FIGHTLEDGER/Boxing report

Felix Trinidad Sr. has told Boxingscene.com that his son Felix Trinidad Jr. will soon officially announce his retirement. The 36-year-old Trinidad Jr. has held major world title in three different weight classes -- welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight.Trinidad Jr./DKP

A devastating puncher, Trinidad Jr. has a professional record of 42-3-0 with 35 knockouts. But he has fought just twice in the past four years, and each of those fights resulted in losses.

For more, visit boxingscene.com.

FIGHTLEDGER/Boxing report

BOCA RATON, Fla.—Charles E. Lomax, the first African American to become a partner at the powerhouse law firm of Sidley & Austin and later general counsel for legendary promoter Don King where he helped negotiate some of the biggest contracts in boxing, televised-sports and entertainment history, died on Sunday at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton, Fla.

Mr. Lomax had battled pancreatic cancer for over two years. He was 85.

Mr. Lomax was one of the first African American attorneys hired by the United States Internal Revenue Service in 1952. From that time through 1974, he served with distinction in the offices of the chief counsel and the Chicago regional counsel of the I.R.S.

Click to read more ...

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/Boxing report

Fresh off a lopsided unanimous decision Saturday night over Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, former boxing pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. has secured another victory. Mayweather has settled his debt with the Internal Revenue Service, according an Associated Press report.Mayweather Jr./ Hogan

In the report, Mayweather agreed to pay the IRS $5.6 million in back taxes. The figure reflects taxes Mayweather failed to pay in 2007.

Mayweather earned a minimum of $10 million from his win over Marquez. It was his first fight in 21 months.

For the full report, visit NJ.com.

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/Boxing report

The only thing connecting boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. to an alleged shooting Sunday in Las Vegas is his car. Mayweather (39-0-0, 25 knockouts) is not a suspect and has cooperated with authorities, The Associated Press reports.

 According to Las Vegas police, an associate of Mayweather Promotions is being sought in the shooting. It is alleged that the shooting suspect left the scene in Mayweather’s Rolls-Royce.

 Mayweather, who has not fought since December 2007 when he stopped Ricky Hatton in 10 rounds, is currently preparing for a September 19 bout with Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs). The fight will be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

For more on this story, visit The Star-Ledger at NJ.com.

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/Boxing report

A few days after the debacle that occurred Saturday night in Houston, comes some good boxing news. The California State Athletic Commission on Monday overturned Timothy Bradley’s victory against Nate Campbell and has declared their bout a no-contest, The Associated Press reported. Bradley/Hogan Photos

During the WBO junior welterweight title bout August 1 in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Bradley and Campbell accidentally clashed heads. Campbell suffered a nasty cut above his left eye and was unable to continue fighting.

Bradley was awarded the victory, while Campbell screamed highway robbery. Campbell wanted the fight ruled a no-contest. Though Bradley was clearly in charge of the bout before it was stopped, most observers believed the ruling was incorrect.

Campbell and his promoter, Don King, appealed the decision. After meeting with representatives from both camps Monday, the CSAC agreed with Campbell.

The decision comes just two days after Juan Diaz was awarded a unanimous decision over Paulie Malignaggi during their junior welterweight bout in Houston. Most fight observers had Malignaggi winning the bout.

An angry Malignaggi immediately blasted the decision, and questioned boxing's integrity. He is now campaigning for a rematch.

As a result of the CSAC ruling, Campbell now has a professional record of 33-5-1 with 25 knockouts. Bradley is 24-0-0 (11 KOs).

For the full report, visit The Star-Ledger at NJ.com.

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/For FIGHTLEDGER.com

It is turning out to be a difficult day for Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd Mayweather Jr. /Mayweather Promotions

First, it was announced that his Sept. 19 bout with Juan Manuel Marquez is being made available at select movie theaters. Shortly thereafter, The Associated Press reported that the ex-champion’s Rolls-Royce is being examined by Las Vegas police following a shooting.

During a conference call this afternoon, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer announced that Mayweather-Marquez would be available in 170 theaters around the country. This news comes as a surprise, considering Mayweather-Marquez is also available on HBO pay-per-view.

To see Mayweather-Marquez on pay-per-view, fight fans must cough up $49.95. They can now see the fight in theaters at a lesser price. Schaefer said movie tickets could range from $12.50 to $15.00.

Making matters worse, UFC 103 is scheduled to be held the same evening. However, those interested in seeing Mayweather-Marquez on the big screen near you, visit Fathom Events. 

For AP's report on the police investigation involving Mayweather’s automobile at a Las Vegas shooting, visit The Star-Ledger at NJ.com.

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing press release

Bally's Atlantic City in association with Main Events and Pat Lynch Boxing presents ‘Night of Thunder: A Tribute to Arturo Gatti.’ Arturo Gatti/HBO

The event will be held September 19. Teon Kennedy (13-0-0, 5 knockouts) of Philadelphia, Pa., takes on Lante Addy (6-4-0, 4 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, in the main event of what promises to be a great evening of local boxing talent.

Arturo Gatti fought in association with Bally’s so many times everyone involved felt it would be appropriate to honor his memory there. In true Gatti style, the card will be packed with exciting local favorites.

Teon Kennedy was the 2004 National Golden Gloves flyweight champion, two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion and is widely regarded as the best super bantamweight fighter on the East Coast. Lante Addy is the former WBO Intercontinental bantamweight titleholder and is currently the West African bantamweight champion.

Click to read more ...

Juan Diaz lands a left Saturday night during his unanimous decision victory over Paulie Malignaggi in Houston./Hogan Photos

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/For FightLedger.com

Before stepping in the ring Saturday night to face Juan Diaz, former IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi said the cards were stacked against him. Malignaggi was saying the same thing afterward.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., resident came out on the short end of a unanimous decision in Houston, Diaz’s hometown. The judges scored the fight 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113, all for Diaz. FightLedger.com and The Star-Ledger had it 116-112 for Malignaggi.

For a full report on the fight visit The Star-Ledger at NJ.com.

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing report

An interesting telephone conversation took place Thursday night between Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins on a Houston-based radio station. The two have discussed the possibility of a rematch for several years, but have been unable to agree on details. Roy Jones Jr./Square Ring

Their most recent discussion is quite revealing. Keep in mind that during the first meeting in May 1993, Jones won by unanimous decision. Check out the story below:

Roy “Captain Hook” Jones Jr., fresh off Saturday night’s dismantling of Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy in Biloxi, MS, is sending notice to all boxing pundits.

“I showed on Saturday night against Jeff Lacy that I have the best hook in the business,” said Jones. “And I am the only one that can throw either one of those hooks 5 or 6 at a time. No one can match that. I would like for someone to show me who can throw those combinations, or who has quicker hands. I don’t see it. Anything a great boxer needs, I have it. Skill for skill, I am the best.”

“As far as the pound-for-pound best goes, they’ve got it all messed up. It’s not supposed to be a fashion show, but it has turned into that.Pound-for-pound is about being the best boxer – effective speed, combinations and power. I can show them anything they need to see at any time.”

“Manny Pacquiao is at the top of the list and is a great fighter, but even he has not displayed a better hook. Bernard Hopkins can’t throw three or four hooks at one time and he is not as entertaining to watch than I am right now.The Roy Jones that was in the ring on Saturday night, no one could beat. Roy Jones is back!”

Click to read more ...

Neither Juan Diaz, left, nor Paulie Malignaggi will take a backward step before their bout Saturday night in Houston./Hogan Photos

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/For FightLedger.com

Thoughts of no longer being a world champion continue to haunt Juan Diaz. Those thoughts are always quickly followed by visions of returning to world-champion status.

Diaz, the former WBA/IBF/WBO lightweight titleholder, takes the first step toward again becoming a champion tomorrow night when he faces Paulie Malignaggi in Houston. The 12-round junior welterweight bout will air on HBO at 9:45 ET.

A big part of what made Diaz a champion was his relentless offensive attack. Diaz never gave his opponent an opportunity to rest or adjust. With Diaz it has always been one punch after another.

That style remains the core of Diaz’s offensive approach. It’s what Malignaggi can expect tomorrow night.

Click to read more ...

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/For FightLedger.com

Everything went according to plan for Vivian Harris during the first round Friday night in Tucson, Ariz. His jab controlled Noe Bolanos and kept Harris out of harm’s way.Vivian Harris/Hogan

There was no reason for concern in Harris’ corner at the start of Round 2. His jab was still working perfectly and Bolanos had not yet solved it.

Then the fighters’ heads clashed 40 seconds into the round. Bolanos grimmaced, but Harris quickly reached for his left temple, backed away and fell to one knee.

Harris would get to his feet, but stumbled toward the ropes. That’s when then things began to get scary.

Click to read more ...

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/Special to FightLedger.com

When former WBA junior welterweight titleholder Vivian Harris last stepped in a ring -- Oct. 29, 2008, in Lyndhurst, N.J. -- he needed just six rounds to dispose of Octavio Narvaez. In the fight Harris, after being dropped twice in the opening round, showed glimpses of the skills that once made him a champion.Vivian Harris/ Hogan

It was a much-needed win for the West Orange, N.J., resident, who had not fought in more than a year. Before registering the TKO of Narvaez, he was knocked out Sept. 7, 2007, in seven rounds by then-WBC 140-pound champion Junior Witter.

While Harris (29-3-1, 19 knockouts) showed against Narvaez that he remains capable to putting on a solid performance, doubts linger over whether he will ever wear a title belt again. There are no doubts in Harris’ mind that he will become a titleholder again.

To improve his chances of reaching his goal, Harris has turned to Tommy Brooks. The highly respected Wayne, N.J.-based trainer is all business and doesn’t give Harris any breaks. Thus far Harris has responded positively.

“I don’t have time for guys who aren’t serious,” Brooks told 15rounds.com. “This guy gets to the gym everyday before I do.”

Harris recently signed a deal with Golden Boy Promotions and will take the first step toward reclaiming his WBA crown tonight when he meets Noe Bolanos (20-4-1-, 12 KOs) in Tucson, Ariz. The bout will be televised on ESPN2 at 10 ET.

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing report

Female boxer Melissa St. Vil is back in New York and talking about being attacked Sunday in Las Vegas by Roger Mayweather. St. Vil revealed the horrifying details to Boxingscene.com.Roger Mayweather/ Boxingscene

There are always two sides to every story, and Mayweather has not yet told his version, but St. Vil’s account of the event is quite convincing. The New York resident said she was choked by Mayweather and nearly lost her life.

For the full story, visit Boxingscene.com.

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing report

Former WBC junior welterweight champion Roger Mayweather was arrested Sunday in Las Vegas on charges of coercion with force and battery-strangulation. He was then placed in a detention center. Roger Mayweather

Mayweather is the uncle and trainer of Floyd Mayweather Jr. He is 48 years old.

Melissa St. Vil, a 25-year-old boxer who Mayweather once trained, called police. St. Vil screamed for help just before the phone was disconnected.

When police officers arrived they found Mayweather holding St. Vil, who was coughing blood. Mayweather had wounds on his face and a laceration on top of his head, which paramedics believe resulted from St. Vil defending herself.

See the story written by Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports for more information.

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing report

Just how did former world boxing champion Arturo Gatti die remains a mystery. Early results from an autopsy requested by the fighter’s family have not ruled out homicide. Arturo Gatti/HBO

Gatti’s body was exhumed Friday and an autopsy performed Saturday in Montreal after Brazilian authorities determined the fighter committed suicide July 11. Before the ruling, Amanda Rodrigues, Gatti’s 23-year-old wife, was jailed on suspicion of murdering the former Jersey City, N.J., resident.

Shortly after Brazilian authorities released their findings, Rodrigues was released from custody. Gatti, who was 37 years old at the time of his death, had a professional career record of 40-9-0 with 31 knockouts. He once held world titles at super featherweight and junior welterweight.

For more in this report, visit NJ.com.

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/Special to FightLedger.com

On a night when boxing should have been celebrating a rare good card, the sport proves again why so few people care. Two junior welterweight title bouts where held last night in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and each had a questionable ending. Timothy Bradley/Hogan

WBO champion Timothy Bradley put his belt on the line against veteran Nate Campbell in the main event. Bradley started quickly and was in control.

He threw and landed more punches, though none seemed to seriously harm Campbell. Midway through the third round, however, an accidental head-butt opened a nasty cut over Campbell’s left eye.

Bradley (25-0-0, 12 knockouts) continued his assault, while Campbell complained to referee David Mendoza that he could not see due to the cut. Mendoza ignored Campbell’s complaints and let the action continue.

When the round ended, Campbell told the ringside physician and California State officials he saw spots before his eye and could not continue. That’s when things got whacky.

Click to read more ...

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing report

Even in death Arturo Gatti refuses to go without a fight. In an attempt to solve his cause of death, Gatti’s body was exhumed yesterday in Quebec at his family’s request. An autopsy is scheduled for today.Arturo Gatti/HBO

The exhumation came one day after Brazilian authorities ruled Gatti committed suicide and was not murdered. Amanda Rodriguez, Gatti’s 23-year-old wife, was jailed shortly after being suspected of murdering the former IBF super featherweight and WBC junior welterweight titleholder July 11 in their Brazilian condo.

Visit NJ.com for a full report.

BY FRANKLIN McNEIL/Special to FightLedger.com

Repairing a strained relationship with his father has taken several years, but the process is now complete. Roy Jones Jr. and his dad, Roy Jones Sr., have put their differences behind them. Roy Jones Jr./ Square Ring

For the second straight camp, Jones Sr. will be present and offering advice to his son. Jones Sr. will play a more prominent role this time as junior prepares to face hard-hitting Jeff Lacy. The NABO light heavyweight title bout is set for August 15 (pay-per-view) in Biloxi, Miss.

“It’s a lot easier to have someone around who knows from where you came,” Jones Jr. said. “The only problem I will have is that it may add 10 more years to my career and I don’t want to do that.”

Click to read more ...

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing report

No matter how bleak a situation appeared inside the ring, Arturo Gatti never gave up. However, police in Brazil today determined Gatti quit on life July 11 and committed suicide.

A judge ordered Gatti’s wife, Amanda Rodrigues, be released from jail shortly after the report was filed. Rodrigues was originally suspected of strangling Gatti with a purse strap.

For more on this report see NJ.com.

FIGHTLEDGER.com/Boxing report

The boxing schedule has lacked excitement lately, but according to a recent boxingscene report that is about to change. If a deal can be reached, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will take on highly touted Chris Arreola in September. Klitschko-Arreola would air on HBO. Vitali Klitschko/ FightLedger

Another high-profile bout is in the works. Representatives for middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and top-rated junior middleweight Paul Williams are in discussions for a potential October showdown.

For more on both Klitschko-Arreola and Pavlik Williams see www.boxingscene.com.