Sports Journalist · 257 articles
It’s just two months shy of five years since former two-weight champion Felix Sturm (40-5-3, 18 KOs & 1 NC) made his way to the boxing ring. A lot has happened, it’s fair to say, but ahead of his eventual return this Saturday evening, the Leverkusen-native believes there’s plenty more left in the tank. “I’ve been […]
There’s something slightly O Fenômeno about Cuba’s latest heavyweight talent, Jose Larduet (4-0, 3 KOs). That grinning, innocent face with a wide jaw line – enjoying success in his chosen sport and defying those who’d never believed in him – was refreshing to see. Comparing Jose Larduet now to the outstanding Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima is a bit of a […]
With the global pandemic affecting the sport of boxing in a multitude of ways, former two-time world champion Fernando Vargas (26-5, 22 KOs) had suffered uniquely. Currently training his three sons, the household was split as he and his wife, Martha, tested positive for Covid-19. “We’re in good spirits now. Unfortunately, me, my wife, my father-in-law and […]
Despite enjoying his rapidly growing success, Edgar Berlanga (15-0, 15 KOs) finds himself in an unusual spot. He’s rapidly approaching title contention, but he doesn’t actually know how he’ll fare over 12 rounds. With every one of his 15 professional bouts ending brutally in the first round, surely there’s an element of doubt creeping into his subconscious? […]
South African cruiserweight Thabiso Mchunu (22-5, 13 KOs) has managed to step out of his father’s fighting shadow, by boxing for world titles, and competing in the United States and Russia, as well as domestic venues in Pretoria, Durban and Bloemfontein. But as he edges towards the top of his division again – possibly for one last time […]
From a land steeped with the importance of tradition, it’s little wonder that Kazuto Ioka (25-2, 14 KOs) has been searching for his own, unique and storied success. Born into boxing in Sakai, Osaka, the four-weight world champion has closely followed in his Uncle Hiroki’s footsteps. The sport is in their bloodline. Hiroki, himself a […]
“The best form of saying is being.” – Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara. The Mausoleo del Che Guevara, with its imposing 22-foot tall bronze statue of the revolutionary, draws tourists from all corners of the world to Santa Clara, Cuba. Guevara was a man of action – not composed of baseless scrolls containing wishful, empty propaganda. Historic pillars […]
Aspiration is sparse amongst the kids hustling in certain neighbourhoods in the Bronx, New York. Chasing money over dreams becomes paramount, and settling for the sounds of the streets can allow lost figures to finally feel at home. “All the older people I know around me that were successful, they were all drug dealers. That’s […]
From the foot to the hip, you’d be forgiven for thinking of another heavyweight. Long, athletic legs, bouncing off the canvas, met at the thigh by white trunks, decorated only by a single, vertical navy stripe at the side. It’s simple; it’s classic. But those are huge shoes to fill. Whilst paying homage to Muhammad […]
“I always remember asking Mickey Duff if he ever got nervous before fights. We were about to walk down the stairs towards the ring, and he told me, ‘No, I don’t get nervous. When we get to the bottom of the stairs, you go that way [towards the ring], and I go this way.’ I […]
The Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia knows all about war. Its roots date back to the Middle Ages, but it rose to prominence during the 1930s and 1940s. Now home to the nation’s largest arms manufacturer and the grounds of the Ukrainian Royal Air Force headquarters, firepower is still in abundance. Talking to Boxing Social whilst approximately […]
“I’m relaxed and I’m ready; this is an opportunity of a lifetime for me to fight on a pay-per-view, in front of so many fans out here in the boxing Mecca. It’s a wonderful fight. I claim that I’m going to win this fight by knockout. Everything was easy for me, so I’m not nervous. […]