The CBZ Newswire

By Juan C. Ayllon

Photos courtesy of John Scully and www.icemanjohnscully.com

Fight poster courtesyof HBO.

John Scully, left, with Chad Dawson, after Dawson scored a 7th round stoppage over former junior middleweight world champion Carl Daniels at Foxwoods on December 10, 2004. (photo courtesy of John Scully)

Sports analysts will tell you that at the world-class level in any sport, the difference in athletes’ skill level is often quite small.

Enter the Iceman.  With Chad Dawson’s championship rematch against all-time great Bernard Hopkins just hours away, it bears noting that his trainer, John Scully, has fought for world titles, sparred with champs like Roy Jones, Jr. and James Toney. Now, he’s helped Dawson hone his skills razor sharp for tonight’s epic battle in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Iceman” John Scully was born in Hartford, Connecticut to Gerald and Carol Scully. His father was a salesman selling candy, soda and cigarettes to stores, mini-marts and gas stations, while his mother (who passed in 1996) worked as a secretary for an insurance company.

A graduate of Windsor High School in Connecticut in 1985, Scully launched what would become an illustrious amateur boxing career in 1982. Highlights included middleweight championship wins at the 1987 Ohio State Fair, 1987 National PAL tournament, and the 1988 Eastern U.S. Olympic Trials.  His final tally as an amateur was 57 wins and 13 losses. (continue reading…)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, April 4, 2010 –

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Hopkins was taken to the Southern Hills Hospital for observation immediately following the fight.

“It was a great victory for Bernard Hopkins. Seventeen years in the making. He got the win, the victory he waited for.  A lot of people counted Roy out.  Roy came to fight and I want to congratulate him for that.” (continue reading…)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, April 2, 2010 — The official weights for tomorrow night’s stacked Hopkins vs. Jones fight card are in along with a surprising variety of fight predictions from those who know best-other world champions, most of whom have fought one or both Hopkins and/or Jones.

 ”I think if Roy still has it, he can win on points.  Either way it will be close and I would be surprised if there is a stoppage.”

-Joe Calzaghe, Unanimous decision over both Hopkins and Jones (continue reading…)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, April 1, 2010 — This Saturday’s Bernard Hopkins vs. Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view telecast will ONLY be available on pay-per-view and will NOT be shown on a delayed broadcast.

“Fans who think they can wait to see this on free television better think again,” said Hopkins.  “This is a one-time only and once in a lifetime opportunity to see me give Roy Jones the beating I have been waiting all these years to give him.  Anyone out there who thinks I am kidding better not snooze on this one because if you snooze, you lose.” (continue reading…)

BERNARD HOPKINS

“I don’t want to look like a bully on Saturday night. I want him to bring his ‘A Game.’

“I will knock this guy out.  It is going to be up to Merkerson whether he lives or dies. (To Merkerson)  It is going to be up to you to stop it!” (continue reading…)