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Bad Left Hook

Nov 29, 2009 Dec 18, 2011 344 6

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Bad Left Hook Carl Froch: "If Andre Ward Fights Me When I'm Firing on All Cylinders, He's Getting Battered"


Yesterday in Nottingham, Carl Froch demolished Lucian Bute to win the IBF super middleweight title. After the fight, he spoke with iFilm London's Kugan Cassius about the fight, again proving his critics wrong, and potential rematches with Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward.

Kugan Cassius: "With me, I've got the new IBF world champion, Carl Froch. Carl, this must be one of the greatest nights of your life."

Carl Froch: "It feels great. I don't know if it's the greatest night of my life. (One of them), definitely. To come off a devastating defeat in America and then come back and fight an unbeaten fighter, and everybody thinks that you're not gonna do it, and you've not got quite what it takes to cut it at top level, to then do a performance like that and win the IBF world title in that kind of style, obviously I feel elated. It's amazing. It's brilliant."

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Bad Left Hook Ortiz vs Lopez, Chris Arreola Press Conference: Photos and Quotes

Victor Ortiz faces Josesito Lopez on June 23, with Chris Arreola also in action at Staples Center. (Photo by Craig Bennett/Showtime)

Victor Ortiz has been rescheduled to face Josesito Lopez on June 23, live on Showtime, with popular heavyweight action star Chris Arreola also in action, in addition to a junior welterweight bout between Humberto Soto and Lucas Matthysse. Ortiz, Lopez, and Arreola met up for a press conference this week and gave their thoughts.

* * * * *

VICTOR ORTIZ

"I'm not taking anyone for granted at all. Josesito is a great fighter. We share one thing in common, and that's a lot of heart. It's going to be a great night. He's ready to fight, and that makes two of us.

"It's too bad (that Berto failed the drug test), but at the end of the day we have to prepare for another champion, and that's Josesito Lopez.

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Bad Left Hook Quillin vs Wright: Big Opportunity For Quillin, Bigger On The Horizon With Victory

Peter Quillin has a chance to raise his name value with a win over Winky Wright on June 2. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Ryan Bivins returns to Bad Left Hook this afternoon with a special look at the June 2 fight between Peter Quillin and Winky Wright.

* * * * *

On June 2, Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin will attempt to advance his 26-0 undefeated streak against future Hall of Famer Ronald "Winky" Wright in a middleweight contest scheduled for 10 rounds. This is a change of pace for Winky, whose previous 23 fights over the last 16 years, have been scheduled for 12 rounds. Wright, who hasn't won a fight in over five and a half years, is now in his 40s and is widely considered a huge underdog. Nonetheless Wright presents a step up in opposition for the 28 year old Quillin.

This fight is a crossroads in both fighters' careers. Quillin hopes to earn his first world title shot while Wright wants to see if he has one last title run left in him. Ironically when I first interviewed Peter over a year ago, he named Felix "Tito" Trinidad as the boxing idol he most identified with. Consequently a win over Wright will mean more to Quillin than just business. It will be a little personal too.

Peter Quillin, an African American of Cuban heritage, donned the name Kid Chocolate in tribute to the former world featherweight and junior lightweight champion of the same name. The original Kid Chocolate, also called the "Cuban Bon Bon", was born Eligio Sardinias Montalvo. As Montalyo was the first Cuban to win a world title (back in 1931), Quillin hopes to be the next. But right now Winky Wright stands in his way. They say every great fighter has at least one great performance left in him. Wright's last great performance came against none other than Quillin's idol Tito. Winky hopes history will repeat itself while Kid Chocolate looks for retribution. But who wants it more? Who needs it more? Hunger could very well decide the fight.

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Bad Left Hook Pacquiao vs Bradley: Manny Says Only Floyd Mayweather Prevents Boxing's Mega-Fight

Manny Pacquiao says that only Floyd Mayweather is preventing the biggest fight in boxing, but he's focused on Timothy Bradley for now.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Timothy Bradley faces Manny Pacquiao on June 9 in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view, in the biggest fight of the 28-year-old American's career to date. In the weeks leading up to the fight, we'll have Q&A sessions with the fighters, courtesy HBO. Here's Pacquiao's third entry. See Also: Pacquiao's Concerns About Bradley's Headbutts and Problems With Marquez, Danger in Bradley.

At this point, what is keeping you and Floyd Mayweather Jr. from climbing into the ring together? Will the fight ever happen? How Important is to you being considered one of the best of all times when you career is over? What's that your goal when you started fighting 8 divisions below?

"The only thing preventing a fight between Floyd Mayweather and me is Floyd Mayweather. He no longer wants to split the pay-per-view revenue with me equally, something he agreed to in our first negotiation. Will the fight ever happen? It's up to Floyd. I hope it does. I'm a competitor and I enjoy a challenge. I know the fans want to see us fight. I think it would be good for boxing. As long as I continue fighting I will remain hopeful that the fight will take place.

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Bad Left Hook Pacquiao vs Bradley: Tim Bradley Says It's Great to Face Manny, Will Be Even Better to Beat Him

Timothy Bradley is thrilled to be facing Manny Pacquiao -- but says he'll be even happier when he wins on June 9. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Timothy Bradley faces Manny Pacquiao on June 9 in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view, in the biggest fight of the 28-year-old American's career to date. In the weeks leading up to the fight, we'll have Q&A sessions with the fighters, courtesy HBO. Here's Bradley's third entry. See Also: Bradley's best and worst memories in boxing and Bradley on what he does away from boxing.

* * * * *

How does it feel getting this fight after being criticized for not taking the Amir Khan fight. Did you know this fight was coming at the time? Where you willing to take all that negativity just to get this fight with Pacquiao?

"In boxing criticism is part of the game. You hear it before, during and after very fight. I have learned to let it roll off me like water off a duck's back. Experience told me that the timing for the Amir Khan fight was wrong. I had already fought and won two world title unification fights against Kendall Holt and Devon Alexander. Both were big victories but because of the timing of when they took place I didn't realize the full financial potential that I feel I should have.

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Bad Left Hook Jamaal Davis vs Eberto Medina II: Live Report and Results From Atlantic City

Jamaal Davis was victorious in the main event of Peltz Boxing's show in Atlantic City on Saturday night. (Photo via Peltz Boxing)

Bad Left Hook's Ryan Bivins was in the house this past Saturday night at Bally's Atlantic City to catch Peltz Boxing's card headlined by junior middleweights Jamaal Davis and Eberto Medina.

* * * * *

On May 19th, 2012 Peltz Boxing Promotions put on another thrilling night of fights at Bally's Atlantic City with quality undercards and an action packed main event. The card was seven fights deep with all but one going the distance despite knockdowns occurring in three. Some of the higher profiled non-combatants in attendance included rising heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings, unified USBA & NABF cruiserweight champion Garrett Wilson, former two time world cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham, and the world renowned trainer Naazim Richardson. Jennings worked the corners of Louis Robinson and Fred Jenkins Jr. while Richardson worked the corner of Jamaal Davis in the main event (although not as head coaches).

Davis was originally scheduled to fight Harry Joe Yorgey, but Yorgey suffered a shoulder injury roughly three weeks prior. Eberto Medina, who was actually Jamaal's last opponent, replaced Yorgey on two weeks' notice. Like their first fight, one judge ruled it a draw. Fortunately for Davis this time around both of the other judges scored it for him. Medina, now 0-1-1 against Davis, finished the fight feeling like a winner regardless. Records aside, there really were no losers on this night.

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Bad Left Hook Pacquiao vs Bradley: Manny Pacquiao on Problems With Marquez, Danger in Bradley

Manny Pacquiao says that Juan Manuel Marquez is an excellent fighter, and understands why many want to see a fourth fight between the two rivals. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Manny Pacquiao faces Timothy Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view, in the biggest fight of the 28-year-old American's career to date. In the weeks leading up to the fight, we'll have Q&A sessions with the fighters, courtesy HBO. Here's Pacquiao's second entry.

* * * * *

What is it about Juan Manuel Marquez and his style that seems to give you trouble? Will you give him a fourth fight? Are there any options for you after this fight besides a fight with Marquez or Mayweather?

"I get asked a lot about my fights with Juan Manuel Marquez. Our trilogy has been as exciting for us as it has been for boxing fans. Juan really understands how to fight southpaws. He's a very smart man and an excellent fighter. His deliberate and patient style of fighting is a product that comes from experience and experience against great opposition. He's a brilliant counterpuncher.

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Bad Left Hook Pacquiao vs Bradley: Timothy Bradley on What He Does Away From the Ring

Timothy Bradley enjoys coaching youth sports and being a parent when he's not preparing for a fight. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Timothy Bradley faces Manny Pacquiao on June 9 in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view, in the biggest fight of the 28-year-old American's career to date. In the weeks leading up to the fight, we'll have Q&A sessions with the fighters, courtesy HBO. Here's Bradley's second entry. See Also: Bradley's best and worst memories in boxing.

* * * * *

What do you like to do when you are not training for a fight? Do you play or watch other sports? Do you have any particular role models?

"Even though I'm a world champion fighter I enjoy off seasons like other professional athletes and I like to make the most of my free time. Like any other sports fan, I enjoy watching football and basketball on television as well as spending time with friends and family.

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Bad Left Hook Alex Ariza: "Mayweather vs Pacquiao Should Have Happened Already, Promoters Are Supposed to Promote"

Here's a ten-minute interview with famed strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza on WLIE 540 AM in New York, as he discusses Pacquiao vs Bradley, what he thinks is preventing Pacquiao vs Mayweather, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Lamont Peterson and drug use in boxing/MMA, Sergio Martinez, and more.


Host: "We are now joined by Alex Ariza, one of the best strength and conditioning coaches known to man. Alex, how are you doing tonight?"

Alex Ariza: "Too kind, too kind. I'm doing good, how are you, buddy?"

Host: "Doing good! You're known for your work with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, Chavez Jr, you've trained Corrales in the past. Talk to us about some of these fighters, and some of the different approaches that you've had to take getting the most out of your star athletes?"

Ariza: "Rest in peace, Diego Corrales. I think I learned everything from him since I was just barely out of college when I started working with him. He was probably the most difficult athlete I ever had in terms of his weight -- being almost 6'1", fighting at 130 pounds. Pretty much everything that I do, I built around that kid."

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Bad Left Hook Haye vs Chisora Press Conference: Adam Booth Interview (Video)


[ Related: Chisora Interview / Haye Interview ]

Adam, first of all let's talk about the event itself. And so much has been said about it. Is it good for boxing? Should it be happening in the way in which it is? Should the British Boxing Board of Control be involved? Should they have gone against the British Boxing Board of Control and gone their own way? Is this good for boxing? Should it be happening?

"Well, two professional fighters having a fight in a boxing ring, which is the environment that they train, where they're disciplined to fight, is where it should happen. The fact that a dust-up happened in Munich beforehand, was the wrong place for it to happen. So now once that's happened, two professional fighters, should fight in a boxing ring, or two professional boxers should fight in a boxing ring. Now everybody's saying, no they shouldn't. How else are they going to sort out their differences?"

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Bad Left Hook Pennsylvania State Golden Glove Championships: Results and Analysis

Ryan Bivins returns to Bad Left Hook this afternoon with a second report on last month's Pennsylvania Regional Golden Gloves Show in Philadelphia. Related: Part One of Ryan's Report.

* * * * *

On April 7th, 2012 eastern Pennsylvania held its regional Golden Gloves championships while western Pennsylvania held their regional bouts a week later on the 14th. The winners from each collided in the state championships on the 21st. A total of seventeen state title fights were contested in both the novice (under 10 fights) and open class divisions, and several other participants received walkovers. All bouts were scheduled for 3 rounds. Novice rounds were 2 minutes long while open rounds were 3 minutes long. Brittany Rogers promoted the event under the Bam Boxing banner, once again at Philadelphia's Front Street Gym. Philly fighters can thank Brittany for the unusual opportunity to go through the entire State tournament without traveling.

Novice Bouts:

1. <110lb> Jose Borges [Harrowgate-Phila] DQ3 Dallas Holden [AC Pal]

Holden began the fight over anxious while Borgias was poised. Overall Borges did his best work by staying behind his jab and patiently timing his opponent with power shots, opening up with lead left hooks as the fight went on. The shorter Holden had faster hands but wasn't landing as clean or effectively. Holden's lack of head movement didn't help him either. Both fighters lost a point in the 2nd round for holding and Holden lost another 2 points in the 3rd, resulting in a DQ victory for Borges.

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Bad Left Hook ShoBox Weights, Photos and Quotes: Yudel Jhonson vs Willie Nelson, Badou Jack vs Alexander Brand

Cuba's Yudel Jhonson faces Cleveland's Willie Nelson in tomorrow night's ShoBox main event. (Photo by Tom Casino/Showtime)

Tomorrow night's ShoBox: The New Generation is a double-header from Texas Station in Las Vegas, with a 10-round main event in the junior middleweight division. Yudel Jhonson of Cuba and Willie Nelson of Cleveland, Ohio, both weighed in at 151½ lbs for that fight, well under the 154-pound limit. In the co-feature, super middleweights Badou Jack (167) and Alexander Brand (166½) were both under the limit. Below are photos and quotes from the weigh-in event. Bad Left Hook will have live round-by-round coverage of ShoBox tomorrow night at 11 p.m. EDT.

* * * * *

YUDEL JHONSON

"Thank you to the United States for the freedom to fight professionally. Thanks to SHOWTIME for making me able to show my talents. I'm in great condition. I'm in the best shape I've ever been in and I had the best training camp of my career.

"This is a great opportunity and I won't let it pass me by. I'm dedicating this fight to all the mothers in the world, especially my mother in Cuba.''

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Bad Left Hook Guerrero vs Aydin: Press Conference Quotes For July 28 Fight

Robert Guerrero headlines at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, facing Selcuk Aydin on July 28. (Photo by Tom Hogan/Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions)

Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero

"Selcuk is coming to the United States and he wants to prove a point. He's an unknown Turkish guy who was ducked by Floyd Mayweather and now he's coming to fight and make a huge statement. This is his chance for him to prove to American boxing fans that he's the real deal.

"I have to be ready for a guy like this. He is trying to creep up on me and shock the world. He's one of those tough guys that tries to knock everyone out, which makes for a really exciting fight, and I'll be ready.

"I know this is going to be a great fight for Bay Area fans. Some people say they are hungry like a lion, but I'm hungry like a cockroach...nothing is hungrier than a roach."

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Bad Left Hook Pacquiao vs Bradley: Manny Concerned With Bradley's Fighting Style, Headbutts

Manny Pacquiao says he does have concerns with headbutts in his upcoming fight with Tim Bradley. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Manny Pacquiao faces Timothy Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view, in the biggest fight of the 28-year-old American's career to date. In the weeks leading up to the fight, we'll have Q&A sessions with the fighters, courtesy HBO. Here's Pacquiao's first entry.

[ Bradley Blog: Best and Worst Boxing Memories ]

* * * * *

What are Bradley's strengths in this matchup, what are your advantages, and do you have any concerns about his physical style and the frequency of head clashes in his fights?

"Timothy Bradley brings a lot of weapons to a fight. He has youth, an aggressive style and a state of mind that only a world champion possesses. No matter how much talent a fighter has, his game is raised by being a world champion. Tim has always found a way to win. He has great determination and can adapt and change his game plan in mid fight.

"Bradley seems to be improving with every fight. His victories over Lamont Peterson and Devon Alexander, who were undefeated when he fought them, were very impressive. He knows how to impose his will on his opponents. He turns fights into wars.

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Bad Left Hook VADA Releases Statement on Peterson's Failed Drug Test

Lamont Peterson and Amir Khan have had their May 19 fight canceled, but the story isn't done being told about Peterson's failed drug test. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)

The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has released an official statement that addresses questions from Golden Boy Promotions about the way they handled Lamont Peterson's failed drug test from March, and discusses the entire situation to date. Peterson discussed the situation with WJLA in Washington, DC, but here's the VADA statement, and I do suggest reading it. There's a lot to this story that has yet to really be told, as it seems is always the case in boxing.

VADA's mission is to help protect the health and safety of athletes who are willing to demonstrate their commitment to clean sport. As a voluntary organization, we depend on those who share our vision to help rid boxing and MMA of PEDs. VADA understands and shares the disappointment that is felt by Golden Boy Promotions, Amir Khan, the undercard fighters, HBO, and the thousands of fans who were looking forward to Khan-Peterson II. This unfortunate situation, however, serves to underscore the need for PED education and the high-caliber testing procedures that VADA offers.

VADA has respect for Richard Schaefer, GBP, and their commitment to clean sport. However, VADA disagrees with Mr. Schaefer's characterizations of the contractual relationship between GBP and VADA. The facts are as follows.

There was never a final or signed contract between GBP and VADA. When VADA became involved with the Peterson-Khan fight in March, the individual athletes signed up for the VADA program and executed the proper documentation.

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Bad Left Hook Lamont Peterson: "Allow Me and My Team the Time to Prove Our Innocence" (Video)

Lamont Peterson appeared on "NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt" on WJLA in Washington, DC, on Thursday, to discuss his canceled May 19 rematch with Amir Khan. Peterson tested positive for synthetic testosterone in March.

* * * * *

What is going on? What has happened? Why is the fight off?

"Well, going all the way back to November -- I have a doctor in Vegas, you know, pretty much wanted to make sure I'm healthy before I go into the ring, entering the fight December 10. We did lab work, blood work, all type of tests to make sure I'm healthy. One of the tests came back and it showed that I wasn't doing as good as I thought I was. Testosterone levels were very, very low. It was at, like, a 7.2 or something like that, when someone my age should be in the 20s, all the way to the 40s. So we did a procedure where he inserted pellets in my hip. It was all-natural, soy-based stuff. It's nothing that's going to have me like Hercules or anything like that. Just was to balance my levels to normal status. That's it. So we did the fight, we did a drug test before the fight, after the fight, I passed it.

"So we're doing the rematch now. Me, I believe there's a lot of people in boxing that's doing PEDs. Taking drugs to enhance their performance. There's different programs out there that you can use. Instead of just doing urine test like we always do, you can do blood and urine tests, and this is random testing throughout your training camp. I was all for that, I asked for that for the fight, just trying to show other champions and other top fighters to do the same thing. And for, you know, to clean the sport up, because to be honest, there are people out there cheating. I'm asking for these things. Actually paying money to do this. It's not nothin' that is cheap.

"So we end up doing the first test. Weeks later, it shows up that my test is positive for a substance."

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Bad Left Hook Peterson vs Khan Drug Testing Scandal: Time For Boxing to Take the Test

Lamont Peterson's name is now dirty following his failed drug test. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Eddie Gonzalez returns to Bad Left Hook tonight with his take on the Lamont Peterson vs Amir Khan drug testing scandal, which has canceled the highly-anticipated May 19 rematch between the two junior welterweights.

* * * * *

Today, the Nevada State Athletic Commission heard the case of Lamont Peterson, WBA and IBF junior welterweight world champion, and now even more importantly, admitted user of synthetic testosterone, following his VADA drug test failure in March that wasn't reported until two days ago.

Peterson's stance was typical. "The doctor gave me this" is one of the standard defenses of doping, right alongside "I didn't know what I was taking" and "Huh?" Doping has become more of a problem than ever in sports, but because of that, sports fans have come to shrug these things off, and now the typical response isn't, "How dare he?!" Instead, they say, "How dumb is he that he got caught?"

The timing for Peterson and boxing as a whole couldn't be worse. The week following what will probably be the biggest fight night of the year, a major pay-per-view fight card that finally lived up to the build. Fans both casual and diehard alike were ecstatic with what they got for their money Saturday. Miguel Cotto forced Floyd Mayweather to back up his loud mouth, dig down deep and fight. And fight he did. Cotto challenged Mayweather like no one since Jose Luis Castillo 10 years ago, and it brought the best out of Mayweather. Better writers than me have written about this more eloquently than I am capable of, but suffice it to say that I, and just about every other boxing fan, came out of this weekend really really happy about the events that unfolded before us.

And then Monday happened.

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Bad Left Hook Pacquiao vs Bradley: Timothy Bradley on His Best and Worst Memories in Boxing

Timothy Bradley counts his win over Junior Witter for his first world title as the most satisfying of his boxing career. (Photo by John Gichigi/Getty Images)

Timothy Bradley faces Manny Pacquiao on June 9 in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view, in the biggest fight of the 28-year-old American's career to date. In the weeks leading up to the fight, we'll have Q&A sessions with the fighters, courtesy HBO. Here's Bradley's first entry.

* * * * *

Discuss your best and worst memory as a fighter, and which wins -- amateur or professional -- have been the most satisfying or memorable?

"I have been blessed to have been in many memorable fights which have contributed to great memories as a professional fighter. I get asked a lot which fight stands out the most and I would have to say my victory over Junior Witter. It was my first world championship fight. I'll never forget it.

"Witter was the champion and I was the challenger. I had to travel to his backyard in England to fight him in front of his hometown fans. I knew I had to train hard in camp and execute perfectly against him. No one was going to do me any favors over there. Every point I won I earned.

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Bad Left Hook Haye vs Chisora Press Conference: David Haye Interview (Video)


"David, a lot of talking in the build-up to this. A lot of people with their opinions about whether or not it should happen. It is gonna happen. What's your take on it?"

"Whether people want it or not, as you said, it's gonna happen. If you don't wanna watch it, don't watch it. If you do, fantastic. You're gonna get a great fight. Boxing's about two guys fighting each other. Obviously, with rules. We've done it without rules. And ideally that wouldn't have happened, but if that wouldn't have happened, maybe this fight wouldn't have happened with me and him. The hysteria surrounding it. The amount of media worldwide interest in this fight. The amount of people that pull me up on the streets daily, 'Fight Dereck Chisora, shut him up, the guy's such an idiot, you have to do it.' I'm like, OK then, let's get it on. So I've got an opportunity now. Summer time, I'm already in decent shape. All I've got to do is tape it down, and go out there and teach this boy a lesson. I already have taught him a lesson, in Germany when he got in my face. He got put on his back real quick. He wants to do it in a bigger forum, then OK."

[ Related: Dereck Chisora Interview ]

"I have to ask about that: How much do you regret what happened in Munich?"

"I don't regret it at all. I think anybody should hold their ground, if anyone comes up to them who threatens them, says they're going to break their jaw when they see them, says they're gonna beat them up, says they're gonna give them two slaps. Someone walks into your face, you've got the right to defend yourself, your property, your family. If you get a bully who tries to threaten you, to do something, gets in your personal space, I believe every man, woman, and child is in their right to defend themselves. And that's exactly what I was doing."

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Bad Left Hook Haye vs Chisora Press Conference: Dereck Chisora Interview (Video)


"It's happening, then. Tell us your thoughts about the fact that this fight is on, and a big fight here at Upton Park."

"It's happening. It's here. It's on BoxNation. We're ready to rock n' roll. Can't wait."

[ Related: Haye vs Chisora Signed, Warren Talks Licensing ]

"He's coming out with some big words in the press conference, about what he's going to do to you, about how he's going to shut you up, and he's gonna do it for the people on the street."

"If you know David Haye, he's not from the streets, man. We know David Haye, what he says. He was going to shut Wladimir up, he did not. He ended up shooting himself with his broken toe. He's all talk. You know what? For this one, I'm not going to say a lot. That's why I kept quiet. There's nothing to say. He signed a contract. Let's get it on."

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Bad Left Hook Mayweather vs Cotto: Canelo-Mosley and Undercard Press Conference Photos and Quotes

Canelo Alvarez and Shane Mosley pose on May 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the final press conference for their May 5 fight. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions)

Canelo Alvarez

"I can only say good things about Sugar Shane Mosley. He is a great champion, but I have trained hard for this fight, and I feel that I am going to win it. It is going to be a victory for all of Mexico.

"Mosley is a great fighter and despite his age, he has taken very good care of his body.

"Even though Mosley is a veteran fighter, he can still beat a lot of young guys. I'm prepared for the best Mosley ever.

[ Fight Preview: Canelo Alvarez vs Shane Mosley ]

"You really can't compare him [Mosley] to anybody, he is a complete fighter. He's fast, he's strong...he's everything. I have never faced anybody like him.

"The key in this fight for me is not to get desperate. I have to take my time and stick to my game plan.

"This is just another test, another gate that I have to walk through. With Mosley being who he is, I feel that I have entered the big leagues. There will be way bigger fights and better things for me."

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Bad Left Hook Miguel Cotto: "I'm Floyd Mayweather's Best Opponent"

Miguel Cotto believes he's the best fighter that Floyd Mayweather has ever faced. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

This Saturday night on HBO pay-per-view, Floyd Mayweather Jr will face Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fighters have been participating in a Q&A series leading up to the event, and here's Cotto's final entry, courtesy HBO.

* * * * *

Do you have any post-fighting career plans or aspirations?

"Right now my plans are for the May 5th fight. I aspire to do a lot of things in my life, but that's not what is important today. This will be one of the biggest fights of my career and I know it'll be a victorious one. I feel that I am at a great place right now and I feel very balanced. I think we shouldn't forget the importance of balance.

"The last few years of life have been great for me as a boxer. I have learned quite a bit about myself and what it takes to win. My fight with Floyd Mayweather will be great and exciting and I know fans desperately want to see it happen. The reaction this fight has gotten has been incredible and the enthusiasm unmatched.

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Bad Left Hook Mayweather vs Cotto: Floyd Not Retiring Any Time Soon

Floyd Mayweather Jr isn't planning to retire any time soon. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)

This Saturday night on HBO pay-per-view, Floyd Mayweather Jr will face Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fighters have been participating in a Q&A series leading up to the event, and here's Mayweather's final entry, courtesy HBO.

* * * * *

You've taken very little punishment during your career, but at age 35, how much longer do you anticipate fighting?

"I plan to end my career when I am 37 but we will see how I feel then too.

"At 35, I am in the best shape of my life. I'm dedicated to my craft and to the sport of boxing. For those reasons, I know that as long as I feel and remain healthy, I can continue to fight for as long as I want. I have the best team, "The Money Team," in my corner who works with me day in and day out to make sure that I'm prepared every time that I step into the ring. Staying focused is definitely a big part of my success and it will continue to be. At this moment, I'm the fighter to beat and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

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Bad Left Hook SB Nation on YouTube: Bomani Jones, Rob Neyer, Shutdown Fullback, and More

As most of you know, Bad Left Hook is owned by SB Nation. The company launched an official YouTube channel on March 1 which has come along nicely with tons of original content (over 30 new videos per week) covering a wide array of sports. Below is a listing of some of the featured shows on the channel, with some highlights chosen by ... well, I don't know who chose them, but they were chosen.

Personally, I'd like to discuss The Rolling Stones further with Bomani Jones. I feel that excluding latter day material is shortchanging any artist with longevity. I mean, Merle Haggard hasn't put out a great album since about 1970, but I still listen to the new ones, and there has been some solid stuff along the way. But then that's a discussion for another day, I suppose. -- Scott

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Shutdown Fullback (College Football meets Tim & Eric -- New episodes every Friday): If you've ever wondered what it would look like to see a video version of threads on EDSBS.com, we ll here you go. Simultaneously a college football talk show and unintentional postmodern art project, I personally guarantee Spencer Hall and Jason Kirk will make you laugh (or else they've duff'd it).

Essential Viewing: Bobby Petrino Fired episode with hot blonde assistant


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Bad Left Hook Hopkins vs Dawson II: Media Roundtable Quotes

Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson meet again this Saturday on HBO.

BERNARD HOPKINS

"I'm a throw back. I live in a time where it is so microwavable that there is no time to cook, season, chop or marinate any more. I'm the last of a dying breed.

"They were calling me old when I beat Trinidad 11 years ago.

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will always motivate me.

[ Hopkins vs Dawson II: Fight Preview and Prediction ]

"I have proven who I am. The reason I'm here is because Dawson didn't do what he should have against Pascal.

"My biggest motivation has been adversity.

"I don't drink or smoke and if some is drinking or smoking around me I get up. It's called discipline.

"This fight all you hear is 'Chad is bigger. Chad is stronger.' Not that he is more talented."

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Bad Left Hook Oosthuizen vs Johnson: Photos, Weights and Quotes

Super middleweights Thomas Oosthuizen and Marcus Johnson main event on tonight's ShoBox: The New Generation. (Photo by Tom Casino/Showtime)

Tonight at 11 p.m. EDT on Showtime, Thomas Oosthuizen leads a tripleheader on ShoBox: The New Generation, as the super middleweight contender looks to take down former top prospect Marcus "Too Much" Johnson, whose stock has slipped following inconsistency in the ring and a loss last year to Dyah Davis.

Oosthuizen weighed in at 169 for the fight, with Johnson at 169½. In the night's opening bout, Jose Pedraza (131½) faces Gil Garcia (132¼), and in the second fight of the night, Luis Orlando Del Valle (123) faces Christopher Martin (123) in what could be a trap fight for the prospect Del Valle.

Bad Left Hook will have live round-by-round coverage of ShoBox tonight at 11, as we'll join that show in progress following the late-starting Friday Night Fights, which kicks off at 10 with a pair of good fights.

Photos and quotes from tonight's ShoBox fighters after the jump.

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Bad Left Hook Mitchell vs Witherspoon: Media Roundtable Quotes

Seth Mitchell is favored to stay unbeaten when he faces Chazz Witherspoon on Saturday. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Seth Mitchell

"The only thing I really miss [about football] is the team camaraderie. Boxing is a lonely sport.

"I'm just focused, if you can't tell. I'm excited about the fight I'm ready to go out there and perform.

"If you take the Klitchko's out of the picture, right now, I think I'm right up there with the top heavyweights.

"I'm not a braggadocios person. There is no false bravado here. I handle my business when I get in the ring.

"I don't just want to be the NABO champion; I believe I can be the heavyweight [world] champion.

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Bad Left Hook Canelo vs Mosley: Alvarez Comfortable Headed Into Fight, Focused on Mosley

Canelo Alvarez says he's focused on Shane Mosley, and comfortable headed into their May 5 fight. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Canelo Alvarez faces Shane Mosley in the main undercard bout of the Mayweather vs Cotto PPV card on May 5, and has been answering a series of questions for HBO Sports leading up to the fight. Here's the latest installment of Alvarez's fight blog heading into the fight, courtesy HBO.

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Most top junior middleweights are on their way up or on their way down. But middleweight holds some interesting fights for you, and your frame suggests you'll move up eventually. Do you expect to stay at 154 pounds, and if so, for how long?

"I can't say where I'll be other then on May 5th when I defeat Shane Mosley. I am honored to be fighting someone of his caliber, but I will win. With the support of my entire team behind me, I am physically and mentally ready for this fight. Instead of thinking about future weight changes, I am feeling very comfortable at my current status.

"I think there are a lot of interesting and exciting fights in my future and if that means changing things down the line, then I feel confident I will rise to the occasion to do just that. But for now, the focus is May 5th. I know that's a natural reaction to wonder what's next, especially at my age.

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Bad Left Hook Canelo vs Mosley: Sugar Shane Ready to Prove Naysayers Wrong on May 5

Shane Mosley is hoping to prove the skeptics wrong with a win over Canelo Alvarez on May 5. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Sugar Shane Mosley faces Canelo Alvarez in the main undercard bout of the Mayweather vs Cotto PPV card on May 5, and has been answering a series of questions for HBO Sports leading up to the fight. Here's the latest installment of Mosley's fight blog heading into the fight, courtesy HBO.

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What are some of Alvarez's strengths as a fighter in your opinion? I'm sure Naazim has been watching a lot of tape on Canelo. Are there any interesting tendencies he's pointed out to you?

"Canelo is a young, talented fighter and will definitely help make things exciting for the fans. There's a lot I admire about the way he boxes, the way he moves, the way he anticipates hits. But ultimately, I know my experience, as a seasoned fighter will be evident to anyone who watches.

"I think there's a tendency for everyone to be fascinated in fights where there is an age difference like there is with Canelo and I. We will both be fighting to win, and in the end, I will win. I'd like to think I've proved many a naysayer wrong in my career. For those who think I won't be the winner, I say remember I have surprised before.

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Bad Left Hook Mayweather vs Cotto: Miguel Cotto Not Concerned With Public Opinion of His Chances

Miguel Cotto says he feels better than ever after his December win over Antonio Margarito. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Miguel Cotto faces Floyd Mayweather Jr for the WBA junior middleweight and WBC Diamond junior middleweight titles on May in Las Vegas, live on HBO PPV, and has been answering a series of questions for HBO Sports leading up to the fight. Here's the latest installment of Cotto's fight blog heading into the fight, courtesy HBO.

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Many agree that this will be one of the toughest matches of your career. Does it discourage you when you hear some doubt your prospects of a win? How do you respond to those individuals?

"I think that's the nature of any competitive sport: you will always have people pulling for the other guy. To me, those that say all that stuff don't affect me as a fighter. I am not concerned that some commentator somewhere thinks Mayweather will KO me in four rounds or some blogger thinks this is a waste of a fight, and that Mayweather should be fighting someone else.

"That's not important and that KO will not happen. At this point in my career I know what to focus on and what to let go of. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded be a lot of love and support, and those are the people that motivate me. My priority is going out there, fighting the best fight I can and winning.

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