Prediction: Vitali Klitschko vs Cris Arreola

Vitali Klitschko vs Cris Arreola will take place September 26th. Not sure of the venue and i'm pretty sure HBO will be airing it. This matchup comes to no surprise after David Haye pulled out of this matchup to sign another contract. This is a matchup for the WBC Heavyweight title held by Klitschko, and this is a matchup many boxing fans have been longing for in the heavyweight division. I think Cris Arreola will come in throwing some wild shots at Vitali and trying to keep the fight at a fast pace. Vitali who has a great chin will absorb his shots and work him with that jab. Vitali is known for his combinations and his ability to simply go forward and backward using his jab. Vitali can also sneak in a hard straight right hand. Arreola on the other hand is great at moving his opponents back, and he likes to fight at the center of the ring. Well in this matchup Arreola should not expect to fight at the center of the ring with Klitschko because he lacks good head movement to avoid his shots, and his chin is very questionable after his matchup with Travis Walker in which he went down. Personally I dont think Arreola is ready for Vitali because he hasnt fought at least a veteran heavyweight who will test him. He does not stay in shape between matchups I hear hes about 260 pounds right now, and I think he lacks the confidence to be in this match just look at his post fight interviews and you can tell. Vitali is going to test Arreola and his conditioning because Arreola's wins are usually knockouts his last few matches havent even went past round 6 Vitali will go past 6 because hes going to see how Arreola's stamina and conditioning plays up with him. I'm going with Vitali Klitschko in this matchup by a late TKO I just dont think Arreola is ready for this match. Hes a great fighter but he still has a lot of improvement. Vitali Klitschko TKO late in the fight

Shane Mosley

After an impressive win against Antonio Margarito, WBA Welterweight "super" champion Shane Mosley cant seem to land himself a big money fight. I respect Shane Mosley he has to be one of my all time favorites, but trying to only land big money fights at this point in his career is not the best path for him. Being a boxer at 37 years of age you want to stay active in the ring and keep busy. Shane has said many times theres no fights out there for him, but there are plenty of fights he has Andre Berto, Kermit Cintron, Delvin Rodriguez, Paul Williams who called him out a few times, Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah, and Seculk Aydin. None of these fighters bring the money a matchup with Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. bring but it keeps him busy. Boxing fans need to stop saying that Mosley is "ducking" Williams. Despite being another great fighter Williams does not bring the money that Shane wants to make, but Williams brings a threat to Mosley. He has an 81 inch reach, he fights from different angles, he stays busy, he throws more than 100 punches a round. Shane is smart enough to know that if he loses that matchup then his chance of landing that fight with Pacquiao and Mayweather is out of the window. People are always going to talk about how Shane had a chance to fight Mayweather years ago but he went up and fought De La Hoya for more money. Well put yourself in Shane's shoes for a bit. Oscar De La Hoya was boxing's biggest draw from 1994-2009. Shane was a hungry lightweight looking for his shot at boxing super stardom and this was his opportunity and he seized the moment. At that time Floyd Jr. was still establishing himself. Though he did offer to move up to 135 to fight him I dont think a 1998-2000 Floyd Mayweather Jr. beats a lightweight Shane Mosley who many other lightweights wouldnt step in the ring with. People were "ducking" Shane at lightweight because at the time he was high risk low reward. The matchup with Oscar De La Hoya brought him to prominence in boxing. You cant penalize Mosley for making that decision because his first matchup with De La Hoya was very exciting just bombs thrown in the final 8 rounds, and a action packed final round. My advice to Shane Mosley would be not to just look at big money fights, but only to look at fights that will test you. Fight Joshua Clottey great defensive fighter who was a recent titlist. Fight Andre Berto a fighter who needs to test himself. Make the matchup with Kermit Cintron he called you out he wants a matchup. Theres so many fights out there for you Shane clean out the welterweight division and then look at Floyd and Pacquiao. Your very close to your opportunity, you earned your big money fight, now seize every opportunity you get when you fight do the unthinkable.

Going The Distance With the Knockout King Randall Bailey

Randall Bailey is in contention for the IBF Light welterweight championship on the season finale of Friday Night Fights. He is a 3 time Light Welterweight champion once for the WBA,WBO, and IBA. At the age of 34 Randall Bailey is in line for another shot at the IBF light welterweight championship against titlist Juan Urango on ESPN2 on August 28th after knocking out Francisco Figueroa.

Julian Williams: How is training camp for your upcoming IBF light welterweight matchup with Juan Urango going so far?

Randall Bailey: Training camp is going very well working hard down here in the heat.

JW: How does it feel to be one of the main events for the season finale of ESPN's Friday Night Fights?

RB: Well its know big deal i've been on ESPN2 before & i just plan on putting on a good show.

JW: At the age of 34 how does it feel to be in line for another shot at the light welterweight championship once again?

RB: It feels great yah know i been working real hard to get back to this spot

JW: With your years of experience do you believe it will be an advantage to you in this matchup? and why?

RB: Nah i dont think experience i think being smart an following the game we worked on will win the fight

JW: In 45 bouts who was your toughest opponent to date?

RB: I would have to say Hecter Lopez

JW: The light welterweight division is now loaded with talent how would it feel to be a champion in a division with such a deep talent pool?

RB: Well it will be great for me then i can try & get some of these other top fighters to fight me

JW: Since turning pro in 1996 you have remained at light welterweight your entire career have you ever considered making the jump to welterweight someday, and if so who would you be willing to fight at 147?

RB: Well when i do decide to move up theres NO 1 i wouldn't want to fight at welterwieght

JW: In the last month boxing has lost 3 legends Alexis Arguello, Arturo Gatti, and Vernon Forrest what are your thoughts on these recent tragedies?

RB: You i really didn't know there life styles but u have to be careful where eva u go i wasn't there so i really cant comment but its very sad time for boxing

JW: Despite coming short of the title a couple times in the last few years what kept you motivated?

RB: Well knew deep down iside i had it in me to be champion again an just to find the right team to get me there

JW: Which boxers would you like to face sometime in the near future?

RB: Tim Bradley,Marcos Maidiana, Unification

JW: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

RB: Yes to my fans The Knockout King is back & Thank You For Believing In Me

Be sure to check out Randall Bailey vs Juan Urango on ESPN2 season finale of friday night fights on August 28th thanks to Randall Bailey

Prediction Mayweather vs. Marquez

So far this is the most talked about matchup of the year. Floyd Mayweather vs Juan Manuel Marquez takes place on September 19th more than a month and a half away from now. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is making his return after a near 2 year layoff after his victory over Ricky Hatton. Juan Manuel Marquez has moved up the ladder of pound for pound ranks in Floyd's absence having victories over Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz along with a debateable split decision loss to Manny Pacquiao. While Marquez has been active fighting two of the best lightweights in the world, Mayweather has been retired and rumor has it that he lost his money. Money or no money this matchup will be tactical. Both fighters are counter punchers, in this one I dont see Marquez going in and pressing Mayweather and hitting him to the body, but I see Mayweather being the aggressor in this matchup will it be close? I doubt it with two counter punchers in the ring one has to be the aggressive one and Floyd is quick enough to land his shots and get out of the way all night long. Marquez doesnt have the speed to chase Mayweather around the ring, and Mayweather is too smart to stand there in the pocket and slug it out with Marquez the whole fight. Mayweather will make Marquez fight him at his pace and thats whats going to win him the fight. Floyd Mayweather Jr. Unanimous Decision

Going The Distance With Paulie Malignaggi

Paulie Malignaggi will fight against Juan Diaz in the main event on August 22nd's HBO Boxing After Dark. Malignaggi a former IBF Light Welterweight champion was kind enough to give me my first interview for "The Distance"


Julian Williams: how is your training camp for your upcoming fight going so far?

Paulie Malignaggi: Whats up, Training camp is on point as usual. We never cut corners in camp, paulie malignaggi is always in shape and ready for this fight.

JW: are there any changes or adjustments you have made to your fight style to accomodate you for the match with diaz?

PM: Your going to see the old paulie malignaggi, the one that fault against cotto. We got some tricks for Juan Diaz. Everyone get your tickets and stay tuned to HBO, because people will believe in magic.

JW: most paulie malignaggi fans know that you and long time trainer buddy mcgirt parted ways after the hatton fight how did it feel to adapt to a new training system after being with mcgirt? was it hard to make that transition to make?

PM: Not at all, the transition was a key fit so to speak. We clicked as soon as we stepped into the gym. He knows what paulie malignaggi likes, and we work real well together, Like i said before people r going to see the old slick paulie

JW: Are there any flaws of juan diaz that you and your trainer see and think you will expose come august 22nd?

PM: Every fighter has flaws, no ones perfect in the ring. But the flaws will be exposed on august 22nd

JW: We recently seen you in the commercial for the Nintendo Wii game Punch Out how was that experience? Do you ever get to play Punch Out?

PM: The experience was a wonderful, it was a great transition from boxing to commecials. What was great about that roll was it was like playing me. Hollywood better make way for Paulie Malignaggi, thats all i gotta say LOL.

JW: How did it feel to be in the biggest boxing game of the year Fight Night Round 4? have you gotten an opportunity to play as yourself yet?

PM: Yeah, I played both games, love them both. Just like to give thanks for fight night giving me that shot

JW: Who is your paulie malignaggi's dream opponent?

PM: Tons of great fighters out there, like floyd said "if it makes money it makes sense"

JW: What are your thoughts on the recent tragedies with the deaths of Alexis Arguello, Arturo Gatti, and Vernon Forrest?

PM: Boxing is always going to miss legends, all three fighters wre great for this sport and loved by everyone especially Arturo Gatti. These fighters can't be replaced by anyone. They will be missed and love!

JW: This thought just popped up in my mind when i was writing questions down but do you see yourself in the ring with luis collazo? how big do you think that fight would be in your hometown of brooklyn?

PM: Honestly luis collazo is a good friend, a bigger fight would probably be me vs judah in brooklyn. But for now we got Juan Diaz on r mind.

JW: I know your great with predictions and you know boxing very well who are you choosing for mayweather vs marquez and cotto vs pacquiao?

PM: Mayweather and Cotto

JW: What should fans expect from paulie malignaggi on august 22nd?

PM: You should expect fireworks, so make sure you don't change the channel. Two hard nose fighters going toe to toe august 22nd. But someones gotta dissappear and it ain't the magic man! He's here to stay.

JW: You have anything to tell your fans who read?

PM: Yeah, I'd personally like to thank all my fans out there for supporting me through thick and thin. For all my myspace/facebook fans we see you guys! Thanks for the love and supportShout out to my Cousins Nico and Mark in Chicago

Malignaggi Vs. Diaz August 22nd on HBO be sure to watch it

Boxing and MMA

People need to stop comparing boxing to mixed martial arts they both are different sports. I'm not going to knock MMA because just like boxers there dedicated athletes as well. We cant make the comparison of boxing to mixed martial arts because its hard to compare the two sports together unless theres someone that has done well in both boxing and mixed martial arts. I cant say which is the better sport of the two, which has the more dedicated athletes, or which is the easiest sport to get into. It is upsetting when you get boxers who simply talk down on mixed martial arts. Most of these boxers are not willing to step into a cage with most of these fighters. So what if the demographic for MMA are "beer drinking white men" how does it concern you? I get the feeling at times that boxers such as Floyd Mayweather are jealous of the fact that UFC is profitable at the moment, and more people are willing to buy tickets to go to an mma event than see him fight. I'll be the first to admit that Dana White does a hell of a job promoting UFC hes at every press conference, radio show, television, and even has television shows to plug his events. Floyd has showed up to conferences but he goes on television and acts a fool when he gets asked a simple question. People are wondering why did Mayweather vs Marquez only sell 3,000 tickets. Well it sold 3,000 tickets because nothing was done to promote the fight basically. Yes there were press conferences, tours, and stuff but he's fighting a guy who 1. fights at a smaller weight class 2. does not have the same fan base as the other fighters you've faced and 3. people expect you to talk down on your opponent and people dont care if he kicks your ass or not. So boxing and MMA needs no comparison at all! If you put everything together you'll notice MMA fighters are bigger than boxers boxing welterweight limit is 147 and mma its 170 and the welterweight limit in boxing is two pounds heavier than the smallest division in mma the featherweights and the featherweights in mma are about 19-20 pounds heavier than featherweights in boxing and a good 40 pounds heavier than the lightest division in boxing the strawweight division. so there does not need to be any comparison of which one is better at the end of the day there getting paid and fighting just like you are so call it a day

Prediction Nate Campbell vs. Timothy Bradley

This Saturday we have a great upcoming bout for the WBO light welterweight championship pitting Nate Campbell against Timothy Bradley. This fight will be a great test for the young Timothy Bradley coming off of a big unanimous decision victory over Kendall Holt after hitting the canvas hard in the first round. Nate Campbell is making his debut at light welterweight after failing to make weight in February for his matchup against Ali Funeka in which he won. Timothy Bradley is elusive, can counter very well, and has great boxing abilities. Nate Campbell is a veteran who knows his way around the ring. We have yet seen Bradley be tested against the best opposition. His matchup with Edner Cherry was simply to showcase his talent, and in his matchup with Kendall Holt the opponent was just looking for countering opportunities after that first knockdown. Nate Campbell is a very smart fighter and has been in the ring with two of the best fighters the lightweight division has to offer. He fought Joel Casamayor and recently defeated Juan Diaz to become the lightweight champion. Despite losing to Casamayor Campbell worked his way up through eliminator bouts to become one of boxings elite. I see this fight going the distance Bradley will fight at a fast pace, but Nate Campbell is gonna walk him down and hit Bradley with some shots that will land so that Bradley wont be able to give him the clean counter hooks. Bradley doesnt have the punching power to make Campbell take a step back but for Bradley to win points hes going to have play volume puncher for this bout but I dont see it happening

My Prediction: Nate Campbell unanimous decision

Joe Calzaghe

I was reading on boxing forums earlier this week and I saw Joe Calzaghe saying he can beat Wladimir Klitschko and go up to cruiserweight and come out of retirement for this crazy amount of money. Joe Calzaghe is perhaps the greatest super middleweight of all time. He fought in a division that was dead, and ruled that division for over ten years, and defended his title more than 20 times if im correct. He exposed and ruined Jeff Lacy who many considered to be the future of that division. He defeated Mikkel Kessler who many consider to be the best in super middleweight today. Joe Calzaghe is now retired, but some of the comments hes making are out of hand. Overall Calzaghe was a great fighter but you cant rate him amongst the all time greats. He didnt really do anything to be considered an all time great other than clean out an already dead division with fringe contenders with belts. If Joe Calzaghe was great then why didnt he come to America earlier and fight Roy Jones at the peak of his career? If Joe Calzaghe was so great why didnt he come to America to fight Hopkins who had just won every middleweight title in 2004? Many people blame Frank Warren, but this is all on Joe Calzaghe he wasnt a worldwide attraction or anything. He was a super middleweight champion only fighting in Europe, and he didnt come to the United States until Hopkins and Jones were faded. He fought a close matchup with Hopkins, and beat Jones who was actually cut and seemed to be ready to go after he got cut. People referred to you as the best in the world but who have you beaten to be considered best in the world? does a C+ level fighter like Jeff Lacy make you the best? How about getting a split decision against a 44 year old legend? Or is it not even going for the kill against a badly faded fighter who was looking for a reason to go down? Not taking away your wins or accomplishments but to be the best you have to beat the best. You should have moved up and fought Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson, Chad Dawson, and given Bernard Hopkins a rematch not to mention the man who gave you a chance for fighting for his title! I think the man deserves a rematch. Your best win hands down was against Mikkel Kessler a hungry up and coming fighter who had a lot to prove, and you beat him, but out of all of the names on your resume the only two worldwide stars were Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins. Calzaghe leave the talking for the boxers of this generation now if you dont want to be a part of boxing then dont be a part of it. If you want to keep talking step in the ring with Chad Dawson, Glen Johnson, or even Antonio Tarver. Maybe you can give Carl Froch a shot later on. Not taking anything away from you your one of the best but not greatest. You make up the complete package of a fighter, but its time to move on if your not going to step in the ring again

Boxing Fanboys

I look on Eastside Boxing all the time and see these fanboys who are extremely biased toward certain fighters. Sometimes they say the most ridiculous things. "Floyd Mayweather is the greatest fighter of all time", "Manny Pacquiao will easily beat Sugar Ray Robinson", "Kelly Pavlik might have lost to Bernard Hopkins but hes still the greatest middleweight of all time." The biased opinions get old after a while. The three fighters mentioned have the hugest fan bases on ESB a few more fighters are always brought up as well. But who is the greatest boxer of all time? Pound for Pound I would say Sugar Ray Robinson hes accomplished much more than any fighter will ever accomplish in the sport of boxing, and this is a different era. Instead of looking at the facts many boxing fans look at what they see in fights with mostly overmatched opponents to determine whether or not a fighter will win. Some get the idea that since Kelly Pavlik knocked out Jermain Taylor then he can knock out Hopkins who Taylor beat twice. Well Hopkins won a lopsided decision against Pavlik while losing two close fights to Jermain Taylor. On the flipside Pavlik beat Taylor twice once by knockout. Same can be said for Shane Mosley who has been the underdog in many of his matchups. Ricardo Mayorga beat Vernon Forrest the man who beat Shane Mosley, and Mosley knocked out Mayorga. Same can be said with Margarito and Cotto. Miguel Cotto beat Shane Mosley in a close unanimous decision victory, Margarito beat Cotto by TKO and Mosley beat Margarito by knockout the same Margarito who beat Miguel Cotto, who beat Shane Mosley. Style makes fights The key to making predictions is style makes fights, and you have to rely on facts. You have to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your fighter and think about which weakness will the fighters expose. We have to bring an end to boxing fanboys who like one specific fighter and chooses fights based on the fighter they like use facts and base your prediction on that

Boxing Loses A Great Champ

Vernon Forrest was shot and killed Saturday night in a robbery. In the last month or so Boxing has mourned the deaths of three former fighters: Arturo Gatti, Alexis Arguello, and now Vernon Forrest. Vernon Forrest had the makings to be a hall of fame fighter but unfortunately injuries forced him out of the ring for years. Many boxing fans remember Vernon Forrest as the man who ended Shane Mosley's reign on the top of the boxing ladder. Unfortunately many will only remember Forrest for handing Mosley his first loss, but some will remember him for the work and effort he put in the community with Destiny's Child Incorporated. Vernon Forrest will truly be missed by us die hard boxing fans because he had so much more to prove to the boxing world and the end really wasnt near. Lets hope that there are no more losses in the year 2009 because 3 in one month is enough and not to mention we lost some other champions earlier in the year as well.