Boxing News

Ebo "Xtreme Machine" Elder Gears Up For a WBA Title Eliminator

With just a few days before Ebo Elder's most important fight to date, the "Xtreme Machine" sets his wheels in motion at becoming a world champion. With a win over Lakva Sim of Mongolia, Ebo will secure his spot in facing Juan Diaz for the WBA lightweight title.

Elder is set to meet Sim at the Gwinnett Center, in Duluth, GA this Friday and insures us of a win. Although Ebo has his eyes set on the bigger prize of fighting Diaz for the belt, he's not looking past his opponent. "He has good power and he's very durable," states an observant Elder of Sim.With the taste of a championship fight within reach and the fact that the bout will be staged in his hometown, one wonders just how Ebo has been able to handle the combined pressures of all the media demands, the training and also dealing with family and friends; it's no surprise a fighter turns to the "Almighty" for strength. Ebo understands that a higher power is necessary for him to cope in his line of work. "Training is going better than ever, I'm more prepared than I was for the Diaz fight," he said. "I'm very confident and I know God will see me through this fight and into a world title fight with Diaz."

Ebo Elder definitely knows that he cannot take his opponent lightly by any means. Sim held the title before Juan Diaz and is fully aware of what it takes to go all the way to a world championship and win. He is coming in for a battle and plans on spoiling the dreams of world stardom for Elder. The stakes are extremely high for the "Xtreme Machine," but with the focus and determination that Elder has, coupled with a great support system and some divine intervention, how can he lose? Only time will tell what the future holds for this dynamic fighter, another asset to the world of boxing.

Saddoboxing would like to thank Ebo and Amy Elder for allowing us a moment out of their hectic schedule leading up to this fight. Stay posted as Ebo will take part in Saddoboxing Radio hour immediately following his elimination bout.

The boxing world had the privilege of watching Iran "The Blade" Barkley do what most thought could not be done, and that was to stop Thomas "Hitman" Hearns. The stoppage came in dramatic fashion and thus catapulted Barkley into boxing superstardom. Ring Magazine stated, "This fight was the upset of the year." The year was 1988. Although there have been many fights since then, "The Blade" has been remembered for that fight. He also went on to stop Hearns for a second time. Iran became a five-time boxing world champion and fought in three different weight divisions. SaddoBoxing has been exclusively informed by "The Blade" himself that he is ready to do it again, yes you've read it correctly. Although SaddoBoxing had been informed in the early stages of negotiation, Iran will be fighting in the early part of October and it will be a ten-round fight in the heavyweight division. No opponent, venue or exact date has been inked as of yet. Iran is currently training and anticipates a successful comeback and hopes to possibly dominate the lackluster heavyweight division.

SaddoBoxing, as always will keep our readers posted as more exclusive information comes in, as "The Blade" is ready to slice into the heavyweight division!

After an impressive win over Shawn Gallegos, to capture the NABA junior welterweight title, Dmitriy "Star of David" Salita took time out from his much needed rest to say a few words to the readers of SaddoBoxing. Here's what he had to say. "I am feeling good now, it's very good when hard work pays off. I really had a hard training camp and feel that this closes a certain chapter in my life. Now I will take a little time off, enjoy the summer and get the energy to start working hard again."

SaddoBoxing will cover Dmitriy "Star of David" Salita's progress as he aims to become one of the new stars of the red-hot 140-pound division.

Click for larger image © Tom Casino/Showtime

As the evening fell on what would be an exciting and electrifying night, the purple and blue sky and the swaying palm trees were the perfect backdrop for one of the most memorable nights in boxing for all of Florida. We witnessed the younger fighters go out and dominate their opponents, some with relative ease, and we also witnessed the last fight of David

Santos, one who played a vital role in making Tampa boxing what it is today. As I sat outside on the bench in front of the tinted windows of the lavish Hyatt Regency hotel in Tampa, I considered the thought of not being able to attend this event or even what I'd be missing if in fact I were unable to be present. I was not let down, not one bit. From the door of the hotel to the gates of the forum, it was total class and dignity by all involved. As I walked down the corridor approaching the weigh-in room, I ran into Robin Reid. I asked him how he was doing, and he replied, "Fine, I feel great, I just made weight and I'm ready to go!" I wished him the best and we went our separate ways. Jeff Lacy came in moments later for a second weigh-in due to being a pound over at 169-pounds. He made weight, easily dropping two pounds in forty minutes; he was set and ready to go and I also asked him how he was feeling and what was going on with the weight. Lacy answered, "I'm good, I made weight, I feel fine, but hungry!" We finished our chat and off he went.

Join SaddoBoxing’s Katrina Walters for the on the scene report from Saturday’s Lacy-Reid fight. Don’t miss this exclusive account of the event. More...

In less than a week, Dibella Entertainment will put on the first of two action packed fight cards at the Hammerstein Ballroom, which will have the Manhattan Center and fans rocking well into the month of August. With the dynamic line-up of top fighters in over four different weight classes, SaddoBoxing had the privilege of chatting briefly with welterweight Emmanuel "Sleek" Clottey, fresh off a day of training for his upcoming bout, which will be the first of several exciting action fights from DiBella, on August 4. As far as training goes, Emmanuel states, "training's good and I feel great, I'm ready to go." He also states, "I'm excited about the fight and ready to get in there and do what I have to do." Clottey is scheduled to face Marteze Logan, but is ready for a title shot, as he also mentions, "I'm not looking past this guy, bit I definitely am setting up for a title shot."

Continue to stay tuned to SaddoBoxing as Emmanuel will continue to update us on his fight preparations all the way to fight night and beyond!

"I respect Larios 100% as a fighter and for giving me this opportunity."-Wayne McCullough battles Oscar Larios in a rematch on July 16.

Many people tried to tell Wayne McCullough that at the age of thirty-five, his career was over. Many thought after his fight with Scott Harrison that Wayne was finished, but the "Pocket Rocket" had another plan. What those people considered the end of Wayne McCullough’s career, due to that loss, was more like a rebirth and a new beginning. Wayne McCullough not only rebounded,

but also showed that he deserved to be considered a force in boxing. With a win over Mike Juarez, Wayne showed resilience and poise, thus causing the boxing world to take notice. SaddoBoxing had the privilege of speaking with the motivated and confident Wayne McCullough as he prepares for his fight on July 16 in Las Vegas. And you readers are being treated to a double dose of boxing, as Wayne is joined by his wife and manager Cheryl who also takes part in this exclusive interview brought only to you by the best in the business, SaddoBoxing. See what the power couple had to say in this must read exclusive! More...

SaddoBoxing had the privelege of speaking with Ebo "The Extreme Machine" Elder briefly about his upcoming bout with Prawet Singwangcha, who is the number one contender in the WBA rankings. Despite many attempts at making the anticipated match-up with current WBA lightweight titleholder Juan Diaz. Ebo has to stay busy and occupy time until the day arrives when he and Diaz finally go head to head.

Stay tuned for a full exclusive interview with Ebo Elder coming soon exclusively to SaddoBoxing.com. Don't miss what "The Extreme Machine" has to say.

SaddoBoxing has the privilege of speaking with one of boxing's dynamic duos, Wayne "Pocket Rocket" McCullough and Cheryl McCullough, his wife and manager on his upcoming rematch against Oscar Larios, his reason behind the loss to Scott Harrison, his book coming out in a few months titled, "Wayne McCullough: The Fighter That Never Quits." The book deals with Wayne's career in boxing and the circumstances leading up to the loss against Harrison, also from Cheryl's point of view, we will learn what it is like being wife and manager to a world championship level fighter, the upsides, the downsides and everything between.

Stay posted for these exclusive interviews from the fighter and his wife/manager on the same site coming soon.

The twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of Roberto Duran's victory over "Sugar" Ray Leonard.

June 20, 2005 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the victory Roberto Duran received when he scored a tremendous triumph over "Sugar" Ray Leonard. The exciting win happened on June 20, 1980 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada almost twenty-five years

to the date of the silver anniversary celebration in Minneapolis. A tribute to the legendary Roberto Duran will be given during the "Battle for Pride" fight headlined by the Yory Boy Campas vs. Matt Vanda fight on June 24 from the Target Center live on pay-per-view.

Stay posted to SaddoBoxing for the exclusive interview from Roberto Duran coming soon.

"No one knew about the division until Evander came through and made a name, I can do the same."-“Hino” Ehikhamenor on being the future of the cruiserweight division.

His name might not have caught on just yet, but when you see "Hino" Ehikhamenor, you see something spectacular. He has the physique, the punching power, the personality and the charisma to carry the cruiserweight division to new heights. A young, fresh face in boxing is always welcome (at least in my opinion), but an energetic, outgoing and powerful contender is something a bit different, especially when the cruiserweight division is in dire need of a spark and flame to catch the attention of the people. “Hino” is definitely the man for the job and he is up for the task. SaddoBoxing had the privilege of speaking with “Hino” immediately following his exciting bout and unanimous six round decision over John Douglas. I asked “Hino” how he felt, seeing as though he looked as if he hadn't fought just ten minutes prior, "I feel good, I look good and I feel good, I'm the African people's champ, I knew the fight was gonna be tough, so I prepared for it." As far as preparing for this fight, “Hino” took his training very seriously, "I trained hard, I stayed away from the women, I isolated myself for a month-and-a-half." It all paid off. In an exciting but somewhat challenging fight, the African cruiserweight kept his posture and maintained a level head to pull out the win.

Check in for yet another SaddoBoxing exclusive interview as we continue to bring you the best quality boxing coverage every day, FREE! More...

"It was a great pleasure to fight for you and I will continue to please the fans."-Dmitriy Salita offering thanks and promising great things.

In his first ten round outing, Dmitriy "Star of David" Salita shone like a true star last night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in the Manhattan Center. He literally broke down Louis Brown, systematically popping that stiff left jab all night long, bobbing and weaving Brown's right

jabs and counter shots, targeting his bloody nose until the fight ended in the eighth round. Brown came out focused and ready, also throwing lots of great jabs, but Salita was just too much, pressuring at every angle and constantly landing that left jab on Brown's nose all night long. SaddoBoxing had the privilege of speaking with Dmitriy about the fight, the win, and the support he received from his family and his Jewish community that were in full attendance last night. "I feel great! I feel good," he exclaims, seemingly ready to go another ten rounds. "He brought exactly what I thought he would bring, he's a really tough guy." More...

IBF cruiserweight champion O'Neil "Give 'em Hell" Bell changes his professional name to O'Neil "Super Nova" Bell.

As O'Neil Bell prepares to defend his world championship belt in the next few months, he has made major changes in his personal and professional life. In addition to developing the blue print of his life and training for his next fight, Bell took time to attend the Book Bank Foundation's second Urban Vanguard Awards ceremony in Philadelphia, PA were he is a spokesman and advocate for the organization that combats illiteracy and develops programs to empower the needy. Bell explained to the media, "I thought it would be a change for the better. It's time for better things now that I'm the IBF champion of the world. The name 'Super Nova' represents change and creation. I'm rebuilding my life in and out of the ring."

Just days before he takes on opponent Louis Brown, and having also being recently signed by DiBella Entertainment promotions, Dmitriy "Star of David" Salita is well on his way to boxing stardom. This young and talented junior welterweight is prepared to do battle with the game Louis Brown,

and he is not taking a "Loss" for an answer. SaddoBoxing had the privilege of speaking with Salita briefly about his upcoming fight, stating, "I'm ready and focused,” and as far as training goes, Dmitriy goes on to say, "I'm in great shape, I feel good and I'm ready to do battle." At only twenty-three-years-of-age, Dmitriy is as calm and levelheaded as any seasoned veteran of the game. He knows what he needs to do to win and proves it every time out. When asked about his future in boxing, he confidently states, "I want to make history, I want to be in the hall of fame!" With the confidence this young man exudes, combined with this work ethic and strong religious beliefs, he absolutely cannot go wrong.

SaddoBoxing will continue to follow Dmitriy Salita all the way to boxing history, and anyone with an eye for boxing will do the same. Look out for the post-fight interview immediately following the fight.

"Sharmba, I'm coming to your hometown and putting on a show and you better bring your “A’ game!"-Chris “The Mechanic” Smith.

Sometimes it takes examination, and evaluation of oneself to regain focus on what we need for our lives and careers. Many times during this process, we encounter stumbling blocks and stepping-stones, but determination pushes us forward to that ultimate goal, which is to be successful, and in Chris Smith's case, that goal I to become the best boxer in the 147-pound division, and ultimately a world champion. For the record, "The Mechanic" is currently the NABA welterweight champion, and not the former as been previously stated in another website, and although grateful for this title, he has his focus on the grand prize of being world champion. More...

As reported in an earlier exclusive, SaddoBoxing had the privilege of receiving a personal phone call from "The Mechanic" Chris Smith last night (May 24),
about a matter that has been confirmed today. Smith will be the next opponent for Sharmba "Little Big Man" Mitchell on the Tyson-McBride fight card. The fight will be held in Washington D.C., the hometown of Sharmba Mitchell. Chris states, "I'm excited and I will take full advantage of this situation." SaddoBoxing has had the privilege of speaking with Chris since his first and only loss to David Estrada, and, through the weeks of his intense training for this June fight date.

Keep posted to SaddoBoxing.com, "The Mechanic's" first choice.

If you ask the average fight fan to name a boxer in the cruiserweight division, more than likely they will name a heavyweight, or even a light heavyweight. But in a division not as popular as those of the heavyweights and light heavyweights, you have a fighter that is on the verge of making the cruiserweight division as recognizable as a twenty-dollar bill. For O'Neil "Give “em Hell" Bell, the opportunity could not come any sooner. The Lithonia, Georgia native has been fighting professionally for seven years and now awaits the opportunity to become the IBF cruiserweight champion May 20, at the Hard Rock Casino, in Hollywood Florida. While training out of the Atlanta Art of Boxing Gym in Atlanta, Georgia, I asked Bell about his preparations for this fight. O'Neil stated, "I've been training for two months in preparation for this fight. I had numerous sparring partners, with seventy to eighty rounds of sparring, I'm ready and focused." And focus is definitely the order for O'Neil Bell. More...

On the evening of May 14, in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada, in front of 14,000 screaming fans, you had the classic boxing match-up: the relentless puncher in Felix "Tito" Trinidad, and the textbook boxer in Ronald "Winky" Wright. Thought by many to be facing a sure test and maybe even a loss added to his record, “The Winkster” once again proved all the naysayers absolutely, positively and unanimously WRONG! He entered the ring as calm and as confident as a fighter could be, absorbing all the ecstatic energy that the MGM Grand crowd had to offer him. He showed no signs of worry, even though reports circulated that he had to receive antibiotics due to an infection, caused by an ingrown hair, which turned into a boil, which then needed removing from his neck. But all the pre-fight drama aside, Wright did not let anything deter him from the matter at hand, which was to stop Tito. More...

After weeks of speculation, sources close to the situation have informed SaddoBoxing.com that it is official! The boxing world will see "The Executioner" Bernard Hopkins square off against the young and powerful Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor on July 16 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The news is schedule to be announced at a press conference at the Copacabana in New York City today. More information will be disclosed as it comes in.

Keep it posted to SaddoBoxing as all the latest news on this story develops, you don't want to miss out!

Katrina Walters can be reached at boxingkatrina@aol.com

Toney Crowned Champion as Ruiz Retires!

In the main event, James Toney came out focused against John Ruiz. Both men traded bombs from beginning through to round six, but round seven proved to change the tides for Toney when he caught Ruiz with a series of

punches, knocking him down. From then on, Toney dominated the fight. Ruiz gave a great performance, but Toney appeared hungrier for the win. In a surprising turn of events and being a no show at the post-fight press conference, John Ruiz announced his retirement via his manager/trainer Norman Stone. In knowing that, it only fueled the burning fire deep down in Toney to proclaim being the best heavyweight in the division. He wants anybody, anytime, anywhere! James Toney is ready, and definitely one to deal with in the ever-changing heavyweight shuffle.

In other notes, Chris and Tracy Bird expressed to SaddoBoxing their motives for being in the Big Apple: "We are campaigning and hoping that Don (King) gets this going for us," said Tracy Byrd, wife and manager of Chris Byrd on a possible fight between the winner of Toney and Ruiz. More...

On a night where the stars shined, in attendance in and outside of the ring, Dash-DiBella Entertainment put on another spectacular event. This was the third installment of Broadway Boxing at the Hammerstein Ballroom. In attendance were notables such as Iran "The Blade" Barkley, Emile Griffith, Junior Jones

and Harold Letterman who were just some of the many celebrities of the boxing world, adding their fame to the ambiance of the evening, signing autographs, taking pictures, answering questions and merely being supportive to these young up-and-coming fighters that Dash-DiBella are promoting. Also in attendance: "The Mechanic" Chris Smith, Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson, and Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett, fighters who are also part of the DiBella line-up. On the evening's fight card, Curtis Stevens went the distance with Shannon Miller. Despite not causing a knockout, Stevens was in total control from the opening to the sixth round, throwing precise body shots using both hands and causing Miller to constantly retreat against the ropes. Stevens showed much more than the ability to knock out opponents at any given moment, also displaying poise, ring generalship and the complete package of defense, bodywork and excellent head movement, used to totally dominate his opponent. Curtis "Showtime" Stevens is definitely a young, dangerous force to be reckoned with and clearly not a one-dimensional fighter. More...