As the year comes to a close, the news in the boxing world slows down but there is still some new tidbits to share. With that said, here is the latest edition of Around the Ring:
- Maidana Doesn’t Make Up Mind – Argentinean Marcos Maidana hasn’t stepped into a ring since September 2014 when he lost his second decision to one Floyd MayweatherJr. Since then, the millionaire has been fishing, hunting and overall living the life on his ranch with his family. He’s gained weight and in interviews he has stated boxing is the farthest thing on his mind. In his most recent interview, it was reported that he was definitely retiring from the sport but he went public a couple days later to state those comments were taken out of context. He has not officially announced his retirement.
- “The Problem” Wants a Piece – According to four-divisional world champ Adrien “The Problem” Broner, he received a call from Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s advisor, for a possible fight in April 2016. The fight is being touted as the last for Pacquiao who is looking to continue is political career in his home country of the Philippines for the rest of the upcoming new year. Broner said he would love to face the Filipino icon but now there is a story he might face Ashley Teophane on a request from his “big bro” Floyd Mayweather Jr. Let’s see if Al Haymon stands in the way of the fight or if he sees the potential economic windfall the fight could be for both. Should have more news soon.
- Business as Usual on HBO – With Peter Nelson taking over the helm of the most important network of the sport, the czar shared they look forward to keep on developing stars like Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin, Terence Crawford and Sergey Kovalev. Nelson also mentioned he would like to begin develop new stars on the network like Felix Verdejo of Puerto Rico and to continue to work with WBC flyweight champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
- Tragedy Strikes – Last Saturday in Youngstown, Ohio, tragedy struck when Hamzah Ajahmi made his debut but passed away from complications from his fight. Ajahmi was knocked out at the end of the bout from a solid combination. He was taken from the ring to a local hospital where he went under emergency surgery. Ajahmi and his family have received messages of support from various boxers and personalities.
- Hall of Fame – In June of 2016, boxing will be celebrating as a new class of inductees will see his place in the hall. Late Puerto Rican Hector “Macho” Camacho, HBO analyst Harold Lederman and Mexican legend Lupe Pintor will be immortalized as some of the boxing world’s best. NSAC’s Mac Ratner, journalist Jerry Izenberg and broadcaster Coronel Bob Sheridan will also be part of the hall. In the Old-Timer’s category Petey Sarron, a featherweight champion, will be inducted. As a Non-Participant Whitey Esneault, a trainer from New Orleans who is best known as Willie Pastrano’s chief second, will also be honored.
