Boxing Perspective: DonKingTV Pushing To Make No Fight Unseen

By Adam Matson June 4th, 2008 All Boxing Articles

The date of March 27, 2008, doesn't immediately jump out as a landmark moment in boxing history. Verno Phillips decisioning away Corey Spinks' IBF Junior Middleweight title was a shock to some, but certainly nothing historic .

Yet the story for some isn't in the fight itself, but the way that the fight was broadcast. Live on a Thursday night in St. Louis, promoter Don King's site, DonKingTV.com, made the Spinks - Phillips fight the first world title bout in history to be broadcasted live and for free on the internet.

The card called "The Pride of St. Louis", featured rising local star Devon Alexander and the city's only current champion, Cory Spinks. It drew over a million page hits and an estimated 400,000 unique page views, making it an extremely successful launch.

The website has shown two live world title broadcasts since that time, Adrian Diaconu's WBC interim title winning effort over tough Texan Chris Henry in Romania and Yusuke Kobori's shock knockout win over former WBA Lightweight title holder Jose Alfaro.

All three bouts can still be seen on the website.Three title fights in three different countries in a span of less then two months is impressive, but those affiliated with Don King and the website think the site is just in it's infancy and only beginning to put it's imprint on the broadcasting spectrum.

Other sports have been streamed over the internet before. The NCAA men's college basketball tournament was just a click away for anyone who had an internet connection. Yet the NCAA tournament was never in danger of not being seen, with TV time at a premium for boxing.

Boxing fans without premium cable packages generally find themselves in the dark when it comes to boxing. Many boxing fans have migrated to the internet as the only way to follow the sport rather then relying on morning newspaper print or television to report the latest in the sport. This is an audience that those at Don King want to target. More...

“Homecoming” Post Fight Press Conference: Paulie Malignaggi & Ricky Hatton Boxing Audio Stream

By Jane Warburton May 25th, 2008 All Boxing Articles

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Following the conclusion of the “Homecoming” fight between the victorious Ricky Hatton and challenger Juan Lazcano the media gathered for an official post-fight press conference.

First to answer questions from the press were the combatants from the co-feature title bout, Lovemore N’dou and Paulie Malignaggi. Speculation is that Malignaggi could be Ricky Hatton's next opponent having successfully defeated N’dou by split decision. More...

Ricky Hatton Audio Stream Interview

By Jane Warburton May 22nd, 2008 All Radio Show

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Today (Thursday) at the City of Manchester Stadium, England, media came together for the official press conference ahead of Saturdays' 'HomeComing' Fightnight. Hosted by Frank Maloney, the press conference saw Ricky Hatton, Juan Lazcano, Paulie Malignaggi, Lovemore N’Dou, Matthew Hatton and Craig Watson all at the same table! That in itself was quite a spectacle!

The full report on that press conference will be on the site tomorrow. More...

Malignaggi and N’dou Boxing Audio Stream Interviews

By Jane Warburton May 21st, 2008 All Boxing Interviews

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Fighting as the co-feature this Saturday on the Ricky “Hitman” Hatton and Juan Lazcano “Homecoming” card is a rematch between IBF Light Welterweight Champion Paulie Malignaggi and former title holder Lovemore N’dou. Malignaggi outboxed N’dou over twelve rounds last year claiming the title by scores of 120-106 twice and 118-118.

Curtis McCormick of SaddoBoxing spoke with Paulie Malignaggi today at the Village Hotel, Ashton-under-Lyne. Wearing a Manu shirt, skater gloves and a beanie hat that revealed long hair-braids - I admit Paulie Malignaggi wasn't quite what I had expected!
But he chatted in a really pleasant manner to Curtis and spoke of his delight in being a part of 'this big event'. More...

Juan Lazcano: Audio Interview And Boxing Press Conference

By Jane Warburton May 21st, 2008 All Boxing Interviews

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

In a build up to Saturday’s “Homecoming” featuring Ricky “Hitman” Hatton against Juan Lazcano, Frank Maloney hosted a meeting with the press to speak with Lazcano at the Smart ‘Village Hotel’, Ashton Moss, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Manchester.

Having arrived into Manchester over the weekend, the Mexican (residing in California) looked to have ‘settled in’ as he chatted to the media in attendance. Relaxed and smiling, Lazcano came across as a very friendly and likeable guy.

“I have a great relationship with God,” Lazcano said thoughtfully and talked of his delight that this year his birthday fell on Easter. He feels ‘blessed for his opportunities in life’ and said he felt at peace. “I’ve already been a dead-man walking” he admits, “The Lord answered my prayers and now I’m pretty alive! I’m so humbled and so thankful. The best of Juan Lazcano will come out … whoever steps in the ring with me from now on.” More...

Boxing Audio Stream: Ricky Hatton Vs Juan Lazcano Press Conference

By Jane Warburton May 2nd, 2008 All Boxing Photos, Radio Show

**With Slideshow**

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday, at Vermilion Cinnabar - the stylish, new, Thai influenced restaurant and bar in Manchester, England, Frank Maloney hosted a press conference to update media on the forthcoming fightnight which headlines Ricky Hatton and Juan Lazcano.

Despite other important press conferences held on the same day - it was a full-house at Manchester's trendy new venue.

In attendance were, Frank Maloney, Ricky Hatton, Ricky and Matthew's father/manager Ray Hatton, Hatton trainer Billy Graham, welterweights Matthew Hatton and Craig Watson as well as super bantams Danny Wallace and Mark Moran.

Frank Maloney in association with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy presents 'Homecoming' - a fightnight staged at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, May 24. More...

Boxing Info: Don King TV Showing Replays Of Diaconu vs. Henry

By Boxing Press April 22nd, 2008 All Press Releases

A Worldwide Web replay of Saturday’s excellent showdown between undefeated Adrian Diaconu and Chris Henry will be available all this week at DonKingTV.com and can be accessed with a simple click.

Diaconu won a close, unanimous decision to become the interim World Boxing Council light heavyweight champion in a match staged at the Sala Polivalenta in Bucharest, Romania. More...

Boxing Press Conference Audio: Ricky Hatton And Frank Maloney Officially Announce May 24 Fight Card

By Jane Warburton March 27th, 2008 All Boxing Photos, Radio Show

**With Slideshow And Full Audio Stream**

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Today, at the Empire Casino, Leicester Square, London, Frank Maloney Promotions hosted a press conference to officially announce IBO Light Welter Champion Ricky Hatton's next fight against tough Mexican American Juan Lazcano on May 24 at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England.

The top table consisted of welterweight contender Matthew Hatton, the Hatton boy's father/manager Ray Hatton, Ricky Hatton, Frank Maloney, Richard Schaeffer and Robert Diaz, both of Golden Boy Promotions and Commonwealth Welter Champion Craig Watson.

Television cameras and members of the press were in attendance to hear the details of the impending fightnight which Ricky had insisted would be a 'family occasion' and screened at a Brit-friendly time between 6pm and approximately 11pm at night. This would be Ricky's 'thank you' to the thousands of fans who have supported him in the UK and in the USA. More...

Boxing Press Conference Audio: Carl Froch - Robin Reid

By Jane Warburton November 8th, 2007 All Radio Show

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

It was a beautiful sunny morning in Nottingham earlier this week as SaddoBoxing attended the press conference for the upcoming Carl Froch and Robin Reid clash ahead of this Friday's fightnight at the Ice Arena in Nottingham, England.

Hennessy Promotions hosted the event at the very smart Alea Casino in Nottingham.

The top-table consisted of British Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch, his trainer Robert McKracken and promoter Mick Hennessy along with ex- WBC World Champion Robin Reid, WBU Welterweight Champion Michael Jennings (on behalf of Reid's trainer Brian Hughes) and a member of Team Reid. More...

Boxing Conference Audio: Ricky Hatton - Juan Urango in Las Vegas

By Jane Warburton November 20th, 2006 All Radio Show

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Fight Academy and Ricky Hatton held a press conference to officially announce that Ricky will be facing Juan Urango in Las Vegas on the 20th January. Saddo Boxing was in attendance to bring you the whole audio of the Conference where Ricky reveals his thoughts on Urango, fighting in Vegas, Castillo, Collazo and much more.

You don’t want to miss the full audio of this... More...

Exclusive Joe Calzaghe Boxing Press Conference With Audio Coverage

By Matthew Voyle May 5th, 2006 All Radio Show

Sports Network's Superb Homecoming Show Set For Saturday 8 July, 2006

Click for larger image © Matthew Voyle / Saddo Boxing

The red carpet led the way into pride of Cardiff City centre’s Millennium Stadium, all kitted out with deck chairs, beach balls and Walls Cornetto’s on tap. The management at the unrivalled venue looked to get their "Summer of Sizzling Entertainment" well and truly on its way.

The Homecoming, Wales’ biggest boxing show ever staged, with no fewer than seven championship bouts on the same card, is a great chance to showcase the British stars of boxing. With WBO/IBF Super Middle Champion Joe Calzaghe headlining and chief support scheduled to be Danny Williams and Matt Skelton going head to head for the second time and Gary Lockett finally getting it on with Ryan Rhodes, the bill is looking to be packed full of action. More...

Boxing Audio: Ricky Hatton - Clinton Woods Conference

By Jane Warburton May 4th, 2006 All Boxing Interviews, Radio Show

Last UK Appearance For Hatton Before Launcing Boxing Invasion On America!

***FULL AUDIO COVERAGE AND PHOTOS***

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Ricky Hatton was in a relaxed mood today when he arrived for a Fight Academy press conference at the home of his beloved football team, the City of Manchester Stadium. Due to fly out to Boston this weekend, Ricky was happy to talk to the media about his jump up to welterweight to take on the WBA Champion Luis Collazo of Brooklyn.

At the press conference table, facing the media were (from left to right) Hatton's trainer Billy Graham, Ray Hatton, Ricky Hatton, Fight Academy promoter Robert Waterman, IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Clinton Woods, Fight Academy promoter Dennis Hobson, Woods' trainer Richard Poxon and Gareth Williams. More...