Heavyweight Schedule for 2018

[yoz]

Boxing star attacked by trio in Apia club

21 year-old heavyweight boxing contender Joseph Parker was the victim of a nightclub assault while holidaying in Samoa.

The Kiwi Heavyweight Champion was punched in the head and had his face scratched when attacked by two men and a woman after posing for photographs with fans at the Club X nightclub in Apia on December 29.

A rising star who has been tipped to one day challenge for a world title, Parker received medical treatment for bruises and scratches to his face. He made a statement to Samoan police, and was told his attackers were subsequently arrested

[yoz]

David Haye a knockout hit with special-needs children in Dubai

David Haye was a knock-out hit with special-needs children during a visit to the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old showed off his arm-wrestling skills and packed a punch during some mock fighting before trying his hand at something even tougher ... Bollywood dancing.

The English fighter, a former WBA heavyweight champion, was impressed by the services as he toured the centre and met some of its 300 children, who are of many nationalities.

“The visit has been an absolute eye opener,” Haye said. “I heard about the centre but I couldn’t grasp how impressive the facility is until coming here.

“It really is something special and one thing that resonates with me is the smiles. All the kids are happy. They’re interacting and learning and it’s so nice to see.”

The visit was part of the boxer’s plan to make corporate social responsibility an important part of his new venture in the city, the Hayemaker Gym.

Rashid Al Arshi, a friend of Haye, is a member of the 20-year-old centre’s founding family. His aunt, Maryam Othman, is the director.

He said such celebrity visits were invaluable, and said other famous visitors have included footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

“David coming here gives us a boost and opens doors that helps the centre,” Mr Al Arshi said. “It helps give us visibility and focus attention on the centre and the children, raising awareness we may not otherwise have.

“There are many generous people and corporations donating but it’s the big figures like David showing their support which helps encourage others to support us too.”

Ms Othman agreed. “People like David giving us their time and attention is great as it makes others look at us and the children,” she said. “It adds to our services and helps us to communicate the message about them to the community.”

Haye has big plans for the UAE, with things he wants to achieve within 10 years. One is to help in the fight against diabetes.

His gym, which is due to open in Downtown Dubai in the coming months, will have an organic cafe and he hopes to open others around the city.

[The Hammer]

[The Hammer]

[yoz]

Bermane Stiverne: 'Arreola should fight Wilder'

[The Hammer]

[yoz]

Former Heavyweight Contender Larry Middleton dies aged 68

Former heavyweight contender Larry Middleton died on Thursday, January 9. Middleton’s biggest bout was his contest with former world champ Ken Norton on July 10, 1976 in San Diego, CA. This was the so-called the “Battle of the Jawbreakers”, as Middleton broke Bugner’s jaw in his win and Norton broke Muhammad Ali’s jaw in 1973. Middleton would lose to Norton by a tenth-round TKO.

Middleton finished his career in 1978 with a record of 23-10-2, 14 KO’s. In his later years, he worked with and trained young boxers.

[yoz]

American Heavyweight Derric Rossy returns 25 January

33 year-old American Heavyweight Derric Rossy is the headline feature of a big night of boxing at Golden Nugget, in Atlantic City, on 25 January. Rossy, who holds a record of 28-7 (14KO) will face Joey Dawejko (8-3-2 (3KO)).

Another heavyweight scrap on the bill sees Natu Visinia (9-0 (8KO)) matched up with Jon Bolden (6-7 (5KO)).

[Bodyshot3]

@Freedom...thanks for the Kayode link.

The guy got a profile piece in Boxing News (not much going on in the UK right now) but he does not look like a future headline-maker to me. Gets hit an awful lot and despite that Godzilla physique he does not look to have carried his power up to the HW division.

Maybe early days for Kayode, he's had a break and might settle into the weight after a few more fights. But the second coming of Ike Ibeabuchi.....I think not. Atlas certainly not sold on him.

[Weltschmerz]

Thanks for keeping this thread going, Freedom.

This month, I'm looking forward to Jennings-Szpilka. Good test for both men.