Tag Archives: malik scott

Posted on 12/29/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Most of the boxing world was left shellshocked when it was announced that Canelo Alvarez would move up from 168 pounds to the cruiserweight division to take on WBC belt holder Ilunga Makabu.

Although the Mexican star once captured a world title at 175 pounds against Sergey Kovalev in 2019, he admitted soon after that fighting as a light heavyweight for a protracted period of time would be too much of an ask of his body. Still, despite those words, Alvarez will look to reign as a cruiserweight champion in the first half of 2022.

While Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the WBC sanctioning body, has allowed Alvarez to skip the line and challenge Makabu for his world title, the Mexican product could be forced to change course as Makabu is set to take on Thabiso Mchunu on January 29th.

Should Makabu take care of business, he’ll walk into a showdown against Alvarez as the considerably bigger man. Still, despite dwarfing the pound-for-pound star, newly retired fighter turned trainer Malik Scott, believes Makabu is essentially going to be a walk in the park.

“Canelo is just too technically sound for him,” said Scott during an interview with ESNEWS. “He’s never fought anyone as surgical as Canelo, especially when it comes to going to the body. I think stylistically, he’s food for Canelo.”

Alvarez, 31, is still basking in his recent undisputed glory. After stripping away the super middleweight titles of Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders, Alvarez became the first fighter to hold all four world titles at 168 pounds following his 11th round stoppage victory over Caleb Plant just over a month ago.

Although many expected Alvarez to either campaign at 168 pounds or make a permanent move to the light heavyweight division, he instead opted for history. Should Alvarez capture a cruiserweight world title, he’ll become the first five-division champion of Mexican descent.

By all accounts, Scott isn’t discrediting the overall skills of Makabu. In fact, considering his penchant for knockouts and a title reign that’s on the verge of reaching three years, and the newly turned head trainer tips his cap in Makabu’s direction as a form of respect. However, while Scott is fully aware that Alvarez will face arguably the biggest puncher of his career, Scott doesn’t believe Alvarez will need any help from the judges if and when the two lock horns.

“He’s a good fighter and very suitable and deserves this shot but that guy was chosen for a reason. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if Canelo stopped him.”

Posted on 10/12/2021

By: Hans Themistode

There was an overwhelming self-confidence within the camp of Deontay Wilder. The former WBC heavyweight titlist and new head trainer Malik Scott were fully convinced that the title reign of Tyson Fury was coming to an abrupt and violent end.

The two would square off for the third time in their respective careers this past Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Things started off fairly strong for Wilder in the opening round. The heavy-hitting Alabama native landed several jabs to the body and repeatedly found a home for his favorite weapon, the right hand. Wilder’s momentum, however, was short-lived as Fury dropped him in the third round.

Unwilling to allow Fury to have an easy night at the office, Wilder turned the tables in the following round, scoring two knockdowns in the period. The pair would go on to trade hard blows throughout the duration of their showdown. Amid their nip and tuck battle, Wilder appeared to be visibly gassed. Fury, on the other hand, took full advantage, dropping Wilder in the tenth and once more in the 11th. The latter represented the fight-ending blow.

As Wilder was taken to his corner to seek medical attention, the Alabama native appeared to be despondent with the way things played out. While the former heavyweight titlist is ultimately disappointed, Scott won’t allow him to sulk over his recent defeat.

“We lost to one of the greatest heavyweights of all time from any era – Tyson Fury,” said Scott to IFL TV. “Is there really shame in that? I wouldn’t even allow Deontay to put his head down.

Wilder, 35, vowed to strip Fury of his WBC title in explosive fashion. In the fourth round, he appeared to be on his way to doing just that. After landing a flush right hand in the final minute of the round, Fury hit the deck. The British native peeled himself up off the canvas but would reconvene with the matt just a few seconds later.

From about the sixth round on though, Wilder appeared to be fighting on a completely empty gas tank. The hard-hitting former champion huffed and puffed as he struggled with the pace of Fury. Still, Wilder refused to give up. Even after Fury ended their showdown with a right hand to the temple that saw Wilder crash down to the canvas, he rose to his feet just a few seconds later, although referee Russell Mora had already waved off their contest.

Considering the grit, determination, and audacious demeanor of Wilder throughout, Scott is proud of what he was able to accomplish.

“I’d never allow him to feel down about giving his all like that.”

Posted on 07/08/2021

By: Hans Themistode

With approximately two weeks left before Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury meet in the ring for a third and presumably final time, news surfaced that there could be a significant delay. As first reported by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, a COVID-19 outbreak has taken place within the camp of Fury.

At this time, officials from Top Rank were unable to confirm nor deny if Fury has contracted the contagious disease.

“We continue to monitor the health status of Tyson and his team,” read an official statement from Top Rank. “The status of the event has not changed to date.”

If, in fact, Fury has tested positive, the third installment of their contest will undoubtedly be pushed back. As for an exact date, nothing has been formally discussed but in all likelihood, a date in September is said to be the plausible outcome.

While fans may have groaned over the possibility of their heavyweight clash being pushed further down the boxing calendar, Malik Scott, head trainer of Wilder, sat stone-faced with a lit cigar in his hand as he discussed the developing story during an interview with ESNews.

“Everything is remaining the same,” said Scott. “We’re not going for no bananas and no tailpipes. I don’t care what the media reports, were staying zoned in. You gotta realize, we’re dealing with a fighter that I don’t believe nothing he says. You just never know with Tyson. You just always have to stay prepared so you don’t have to get ready. That’s what we’re doing.”

Wilder, 35, has long been awaiting his chance to get his hands back on Fury. In December of 2018, both big men clashed at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. All three judges watching their contest unfold were unable to agree on who was the actual winner on the night and ruled their showdown a draw.

Roughly one and a half years later, the two would do it again. This time, the expertise of judges Glenn Feldman, Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld wasn’t needed as Fury scored two knockdowns on the night before ultimately recording the stoppage win, putting an end to Wilder’s five year run as WBC champion.

Although Wilder enacted his immediate rematch clause, Fury attempted to bypass the former titlist altogether, citing that Wilder’s rematch clause had expired. From there, Fury’s camp attempted to negotiate an undisputed title clash against unified champion, Anthony Joshua. Despite Fury claiming that their deal was all but done, Wilder firmly stepped in to end all hopes of Fury facing anyone but himself next.

With the help of arbitrator Daniel Weinstein, Fury was given no choice but to face Wilder for a third time. Once given the green light, the Alabama native began putting his body through a grueling training regimen. Now, even with Fury’s COVID-19 outbreak threatening to postpone their matchup, Scott has decided to stay the course. While he respects Fury as a fighter, his words mean little to nothing to him.

“That type of news didn’t shatter the camp at all. It’s a laughing matter over here. Nothing no one is going to say, no rumors that’s going to get put out is going to stop us from being motivated on the task at hand. If this is supposed to be a distraction, we’re not distracted at all. Redemption and retribution is upon us. Deontay Wilder is more than ready.”

Posted on 05/31/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For mostly a year and a half, Deontay Wilder has gone from loquacious WBC heavyweight belt holder to silent former champion.

Following his loss to Tyson Fury in February of 2020, the Alabama native quietly worked behind the scenes with Arbitrator Daniel Weinstein. Reason being is because despite having a mandated rematch clause in their contract, Fury elected to move away from a third showdown with Wilder in order to pursue an undisputed contest against Anthony Joshua.

Although the British stars believed they had a deal in place, Wilder shocked the world when Weinstein ruled in his favor, forcing Fury to face him before September 15th.

Recently, Wilder has released several videos of himself working with new trainer, Malik Scott. Now, with several training sessions under their belt, Scott not only believes that Wilder will win but more importantly, he’s convinced that this could be the last time Fury is ever seen again.

“We built a facility to do a licensed homicide,” said Scott during an interview with 78SPORTSTV. “Deontay Wilder is not playing. He built a facility to get this job done. When he wakes up and rolls out of bed it’s right to work. Everything we’re doing he’s right to work.”

Wilder, 35, not only suffered the first defeat of his career at the hands of Fury but most considered the manner in which he lost to be a complete shock. After knocking Fury down twice in their first contest which took place in December of 2018, Wilder was forced to settle for a split decision draw. Heading into their most recent contest, Wilder was believed to have the clear edge in terms of power. Yet, with Fury scoring knockdowns in the third and fifth rounds before ultimately stopping Wilder in the seventh, the British star displayed a different dimension to his overall boxing skills.

Regardless of their most recent outcome, however, Scott is completely convinced that Wilder will put an end to his rivalry with Fury in the most violent of ways. Having stood across the ring from Wilder in 2014, Scott knows exactly what it feels like to get hit with his right hand as he was stopped in the first round. That said, with the amount of motivation Wilder currently has, Scott can’t quite recall seeing him this focused for a fight.

“I’ve never seen it before from him like this at this level. I’m proud of him already for what we’re about to get done.”