World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, seen here in 2006, will defend his IBF, WBO and IBO titles against mandatory challenger Eddie Chambers in Dusseldorf on March 20

World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend his IBF, WBO and IBO titles against mandatory challenger Eddie Chambers in Dusseldorf on March 20, it was announced on Monday.

Klitschko, 33, will fight Chambers at the home of current Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen which will have an expected capacity of 51,000 for the fight.

The Ukrainian’s last bout saw him stop Ruslan Chagaev in the ninth round at Schalke 04’s Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen last June and Klitschko said he was looking forward to facing Chambers in another football stadium.

“The fight will take place in a gigantic stadium and I am already looking forward to the backdrop – it will give me an additional kick,” said Klitschko.

This will be Klitschko’s fifth defence of both his WBO and IBF title and the champion says he will not take Chambers lightly.

“Chambers is clearly the best current American heavyweight and there is a good reason why he is number one in the rankings,” said Klitschko whose record includes 53 victories, 47 knock-outs and three defeats.

The 27-year-old Chambers won the chance to face Klitschko when he won the eliminator against Alexander Dimitrenko last summer and says he expects to surprise the champion.

“I worked hard to get this shot at the title,” said Chambers, who has 35 victories with 18 knock-outs plus one defeat, on his record.

“I plan on surprising Klitschko just like I surprised Dimitrenko and I want his three belts.

“I will not let this chance get away.”

Philippines boxer Manny Pacquiao training in Baguio Cit. Nevada boxing officials are trying to end the dope test impasse threatening the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather mega-fight, but their demand for immediate urine tests may not solve the problem.

Nevada boxing officials are trying to end the dope test impasse threatening the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather mega-fight, but their demand for immediate urine tests may not solve the problem.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission said Monday that both Filipino superstar Pacquiao and Mayweather must submit to the tests within 48 hours or face possible fines or suspension by the commission.

“That at least starts the ball rolling,” said Keith Kizer, the commission’s executive director.

But Mayweather’s camp issued a statement on Monday indicating Pacquiao’s reluctance to undergo blood testing within 30 days before the fight remained a stumbling block.

Pacquaio’s promoter, Bob Arum, had given the Mayweather camp a final-offer on Sunday, proposing three blood tests on each of the fighters and none within 30 days of the fight.

Arum said he would open negotiations for a fight with Paul Malignaggi if Mayweather’s camp didn’t agree.

“Let the record be clear: Manny Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum are threatening to walk away from the largest fight in history,” a statement from Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions said Monday.

The fight, scheduled for March 13 in Las Vegas, could be the biggest moneymaker in boxing history. Unbeaten US star Mayweather says the blood doping tests, which could detect substances not found by urine tests, are vital to ensure a fair fight, although blood tests are not routinely used in boxing.

Mayweather backed off initial demands for random blood tests at any time before the fight.

But Pacquiao, concerned blood tests will weaken him, wants none within 30 days of the fight until just after the bout.

“It is disappointing for us to see that the benefits of blood testing and the fact that many different substances and procedures can only be detected by blood testing, are still not fully understood by all,” the Mayweather camp statement said. (more…)

Manny Pacquiao (C) poses for a photo with promoter Bob Arum (L) and trainer Freddie Roach after defeating Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada in November 2009. Promoters for Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather continued talks Saturday in hopes of reviving a mega-fight that has been scuttled by disagreements over unprecedented blood tests.

Promoters for Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather continued talks Saturday in hopes of reviving a mega-fight that has been scuttled by disagreements over unprecedented blood tests.

But no progress was made in securing a deal to stage the welterweight showdown, what could be the richest fight in boxing history March 13 at Las Vegas even with both sides budging off hard-line positions, ESPN reported.

Mayweather wanted US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) protocols, including random blood tests at any point before the March 13 fight, which was a dealbreaker to Pacquiao, who said such tests too near the bout would weaken him.

Mayweather’s father, veteran trainer Floyd Snr, has accused Pacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs and Mayweather questioned how fair a fight against Pacquiao would be without blood tests beyond the usual urine doping tests.

One day after Pacquiao announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against the Mayweathers and Golden Boy for accusations he is a dope cheat, executives of each fighter’s promotion firm were in talks to work a deal.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive for Mayweather backers Golden Bay Promotions, told ESPN Saturday that his camp was willing to give up USADA tests as long as a cut-off date on random blood tests could be agreed upon.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. appears during a news conference for his bout against Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino in September 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Promoters for Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather continued talks Saturday in hopes of reviving a mega-fight that has been scuttled by disagreements over unprecedented blood tests.

“Now it is a matter of the two sides working out the specifics of the cut off date to assure it will still be effective,” Schaefer said.

Pacquiao had offered a blood test in January, another 30 days before the fight and a third after the bout, but that does not appease Mayweather.

“We know that 30 days before is not effective. At 30 days, we might as well not even do it,” Schaefer said.

Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told ESPN Saturday that even a test 30 days out was off the table unless Nevada State Athletic Commission officials sought it, an unlikely move at best since they have no blood test rules in place. (more…)

File photo shows Philippines boxer Manny Pacquiao training in Baguio City in the northern Philippines. A dispute over doping test rules for the planned showdown between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather has jeopardized the long-awaited welterweight showdown, promoters claimed.

A dispute over doping test rules for the planned showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather has jeopardized the long-awaited welterweight showdown, promoters claimed.

It’s uncertain, however, whether the testing issue is simply an over-hyped negotiating ploy aimed at Pacquiao or truly a deal-breaker that could scuttle a fight with the potential to be the biggest boxing moneymaker of all time.

Mayweather has insisted upon stricter World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) test procedures for the fight rather than the usual methods, a change that would mandate blood tests for banned substances as well urine analysis.

Mayweather’s father, veteran trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr, has accused Pacquiao of taking performance-enhancing substances, and Mayweather all-but accused the Filipino hero of being a dope cheat in a statement.

“I have already agreed to the testing and it is a shame that he is not willing to do the same,” Mayweather said. “It leaves me with great doubt as to the level of fairness I would be facing in the ring that night.”

Richard Schaefer, top executive of Mayweather-backer Golden Boy Promotions, said Tuesday that Todd duBoef, president of Pacquiao backers Top Rank, told him Pacquiao would not agree to have blood drawn within 30 days of the fight.

Schaefer said duBoef told him “Pac-Man” was superstitious about having blood taken so near a fight, instead seeking it done before a planned news conference in early January to launch a fight that had been expected on March 13.

“Todd told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn’t want to do it so close to the fight,” Schaefer said. “Pacquiao would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off press conference and after the fight.”

File photo shows Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in September in Las Vegas. A dispute over doping test rules for the planned showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather has jeopardized the long-awaited welterweight showdown, promoters claimed.

That would not comply with Mayweather’s desires.

“I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken because frankly I don’t know anyone who really does,” Mayweather said. “But in a fight of this magnitude, I think it is our responsibility to subject ourselves to sportsmanship at the highest level. (more…)

Ukrainian WBC world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (R) fights with US challenger Kevin Johnson during their boxing game in Bern. Klitschko easily defended Saturday his World Boxing Council heavyweight title against Johnson.

Ukraine’s Vitali Klitschko easily defended Saturday his World Boxing Council heavyweight title against American challenger Kevin Johnson.

The 38-year-old Ukrainian won with an unanimous decision after dominating all 12 rounds of the fight.

Although Johnson taunted Klitschko at times and managed to hurt the Ukrainian’s right eye during the fourth round, he was parrying blows during most of the fight.

The Las Vegas Strip, including MGM Grand, is seen in this 2008 photo. Promoters of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather jnr bout have cancelled a trip to Dallas, an apparent sign that the new Cowboys Stadium won’t host the mega-bout. The move left the MGM Grand arena in Las Vegas as the favorite to host the fight, expected to take place on March 13.

Promoters of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather jnr bout have cancelled a trip to Dallas, an apparent sign that the new Cowboys Stadium won’t host the mega-bout next year.

The trip was called off at the last minute on Wednesday because Mayweather’s promoter apparently decided he didn’t want the fight at the new billion-dollar stadium that is home to the Dallas Cowboys NFL team.

The move left the MGM Grand arena in Las Vegas as the favorite to host the fight, expected to take place on March 13.

Co-promoter Bob Arum said he was surprised by the decision from Mayweather’s promoter, Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer, to call off the trip to Texas.

Both fighters have reportedly agreed to terms for the bout, but neither has signed contracts.

Jones said last week he hoped to bid for the fight for his stadium in suburban Dallas, while representatives of the Superdome in New Orleans were also interested.

An official of Staples Center, home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that the arena had made a 20 million-dollar offer to host the fight.

However, the Los Angeles venue would likely need to offer more than a Las Vegas venue because California imposes state taxes that the fighters would have to pay, and Nevada doesn’t.

Mayweather, 40-0 with 25 knockouts, was regarded as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter before a 19-month layoff that ended last September.

Pacquiao, 50-3 with 38 knockouts, staked his claim on the pound-for-pound crown in Mayweather’s absence by knocking out England’s Ricky Hatton in the second round last May and stopping Miguel Cotto in the 12th round last month.

The Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown could bring record profits to break the mark set by Mayweather’s split-decision victory over Oscar de la Hoya in 2007.

The fight is expected to be officially launched with a press conference in January in New York. (more…)

British boxer Amir Khan trains at his gym in Bolton, north west England, last month. Khan has the potential to rise through the weight divisions and win multiple world titles like his training partner Manny Pacquiao, according to the British boxeru2019s trainer Freddie Roach.

Amir Khan has the potential to rise through the weight divisions and win multiple world titles like his training partner Manny Pacquiao, according to the British boxer’s trainer Freddie Roach.

Khan took just 76 seconds to overcome the challenge of New Yorker Dmitriy Salita in a brief but brutal first defence of his World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight title at the Metro Radio Arena here in Newcastle.

Salita, 27, lost his 31-fight unbeaten record after being floored twice by Khan in the first minute of Saturday’s bout, before a left hook to the chin sent the Ukraine-born boxer to the canvas for a final time before the referee waved the fight off.

It was yet more evidence of how Khan has improved under Roach since he suffered his first professional defeat when he was knocked out in 54 seconds by Colombian Breidis Prescott in September 2008.

Khan, 23 on Tuesday, leaves his home in Bolton, England, to train at Roach’s Los Angeles gym for several weeks before his fights and has sparred with Filipino Pacquiao, who is regarded as the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer.

British boxer Amir Khan (L) consoles Ukrainian born Dmitriy Salita of US after beating him with a first round stoppage during their WBA light-welterweight, world title boxing match at Metro Radio Arena, in Newcastle upon Tyne, on December 5, 2009. Khan took just 76 seconds to overcome the challenge of New Yorker Salita.

Roach also trains Pacquiao and believes Khan can emulate the success of the superstar boxer who is reportedly due to box next against American Floyd Mayweather Jnr on March 13.

Khan, who won silver at the 2004 Olympics aged just 17, began his professional career at lightweight but Roach believes the WBA light-welterweight champion could eventually box at middleweight.

“He is the world champion, but I think he can move up the divisions and become a multi-titlest,” Roach told reporters after Saturday’s fight.

“I’ve been with Amir for about a year and I think he is about halfway there.

“He has the body to go up to 147lb [welterweight], even 160lb [middleweight] in the long term. I think he has the potential to be a superstar and win multiple titles. (more…)

British boxer Amir Khan trains at his gym in Bolton, north west England, on November 30. Khan takes on Ukrainian born WBA World Light-Welterweight title challenger Dmitriy Salita in Newcastle on Saturday.

Amir Khan regards a win over New York’s Dmitriy Salita on Saturday as his ticket to America as he tries to become as big a star in the States as he is in Britain and Asia.

Khan makes the first defence of his World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight title against unbeaten Salita at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle but the plan is for future defences to take place on the other side of the Atlantic.

The 22-year-old craves the big fights and big lights at the Las Vegas casinos and the increased global exposure – and income – that comes with them.

Khan’s success in the ring since winning a silver medal aged 17 at the 2004 Olympics has made him Britain’s most recognisable young Muslim man, while in Pakistan, where both his parents were born, he is also well known.

Light-welterweight number one boxing contender Dmitriy Salita works out on November 12, in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. Salita, an Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn, New York, meets British Muslim title holder Amir Khan on December 5 in Newcastle, England.

Now, Khan is determined to make his American debut next year should he overcome Salita.

Khan already trains in Los Angeles at the gym of his trainer Freddie Roach.

There, he works alongside Filipino Manny Pacquiao, pound-for-pound the world’s best boxer. Khan has been inspired by Pacquiao and has identified Juan Manuel Marquez, of Mexico, as an opponent he would like to meet next year.

“I need to win this fight and then follow my ambitions to fight in America,” Khan told AFP. “I train in America and people keep asking me when I’m out there when I’m going to be fighting there. Hopefully next year I will be fighting out there.

“My dream is to fight in the States and in Vegas. I’m 23 next year and that’s the right time to go there and fight. I don’t want to go there too late. I want to go early and take it smoothly and pick the right fights. (more…)

Light-welterweight number one boxing contender Dmitriy Salita works out with a punching bag in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. Salita, an Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn, New York, will meet British Muslim title holder Amir Khan on December 5 in Newcastle, England.

A fist fight may seem an odd way to show respect between Jews and Muslims, but when Dmitriy Salita competes for the WBA light-welterweight title next month, he’ll be doing just that.

Salita, an Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn, New York, meets British Muslim title holder Amir Khan on December 5 in Newcastle, England.

It will be a rare — reportedly the first — world title bout between practicing members of the two faiths.

But at his training camp in Bushkill, in the Pennsylvania hills outside New York, 27-year-old Salita stressed the fight is about vying to be champion, not religion.

“We’re coming to compete,” said Salita, finishing up midday prayers in his room, before heading to the gym to hit the bags and work with Panamanian trainer Francisco Guzman.

If anything, the fact they’re both religious and boxing pros from immigrant families is an opportunity to show that sports conquers politics.

File photo of British Muslim boxer Amir Khan, who will be meeting Dmitriy Salita, an Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn, New York on December 5 in Newcastle, England. It will be a rare — reportedly the first — world title bout between practicing members of the two faiths.

“Throughout history, Jews and Muslims have lived very well together. I think this event will show that,” said Salita, whose parents, fleeing anti-Semitic harassment, brought him to the United States from ex-Soviet Ukraine when he was nine.

“Sports is an international language and our fans will be together. I think it’s a positive event.”

Khan, the 22-year-old son of Pakistani immigrants who took silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics, preaches the same message.

“What I love about boxing is that it brings together every culture, race and creed under the sun,” Khan told Britain’s Sun daily.

“When before could you say that you are going to get the Muslims, the Jewish community and the British together in one place enjoying themselves on a night of world championship boxing?”

Both fighters say their demanding religions help them in one of the most demanding of sports.

Khan won’t fight during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Salita has sacrificed his career by refusing to compete on the Jewish Sabbath, which starts at sundown Friday — often a big night for professional bouts. (more…)

American Andre Ward, pictured in a file photo, battered Mikkel Kessler, seizing the Dane’s World Boxing Association super-middleweight world title by an 11th-round technical decision

American Andre Ward battered Mikkel Kessler, seizing the Dane’s World Boxing Association super-middleweight world title by an 11th-round technical decision.

The fight was stopped on the advice of the ringside doctor at 1:42 of the 11th round, but the cut to Kessler that prompted the move came from a head-butt so the decision came down to the scorecards.

One judge scored it 97-93, while two others saw it 98-92 for Ward, who improved to 21-0 with 13 knockouts. Kessler fell to 42-2 with 32 knockouts.