Vol 2 issue 1 by Box Mad Magazine

Sharif Bogere JIM McDONNELL FEBUARY 2015

JO JO DAN

x R E C I P E F O R VIOLENCE

04 05 06 08 EDITORS NOTES

BMM P4P TOP 10

main event news

G G G V S M U R R AY

J I M MCDONNELL INTERVIEW

JO JO DAN INTERVIEW

M I T C H E L L R I S I N G

FEB 2015

FEBUARY 2015

EDITORS NOTES x

Greetings fight fans and welcome to Boxing Mad Magazine’s first issue of 2015, as we head into fight week for Martin Murray’s colossal assignment against middleweight kingpin Gennady Golovkin. Read our buildup on (page 16) as we look ahead to Martin’s big night in Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, we also look ahead to Carl Frampton’s fight with Chris Avalos on February 28th and the potential for the super bantamweight champion to become a crossover star (page 30). There are interviews with Kell Brook’s challenger Jo Jo Dan (page 22) and Jim McDonnell, ahead of what’s potentially a big year for his charge James DeGale (page 18). Lightweight contender Sharif Bogere also speaks exclusively to BMM as he aims to roar back into world title contention (page 24). And we cover the sequence of events that has made a minefield of the super middleweight division, with a number of British stars involved (page 32). All this and much more, as well as news and views from around the boxing world. Enjoy reading! Jack Sumner

magazine EDITOR JACK SUMNER PAGE DESIGNS CAL HARRIS P4P @RAYDOCBOX

Our pound-for-pound rankings are tabulated from our writers' individual lists and are updated every issue. Inactivity for twelve months or more automatically omits a fighter from the list.

JACK SUMNER

Floyd Mayweather – Welterweight, USA. 47-0 (26 KO). WBC/The Ring welterweight champion, WBC/WBA (Super)/ The Ring light middleweight champion.

Manny Pacquiao – Welterweight, Philippines. 57-5-2 (38 KO). WBO welterweight champion.

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Super bantamweight, Cuba. 15-0 (10 KO). WBA/WBO super bantamweight champion.

Roman Gonzalez – Light flyweight, Nicaragua. 41-0 (35 KO). WBC/The Ring flyweight champion.

Wladimir Klitschko – Heavyweight, Ukraine. 63-3 (53 KO). WBA (Super)/IBF/WBO/The Ring heavyweight champion.

Sergey Kovalev – Light heavyweight, Russia. 26-0-1 (23 KO). WBA/WBO/IBF light heayweight champion.

Juan Manuel Marquez – Welterweight, Mexico. 56-7-1 (40 KO).

Gennady Golovkin – Middleweight, Kazahkstan. 31-0 (28 KO). WBA middleweight champion.

Timothy Bradley – Welterweight, USA. 31-1-1 (12 KO).

#10

Carl Froch – Super middleweight, UK. 33-2- (24 KO)

JACK DYSON JPHN WHARTON ANSON WAINWRIGHT ADAM CANAVAN

JACK SUMNER

Jack Sumner

POUND

WRITERS

SAM C COULTER

Editor

#POUND

page design & layout by “Twitter” @raydocbox

FEB 2015

FEBUARY 2015

m a i n e v e n t NE W S x

Kessler Retires our time former super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler (46-3, 35 knockouts) announced at the end of January that he would be retiring from boxing.

He last stepped into the ring in May 2013, when he lost an entertaining battle with Carl Froch. He initially said last May that he intended to continue his career. However, when he was unable to secure a big fight he decided to walk away from the sport. “I have thought long and hard over my options, which have been made available,” Kessler said in a statement. “But none of these options are enough to get me motivated. My promoter has done great creating these, but unfortunately the opportunities in the division are currently limited. I said at the time when I said I would fight on, that I would need the right fights to motivate me. This is not a question of money, in fact these offers have been for great purses, but it is a matter of motivation. After all “If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?” “I need big events to make me train to get me to the

standard that I have been used to presenting my fans with. I said I would like nothing more than to avenge my loss against Andre Ward and also have a decider against Carl Froch. These are fights that motivate me but for one reason or another they do not want to fight me. I am always in training, it is part of my life, but I consider myself in a state of retirement.” The always classy Kessler also paid homage to his legion of fans. “Finally, I would like to thank all my fans for supporting me through out my career. It has been a pleasure stepping in the ring, home as well as abroad.” Kessler enjoyed a solid five year amateur career, winning regional and National titles as a junior. He left the unpaid ranks in early 1998 with a record of 44-3. He quickly made his pro debut, appearing exclusively in his Denmark, until he was given the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas on the undercard of Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Bredahl in 2000. The

Great t u r

Dane r e n e d to his homeland where he continued to rack up the victories, until in the fall of 2004 he

met

Manny Siacca, scoring arguably the best win of his stopping the Puerto Ri- career, handing Carl Froch his can to win WBA 168-pound title. first loss, sneering the WBC belt, winning a close but just conTo his credit "The Viking Warrior" travelled test. An eye injury forced Kessler to several thousand miles and scored an out- remove himself from the "Super Six". standing points decision over local favourite Anthony Mundine in Australia in the Kessler sat on the sidelines for summer of 2005. The win was made all the 14-months before he was able to remore impressive when Kessler said he was turn, three wins followed, in the later he suffering a back problem in the lead up to won his third WBA title stopthe fight and sparred less than 20 rounds. ping Brian Magee in three rounds. After a 10th round stoppage of Eric Lucas, Kessler unified his WBA strap with WBC champion Markus Beyer, blitzing the German in just three rounds.

That set up a much anticipated rematch with Froch at the O2 Arena in London. The two again emptied their tanks, this time Froch won levelled the Another impressive win followed series with a point’s decision. against hardnosed Librado Andrade before Kessler took to the road where he BoxingMadMagazine would like to met Joe Calzaghe in unification. Cheered congratulate Mikkel on his on by 50,000 of his compatriots Calzaghe outstanding career and the handed Kessler his first loss in the wonderful memories he gave the pros. The two fought on even terms boxing world and hope he is able over the first half of the bout, un- to enjoy the fruits of his labour. til the Welshman was able to make an adjustment and claim the point’s victory. Unperturbed Kessler returned to win the vacant WBA title after Calzaghe had vacated to move up to light heavyweight. In the fall of 2009, Kessler packed his bags and headed to Oakland, Calif. where in the opening round of Showtime's "Super Six" he lost an 11th round technical decision. Kessler showed he was far from finished

SAM C COULTER

MITCHELL RISING

evin Mitchell is a man who has fought off the daemons of his past and looks to be ready to fulfil his potential and become a world champion. Mitchell has endured a rollercoaster like career with huge ups and downs over the years. It is fair to say that he hasn’t always dedicated himself to his profession as he should have done and it has cost him dearly over the years. Back in 2010 Mitchell entered the ring at his beloved Upton Park as an undefeated fighter against the rugged Michael Katsidis. Mitchell wasn’t his normal self in the ring and was to suffer the first loss of his career in devastating fashion with a third round stoppage.

faced serious drug charges and his relationship with his partner fell apart. Mitchell had left himself financially ruined by his issues and was forced to move back in with his mum. There is also a sad story where Mitchell realised how bad things had got upon leaving a nightclub and handed over near on £1,000 to a tramp so that he didn’t spend it on alcohol. The Dagenham man appeared to get himself back on track and faced off with fellow Brit John Murray in a hugely entertaining fight. It was a brutal contest between the pair in which both men showed huge determination.

Mitchell was to come away the victor with an eighth round stoppage win Following the loss it became clear that and redemption appeared complete. Mitchell’s out of ring issues had Sadly Mitchell slipped back into his affected him in the fight and they old ways of drinking and partying were only to get worse. Mitchell before his shot at a world title against claims to have spent £100,000 on Ricky Burns. Mitchell was to suffer the alcohol in an eight month period, 08

FEB 2015

FEBUARY 2015

x MITCHELL RISING second loss of his career and the second stoppage loss of his career.

was simply outclassed by Mitchell at the 02 Arena.

Since this defeat Mitchell has once again turned his life around with the help of his old trainer Tony Sims and with promoter Eddie Hearn.

Mitchell’s head movement and timing frustrated the Mexican who was never able to get into the contest. Mitchell landed thudding shots throughout the contest with little reply and was putting a beating on Estrada.

Mitchell has dedicated himself to his craft and realised what he needs to do if he is fulfil his undoubted potential. He is a slick boxer with good power in either hand and has always looked like a man with the skill to reach the top. Mitchell will now get another shot at world title following what was an absolute master-class performance against the Mexican Daniel Estrada. Mitchell systematically broke his opponent down and made him look way out of his depth. Estrada fought for the WBC world title in his last fight but he

SAM C COULTER troubles of the past behind him and appears ready for his shot. This has been a long, hard battle for Kevin Mitchell but this year could make it all worth it.

Referee Ian John-Lewis rightly stepped in and ended the fight in the eighth round with Estrada’s face looking a mess and all energy seemingly gone from his body. ‘The Hammer’ has earned the right to fight for the WBC title held by Jorge Linares and following such an impressive performance he will be highly confident that he will win a world title this year. Mitchell has sent out a huge message to all the lightweights in the world and he finally looks to be in the right place to achieve his dreams. With a performance like this it would be hard to bet against him beating Linares who many feel is one of the weaker champions in the division. It is great to see Mitchell back on track and thriving under the opportunities Matchroom have created for him. He seems to have well and truly put the

010

FEB 2015

FEBUARY 2015

011

ADAM CANAVAN

Recipe for violence Despite that long list of impressive wins, Matthysse has never been a world champion, even though he beat Peterson the title was not on the line due to the catchweight of 141 lbs. Matthysse dropped a hard-fought decision in his only world title challenge against Danny Garcia, which is no big shame, and his other two losses are contentious to say the least; one to Zab Judah, which was fairly close but most people (including me) thought Matthysse should’ve got the nod, and the other to Devon Alexander which wasn’t so close. Matthysse got robbed.

very boxing fan loves a slugfest, and even big hitter, despite a more modest 63% KO rathe purest or purists will get dragged tio, and he’s proven it by having Tim Bradinto the thrill of watching an all out war ley all over the place from the first round by the time the fight comes around. of their ‘Fight of the Year’ in 2013, even though he ended up losing a narrow decision. Of course, it always helps when He brutally ground down and stopped the two competitors also possess Mike Alvarado to win the WBO a good skill level too and that’s ex- light welterweight championship. actly what the potential matchup between Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Both fighters have impressive records. As Provodnikov would bring; a guaranteed all mentioned above, Matthysse has 36 wins on action fight between two top-level fighters. his record against only 3 defeats and he has a long list of notable opponents in his win The fight is reportedly planned for March 28th column. Demarcus Corley, Humberto Soto, and it is certainly one of the best fights that Ajose Olusegun, Mike Dallas Jr, Lamont can be made in boxing today. Matthysse is Peterson, John Molina Jr and Roberto one of the hardest hitters in the sport, with Ortiz have all fallen victim to the Argentine. 34 stoppages in his 36 wins (a KO% of 85 in- Unsurprisingly, he won all cluding his defeats). Provodnikov is also a of those fights by stoppage.

E 012

FEB 2015

Provodnikov’s record stands at 24(17)-3 and has far fewer big wins on it than Matthysse’s, but he shares a common opponent in Demarcus Corley (he took Provodnikov the distance) and he also has a big win over Mike Alvarado. However, somewhat like Matthysse, Provodnikov’s most notable performances are found in his loss column and all three were extremely tight decisions at the hands of Mauricio Herrera, Tim Bradley and Chris Algieri. At the moment, if this fight is to take place, it doesn’t look like there would be a world title on the line, yet the fight doesn’t feel any less important, it’s a fight that supersedes titles and there’s a reason for that. It’s guaranteed to be Fight of the Year material, there’s no possible outcome to this fight that won’t leave the fans talking about what they just saw all year and the two fighters with a part of themselves left in the ring.

including me and you likely holds over Provodnikov), he is probably the better body puncher and he is the better combination puncher in my opinion. Provodnikov does, however, cut the ring off better (a trait which probably won’t be needed in this fight) and in that regard has better footwork, he throws more unorthodox looping shots and he is also arguably better in exchanges. A fight is so much more than just advantages and disadvantages though and there’s one reason why Provodnikov can overcome the stylistic advantage in this fight. He simply doesn’t care about being hit. If none of that has convinced you of how great the fight will be then there’s two words that might change your mind. StubHub Center. The very same StubHub Center that hosted Provodnikov vs Bradley and Matthysse vs Molina, two of the very best fights in recent memory. With all this said, I understand I’m probably preaching to the choir. It’s painfully obvious to everyone that this will be a violent, brutal, chaotic 36 minutes of in-ring mayhem and I just hope this fight goes ahead. I

can’t

wait!

It’s easy to explain why this fight will be so brutal stylistically. Both fighters have power, both have good engines, both have good chins, neither takes a backwards step and neither of them are fleet footed enough to avoid the other. As far as stylistic advantages go, Matthysse has a lot; he is the better straight puncher, he has a better defence (an advantage almost everyone, FEBUARY 2015

013

ennady Golovkin is perhaps the most feared and avoided boxer in the sport today but the man to face him next has no fear of entering the ring with him. Golovkin aged 32 has blown away all in his path so far as a professional claiming a unbeaten record of 31 wins with 28 wins by way of knock out. He was a highly successful amateur fighter having won numerous competitions and claimed a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

GGG VS MURRAY

SAM C COUTER formidable fighting machine who has the face of a choir boy.

Golovkin destroyed the rugged Marco Antonio Rubio in his last outing October of last year at The Kazakh the StubHub Center in possesses frightening Carson, California punch power which . Triple G knocked combined with his out Rubio in boxing skill creates a only the second

GOLOVKIN VS MURRAY

014

FEB 2015

FEBUARY 2015

015

GOLOVKIN VS MURRAY

x experts felt that Murray had won the fight but the judges were to score the fight in favour of the home fighter Martinez. Murray is a physically big middleweight who is very strong. He might not be the biggest puncher around but he is technically a very solid fighter who has experience of fighting the best out there and is used to proving the doubters wrong.

round with a wins, 1 loss and 1 draw. looping shot which didn’t Murray is one of the appear to be unluckiest boxers full of power. out there as he is a relatively unknown The shot was boxer outside of o b v i o u s l y the hardcore fans. deceiving as it left He is a world class Rubio on the canvas middleweight who has unable to been in with some the continue which best out there are more highlights the than held his own. danger that this man presents for In fact, in the other fighters. opinion of most boxing experts Murray should The man next tasked already be a world with taking on Golovkin champion. Murray in Britain’s Martin has had two previous Murray who also aged shots at a world title. 32 holds a record of 29

016

FEB 2015

Murray has been in Johannesburg, South Africa training for the fight over the last couple of weeks and pictures have surfaced of Golovkin’s f ace taped on a punchbag.The Firstly against Felix high altitude training Sturm in 2011 when should benefit Murray he came away with hugely when he comes a draw. Opinion was back down to a normal split on the fight with altitude level and he arguments for either should be in fantastic fighter in place so shape come fight night. perhaps a draw was fair. The action will Murray’s second shot take place on the at a title in 2013 against 21st of February in Sergio Martinez was Monte Carlo where the fight that should both men have boxed have crowned him as before and Murray will a world champion. be hoping that it’ third Murray travelled to time lucky for him. Argentina for his fight and knocked Golovkin is the big fadown Martinez vourite coming into in the 8th round. the fight and many over the other side Respected boxing of the Atlantic are

looking past Murray. They are talking about Golovkin fighting the likes of Miguel Cotto and Saul Alvarez. Golovkin himself will have to make sure that he has mind on the task in hand as Murray is a very good, very determined boxer who will punish him if he isn’t concentrating on their fight. Murray when speaking about the fight has said, “It’s a tough fight, I’m under no illusions. Golovkin is a punching power machine, but I have the tools to beat him. I expect it will be tough and I’ll need to go through pain, but I’m prepared for that, whatever it takes.”

“It’s a tough fight, I’m under no illusions. Golovkin is a punching power machine, but I have the tools to beat him. “

“It’s about getting to the 21st and having no regrets. I’m doing everything to be in the best possible condition. I’m gonna do it. A lot of things brought me to this world title. I’m doing it for myself, for my family. When I signed with Golden Gloves, this was the end deal, a massive fight. I’m coming off some good wins and I feel I’m ready.” “Golovkin has two hands like me, but he’s not unbeatable. I’m certainly not going to get into the ring fearing him. Never.” This is an extremely interesting match-up and if Golovkin blasts Murray out of there then he is the real deal.

FEBUARY 2015

017

x INTERVIEW

JIM MCDONNELL

“we’ll see James dominate the super-middleweight division.’

BY JOHN WHARTON

im McDonnell

“he’s ready to become a world champion”

im McDonnell has been in boxing so long now, he’s seen almost everything. One of the most underrated British fighters of his, or any, generation, he was unlucky to be born in an era of super-featherweights that saw champions and challengers of the calibre of Azumah Nelson, Brian Mitchell, Barry McGuigan, John-John Molina, Rocky Lockridge and Tony Lopez. In a twelve month spell from November 1988 to

November 1989, he fought four times. Three of those opponents were Mitchell, McGuigan and Nelson. If the likeable Londoner had been around ten years later, he would undoubtedly have become a world champion at some point. Now 54 years old, the Camden Town man is training world super-middleweight contender James DeGale, who will be fighting for his first world title in April. His likely opponent will be Andre Dirrell, and McDonnell feels the title shot is coming at just the right time for his charge.

‘He’s in a good position at the moment, mentally. James is one of the most confident people I’ve ever met. The timing is perfect and he’s ready to become a world champion. I told him the other week that he’d be at his best from 29 years of age onwards, as he started to get his man strength and physical maturity. Over the next three or four years, we’ll see James dominate the super-middleweight division.’ 2014 was the year James DeGale matured. He started the year with a victory over Georgian fighter Gevorg Khatchikian, in what would turn out to be his last fight under the Hennessey promotions banner. He signed for Matchroom and Eddie Hearn, and his first outing under his new promoter was on the undercard of Froch v Groves II at Wembley Stadium. DeGale took his opportunity with both hands, as he stopped the previously undefeated Brandon Gonzales inside four rounds. In November, DeGale stole the show on another

Matchroom promoted rematch, as he stopped the usually durable Marco Antonio Periban in three rounds on the Tony Bellew-Nathan Cleverly rematch card in Liverpool. Prior to 2014, many boxing experts felt DeGale’s career had gone stale and he’d possibly missed his chance, but McDonnell is quick to explain there were issues in the background that affected his fighter. ‘James is a buzz fighter and he needs to be in the limelight. Put him on the big stage like he was at Wembley in front of 80,000 people and he’ll perform. ‘For the first time in a while, James is also fighting injury free. He’s had surgery on his Gilmore’s Groin [a difficult injury to diagnose, due to multiple symptoms, and one which can often be diagnosed as other injuries, such as groin tears and hernias] and he had help from Gary Lewin [England football team physio]. Since then, James has been different class. He’s been quicker on the track, he’s been pressing more and he’s been sharper in sparring. For the first time, James is 100% ready.’

way in a million years Froch beats DeGale and I think he knows it. The main problem with it is that he could have vacated the title earlier and allowed James to fight for the title on the Liverpool show in November.’ A couple of names have been bandied about as possible opponents. The most likely name is Andre Dirrell, who, until August last year, had fought only once in three years. Since then, the Michigan native has won three in a row, stopping two, including an impressive victory over former Callum Smith victim, Vladine Biosse.

‘According to Matchroom, the opponent will be Andre Dirrell but nobody wants to face James and I’m not sure Dirrell does. So, if he pulls out, the next name Last week Eddie Hearn announced that would be the Mexican Gilberto Ramirez. DeGale would be fighting for the IBF title If he says no, it could be Groves again.’ Carl Froch recently vacated. A lot of attention this week has been focused on Froch The possibility of a Groves rematch is vacating his title, McDonnell is prag- one that will whet the appetite of Britmatic in his view and believes Froch was ish fight fans, and it’s a fight that could doing what was best for his own career. entice the public to the national stadium ‘Carl has done exactly the same thing he slated Joe Calzaghe for. James wanted to fight Froch. He wanted that fight more than any other, as Carl Froch is tailor made for James De Gale. We were watching videos of him last year and he told me that he knows he’d absolutely batter him. Froch has struggled with southpaws and there’s more than a few experts out there who believe Andre Dirrell beat him a few years back. The way Carl carries his left hand on his hip is the wrong thing do with southpaws. You just cannot do that. ‘In not fighting James, I think Carl has made the best decision he could to help prolong his career. It’s not the best for us, but it will help with his legacy. There is no

020

FEB 2015

at Wembley. The lure of another headline at Wembley plus a world title shot may not be enough to persuade Groves to sign on the dotted line for the fight, however. ‘Matchroom offered £2.5m to be split evenly for the fight to be made but Groves told Eddie [Hearn] that he w anted 75%, because he thinks he’s the bigger draw. Instead, he’s going to face the other Dirrell brother [Anthony] for something around $425,000. ‘George has been in a couple of tough fights with Froch and since then he’s not looked very good. His wins over the French lad [Christophe Rebrasse] and against Dennis Douglin, who’s a light-middleweight, weren’t great. Maybe they were

the fights he needed to blow away the cob- ‘A boxing writer, who webs but, even though he won, he had his I won’t name’, chuckles nose smashed in by a much smaller man. McDonnell, ‘told me that as long as had a hole ‘It would be interesting to know what’s he going on with George at the moment. If he’d in his backside, James will be a been in with anyone of the calibre of James’ never champion. last two opponents, he’d have been beaten.’ world I told him that I’d put significant amount If DeGale wins the title in April, he will a money on James become the first British Olympic gold of become medallist to win a professional world to world champion title. McDonnell believes it is a nevitable that his fighter will make at odds of 66/1 and the history but, more importantly, it will be writer just laughed. After the a reward for the loyalty the fighter has Brandon Gonzales fight, the shown since turning pro with him in 2008. same guy came up to me and admitted he was wrong!’ ‘James has shown loyalty to me when April 25th, if James other fighters may not have done the On same. After the Groves defeat, there were DeGale takes the title and makes people talking and saying he needs a history as the first Olympic gold new trainer. When an undefeated fighter medallist from Britain to win a loses, it’s never his fault, it’s not the world title, Jim McDonnell’s smile matchmaker’s fault and it’s never the will be as wide as the Thames promoter’s fault. The man who gets the Estuary and the money from that blame is the trainer. James was asked about bet will be the icing on the cake. it and he was furious. He said ‘it wasn’t Jimmy’s fault I made the fight too close’. He was really outspoken and, as a trainer, it made me proud to see him react like that.’ Should DeGale take the belt on April 25th, it will be the culmination of seven years hard work, dedication and loyalty between the two. A relationship that has been tested at times and one that has seen both men retain the same level of trust and faith in one another. As the interview winds down, McDonnell tells me of something that happened during the press conference to announce that DeGale was turning professional. FEBRUARY 2015

021

INTERVIEW

JO JO DAN BY JOHN WHARTON

989 saw the Communist regimes in Europe begin to falter and in the Romanian city of Timisoara, dictator Nicolai Ceausescu ordered his troops to open fire on anti-government protestors. The demonstrations spread to Bucharest and would eventually become known as the Romanian Revolution, the only violent removal of a Communist government during the 1989 revolutions across Communist Europe. On December 22nd, the dictator and his wife Elena fled the capital in a helicopter. They were eventually captured and, after a hastily convened military tribunal, found guilty of genocide and sabotage of the economy. On Christmas day 1989, both were executed by firing squad. Jo Jo Dan was an eight year old child during this tumultuous period of national history. Born in 1981 in Giurgiu, just across the River Danube from Bulgaria, Dan’s family moved to Bucharest when he was just a small child. Romania is not a nation known for producing boxers and if Dan should

JO JO DAN dethrone Britain’s Kell Brook on March 28th, he will become the fifth world champion from the Eastern European country, joining Michael Loewe (Mihai Leu), Leonard Dorin, Adrian Diaconu and Lucian Bute. Romania remains a troubled country and if the Quebec based fighter can win the IBF belt , it will be a great achievement for the nation. ‘If I became world champion, I would become only the fifth world champion from Romania. It would make me so proud to join that list. I have had to move to Canada to further my boxing career but I am a proud Romanian and I would love to win the title for my country.’ Standing in Dan’s way is Kell Brook. The Sheffield man won the title last August, as he dethroned Shaun Porter in Carson, Ca. Brook was then seriously injured in an attack in Magaluf last September. The Romanian challenger was very impressed with the manner in which Brook defeated the previously undefeated American. ‘He looked very good. His team came

up with a brilliant plan for the fight and, champion, then Dan and his wife despite some people thinking it was close, have that coming along in April. I thought that he definitely won the fight.’ ‘My wife and I are expecting our The bout on March 28th will be in the third child in April. We have two champion’s hometown of Sheffield, at the little boys already and this time it will Motorpoint Arena, but the challenger is be a girl. I am determined that when adamant the partisan hometown support she is born, I will be world champion.’ will not affect him in any way. The only blemishes on his pro record are two close and controversial defeats to Turkey’s Selcuk Aydin, but, whilst other fighters may still be lamenting on their defeats, the Romanian is philosophical about the losses. ‘I believe the defeats to Aydin have made me a better fighter. I know I won those fights but the judges took it away from me. They were tough experiences and I was very upset by those defeats, but they’ve made me a better fighter and the crowd in Turkey will prepare me for the crowd in Sheffield.’ It was just under twelve years ago when Dan left Romania for Canada, to start a professional boxing career. He settled in Quebec and believes that the relocation has made him a better fighter and forced him to evolve as a person. And if he needed any further motivation to dethrone the

THE LI O N UN-CAGED N x

ature’s greatest predators have often been used to symbolise exceptional courage and fortitude in sports. The ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and the ‘Heart of a Lion’ for example being notable appraisals you might hear thrown around a boxing ring. But one fighter personifies the big cat of the African plains more than any other. ‘The Lion’ himself, Sharif Bogere.

Donning a lion’s head on his way to the ring with the animal’s coat draped around his shoulders, Bogere is transported in a cage by four bodybuilders wearing only leopard-print loincloths. But the eccentricity of the ring walk is symbolic not only of the fighter’s light-hearted nature and flair for showmanship, but the harsh lessons that shaped his humble and hard-working character. “Bro, I always tell people to be thankful for what they have in life. I grew up in a place where I couldn’t even find a cup of clean water after working out. No punching gloves, no wraps, not even a bag to hit or a ring to box in,” the charismatic 26-year-old lightweight recollects. “The streets were tough growing up.” Those streets where Bogere made his start in life were in Kampala, Uganda, but these days the one-time world title challenger resides in the resplendent desert of Las Vegas, Nevada. His childhood in the capital city of his poverty-stricken home nation could not have been more of an antithesis. Fighting was a necessity, for a street child at the age of just seven trying to survive amongst his elders.

024

FEB 2015

There would be older boys who would make the younger kids fight. It was through this practice that Bogere first began to make a name for himself.

By all accounts, no matter which kid Bogere was matched with he would be the one having his hand raised and pretty soon his natural ability led him to a local gym. His mother disapproved, setting Sharif copious amounts of work at home to restrict the time he could spend boxing. It became a secret passion, but the secret didn’t last for long.

“I used to do everything real quick and then when she wasn’t there I’d go and run and work out. Then she saw me on the news! She was like ‘are you still boxing?’ But she could see I loved it and so she became softer.” Bogere’s passion for the sport drove him to an e x c e p t i o n a l amateur career, where he became captain of the Ugandan national team and a five-time African champion. Going on to compile a record of 68-4 in the unpaid ranks, he left the Uganda team after the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Chicago, to set his sights on a career as a professional. Signing with Golden Boy Promotions, Bogere’s career really began to gain momentum and after racking up victories across the United States, Bogere faced his first real test in underrated stalwart Raymundo Beltran. It was a gut check for the African, who survived being staggered and cut to best the tough Mexican over ten thrilling rounds and win the WBO NABO lightweight crown. Following twenty-three consecutive victories

Former world title challenger Sharif Bogere is targeting a breakout year and talks to BMMs Jack Sumner about the hardships that make him the fighter he is today . .

and finishing fifteen victims inside the distance, the exciting boxerpuncher received his first world title shot, against the awkward Cuban Richar Abril in March 2013. After a scrappy affair, which featured numerous accidental head clashes and ultimately proved to be a lacklustre spectacle, the closely contested battle was won by Abril, with the titleholder edging close cards from all three judges. “He was given a gift,” says Bogere. “You know in life there are ups and downs and as for that loss, I take it as a learning experience, even though he didn’t do nothing to win. I’d love to fight him (again) someday. I hope he never gets scared, ‘cause he knows he never won that fight and he’s never been in that ring with someone like me.” To compound suffering his first professional defeat, Bogere was sidelined for the rest of 2013 with a tear of his left Achilles tendon, an ailment that had hampered his preparation for the Abril fight. The bout had originally been scheduled for the previous November, but Sharif was forced to pull out at two weeks notice after the tendon was found to be ruptured following final sparring sessions. Not wanting to lose his title opportunity, Bogere gave his body little time to recover before resuming training for the rearranged clash. It was a painful and one that led inactivity, but gave motivation to return

lesson to be learnt to thirteen months of the contender added with a vengeance. Born FEBUARY 2015

025

from the blood-red soil of Africa, Bogere pos- ready, that my time is coming soon. From those sessed the tenacity to get back in the title hunt. words, they pump me up and I will be ready to take any of these guys. Right now I’m ready to “As far as the injury, it made me hungrier. Im- take it to the next level and looking forward to agine staying out of commission for thirteen plus winning a world tittle, in shaa Allah (god willing).” months. But I never lost hope, I always stayed positive and prayed for better health. I never stopped In Bogere’s corner sits veteran trainer Kenny Adbelieving, I stayed active in the physical therapy, ams, who helped coach the American team for the which helped to strengthen my Achilles. I would remarkably successful 1984 Los Angeles Olympics like to thank God The Most High who has blessed and was head coach for the 1988 Seoul games. me with good health through 2014 up to date.” Adams has trained numerous world champions in the pro ranks, including Rene Jacquot, Freddie Bogere returned to action in April last Norwood and the late Diego Corrales. He may year. The lion was unleashed from its cage. well have another one on his hands with Bogere. A domineering sixth-round stoppage of Arturo Urena at Los Angeles Stub Hub Center was followed by early knockouts of Miguel Zamudio and Fernando Garcia to cap off an impressive 2014. The Garcia win came a month after Bogere’s twenty-sixth birthday in October and now entering his physical prime as we move into 2015, the fighter expects to take the lightweight division by storm over the next twelve months.

“Ken is one of the best trainers in the business of boxing, he’s a former USA Olympic coach in days of Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, Meldrick Taylor, he’s a former USA army trainer. Kenny has been in the game for a long time. He knows how to teach a fighter the better way. And he has taught me a lot of different things in boxing.” While Adams’ has been nurturing techni-

THE LION UN-CAGED

ing captured and put down. Bogere’s manager Ralph Heredia saw the opportunity for his fighter’s unique ring entrance attire and with Sharif’s admiration for the entertainment factor provided by idols like Hector Camacho and Prince Naseem Hamed, a new ring walk “I don’t only fight to please my own desires but was born. It made Bogere a hit back home and I fight to please the fans and the people who his success has elevated him to star status. watch. I wanna be able to throw a punch that’s gonna make people say ‘Ooooo Mama Mia!!’ Though his fame has not yet transcended to Throwing punches that’s gonna make them fans in other parts of the world, Bogere pomove out their seats and start shadow boxing!” tentially stands on the brink of a big year and providing he can secure the right fights, And that penchant for pleasing the fans not only has the talent to win a world crown, certainly lends itself to the ring walk? but the charisma to become a fan favourite. cal improvements in Bogere, the unorthodox, somewhat erratic nature of the African’s fighting style has not been lost. His unpredictability, coupled with his athleticism, is a nightmare proposition for his opponents to face.

“Yes sir, this ring walk is way different from any As a parting shot, Bogere had a message for BMM: others you know. We want to bring excitement to the game. But this lion represents my Afri- “Thanks to Boxing Mad Magazine and the readers. can heritage and the warriors across the world.” Stay updated about the lion. You can follow me on Twitter @sharifbogere . . . Instagram @bogereshaThe story behind the notorious lion ensem- rif . . . Facebook page Sharif “the lion” Bogere.” ble is that the skin was taken from a male that blessed all.” had killed several people in Africa before be- “Stay

“2014 was good and I’m thankful for everything I did and the victories. This year me and my team are working on a lot of different things to make me one of the best fighters in the world. There is more of Sharif Bogere to come. Keep your eyes open!” “I would like to thank God the Most High, he gave me a chance to reach this age. I’m now experienced in boxing at twenty-six and I believe real soon the world gonna witness the new me.” The lightweight division is rife with talent but with titleholders Omar Figueroa and Terence Crawford expected to vacate and move up a chain of progression will provide opportunities, particularly with the WBO who rank Bogere highest and whose title lies in Crawford’s possession. At the time of writing, Bogere doesn’t currently have a fight scheduled but is expecting something to come to fruition soon. When asked who he’d like to fight next, he provides a pretty bold answer. “The question is “is there any champ/belt holder who would like to fight the lion?! I’ve called all these guys out. They better stay on the notice. The lion is coming for you! ROOARR!!!” “As for now, my promoter has told me to stay

026

FEB 2015

FEBUARY 2015

027

JACK SUMNER

ROSE STOPPED IN

VALENTINE’S DAY SHOCKER

or Brian Rose, this year’s Valentine’s Day was marked with a very special date, as on February 14th, the Lancashire light middleweight was given the opportunity to bounce-back into world title contention. Like an enamoured belle promised a candlelit dinner ahead of a night of silken passion, Rose was hankering to get out at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, top of a Prizefighter bill in front of a home crowd against well-known American Carson Jones. But just like in many homes that evening, when the bell finally rang for the action to commence the main event turned out to be short-lived and unsatisfactory. Rose was shockingly stopped at the end of the first round when referee Ian John Lewis halted proceedings with Jones unloading a flurry of punches, a call that was immediately met with derision and disgust from a consensus of the watching fans and media.

An overhand right staggered Rose and Jones unleashed a series of hooks and uppercuts to follow up, but although the former world title challenger was evidently hurt he took the majority of the punches on arms and gloves and was not beyond a position where he could conceivably continue. In fact, earlier in the round Jones had been equally shaken when a right hook from Rose wobbled the visiting fighter’s legs. It was a horribly premature stoppage given the circumstances. It’s not the first time Ian John Lewis has received criticism for stopping a fight too soon, with the first meeting between Enzo Maccarinelli and Ovill McKenzie in 2012 a primary example. After the fight, an understandably disheartened Rose displayed anger towards the official and questioned his

028

FEB 2015

position

within

the

sport.

Ian john Lewis needs to ref a non contact sport. Yes I was buzzed with a shot but so was he a minute before. joke. Never give me a chance. He apologised to me 3 times after the decision!!! Why apologise to me if he thinks it’s the right decision ??? Brian Rose (@Brian_Lion_Rose) via Twitter, February 14, 2015 Rose was stopped for the second time in three fights, following last year’s world title defeat to WBO champion Demetrius Andrade, in which he was blown away in seven rounds at the Barclays Center in New York. He

"He apologised to me 3 times after the decision Why apologise to me if he thinks it’s the right decision"

returned in October to score a quick-fire win over Ignacio Lucero Fraga in the first round and the bout with Jones was intended to be a stepping stone to a fruitful 2015, but now the 30-year-old – who celebrated his birthday the following day – faces a major rebuilding process. However, despite the controversial nature of the stoppage and the fanbase Rose enjoys in the UK, promoter Eddie Hearn may be able to orchestrate a rematch with Jones and the opportunity for Rose to right the perceived wrong. Jones has fought several times on British soil already and doesn’t possess a wealth of options for fights in the States, so would likely welcome a return if a lucrative offer can be made. FEBUARY 2015

029

Carl Frampton

Is Stardom Really Beckoning?

lot has been made of the IBF super bantamweight champion Carl Frampton’s (19-0-0, 13 KO) move to ITV, but a question needs to be asked: Will this really help him achieve stardom outside of his native Ireland? Many observers treat it as an inevitability, suggesting that the millions of viewers that the Northern Irishman’s mandatory defence on 28th February against Chris Avalos (25-2-0, 19 KO) is bound to get will instantly result in prominence. As the last six or so years have shown though appearances on terrestrial television do not always turn out like this; a fact that has rung true for the likes of Kid Galahad and Tyson Fury. Also, the deal could well conspire to harm Frampton’s chances at having a huge domestic grudge match with WBA World titleholder Scott Quigg (30-0-2, 22 KO). Therefore, the combination of these factors should, for the time being, restrain the claims that ‘The Jackal’ is bound to become a household name. Even so, there are few better platforms around for Frampton to be showcased on than ITV. In terms of viewership, boxing’s leading channels – Sky Sports and Boxnation – cannot compete with the terrestrial network. Through the 2013/2014 season, boxing events on Sky received an average of just over 100,000 views, whilst the burgeoning fight-orientated Boxnation has somewhere in the region of 150,000-200,000 subscribers. In comparison, Frampton’s first defence of his IBF title is expected to be seen by around five million people. Thus, going by these crude statistics ITV appears to be the best and most likely outlet to turn the Northern Irishman into a British celebrity. But there are a couple of reasons to quieten

030

such feverish claims. As has been demonstrated by Mick Hennessy’s venture to Channel Five, large viewing figures alone may not aid Frampton’s rise to prominence. The promoter has put together shows on the channel for four years, on the whole centring them on Tyson Fury, James Degale and Kid Galahad. However, the huge platform that terrestrial television brought with it failed to ignite their careers. Fury has definitely benefited the most from the exposure, but he still struggles to be a large ticket seller – before Dereck Chisora pulled out of the initial date for their rematch in July, the Boxnation-presented show struggled at the box office. And, according to rumour, the heavyweight’s stay-busy fight against Christian Hammer later this month is also struggling to entice punters. Similarly, James Degale grew so disillusioned with repeatedly fighting in sports centres and shopping malls on Channel Five that he joined promoter Eddie Hearn’s stable of fighters on Sky Sports, a move that has allowed his career to finally regain some traction. Kid Galahad has fought on Channel 5 since 2012 and has also failed to headline an event in an arena of note; instead he has had to tolerate fighting for various trinkets at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena – which holds a measly 2,000 spectators – on his last three outings. On Channel Five even the worst-performing cards have received a televisual audience of over six hundred thousand people; however the stop start careers of Fury, Degale and Kid Galahad have highlighted the fact that large viewing figures alone may not help Frampton on his quest to become a recognisable name.

biggest fight out there for him – against Scott Quigg. This is a fairly basic and very obvious point but it has to be made: for a fighter’s profile to grow he needs to take the biggest fights available to him. Thus a unification fight with the division’s WBA World titleholder would give the Northern Irishman’s career an unrivalled amount of impetus. However, if Frampton’s deal with ITV is, as expected, extended after February 28th the likelihood of the pair squaring up against each other will diminish – because Quigg is currently promoted by Eddie Hearn, who has shown a real reluctance to air fighters anywhere other than on Sky Sports. This is added to the long-standing fact that the chances of a unification fight with any of the other super bantamweight champions are slim; as the WBC

Jack Dyson

belt holder Leo Santa Cruz has seemingly shown a refusal to take a challenging fight, whilst the brilliant WBA Super Champion Guillermo Rigondeaux remains one of the most avoided fighters in the sport. Consequently, the ITV deal could prove to be counter-productive as it could well block Frampton’s only available avenue to unifying the division, which in turn would hinder the growth of his ‘brand’. It is therefore clear that whilst many are already christening the ITV deal as the start of Frampton’s rise to prominence, there is enough reason to remain sceptical. Thus the question in this article’s title should be given considerably more thought than it has been lately, as there are several factors which could conspire to hurt Frampton’s efforts to becoming a crossover star.

Moreover, the deal with ITV could impede the growth of his profile as it may prevent the Northern Irishmen from entering into the FEBUARY 2015

031

Jack Sumner

ALL ABOARD THE SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT MERRY GO ROUND It seems like no one is getting quite what they want at 168lbs, as politics once again triumphs in boxing. . . Ever since a career-defining right hand sealed a record-breaking victory over George Groves at Wembley Stadium last May, Carl Froch has been singing the same song. He wants to fight one more fight, in Las Vegas, and then he’ll retire. If his night under the bright desert lights doesn’t materialise, then he’ll happily hang up the gloves without fighting again. That much was apparent in the immediate aftermath of his eighth-round knockout win and not much has changed since; nine months on, the thirty-sixth bout of the Cobra’s career has still not been scheduled. It was looking promising; arduous negotiations with the camp of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr `eventually progressed to terms being agreed for a March 28th fight, only for injury to then take Froch out of commission. In the wake of Froch’s revelation that he has suffered an elbow injury to force

032

FEB 2015

FEBUARY 2015

033

Jack Sumner

him out of camp came the news that the 37-year-old will be vacating his IBF super-middleweight title. That decision paves the way for James DeGale – Froch’s mandatory since a fourth-round knockout of Brandon Gonzales on the undercard of the Groves rematch – to fight for the vacant strap this spring. DeGale has been calling Froch out for the best part of a year and has always maintained that stylistically he has the Nottingham man’s number. Some will see Froch’s lack of interest in a DeGale bout as avoidance, but the motivational angle is one that carries weight. Carl’s last two fights were domestic blockbusters; a third with another British upstart would therefore likely be perceived as something of an anticlimax. Add to the mix that he’s never fought in the ordained fight capital of the world and the fact that he likely has, at most, two fights left before he calls it a career, and you can understand why the prospect doesn’t exactly flip his pancake. There’s no need to feel sorry for DeGale however. After all, the next time the Harlesden southpaw steps through the ropes a vacant world title will be on the line. And if he’s looking for a dance partner, then look no further than the aforementioned Groves. Ever since the Saint handed DeGale his solitary defeat, a rematch has been on the cards. The chance to win a world title and avenge your only loss? DeGale must have thought that Christmas had come exceptionally early in 2015. But it wasn’t such an attractive proposition for Groves, who has rejected the bout in favour of waiting on his mandatory shot at the WBC crown. Groves bounced back from his defeats to Froch with a win over Christopher Rebrasse to lift the European title in September, a victory that also made him the number one contender for WBC titleholder Anthony Dirrell. But the unbeaten American seems in no hurry to defend his title against the 26-year-old from Hammersmith and earlier this month the Mexican-based sanctioning body whose title he holds backed his request to delay a meeting.

034

FEB 2015

The WBC have awarded Dirrell a four-month voluntary extension, in which he is free to make a defence of his own selection and thus delaying any potential fight with Groves until late summer at the earliest. It was at this point that the offer to fight DeGale for the IBF strap was back on the table for Groves, but it was swept aside. Part of the refusal to make a lucrative rematch with DeGale and have the opportunity to win a world title earlier than if he waited for Dirrell, is Groves’s unwillingness to do so on his enemy’s terms, particularly now that DeGale is aligned with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Sport. What it could ultimately mean though, is that Groves might have to watch his bitterest rival win a world title while he sits on the sidelines. Instead, DeGale’s opponent for his first world

title tilt is expected to be Andre Dirrell, brother of Anthony and former Froch foe. The Michigan switch-hitter lost a controversial decision to Froch in Nottingham in 2009, as part of the Super Six tournament that crowned the currently inactive Andre Ward as the undisputed 168lb king.

of his own as a medallist at the 2004 Athens games. The 31-year-old is arguably a much higher risk for a slightly lesser reward. It’s a very difficult fight for DeGale and one that could seriously hurt his chances of ever gaining his revenge over Groves should he not emerge victorious.

But the older Dirrell brother presents a much less appealing challenge for DeGale. Both men are natural left-handers that treat the canvas like a chessboard and the fact that the American garners little mainstream interest as well as the likelihood that the fight would be a cagey affair, lessens the stage on which DeGale’s opportunity to make history will come.

At least Andre Dirrell is happy then right? Well no, not exactly. His ‘number one target’ is to get Froch back in the ring, something that in the midst of all recent developments now looks highly unlikely. After earning a lofty ranking with the IBF through recent wins over Nick Brinson and Derek Edwards, the man he set his sights on dethroning has removed his crown.

And make history DeGale might, as the first British Olympic gold medallist to win a world crown, but Dirrell brings Olympic pedigree

Who’d be a super middleweight?

FEBUARY 2015

035

036

FEB 2015