Undefeated Corey McConnell Set to Head South

Corey McConnell undefeated featherweight champ, 5 times Queensland champ and Arafura, Oceania games gold medal winner will leave his home here on the Gold Coast this week and move to Sydney to train for Daniel Geale’s undercard fight on Main Event PPV, March 7 in Tasmania.

Corey has been training with long time coach and mentor Greg Walker at Team Phantom in Currumbin and at his home gym Legends Boxing & Fitness in Nerang. After overcoming a broken hand and some personal hurdles recently our 26 year old champ decided to surround himself with positive caring family and friends for support, trained hard and is now ready to make waves once again in the world of boxing.

“I’ve never felt so ready to box, the last 6 months have been tuff but as they say what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger and I feel really strong mentally and physically. I’ve trained really hard and have a great base fitness to begin training in Sydney, Gary Christiansen from Isagenix put me on some dietary and health supplements a month ago and I feel awesome this has been the key to training harder over longer rounds in the ring something I have really wanted to work on.

I’m really looking forward to beginning the next chapter in my professional boxing career in Sydney and making a comeback ideally it would have been better to stay here on the Gold Coast but I’ll be home every couple of weeks to see my family and friends and ground myself here at my home gym at Legends, we have the best people come here and train, it’s like one of those old school gyms where you always just feel at home.

You can follow Corey’s career updates & blog’s on his Facebook fan page “Corey McConnell Professional Boxer”.

Proudly supported by the Australian Boxing Media Support Network.

Read more »

Posted in: Articles,Corey McConnell

Jeff Fenech Needs To Move On

[caption id="attachment_2971" align="aligncenter" width="347" caption="Danny Green & Jeff Fenech"][/caption]

As a boxing fan, Australians used to love watching Jeff Fenech in the ring.

So why does Fenech keep losing fans outside the ring?

Maybe because the Triple World Champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer continues to infuriate fans by making foolish comments and is constantly contradicting himself to the point where talkback radio callers ask radio stations why they keep putting him on air.

It all seems to stem back from his split from former charge and Three Time World Champion Danny Green.

While Green has always refused to get drawn into any of Fenech’s bitter comments, Fenech has always seemed to find his way on to the airwaves to only say negative and unwarranted statements about Green.

The most recent outburst came after Green’s gallant performance last month against WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof "Diablo" Wlodarczyk.

While rival Anthony Mundine praised Green after the great fight, Fenech said that he expects “Green not to retire, but do what Anthony Mundine does and take on lesser opponents he knows he can beat in future for Chicken Feed and just be happy to make more money”

Fenech said he was sure Green would not retire, because he was too money hungry to retire.

“He won’t retire until he has milked more money out of his fans”

“To be honest I don’t really care what Danny Green does” Fenech said.

So why does the "Marrickville Mauler" keep making negative comments about Green then??

Fenech defended his actions as retribution for all the times Green spoke about him behind his back.

When has Green ever spoke about Fenech behind his back? “The story about me and Danny Green will one day come out," Fenech said.

“I can’t wait til the truth comes out about why Danny Green and I split and it was nothing to do about money it was just about being loyal and loyalty and that is the main thing I have tried to put in my life.”

But the story is already out is it not?? Green Machine Boxing has stated in the past, “Jeff left Danny to pursue Mike Tyson’s last tilt at Heavyweight Glory”, something Green never begrudged him for. Green even said to Fenech that he has to do what he believes is best for his family and “We all know Mike Tyson made more money than anyone as a professional boxer”.

In June 2008, Fenech at age 43 and after a 12 year layoff fought a 50 year old Azumah Nelson for a third time in what was built up as the “Grudge match of the Century”.

Fenech has contradicted himself many times on Talkback Radio as listeners are continuing to point out.

In the lead up to the Danny Green vs BJ Flores fight in November 2010, Fenech went on Talkback Radio and criticised Green for choosing an undefeated BJ Flores as an easy opponent and said Green would stop him in about 3 rounds. Fenech also questioned why Flores would wear Green Machine Boxing Gloves for the fight. Many of Green’s opponents wore Green Machine Boxing gloves when Fenech was Greens trainer so why was this a problem when he is not his trainer?

Furthermore on Jeff Fenech fight nights, boxers wear Fenech gloves and Fenech does not promote all of those fighters, so what’s the difference?

The then undefeated 30 year old Flores turned out to be a very good opponent and a tough fight for Green. Green won the Cruiserweight Title fight via 12 round unanimous decision. Green is still the only loss on the record of Flores.

In May 2011, Fenech also took the opportunity to be critical of the promotion of Green and Five Time World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver. Fenech stated that during his career he never wanted to see the man he would be fighting before any of his fights and that Green and Tarver were acting like best friends on the Australian Promotional Tour.

Green and Tarver were nothing but professional in the lead up to their fight in July and the tour was a fantastic way to promote their fight which attracted plenty of interest. Fenech’s comments also sounded very silly as fighters have been going on promotional trails to promote fights for many years, for example Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier back in the 70’s.

Fenech had stated that Green should face a real challenge in his fighter Adam Forsyth. Forsyth later struggled in defeating journeyman Oscar Siale via point’s decision in June 2011 over 8 rounds.

Fenech in the past was a staunch opponent of Women's Boxing, however in early 2011 Fenech sought out and became the trainer for former WBO Female Lightweight Champion Erin McGowan.

"Early on I was dead against women boxing. I didn't want to be a part of it," Fenech said,

"I heard a lot about Erin and I did something I don't usually do and I got my children to put me on YouTube and I watched her in a couple of her bouts".

Fenech was in the corner for McGowan's six round exhibition bout in June and stated that he wanted to take McGowan to the US, talk to the big promoters and get her the big fights as he believes she is the best female fighter in the world. Fenech is no longer McGowan’s trainer.

Three Division World Champion Vic Darchinyan, former Contender winner Sakio Bika, current IBF World Middleweight Champion Daniel Geale, Former Contender Australia cast member Victor Oganov along with Danny Green are among many fighters that Fenech no longer trains or manages.

But in the biggest turnaround yet, Fenech will now try to assist arch enemy Anthony “The Man” Mundine

Fenech and Mundine have traded insults and verbal abuse from opposite corners for years.

Tony Mundine, father of Anthony had also previously said in the past "If Jeff Fenech attempts to come to my boy's fight, I will ensure that some of my henchmen march him straight out the door”

"Jeff, you are not welcome, nor is anyone associated with you, and if my heavies don't take care of you, I certainly will." Tony Mundine said.

Fenech has also said of Anthony Mundine in the past: "His idol is Muhammad Ali but all they have in common is the big mouth."

The career of Danny Green has gone from strength to strength since the split from Fenech in 2005, with the “Green Machine” winning the WBA World Light Heavyweight title in 2007 and the IBO World Cruiserweight title in 2009.

Perhaps it is more than about time Fenech moved on and stopped being bitter about the success he left behind when he left Danny Green.

Read more »

Posted in: Anthony Mundine,Articles,Danny Green,featured,Green Machine Promotions,Jeff Fenech

Mundine Wants Chavez Jnr, Followed By Wlodarczyk

[caption id="attachment_1878" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="Mundine in action against Rigoberto Alvarez. Photo by Milos Lekovic"][/caption]

Jamie Pandaram of The Daily Telegraph has reported that Anthony "The Man" Mundine is after a fight with WBC Middleweight champion-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr (44-0-1) in just 6 weeks time.

With the help of Jeff Fenech who was present at the WBC Convention last week,  Mundine hopes to lure the undefeated champion into a fight on February 4 in Texas.

"I believe Chavez is the best out there among the current crop of young champions, he is a complete fighter already," said Mundine.

At the Convention the WBC ordered Chavez Jr to fight WBC diamond beltholder Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez. Representatives of  Martinez urged the WBC to stop overprotecting the Mexican fighter and order this Chavez-Martinez. “Chavez Jr. still has not faced any good fighter to this day I do not see any chance for him to win,” said Martinez.

Mundine has been campaigning to fight WBA Junior Middleweight champion Austin Trout but realises that to make his name in the lucrative and influential American market, a fight against Chavez Jr will garner far more profile. "Trout is a good young champion ... but Chavez is a star, he is a far better all-round fighter," Mundine said.

Mundine's blueprint also mentioned his urge to fight WBC Cruiserweight champion-Krzysztof Wlodarczyk who knocked out Danny Green in his last fight.  "On his best day he can't beat me," Mundine said. "He couldn't hit me with a handful of rice."

If this latter fight was to happen Mundine would be giving away 14kg in weight providing he weighed in at 76kg which would be the greatest weight concession in a title bout.

More information should be known in the coming days. To read the full article click here.

Read more »

Posted in: Anthony Mundine,Articles,featured,Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

Yao Yi Ma To Face Pradeep Singh In Fiji, Weigh In Drama Almost Stops Fight

 

Photo by Eliki Nukutabu // Article courtesy of Fiji Times

Sydney based Yao Yi Ma will take on Indian born-Pradeep Singh tonight at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji over 10 rounds.

At the weigh in Yao Yi Ma threatened to pull out because his opponent weighed in at 73.6kg (0.6kg over the 73kg catchweight limit).

Yi Ma came in at 71kg (2kg under the limit) and forced Singh to sweat it out in the carpark for 30 minutes where he was able to lose the 600 grams.

Fight Card:

Main Bout: 10x3 minutes middleweight International contest - Pradeep 'The Indian Warrior' Singh-Yao Yi Ma

Main Supporting Bout - 8x3 minutes round Welterweight contest - Opeti 'Naitasiri Prince' Tagi-Johnny 'Machine Gun' Singh

Supporting Bout 8x3 Minute Middleweight - 'Smokin' Joe Naleca-Osea 'The Hunter' Nakanacagi

6x3 minutes Heavyweight contest - Alifereti 'Iron Man' Misioka-Inia Vuli;

6x3 minutes Light Middleweight - Pita Taburua confirmed-Iosego Cakaunivalu;

4x3 minutes Super Middleweight - Tomasi Dago-Mathew Michael

Amateur Fight: Raylex Waymarra (Mundines Boxing Gym)-Mitieli Vakacegu (Army Boxing Club)

Chad Hoskins (Mundines Boxing Gym)-Isaia Raqila (Army Boxing Club).

Ticket prices range from $15 (balcony), $20 (ringside) and $30 (super ringside - only 500 available). Ticket will be sold at Vodafone Arena from 11am. The show is promoted by Toe To Toe Boxing Promotions with George Reno the matchmaker. Anthony Mundine was expected to be ringside on the night but was unfortunately unable to attend. He is expected to be present at the next Toe To Toe promotion in Fiji.

Read more »

Posted in: Articles,Pradeep Singh,Standard,Yao Yi Ma

Lovemore Ndou To Fight On, Eyes World Title

Australian boxer, Lovemore Ndou (48-13-2) today announced through his Facebook account that he will fight on and eyes a shot at a world title by May, 2012.

His last fight was a tough 12 round loss to Kell Brook in June which took place in the United Kingdom. He was due to face Michael Katsidis is a dream all Australian matchup in November of 2011 but Katsidis decided to go after Ricky Burns in England.

Here is Ndou's statement:

"I promised I would make an announcement about my future in boxing today. Well it took me six months to make this decision. After serious thoughts, discussions and considerations with my family I have finally made that decision."

"I seriously enjoy my law career and I have already won two world titles in two weight classes. I don't have to fight anymore to make a living. I have a beautiful family who loves me dearly and are very understanding. However fighting is in my blood. I'm a born fighter. I have missed it so much in the last six months time."

"I feel if I have to walk away now it will live to haunt me. I still have unfinished business in this sport. SO YES I WILL CONTINUE FIGHTING. First fight in February, then a world title fight in April or May. I might even go back down to the Jnr Welterweight division as I'm currently weighing 64kg. Merry Xmas to all. God bless!"

Read more »

Posted in: Articles,featured,Lovemore Ndou

Wlodarczyk: I Can Beat Anyone

By Brett Bonetti

WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (46-2-1, 36 KOs) says he can beat anyone in the world following his 11th round TKO victory over Danny Green (31-5, 27 KOs) at Challenge Stadium in Perth.

Wlodarczyk took some time to relax near Scarborough Beach in the morning after the fight and was supporting plenty of battle scars from his war with Green.

He said he had great respect for Danny Green who he describes as one of the best fighters in the world and predicts that Green could also become one of the biggest promoters in the world.

“Danny Green is a class act, after the fight he came into my dressing room to congratulate me, he is a great sportsman and a gentleman” Wlodarczyk said

Wlodarczyk said he was sure the fight would end with a KO but just did not know which round.

Danny Green was leading all judges’ scorecards with scores of 97-93 on two cards and 96-93 on the third at the time of the stoppage.

Wlodarczyk is hoping his next fight will be a unification bout, and when asked about a possible fight against high profile American Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver who beat Green earlier this year, Diablo simply said “Anything is Possible”.

Wlodarczyk also took the time to congratulate the new IBO Super Featherweight Champion Will Tomlinson (18-0-1, 12 KOs) who claimed the vacant title with a points decision over Alan Herrera (26-4, 17 KOs). Tomlinson was showing some victory scars of his own with 20-30 stiches on his head.

Green Machine Boxing received very high praise from well-known promoter Leon Margules who said he has seen many boxing promotions all around the world for many years and this was by far the best promotion he had ever been a part of.

“Green Machine Boxing put on the best show and promotion I have ever seen, it was amazing” Margules said

Charles Giles, the president of the British Boxing Board of Control agreed and said that Green Machine Boxing were very professional and treated them so nice and with utter respect.

Wlodarczyk took some time to relax near Scarborough Beach in the morning before going to the airport to head home to Poland.

Read more »

Posted in: Articles,featured,Krzysztof Wlodarczyk

Green Says Age Means Nothing

By Brett Bonetti // Photos by Catherine Watkinson

anny “The Green Machine” Green (31-5, 27 KOs) faced the media for the first time following his TKO loss to WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (46-2-1, 36 KOs) at Challenge Stadium in Perth on Wednesday night.

Green said he would not be rushing into a decision on his boxing future and that he was just going to relax, ‘chill out’ and be a normal person and a normal dad again.

He was proud of the way he fought against Wlodarczyk.

“We were so close to pulling off the fourth world title and pulling off a fairy tale victory” Green said

Green had a comfortable lead on all judges’ scorecards with scores of 97-93 on two cards and 96-93 on the third at the time of the stoppage in round 11.

“I’m actually pretty proud and pretty happy with the fact many people said I should retire after the lacklustre performance against Tarver, and I believed and my trainer Angelo Hyder believed that wasn’t the best I had”.

"I spoke with my family and they agreed and supported me and I thank them and love them for supporting me on that occasion, I was able to prove that I'm a three time world champion for a reason and I was able to dominate the champion, I'm more happy with the fact I was able to prove a lot of people wrong.”

“Angelo and I prepared perfectly for Wlodarczyk and as you saw, we dominated the champion for 10 rounds”

“We worked him out better than he worked us out, but unfortunately it just wasn't to be."

"I'm 38 years old and I outhustled and dominated a 30 year old," Green said.

"Last year I defeated a 30 year old in BJ Flores who was undefeated, and then I was beaten by a 42-year old so age means nothing.

"I'd like to walk away still knowing that I can beat the best in the world, but then the competitive side of me says, do I continue?"

Green has only managed to get a few hours’ sleep since the fight and watched the replay for the first time yesterday of the big left from Wlodarczyk that ended the fight.

“It was a massive punch, it was quick, it was hard, it was timed perfectly, he took me out with a shot that would’ve knocked out a cow,” Green said.

“Not many men would’ve been able to regain consciousness in a minute, let alone stand up within 10 seconds”.

“I’m proud of the fact that I was still struggling and fighting with every ounce of whatever’s left inside my body to make it to try and win that world title for everyone.’

“Wlodarczyk proved why he’s a world champion, he stayed calm, he weathered the storm and he did what he had to do to win a world title.” Green said.

Green even managed to find a positive from Wlodarczyk’s punch late in the fight.

“There’s always a silver lining, I’ve had a nose that has been out of place for 10 years and he’s actually straightened my nose up, so my sunglasses actually fit much better now, so I have to thank him for something.”

Green’s face is swollen, his jaw is not broken, but needs stitches for three cuts to his lip. He was asked by a member of the media if he would take off his sunglasses, but he was content to keep them on as he didn’t want to scare anyone he said with a grin.

Before the presser today, Green dressed up as Santa Claus today for the kids at his sons day care centre.

“I was dressed up and had sunglasses on and my son still knew it was me because he knew my voice, so it backfired on me a bit, but the other kids still enjoyed it” Green said.

Green will now spend more time with his family – wife Nina, daughter Chloe and son Archie as he takes some well-deserved time off to relax following an admirable performance on a fight card that is possibly the best ever seen in Australia.

Read more »

Posted in: Articles,Danny Green

Darchinyan vs Moreno Final Press Conference Quotes

[caption id="attachment_2739" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Photo by Esther Lin/For SHOWTIME"][/caption]

ANSELMO MORENO

“I am happy to be fighting in the United States. It was always a dream to fight here for the biggest promoter in the world.

“I’m looking forward to showing my intelligence and style of boxing to the fans at the arena and watching on television.

“I’m here to make a name for myself and to make a huge statement.”

VIC DARCHINYAN

“I want to thank everybody who helped get me on this card, including my promoter, Gary Shaw, and it is always nice to be back on SHOWTIME again.

“Moreno doesn’t come to make exciting fights. He likes to move and grab and just wants to do enough to win a round. He’s scared to get hit. I’m going to do what I do best and show my skills and fight smart, but I’m not going to mess around. I’ll jump on him and pressure him like no one he’s ever fought before and I’m going to try and knock him out in the first round.

“I will destroy him. I can’t see this fight going the distance. You’ll like what you see. I’m here to bring the excitement.

“Mares and Agbeko say they are moving up to 122 after this fight. After this fight, I would love to fight Mares at 122.’’

Read more »

Posted in: Articles,Vic Darchinyan