Klitschko Will Not Underestimate Arreola » “He is young, undefeated, has a powerful punch and is confident. I won’t underestimate him but I have no doubt that I will leave California as world champion.” —Vitali Klitschko •Source: www.secondsout.com
Boxing’s Month From Hell » “You play football and basketball, but you don’t play boxing.” —Buster Mathis Sr. • This July, all the boxing news of note has been in the obituaries. Death has visited the sport like a plague, shocking even the most callous observers… DAVE ZIRIN, www.thenation.com
‘Thrilla In Manila’ A Can’t-Miss For Boxing Fans » I had a chance over the weekend to watch an advance copy of HBO’s documentary “Thrilla in Manila,” which will debut on the pay network at 5 p.m. Saturday before the Winky Wright-Paul Williams fight at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. • The story of the classic third and final fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975 is told from Frazier’s perspective, and the insight is fascinating… Lance Pugmire, latimes.com
Boxing Helps Teenager Put Life On The Streets Behind Her »Jeannine Vides sat in a folding chair, her elbows resting on her thighs. • She bobbed her head to music as her legs rocked. She was fidgety and nervous. Her eyes were fixed on an empty boxing ring at a Council Bluffs convention center. • She took a few deep breaths. • Despite her nerves, she knew she’d be all right. She could handle anything. She was a fighter… LEIA BAEZ, www.omaha.com
Brief-Boxing-Klitschko To Fight Briton Haye In Schalke Stadium »BERLIN, April 7 (Reuters) – Heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko will fight British contender David Haye in Bundesliga club Schalke’s soccer stadium on June 20, the Ukrainian’s manager said on Tuesday… Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Martin Petty, uk.reuters.com
(Photos: Vides by ALYSSA SCHUKAR/THE WORLD-HERALD; Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier by Associated Press)
“Wladimir wants to feel comfortable inside the ring and at the negotiating table. He was as reluctant to put pen to paper for this fight as he is when throwing a right hand. He’s a mentally weak fighter and has been terrified to take risks ever since he was blitzed by a semipro golfer (Corrie Sanders).” — David Haye
Klitschko Vs. Haye Finally Set For June 20 » LONDON (AP) – David Haye can become a heavyweight world champion in only his second fight at that class. • The British former cruiserweight world champ announced Thursday that he has finalized a deal to fight IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine on June 20…
Boxers Getting Chance On ESPN Telecast » Call it a fight for opportunity. That’s how junior welterweights Randall Bailey and Frankie Figueroa view their IBF title elimination fight tonight. • Their scheduled 12-rounder is the featured event for tonight’s ESPN “Friday Night Fights,” which will take place at Handy Park Pavilion on Beale Street… Marlon W. Morgan, www.commercialappeal.com