Years Later, Rectifying Boxers’ Grave Injustices » BALA CYNWYD, Pa.— Hidden in a hilly corner of Merion Memorial Park, just outside the city limits of Philadelphia, are the gravestones of Beatrice Tate (born 3/14/20, died 5/6/99) and Nellie J. Garrett (1929-2001). • The cemetery is filled with mothers, fathers, sons and daughters – everyday people with names nobody knows except the family they left behind. • Between Beatrice Tate and Nellie Garrett, though, is a name whose mention will give pause to any boxing fan and bring a smile to any Philly fight fan. • “Gypsy Joe Harris – 1945-1990”… Thom Loverro, washingtontimes.com
Pavlik To Prepare For Tough Defense » YOUNGSTOWN — Kelly Pavlik’s first middleweight title defense was a mismatch. His latest one is expected to be a classic. • “But I don’t know how he’ll react when he’s in there against a legitimate, big-punching middleweight. He’s never fought that caliber of fighter, while we’ve fought much bigger people than Paul Williams.” —Pavlik’s trainer, Jack Loew… JOE SCALZO, www.vindy.com
How Would Calzaghe Fare Against The Super Six? » TYPICAL isn’t it? The super middleweight division has been arguably boxing’s weakest over the past decade, even when Joe Calzaghe was in his pomp. • For years, and even now, the Welshman was pilloried for not fighting the best guys out there. • But I say to you all. What guys?… Martin Williams, www.dailypost.co.uk
Photos: Harris by Jerry Lodriguss; Pavlik by Al Bello/Getty Images
Top:Walker Award for “Long and Meritorious service” winner, Steve Farhood and Lamar Clark of ROUND1.Center: Jo-Emma Lavin and Joe Calzaghe, honored as Best Manager. Bottom: Freddie Roach (Named Year’s Top Trainer), Manny Pacquiao (Fighter of Year 2008) and Bob Arum.
Don King Boxing: Wii Review by Brian Browne » 2K Sports and Don King have teamed up to bring us Don King Boxing. This game takes advantage of the Wii remote/nunchuck and the balance board. However, the balance board is optional for this game. This installment features a lineup of boxers including: Joe Louis • Rocky Marciano • Joe Calzaghe • Kelly Pavilik • James Braddock
“I said all along Kelly Pavlik was overrated, overhyped and hadn’t done anything in his career to a warrant a fight with me. This was evident Saturday night when Hopkins destroyed and exposed him for what he is. That is why I wasn’t going to waste my time fighting him and went straight to a bout with Roy Jones who has proved himself time and time again that he is one of the greatest fighters in our era. I have been a champion for 11 years and I am only interested in fighting legends.”•“They told me that the place was packed with Pavlik fans who either sat stunned or actually started cheering for Hopkins. My fans will have a great night at Madison Square Garden in New York as I will give them no reason to cheer for Roy Jones. I am sure it was a long trip back for all those people from Ohio. I tell my fans, don’t worry, we will be partying on the plane ride home.”•“Look at the landscape-I have beat everyman I have ever faced including younger fighters, stronger fighters and of course Bernard Hopkins. After fighting Hopkins, my biggest wish was to fight Roy Jones Jr. who also has a win over Hopkins. Hopkins showed Saturday night he is an amazing fighter but Roy and I both beat him. That says more than enough and come November 8, Roy and I have a chance to settle the score with the winner taking all the glory.”•“My boxing career and record speaks for itself. November 8 will be the biggest fight of my career as I am fighting one of the best, at the best place to fight, Madison Square Garden. Believe me, it can’t get here fast enough.” —Source: Swanson Communications
Pre-Fight predictions and preview with some of boxing’s top journalist and personalities including Steve Farhood (Showtime), Harold Lederman (HBO) and Bert Sugar (ESPN).