Posts Tagged ‘Bernard Hopkins’
Courages Bozella Finally Gets Pro Boxing License
October 2nd, 2011 | 
Author: 
Dewey Bozella from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is a former amateur boxer who is best known for being falsely imprisoned for 26 years for a murder he did not commit. Courages, Bozella has finally got his pro boxers license at the age of 52.
“It was a hope and a dream,” said Bozella. “It was that one-in-a-million chance, because that just doesn’t happen. “It’s the gift – to never give up.”
Bozella is scheduled to finally realize his dream of fighting professionally at least one time with his debut being on October 15, 2011, in an untelevised match on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs Chad Dawson match-up at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
In 1977, 92-year-old Emma Crapser was murdered in her Poughkeepsie, New York apartment. Police alleged that Crapser walked in on a burglary that was being committed by a then 18 year old Bozella, who then killed her. In 1983, Bozella was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He continued to claim he was innocent and refused to admit to the crimes he was alleged to have committed, even when in front of the parole board, who denied him parole on four occasions. Bozella wrote the Innocence Project, who agreed to look into his case. When the IP discovered that there was no DNA evidence remaining to be tested, they referred the case to WilmerHale. Lawyers at WilmerHale discovered new evidence, that had been suppressed by prosecutors, that showed Bozella was innocent. Supreme Court Justice James Rooney of Putnam County agreed that the Dutchess County district attorney had failed to disclose crucial evidence which would have proved Bozella’s innocence. In October of 2009, Bozella was released from prison after serving 26 years. Bozella was imprisoned at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. While incarcerated at Sing Sing, he became prison boxing champion.
At the ESPY Awards, Bozella gave an inspirational speech about not letting fear hold you back. And Golden Boy Promotions and its 46-year-old light heavyweight champion and boxing legend, Bernard Hopkins, reached out to Bozella through Maura Mandt, an executive producer of the ESPYs.
“They said we want to make a fight happen for him, and there was a fight coming up in October,” said Mandt, “and all that had to happen was Dewey had to pass this test.”
Bozella trained on his own and then took the test. He failed.
Hopkins then invited Bozella to Philadelphia to train with him for the retest. He mentored Bozella and helped train him while training for his first defense of his light-heavyweight title.
Thursday, Bozella retook the test, and, with Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya in his corner, he passed. ”It was a wonderful feeling,” he said.
And having former champion De La Hoya in his corner was amazing, he said. “It was very, very inspiring. It definitely helped.”
Said Hopkins: “I’m really happy for him. I’m glad I was able to help make it happen. Everybody deserves to get a chance to fulfill their dreams.”
Hopkins told Bozella, “OK, Dewey, they didn’t give this license because they felt sorry for you. Show them that they gave it to you because you deserved it.”
Asked if he would fight again Bozella answered; Hell, no. I say this with full responsibility. I think once is enough. After that, I hope to return to Poughkeepsie, get my own gym and work with kids.
Article: 1st October 2011
Jean Pascal Returns December 17th
Former WBC champion at light heavyweight Jean Pascal plans to return to the ring on December 17, according to BoxingScene.com referring to Canadian sources.This will be the first fight after the defeat of Pascal on points to Bernard Hopkins in May of this year. Pascal rival is not yet known, but unconfirmed media reports state that Pascal could be taking on IBF champion Tavoris Cloud.
Posted in Information, Latest News, Professional Boxing | 
Tags: Bernard Hopkins, Jean Pasca, Jean Pascal Returns, Tavoris Cloud
Latest Boxing News in Brief
Latest Boxing News – May 26, for: Pacquiao vs. Marquez – The Trilogy, Super Six World Boxing Classic, Zbik talks about Chavez, Nathan Cleverly would love to fight Bernard Hopkins, Estrella defends this Saturday, Omar Narvaez, Top Rank inks Gesta, Cruz headlines July 1, Vitali: Adamek is stronger than David Haye
- Pacquiao vs. Marquez – The Trilogy
The fight that many people were clamoring for when Manny Pacquio squared off with “Sugar” Shane Mosley is finally going to take place. Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2-1, 38 KO’s) will be fighting Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) on November 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
- Super Six World Boxing Classic
World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Middleweight Champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch, Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson and promoter Lou DiBella held an international media conference call on Wednesday to discuss their upcoming Semifinal bout in the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, June 4, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
- Zbik talks about Chavez
Unbeaten WBC middleweight champion Sebastian Zbik of Germany talks about his June 4 defense against #1 contender Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
- Nathan Cleverly would love to fight Bernard Hopkins
The Welshman successfully defended his WBO light-heavyweight title for the first time at the weekend with victory over Aleksy Kuziemski while Hopkins took the WBC crown from Jean Pascal in their rematch to become the oldest champion in history. – Hopkins gave Cleverly’s then mentor, Joe Calzaghe, a fright in the first round of their fight in April 2008 but the Welshman went on to win on points. And Cleverly would love the chance to take on one of the all time greats.”I’ve got nothing but respect for Hopkins and all he has achieved,” said Cleverly.”To win a world title at the age of 46 is an absolutely incredible achievement”- “There’s a lot of people out there who think he is the best light-heavyweight in the world, I’m the new boy on the scene and I want to prove them wrong”. (Source: BoxingScene)
- Estrella defends this Saturday
Tijuana fighter Omar Estrella (18-2-2, 13 KOs) will defend his Mexican featherweight title against the tough Sergio “Mickey” Lopez (23-2, 19 KOs) of Ensenada, MX, this Saturday night in Mazatlan, MX. Estrella captured the title against Martin Fing last August 14th via a unanimous decision. Jorge Linares, Ivan “Terriblito” Morales and Pedro Guevara are also slated to fight Saturday night in separate bouts on a card presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Box Latino.
- Omar Narvaez
Undefeated WBO super flyweight world champion Omar Narvaez is expected to defend his crown for the third time against Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr. on June 11th at the famous Luna Park in Buenos Aires on a card presented by promoter Osvaldo Rivero. Unbeaten female world champion Yessica Bopp will defend her WBA and WBO flyweight belts. Narvaez previously made 16 consecutive defenses of his WBO flyweight title.
- Top Rank inks Gesta
Fast rising WBO #2 ranked lightweight Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (21-0-1, 11 KOs) has come to terms with premier promoter Top Rank. After speaking briefly to Golden Boy Promotions, Gesta and his team opted for the Las Vegas based promoter after meeting with Bob Arum in last week. The quick fisted southpaw has signed a multiple year agreement which the San Diego, CA, based fighter hopes brings him to the next level. “I feel comfortable with the deal, I’m ready for a world title and Mr. Arum wants to give us a shot,” Gesta said exclusively to Fightnews.com. “I’m excited to get back in the ring and show the world I’m ready for the best in my weight class.” (Source: FightNews)
- Cruz headlines July 1
Undefeated welterweight prospect Ronald Cruz (12-0, 9 KOs) faces Doel Carrasquillo (15-17-1, 13 KOs) in the scheduled 10-round main event of the first-ever boxing card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem on July 1. Cruz will headline a card for the first time as well as engage in his first scheduled 10-round bout in a temporary 1,600-seat tent on the grounds of the Sands. Carrasquillo knocked out previously unbeaten Denis Douglin in his last fight.
- Vitali: Adamek is stronger than David Haye
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (42-2, 39 KO’s) isn’t one of the admirers of WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s). In a recent press conference to promote his September 10th fight against challenger Tomasz Adamek (44-1, 28 KO’s) at the Stadion Miejski, Wroclaw, Poland, Vitali pointed out that he thinks that Adamek is stronger than Haye. Here is what Vitali had to say about Haye: “Who is better – Tomas Adamek or David Haye? I’m more than sure that David Haye is world champion by talking. Adamek was many times world champion by boxing”. (Source: BoxingNews24)
Boxing News in Brief
Photo used in article: Team Gesta.
Posted in Information, Latest News, Professional Boxing, Television / PPV Boxing Schedule |
Tags: Adamek, Bernard Hopkins, Chavez, Cruz, David Haye, defends, Estrella, Fight, Gesta, Marquez, Nathan Cleverly, Omar Narvaez, Pacquiao, Super Six, Top Rank, Trilogy, Vitali, World Boxing Classic, Zbik
Chad Dawson wants his shot / Chisora vs Fury
Chad Dawson wants his shot
IBF/WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KO’s) is hoping that 46-year-old Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO’s) keeps his word to fight him next after hearing news that Hopkins’ promoter Richard Schaefer is looking for a way out of the Dawson fight. In an ESPN interview, Schaefer said that he will “look for contract loopholes” for Hopkins to fight someone else other than Dawson.
Chisora vs Fury
On July 23, two undefeated heavyweights clash, with British champion Dereck Chisora (14-0, 9 KO’s) defending his title against 6’9″ challenger Tyson Fury (14-0, 10 KO’s) at the Wembley Arena, Wembley, London, England.
Posted in Information, Latest News, Professional Boxing |
Tags: Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson, Chisora, Chisora vs Fury, Fury
Dawson Wants Title Shot
Former World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Heavyweight Champion “Bad” Chad Dawson congratulated Bernard Hopkins for his record-breaking victory last Saturday night against Jean Pascal. With his unanimous decision, Hopkins became the oldest fighter to ever win a world title.
Hopkins now has the obligation to face Dawson in his first defense because it was Dawson who stepped aside to allow a rematch of the controversial Pascal-Hopkins draw first, in exchange for an appearance on the show’s undercard bout and the right to face the winner.
Dawson defeated fellow former champ Adrian Diaconu in the main supporting bout that night, keeping his end of the bargain he struck with the main event fighters’ camps.
Unfortunately, one of the first messages to come from new champion Hopkins’ camp came when promoter Richard Schaefer told ESPN he would “look for contract loopholes” that would allow Hopkins to fight someone other than Dawson.
“Bernard, I’m sure you would agree I allowed your fight to happen. You said at the press conference I was next. I know that besides being a great champion, you’re also a person of your word, so I look forward to facing you later this year,” said Dawson.
Dawson’s promoter, Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Productions, echoes Dawson’s sentiments. “Bernard, congratulations on the wave of good will you are currently riding. You deserve it. I know you’ll do the right thing and keep your word against Chad. We are looking forward to a terrific fight.”
Posted in Information, Latest News, Professional Boxing |
Tags: Adrian Diaconu, Bad Chad Dawson, Bernard Hopkins, Chad, Chad Dawson, Jean Pascal, light heavyweight champion, Title Shot
