Tag Archives: day

Posted on 02/13/2020

By: Sean Crose

“This is where we come and settle everything,” Deontay Wilder said on a media conference call on Tuesday to promote his highly publicized February 22^nd rematch with TysonFury. “This is judgment day.” The first fight between the two supersized heavyweights went down in December of 2018. The bout became instantly famous for two reasons. The first is that Wilder dropped Fury with a thunderous shot in the final round. The second is that Fury managed to get up. Needless to say, the battle ended in a draw, making the rematch for Wilder’s WBC title all the more enticing.

“The first fight was an amazing fight,” Wilder admitted. Still, the 42-0-1 Alabama native made it clear that he isn’t intending for the rematch to end in a draw. “ This time,” Wilder stated, “he’s not getting up. That’s for sure. I promise you that.” Fury, of course, has been making predictions of his own, including an unlikely one where he claims he will knock Wilder out in the second round. Fury is an excellent boxer, but a knockout machine he is not. “I’m prepared for anything he brings to the table,” Wilder said of Fury. “Deep down in his heart I really feel that he’s nervous.”

Wilder-Fury 2, which will go down at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is nothing if not a highly promoted affair. Both ESPN and FOX are behind the pay per view event, which means there is a whole lot of money and power pushing to make the match between the two giant showmen (each man is closer to seven feet than six and loves to shoot his mouth off) a huge success. “The fans are in for a treat. They’re the ones who are getting their money’s worth,” said Wilder. “We wear our hearts on our sleeves and we fight to the end.”

In truth, both Wilder and Fury seem to, if not like each other, than to have a mutual respect. Wider and Fury aren’t men who avoid threats. If they were, they wouldn’t be fighting each other for the second time. “At this point in time,” said Wilder, “it’s truly about me and Fury. This is our time. This is our date.” One man not respected by Wilder is fellow heavyweight and multi-belt holder Anthony Joshua, who recently regained his titles by outboxing Andy Ruiz, who had attained them in a stunning upset last June. “I’m not worried about that coward,” Wilder said of Joshua. “That coward barely got his titles back.”

Which means that, for now at least, the focus is solely on the 29-0-1 Fury. For soon the time for talk will be over and Wilder and Fury will find themselves face to face in the ring once more. “My confidence is very high,” Wilder told the media. “We know each other a little bit more than we did the first time.” Boxing is nothing if not a sport where anything can happen. As things stand, however, Wilder is pleased. “When I was coming up,” he said, “nobody in the world knew who the heavyweight champion of the world was…as I sit here and talk to you guys, I can say a job well done.”

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Posted on 12/12/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Whether it’s Julio Cesar Chavez Jr or Gabriel Rosado, somebody is going to get the beating of a lifetime. At least according to former Middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs. 

The confusion surrounding Jacobs opponent for his December 20th, bout at the Talking Stick Resort Arena, in Phoenix Arizona is still a point of emphasis. 

Originally, Jacobs was scheduled to take on former Middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. However, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding whether or not Chavez will be given the opportunity to actually compete in the contest. 

Just a few months ago, Chavez was due to undergo random drug testing but refused to do so. Because of his refusal, he is now temporarily suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Although the contest is due to take place in Arizona, thanks to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, a fighter cannot box in any other state if he is currently suspended elsewhere. 

A hearing has been set for December 18th, to decide whether or not Chavez will be able to take part in the contest. 

Luckily for Jacobs, promoter Eddie Hearn has already gotten his back up opponent ready in Gabriel Rosado. 

After killing his body in order to make the Middleweight limit, Jacobs has decided to leave behind the only division he has ever known. Jacobs is hoping that Chavez will be the one to welcome him to the Super Middleweight division but he has no gripes surrounding who his actual opponent will be. 

“Obviously if I don’t fight Chavez who we signed up to fight, that would be a huge disappointment. But that won’t deter me to go in and do my job, to put in a great performance for the fans. This is an opportunity to fight for the fans in Phoenix. There will be people who tune in to see a good fight so it’s my responsibility to do my job and put in a great performance.”

Jacobs isn’t the first, nor will he be the last fighter dealing with the possibility of changing opponents at the very last minute. In this scenario, no matter who he faces, Jacobs is dealing with fighters who possess a very similar fighting style.

“Whether I fight Chavez or Gabe Rosado, stylistically it’s similar,” Jacobs insists. “Certain guys, you need unique style for sparring. One guy has more pressure than the other but it’s around the same skill set. Chavez pressures fighters more so than Rosado. He has that more Mexican style of fighting that comes forward.”

Making a statement in a new division is something that is important to Jacobs. But something that holds even more importance to him is the statement he wants to make for his fallen friend Patrick Day. The former Jr Middleweight contender passed away due to injuries he suffered in the boxing ring, earlier this year. To honor him, Jacobs intends on wearing a robe with Day’s picture draped across the back of it.

“I spoke to [Day’s] brother earlier [Wednesday] and he thanked me for the idea of it,” said Jacobs of the robe he will be wearing to honor Day. “I knew that I wanted to do something special in his honor and this is just something small I could do. Patrick meant so much to me. People don’t know our relationship but Patrick really, really meant a lot to me. He changed me as a person — in my mindset, my thought process, how I look at things — so to me, he really matured me. This is just a small token that I can do to represent him in his honor and what he meant to not just me but to so many other people. They know me and Patrick had a special relationship. I can’t change the past and all I can do is move forward and I know that he would want me to not be sad. He would want me to continue with my dreams. He would want me to be the best version that I can be inside the ring because that’s who he was. He was a big supporter of everybody. But he was a supporter of me. We spoke all the time. We were sparring partners [for] numerous, numerous rounds in the ring. Countless times. He was a beautiful person and I know one thing about him, that he would want me to go on and keep striving.”

What turned into one of the most heartbreaking situations in the sport of boxing this year, Jacobs will look to play his part and turn a terrible situation into one that Patrick Day would have been proud of. Jacobs will now be given the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone as he can honor his dear friend Patrick Day and make a statement in his new division. 

Posted on 10/19/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Boxing is an inherently dangerous sport. Serious injuries, mental anguish and unfortunately death is apart of the sport. Although the tragedies associated with the sport are common, they are still difficult to fully accept.

Each death that happens in the sport of boxing is an unfortunate one, but the recent passing of Jr Middleweight Patrick Day has left the sports world reeling.

Day, who was only 27 years of age and earned a Bachelors from Kaplan University, passed away after a knockout loss against former Olympian Charles Conwell. The former Jr Middleweight contender was dropped in the tenth and final round of his showdown on October 10th. He immediately lost consciousness and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he underwent emergency brain surgery.

Following his procedure, Day remained in a coma until he unfortunately lost his life due to his injuries. The boxing community was deeply saddened by these unfortunate events. Boxing, although dangerous, has an ability to bring everyone together during difficult times. Such is the case now.

Day’s promoter, Lou Di Bella, took to Twitter to announce that a Gofundme page has been made in order to help pay for the medical expensive’s.

“Many have asked about helping #PatrickDay’s family with expenses. This ⁦@gofundme⁩ was set up by his best friend and his brother; proceeds will go to his Mom.”

Since Day’s gofundme has been created, more than $15,000 has been donated in just a few short hours.

The donations are surely appreciated, but former WBC Jr Middleweight champion Jermell Charlo has taken things a step further.

As first reported by Fightnights.com, Charlo has decided to pay for the entire funeral of Day. Such a kind act by the former champion has certainly taken off much of the financial burden away from Day’s family.

Charlo, who has been known as having a flashy and aggressive personality both in and outside of the ring, should be applauded for his generosity.

At the moment, Charlo is slated to take on current WBC Jr Middleweight titlist Tony Harrison in a rematch later on this year. Even with his focus on regaining his world title, Charlo has shown that Day’s passing has effected him as well.

Boxers risk there lives each and every time they step foot inside of a boxing ring, but it is refreshing to see everyone come together to make a sad situation some what better.

We encourage everyone to continue to donate to Patrick Day’s Gofundme as well. You can do so by clicking on the link below.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/medical-expense-amp-support-for-patrick-day039s-family

Posted on 10/17/2019

By: Sean Crose

“Dear Patrick Day,” undefeated super welterweight Charles Conwell wrote in an open letter made public on Monday, “I never meant for this to happen to you. All I ever wanted to do was win. If I could take it all back I would no one deserves for this to happen to them.” Conwell was addressing his opponent from last Saturday night in Chicago, Patrick Day, of Freeport, New York. Conwell stopped Day in the 10th round on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk-Chazz Witherspoon bout, which was aired live on the DAZN streaming service. Conwwell had dropped the game Day twice during the fight before finally knocking the 27 year old out later in the bout.

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing Twitter Account

Day lost consciousness and never recovered. He passed away Wednesday at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital from a brain bleed presumably suffered during, or as a result of, the fight. As of press time, Conwell had not publicly commented on Day’s death. It’s been abundantly clear, however, that the Cleveland, Ohio native is deeply distraught by what has happened.

“I replay the fight over and over in my head,” Conwell says in the letter, “thinking what if this never happened and why did it happen to you. I can’t stop thinking about it myself I prayed for you so many times and shedded so many tears because I couldn’t even imagine how my family and friends would feel.” Conwell admits in the letter that he has considered quitting the sport since last Saturday.

“I see you everywhere I go,” he wrote, “and all I hear is wonderful things about you. I thought about quitting boxing but I know that’s not what you would want I know that you were a fighter at heart so I decided not to but to fight and win a world title because that’s what you wanted and that’s what I want so I’ll use you as motivation every day and make sure I always leave it all in the ring every time.”

Day’s trainer, Joseph Higgins, has offered his support to the man who bested his fighter. “Hello Charles, “ Higgins stated, via Twitter, “I am Patrick Day’s trainer Joe Higgins. I just wanted you to know that we do understand what you must be going thru as well. As devastated as we are we realize you are equally devastated. We know if it was the other way around we would be just as distraught.”

Conwell’s sorrow at the tragedy his opponent suffered at his hands has turned the rising fighter into a sympathetic figure in his own right. It’s a thoroughly horrible position for any person, especially someone as young as the 21 year old Conwell, to be in. Yet he has, in a sense, brought people to his aid as well. Higgins, who was the general in Day’s camp the night of the fight, knows all too well what Conwell is going through. “I too am distraught,” Higgins tweeted, “because I feel responsible, but do realize there is no fault. Stay strong and please don’t think we blame you.”

There are no villains in this story.

Posted on 10/16/2019

By: Hans Themistode

The life of a boxer isn’t an easy one. Unlike other sports, an athlete can return home to his family and friends. Combat sports on the other hand, doesn’t always allow that to happen.

Fighters know and accept the risk that are associated with it. For them, the chance to bask in glory is well worth the price of admission. The loved ones of these fighters would beg to differ.

On October 12th, 2019 at the Wintrust arena, in Chicago, boxer Patrick Day entered the ring. Everything seemed normal. After all, Day had gone through those ropes 21 previous times as a professional, and countless other times on the amateur scene.

His opponent on this night, was the undefeated Charles Conwell.

It was a great back and forth fight, but one that Day had been losing. After getting dropped in both the fourth and eighth rounds, Day made it back to his feet. Like always, he wanted to fight to the end. In the tenth and final round. Day once again hit the deck. This time for good.

As the referee waved off the contest, Day was unconscious. This has always been a familiar sight in boxing, but this time around seemed different. Day wasn’t moving at all. Moments later he was stretched from the ring and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. It was reported that on his way to the hospital, Day suffered a seizure and needed the assistance of a breathing tube. Once he arrived, he underwent emergency brain surgery.

The pouring of love from the boxing community was immense. Everyone prayed and hoped for the best. Unfortunately for us all, the worst possible outcome has taken place.

On October 16th, 2019, just four days after his final contest, Day has passed away due to the traumatic injuries he suffered from that contest.

Patrick Day was a world class fighter. One who honed his craft in his hometown of Freeport, Long Island. His amateur career was a decorated one. The famed New York Golden Gloves tournament was a place he dominated on several occasions. He also managed to win two national titles as well. His amateur career reached its peak when he was selected for the Olympic Team as an alternate in 2012.

After dominating the amateur scene, Day decided it was time to take his talents to the pro ranks. He would win nine of his first ten contest, with a majority draw sandwiched in between. Day would go on to lose two contest in 2015, but was not discouraged in the slightest. The taste of defeat only served to motivate him as he would not only win his next six fights. Along the way, he also won the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight title as well.

Day was on his way to stardom. He seemed bred for it. His effervescent personality coupled with his million dollar smile was perfect for the spotlight. Although he was a great fighter, he was far more than just that.

Day graduated from Nassau Community College where he majored in Food and Nutrition. Although an Associate’s degree is to the extent that many have gone in terms of their educational careers, for Pat, it wasn’t enough. He would go on to earn his Bachelors degree at Kaplan University while majoring in Health and Wellness

With Day’s recent passing, it is clear how much he meant to everyone as the sports world mourns his death.

“Rest In Peace Patrick Day… Fighters put their lives on the line for the love of the sport. Prayers to the family Dame.” Said NBA super star Damian Lillard.

“Heartbreaking to hear the news about Patrick Day… my thoughts, prayers and condolences go to his family and friends. Rest in paradise champion.” Said rising star boxer Michael Conlan.

“Devastated to hear the news of the passing of Patrick Day.I met him for the first time last Thursday, what a charming young man with a dream and a smile that lit up the room.Our deepest prayers are with his family, his trainer Joe Higgins, Charles Conwell and promoter Lou DiBella.” Said promoter Eddie Hearn.

It is unfortunate that someone with such a great heart and bright future had his life cut short because of unforeseen circumstances. Even with his passing, we all celebrate the life of Day.

Patrick lived by a moniker. One that many shouted out to him when they saw him.

Patrick Day. All Day. Every Day.

He might be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in paradise Patrick Day.

Posted on 10/16/2019

Patrick Day passed away today, October 16, 2019, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL. He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins. On behalf of Patrick’s family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury.

Before establishing himself as a world class professional fighter, Pat was a highly decorated amateur. He won two Nationals titles, the New York Golden Gloves tournament and was an Olympic Team alternate, all in 2012. Day turned pro in 2013 and overcame early career struggles to become a world-rated super welterweight contender. He captured the WBC Continental Americas championship in 2017 and the IBF Intercontinental championship in 2019. In June 2019, he was rated in the top-10 by both the WBC and IBF.

He was also a dedicated college student, having earned an Associate’s degree in Food and Nutrition from Nassau Community College and, subsequently, a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness from Kaplan University. He was a son, brother, and good friend to many. Pat’s kindness, positivity, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression with everyone he met. During his short life, boxing allowed Patrick to impact many communities, both big and small. In his hometown of Freeport, Long Island, he was a beacon of light and the star pupil at the Freeport PAL, the gym he trained in from the moment he began boxing until the last bout of his career. He was recognized as one of Long Island’s finest professional fighters for years. He was a fixture in the boxing community throughout New York City. Patrick was even known in Japan, which he visited to spar with his friend and colleague, world champion Ryota Murata.

Patrick Day didn’t need to box. He came from a good family, he was smart, educated, had good values and had other avenues available to him to earn a living. He chose to box, knowing the inherent risks that every fighter faces when he or she walks into a boxing ring. Boxing is what Pat loved to do. It’s how he inspired people and it was something that made him feel alive.

It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this. This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action. While we don’t have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate. This is a way we can honor the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patrick’s 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world. This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us. Rest in peace and power, Pat, with the angels.

Posted on 10/13/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Update: Patrick Day suffered a traumatic brain injury during his bout on Saturday night. He was rushed to Northwestern Memorial hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. As of Sunday evening, Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury and is in extremely critical condition. On behalf of Patrick’s team, we appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers, and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community.

Updates will be provided as circumstances change. In the meantime, we ask that the privacy of Patrick and his family be respected during this difficult time.

Patrick Day, a Jr Middleweight contender suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of Charles Conwell this past Saturday night at the Wintrust arena in Chicago. The bout took place on the undercard of former undisputed Cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk as he made his Heavyweight debut.

From the very start of the contest, Conwell proved to be the superior fighter. Day hit the canvas in both the fourth and eight rounds as Conwell connected with clean right hands. Day showed tremendous heart to continue in a fight in which he was being outclassed in. His heart however, cost him severely.

In the tenth and final round, Charles landed a series of punches which saw Day hit the deck once again. Unlike previous times in the bout, he was unable to pick himself up off the ground. It was a barrage of right hands which started the damage, followed by a left hook that not only put Day down for the count, but also knocked him completely unconscious as his head banged against the canvas as he went down.

Day, who is 27 years of age, was unresponsive while doctors attended to him in the ring. He was eventually taken out of the building on a stretcher and immediately brought to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

While being transported to the hospital, it is reported that Day suffered a seizure as well. Although the seizures eventually subsided, Day had a hard time breathing on his own and was given a breathing tube to assist him.

Following his arrival to the hospital, Day reportedly slipped into a coma and underwent emergency brain surgery. It is unclear if the coma was induced by doctors in order to give him time to heal from his injuries or if he went into a coma naturally.

The Jr Middleweight contender has a long fighting history and was a standout during his amateur days before turning pro. Day won the 2012 New York Daily News Golden Gloves and was apart of the U.S. Olympic team as an alternate. Following a bumpy start as a pro, Day finally began to find his rhythm in the pro ranks as he won 6 straight contests before losing back to back contest to Carlos Adames in his last contest and of course being stopped in his most ring appearance last night.

Day has always been one of the nicest young men outside of the ring. His popularity has grown over the years. He is supported by the entire boxing community as some of the most recognized and biggest names in the sport voiced their support for him and his dire condition.

“My prayers are with Patrick Day and his family,” said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. “May God bless the doctors and medical staff treating him and give his family strength during these difficult moments.”

Sulaiman wasn’t the only high profile name who voiced their support for Day.

“Please pray for Patrick Day,” said promoter Lou Di Bella. “Please. Such a good person.”

For now we are all in wait and see mode as we patently await further updates to occur. With Days fighting spirit and the entire boxing community behind him, we all are hoping that he will soon make a full a recovery.

Posted on 05/29/2019

By: Hans Themistode

The British have taken over America.

At least that is what it felt like as a jam packed crowd swarmed U.K. born Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21 KOs) for his media workout. It was the first time the American public was given a chance to see the British star in several months.

Joshua, will of course be putting his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles on the line this Saturday June 1st, at Madison Square Garden when he takes on former title challenger Andy Ruiz Jr (32-1, 21 KOs).

This will be Joshua’s first contest in the U.S. as he typically fights in his home country at the O2 arena. Although this is Joshua’s formal introduction to the American public, it was hard to tell. There was a large contingent for Joshua from U.K. fans who made the long trek to show support for their Heavyweight champion. That support didn’t go unnoticed by Joshua.

“I think it’s great that so many from my side of the world came to support me. It’s massive support they’re showing me and it is highly appreciated.” Said Joshua during his post workout interview.

As for his opponent, Ruiz understands that he is the heavy underdog coming into this contest. He also understands that the opinions of those that are doubting him aren’t important to his success.

“I know that a lot of people think I’m going to lose this fight but I’ll prove them wrong. I will make history come Saturday night” said Ruiz.

The history Ruiz is speaking of is becoming the first Heavyweight champion of Mexican decent. Defeating the unblemished Joshua will be a monumental task. The unified Heavyweight champion isn’t simply looking to win come Saturday night but he is looking to make a statement.

“It’s important to make a statement on Saturday night. Of course I want to win, but I have to look spectacular while doing so.”

This particular media workout had a bit of intensity to it. The fans will be in for a real treat once the real fight comes Saturday night.

Posted on 01/10/2019

By: Sean Crose

“This is a challenge for me,” Manny Pacquiao said during media day at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles on Thursday, “because this is my first fight at the age of forty.” The 60-7-2 legend will be facing Cincinnati’s Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-3-1) on January 19th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a bout that will be aired live on Showtime pay per view. “I’m excited to be back in the United States to fight again,” said Pacquiao. “It’s been a while.” It’s also been a while since he had Freddie Roach in his corner. Pacquiao’s last fight, a destruction last year of Lucas Matthysse, was fought without the famed Wild Card Trainer playing his usual role of mastermind cornerman. This time, however, the two men are back together, along with Pacquiao’s right hand man, Buboy Fernandes. “We have no problems,” Pacquiao said of his relationship with Roach.

Pacquiao, who was long associated with promoter Bob Arum, is now aligned with rival Al Haymon’s Premiere Boxing Champions. “I’m not thinking of myself alone,” Pacquiao said Thursday, “but I’m thinking about my fighters.” Although he says he has no “problem with Bob Arum,” Pacquiao claims that “this is a big opportunity for me and for my boxers that I have in the Philippines.” The master of numerous weight divisions over the years had the good sportsmanship to add that: “ I don’t’ want to compare promoter to promoter.”

Pacquiao also didn’t want to talk much about a second go round with arch rival Floyd Mayweather. “Right now I’m thinking of my next fight,” he claimed. “Right now I’m thinking one at a time.” Pacquiao made it clear that Broner is not the kind of fighter he can just overlook. “Style-wise,” he said, “he’s fast. He can move – you cannot underestimate him.” Pacquiao’s plan, he said, is to be bold. “I have to be aggressive,” he claimed, adding later that Broner is “a former champion. He can punch.” In other words, he doesn’t feel the notorious Broner should be seen as an easy win. “I’m not thinking about Floyd Mayweather,” he claimed. “I’m focusing on Adrien Broner.”

Pacquiao did, however, indicate he’s be interested in facing the winner of March’s Mikey Garcia-Errol Spence fight (he thinks Spence will win). He also, somewhat surprisingly, indicated he was eager to have faced the likes of Terence Crawford and Vasyl Lomachenko, his former Top Rank Stablemates. As far as his reputation go, the fighter/Filipino senator came across as quite secure.

“My legacy is already there,” he said.