One of the best boxers to come out of Ohio in the last twenty years is “Prince” Charles Williams of Mansfield, who held the IBF light-heavyweight title from October 29, 1987 to March 20, 1993.
Williams turned professional on June 27, 1978, dropping a four round decision to Henry Bunch. His career moved slowly over the next couple of years as he boxed mostly in the Ohio area. In 1981 he was halted by future IBF cruiserweight champion Jeff Lampkin. He reached a low point on March 1, 1983, when he was stopped in one round by Reggie Gross. At this time he looked to be anything but a future champion.
Turning It Around
In his very next bout, Williams scored an upset eight round decision over Anthony Witherspoon. Two fights later he met former light-heavyweight king, Marvin Johnson. Although Johnson won a ten round verdict, Williams won a ton of respect with his gutsy performance. Thirteen months later he outpointed Lampkin in a rematch. In 1986, he put together victories over Arthel Lawhorne, Eric Winbush and James Salerno to solidify his status as a contender.
The Prince Becomes A King
When Williams entered the Las Vegas ring to face defending IBF light-heavyweight champion Bobby Czyz he was a decided underdog. In the early rounds the oddsmakers seemed right as Czyz knocked down and battered Williams. As the bout progressed Charles showed the heart of a champion coming back to close the eye of Czyz and forcing the bout to end and the title to change hands.
The rest is well documented history. The constant and nagging hand injuries. The inability to get a high profile match with Michael Moorer or Virgil Hill. Even Tommy Hearns was mentioned as a possible foe at one time. After losing his crown to the talented German Henry Maske, Williams dropped in weight to challenge James Toney. With Toney at his peak, Charles was stopped in the twelfth round. Then came the two brutal wars with Marqui Sosa. Williams left the ring on a stretcher as he left his faded skills in the ring after the second Sosa battle. One final victory in Paris over Norman Bates ended his career with an impressive 37-7-3 record with 28 knockouts. Now Charles is hoping to work with young fighters at local gyms.
I was introduced to George Chuvalo by Joe Frazier’s publicist Les Wolfe. Here’s the story that I got from George:
George was never knocked off his feet in 93 pro bouts. He’s fought virtually a who’s who in professional boxing in the ’60s and ’70s, from Jerry Quarry to George Forman. One must give him a lot of credit for the things he’s done in boxing: among his achievements; having only 19 amateur bouts, being the Canadian amateur heavyweight champion, and being the Canadian professional heavyweight champ, and twice going the distance with Mohammad Ali. Ali called George the toughest fighter he ever faced. George has starred in various movies–from “The Fly” to “The Untouchables”…the list is too numerous to name. Also he has been on both Canadian and American TV with a stint on the ‘Avengers’,
George also does extensive work with an ongoing campaign against drugs, working with his organization called The Fight Against Drugs, this after having some personal tragedies with his family involving misuse of drugs. He goes where needed and does inspirational talks to youth groups, about the dangers of drugs.You can see George doing his work on August 24 on ESPN’s Sports Center; where they’ll be doing a feature piece on George’s drug program.
In my brief talking to George, it is obvious that he is one tough customer, all the way around. Here are a couple of questions I posed to him during our all-to-brief talk:
Q: What was your amateur record?
A. Nineteen and one.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: The Fight of the Century.
George also sparred at one time with Burt Young of Rocky fame, who was in his camp for a couple of days as a sparring partner. George has trained some fighters; one notable Canadian fighter was Donovan “Razor” Rudduck. He still does extensive work with his youth program, which takes up a lot of his life. He still does some TV and movie work.
And he still moves around North America a lot–wherever they need him to make inspirational, anti-drug talks; and he always seems to make himself available.
I must say in closing that, yes George, you’ve never been knocked off your feet. You’re a true champion and a roll model and an inspiration in life.
When I first heard this fight (De La Hoya vs Pacquaio) might be made, I couldn’t believe it. Yes Manny looked great against David Diaz who is a tough guy. With all due respect to David Diaz, I can come up with at least five lightweights right off the top of my head who I think are better then David. Joel Casamayor, Nate Campbell, Julio Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz. So to me, although Manny won a piece of the crown he didn’t even beat the best guy in the division. Now he’s going to fight a full fledged welterweight and a strong one at that…
This fight makes sense only to Bob Arum, Oscar and Manny but not the fans. I feel Oscar is cheating the fans. In the past he took on all comers. He had supposedly stated before the Cotto - Margarito fight that he would like to meet the winner. I don’t think Oscar liked what he saw the night Margarito stopped Cotto. Oscar matches up well with Cotto who I believe Oscar thought was going to win. Now a possible fight with Margarito is not something Oscar may be looking forward to. I really don’t think Oscar has it in him anymore to go twelve hard gruelling rounds and that’s exactly what he would have to do if he faced Margarito. I want to see Margarito rough up Oscar. I want to see someone wipe that phony smile off of Oscar’s smug face. I want to see Oscar take the ten count and not from a body shot. Margarito is the man to do it and Oscar knows it.
De La Hoya has every possible advantage against Pacquaio other then hand speed and the fact that Manny’s a southpaw. Manny can hit but it took him nine rounds to get the game David Diaz out of there. Oscar can take a pretty good shot. Manny may land some power punches but I don’t think he’ll really be able to hurt Oscar. I believe De La Hoya’s best weapon in this fight will be his jab. He has a good one and this will keep Manny from getting off so quickly. If Oscar doesn’t win inside of ten rounds I’ll be shocked. What would really shock me but I would love to see is Manny just flatten De La Hoya. What about your legacy then Oscar?
This is a fight that would have made sense if it was put together. Each boxer has ties to the state of Michigan. It probably didn’t happen because by the time Toney became a heavyweight, Moorer’s star had diminished due to his one round kayo loss to David Tua. A loss two years later to Eliseo Castillo pretty much took Moorer out of the elite class. Toney’s knockout of Evander Holyfield made him a major player in the division. He still remains so.
What if Moorer and Toney would have met at their heavyweight peaks ? Who would have come out on top. This could have been a very interesting battle. How would Toney have handled Moorer’s southpaw stance ? What about Moorer’s quick, hard and accurate right jab ? How would Moorer have dealt with Toney’s defensive wizardry and his pinpoint counter punching ability ?
I see Michael starting fast and doing well with his jab early on. Toney is being patient occasionally landing some good body shots. Moorer is having trouble landing effective lefts as Toney is blocking most of then. By the third round Toney is beginning to step up the pace. Moorer though lands some hard counters that get Toney’s attention. Moorer is showing good hand speed and is now putting his combinations together well. At the half way point of this twelve rounder, Moorer has a comfortable lead.
As the second half of the fight begins Toney is trying to lure Moorer away from the middle of the ring and to the ropes. James is a master at fighting off the ropes. Moorer occasionally obliges him and there are some good exchanges. Toney rattles Moorer a few times with strong overhand rights but Michael stays busy. There are too many lulls on Toney’s part and while these are taking place, Moorer controls the action with his jab.After ten rounds Moorer is ahead on all cards. Michael is just out working James. Toney looks a bit desperate as the eleventh begins. Toney got in some solid shots and Moorer appears to be in some difficulty. Try as he might, James just can’t get Moorer out of there. Toney’s tank is running low as the final round begins. Nevertheless he continues to force the action. Moorer is boxing neatly and he is just trying to get to the final bell. Toney lands a booming right that makes Moorer’s knees dip, Michael is again in trouble and Toney tries to press his advantage. James just doesn’t have enough steam left and Moorer is just jabbing and holding. He is trying to stall until the final and this he accomplishes this. It’s over.
Toney closed the gap in the last two rounds but Michael controlled most of the action throughout the bout. It’s close but Michael scores a unanimous decision.
I’m having a very difficult time getting all worked up about the upcoming Shane Mosley - Ricardo Mayorga bout. What’s all the fuss about ? Does anyone really think that Mayorga is going to step up in this one ? Talk about smoke and mirrors. Mayorga may be one of the most over hyped fighters of the last twenty years. The promoter must love this guy because he keeps popping up. OK he beat a washed up and less then ” Ferocious ” Fernando Vargas. I just can not see him defeating a top guy like Mosley. To me Shane will one day be in the Hall Of Fame. Hell he won me over when he was a lightweight. He is one of the most under rated lightweights of the last thirty years. I consider Roberto Duran the best lightweight I’ve ever seen but there are two guys that would have given him a lot of trouble. Pernell Whitaker and Mosley.
Back to Mayorga…Yes I remember he knocked out Vernon Forrest who I have a lot of respect for years ago. I did feel that Vernon should have got the nod in the rematch. Since then Mayorga has been trashed every time he he moved into the Major Leagues. Tito tamed him and De La Hoya destroyed him. Mosley will manhandle him. Mayoga’s mouth may help sell tickets and that is well and good by a promoter’s point of view As fans though we should not be fooled.
It was this past June 21, 2008, and I was the one chosen to be the presenter at the California Boxing Hall of Fame in the Posthumous Category for the man I consider the best trainer in boxing in our lifetime, Eddie Futch.
As this Saturday, August 9th , approaches, it marks Eddie’s birthday; as I was so honored to be his presenter, I am equally honored to write this short piece about him.
To describe what Eddie was in boxing for the 66 years that he gave his life to it, would be like trying to tell you how a nuclear submarine is built.
Eddie was born on August 9, 1911, in Hillsboro, Mississippi, and he passed away peacefully on October 10, 2001.
He trained or managed 22 world champions, which included Don Jordan, Hedgemon Lewis, Bob Foster, Joe Frazier, Virgil Hill, Ken Norton, Alexis Arguello, Michael Spinks, Trevor Berbick, Larry Holmes, and Riddick Bowe, just to name a few.
Eddie, in my opinion, was most remembered for two things in his outstanding career: on March 8, 1971, in what we know in boxing as the “Fight of the Century”, he guided Joe Frazier to a 15 round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Muhammad Ali; and in 1975 for his decision to stop the Ali vs. Frazier fight “The Thrilla in Manila”, because of Frazier’s eyes swollen shut after 14 brutal rounds.
A very interesting note is that during his career, Eddie trained four of the five boxers that beat the great Muhammad Ali; they were Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick.
A man that is respected by all who knew him, may we recognize Eddie Futch on the anniversary date of his birthday, August 9, and may his soul continue to rest peacefully in heaven!
LOS ANGELES, August 6 – While some naysayers doubt the second fight between Sergio Mora and Vernon Forrest which is slated for September 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas has the makings of the rematch of the year, anyone who has heard the verbal barbs already being exchanged by the combatants has a good idea that the fight will likely prove the doubters wrong.
Emotions reached an early peak last week in downtown Los Angeles when the two fighters met at the press conference to officially announce the bout. After some pointed comments towards each other and an intense stare-down, there is no question that this matter will need to be settled in the MGM Grand Garden Arena ring this September.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Telecast Includes
Long-Awaited Tarver-Dawson Light Heavyweight Showdown
Saturday, October 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
NEW YORK (August 6, 2008) – On a night that will electrify the boxing world, active World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Champion Sam Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) will defend his title against WBC Champion Emeritus Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs), making his dramatic return to the ring after a four-year absence, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Saturday, October 11. Read the rest of this story »
Most American fight fans first met Heath Herring through some version of this clip. It has to be the fastest knockout—zero seconds—in MMA history.
While the fight boosted Herring’s name recognition, the moment actually ended up being a nightmare. He says he recently settled a lawsuit in Japan after he was sued by a promoter for the incident. Herring can’t and won’t discuss much about the suit because he signed a non-disclosure agreement. “Let’s just say I spent a lot of money on attorney
fees,” he says.
Bronx, NY - Aug 07, 2008 On Wednesday night Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presented two sensational events in New York, one at the world renowned B.B. King’s Blue’s Club in association with DiBella Entertainment, while the other was at Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports and Recreation center with Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT ATLANTIC CITY’S BOARDWALK HALL
LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW
Tickets Go On Sale Friday, August 8 at 12 noon ET
When a powerful young champion and devastating knock-out artist meets a future Hall of Fame boxing legend and two-division world champion who has never been knocked out, there will be plenty of debate and speculation as to who will win. That will definitely be the case when Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik faces Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins in a light heavyweight battle at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on Saturday October 18 in a bout presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Caesars Atlantic City. The fight will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets, priced at $700, $500, $350, $200, $100 and $75, go on sale Friday, August 8 at 12 Noon ET and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster (800) 736-1420 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com.
Pavlik, the current undefeated middleweight world champion, who is moving up in weight to face Hopkins at 170 pounds, has been compared to an express train as he continues to thrill boxing fans with his aggressive ring style, devastating power and 90% knock-out ratio. Will the Pavlik express train be derailed when he faces the formidable Hopkins, already comfortable at light heavyweight and whose gritty, defensive brilliance usually frustrates opponents? Ranked number five and six consecutively on ESPN.com’s boxing pound-for-pound list, this intriguing match-up pits a young lion against a polished veteran, a devastating offense against an impenetrable defense and current world champion against a legendary former world champion in what looks to be an epic battle of grit and determination.
“I am preparing to fight a legend and take him down in his own backyard,” said Pavlik. “Even though I am younger, I know Hopkins is a slick veteran with a bunch of boxing tricks in his bag. I refuse to underestimate him and I know on October 18, he will be ready to fight. I am treating this as if it were a championship match with my plan being to remain undefeated and show the world that I am able to take on any fighter regardless of age, weight or record.”
“Kelly Pavlik has a heart of a lion but he has no idea what he is in for on October 18,” said Hopkins. “Pavlik might be the latest thing on a fast track to fame, but I am a sure thing and will take this kid to school that night and teach him a lesson he will never forget.”
Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank said: “There is no doubt that Bernard Hopkins is a great fighter and was virtually unstoppable in his prime, but Kelly Pavlik is recognizably one of the best fighters in boxing today and he will continue to prove his himself against a legendary fighter like Bernard. This is a tremendous challenge for Kelly on October 18”
“The match-up between Kelly Pavlik and Bernard Hopkins will be one for the record books,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Hopkins has the experience and Pavlik has the desire to prove himself. I am looking forward to seeing Pavlik defend his undefeated record but I know Bernard can rise to the occasion and take down one of boxing’s brightest stars.”
“It doesn’t get any better than this”, said Ken Condon, Atlantic City boxing expert for Caesars Atlantic City. “Kelly Pavlik, Atlantic City’s most recent boxing hero and world champion takes on the cagey veteran Bernard Hopkins from Philadelphia in his own back yard. Caesars Atlantic City is proud to continue its tradition of bringing World Class events to Atlantic City.”
“Fight fans know that Kelly and Bernard will bring everything in their arsenals when they enter the ring on October 18,” said Mark Taffet Senior Vice President of HBO PPV. “This battle of wills between two such accomplished fighters makes Pavlik-Hopkins a very intriguing match-up.”
The undefeated star from Youngstown, Ohio, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs), the reigning WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine middleweight world champion, has already proved to the boxing world why he is one of the most popular stars in the sport today. Pavlik had a stellar year in 2007 when he truly arrived on the championship scene, scoring devastating wins over Edison Miranda in a title eliminator and Jermain Taylor, in which he was stunned badly before coming back and annihilating Taylor in the seventh round, to capture the first middleweight title of his career. He’s been unstoppable since with a dominating performance over Taylor in their rematch and most recently, a third round knock-out over the then undefeated Gary Lockett. Those performances, along with a 90% knock-out ratio, have cemented his place among the middleweight division. He will now move up 10 pounds to make his light heavyweight debut in what will be a meaningful and career-defining fight against the much heralded Hopkins.
Known as one of the greatest middleweights of all time, future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KOs) held a world title as a middleweight or light heavyweight every year since 1995. In 2006, Philadelphia’s Hopkins moved up to light heavyweight for the first time in his career to defeat Antonio Tarver winning The Ring Magazine World Championship and then dominated Winky Wright at 170 pounds to continue to prove his ring supremacy. This year, on April 19, Hopkins fought the undefeated Welshman Joe Calzaghe, knocking him down in the first round before losing his light heavyweight title by a narrow split decision that left many boxing fans dissatisfied with the verdict. Never shunning stiff opposition, Hopkins now prepares to meet Pavlik and prove to boxing fans around the world that it is not over yet for one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the history of sport.
The historic Boardwalk Hall, which first opened in 1929, underwent a three year, $90 million renovation to transform the building into a modern special events arena capable of variable seating for up to 14,500 people. Upon it’s reopening in 2001, it has been recognized as the destination’s premier entertainment venue, known for high profile concerts, family shows, and sporting events. Leading trade publications Billboard and Venues Today ranked Boardwalk Hall as the highest grossing mid-sized arena in North America in 2003, 2004, and 2007. The Hall was ranked the highest grossing mid-sized arena in the world in 2005 and 2006. Boardwalk Hall is owned by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and managed by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. SMG operates the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall on behalf of its clients, the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority and the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority.
The Pavlik vs. Hopkins pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pavlik vs. Hopkins fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.
The weigh-in for both of Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing events Wednesday night took place today at the New York State Athletic Commission in New York City. Vinny Maddalone (29-4, 20KO’s) who is fighting at B.B. King’s in New York City on a card co- promoted with DiBella Entertainment, looked in great shape as he weighed in at 233 lbs. His opponent Joe Stofle (11-13- 2, 10KO’s) tipped the scales at 261 lbs.
Maddalone says he is more then ready to go and is looking forward to fighting in front of his hometown fans again. “It’s always nice to fight at home and have your fans behind you supporting you every step of the way. It motivates me and really gets me up for the fight. I am looking forward to this fight and plan on putting on a great show and giving the fans in attendance something to be excited about,” stated Maddalone.
The second card DeGuardia is promoting the same night is taking place at the Aviator Sports and Recreation Center in Brooklyn, NY and will be shown live on ESPN2’s “Wednesday Night Fights”. The card which is co-promoted by Final Forum Boxing features Ali Oubaali (21-3, 17KO’s) taking on Chris Fernandez (15-4-1, 9KO’s) in the main event. Oubaali weighed in at 137 lbs while Fernandez was 140.
Oubaali said he feels great and is ready to go. “I love fighting in my new home, New York. The fans are great, and I plan on giving them something special tomorrow. I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for putting this fight together. I am going to show the boxing world tomorrow on ESPN2 that I am the real deal. The Hurricane is coming.”
In the co-feature of the night Poland’s Albert Sosnowski (43-1, 26KO’s) who weighed in at 223 lbs. takes on battle tested Zuri Lawrence (23-14-4). Lawrence who has been in with many of the top heavyweights in the world weighed in at 241 lbs. Sosnowski was originally scheduled to face Kevin Burnett, but Burnett pulled out earlier this week. Lawrence will be a good test for Sosnowski, and Sosnowski is looking forward to the challenge, and the opportunity to be fighting on national T.V. here in the U.S. once again.
Former amateur standout and one of Star Boxing’s newest, and brightest stars, Yathomas Riley (1-0, 1KO) looks to shine once again when he takes on Phil Hannah in Hannah’s pro debut. Riley weighed in at a ripped 170 lbs while Hannah was 172.
It’s finally here. I had a great training camp and I am ready to go. I’m looking forward to fighting in Brooklyn and I hope everyone comes out to see the show,” said Riley.
A complete list of the weigh in goes as follows:
Aviator Brooklyn, NY
Ali Oubaali 137 vs. Chris Fernandez 140
Albert Sosnowski 223 vs. Zuri Lawrence 241
Derrick Rossy 231 vs. Jermell Barnes 218
Yathomas Riley 170 vs. Phil Hannah 172
Tarvis Simms 169 vs. Carl Daniels 173
I won’t vote for Virgil Hill when he finally becomes eligible for induction into the Hall Of Fame. Granted there are lesser boxers inducted but that doesn’t make it right. Adding another less then ” great ” fighter just compounds the problem that has evolved. Over the years the International Boxing Hall Of Fame has become lax in their criteria for induction. I’ve been casting my vote for the last two years. I would have never voted for Barry McGuigan. To me Pipino Cuevas was border line and he beat Angel Espada, Billy Backus, Clyde Gray, Pete Ranzany and Harold Weston Jr. He didn’t just win fights, he destroyed his opponents. He broke bones ! I was more impressed with his career then I’ve ever been with Hill’s and that was before Virgil lost to Maske. Still I would have been hard pressed to vote for Pipino. I’d vote for Danny ” Little Red ” Lopez in a heartbeat. There are several boxers I would vote for before Hill. Virgil was a good fighter who won titles and had longevity in an era when the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions were weak. I don’t believe that Hill would have been able to beat Michael Moorer or Prince Charles Williams when they each held a piece of the title at 175. Could you imagine Virgil mixing with the guys from the late 1970’s and 80’s ? Fighters like Galindez, Conteh, Saad Muhammad, Marvin Johnson, Yaqui Lopez, Pierre Fourie, Richie Kates… I don’t think Virgil would have fared as well in this Golden Era of the light heavyweight division.Good God could you imagine Hill vs Michael Spinks ? Now that could have been downright scary. Virgil would have been wasted by the great Bobby Foster.
Virgil may be a good guy. Mr. McGuigan too but they were not great fighters and that is what the Hall Of Fame is supposed to be. The absolute elite of a very, very tough profession.
