Author Archives: hustleboss

Robert Garcia still holding on to hope that Marcos Maidana lands Manny Pacquiao: ‘I think he has a chance’

Marcos ‘Chino’ Maidana is coming off of a pair of decision losses to Floyd Mayweather yet still remains a big attraction (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

During his latest visit to Las Vegas, trainer Robert Garcia took a few minutes to speak with the media following his fighter Erik Ruiz’s tough loss to Jessie Magdaleno inside of Texas Station Casino.

Garcia is one of the most sought-after trainers in the game and his stable of fighters in his gym down in Oxnard, Calif. is also one of the deepest in the sport.
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Luis Arias talks Gaby Penagaricano signing, promotional future, and filling the shoes of Mayweather and Pacquiao

Luis ‘Cuba’ Arias has been a familiar fixture on the Vegas fight scene for the past few years but he recently made the move to South Florida (Photo: Chris Robinson)

By Chris Robinson

It’s been pretty fun watching Luis ‘Cuba’ Arias progress as a prospect in this boxing game.

I first caught up with Arias, then still an amateur, when he was serving as a chief sparring partner for Chad Dawson ahead of his match with Jean Pascal in August of 2010.
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Bermane Stiverne insists Deontay Wilder’s trash talk hasn’t gotten to him ‘What matters is who the better man is’

WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne inside of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (Photo: Esther Lin/Showtime)

By Chris Robinson

It’s officially fight week in Las Vegas, as WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne made his grand arrival to the MGM Grand on Tuesday afternoon.

Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KO’s) will defend his title this Saturday night from the casino’s Garden Arena, as he locks horns with #1 ranked contender Deontay Wilder (32-0, 32 KO’s) in a Showtime Championship Boxing contest.
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Tim Bradley’s trainer Joel Diaz favors Mayweather’s defense and accuracy over Pacquiao’s speed and power

Floyd Mayweather landing vs. Marcos Maidana this past September (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

Having led his star fighter, two-division titlist Tim Bradley, into battle against Manny Pacquiao twice in a two-year period, trainer Joel Diaz knows all too well of the abilities of the Filipino icon.

Pacquiao has no bigger option on the table other than a dream fight with Floyd Mayweather. The talk surrounding the matchup, one that has been discussed for the past five years, is very high again yet Diaz is unsure what to think of all the discussion.
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Exclusive photos: Award-winning photographer Naoki Fukuda captures the best of boxing

Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez making a grand arrival to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

Throughout his time covering boxing, award-winning photographer Naoki Fukuda has captured some of the best figures in the sport, both in and outside of the ring.

In 2014, Fukuda was once again embedded around special moments in the sport, and was kind enough to share with HustleBoss.com some of his favorite images throughout the year.
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Robert Garcia doubts that we see Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao: ‘I just don’t see it happening’

Floyd Mayweather facing off with Marcos Maidana this past September in Las Vegas (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

For revered trainer Robert Garcia, he knows all too well the difficulty of preparing for a match with either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, the two men regarded as the best of this generation.

Garcia led Marcos Maidana into battle twice last year vs. Manyweather, as the Argentinean lost decision verdicts to the Grand Rapids native in May and September despite spirited efforts. And in November of 2013, Garcia was in the corner of Brandon Rios in Macau, China as Pacquiao won a whitewash decision against the former lightweight titlist.
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Trainer Joel Diaz ponders Tim Bradley’s future and reveals which fighters may be next for ‘Desert Storm’

Tim Bradley and Diego Chaves following their match in Las Vegas last month (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)

By Chris Robinson

Following his 12-round split-draw with Argentina’s Diego Chaves on Dec. 13, former two-division titlist Tim Bradley still stands as one of the game’s most talented and marketable attractions heading into the New Year.

After all, the Chaves fight was widely-viewed as a Bradley victory despite the officials scorecards reading otherwise. Speaking with Bradley’s trainer Joel Diaz, he didn’t seem to set back with the official verdict.
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Team Pacquiao’s Miguel Diaz: ‘I see Mayweather declining a bit with his ability’

Manny Pacquiao following his victory over Chris Algieri this past November (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)

By Chris Robinson

These days much of the talk in the boxing world is again revolving around the potential dream fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

After over five years of fans and insiders pondering the matchup, there seems to be genuine hope floating around that we could be seeing the two best from this generation lacing up sometime this year.
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Byron Scott labels the Los Angeles Lakers ‘soft’ following blowout loss to the Clippers

Chris Paul driving vs. Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night (Photo: Instagram)

By Chris Robinson

Given their 11-25 record this 2014-2015 NBA season, it’s not surprising to expect some frustration coming from the Los Angeles Lakers’ organization.

On Wednesday night the Lakers suffered a one-sided 114-89 loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers, marking their fifth straight defeat to their hometown rival.
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Carl Froch says a Vegas fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is ‘nearly there’

Carl Froch is itching for a Las Vegas duel with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime)

By Chris Robinson

Brash Nottingham star Carl Froch is savoring the chance to lock horns with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. this Spring in Las Vegas.

Froch, 37, last saw action this past May when he stopped George Groves in the eighth round of a highly-anticipated rematch.
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Undefeated welterweight prospect Darwin Price spotted with the Charlo twins and trainer Ronnie Shields in Houston, Tex.

St. Louis native Darwin Price spotted with trainer Ronnie Shields and the fighting Charlo Twins in Houston, Tex. (Photo: Instagram)

By Chris Robinson

When I first spotted Darwin Price, I could tell instantly that the kid had high ambitions with his career.

At that time, Price was on the verge of turning professional and has since reeled off a 5-0 mark with 3 knockouts. The brash St. Louis native gained respect after showcasing his skills all over the California area, including Abel Sanchez’ Summit Gym in Big Bear as well as Robert Garcia’s personal gym in Oxnard, Ca.
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Amir Khan setting his sights on Manny Pacquiao? Claims Floyd Mayweather is ‘running’ from him

Amir Khan facing off with Devon Alexander last month in Las Vegas (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinosn

There is no denying the ambition of British star and two-division world titlist Amir Khan.

Despite having suffered some setbacks while performing under the bright lights, the 28-year old Khan has never seemed to lose his confidence and his status in the sport is as high as ever. His 2014 campaign highlighted his talents, as he racked up dominating and impressive unanimous decision victories over Luis Collazo and Devon Alexander.
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Bermane Stiverne continues to fire back at Deontay Wilder: ‘I’m going to hurt that kid’

Bermane Stiverne in action this past May vs. Chris Arreola (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) seem as focused and calm as ever heading into his big showdown with top-ranked contender Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs).

The Stiverne-Wilder matchup takes place on Showtime Championship Boxing from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on Jan. 17.
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Shout Out Series: Keep an eye out for Maricela Cornejo in 2015

Maricela Cornejo is one to watch out for (Photo: Instagram)

By Chris Robinson

One thing I will always respect is someone who pushes towards a goal with hard work and passion.

If you pay a visit to Maricela Cornejo’s Instagram Page you will see what I am talking about. An aspiring professional female boxer who made her bones on the West Coast, Cornejo has been soaking up life in Miami, Fl. in recent months.
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Jeff Mayweather on the latest Mayweather-Pacquiao chatter: ‘People still want the fight to happen but nobody really knows’

Will we see Floyd Mayweather face Manny Pacquiao in 2015? (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

The buzz for a super fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is once again high, as several people took notice to BoxRec.com’s update about the matchup being official for May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While the post has since been removed, it was a simple update that seemed to turn heads.
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Manny Pacquiao no longer listed as Floyd Mayweather’s opponent for 5/2 in Las Vegas

A screenshot of BoxRec.com listing Manny Pacquiao as Floyd Mayweather’s opponent for 5/2 in Las Vegas. The post has since been removed.

By Chris Robinson

On Monday evening, Jan. 5, buzz spread like wildfire after it was revealed that reputable site BoxRec.com had Manny Pacquiao listed as the official opponent for Floyd Mayweather, for a match set for May 2 inside of the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Boxing fans, both of the hardcore and mainstream variety, have been dying to see the fight for well over five years now and the demand for the match has again picked up with Pacquiao having bounced back soundly following his knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez over two years ago.
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Sharif Bogere on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: ‘I think if that fight ever happens it will be one of the greatest fights in boxing and people will buy it all over the world’

Sharif Bogere speaking from Johnny Tocco’s Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada during Live Sparring Exhibitions (Photo: Chris Robinson)

By Chris Robinson

The first time I recall seeing Chris Algieri in person was sometime in late 2013 or early 2014 ahead of his victory over Emmanuel Taylor.

I knew right off hand that the Huntington native was a tough guy simply because of who he was in the ring with, as Algieri could be found slugging it out with rock solid Ugandan contender Sharif Bogere inside of the Long Life Fit Gym (now called ‘Long Life Fighter Gym‘).
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Shout Out Series: Thomas Hill crosses the professional threshold

Young prospect Thomas Hill, far right, with Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Todd Harlib prior to his professional debut this past August (Photo: Chris Robinson)

By Chris Robinson

2014 was definitely a breakout year for Thomas Hill in several ways.

Having moved to Las Vegas from Milwaukee in Summer 2013, Hill wasn’t sure what his exact career path would be, yet he always seemed to have faith that things would figure themselves out.
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The online world reacts to Jon Jones’ victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 182

Jon Jones defeated Daniel Cormier last night in Las Vegas (Photo: Instagram)

By Chris Robinson

Last night, inside of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones successfully defended his title inside of the Octagon with a five-round unanimous decision over Daniel Cormier in a fight that was better than many expected.

While the commanding victory helps Jones’ to keep his name thrust in the MMA headlines, there has definitely been some feedback to the way Jones has acted following his 20th professional victory. There definitely was no shortage of emotions coming from Jones, 27, and Cormier, 35, prior to their match, as it was apparent that some genuine disdain was in the air.
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Unpredictability fills the air with tonight’s Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier showdown at UFC 182

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier weighing in (Photo: Instagram)

By Kyle Hutchison

Unpredictability will be in the air as two expertly-trained fighters come face to face one last time before their fight tonight as UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones meets up with challenger Daniel Cormier.

Jones will attempt to defend his title for the 8th straight time against undefeated challenger Cormier from within the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The build-up to their contest has turned UFC 182 into one of the most highly anticipated events in the company’s history.
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