Author Archives: hustleboss

Canelo Alvarez finishes Amir Khan off in the sixth round with a brutal one-punch knockout

Canelo Alvarez stopped Amir Khan in the sixth round of their matchup on Saturday night (Photo: Instagram)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday night, May 7, WBC middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez stopped a courageous Amir Khan in the sixth round of their HBO pay per view showdown from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

Canelo (47-1-1, 33 KO’s) had a little trouble early on adapting to Khan’s style, as the British star and former junior welterweight titlist stuck to moving and boxing early on. Through four rounds several outlets had Khan ahead of Canelo, who was patiently biding his time.
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PHOTOS: Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan both hit the scale at 155 pounds at official weigh-in

Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan clash on Saturday night (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

As soon as it was revealed that WBC middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez would be making the first defense of his title against former junior welterweight titlist Amir Khan, speculation began to run about the size difference between the two men.

Canelo (46-1-1, 32 KO’s) has always been a solid junior middleweight, who has came into the ring well over 170 pounds on certain fight nights, while Khan (31-3, 19 KO’s) is moving up in weight following a three-fight stint in the welterweight ranks.
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Virgil Hunter breaks down Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan days before big showdown

Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan face off at their final presser in Las Vegas (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

Moments prior to the final Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan press conference inside of the MGM Grand’s KA Theatre in Las Vegas, Nev., Hustle Boss caught up with former Trainer of the Year Virgil Hunter.

The Oakland, Calif.-based trainer has been with Khan the past four years, dating back to his upset loss to Danny Garcia in July of 2014, and the duo has reeled of five straight victories together.
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VIDEO + PHOTOS: Cruiserweight prospect Andrew ‘The Beast’ Tabiti trains for 5/13 showdown vs. fellow unbeaten Keith Tapia

Andrew Tabiti training inside of City Athletic Boxing Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of his May 13 showdown vs. Keith Tapia (Photo: Hustle Boss)

By Chris Robinson

On Friday, May 13, cruiserweight prospect Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will have the biggest assignment of his blossoming career when he faces off with Keith Tapia at the Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall.

Those in the know have always considered Tabiti (12-0, 11 KO’s) one of the shining jewels of the Mayweather Promotions stable and his matchup with Tapia (17-0, 12 KO’s) will give him the exact opportunity that he wants at this point in his career.
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PHOTOS: Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan make their grand arrivals to Las Vegas

Canelo Alvarez making his grand arrival to Las Vegas (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

On Tuesday, May 3, WBC middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and former junior welterweight champion Amir Khan made their grand arrival to Las Vegas ahead of their HBO pay per view clash this Saturday night from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

Canelo (46-1-1, 32 KO’s) and Khan (31-3, 19 KO’s) are both exuding extreme confidence ahead of this matchup, although Alvarez is the clear betting favorite to his obvious advantage in size. Canelo is coming off of one of his most complete performances to date, as he defeated Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto over 12 rounds this past November.
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Photos: Badou Jack and Lucian Bute fight to draw in Washington, D.C.

Badou Jack appeared to do enough to defeat Lucian Bute on Saturday night (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday night, April 30, WBC super middleweight champion Badou Jack retained his title as he settled for a draw with former longtime IBF titlist Lucian Bute inside of the Armory in Washington, D.C.

Jack (20-1-2, 12 KO’s) appeared to do enough to secure a victory, with one judge giving him a 117-111 edge. That tally was overruled by two 114-114 scorecards, however, as Jack retains his title and could be meeting IBF champion James DeGale later this year in a unification match.
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Local prospect Cameron Kreal resurfaces for top-notch sparring vs. top amateur Daijon Carter at Tocco’s

Cameron Kreal was recently spotted at Johnny Tocco’s Boxing Gym earlier this month (Photo: Jabber)

By Chris Robinson

You should never let a record in boxing deceive you.

When taking a look at junior lightweight prospect Cameron Kreal, who fights out of Las Vegas, it may be easy to dismiss to his 8-9-2 record (1 KO) as being average but there is far more to his record than meets the eye.
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PHOTOS: Naoki Fukuda covers Gennady Golovkin’s crushing stoppage of Dominic Wade

Gennady Golovkin was too much for Dominic Wade on Saturday night (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday night, April 23, WBA/IBF middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (35-0, 32 KO’s) overpowered contender Dominic Wade (18-1, 12 KO’s) for an easy second round knockout.

Golovkin registered a knockdown in the first round off of a big right hand and the writing was on the wall. Two more knockdowns followed in round two, and referee Jack Reiss called a halt to the match.
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PHOTOS: Gennady Golovkin tears through Dominic Wade in two rounds

Gennady Golovkin was too much for Dominic Wade on Saturday night (Photo: Chris Farina – K2 Promotions)

By Chris Robinson

It was business as usual for Gennady Golovkin on Saturday night, April 23, as he faced off with contender Dominic Wade inside of the Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

Golovkin (35-0, 32 KO’s) was on another level than his Maryland-born opponent, as he dropped him in the first round with a right cross. Two more knockdowns followed in round two, with referee Jack Reiss wisely waiving the match off after the second.
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Steve Forbes reflects on Pac-Bradley III; says he always believed Mayweather had edge over Manny

Manny Pacquiao defeated Tim Bradley in their third encounter (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday, April 9, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao produced a commanding victory in defeating Tim Bradley in their trilogy matchup at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao (57-8-2, 38 KO’s) dropped Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KO’s) twice in the second half of the fight and may indeed be retiring after this victory.
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Promoter Lou Dibella feels that Kell Brook wants ‘no piece’ of Errol Spence Jr.

Errol Spence was dominant vs. Chris Algieri on Saturday night (Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday night, April 16, inside of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, undefeated welterweight contender Errol Spence Jr. scored the biggest and perhaps the most electrifying victory of his career in stopping former champion Chris Algieri in the fifth.

Spence (20-0, 17 KO’s) was simply to precise and powerful for Algieri (21-3, 8 KO’s), who never could get into the fight. Spence dropped Algieri in the fourth and twice in the fifth before referee Benjy Esteves Jr. waived the contest off.
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Steve Claggett returns this weekend in Las Vegas in high-stakes showdown vs. Chris Van Heerden at the D

Steve Claggett faces off with Chris Van Heerden on Saturday (Photo: Manny Murillo)

By Chris Robinson

This weekend in Las Vegas, a familiar face will return to the ring when Steve “The Dragon” Claggett faces off with Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden on Saturday night, April 16.

Taking place at the D Hotel and Casino as a headlining act to the new “Knockout Night at the D” series, Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KO’s) will be looking for a benchmark victory as he goes in tough against South Africa’s Van Heerden (23-2-1, 12 KO’s).
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Exclusive Photos: Rick Ross Turns Up at TRU Nightclub in Las Vegas

Rick Ross performing inside of TRU Nightclub in Las Vegas (Photo: Hustle Boss)

By Chris Robinson

It’s been easy to notice all of the action taking place at TRU Nightclub in Las Vegas in recent weeks..

The recently-opened After Hours spot has played host to some great names since its opening, including O.T. Genasis, Migos, and most recently Rick Ross, who came in town for a Tuesday night showcase.
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PHOTOS: Manny Pacquiao emerges victorious over Tim Bradley in trilogy showdown at the MGM

Manny Pacquiao may have fought his last bout as a professional (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday night, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao defeated former two-division titlist Timothy Bradley in clear fashion.

There were several close rounds, yet Pacquiao (57-8-2, 38 KO’s) again dominated key spots over the second half of the match, dropping Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KO’s) in rounds seven and nine. Nothing is for certain regarding Pacquiao’s future, yet the Filipino icon appears to be hinting towards retirement.
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Manny Pacquiao drops Bradley twice, takes decision; Tim eyeing retirement?

Manny Pacquiao defeated Tim Bradley on Saturday night (Photo: Instagram)

By Chris Robinson

Moments ago, from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev., eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao captued a clear unanimous decision victory against friendly rival Tim Bradley.

Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KO’s) started cautiously against Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KO’s), as the two men appeared to trade the early rounds. Pacquiao’s class began to show in the middle rounds, as he began picking Bradley off with sharp counters.
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Pacquiao Sparring Partner Lydell Rhodes thinks Manny ‘can and will’ keep fighting after Bradley

Manny Pacquiao faces Tim Bradley later tonight in Las Vegas (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

Later tonight, inside of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Manny Pacquiao will face Tim Bradley for the third time in a welterweight attraction on HBO pay per view.

For this particular camp, Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO’s) again worked with lightweight contender Lydell Rhodes, both in the Philippines and in Los Angeles. Hustle Boss caught up with Rhodes following yesterday’s weigh-in and he seems to feel his friend will find a way to perform under pressure.
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VIDEO: Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley III Official Weigh-In

Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley will meet for a third time later tonight in Las Vegas (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

Later tonight, inside of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao will meet two-division titlist Tim Bradley in a trilogy showdown on HBO pay per view.

At yesterday’s weigh-in, Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KO’s) hit the scales at 146.5 pounds while Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO’s) came in weighing 145.5 pounds. Pacquiao, the beloved Filipino icon, claims this will be his last official fight but there is a lingering sense that he will keep competing after this.
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PHOTOS: On The Scene With Naoki Fukuda During Pacquiao-Bradley III Fight Week in Las Vegas

It’s Fight Week In Las Vegas (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

During any fight week in Las Vegas you are sure to run into your usual cast of characters. There are a lot of good people in the sport, both in the media and pugilistic field, and it’s good to catch up with everyone during these times.

Manny Pacquiao faces Tim Bradley on Saturday night, from the MGM Grand here in Las Vegas, and those in press row have been busy as usual. Our friend Naoki Fukuda has been kind enough to share some of his images through the early fight week days.
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PHOTOS: Looking back at Adrien Broner’s TKO victory over Ashley Theophane

Adrien Broner halted Ashley Theophane in the ninth round on Friday night (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

This past Friday night, inside of the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner halted a game Ashley Theophane in under nine rounds of action.

Broner (32-2, 24 KO’s) established early command of the fight against Theophane (39-7-1, 11 KO’s) and appeared to stun his UK foe a few times in the early rounds. Theophane, to his credit, fought valiantly and attempted to rally in the middle rounds.
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Norway’s Alexander Hagen invades Las Vegas; set for First Friday Exhibition Sparring at Johnny Tocco’s on 4/1

Alexander Hagen, left, listening to trainer Luis Monda, far right, inside of Johnny Tocco’s in Las Vegas

By Chris Robinson

There is a special synergy and connection that takes place between aspiring pugilists and trainers in the sport of boxing.

Being a trainer in boxing requires a lot of patience and communication from the get-go, as the revolving cast of fighters they work with come with so many different levels of talent, experiences, history, and ability.
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