Tag Archives: cherry

Posted on 07/03/2017

Manny Pacquiao Reached for Cherries and was Poked by a Horn
By: Kirk Jackson

Shockwaves were sent throughout the boxing world once again when Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao 59-7-2 (38 KO’s) lost a stunning, controversial decision to relatively unknown challenger Jeff “The Hornet” Horn 17-0-1 (11 KO’s) last weekend.

Many viewers, including the commentary team of ESPN headed by Teddy Atlas, Joe Tessitore, Timothy Bradley and Stephen A. Smith were baffled upon the announcement of Horn’s victory and openly questioned the validity of the decision.

A few other celebrities chimed in as well.

#PacquiaoHorn pic.twitter.com/i1oqnD74Q2

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 2, 2017

While the decision remains controversial, what’s more shocking is how the actual fight manifested.

The score of 117-111 in favor of Horn is repulsive, even a unanimous decision for either fighter is questionable.

The tally of that score would not be reflective of the performance from either fighter to be frank. However, the score of 115-113 can be considered accurate and indicative of the battle in Brisbane.

Despite the one-sided commentary and erroneous if not questionable CompuBox numbers, Horn made the fight ugly and highly competitive.

As commentator Tim Bradley pointed out, if the fight is close, the score may benefit the hometown fighter.

Some viewers may argue the CompuBox numbers were so one-sided, there’s no way a decision could be scored for Horn.

CompuBox is the name of a computerized scoring system run by two operators.

CompuBox is used in professional boxing matches across the world and serves as a statistical aid for observers at home watching the fights.

Concerns revolving around the accuracy of CompuBox numbers are another issue. What they claim to do (precisely tally punches thrown and landed from each fighter) is nearly impossible in real time.

CompuBox is essentially two guys hitting a button when they think a punch landed and hitting a button when they think a punch was thrown.

That itself is inaccurate with so many variations of punches that can be thrown. Does CompuBox tell the distinction between jabs for example?

Jabs can be utilized as a pitty-pat distraction or be used to set up a follow up power punch, or can be used as a power jab.

There are some punch counts that can’t be defended in any way when you analyze the actual round and it should not be utilized when scoring a round.

If the accuracy stats were computed after the fight, with the possibility to slow down and replay exchanges, then it might work. But during the fight there’s no way you can identify and track landed shots consistently.

Many Pacquiao supporters complained of CompuBox’s inaccuracy in the aftermath of Pacquiao’s fight against Floyd Mayweather in 2015.

Regarding the Pacquiao vs. Horn fight, it was indeed foul-infested; numerous incidental head-butts and head-clashing, holding and hitting from Horn, head-locks and other WWE inspired holds, elbows, anything Horn could muster.

And for his part, Pacquiao played right into his hands.

There was one constant issue Atlas failed to mention throughout the telecast. The managing of real estate, or for better terms – the controlling of distance.

Pacquiao couldn’t maintain the space he needed to effectively get his shots off and he was outworked and out-hustled by the younger Horn.

As the well-seasoned veteran with over 60 fights, Pacquiao failed to capitalize on the obvious and constant mistakes from Horn, the challenger with less than 20 fights.

Horn reliably lunged in and leaned in with his head and upper-body whenever he attacked; therefore telegraphing most of his punches. It’s mind boggling how someone with such superior speed, mobility and experience (Pacquiao) could not capitalize on these recognizable errors.

Pacquiao is capable of landing right-check hooks; he landed one of those punches on Floyd Mayweather a few years back in their fight. Where was the pivoting and stepping to the side from Pacquiao?

As far as punch accuracy, Pacquiao consistently hit air. Pacquiao certainly had his moments; in the fourth round, sprinkling clean shots here and there throughout the course of the bout and the ninth round was as dominant a round we’ve witnessed in years from the Pac-man.

It took Pacquiao a few rounds to get warmed up, as he really didn’t start finding his mark until the fourth round or so and with the exception of round nine, Pacquiao looked gassed towards the end of the fight.

We can attribute the inaccuracy and conditioning issues to old age, as Pacquiao is set to turn 39 later this year, or we can attribute this performance Horn’s awkwardness and ruggedness, or Pacquiao’s cold.

Apparently the Filipino congressmen battled a cold leading up to the fight. I believe he also battled a cold, along with experiencing the trauma of blood testing in his first encounter with Erik Morales which also resulted in a loss.

Colds, cramps, blood-testing and injured shoulders always appear to derail Pacquiao at some point it seems.

No matter how we dissect the fight and the results of the fight, controversy and everything that surrounds it, this is a classic example of cherry-picking gone wrong.

Leading up to the fight, measuring each fighter’s performances, Pacquiao possessed the clear edge on paper.

Hand-speed, foot-speed, punching power, mobility, punch accuracy, experience, chin, the only metrics and intangibles that were debatable were stamina and heart.

And Pacquiao bested two world champions (Bradley, Jessie Vargas) last year.

Pacquiao’s only blemish in recent years is against Mayweather – who is regarded as the best fighter of his generation.

For a moment, lets ignore the actual result of the contest between Pacquiao and Horn. The fight itself should not have been close or competitive, yet it was.

I personally saw #Manny win the fight. However #Horn deserved nothing but praise. They were hoping for a ? and got a Lion!

— Guillermo Rigondeaux (@RigoElChacal305) July 2, 2017

Apologies to Horn but Pacquiao had no business sharing the ring with a school teacher. Although it appears Professor Horn educated Pacquiao and the viewers with a display of tenacity, true-grit and undying will.

The results set-up a lucrative rematch for Horn and Pacquiao along with a probable change in venue. This also changes the landscape of the welterweight division and pound-for-pound rankings.

Obviously the pound-for-pound rankings vary, but we have to honor the results of the contest and even if there is a dispute regarding the results, the performance from Pacquiao was not pound-for-pound caliber.

Serious question, can anyone envision the newly crowned WBO welterweight champion Horn competing with the likes of current welterweight contenders Bradley or Vargas?

How about former champions – still contenders such as Danny Garcia and Kell Brook?
By: Kirk Jackson

Would Horn stand a chance against current unified WBA and WBC welterweight champion Keith Thurman or current IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence?

Can you picture Horn defeating Terence Crawford or even Adrien Broner?

Heck, Horn may even continue his legends tour and face Mayweather if he can defeat Conor McGregor (sounds weird typing that).

The point is despite his monumental victory, it’d be hard-fetched to find anyone outside of Australia favoring Horn’s chances against any of the aforementioned names.

There’s another legendary fighter from the same era with a fight approaching next month, who may want to take heed to this example.

What’s the moral of the story? Be careful of the cherries you pick.

Posted on 04/05/2017

Omar “Super O” Douglas Robbed by Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry!
By: Ken Hissner

At the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, Tuesday night “the 3 Blind Mice” in a Kings Promotion Omar “Super O” Douglas of Wilmington, DE, got robbed while Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry of the Bahamas now out of Wauchula, FL, got an “early Christmas present”. If the Boxing Director Greg Sirb doesn’t at least check judge Morgan’s 98-92 there is something rotten in Denmark! “Sirb said they are all world class judges when I questioned the scoring,” said Mr. Douglas.

In the main event super lightweight Omar “Super O” Douglas, 17-2 (12), of Wilmington, DE, was robbed when Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry, 36-7-2 (19), of the Bahamas now out of Wauchula, FL, was given the 10 round decision.

In the opening round Cherry controlled with hard rights to the head of Douglas until the latter started going to the jab and body. In the second round Douglas adjusted well in another good round of boxing. He landed several nice overhand rights to the head as Cherry would go to his own left. In the third round with Cherry chasing Douglas showed good movement landing right hands following an effective jab. Two of Philly’s top trainers “Bozy” Ennis and “The Breadman” were calling out instructions. The trainer of Douglas is Doug Pettiford.

In the fourth round Douglas was moving up and down throwing Cherry off. It’s been a very competitive fight but Cherry seems to have problems with the movement of Douglas. In the fifth round Douglas landed a power jab that snapped Cherry’s head back. This was a major test for Douglas coming off his first loss in his last fight. In the sixth round a Douglas left hook to the body drove Cherry back several steps. A solid lead right by Douglas on the chin of Cherry got his attention. At the bell a Douglas left hook to the chin almost dropped Cherry.

In the seventh round both landed left hooks at the same time. Douglas is now chasing Cherry starting to land a jab to the body and a left hook to the head driving Cherry back several steps at the bell. In the eighth round Cherry is back to chasing knowing he is behind late in the fight. Cherry landed a hard right after the bell for the second straight round without warning from referee Gary Rosato.

In the ninth round it was first Douglas then Cherry who landed hard rights to the head. Douglas continued to work the ring very well with Cherry very slow afoot. In the tenth and final round both fighters continued another round of Cherry chasing but walking into counters by Douglas. In the final 10 seconds both went all out trying to steal the round.

When it was announced judge Kevin Morgan had it 98-92 this writer agreed not even considering he had voted for Cherry while Steve Weisfeld and Ron McNair had it 96-94. This writer had Douglas the winner 98-92. This show should be under investigation by Sirb.

In the first televised bout super featherweight southpaw Frank Santos DeAlba, 22-2-2 (9), of Reading, PA, won a controversial decision over Ryan “Polish Prince” Kielczewski, 26-3 (8), of Quincy, MASS, over 8 rounds in a good match-up. Once again it took too long for the scores.

In the opening round DeAlba was the aggressor working nice behind a jab while Kielczewski was countering well at times holding his hands too low but a little faster hand speed than DeAlba. In the second round with hands low and slipping punches Kielczewski rocked DeAlba with a lead right to the chin. In the third round it turned out to be the best up to that point for DeAlba who got his shots in as much as Kielczewski. The locals are trying to urge DeAlba on but he doesn’t need it being the professional he is. In the fourth round it was DeAlba landing a good combination to the head of Kielczewski who kept it in the middle of the ring and paid the price. Halfway through the round Kielczewski was back on moving more.

In the fifth round it was back and forth with Kielczewski having a good round being the faster of the two. In the sixth round Kielczewski with hands down stands in front of DeAlba daring him to hit him on the chin while countering DeAlba. In the seventh round the action picked up even more with both exchanging punches mostly to the head. De Alba knowing he is behind coming out for the eighth and final round knew he needs it bad. Within 30 seconds both butted heads. DeAlba is swinging for the fences as Kielczweski uses the ring with an occasional counter right to the head of DeAlba. It was a big round for DeAlba.

Judge McNair had it 80-72 and must have been watching the round card girls instead of the fight. Both Weisfeld and Morgan had it 77-75. This writer also had it 77-75 but for Kielczweski. Rosata was the ref.

Super lightweight Naim “The Dream” Nelson, 13-3 (1), of Philly, lost to southpaw Tre’Sean Wiggins, 8-3 (6), of Newburgh, NY, by technical decision at 0:34 of round 5 due to an accidental head butt forcing the judges to go to the score cards.

In the opening round Nelson seemed reluctant fighting a southpaw in Wiggins who did enough to take the round. In the second round Nelson was a little busier but Wiggins jab seemed to still take the round. In the third round Nelson used a good body attack when he had Wiggins against the ropes. Otherwise Wiggins seemed to be continuing to control in the middle of the ring.

In the fourth round Nelson’s right eye started to swell from right hooks by Wiggins. Nelson kept coming forward but Wiggins countered him well causing a cut over the right eye of Nelson. In the fifth round the cut was bad enough that referee Esteves, Jr., stopped the action and brought Nelson to his corner to get checked and the ring physician stopped the fight. The cut was caused by an accidental head butt. They went to the score cards and all 3 judges had it 50-45 as did this writer.

Featherweight Stephen “Scooter” Fulton, 11-0 (5), of Philly, returned to action after 9 months winning a action packed match over southpaw Luis “Zurdo” Rosario, 8-1-1 (7), of Cidra, PR, over 8 rounds.

In the opening round Fulton showed the skills the Philly fans were used to seeing. He easily handled Rosario. His lead right hands to the mid-section were something to watch. His quickness had Rosario on the defense with hands held high. In the second round Fulton continued doing well until halfway through the round when Rosario landed his best punch of the fight landing a straight left to the head of Fulton. It didn’t take long for Fulton to be back in control though it was Rosario’s best round of the first two.

In the audience supporting Fulton were Frank Carto (whose 8-0 son Christian followed Fulton into the ring), Philly’s top trainer Bozy Ennis ( with his unbeaten son Jaron “Boots” Ennis following Fulton into the ring) and unbeaten Todd Unthankmay coming off a March 11th draw. Also former WBC 2-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and his father/trainer Angel were at ringside.

In the third round Rosario started getting to Fulton more though it was relatively even halfway through the round. The second half of the round was Rosario’s. In the fourth round Fulton was getting pinned on the ropes and on the defense for most of the round. Rosario was landing power punches to the head.

Fulton was able to equal the power of Rosario but had better boxing skills. Fulton hit the canvas but it was ruled a slip by referee Benjy Esteves, Jr., who called it correctly. In the sixth round Fulton returned to take control for the first time since the second round. Keeping his distance is what Fulton did with Rosario still holding his own but not good enough to take the round. In the seventh round it was all Fulton changing his style daring Rosario to hit him while countering well especially to the body hurting Rosario at one point. In the eighth and final round Fulton continued his command of the fight slipping and countering well in return.

Judge Steve Weisfeld had it 79-73, Ron McNair 78-74 and Kevin Morgan out in left field had it 80-72. This writer had it 77-75.

Super featherweight Thomas “T.J.” Velasquez, Jr., 8-0 (5), of Philly, continued his winning ways defeating Wilfredo “Fredito” Garriga, 3-6-1 (2), of Juan Diaz, PR, over 6 rounds of action. Velasquez is out of the Danny “Swift” Garcia stable.

In the opening round Velasquez used a strong right hand to the body and head of Garriga but when he missed it went right over Garriga’s head. In the second round Garriga starting out using his jab but Velasquez was right on him. His jab was more of a range finder rarely landing but his follow-up right was strong to the head and body of Garriga. In the third round the same pattern seemed to follow with Velasquez being the more offensive while Garriga had little offense.

In the fourth round Velasquez had Garriga in the corner landing a number of punches until Garriga forced a clinch. In the fifth and sixth rounds Velasquez continued forcing the action and showed some defensive skills of slipping what little punches Garriga threw.

All 3 Judges had it 58-56 while this writer had it 60-54.

Super middleweight Jimmy Kelleher, 4-0 (3), of Scranton, PA, defeated Jose Valdaramma, 5-19 (3), of Manati, PR, in a well fought 4 rounds.

In the first 2 rounds Kelleher showed some nice skills especially on the offense. In the third round Valdaramma rocked Kelleher who came back gamely. In the fourth and final round the fans were on their feet for this one as both fighters were landing bombs. Kelleher comes from a fighting family with two younger brothers in the amateurs. The fans started chanting “Jimmy, Jimmy” to the exciting young Kelleher.

Judges McNair, Somma and Friscia along with this writer had it 60-54. For some reason it took 5 minutes to add up the scores. Dali was ref.

In the opening bout middleweight Ryan Wilczak, 3-0 (2), of Scranton, PA, stopped Courtney McCleave, 2-7 (1), Concord, NC, at 3:05 of the second round. Even though the bell sounded the referee still counts.

In the opening round McCleave was the aggressor in a close round up until he was hit in the right eye and dropped. He beat the count of referee Dali but his right eye was just about closed. A half a minute later Wilczak landed a right uppercut to the midsection of McCleave knocking him down for a second time in the round. He tried but didn’t beat the count as the bell sounded ending the round.

Super middleweight Devin “The Bearded Assassin” McMaster, 1-1 (0), of Allentown, PA, was stopped by Gregory Clark, 2-1 (1), of D.C. at 1:28 of the fourth and final round.

In the opening round it was Clark with hands to his side for the most part countering with rights to the head while McMaster was the aggressor always coming forward. In the second round it was all Clark dropping McMaster with a long right to the head. He beat the count of referee Dali but continued to take too much punishment.

In the third round it was all Clark almost landing at will. McMaster showed plenty of heart but little defense. In the fourth and final round Clark landed one right hand after another to the head. He pushed McMaster into a neutral corner and landed too many punches to count when referee Dali finally stopped it. Clark did too much showboating for the locals.

Super featherweight Hector Bayanilla, 1-0-1 (1), of Allentown, PA, and Jordan “Da Kid” Peters, 1-0-1 (1), of D.C., fought a war to a majority draw.

In the opening round that had plenty of action Peters jab may have pulled it out. In the second round all hell broke loose as Bayanilla was landing one right hand after another but showed little defense as Peters did his share of landing but not enough to take the round.

In the third round Peters used an effective jab trying to keep Bayanilla at bay. Once again in turned into a war with the Bayanilla fans going wild in a close round. In the fourth and final round both fighters took turns landing haymakers. This fight will be a tough one to follow. By the last 30 seconds Peters was landing the heavier punches.

Judge Mike Somma had it 39-37 for Bayanilla while judges McNair and Weisfeld had it 38-38 as did this writer. The referee was Rosato.

Timekeeper was Fred Blumstein.

Posted on 04/04/2017

Omar Douglas & Edner Cherry at Sands Bethlehem Tuesday!
By: Ken Hissner

Kings Promotions will be promoted an event of boxing Tuesday night April 4th featuring in the main event Omar “Super O” Douglas, 17-1 (12), of Wilmington, DE, coming off his first loss to face veteran Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry, 35-7-2 (19), of the Bahamas out of Wauchula, FL, in a 10 round super featherweight match. This will be featured over FS1.

On the undercard will be Readings Frank Santos DeAlba, 21-2-2 in a major bout against Ryan “Polish Prince, 26-2 (8), of Quincy, MASS. Also featured are Naim Nelson, Stephen Fulton and Thomas “TJ” Velasquez all from Philadelphia.

Besides the before mentioned on the undercard are local Jimmy Kelleher and also Ryan Wilczak, Devin McMaster, Juan Sanchez and Hector Ayanilla.

Opening bout is 6:30pm at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA.

Posted on 06/08/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: Kovalev, Breazeale, Webster, Andrade, Cherry, and more
By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of May 31st to June 7th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

HBO Returns to Russia for Kovalev’s Next Bout

HBO Sports returns to Russia for the first time since 2013 to present world light heavyweight champ Sergey Kovalev’s title defense against challenger Isaac Chilemba when the fight is presented in the United States on MONDAY, JULY 11 at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT (same day tape-delayed) from the DIVS Arena in Ekaterinburg, Russia, exclusively on HBO.

n his first fight in Russia since 2011, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (29-0-1, 26 KOs) defends his light heavyweight title for the ninth time when he faces Malawi’s Isaac Chilemba (24-3-2, 10 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds. Kovalev, 33, has emerged as one of the sport’s most feared punchers defeating many of the best fighters in the light heavyweight division including Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal. He is ranked as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound performers. Chilemba, 28, has never been stopped in his 29 professional bouts and will look to use his ring savvy to emerge victorious in his first career world title opportunity.

Kovalev vs. Chilemba will be televised from the DIVS Arena in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Monday, July 11 at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT, capping off an exciting weekend of international boxing on HBO which begins on Saturday, July 9 live at 5:00 p.m. ET/PT when world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury squares off with former titlist Wladimir Klitschko in Manchester, England

Edner Cherry to Meet Lydell Rhodes

Former title challenger Edner Cherry (34-7-2, 19 KOs) and quick-fisted contender Lydell Rhodes (23-1-1, 11 KOs) will compete in the 10-round lightweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on Tuesday, June 28 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten featherweight Omar “Super O” Douglas (16-0, 11 KOs) battling hard-hitting Cuban Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (19-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
“I know Rhodes is a good fighter and I am preparing for a tough fight,” said Cherry. “I am still pushing towards a world title. I learned that when you fight for a title, you have to knock out the champ. I’m not giving up. I’m still here and think this will be a great fight. This is what boxing needs, two great fighters going at it.”

“I have been waiting for a fight like this for a long time,” said Rhodes. “Cherry is a warrior who has never been stopped. I will be the first person to stop him. I have to go out and dominate against a guy who has fought many world champions. I believe if I do that, it will push me towards a world title shot.”

Dominic Breazeale Workout Quotes

On the passing of Muhammed Ali…

“Muhammed Ali was a huge inspiration. Heavy hearts when great ones pass away like that. He was a wonderful man. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I did meet some of his kids, Layla Ali being one of them.
“Ali was a very inspirational type of individual. You go back and watch some of his fights; I was way too young to see him fight in his prime but I’ve seen the recordings and seen the video footage. Everyone says he did everything wrong but everything right. It’s just phenomenal.

“One of the things I was able to take from watching him fight was his jab. Sometimes he’d beat guys hands down with just his jab.”

On AIBA’s position on pros to fight in Olympics…

“I think it’s a good thing and a bad thing. AIBA’s doing a good job bringing the councils together and generating a new buzz for the sport. It might be a little too late for some of the professional fighters to get themselves together to compete for their country. I like the fact that they’re taking the head gear off because that’s the next step after the Olympics. You go into the pros and there’s not going to be any more padded gloves or head gear that you’re wearing so that’s a good thing. As far as the pros, I don’t see any successful pros joining and entering into an amateur competition, but for those that didn’t get a chance to compete in the Olympics they might.”

On competing in the Olympics…

“I have definitely considered it. But I’ve got a fight coming up.

On his opponent Anthony Joshua…

“I think, in general, he’s kind of had a little bit of a stepping stone as far as fighting in the Olympics in his backyard, having the judges there in his backyard. I don’t know if you saw the fight but when he fought in that final match for the Gold Medal, I was sitting third row and I hands down believe that (he lost). But you know, when you’ve got judges on your side, in your own country, Olympics in your own country, it looks better when the home native wins.

“Even as a professional, he fought a guy in Charles Martin that really didn’t show up fight night. Charles Martin himself had an easy road and path to the title with the whole slip and fall against Glazkov. When you think of a heavyweight champion you want to make sure he’s fought the best, and I think that’s why Joshua has chosen me as his opponent to defend against. That’s what he plans on getting out of the situation if he can make it through the 12 rounds. I plan on putting on some extreme pressure and taking Joshua to a new level of boxing, and we’ll find out June 25.”
On what it means to get a shot at a title…

“I think Joshua’s thinking of me as a stepping stone and he’s going to be sorry about that. He’s just wrong. I mean, he’s fighting a guy at 6-foot-7, 255 pounds that brings the pressure and a great pace from round-to-round. I’m one of those guys that I might take a shot, I might work some defense, I might work a strong jab.

“Either way, I’m going to make it a fight. All of my opponents have been down on the canvas and I don’t think Joshua is going to come shy of that as well.

“I’m going in as the underdog, I’m going into an arena with 20,000 opposing fans. I’ve been picked as the smaller guy in the ring, by the IBF as a stepping stone and I feel like my back is against the wall. I’m going to
come out fighting.”

Demetrius Andrade Workout Quotes

Reflections of Muhammad Ali:

“Muhammad Ali certainly shook the world, and not only in boxing. He was colorful; nobody talked like him. He helped boxers, too. Ali is the reason Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.) is who he is because Ali set the bar high.

“As an entertaining boxer, Ali brought blacks and whites together and later he spread the word about religion, culture and his other diverse interests.

“What young boxer didn’t do the Ali Shuffle? I know I did, and taunted my opponents like him, too.”

About Pros in the Olympics:

“I’m for pros in the Olympics as long as an amateur, who has a few Olympic trials, has the first opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. Coming up in the amateurs, I fought grown men, some who had been Olympians a few times. I was 21 and some of the opponents were 34-35 and had already been Olympians one or two times. They had advantages in experience, power and skill. Unfortunately, Americans only have Olympic opportunities when they’re young amateurs.

“Would I go the Olympics now? Yes! The Olympics is the biggest thing on the planet. To represent the United States again, yeah, I’d do it now for the chance to win gold. But I do think headgear should be applied in amateur boxing, including the Olympics.”

On the 154-pound division:

“I’m putting myself in the best position to fight for the WBO or WBC title. There are rumors of Canelo fighting (WBO champion Liam) Smith. Let me fight Smith and the winner gets Canelo. Or let me fight Canelo with the winner getting Smith.

“I’m going to knock out the Charlo twins. Both guys have fought on SHOWTIME, so those fights shouldn’t be too difficult to make. Once I take care of business with the Charlo twins, I’ll fight Lara (WBA champion) to clean up the division.”

On Gennady Golovkin:

“I definitely want to fight Golovkin. Let me build myself up first, by cleaning out the 154-division, and then we’ll have a mega-fight with two different styles. GGG is known for his knockouts. I knock out people, too, but I’m a better boxer than him. It’ll be one of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing. I’m going to clean up the 154-division, make my reputation and then it’s a go with GGG.”

Relationship with his opponent Willie Nelson:

“We were in the U.S. amateurs together, but because we were in two different weight classes – he was 140-147 and I was 152 – there were no problems between us. We used to watch each other fight and watch other Americans box.

“Nelson is experienced having gone through the amateurs. He fought (Vanes) Martirosyan, who I beat (for the vacant WBO title by 12-round unanimous decision). He’s fought at this level. I know he’s tall, but I’m 6-foot-1, so our height difference isn’t serious.”

Derrick Webster Picks Up 20th Win

Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (20-1, 10 KOs) made a triumphant return to the ring on Saturday night, pitching a shutout over battle-tested veteran Lenwood Dozier at the Grundy Arena in Bristol, Penn. The bout served as the main event of a card that was presented by the Glassboro native’s managerial team, DandD Management & Promotions.

“We were just sticking to the game plan,” Webster said of the strategy that he and head trainer Denny Brown maintained in the contest. “I overextended my shoulder in the first round. Denny has always taught me how to fight with one hand, so that’s what we had to do. I had to step to him with one hand and keep the combinations going with one hand, and we did so. We came out victorious, unhurt and unharmed, by him. I tried to land a big left hook, and I overextended my shoulder. It’s a part of boxing.”

Throughout the night, Webster stayed behind the jab and switched his angles up to create openings. Despite being hampered by his shoulder, he still got off his numbers when the opportunities presented themselves and maintained complete control. Dozier kept a high guard and stayed at range, which made Webster have to break through his shell to land his most significant strikes, but he continued to back Dozier up with his length and the snap in his punches.

Webster also used shifty movement to help him dominate the action over six rounds, keeping his jab in motion and popping off combinations. Additionally, he was very sound defensively, which enabled him to remain virtually untouched. At no point was the end result in doubt, and the Glassboro native would eventually secure the win with flush 60-54 counts from all three ringside judges.

“I really appreciate everybody who came out and supported me,” Webster remarked. “Once again, Team Webster, we’re here. I’m not going anywhere, and look for me in July with Greg Cohen Promotions and DandD Management. I’m getting married in September, and life couldn’t be any better. I appreciate everybody’s support, and I love all of the boxers who fought underneath me and did a great job tonight.”