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MORE MAX Kellerman Talks Froch-Kessler

Max Kellerman believes the Saturday scrap in London between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler will be a good one, maybe a really good one, but he will reserve judgment on who he thinks will have his hand raised until he assesses the two men at fighter meetings today.
The HBO analyst chatted with TSS on Thursday and gave us his take on the rematch between the two top-tier super middleweights, as well as the state of the division, and the man who casts a cold shadow on everyone beneath him at 168, Andre Ward.
“Andre Ward reduces the stakes of everything that happens in the super middleweight division,” said Max (seen in above photo, center, between Joel Diaz, Tim Bradley, Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach during Pacquiao-Bradley “Faceoff”). “This is a case of be careful what you wish for, you want clarity, you got that now.”
Reminder: HBO is showing the O2 Arena fight live, which means in the US, you need to be on the couch or have the DVR set for 6 PM ET, because London time is 5 hours ahead of us.
I did wonder aloud if because Ward is such a beast at 168, and the perception exists that neither Froch nor Kessler, even if they win and look stellar doing so in London, could provide a stern test, let alone beat the undefeated Ward, that this faceoff loses some luster. My ultimate takeaway, though, is that it’s best to view this fight as an entity unto itself, live in the moment, don’t let possible chess-board moves in the future take away from the appreciation of a probable A-grade tussle.
Kessler scored a win when he fought Froch in Denmark in April 2010, a fight that I thought could have been awarded to Froch.
Kellerman said it has struck him that Kessler (46-2 with 35 KOs; turned 34 on March 1; battled left eye problems and right hand problems in recent years) has been involved in the solidifying of two eras, the Calzaghe era, and the Ward era. When they clashed in November 2007, many, many folks thought the 39-0 Kessler would show the world that Calzaghe was a protected product, that he’d feasted on a diet of Bikas and Manfredos to get to a place of prominence. Calzaghe feasted on the Dane and naysayers, by and large, thawed on their icy take on the Welshman. Two years later, Kessler was the favorite going into his Super Six fight with Ward. Yep, many folks saw it as an “upset victory” when Ward got the W as the fight was stopped midway through round 11, because of a cut from a butt on Kessler. “So, Kessler and Froch are fighting for the silver,” Kellerman stated. “Yes, the stakes aren’t what they’d be if Ward didn’t exist.”
I theorized, and Kellerman agreed, that if Froch (30-2 with 22 KOs) wins convincingly, a case could be made that a rematch could be booked between Froch, who turns 36 on July 2, and Ward.
They met in Atlantic City in December 2012 and you’ll recall the Ward UD12 featured some wide scores. I liked the 118-110 from John Keane more than the 115-113s turned in by John Stewart and Craig Metcalfe, for the record.
I think Ward’s command of the ring has only grown since then, and even with his being prone to injury, at 29 he’s fresher than Froch, so I wouldn’t get super buzzed over a rematch. But if Ward-Froch II were booked in England, and Froch could convince us that the same energy he derived from Nottinghammers against Lucian Bute could propel him against Ward in a sequel, then I think that’s a makeable fight. Not winnable for Froch, but makeable. Kellerman concurs. “Why not have Ward come to Nottingham and fight Froch if Froch beats Kessler? Would that fly? Ward sort of dominated their fight, but you never felt Ward was safe,” Kellerman said. “Froch always had a certain element of danger till the end. Maybe danger isn’t the right word, but Ward never broke Froch.”
Kellerman will have eyes and ears trained on Kessler, especially, during the fighter meeting. He’s heard talk of Kessler contemplating retirement if things don’t pan out on London Saturday and knows that once an athlete even entertains the notion, the obsessive focus needed to achieve at a high level can be compromised.
The analyst told me that his fighter meeting with Guillermo Rigondeaux informed him to the enth degree. “I turned to Jim Lampley and Roy Jones after talking to Rigondeaux and said, ‘Donaire is in trouble.’ What Rigo was saying, how he was looking confident….And then Donaire missed the fighter meeting because he was working on making weight, of course. A couple other times, I’ve left a meeting feeling different. After meeting Nate Campbell and Juan Diaz (they fought in March 2008, Campbell won SD12), and seeing how confident Campbell was and how distracted Diaz was.”
As of today, you have to note the fire Froch has shown in the pre-fight. On Wednesday, he told reporters: “On Saturday night, if I have to, I will kill [him]. It sounds brutal, it sounds horrible, but this is what it means to me. I’m going to leave it in the ring. And when I’m smashing his face in, I am going to go for the kill. I am going to go for the finish.”
Just meant to hype himself up? Or inject fear into Kessler? Over-kill, not the proper language for followers of Queensberry? Me, I say you let the man have his say, and while you can cluck about the violent nature of the wording, you have to consider that the stakes in a prizefight ARE life and death, so why are you inclined to take a man for task for acknowledging that?
I asked Kellerman if I missed anything, and to sum it up for us. “It will be a good fight, there will be action,” he said. “I’m curious to see how Kessler responds, given the injuries he’s had, and if he does respond.”
MORE MIKE! Follow Woods on Twitter here.
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Rolly Romero Upsets Ryan Garcia in the Finale of a Times Square Tripleheader

Rolly Romero Upsets Ryan Garcia in the Finale of a Times Square Tripleheader
Disappointment.
Those bright lights on Times Square proved too much for some but not for Rolly Romero who soaked it up, floored Ryan Garcia early, then cruised to victory on the public streets of Manhattan on Friday.
Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) rode into the prize ring in a vintage Chevy Impala against Garcia (24-2, 23 KOs) and his flashy Batmobile on the streets of Manhattan and walked away victorious.
Simple as one-two-three.
Though both fighters pack tremendous power it was the lightning speed of Garcia that transfixed most and many felt that speed would prevail. It did not.
Instead, Romero caught Garcia inside with his own left hook followed quickly with another hook and down went the Southern Californian in the second round. But just like in previous instances Garcia quickly got up.
Romero tried to end the fight but was caught with a Garcia left hook and you could visibly see the changes in attitude. Romero re-thought his strategy and took the safer approach of making it a slow-moving exchange of feints, jabs and touches from distance.
For the next 10 rounds the crowd first sat on the edge of their seat then slowly sank back realizing that self-preservation had overtaken both fighters.
Though there were moments of possible shock, awe and explosion, it never came. After 12 rounds two judges scored it 115-112, and another 118-109 for Romero.
“Knockdowns always help the fighter,” said Romero.
Garcia was gracious in defeat.
“Rolly fought a good fight and did a good job,” said Garcia. “Hats off to Rolly.”
Haney Wins
Las Vegas fighter Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) defeated Central California’s Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-3, 18 KOs) in a fight with few punches exchanged but plenty of side-to-side movement to win by unanimous decision.
For most fans, watching dirt turn to mud would have been more exciting.
If Haney’s goal was to win the fight and remain undefeated, he succeeded. If he was seeking to entertain fans and prove he is one of the best welterweights in the world?
It was a failure.
Still, Haney evaded exchanges for more than two minutes out of every round. Ramirez, knowing that chasing with abandon could lead to traps could not close the distance.
Haney did get caught a few times and proved any shock residual from his last fight against Ryan Garcia a year ago was a none-issue. Ramirez was also caught by a few uppercuts and survived.
Though very little meaningful punches were landed by either fighter, the judges chose Haney 119-109 twice and 118-110.
Teofimo Wins
Fighting in front of hometown fans, Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) gave Arnold Barboza (32-1) his first defeat.
But it was never easy.
It was like watching a magician at work as Lopez led viewers, commentators and TV judges to think he was overwhelming Barboza with his left hand. Meanwhile the actual fight was happening in a far different dimension.
Jim Lampley, the golden voice of TV commentating for decades, returned but he needs a crack group to lead him toward the proper direction. In this instance he was told Lopez was winning every round.
He was not.
Every time Lopez tried to bamboozle his foe, he was met with a body shot, jab or some other deterrent. Every round was contested scientifically with precise steps, counter steps and touches.
Lopez was quickly swollen by the blows landed by Barboza, yet the Californian did not show as much. Lopez was indeed connecting too.
It was a brilliant display of scientific boxing that the commentating crew failed to convey to the viewers. At one point, I simply turned off the sound.
Few blows landed flush. A right cross that beat Lopez to the punch in the sixth round was perhaps the best. A slick three-punch combination by Lopez in the seventh round was poetry.
Neither fighter was able to take over the fight.
Lopez moved around every round never staying in the same spot. Barboza maintained his balance and composure and seldom gave Lopez easy pickings. After 12 rounds of scientific boxing all three judges scored in favor of Lopez 116-112 twice and 118-109.
“Never quit in anything you want to do,” said Lopez.
On another note, the new commentating team for DAZN needs better side support for Lampley.
Overall, the Ring Magazine fight card was all razzle but no dazzle.
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Avila Perspective, Chap. 324: Ryan Garcia Leads Three Days in May Battles

Avila Perspective, Chap. 324: Ryan Garcia Leads Three Days in May Battles
They’re fighting on the streets of New York again.
Times Square.
Ryan “King Ry” Garcia leads six of the best crack shots in boxing under 30 in New York City on Friday, May 2. It begins a three-day event that moves to Saudi Arabia on Saturday then Las Vegas on Sunday. Three targets.
A number of the best promoters in the sport of boxing are combining forces for “Ring Magazine’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.”
Time Square is target one.
Fresh off a one-year suspension, Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) brings his brand of speed and power against Rollie Romero (16-2, 13 KOs), who is no shrinking petunia when it comes to power. They meet in the main event.
Ever since Garcia took off the amateur head gear, he’s shown almost inhuman explosive power and speed. Though his destruction of Devin Haney last year was overturned by the New York Athletic Commission, what viewers saw cannot be erased.
“His dad likes to talk a lot,” said Garcia of Haney. “that’s what got his son beat the first time.”
Now he faces Romero, whose years ago sparring superiority caused a furor when it happened. But sparring and fighting are distinctly different. Now there will be millions watching and future earnings at stake.
“This fight was destined to happen. I called it. I knew it was gonna be at 147 pounds and be one of the biggest fights in boxing history,” said Romero, a two-division champion.
Then, you have Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) who got his loss in the ring removed by the commission but now faces former two-time champion Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) in a welterweight showdown. It’s a compelling match.
“Styles make fights. He does a lot of good things and a lot of bad things in there. It’s my job to go in there and handicap him of the good things he does and exploit the bad things,” said Haney of Ramirez.
Ramirez recently lost his last match and has a history of problems making weight. This fight will not be at 140 pounds, but five pounds heavier.
“I owe it to myself to show up and move up into a bigger weight class. I think that’s going to do wonders for me,” Ramirez said. ““I’m preparing for the best Devin Haney. That’s the guy I want to beat. I want that challenge.”
A super lightweight battle between New York’s Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) and California’s Arnold Barboza (32-0, 11 KOs) might be a Rubik’s Cube battle or a blast of nitro. Both are highly skilled and master craftsmen in a prize ring.
“We’re going to go out there and do what I have to do. I’m going to have fun and beat the brick out of this boy,” said Lopez, one of the local fighters who now lives and trains on the West Coast.
Barboza, a Los Angeles native, has knocked off several top contenders in remaining undefeated.
“This is the toughest opponent of my career,” said Barboza, who bested England’s Jack Catterall and fellow Californian Jose Carlos Ramirez. “I’m gonna punch him in the mouth and see what happens.”
Six of the best American fighters under 30 are slugging it out on Times Square. It probably hasn’t been done since Boss Tweed.
Day Two: Riyadh
Super middleweight champions Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) and William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) meet on Saturday, May 3, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s an extension of Ring Magazine’s event on Friday and presented by Riyadh Season. DAZN will stream the event on pay-per-view.
Another world title match pits Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) versus Norair Mikaeljan (27-2 12 KOs) for the WBC cruiser world title.
Also, a return match between Mexico’s Jaime Munguia (44-2, 35 KOs) and France’s Bruno Surace (26-0-2, 5 KOs) in a super middleweight fight.
Day Three: Las Vegas
Immensely talented Naoya “Monster” Inoue of Japan returns to Las Vegas to showcase his fighting skills to an American audience.
It’s been nearly four years since Inoue appeared in Las Vegas and demonstrated why many experts and fans call him the best fighter pound for pound on the planet. The best.
“I’m excited about everything,” said Inoue about the opportunity to fight in front of an American audience once again.
Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) defends the undisputed super bantamweight championship against a little-known banger from San Antonio, Texas named Ramon “Dinamita” Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs). ESPN will televise the Top Rank and Teiken Promotions fight card.
Don’t dismiss Cardenas casually. He is co-promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz who knows a thing or two about signing little known sluggers such as Manny Pacquiao, Marcos Maidana and female undisputed champ Gabriela Fundora.
Cardenas trains with brothers Joel and Antonio Diaz in Indio, California and rumor has it has been cracking on the Uzbeks who are pretty rough and tumble.
Of course, the Monster is another matter.
Inoue has fought many of the best smaller weight fighters such as Luis Nery, Stephen Fulton and the great Nonito Donaire and swept them aside with his combination of speed, power and skill.
“I’m always going for the knockout,” Inoue said.
Cardenas always goes for the knockout too.
Two bangers in Las Vegas. That’s what prizefighting is all about.
“I hope to enjoy the whole atmosphere and the fight,” said Inoue. Also, it’s my first time fighting in the T-Mobile Arena.”
Co-Feature
WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) of Mexico defends against Edward Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs) of Texas. This will be Espinoza’s third defense of the world title.
Espinoza could be Inoue’s next opponent if the Japanese legend decides to move up another weight division.
Also on the fight card will be Emiliano Vargas, Ra’eese Aleem and others.
Fights to Watch (all times Pacific Time)
Fri. DAZN ppv 2 p.m. Ryan Garcia (24-1) vs Rolando Romero (16-2); Devin Haney (31-1) vs Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2); Teofimo Lopez (21-1) vs Arnold Barboza (32-0).
Sat. DAZN ppv 2:45 p.m. Saul Alvarez (62-2-2) vs William Scull (23-0); Badou Jack (28-3-3) vs Norair Mikeljan (27-2); Jaime Munguia (44-2) vs Bruno Surace (26-0-2).
Sun. ESPN 7 p.m. Naoya Inoue (29-0) vs Ramon Cardenas (26-1); Rafael Espinoza (26-0) vs Edward Vazquez (17-2); Ra’eese Aleem (21-1) vs Rudy Garcia (13-1-1).
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Jorge Garcia is the TSS Fighter of the Month for April

Jorge Garcia has a lot in common with Mexican countrymen Emanuel Navarrete and Rafael Espinoza. In common with those two, both reigning world title-holders, Garcia is big for his weight class and bubbled out of obscurity with a triumph forged as a heavy underdog in a match contested on American soil.
Garcia had his “coming of age party” on April 19 in the first boxing event at the new Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California (roughly 35 miles north of San Diego), a 7,500-seat facility whose primary tenant is an indoor soccer team. It was a Golden Boy Promotions event and in the opposite corner was a Golden Boy fighter, Charles Conwell.
A former U.S. Olympian, Conwell was undefeated (21-0, 16 KOs) and had won three straight inside the distance since hooking up with Golden Boy whose PR department ballyhooed him as the most avoided fighter in the super welterweight division. At prominent betting sites, Conwell was as high as a 12/1 favorite.
The lanky Garcia was 32-4 (26 KOs) heading in, but it was easy to underestimate him as he had fought extensively in Tijuana where the boxing commission is notoriously docile and in his home state of Sinaloa. This would be only his second fight in the U.S. However, it was noteworthy in hindsight that three of his four losses were by split decision.
Garcia vs. Conwell was a robust affair. He and Conwell were credited with throwing 1451 punches combined. In terms of punches landed, there was little to choose between them but the CompuBox operator saw Garcia landing more power punches in eight of the 12 rounds. At the end, the verdict was split but there was no controversy.
An interested observer was Sebastian Fundora who was there to see his sister Gabriela defend her world flyweight titles. Sebastian owns two pieces of the 154-pound world title where the #1 contender per the WBO is Xander Zayas who keeps winning, but not with the verve of his earlier triumphs.
With his upset of Charles Conwell, Jorge Garcia has been bumped into the WBO’s #2 slot. Regardless of who he fights next, Garcia will earn the biggest payday of his career.
Honorable mention: Aaron McKenna
McKenna was favored to beat veteran campaigner Liam Smith in the co-feature to the Eubank-Benn battle this past Saturday in London, but he was stepping up in class against a former world title-holder who had competed against some of the top dogs in the middleweight division and who had famously stopped Chris Eubank Jr in the first of their two encounters. Moreover, the venue, Tottenham Hotspur, the third-largest soccer stadium in England, favored the 36-year-old Liverpudlian who was accustomed to a big fight atmosphere having fought Canelo Alvarez before 50,000-plus at Arlington Stadium in Texas.
McKenna, from the small town of Monaghan, Ireland, wasn’t overwhelmed by the occasion. With his dad Feargal in his corner and his fighting brother Stephen McKenna cheering him on from ringside, Aaron won a wide decision in his first 12-round fight, punctuating his victory by knocking Smith to his knees with a body punch in the 12th round. In fact, if he hadn’t had a point deducted for using his elbow, the Irishman would have pitched a shutout on one of the scorecards.
“There might not be a more impressive example of a fighter moving up in class,” wrote Tris Dixon of the 25-year-old “Silencer” who improved his ledger to 20-0 (10).
Photo credits: Garcia/Conwell photo compliments of Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy; McKenna-Smith provided by Mark Robinson/Matchroom
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