Naazim Richardson Lauds Kovalev, Discusses Prospect of Hopkins Retirement

Published

10 years ago

November 10, 2014

Naazim Richardson told me before the Saturday night showdown between his kid, Bernard Hopkins, and Sergey Kovalev, that the primary variable in play was power.

How much of it does Kovalev have?

When we know that, meaning, when Hopkins and his trainer understand that, that’s when the direction of the fight will be that much clearer, was my takeaway in the days leading up to the light heavyweight scrap in Atlantic City.

Well, that variable became a known quality in round one, when Kovalev caught a squared-up Hopkins advancing, clipped him with a right hand, and sent him to the mat.

Was it game over right then and there? No; this is Hopkins, maybe the craftiest dude ever to lace up a pair. To assume that that exercise is complete because he got knocked down early would be foolhardy. And if we know one thing that we didn’t KNOW before about Kovalev, it’s that he isn’t foolhardy. With his corner and the arena encouraging him to get a bit bolder, go for that rubout, get that extra glory that’d come with being the man to stop the heretofore ageless wonder, Kovalev stayed on message.

He didn’t bow to the conventional track, romance his power, and gun for the stoppage, thus leaving himself open for a sneaky quick counter which could’ve buckled his legs more than the couple times his chin sent him the message that the old man still had some spark and pop in him.

“The kid (Kovalev) punches hard as s—t,” Richardson told me in a Monday debrief session. “You can’t measure that from the outside, you got to see a guy in there. And once I saw Bernard go defensive I knew the power must be a factor.”

“He’s a big guy,” Richardson said, noting that after the UD12 loss, he and Hopkins discussed the merits of what most of the young uns do now, drain down to a weight class or so then maybe their body is actually suited for, so they enjoy that strength edge once they rehydrate. “We always discuss it, but Bernard refused to believe it. Then they guy came to the ring, and he looked so much bigger. But I don’t take anything away from the victory. He stayed smart, he didn’t engage.” Later, he told me, “The other guy was better, stronger.”

Richardson told me he got a sense that Kovalev possessed a certain wisdom, a ‘just win now, keep craving Kos later’ mentality, when on the 24/7 he heard trainer John David Jackson speak on gunning to drop and stop Hopkins, and he heard Kovalev talk about being more patient and smart. Most young guns, Richardson said, would but of course be in love with their power, and seek to hammer down Hopkins. “I don’t know if it was being smart, or fear, but it worked for him. He didn’t go for that tough guy s–t.”

Richardson applauded that tactic, noting that America loves a winner, and Kovalev will continue to be loved as long as he wins. Which, by the way, he foresees a continuation of that trend, because he believes with his power and smarts, he can run a string of consecutive KOs. “I like to say that if Michael Vick won a Super Bowl they’d hand him the Lombardi trophy, and a puppy with a bow around his neck,” the trainer said, to illustrate.

Funny, how we can continue to learn about life and about people, even those we know intimately, after seeing a trillion sunrises and sunsets. Richardson said he learned truly how sick B-Hop’s chin in on Nov. 8. “I told Bernard to his face before, if he hits you with four or five shots, he will knock you out. I told him, you will be flat on your back, or the ER. Bernard told me no, I got a good chin. Well, he does, one of the best in history! I didn’t think he could land that many and Bernard would stay up…and he did. I found out something about both of them.”

That said, while Richardson bent over backwards to give the winner credit–he told me, yes, Kovalev did DOMINATE Hopkins–he somewhat surprised me when he said he wouldn’t pick Kovalev to beat Adonis Stevenson if and when the Russian and the Haitian-born Canadian get it on. “I don’t know when Adonis cracks him back, I don’t know if Kovalev can take it,” he said. Richardson noted that Kovalev did do the wiggle, did get a little bothered when Hopkins landed clean, a few times, and that wasn’t truly expected. He isn’t sure, though, whether it has to do with caliber of whiskers or more so the element of surprise, as Hopkins wasn’t able to land with regularity. (To be clear, he also told me he hesitated to ponder Kovalev-Adonis, as there could be the mis-perception of “sour grapes” so soon after Hopkins-Kovalev).

So, with Hopkins being taken to the woodshed by the younger gun, something, by the way, Richardson noted is but of course the way of the world, youth must always rise and surmount even the most superlative of oldsters, does the trainer think Hopkins should hang up the mitts? Would Richardson tell, or has he told Hopkins, he thinks it wise to wave adios?

“I didn’t tell him to start fighting, it’s not my job to tell him when to stop,” the trainer told me. “I did tell him to retire after he beat Antonio Tarver (in 2006). He did it all. I said, you did everything but get beat up bad or get stopped.’ On Saturday, he was beat badly, dominated.” But, then again, Richardson said, Hopkins’ face after the fight didn’t tell a sad tale. “I told him after Tarver, leave now, and you will leave at the top of the game, your name stands forever, people will say you ‘did a Hopkins.’ But then we wouldn’t have had the Pascal win, and others. He shouldn’t have listened to me! I sometimes say, though, don’t let your mouth write a check your ass can’t cash.”

I hope Naazim forgives me as I take license to somewhat read in between the lines. I feel like the trainer, part of him, a large part, feels like it would be great if the wealthy and legendary Hopkins steps away now. But, he also knows that even at this level of effectiveness, Hopkins can still beat some people, and that his pride is enormous and damn it, he’s a fighter, and fighters fight, until it is quite rudely presented to them, in the form of a most conclusive parade of punishing blows, that continuing would be inarguably detrimental to their lives. “No, we didn’t discuss retiring, not right after the fight,” Richardson said. “Not right after. If he won, maybe. (But Hopkins earned the right to have complete and total say about continuing), and again, I didn’t tell him when to start, and I won’t tell him when to stop. When I said what I said after the Tarver fight, I’m glad he didn’t listen, and I’m sure he’s glad.”

There is much, much more from Richardson, so please do check my Twitter feed. https://twitter.com/Woodsy1069

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Bivol Evens the Score with Beterbiev; Parker and Stevenson Win Handily

Published

11 hours ago

February 22, 2025

David A. Avila

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It was labeled the best boxing card in history.

That’s up for debate.

And there was some debate as Dmitry Bivol avenged his loss to Artur Beterbiev to become the new undisputed light heavyweight world champion on Saturday by majority decision in a tactical battle.

“He gave me this chance and I appreciate it,” said Bivol of Beterbiev.

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) rallied from behind to give Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) his first pro loss in their rematch at a sold out crowd in the Venue Riyadh Season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Like their first encounter the rematch was also very close.

Four months ago, these two faced each other as undefeated light heavyweights. Now, after two furious engagements, both have losses.

Beterbiev was making his first defense as undisputed light heavyweight champion and made adjustments from their first match. This time the Russian fighter who trains in Canada concentrated on a body attack and immediately saw dividends.

For most of the first six rounds it seemed Beterbiev would slowly grind down Bivol until he reached an unsurmountable lead. But despite the momentum he never could truly hurt Bivol or gain separation.

Things turned around in the seventh round as Bivol opened up with combinations to the head and body while slipping Beterbiev’s blows. It was a sudden swing of momentum. But how long could it last?

“It was hard to keep him at the distance. I had to be smarter and punch more clean punches,” said Bivol.

Beterbiev attempted to regain the momentum but Bivol was not allowing it to happen. In the final 10 seconds he opened up with a machine gun combination. Though few of the punches connected it became clear he was not going to allow unclarity.

Using strategic movement Bivol laced quick combinations and immediately departed. Betebiev seemed determined to counter the fleet fighter but was unsuccessful for much of the second half of the fight.

Around the 10^th round Beterbiev stepped on the gas with the same formula of working the body and head. It gave Bivol pause but he still unleashed quick combos to keep from being overrun.

Bivol connected with combinations and Beterbiev connected with single body and head shots. It was going to be tough for the referees to decide which attack they preferred. After 12 rounds with no knockdowns one judge saw it a draw at 114-114. But two others saw Bivol the winner 116-112, 115-113.

“I was better. I was pushing myself more, I was lighter. I just wanted to win so much today,” said Bivol.

Beterbiev was gracious in defeat.

“Congratulations to Bivol’s team” said Beterbiev. “I think this fight was better than the first fight.”

After the match it was discussed that an effort to make a third fight is a strong possibility.

Heavyweight KO by Parker

Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) once again proved he could be the best heavyweight without a world title in knocking out the feared Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) to retain his WBO interim title. It was quick and decisive.

“Catch him when he is coming in,” said Parker, 33, about his plan.

After original foe IBF heavyweight titlist Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness, Bakole willingly accepted the match with only two days’ notice. Many experts and fans around the world were surprised and excited Parker accepted the match.

Ever since Parker lost to Joe Joyce in 2022, the New Zealander has proven to be vastly improved with wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Now you can add Bakole to the list of conquests.

Bakole, 33, was coming off an impressive knockout win last July and posed a serious threat if he connected with a punch. The quick-handed Bakole at 310 pounds and a two-inch height advantage is always dangerous.

In the first round Parker was wary of the fighter from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He kept his range and moved around the ring looking to poke a jab and move. Bakole caught him twice with blows and Parker retaliated.

It proved to be a very important test.

Parker refrained from moving and instead moved inside range of the big African fighter. Both exchanged liberally with Bakole connecting with an uppercut and Parker an overhand right.

Bakole shook his head at the blow he absorbed.

Both re-engaged and fired simultaneously. Parker’s right connected to the top of the head of Bakole who shuddered and stumbled and down he went and could not beat the count. The referee stopped the heavyweight fight at 2:17 of the second round. Parker retains his interim title by knockout.

“I’m strong, I’m healthy, I’m sharp,” said Parker. “I had to be patient.”

Shakur Wins

Despite an injured left hand southpaw WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) won by stoppage over late replacement Josh Padley (15-1, 6 KOs). It was an impressive accomplishment.

Often criticized for his lack of action and safety-first style, Stevenson was supposed to fight undefeated Floyd Schofield who pulled out due to illness. In stepped British lightweight Padley who had nothing to lose.

Padley was never hesitant to engage with the super-quick Stevenson and despite the lightning-quick combos by the champion, the British challenger exchanged liberally. It just wasn’t enough.

Even when Stevenson injured his left hand during an exchange in the sixth round, Padley just couldn’t take advantage. The speedy southpaw kept shooting the right jabs and ripping off right hooks. At the end of the sixth Stevenson briefly switched to a right-handed fighting style.

Stevenson used his right jabs and hooks to perfection. Double right hooks to the head and body seemed to affect the British challenger. A clean left to the body of Padley sent him to the floor for the count in the ninth round. It was a surprising knockdown due to his injured left. Padley got up and the fight resumed. Stevenson unloaded with right hooks to the body and down went the British fighter once again. He got up and tried to fight his way out but was met with another left to the body and down he went a third time. Padley’s corner tossed in a white towel to signify surrender. The referee stopped the fight at the end of the round. Stevenson scored his 11^th knockout win.

Photo credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom

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Early Results from Riyadh where Hamzah Sheeraz was Awarded a Gift Draw

Published

14 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Arne K. Lang

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After two 6-round appetizers, British light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith got the show rolling with a lusty 12-round skirmish. Things went south in the middle of the seven-fight main card when WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames locked horns with challenger Hamzah Sheeraz. This was a drab fight owing to a milquetoast performance by the favored Sheeraz.

Heading in, the lanky six-foot-three Sheeraz, whose physique is mindful of a young Thomas Hearns, was undefeated in 21 fights. Having stopped five of his last six opponents in two rounds or less, the 25-year-old Englishman was touted as the next big thing in the middleweight division. However, he fought off his back foot the entire contest, reluctant to let his hands go, and Adames kept his title when the bout was scored a draw.

Sheeraz had the crowd in his corner and two of the judges scored the match with their ears. Their tallies were 115-114 for Sheeraz and 114-114. The third judge had it 118-110 for Adames, the 30-year old Dominican, now 24-1-1, who had Ismael Salas in his corner.

Ortiz-Madrimov

Super welterweight Vergil Ortiz Jr, knocked out his first 21 opponents, begging the question of how he would react when he finally faced adversity. He showed his mettle in August of last year when he went a sizzling 12 rounds with fellow knockout artist Serhii Bohachuk, winning a hard-fought decision. Tonight he added another feather in his cap with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ismail Madrimov, prevailing on scores of 117-111 and 115-113 twice.

Ortiz won by adhering tight to Robert Garcia’s game plan. The elusive Madrimov, who bounces around the ring like the energizer bunny, won the early rounds. But eventually Ortiz was able to cut the ring off and turned the tide in his favor by landing the harder punches. It was the second straight loss for Madrimov (10-2-1), a decorated amateur who had lost a close but unanimous decision to Terence Crawford in his previous bout.

Kabayel-Zhang

No heavyweight has made greater gains in the last 15 months than Agit Kabayel. The German of Kurdish descent, whose specialty is body punching, made his third straight appearance in Riyadh tonight and, like in the previous two, fashioned a knockout. Today, although out-weighed by more than 40 pounds, he did away with Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang in the sixth round.

It didn’t start out well for Kabayel. The New Jersey-based, six-foot-six Zhang, a two-time Olympian for China, started fast and plainly won the opening round. Kabayel beat him to the punch from that point on, save for one moment when Zhang put him on the canvas with a straight left hand.

That happened in the fifth round, but by the end of the frame, the 41-year-old Zhang was conspicuously gassed. The end for the big fellow came at the 2:29 mark of round six when he couldn’t beat the count after crumbling to the canvas in a delayed reaction after taking a hard punch to his flabby midsection.

Kabayel remains undefeated at 26-0 (18 KOs). Zhang (27-3-1) hadn’t previously been stopped.

Smith-Buatsi

The all-British showdown between light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith was a grueling, fan-friendly affair. A former 168-pound world title-holder, Smith, 34, won hard-earned unanimous decision, prevailing on scores of 115-113, 116-112, and a ludicrous 119-110.

There were no knockdowns, but Liverpool’s Smith, who advanced to 31-2 (22) finished the contest with a bad gash in the corner of his right eye. It was the first pro loss for Buatsi (19-1), an Olympic bronze medalist who entered the contest a small favorite and was the defending “interim” title-holder.

This contest was also a battle of wits between two of America’s most prominent trainers, Buddy McGirt (Smith) and Virgil Hunter (Buatsi).

Check back shortly for David Avila’s wrap-up of the last three fights.

Photo credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom

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Cain Sandoval KOs Mark Bernaldez in the Featured Bout at Santa Ynez

Published

1 day ago

February 21, 2025

David A. Avila

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Northern California’s Cain Sandoval remained undefeated with a knockout win over Mark Bernaldez in a super lightweight battle on Friday on a 360 Promotions card.

Sandoval (15-0, 13 KOs) of Sacramento needed four rounds to figure out tough Filipino fighter Bernaldez (25-7, 14 KOs) in front of a packed crowd at Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez.

Bernaldez had gone eight rounds against Mexico’s very tough Oscar Duarte. He showed no fear for Sandoval’s reputed power and both fired bombs at each other from the second round on.

Things turned in favor of Sandoval when he targeted the body and soon had Bernaldez in retreat. It was apparent Sandoval had discovered a weakness.

In the beginning of the fourth Sandoval fired a stiff jab to the body that buckled Bernaldez but he did not go down. And when both resumed in firing position Sandoval connected with an overhand right and down went the Filipino fighter. He was counted out by referee Rudy Barragan at 34 seconds of the round.

“I’m surprised he took my jab to the body. I respect that. I have a knockout and I’m happy about that,” Sandoval said.

Other Bouts

Popular female fighter Lupe Medina (9-0) remained undefeated with a solid victory over the determined Agustina Vazquez (4-3-2) by unanimous decision after eight rounds in a minimumweight fight between Southern Californians.

Early on Vazquez gave Medina trouble disrupting her patter with solid jabs. And when Medina overloaded with combination punches, she was laced with counters from Vazquez during the first four rounds.

Things turned around in the fifth round as Medina used a jab to keep Vazquez at a preferred distance. And when she attacked it was no more than two-punch combination and maintaining a distance.

Vazquez proved determined but discovered clinching was not a good idea as Medina took advantage and overran her with blows. Still, Vazquez looked solid. All three judges saw it 79-73 for Medina.

A battle between Southern Californian’s saw Compton’s Christopher Rios (11-2) put on the pressure all eight rounds against Eastvale’s Daniel Barrera (8-1-1) and emerged the winner by majority decision in a flyweight battle.

It was Barrera’s first loss as a pro. He never could discover how to stay off the ropes and that proved his downfall. Neither fighter was knocked down but one judge saw it 76-76, and two others 79-73 for Rios.

In a welterweight fight Gor Yeritsyan (20-1,16 KOs) scorched Luis Ramos (23-7) with a 12-punch combination the sent him to the mat in the second round. After Ramos beat the count he was met with an eight punch volley and the fight was stopped at 2:11 of the second round by knockout.

Super feather prospect Abel Mejia (7-0, 5 KOs) floored Alfredo Diaz (9-12) in the fifth round but found the Mexican fighter to be very durable in their six-round fight. Mejia caught Diaz with a left hook in the fifth round for a knockdown. But the fight resumed with all three judges scoring it 60-53 for Mejia who fights out of El Modena, Calif.

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