Connect with us

Articles of 2010

BLOWING SMOKE? Ricardo Mayorga Says He Has Found Peace

Published

on

Top Boxers Participate in Media Workouts
At Angelo Dundee’s World Famous 5th St. Gym
Supporting Dec. 17 Miami Card at AmericanAirlines Arena

MIAMI—Three of the top boxers appearing on Don King Productions’ Dec. 17 card at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami—Ray Austin, Odlanier Solis and Ricardo Mayorga—participated in media workouts yesterday (Nov. 30) at the famed 5th St. Gym in Miami.

World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked heavyweight contender Ray Austin (28-4-4, 18 KOs) was dismissive of his opponent, Odlanier Solis (16-0, 12 KOs), who never lost a major tournament as an amateur, won gold at the Olympics in 2004 and who remains undefeated as a professional while currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC.

“I don’t see anything about Solis that impresses me, the towering 6-foot-6-inch Austin said while toweling off in the ring. “I’ve seen the guys he has fought, and it looks like they came to lose. It’s going to be different for him when he’s got a man in front of him that’s willing to do anything to win.

“This ain’t amateur boxing, it’s professional boxing. You score points in the amateurs with fast hands. Now Solis is in the big leagues. You’ve got to take it to a new level.

It was clear after Solis entered the ring and began throwing fast, heavy-handed punches that anyone who underestimates this heavyweight does so at their own risk. His longtime promoter, Ahmet Oner of Arenasports Promotion, added fuel to that fire.

“I honestly believe we are looking at the greatest heavyweight in the world right now, and I’ve been with him for his entire professional career, Oner said while Solis went about his ring business in the same fashion a carpenter throws his hammer.

“This is my job and I take it very seriously, Solis said. “I’m not a boxing fan. This is my work. I don’t watch tape on Ray Austin or Vitali Klitschko. I don’t watch any tape of my opponents. I just focus on doing my job to the best of my abilities.

Resolute in the task at hand, Solis added, “I want to knock out Ray Austin on Dec. 17 and then take on Vitali Klitschko on March 17. I am going to show many new things I have learned during this training camp.

Solis was rejoined last year with trainer Pedro Luis Diaz, the man that guided him during one of the more successful amateur careers in boxing history and has also coached 21 Cuban gold medalists in his career. (Diaz treated the media—and Miami Beach onlookers in shorts—to an unusual training regimen whereby both Solis and WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal, whom Diaz is training to fight Bernard Hopkins on Dec. 18, hit the training mitts in the ring at the same time.)

Solis has weighed as much as 271 pounds but has said he expects to be closer to 250 for this fight.

“My weight is not any matter, Solis said. “I am in shape. Look at me. I’m not even breathing hard. I’m comfortable at this weight. I’m not even thinking about weight, only my conditioning.

The always colorful former three-time world champion Ricardo Mayorga participated in a spirited workout before sharing some new insights that indicate he may be taking seriously what could be his last chance to get in line for another title shot.

“I learned a lot in the last two years, Mayorga said of being away from the ring. “I have found peace. On December 17, I will show you a new Mayorga. I give special thanks to Don King and his staff for staying with me.

“I don’t think I will be hurt by my recent two-year layoff. I don’t think it will be an issue. I actually think it has helped me. I’m training very hard and I feel great. We’ve done great work in the gym. I feel strong. I plan to win by knockout.

Mayorga added, “I want to fight at 154 pounds. Cotto, Pacquiao, any of them will do. I can beat the Filipino. If his preference is to fight me, I’m ready. Pacquiao gave an opportunity to Margarito, and he could do the same for me.

(Special Note: Legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, who, with his brother Chris made the 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach one of the most memorable boxing haunts in history, planned to attend these media workouts but suffered a broken hip over the Thanksgiving holiday. Subsequent surgery has him on the mend, and Don King and everyone at Don King Productions wishes to send our best to Angelo—a gem of a person—for a speedy recovery.)

Raw Quotes

Ray Austin (WBC No. 1-Ranked Heavyweight): “This ain’t amateur boxing, it’s professional boxing. You score points in the amateurs with fast hands. Now Solis is in the big leagues. You’ve got to take it to a new level.

“I don’t see anything about Solis that impresses me. I’ve seen the guys he has fought, and it looks like they came to lose. It’s going to be different for him when he’s got a man in front of him that’s willing to do anything to win.

Odlanier Solis (WBC No. 2-ranked heavyweight and 2004 Cuban Olympic heavyweight gold medalist): “My weight is not any matter. I am in shape. Look at me. I’m not even breathing hard. I’m comfortable at this weight. I’m not even thinking about weight, only my conditioning.

“This is my job and I take it very seriously. I’m not a fan. This is my work. I don’t watch tape on Ray Austin or Vitali Klitschko. I don’t watch any tape of my opponents. I just focus on doing my job to the best of my abilities.

“I want to knock out Ray Austin on Dec. 17 and then take on Vitali Klitschko on March 17. I am going to show many new things I have learned during this training camp.

Ahmet Oner (co-promoter of Odlanier Solis): “I honestly believe we are looking at the greatest heavyweight in the world right now, and I’ve been with him for his entire professional career.

Ricardo Mayorga (former three-time world champion now campaigning at middleweight): “I’m training very hard and I feel great. We’ve done great work in the gym. I feel strong. I plan to win by knockout.

“I learned a lot in the last two years. I have found peace. On December 17, I will show you a new Mayorga. I give special thanks to Don King and his staff for staying with me.

“I don’t think I will be hurt by my recent two-year layoff. I don’t think it will be an issue. I actually think it has helped me.

“I want to fight at 154 pounds. Cotto, Pacquiao, any of them will do. I can beat the Filipino. If his preference is to fight me, I’m ready. Pacquiao gave an opportunity to Margarito, and he could do the same for me.

“Everybody knows Cotto is from Puerto Rico. Cotto is nobody for me. I’m not afraid of anyone. I’ll go to Puerto Rico and fight Cotto there.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles5 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles6 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles3 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles17 hours ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles3 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles5 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles6 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending