moment, Haye reminded us that, yes, heavyweights can still have star appeal and charisma.

Then something all too familiar struck: disappointment.

Just weeks before he was scheduled to battle Klitschko in what "Dr. Steelhammer" promised to be a long and brutal fight, Haye pulled out, citing a back injury sustained in training.

Seriously?

"I am very disappointed that the fight got canceled," said Klitschko. "I was really looking forward to fight night."

Suddenly, all of Haye's smack talk and chatter sounded like white noise.

The strutting around with his cowboy hat and cocky grin. The antics that seemed borrowed the Vince McMahon playbook, like challenging Klitschko head-to-head on a shopping mall staircase. Even wearing a cartoonish T-shirt to a press conference just to get under his opponent's skin.

Personality. Drama. And, unfortunately, nothing but hype.

Klitschko found a replacement opponent in Ruslan Chagaev and dispensed of him with ease in front of 61,000 German onlookers at Veltins Arena. Meanwhile, most of us didn't even know what channel the fight was on. (It turned out to be ESPN Classic, of all places.) At least Boris Becker was thrilled, right?

A month removed from that debacle, Haye claims he's ready to resume full training, with his next bout planned for September -- presumably against a Klitschko not named Wladimir. "As long as it's one of them, I don't mind because they are the best heavyweights in the world, along with myself," said Haye.

Wrong. A 2-0 heavyweight record while missing out on the most anticipated fight of your career does not make you one of the best. Until we see something more out of Haye than just chatter, he's nothing beyond a showman.

So here's to an inevitable Haye vs. Vitali Klitschko bout in September. And here's to wanting Haye to do something to revive the monotonous pulse of the heavyweight division. But the reality is many fans are already through with waiting.

David Haye Is Ready to Return, but the Hype Has Already Faded originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eddie Chambers Destroys Alexander Dimitrenko, Wins by Majority Decision

Michael David Smith — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Video, Boxing Gossip

The video above shows the announcement of the scores at the end of Saturday night's heavyweight fight between Eddie Chambers and Alexander Dimitrenko in Germany. If you don't speak German and you're wondering what led the crowd to start booing lustily, it was the announcement that one judge scored the bout -- which Chambers completely dominated -- as a draw. So Chambers won by majority decision, rather than the seemingly obvious unanimous decision. And that points, once again, to just how bad the judging can be in boxing.

I could go into detail about everything that was wrong with the decision of one judge, Paul Thomas, to score the bout 113-113, but let me instead direct you to this piece by Frank Lotierzo at The Sweet Science. You should read the whole thing, but here's the key:

Two of the judges had the fight 117-109 and 116-111 for Chambers, which reflected the fight that unfolded in the ring. Judge Paul Thomas scored it 113-113 which is absurd. The first reaction after hearing how Thomas scored the fight is to go crazy and rip him and accuse him of being incompetent and/or crooked.

Although both may be true, I can't say that's the case here. In watching the fight it's impossible to fathom that anyone who isn't a complete nit-wit could see the fight differently than it was. The Chambers-Dimitrenko bout was not a hard fight to score. Again, if you had your eyes open and were watching it objectively, it's impossible to come away thinking anything other than it was anoverwhelming victory for Chambers.

I know piling on the judges can get tiresome, whether it's in boxing or MMA or gymnastics or figure skating or any other sport that has judges. But sometimes a judge turns in a decision that is so baffling it makes you wonder how he can be a judge. This is one of those times.

Eddie Chambers Destroys Alexander Dimitrenko, Wins by Majority Decision originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alexis Arguello Dies, Boxing Champ Became Mayor of Managua

Michael David Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

Alexis Arguello, the former boxing world champion who in 2008 was elected mayor of his hometown of Managua, Nicaragua, was found dead on Wednesday. He
was 57.

The newspaper El Nuevo Diario reported that Arguello's death appeared to be a suicide.

Deaths in Sports

Alexis Arguello, July 1: The former boxing champion, pictured here in 1986, was one of the best junior lightweights to step in the ring. Arguello was found dead at his home early Wednesday. Click through to see recent deaths in the world of sports.

Allsport / Getty Images

Bob Frederick, June 12: The former Kansas Athletic Director died from head injuries suffered in a bicycle accident.

Jeff Jacobsen, Kansas Athletics / AP

Richard Quick, June 10: The swimming coach won 13 NCAA titles with three schools during a career that spanned four decades.

Ted S. Warren, AP

Pio Sagapolutele, June 7: Sagapolutele, who played for three teams over a seven-year NFL career and was a member of New England's Super Bowl XXXI team, passed away at the age of 39.

J.D. Cuban, Getty Images

Jim Owens, June 6: The former University of Washington football coach had an 18-year career, including three Rose Bowl trips. Owens weathered accusations of racism in 1969 for suspending four black players who declined to pledge loyalty.

John Lok, Seattle Times / MCT

Randy Smith, June 4: The MVP of the 1978 NBA All-Star Game, seen here with the Buffalo Braves in 1976, played in 906 straight games from 1972 to 1983.

Dick Raphael, NBAE/Getty Images

Richard Jacobs, June 5: The real estate developer bought the Cleveland Indians with his brother in 1986. He restored profitability to the struggling franchise and made it competitive on the field during the 1990s.

Mark Duncan, AP

Karine Ruby, May 29: The six-time world champion won a gold medal in the giant slalom at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

Boris Horvat, AFP / Getty Images

Peter Zezel, May 26: The former NHL center, seen here in 2000 with the Vancouver Canucks, had a role in the 1986 hockey movie 'Youngblood.' Zezel struggled with a rare blood disease the last 10 years.

Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

Julius Bescos, May 23: Bescos lettered in football, basketball and baseball at Southern California and later coached at his alma mater.

USC Sports Information

Arguello's boxing career began in Managua in the 1960s, and he quickly built up an impressive record and a reputation for knocking out his opponents. His first fight outside Nicaragua was for the WBA featherweight title in 1974, and although he lost that fight, he got a second shot and won the title later that year.

Through the 1970s Arguello was considered one of the best boxers in the world. His most memorable matches of the decade were his two fights with Alfredo Escalera, both of which Arguello won. The first Arguello-Escalara fight, known as the Bloody Battle of Bayamon, took place on January 28, 1978, and ended in the 13th round when Escalara couldn't continue because of cuts. Their rematch took place on February 4, 1979, with Arguello knocking Escalara out, again in the 13th round.

Arguello had two memorable fights with Aaron Pryor in the 1980s, losing the first in 1982 and announcing his retirement after losing the second in 1983, but he would return to the ring and win another fight in 1985 and then one more in 1986. He then announced his retirement once again, only to return in 1994 and finally retire for good after losing a fight to Scott Walker in 1995, at the age of 42.

Arguello was considered one of the hardest punchers in history; here's one of his best-known highlights, a knockout of Kevin Rooney in 1982:

To follow this story, follow me on Twitter.

Alexis Arguello Dies, Boxing Champ Became Mayor of Managua originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto on November 14

Michael David Smith — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: WBO, Boxing Gossip

Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto have tentatively agreed to fight in Las Vegas on November 14, giving the world's best pound-for-pound boxer a very challenging fight against a highly ranked opponent -- and ensuring that we won't see Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather any time soon.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, says he's close to getting contractual arrangements worked out for Pacquiao and Cotto to fight each other. The fighters would have to agree on how they would split the purse and how much they'd both weigh before the deal can get done, but Arum indicated that Cotto -- not Shane Mosley -- is Pacquiao's likely next opponent:

"I hope to put it together this week, to get an agreement on terms," Arum told The Times on Monday in a telephone interview from his Top Rank headquarters in Las Vegas. ...

"Shane's a terrific fighter, but for now he's the second choice," Arum said. "If we can't put together a Pacquiao-Cotto fight, we'll reach out to Shane."

Cotto beat Joshua Clottey by split decision on Saturday, with Pacquiao sitting at ringside. Although Cotto suffered a very serious cut on an accidental head butt during the fight, he is expected to be ready to begin sparring again in time to prepare for a November bout.

A Cotto vs. Pacquiao fight would be one of the biggest of the year in boxing. But it wouldn't necessarily be a good thing for boxing fans, because it would also be a step away from the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather superfight that everyone wants to see.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto on November 14 originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosley Say They're Ready to Fight, but Will They?

Michael David Smith — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: WBA, Boxing Gossip

Manny Pacquiao, the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, said Wednesday that he's prepared to accept a challenge from Shane Mosley to be his next opponent -- provided the two can work out details of a contract.

"No problem, we can fight. As long we negotiate," Pacquiao reportedly told GMA News in the Philippines.

That led Mosley to release a statement saying that he'll agree to give Pacquiao 60 percent of the purse, and he'll agree to lose weight and fight Pacquiao below Mosley's usual 147 pounds.

"Now that Manny has stated that he is ready to fight me, the only thing left to finish are negotiations," Mosley said. "Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum are working out the details now. I will be ready to fight Pacquiao on October 17th."

Of course, when two parties say they have a deal and that they just need to negotiate the details, what they really mean is they don't have a deal at all. So will this fight really go down?

I think it's a fight that makes sense from a competitive standpoint and would make money from a business standpoint, but I also think the one big fight that boxing needs is Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather, and I'm not sure that any fight that would stand in the way of Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is a fight that should happen.

Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosley Say They're Ready to Fight, but Will They? originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exodus Tyson, Mike Tyson's Baby Daughter, Dies in Treadmill Accident

Michael David Smith — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

Four-year-old Exodus Tyson, Mike Tyson's daughter, died Tuesday of injuries suffered in a treadmill accident at her home in Phoenix.

CNN reports that Exodus Tyson was pronounced dead at 11:45 AM on Tuesday, a day after she was strangled by a cord connected to the treadmill in her home in Phoenix. Exodus was found on the treadmill by her 7-year-old brother. Their mother attempted to perform CPR, but Exodus had to be placed on life support.

Sgt. Andy Hill of the Phoenix Police Department told CNN,"We believe the child was on the treadmill but it was not running at the time. She might have been playing like it was."

The following statement was released by the family:

"The Tyson family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and support, and we ask that we be allowed our privacy at this difficult time."

Mike Tyson was in Las Vegas for UFC 98 over the weekend and traveled to Phoenix to be with his daughter Monday.

Exodus Tyson, Mike Tyson's Baby Daughter, Dies in Treadmill Accident originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 27 May 2009 10:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gary Shaw: Kimbo Slice Will Make His Pro Boxing Debut This Summer

Michael David Smith — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

After washing out as a mixed martial arts fighter and taking the EliteXC organization down with him, Kimbo Slice is turning to boxing.

Gary Shaw, the promoter who brought Kimbo to EliteXC, told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that Kimbo (real name: Kevin Ferguson) will make his pro boxing debut as a heavyweight some time late this summer. The date, venue and opponent are all to be determined.

This is probably the right move for Kimbo. He's really not a good enough athlete to be a good professional fighter at either boxing or MMA, but at least in boxing he has a clean slate. MMA fans know not to take Kimbo seriously as a fighter, while boxing fans might keep more of an open mind toward him.

And for Shaw, this is probably the right way to cash in a couple more times on Kimbo's name. Kimbo is famous enough that the short blurb in the Miami Herald was mentioned on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption, so he'll get a fair amount of media attention when he steps into the ring, and Shaw's roots as a promoter are in boxing, so that's where he has the best chance of having Kimbo fight on a big stage.

Gary Shaw: Kimbo Slice Will Make His Pro Boxing Debut This Summer originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 13 May 2009 18:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Pacquiao Heading Home Despite Swine Flu Fears

Michael David Smith — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

Manny Pacquiao has decided to return to the Philippines on Friday, even though the country's health secretary is worried that Pacquiao might be bringing the swine flu with him.

Government officials are concerned that Pacquiao, who beat Ricky Hatton on Saturday night in Las Vegas, could have contracted the H1N1 virus in the United States. They requested that he and his entourage quarantine themselves for five days before returning, but Pacquiao says he and those around him feel fine, and there's no reason to delay their return.

Anthony Golez, a physician and deputy presidential spokesperson, says Pacquiao is making a mistake:

"It's going to be a nightmare for the country if someone from his team exhibits signs and symptoms of the A(H1N1) virus," Golez said. ... "Consider this a very serious matter. ... Even if you are considered as the strongest man alive here, nobody is invincible to diseases, viruses or bacteria."

Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo postponed her planned luncheon with Pacquiao, and his national day of celebration and victory parade have been put on hold as well. The Philippines has not had any confirmed cases of swine flu.

Manny Pacquiao Heading Home Despite Swine Flu Fears originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Thu, 07 May 2009 17:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Pacquiao May Delay Return to Philippines Amid Swine Flu Fears

Michael David Smith — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

Manny Pacquiao is the best boxer in the world and the most popular man in the Philippines, but the country's health secretary has a simple request for him after his second-round knockout win over Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas Saturday night: Don't come home.

Concerns about the swine flu have the Philippines asking anyone who has traveled to the United States and other countries that have been hit not to return just yet.

The BBC reports that Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque wants Pacquiao and his entourage to stay in the United States and impose a quarantine on themselves for five says, which is how long it takes swine flu symptoms to appear. If they haven't gotten sick by Tuesday, they can return to the Philippines.

Pacquiao told reporters in the Philippines that he hasn't decided how long he'll stay in the U.S., but if he does stay until next week, that means Pacquiao won't be there for Friday's national day of celebration in his honor.

There have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in the Philippines.

Manny Pacquiao May Delay Return to Philippines Amid Swine Flu Fears originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 06 May 2009 11:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shane Mosley: I'm Definitely Campaigning to Fight Manny Pacquiao

Michael David Smith — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Video, Boxing Gossip

After Manny Pacquiao destroyed Ricky Hatton on Saturday night, most of the post-fight talk centered on the likelihood of Pacquiao fighting the winner of the July 18 fight between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez. But Shane Mosley, the top welterweight in the world, thinks he should be Pacquiao's next opponent.

"I'm definitely campaigning for a fight with Manny Pacquiao," Mosley said in an interview with inthiscornertv.com. "That would be a great fight the world wants to see. He's definitely No. 1 pound for pound right now, I'm the No. 1 welterweight right now and I've been pound-for-pound before, so let's get it on. ... I'll be ready."

But will Pacquiao be ready for Mosley? Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, says that Pacquiao's next fight will be whatever makes for the biggest fight for the most money. Roach added that if Mosley wants that fight, he'll have to lose a few pounds, because Pacquiao doesn't want to move all the way up to 147.

My own opinion is that Pacquiao vs. Mayweather needs to happen, and I'll be a little disappointed if Pacquiao's next opponent is anyone other than Mayweather. But it's not Pacquiao's fault that Mayweather chose to book Marquez first, and if Pacquiao decides he doesn't want to wait around for the next two and a half months to see how Mayweather vs. Marquez turns out, who can blame him?

And if that's Pacquiao's decision, I think Mosley is probably the opponent who makes the most sense. He's a well-known, marketable boxer who's coming off a big win over Antonio Margarito, and his style should make for an interesting fight with Pacquiao. If the next opponent for Pacquiao isn't Mayweather, it should be Mosley.

Shane Mosley: I'm Definitely Campaigning to Fight Manny Pacquiao originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Tue, 05 May 2009 11:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Should Ricky Hatton Retire? Trainer and Father Say It Might Be Time

Michael David Smith — Sun, 03 May 2009 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

How dominant a boxer is Manny Pacquiao? So dominant that even boxers who can make more than $10 million a fight question whether they should call it a career after stepping into the ring with him. First it was Oscar De La Hoya who announced his retirement after losing to Pacquiao, and now Ricky Hatton may be following in De La Hoya's footsteps.

Hatton's trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., said after Hatton's second-round knockout loss to Pacquiao Saturday night that he would advise his fighter to hang up the gloves:

"That's boxing," said Mayweather Sr. after Hatton's loss. "I would suggest he retire. At the end of the day it's his decision. ...

"He tried twice. He failed twice. He lost to my son and to lose to someone below that, it's time to leave the ring. He made a good profit. Sometimes you have to go when your prime is still there,"

Mayweather may be right that it's time for Hatton to retire, but he's probably not the most objective observer right now: Reports surfaced in the days leading up to the fight that Hatton had grown weary of working with Mayweather and planned to fire him no matter how the Pacquiao fight turned out. So Mayweather's talk could be something of a preemptive strike against Hatton.

Pacquiao-Hatton Photos

LAS VEGAS - MAY 03: Boxers Ricky Hatton (L) and his brother Matthew Hatton of England host an event at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino May 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ricky Hatton was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in their junior welterweight title fight on May 2. Matthew Hatton won his welterweight fight against Ernesto Zepeda of Mexico on the undercard. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ricky Hatton;Matthew Hatton

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 03: Boxer Ricky Hatton (R) of England greets fans as he hosts an event at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino May 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hatton was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in their junior welterweight title fight on May 2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ricky Hatton

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 03: Boxer Ricky Hatton (R) of England borrows a hat from a fan as he hosts an event at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino May 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hatton was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in their junior welterweight title fight on May 2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ricky Hatton

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 03: Boxer Ricky Hatton (L) of England greets fans as he hosts an event at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino May 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hatton was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in their junior welterweight title fight on May 2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ricky Hatton

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 03: Boxer Ricky Hatton (R) of England poses with fans as he hosts an event at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino May 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hatton was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in their junior welterweight title fight on May 2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ricky Hatton

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 03: Boxer Ricky Hatton of England wears a fan's hat while hosting an event at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino May 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hatton was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in their junior welterweight title fight on May 2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ricky Hatton

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 03: Boxer Ricky Hatton of England hosts an event at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino May 3, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hatton was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in their junior welterweight title fight on May 2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ricky Hatton

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But Mayweather wasn't the only one talking about retirement late Saturday night. Ricky's father Ray Hatton also acknowledged that Ricky may have fought for the last time:

"At this moment in time he probably has a few mixed feelings about (retirement)," Ray Hatton added.

"It is only Ricky that can make the decision. He is very strong willed and I don't think he would let anyone make that decision for him.

"I know privately what he will be thinking in a few months time but I would not like to say because I would not want to be putting him under undue pressure."

Still, my own feeling is that Ricky Hatton will not retire. In his chat with FanHouse last week, Hatton said this:

"I've earned enough money to retire, but great champions aren't just satisfied with having money to burn. I want to have money to burn and leave a legacy. After I lost to Floyd Mayweather I had enough money to retire but a great fighter wants to come back after defeat and come back even stronger. That's how legacies are built. ... I'm hungry and I'd like to think I have maybe three more fights."

Hatton didn't sound to me like a man who wants to walk away. And the good news is that if he does fight again, he won't have to fight Pacquiao.

Should Ricky Hatton Retire? Trainer and Father Say It Might Be Time originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sun, 03 May 2009 09:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Floyd Mayweather Couldn't Stay Away

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Golden Boy Promotions, Boxing Gossip

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. is back, ending his brief retirement from boxing.

The undefeated five-division champion plans to announce Saturday his return to the sport with a July fight against WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, a person close to the fight confirmed Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the fight hadn't been officially announced.

Mayweather last fought when he stopped Ricky Hatton in the 10th round of their December 2007 welterweight WBC title fight. He was expected to fight Oscar De La Hoya in a rematch of the fight he narrowly won earlier that year, but last June said he would not fight again because he had lost his love for the sport.

The 32-year-old Mayweather has won all 39 of his fights, and would put himself in position for a potentially very lucrative fight against the winner of Saturday's bout between Manny Pacquiao and Hatton.

De La Hoya, who helps run Golden Boy Promotions, said this week that his company had been talking to Mayweather about a possible return, and there were also reports that Don King was trying to sign the fighter. Golden Boy Promotions called a press conference for Saturday at the MGM Grand hotel for what it called a major announcement.

Mayweather's estranged father, Floyd Sr., also said last week that his son was in the gym and training and that he expected him to fight again. HBO had been holding a pay-per-view date of July 18 in hopes of his return.

Mayweather's return could lead to some profitable fights. Mayweather's bout against De La Hoya in May 2007 was the richest fight ever, drawing a record 2.15 million buys.

Since stopping Hatton 17 months ago, Mayweather appeared in professional wrestling but has been largely absent from the sport he began learning even before he began to walk.

Mayweather made more than $50 million in the ring during an 18-month stretch that ended with the Hatton fight.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Latest Boxing Images

Benoit Gaudet of Canada weighs in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. Gaudet will challenge WBC super featherweight champion Humberto Soto of Mexico for the title at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Manny Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia Pacquiao, waits to watch an official weigh-in for her son and his opponent Ricky Hatton of Britain at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. The boxers will meet for a 12-round, junior welterweight bout at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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WBC super featherweight champion Humberto Soto of Mexico weighs in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. Soto will defend his title against Benoit Gaudet of Canada at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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WBC super featherweight champion Humberto Soto (L) of Mexico and Benoit Gaudet of Canada pose at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. Soto will defend his title against Gaudet at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya and actor Mario Lopez (R) speak to fans before an official weigh-in for junior welterweight boxers Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of Britain at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. The boxers will meet for a 12-round bout at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Ricky Hatton fans cheer during an official weigh-in for Hatton and Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 1, 2009. Hatton of Britain and Pacquiao of the Philippines will meet for a 12-round, junior welterweight bout at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Junior welterweight boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines weighs in for his fight with Ricky Hatton of Britain at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. The boxers will meet for a 12-round bout at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Manny Pacquiao fans cheer for boxer during an official weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of Britain will meet for a 12-round, junior welterweight bout at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Junior welterweight boxer Ricky Hatton of Britain weighs in for his fight with Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. The boxers will meet for a 12-round bout at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Junior welterweight boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines gestures to fans during an official weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1, 2009. Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton of Britain will meet for a 12-round bout at the arena May 2. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)

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Floyd Mayweather Couldn't Stay Away originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sat, 02 May 2009 02:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roy Jones Wants to Get Anderson Silva Out of Octagon, Into Ring

Michael David Smith — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:35:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

Will Roy Jones (right) ever meet UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in the boxing ring? I don't much like the idea, but it's clear that both fighters are intrigued by the possibility.

Silva's manager, Ed Soares, said on a conference call this week to promote Silva's April 18 fight with Thales Leites at UFC 97 that while Silva is committed to mixed martial arts, he also dreams about giving boxing a try.

"It is a personal dream and a professional goal to, at some point in time, fight in a professional boxing match," Soares said. "But he doesn't intend to quit fighting MMA. He has a contract to fight in MMA but it is a personal dream of his to fight in a pro boxing match."

Silva's contract with the UFC reportedly has five more fights left on it, so it's not like Silva is going to be leaving MMA this year or, most likely, even next year. But he might leave for boxing eventually, and if he does, Jones is eager to fight him. Jones recently reiterated to the Los Angeles Times that he could see himself fighting Silva next year.

"I've heard as soon as [Silva's] contract is open, he'll fight," Jones told the LA Times, adding that he'll probably fight one more opponent this year, "and then I'll see what's up with Anderson."

I've talked to both Jones and Silva about the possibility of boxing each other, and I think they're both completely serious about it. I also think they both believe it's the kind of fight that fans of both boxing and MMA would purchase on pay-per-view.

But I don't much like the idea, and I think they're wrong about how big a draw the fight would be. Most boxing fans I know aren't interested in seeing a past-his-prime Roy Jones fight an MMA star, and most MMA fans I know want Silva to put all his energy into MMA and stop talking about boxing. That's why I'm glad that Soares said Silva doesn't intend to quit fighting MMA. That's where he should stay.

Roy Jones Wants to Get Anderson Silva Out of Octagon, Into Ring originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Pacquiao: Floyd Mayweather Will Come Back

Michael David Smith — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip, FanHouse Exclusive

Manny Pacquiao is the best active boxer in the world. But would he still be the best boxer in the world if Floyd Mayweather Jr., who retired last year, returned to the ring?

We might find out soon. Pacquiao, boxing's pound-for-pound king, said Monday that Mayweather's camp told him he should expect Mayweather to return soon. And that means that if Pacquiao beats Ricky Hatton on May 2, a superfight between Pacquiao and the undefeated Mayweather should happen before the year is out.

"I think he's going to fight again," Pacquiao said of Mayweather. "He's not really retired. ... I heard from Floyd Jr.'s camp that he's coming back to the ring."

If Pacquiao beats Hatton, a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight would be the biggest bout of the year in boxing. But Pacquiao thinks Mayweather, who hasn't fought since December of 2007, would be better off taking a tune-up fight against an easier opponent in his return to boxing.

"For me -- if I'm Floyd -- I would fight a tune-up fight and then fight me," Pacquiao said. "That's for me, but I don't know what his plan is. He might want to fight me right away."

The 32-year-old Mayweather surprised the boxing world by announcing his retirement last year, walking away with a perfect 39-0 record. But recently reports have surfaced that Mayweather has the itch to fight again -- and that he needs the money. Pacquiao could give him both his greatest test as a boxer and a payday of more than $10 million, making it a fight that could be too good to pass up.

Pacquiao's comments were part of a longer interview that will be posted this week here at FanHouse.

Pacquiao-Hatton Photos

** FILE ** This is a Dec. 6, 2008 file photo showing WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao celebrating his victory over Oscar De La Hoya after their welterweight boxing match in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won by TKO after the end of the 8th round. Pacquiao has been voted fighter of the year by the Boxing Writers Association of America, Tuesday March 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison, File)

Boxer Ricky Hatton, left, is seen during training session with his trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr in Manchester, England, Tuesday March 24, 2009. Hatton will fight Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in a light-welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

British boxer Ricky Hatton, centre, is seen during training session with his trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr, right, in Manchester, England, Tuesday March 24, 2009. Hatton will fight Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in a light-welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

A tattoo is seen on the back of British boxer Ricky Hatton, during a training session in Manchester, England, Tuesday March 24, 2009. Hatton will fight Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in a light-welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

British boxer Ricky Hatton adjusts his footwear during a training session at his gym in Manchester, northern England, March 24, 2009. Hatton is set to fight Manny Pacquiao of the Phillipines in Las Vegas in May. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN SPORT BOXING)

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British boxer Ricky Hatton throws a punch during a training session at his gym in Manchester, northern England, March 24, 2009. Hatton is set to fight Manny Pacquiao of the Phillipines in Las Vegas in May. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN SPORT BOXING)

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British boxer Ricky Hatton prepares to enter the ring during a training session at his gym in Manchester, northern England, March 24, 2009. Hatton is set to fight Manny Pacquiao of the Phillipines in Las Vegas in May. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN SPORT BOXING)

Reuters

Boxer Ricky Hatton, right, is seen during training session with his trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr in Manchester, England, Tuesday March 24, 2009. Hatton will fight Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in a light-welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Boxer Ricky Hatton in action during a training session with his trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr in Manchester, England, Tuesday March 24, 2009. Hatton will fight Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in a light-welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Boxer Ricky Hatton is seen during training session in Manchester, England, Tuesday March 24, 2009. Hatton will fight Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in a light-welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Manny Pacquiao: Floyd Mayweather Will Come Back originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roy Jones Jr. Defeats Omar Sheika at March Badness

Michael David Smith — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:37:00 EST

Filed under: Boxing Gossip

Appearing in the main event of the March Badness show he promoted, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Omar Sheika Saturday night in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida.

Jones was clearly faster and more skilled than Sheika, and after the first round it was obvious that Sheika didn't belong in the same ring with Jones. The hand speed that made Jones the best boxer in the world in the 1990s might have diminished somewhat, but it's still far beyond anything Sheika could handle. Jones never knocked Sheika down, but he so out-classed him that in the fifth round, the ref had seen enough and called a halt to the fight.

Some observers might question the decision to stop the fight, but it was the right call: Sheika wasn't doing anything except serving as a heavy bag for Jones. The fight came to an end at the right time.

Still fighting at age 40, Jones is well past his prime. But he remains able to draw an enthusiastic crowd in Pensacola, and his name can still convince boxing fans to purchase a pay-per-view. Jones is also now a full-fledged promoter, and his Square Ring Promotions company put together a mixed martial arts undercard that was respectable if not spectacular.

And respectable if not spectacular pretty well describes Jones at this point in his boxing career. He'll never be the best in the world again, but he could keep fighting for several more years. Maybe even until he's 50.

SEE ALSO:
March Badness Results
Din Thomas Wins, Threatens to Beat Up Chris Brown for Rihanna
Jeff Thomas Beats Roy Nelson by Controversial Decision
Bobby Lashley Unimpressive in Beating Jason Guida

Roy Jones Jr. Defeats Omar Sheika at March Badness originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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