Kelly Swanson

Gracias.  Hello.  Good afternoon and buenos días, everybody.  We are so happy today that you’re joining us.  We are getting ready and very close to the September 18th show.  It’s going to be an excellent show and joining us today are two of the participants of that show.  Calling in all of the way from Rosario, Argentina is Carlos “Tata” Baldomir and also, from beautiful, Guadalajara, Mexico, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.

Before we introduce and let the fighters talk, I’m going to turn it over to the one and only, ten-time world champion, Olympic gold medalist and President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya.

Oscar de la Hoya

Thank you very much.  Really, it’s a pleasure to be on the call with two great fighters, who will be facing each other September 18^th “200: Celebrate and Dominate” is going to be a spectacular event.  We not only have Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez against Carlos Baldomir, but also appearing on the card, as you know, Sugar Shane Mosley and Sergio Mora will be headlining the pay-per-view September 18th.  But we are also showcasing “Vicious” Vivian Harris against “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and the fourth televised fight, which will be an excellent one, like all are on this card, Daniel Ponce de León of … Mexico will take on Featherweight Antonio Escalante from El Paso, Texas and that will be for the Featherweight Eliminator, which promises to be an all out war.

We are extremely proud to be also partnering up once again with Fathom Theaters.  As you know, this event will be televised live on high definition on more than 300 selected movie theaters, which is obviously always a great treat for all of the fans out there, who want to watch it among a lot of people.  It will be an excellent treat.

This fight against Carlos Baldomir with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, obviously, we expect a war.  We expect a fight that is going to be a tremendous, tremendous fight.  You have Carlos Baldomir, who is an experienced veteran, an ex-world champion, who always comes to fight and never gives up.  He has beaten former world champions, world champions.  His most memorable wins obviously are over the late Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah.  He went 12 rounds with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  He obviously fought the late Vernon Forrest and obviously, as we all know, he defeated Joshua Clottey.

This fight here is going to be a test for both fighters.  Does … still have what it takes to become a world champion again and does Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez have what it takes to defeat such a great legend like Carlos Baldomir?

So, without any further ado, I would like to introduce to you, with a record of 45 … and 14 knockouts, a native of Santa Fe, Argentina, Carlos “Tata” Baldomir.

Carlos Baldomir

Hi.  Hello, everybody.  Thank you for being on. I am feeling real good in camp right now.  I feel strong.  I am calm.  I am working out with some young fighters that are very talented, one of them that’s highly ranked, Lucas Matthysse and some other young kids. I am ready to fight.  I am ready to get in the ring with the same faith and confidence that I always have when I get in the ring with and I am feeling very good.

De La Hoya

Now, at this time, I would like to introduce to you a young fighter, who is really making a lot of noise in Mexico and here in the States.  When I tell you he has a rock star-like following, he really does.  He is the one fighter now in Mexico who generates the biggest ratings on television from any athlete in any sport.  He has a tremendous punch, tremendous speed, great footwork.  He’s now ranked second by the WBC, fourth by the WBO, fourth by the WBA.  His most recent wins have been stoppage wins of Luciano Cuello in six rounds.  He had a record of 26 and 1 and obviously, his last fight with José Miguel Cotto, which he stopped in 9 rounds.

We feel this fight is a very dangerous fight for Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.  He’s facing an experienced fighter in Baldomir, but that’s a test that you have to take to move on, hopefully move on to the next challenge, the next tough challenge.

So, without any further ado, I would like to introduce to you-he has a record of 33 and 0 with 25 knockouts.  He’s of Guadalajara, Mexico.  He’s obviously undefeated at the age of 20-Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.

Saul Álvarez

Good morning, everybody.  Thank you for being on.  I’m very happy.  I’m very happy, very motivated for this fight.  I know that Baldomir is a very tough fighter.  He has faced some of the best fighters in the world and its part of my learning process.  I’ve got to get past fighters like this if I’m going to become a world champion, so I’m training very hard.  I feel good and I’m ready for this challenge.  It’s an honor for me to be fighting Baldomir.

Q

I had the opportunity to talk to Baldomir last week and Baldomir said if Cotto hurt him I’m going to knock him out.  ‘If I catch him with the same kind of punch I’ll be able to knock him out.’  So how do you feel about that, Canelo?  Also, obviously, what’s going to be your strategy for the fight?  I mean, obviously, he’s a tough fighter.  How do you think you’re going to be able to come out from this fight?”

Álvarez

Look, every opponent I’ve faced has said that they’re going to knock me out and once we get up in the ring it’s just words.  Nobody has been able to beat me, so I don’t care about words.  I feel motivated for the fight and I think I’m going to be the winner.”

Q

The question now is for Oscar.  The winner for this fight, Oscar, the winner, whoever becomes victorious that night, is there going to be a title fight in the near future?

De La Hoya

Well, obviously, it depends on the outcome, because we don’t know what the outcome is going to be.  All we know, it’s going to be a tough fight for both fighters.  Obviously, if Baldomir is winning there are different plans for Baldomir; with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez winning there are obviously different plans for him.  To discuss a world title after this fight wouldn’t be right for my part, so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens after this fight.

Q

Saúl, why do you think you have become so popular in Mexico?

Álvarez

I think it is my style and the manner and the way I fight.  That’s what I think.  I think that a lot of people follow me and they like the way I fight.

Q

What do you think is said about you? You got hurt early in the Cotto fight and you were able to recover nicely and win by a ninth round technical knockout.  What does that tell you about yourself, that you were able to recover like that?

Álvarez

It was a learning experience.  It was a learning experience.  Yes.  It was the first time ever in my career that I got hurt.  It got very complicated there, but I took my time and I was able to box and do what I had to do to become victorious.  That fight gave me a lot of confidence and I’m bringing that confidence into my next fight.  Obviously, I had a lot of outside problems that contributed in that fight.  I kind of wasn’t concentrating all that well, but it was a learning experience and I’ll take it.

Q

I just wanted to see if he you want to weigh in at all on your country man, Margarito, the whole hand wrap issue.  Do you have any thoughts on that issue at all regarding Margarito?

Álvarez

No.  You know what?  I really don’t have a comment about it.  A lot of people are speculating and talking about it, but I really don’t have any comments about it.

Q

Oscar, one quick thing if I may?  Margarito said that he thought that your influence, all of the bad things that you said about him, had a lot to do with him not getting his license in California; that you have a lot of influence with the Commission.  Do you have any thoughts on that?

De La Hoya

Well, obviously, people know the way I feel about that situation, but I’ve never spoken to the Commission.  The Commission has never spoken to me. I’m just a voice for everyone, who feels the same way I do.  Obviously, nobody wants to say what they feel, but I’m just a voice speaking my mind.  It’s my opinion of what I feel about the situation, because I love this sport.  I have passion for this sport and I don’t want to see anybody try to cheat the sport.  That’s all I would say.

Q

Obviously, Saúl, you’re going to be fighting in front of a big stage here in Los Angeles.  A lot of the Mexicans here in Los Angeles are different than back in Mexico.  Is there added pressure fighting in front of a different crowd like here in Mexico, the Mexicans here?

Alvarez

No.  It’s no pressure whatsoever.  I feel confident.  I’ve been in front of a big stage before.  I feel no pressure.  I’m motivated.”

Q

The question is, Baldomir is a very tough fighter. He likes to go toe-to-toe. He’s got a very good chin.  He doesn’t get knocked out.  Does that more or less help you with your strategy for the fight or the outcome of the fight?

Alvarez

Look, I’m prepared for anything.  Yes, I have a lot of knockouts on my ledger, but I don’t look for the knockouts.  I’m prepared to go the ten rounds.  Obviously, if the knockout presents itself I’m going to go for it.”

Q

Carlos, you’re going to face Saúl  Álvarez, who is less experienced than you. You saw that he got hurt.  What kind of strategy?  Is that going to give you more confidence going into the fight?  How are you going to go about your fight?”

Baldomir

Yes, he is less experienced.  Yes, I’ve seen that he got hurt before.  Yes, I’m probably going to try to punch him the same way.  I’m going to try to land the same kind of punches.  I’m going to go at him. I think personally that he’s a little fragile and I’m going to test him.  I know that he can be an aggressive fighter, so I’m ready to go toe-to-toe with him if he wants.  This fight has me very, very motivated.  I’m so hungry.  I’ve always been quiet before fights, but this time I feel so motivated and hungry for the bigger fights that I’m talking a little bit this time.”

Q

Carlos, given the guys that you’ve been in the ring with, Vernon Forrest, Floyd Mayweather and the victories you’ve had, among them, Arturo Gatti and Zab Judah, can “Canelo” show you anything that you haven’t seen before?

Baldomir

No.  He doesn’t present a problem.  I don’t think I’m going to see anything that I haven’t seen before.  I’ve fought bigger, better fighters than him.  I think he’s a novice.  He’s won all of his fights in Mexico.  He hasn’t really fought anybody. I think he’s good, but I think I’m a lot better than him and I’m going to win on September 18th.

Q

Canelo, you heard what he just said and you know he’s a very durable guy.  Do you see him as your toughest fight and your most defining fight?   Do you see this as a chance to show your overall boxing skills and ring generalship?

Álvarez

You know what?  I’m working hard.  I’m working hard in the gym.  I know that he’s a very, very strong fighter, but I’m going to do my fight.  We have our strategy and I’m going to make my fight.  I have a lot of confidence as well, even though he’s strong, I’m also strong and I’m going to bring that to the ring.”

Q

It’s your first time fighting at STAPLES Center.  What are you going to give the fans?  What are you promising to the fans?”

Álvarez

Look, I’m promising a great fight.  I know that he’s a tough fighter.  I know that he’s got a style that comes forward, very aggressive.  I’m promising everybody it’s going to be a great fight.

Q

How does it feel that in Mexico, Televisa, the biggest network, they have you almost every hour, they have clips of you, they’re announcing your fight, they’re promoting you?  They’re doing a great job.  How does that feel?  Is that added pressure?  How does that feel?

Álvarez

I accept it.  I accept it. It’s not too many fighters that get that acknowledgement.  I accept it and it motivates me.  It makes me hungrier, so I accept it and I’m ready to deliver.

Q

Just one question here, Canelo.  What does it mean to you to do well, perform well and become known in the United States?

Álvarez

Yes, it’s very important to me.  Obviously, to be able to fight in America it’s every fighter’s dream.  I think in the United States, that’s the big leagues.  It’s the big leagues and if you can make it there you can make it all over the world.  I’m very, very motivated and I’m happy to be fighting in the U.S.

Q

The question is Chavez, Jr., he’s number one in the WBC in your weight division.  Is that possible next fight for you?

Álvarez

You know what?  Look, I’ll fight him whenever.  I’ll fight him today.  I’ll fight him tomorrow. I’ll fight him any time.  It’s up to my promoters.  Let the promoters talk.  Let them reach an agreement and I’ll fight him.  No problem.”

Q

Canelo, you’ve talked a little bit about, we’ve talked about your popularity in Mexico and I’m wondering what you think you need to do to help translate that popularity from Mexico into the United States among the boxing fans here, because you’ve got a great start with the fan base in Mexico and, of course, being on this card on a Mexican holiday that’s being promoted very fiercely towards the Mexican community, but what do you have to do to sort of cross over, to get the boxing fans in America to be on the bandwagon like they are, certainly, in Mexico?

Álvarez

I think the important thing is to demonstrate that I’m a good fighter and to make a good showing and not only make a good showing, but keep improving.  Obviously, fighting the best fighters in the world as well, that’s going to help, but I want to be an exciting fighter.  I want to make good fights.  I think that’s what’s going to make me well known here in the United States.

Q

I’m curious, two other things about his plans here:  One is how often do you plan to fight in the United States in terms of balancing fights in the United States compared to how often you will fight in Mexico where I assume you still would like to fight?  Also, have you decided, are you going to be fighting regularly as a Welterweight or as a Junior Middleweight?  I know you have been able to go back and forth between the two weight classes.

Álvarez

Well, the first thing I want to answer is I want to stay at Welterweight.  I’m a Welterweight. I’m going to fight at Welterweight.  Obviously, this fight here was contracted at a catch weight and this is a special, special fight here, so we had to do it that way.

Secondly, yes, I want to fight more often in the United States, maybe do one fight in between here and there in Mexico, but all of the big fights are in the U.S. and I plan to start making my career in the U.S.

Q

Carlos, I know after I guess it might have been after the Vernon Forrest fight I think you indicated that you were going to retire and that you had a heck of a career, especially late going in your career.  I guess there was a long layoff in there and now you are coming back and had a couple of fights.  I’m just curious.  What was the motivation for you to keep on fighting?  Was it just the money or was it just your desire to continue to compete?  What was it that continued to put you into the ring?

Baldomir

I’m coming back mainly because of the glory, because of the glory.  I still have a little bit of hunger.  I still feel that I can do something in boxing and I’m going for the glory.  Obviously, there’s a great advantage, this advantage that I have to fight “Canelo” Álvarez; it’s a big, big opportunity for me and I want to take advantage of it.  I want to take advantage of it because beating this one fight, beating him, I know there’s going to be some big fights. It’s a great opportunity and I’m going to take advantage of it.

Q

Carlos Baldomir, you’ve heard Saúl  Álvarez.  He’s very confident.  You are very confident as well.  Can you predict a knockout?”

Baldomir

You know what? I come out to fight and I come out to fight and the knockout can happen at any time.  When the bell rings in the first round I’m going to come right at him and I’m going to be looking for the knockout, so it can happen in the first round, second, any round, but I’m going to go for the knockout.  I fought five, six Mexicans in my career and I’ve beat all of Mexicans I’ve faced.  I plan to make him the next.”

Q

This is a very, very tough fight obviously.  Baldomir is a bigger guy.  He can get up to Middleweight or Super Middleweight after he makes weight before the fight.  How do you feel about that?

Alvarez

I know it’s going to be a good fight.  I keep repeating it’s going to be a good fight.  I’m glad that he’s motivated and he’s confident, because that means that it’s going to make for a better fight.

Q

Do you think that you could be the first guy to actually knock him out?”

Álvarez

Look, I don’t look for the knockout.  I don’t look for the knockout. I’m ready to fight the entire fight, but if the knockout comes I will take advantage of it and I’ll close the show.

Q

Every athlete, especially in boxing, obviously thinks about winning, but there’s a chance of losing.  Do you ever think about losing?

Álvarez

Well, obviously, yes.  I mean you’ve got to think about it.  Any sport you’ve got to think about it.  There’s a winner and a loser, but not at this time.  It doesn’t cross my mind.  I’m ready to win.  I know I’m going to win.  That’s the way I feel.

Q

Carlos, you’re fighting a young fighter.  He’s only 20-years-old.  Is that an advantage or disadvantage?

Baldomir

Well, obviously, yes.  When you’re young that’s somewhat of an advantage, but I have a lot of experience and that’s what’s going to help me.  I fought the best, was in the ring with the best.  I beat some.  I lost to some, but you’ve got to remember, I was in my peak just three years ago, four years ago, 2006, 2007.  A lot of people say that I’m old, that I’m gone, I shouldn’t be fighting.  But guess what?  It was just three years ago.  I still feel that I have so much to give.

Q

The question is a two-part question:  The first question is, Saúl  Álvarez, you fought last year in Mexico in September.  Obviously, you’ve always fought in Mexico on Independence Day.  How does it feel to be fighting in LA for the first time on Independence Day? Is there pressure?

Álvarez

Look, I feel great.  It’s a big motivating factor.  I’m fighting out there for the first time. It’s the bicentennial.  I feel very motivated and proud to be fighting on that date, especially in Los Angeles.

There is no pressure at all.  I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever.  I feel motivated.

Q

Are you planning to ruin this party for Canelo and for the Mexicans?

Baldomir

No, not at all.  Everybody knows that I’m a good fighter.  I’m not looking to ruin anything.  Everybody knows I’m a good fighter and I can win this fight.  If I do with the fight I’m still going to raise my hands up and say Viva Mexico.

Swanson

Thank you, everybody, for joining the call; 200: Celebrate and Dominate Mosley vs. Mora and Saúl  Álvarez versus Carlos Baldomir live on pay-per-view. Tickets still available.  Saturday, September 18th.  You can go to WhoAreYouPicking.com or HBO.com for live updates.

De La Hoya

Thank you.  Gracias, Baldomir.  Gracias, Saúl . We’re going to have a great week of festivities the week of the fight.  It’s going to memorable, the biggest event.  This event is the official event of the bicentennial festivities in Los Angeles, so we’re very excited.  Thank you very much to everyone.

END OF CALL

“200: CELEBRATE AND DOMINATE”Mosley vs. Mora is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and DeWalt Tools.  The special night of boxing set for Saturday, September 18 at STAPLES Center is an official event of the Mexican Bicentennial celebration in Los Angeles, Calif.  The night will be headlined by Five-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley facing off against former World Champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora in a 12-round junior middleweight showdown, top rated Junior Welterweight “Vicious” Victor Ortiz facing former World Champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris and former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon taking on number two world rated featherweight Antonio Escalante in a WBO Featherweight Title Elimination bout.  Tickets for Mosley vs. Mora, priced at $200, $125, $75 and $20, are on sale now and available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000.  Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

Widely considered to be one of female boxing’s best pound for pound fighters, Moreno Valley, California’s Kaliesha West will return home to fight in Southern California on Saturday, September 18 to face South Carolina’s Angel Gladney for the vacant WBO Bantamweight World Title on the off-television portion of the “200: Celebrate and Dominate” Mosley vs. Mora undercard at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

This world championship bout adds to a card that includes a main event featuring Five-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley facing off against former World Champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, Mexican phenom Saul “Canelo” Alvarez facing former World Champion Carlos “Tata” Baldomir, top junior welterweight contender “Vicious” Victor Ortiz taking on former World Champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris and former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon taking on number two world rated featherweight Antonio Escalante in a WBO Featherweight Title Elimination bout.

An amateur superstar who won 98 bouts over the course of a career that saw her earn National Golden Gloves and Junior Olympics titles, Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (12-1-2, 3 KO’s) has been boxing since the age of ten and at just 22 years old, she is knocking on the door of a world title.  Unbeaten for nearly two years, West is coming off a fifth round TKO of Vannessa Guimaraes in June and she’s ready for the biggest fight of her career at STAPLES Center on September 18.

Though she doesn’t own the same amount of amateur accolades as her opponent, South Carolina’s Angel “Non-Stop” Gladney (6-2-1, 5 KO’s) certainly has the same determination to win the Bantamweight World Title this September.  A pro since 2009, Gladney has shown amazing power thus far, and with all five of her knockout wins coming in the first round, expect fireworks early when these two bantamweights collide.

“200: CELEBRATE AND DOMINATE” Mosley vs. Mora is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and DeWalt Tools.  The special night of boxing set for Saturday, September 18 at STAPLES Center is an official event of the Mexican Bicentennial celebration in Los Angeles, Calif., and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Tickets for Mosley vs. Mora, priced at $200, $125, $75 and $20, are on sale now and available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000.  Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

Credit: Hayemaker Boxing

In a YouTube video released on August 31st, Haye blames the failure to reach a deal for a showdown with Wladimir Klitschko on Klitschko’s unreasonable financial demands. According to Haye, he entered negotiations on the basis of a 50-50 split. Klitschko rejected that, citing the stipulations of his German TV contract. Fair enough, Haye replied, and offered instead to make a different kind of 50-50 split. Instead of splitting the revenue in a common pot, Haye would get 100% of the British revenue and Klitschko would get 100% of the German revenue. According to Haye, Klitschko never responded to that offer, essentially letting it die on the table. That makes Wladimir Klitschko’s de facto position one where he receive much more than half the money on offer. If he wants all the German TV revenue and a piece of the British action as well, then he wants most of the pie.

Given that Haye vs. Wlad is the only exciting heavyweight fight on the horizon, both men would make more money than any other opportunity on some kind of 50-50 split. By demanding the lion’s share of the purse, Klitschko is ensuring that Haye won’t make much more money than he would off of a more ordinary fight, and under terms like that why should Haye fight Klitschko? Klitschko might be the kingpin of the division, but the big Ukrainian simply cannot put butts in the seats west of the Rhine, and is therefore in no position to be demanding more than half the money.

Some commentators will continue to slander Haye’s motives, but ultimately I think Haye is telling us the truth or something pretty close to it. The reason is simple: there is documentary proof of every offer, counter-offer and response involved in this negotiating process. If Haye said something that was untrue, Wladimir Klitschko would surely come out with the documents to prove it, and then repeat his charge that Haye was running scared. He hasn’t and he won’t. The truth is one of two sad old stories in boxing: either the money isn’t quite good enough to make both men happy on fair terms, or one side of the equation (in this case, Klitschko) isn’t really interested in making the fight happen and therefore never negotiated in good faith.

Things could have been so good for heavyweight boxing. In the form of the imposing, stern, chillingly impassive Klitschko brothers, the division was supplied with the perfect bad guys. ‘Dr Ironfist’ (Vitali) and ‘Dr Steelhammer’ (Wladimir) naturally fit the eastern European stereotype in terms of personality and physical specimens; they resemble Ivan Drago from Rocky. But where’s Rocky?

Credit: Mike Boehm / ProBoxing-Fans.com

While younger brother Wladimir (34) is set to take on Sam Peter in a rematch on September 11th, which is expected to be a more straightforward task for the improved Klitschko than the first affair which saw him hit the canvas three times, the older and bigger brother, Vitali (39), fights Shannon Briggs on October 16th.

With Vitali looking invincible ever since his loss to Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis due to terrible lacerations around his eyes (Vitali was ahead on the scorecards at the time) in 2003, the boxing world has been crying out for someone to challenge the Ukrainian.

Stylistically Vitali (like his younger sibling) does not capture the imagination. He doesn’t destroy opponents like a prime Tyson, he jabs their heads off and breaks their resolve without letting them get inside his imposing reach before eventually knocking them out (as he has done in 38 out of 40 of his wins) in an almost systematic fashion.

The lack of worthy contenders to Vitali Klitschko, coupled with this style, has left fans of boxing turning away from the division which traditionally attracts the most attention. Right now boxing needs superstars to give it a recovery injection that will ignite excitement. Outside of Mayweather vs Pacquiao, it should be the heavyweight division where this can happen, as it always has done in the past… but can it again?

Shannon Briggs (38) is not going to be the man to set the sport alight. The big man from New York who was recently renamed as “Shannon ‘where’s my asthma pump’ Briggs” by the ever ready to talk British heavyweight contender David Haye, has been a decent fighter but never a contender for being  an actual superstar. He has been shown up in the past, most recently by Sultan Ibragimov in March 2007, in a fight for the WBO belt that Briggs held, as a sluggish, one dimensional fighter.

Although he has undoubted power (the most 1^st round knockouts of any heavyweight champion in the history of the sport with 31, including his last three victims), he has never proven himself at the top level and instead has boosted his record by fighting outmatched opponents. His last significant victory came in 2006 when he won the WBO title in a bout with Sergiy Liakhovich, this came courtesy of a 12^th round KO after a lackluster previous 11 rounds saw him behind on all the scorecards.

While Vitali talks up his opponent (you know something is up when a champion has to promote the challenger) as being experienced and a dangerous puncher, it is hard for anyone to really vindicate this as a competitive fight. Unless Vital has suddenly aged, he will box Briggs’ head off and then finish him off in the mid to late rounds. Although, of course, if Briggs is brave and really goes for it, then Vitali may finish him early – this is unlikely as Briggs will most likely go into damage limitation mode so that when the fight is over he can enjoy his pay day, just like most others who face the big Ukrainian.

Briggs has spouted the usual mantra of promising to “take the fight to him”, although it seems unlikely that ‘The Cannon’ will get anywhere near the champ. In addition, many fans won’t go anywhere near this matchup, instead asking the question of shouldn’t one of the torchbearers for the flagship division of the sport should be doing more for the sweet science?

In Germany the Klitschko bros can do no wrong and a massive TV audience of around 10 million will tune in to watch the fight, while the O2 World Arena in Hamburg, Germany will most likely be full of 16,000 pro Klitschko fans. So in his comfort zone of Germany, Klitschko can hide away from the pressure and frustration exhumed by boxing fans demanding and craving an exciting heavyweight division. Boxing haven HBO has seemingly turned its back on the Klitschkos, barring one of the few, big time fights that the division could offer.

The current monotony of the most notorious division in boxing is not completely Vitali Klitschko’s fault though. Who has he had to fight in recent years? Contenders have come and gone with none being able to force a spectacle worth remembering against ‘Dr Ironfist’.

Fights with David Haye fell through for both brothers. Meanwhile, perhaps one of the Klitschko brothers should have faced off with Russian giant Nikolay Valuev, which would have at least been an interesting sideshow spectacle. But the point remains that there is a lack of talent – and perhaps more crucially American talent – in the heavyweight division which has been to the detriment to the sport as a whole.

Klitschko vs Briggs is not acceptable and won’t capture the imagination of many outside of Germany and Eastern Europe. What would though in this crucial weight class? A Klitschko against Alexander Povetkin? Yes, but Teddy Atlas, Povetkin’s trainer, doesn’t think his man is ready yet. A match up with Tomasz Adamek? Yes, but seemingly the Pole based in Newark is still building up to a challenge against the brothers. A showdown with the ‘Hayemaker’? Yes, but they need to sort out their differences on the negotiating table first.

Prior to his easy win over Albert Sosnowski in his last outing, Vitali pondered that “There are no big names out there, so we wait on a new generation to emerge”. He does have a point. But many fans have already turned away from the sport and more will soon as patience continues to run thin.

For Vitali, time is running out to really put his fist print on the history of the sport. As Cus D’amato once said; “To be successful a fighter must not only win but he must win in an exciting manner”. For this to happen for Vitali, he needs an exciting fight with a worthy contender. Perhaps, with the likes of Adamek, Haye and Povetkin priming themselves for an attack at the brothers in 2011, fans who have stuck around will finally get what they and the sport need – real excitement in the division that matters the most.

Episode 7 chronicles the Super Six World Boxing Classic in the days preceding Andre Ward vs. Allan Green. Plus, with unlimited access, FIGHT CAMP 360° takes viewers inside the training camps and into the lives of the fighters as they prepared for their impending bouts. And finally, episode 7 goes to Denmark as Mikkel Kessler makes the painful decision to withdraw from the tournament.

While HBO’s 24/7 gets more attention, as do their fight countdown shows, the Showtime Fight Camp 360 has been a hit. It really gets behind the scenes, showcasing intimate footage of the fighters and their camps, as well as fight footage, some overarching, big picture Super Six Tournament stuff, and much more. The episode is definitely worth a look, so check it out tonight. It then re-airs:

*Note: all times ET/PT

Wednesday, Sept. 1               11p                  SHO2

Sunday, Sept. 5                      6:45p               SHO2

Friday, Sept. 10                       7p                    SHO

Saturday, Sept. 11                  6:15p               SHO

Monday, Sept. 20                    Midnight           SHO2

Tuesday, Sept. 21                   11:30p            SHO2

Wednesday, Sept. 22             Midnight           SHO2

Friday, Sept. 24                       10p                  SHO2

Saturday, Sept. 25                  11:30a             SHO

Saturday, Sept. 25                  3:45p               SHO2

Thursday, Sept. 30                 1p                    SHO

On a night celebrating the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence, it is only fitting that two Mexican warriors open up the star-studded September 18 pay-per-view telecast from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, as former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon of Chihuahua squares off against Ciudad Juarez native Antonio Escalante in what promises to be a bona-fide Fight of the Year candidate.

The 12-round WBO Featherweight Eliminator kicks off the pay-per-view telecast which also includes a main event featuring Five-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley facing off against former World Champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, Mexican phenom Saul “Canelo” Alvarez facing former World Champion Carlos “Tata” Baldomir and top junior welterweight contender “Vicious” Victor Ortiz taking on former World Champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris.

“200: CELEBRATE AND DOMINATE” Mosley vs. Mora is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and DeWalt Tools.  The special night of boxing set for Saturday, September 18 at STAPLES Center is an official event of the Mexican Bicentennial celebration in Los Angeles, Calif., and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Mosley vs. Mora, priced at $200, $125, $75 and $20, are on sale now and available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000.  Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

A devastating two-fisted puncher, Daniel Ponce De Leon (39-2, 32 KO’s) held the WBO Junior Featherweight World title for nearly three years from 2005 to 2008, defending his crown six times.  In 2009, the 30-year-old southpaw began his campaign at 126 pounds, and with four straight wins at featherweight, including 2010 victories over Orlando Cruz and Cornelius Lock, De Leon is well on his way to another world championship shot.

A thrill-a-minute battler who has captivated fight fans in his adopted home of El Paso, Texas, 25-year-old Antonio Escalante (23-2, 15 KO’s) holds wins over the likes of Mike Oliver, Gary Stark Jr. and Cornelius Lock.  This year, he has taken his game to the next level with an unforgettable 10 round win over Miguel Roman in a 2010 Fight of the Year candidate in February and a three round blitz of veteran Edel Ruiz in August.  If he can cap off the year with a big win over De Leon, a world title shot will be first on Escalante’s 2011 wish list.

It was lights, camera, action for Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora and “Vicious” Victor Ortiz in Los Angeles recently, when both fighters shot a national AT&T commercial to promote the company’s Viva Mexico Plan and the fighters’ September 18 bouts which are part of “200: CELEBRATE AND DOMINATE” from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.  The event will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The commercial will air starting this Friday, September 3 and will run through fight night on Spanish-language television networks such as Univision, Telemundo, Telefutura, Azteca America and Mega TV, as well as on a number of independent stations in key markets across the country.

With the focus on family and the rich heritage of the Mexican Independence Day Bicentennial, the commercial will utilize the fighters to convey its theme – staying in touch with relatives and friends in Mexico.  Former Junior Middleweight World Champion Mora, who will face Five-Time and Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, and top rated junior welterweight Ortiz, who faces former World Champion Vivian Harris, have family and friends in Mexico and were more than happy to be a part of the commercial and it’s message.

“This commercial hits home because when my mother first moved to this country, she did not have a way to stay in touch with her family who stayed behind in Mexico,” said Mora.  “I am proud of my heritage, my family’s history and connection to Mexico.  I am looking forward to representing the Mexican people on September 18.”

“I am honored to have been selected by AT&T to appear in this national commercial,” said Ortiz.  “I understand the importance of being a Mexican-American, maintaining ties with my Mexican roots and fighting on the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence.  I’ll be ready to make Mexican fans proud when I step into the ring.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to work with these two talented Latino boxers and Golden Boy Promotions as we celebrate Mexico’s ‘Bicentenario;’ a historical observance of great significance to many of our Hispanic customers,” said Roberto Garcia, executive director, Hispanic Marketing, AT&T.  ”We look forward to another exciting night of boxing.”

The AT&T Viva Mexico Plan includes Mexico, as well as the United States, allowing subscribers to call to and from Mexico for less.  Please visit www.att.com/vivamexico for more information.

“200: CELEBRATE AND DOMINATE” Mosley vs. Mora is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and DeWalt Tools.  The special night of boxing set for Saturday, September 18 at STAPLES Center is an official event of the Mexican Bicentennial celebration in Los Angeles, Calif.  The night will also feature Mexican phenom Saul “Canelo” Alvarez facing former World Champion Carlos “Tata” Baldomir and top rated junior welterweight “Vicious” Victor Ortiz taking on former World Champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris.

Tickets for Mosley vs. Mora, priced at $200, $125, $75 and $20, are on sale now and available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000.  Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

Credit: Team Guerrero

The song, “Únete con la Gota de la Vida” translated “Join the Drop of Life” is a global health awareness movement to encourage the Latino community about the significance of joining the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and supporting the lifesaving efforts at City of Hope, a pioneering research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Robert’s wife Casey Guerrero was diagnosed with Leukemia in October of 2007, and after a few relapses, was told that she would have to undergo a bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with a 50/50 chance to survive.  With the help of programs like the (NMDP), a donor was found in Europe and Casey’s life was saved.

“I’m truly thankful to God for programs like (NMDP),” said Casey Guerrero. “Without these types of programs, many people in my situation will lose their life.  Words can’t describe how happy and grateful I was when my doctors told me they found a bone marrow match in the registry.  I am alive today because someone took the time to be a bone marrow donor.  Please unite with us to help register more Latino’s and save lives.”

Jerry Jones and Bob Arum, owner of the Dallas Cowboys and chairman of Top Rank, respectively, announced today that Cowboys Stadium would be the site of Pacquiao vs. Margarito, World Super Welterweight Championship. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Cowboys Stadium, and MP Promotions, Pacquiao vs. Margarito will take place Saturday, November 13 and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Tickets to Pacquiao vs. Margarito, priced at $700, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, go on sale Saturday, September 18 and can be purchased in-person at the Cowboys Stadium ticket office in Arlington, or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.  Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

This marks Pacquiao’s second world championship headlining appearance at Cowboys Stadium.  On March 13, professional boxing made its debut at Cowboys Stadium where close to 51,000 fans watched Pacquiao successfully defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against former world champion Joshua Clottey.  Call it Mannyfist Destiny, Pacquiao, no stranger to making history, will not only be looking to expand his trophy case by winning an unprecedented eighth world title in as many different weight divisions, but he will also be the first elected official to fight for a world championship, much less headline a major international pay-per-view promotion.  He won a seat in his country’s Congress, winning the lone seat from the province of Sarangani, in a landslide in the May 10 election.

“It was an honor to fight in the first world championship held at Cowboys Stadium.  Jerry Jones was a wonderful host,” said Pacquiao.  “I look forward to returning to Cowboys Stadium and fighting before the wonderful fans in North Texas.  I know Antonio Margarito poses great challenges for me but Freddie Roach and I will train our hardest to win.  I am fighting for more than pride or history.  I am fighting for the glory of the Philippines.”

For Margarito, a three-time world welterweight champion, this will be his second attempt at a world super welterweight title.  Margarito’s resume includes victories over six former or current world champions.  Known as the “Tijuana Tornado,” the hard-hitting Margarito is the WBC’s International super welterweight champion and its No. 1 super welterweight contender.

“I look forward to this fight with Manny Pacquiao to prove once again that I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Margarito.  “Pacquiao has stopped some of the best Mexican fighters in the world, but he won’t be able to stop this Mexican.”

“Cowboys Stadium was built for Super Bowls and super fights.  Pacquiao vs. Margarito combines the best elements of both,” said Jones.  “The fans of North Texas embraced Manny Pacquiao as boxing’s No. 1 pound for pound attraction when he fought here in March and we cannot wait to extend our hospitality to him again and to

fellow world champion Antonio Margarito. This is a great fight, and it is one we can showcase to the fullest in Cowboys Stadium.”

Cowboys Stadium will be configured for over 50,000 fans for Pacquiao vs. Margarito, with elevated floor seating similar to NBA games.

“Jerry Jones has ushered in a new era in boxing as 51,000 fans witnessed at Cowboys Stadium last March when Manny defended his welterweight title,” said Arum.

“Jerry knows exactly how to present an event of this magnitude which is why it is so easy to work together again. Manny and Antonio have never backed away from a challenge.  They don’t go around obstacles they meet them head-on, which is exactly what they will do on November 13 when they face each other in the ring for the world title.  It’s going to be a night to remember for the fans in North Texas and those watching on pay-per-view around the world.

“Manny Pacquiao is a boxing superstar and a world figure,” said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. “Cowboy Stadium is a world-class venue. We look forward to bringing sports fans another big night with the Pacquiao-Margarito telecast on November 13.”

Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, returns to the ring after successfully defending his WBO welterweight title via a dominant unanimous decision over former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion Clottey.  Pacquiao captured the WBO welterweight title last November with a brilliant 12^th round knockout of four-time world champion Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao’s victory made him the first man to win seven titles in as many different weight divisions, with his last three world championships coming by way of knockout. The consensus Fighter of the Year for the third time in the past four years and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resume features victories over future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and Cotto. His knockout victories over Cotto and Hatton made him the 2009 pay-per-view king, exceeding two million buys combined, while no boxer has sold more live tickets than Pacquiao in 2010.

Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs), a native of Tijuana, México, captured his first world title in 2002, winning the vacant WBO welterweight title with a tenth-round TKO of Antonio Diaz.  He reigned as WBO champion for five years, successfully defending his title seven times – five by knockout – including victories over world champions Kermit Cintron, Andrew Lewis and Clottey.  After losing the title to Paul Williams in 2007, Margarito dethroned IBF welterweight champion Cintron in a rematch, knocking him out in their 2008 fight.  Margarito claimed his third welterweight title when he stopped undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in the eleventh round of their July 2008 battle, arguably the fight of the year.

The Pacquiao vs. Margarito pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET /6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.  For Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com or www.toprank.com .

If a few years ago you had said that the junior welterweight division was the sport’s deepest, and one of the most exciting, you might have gotten laughed at. However, an entire new crop of champions and contenders has emerged, while some familiar faces continue to lurk around, looking for big fights and big opportunities to capitalize on. At ProBoxing-Fans.com, we have a huge collection of fighter profiles that can help you brush up on the biographies, career records and even amateur careers of all of the top fighters in the game, including the blazing hot 140 lbs. weight class.

We’ve just added a few new junior welterweight profiles to the scene, including those of Devon Alexander, one of the top 2 140 pound fighters in the world, and Zab Judah, a former champion who’s looking to get back in the mix. This adds to the great collection of detailed fighter information we already have available, with fighters like:

• Amir Khan
• Timothy Bradley
• Marcos Maidana
• Victor Ortiz
• Juan Manuel Marquez and;
• Paulie Malignaggi

So take a look around, and check out the rest of our always growing collection of fighter profiles as well. If we don’t have any information for a fighter, and you’d like to see it up there, then give us a shout and we’ll get it done. In the mean time, keep coming back around for more of the best boxing news and coverage on the web, right here at ProBoxing-Fans.com.