The Red Corner

Danny Wayne Armstrong
02/08/2016 10:03am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPefSmBDdLI

A round-up of everything in the ring from the world’s biggest nation. We begin this month’s round-up at the Yekaterinburg Sport Palace, the scene of Sergey Kovalev’s 11 July defense of his WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight belts against slick contender Isaac Chilemba. The fight doubled as the champion’s homecoming, as Kovalev last boxed in his home country in 2011, also in Yekaterinburg.

Olympic dreams: Carlos Balderas

Liam Happe
01/08/2016 1:27pm

With the Rio Games upon us, the world is starting to catch Olympic fever - but teenage boxer Carlos Balderas has had the ‘bug’ since late 2015. It was as early as the winter that Balderas found out he would be a member of Team USA, heading south to Brazil in August. Thanks to the complex nature of qualification for 2016 boxers, the Californian’s card was stamped by virtue of his performances in the World Series of Boxing.

Sublime and devilish

Andrew Harrison
31/07/2016 10:14am

Carl Frampton upset WBA featherweight titlist Leo Santa Cruz at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night, with a sublime display of boxing that earned him a majority decision via scores of 114-114, 116-112 and 117-111. In truth, the bout was closer than the latter of those cards suggested (Boxing Monthly scored it 116-114, or 6-4-2 in rounds); however, Frampton was a worthy winner in an absorbing affair, one that reaffirmed that when the world’s best fighters are matched together at their optimal weight, boxing, as a spectacle, can be hard to beat.

Bitten off more than he can chew?

James Oddy
30/07/2016 5:33am

It’s been a peculiar 12 months for Belfast’s Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs). Seemingly on the verge of becoming a true crossover star, appearing on UK terrestrial television, he struggled against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr on his US debut. His much-hyped showdown with long-time rival Scott Quigg, which followed, didn’t provide the fireworks expected either.

Into the lion's den

Daniel Armstrong
29/07/2016 4:37pm

Brixton is undeniably rich in culture. The hip but tough portion of South London oozes authenticity and vibrant character that runs through to its boxing fraternity, with the likes of heavyweights Dillian Whyte and Danny Williams, having charmed crowds with their roughness and charisma in equal measure. Tomorrow, another Brixton-trained fighter looking to carry on its tradition of shining ring personas: Chris ‘2Slick’ Kongo.

The Midlands Report - July

James Harte
29/07/2016 8:57am

James Harte rounds-up the news and action from the Midlands boxing scene in July as Craig Cunningham wins a fight of the year contender, Galal Yafai gets ready for Rio, and Frankie Gavin and Sam Eggington look to stay on course for their October derby, plus much more.

The Punching Picasso

James Oddy
24/07/2016 10:23am

Today sees one of the most intriguing English title fights for some time. Ricky Hatton managed stylist Anthony Upton (12-1, 4 KOs) travels to Chase Leisure centre to take on Luke Paddock (14-1, 1 KO) for the super lightweight crown. Upton was kind enough to speak to Boxing Monthly a few days ago whilst engaging in an evening run, barely pausing for breath and clearly relishing the showdown.

Who will be king?

Callum Rudge
23/07/2016 9:45am

Something of a rarity tonight when two undefeated world champions fight to not only unify the super-lightweight division (WBC & WBO), but also crown a new lineal champion at the weight. Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol (both 28-0) meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a fight which is being screened on HBO pay-per-view in America and Boxnation in the UK. While British fans will be happy to have another top fight on B, U.S fans and press are scratching their heads at this being on PPV.

Moss Side - Creating futures through boxing

Paul Zanon
21/07/2016 2:29pm

On 10 July, Boxing Monthly was kindly invited to Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club’s annual awards presentations. The awards were hosted by former amateur GB No.2 Nigel Travis, who’s also been known to act and put out fires (for about 25 years), on the side. BM was fortunate enough to be able to steal a few words in advance of the presentations, with his father, former Team GB boxing coach, Kelvyn Travis. The man who had previously been in the corner for the likes of 2000 Olympic super heavyweight gold medallist Audley Harrison, had this to say about the awards, his son and the impact of the boxing club.

Unfinished business?

Luke G. Williams
20/07/2016 10:36am

Before his April arrest for an alleged probation violation, former top heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi spoke to Boxing Monthly’s Luke G. Williams about his comeback ambitions after over 16 years in prison. With the outcome of his latest legal troubles still pending, Ibeabuchi’s future may be uncertain, but he remains one of the most fascinating and controversial figures in the sport of boxing.