The CBZ Newswire

By John “Iceman” Scully

Tavoris Cloud, at left, and Bernard Hopkins exchange blows up close (photo courtesy of espn.go.com)

It’s amazing that Bernard Hopkins is once again a world champion. He uses superior conditioning as much as guile and ring smarts at his age to frequently overcome younger, stronger opponents like Tavoris Cloud, Kelly Pavlick and Jean Pascal. It’s astonishing how many twelve round fights he has won just since turning forty years old. His eight wins since 2005 over that distance represent more than most champions compile in their entire careers beginning in their late teens or early twenties. Amazingly five years ago, boxing experts called upon Bernard to retire after his loss to Joe Calzaghe, citing unnecessary health risks after he’d shown signs of decline not previously seen. What’s even more amazing and eye opening, though, is the list of great champions before him who were seemingly totally spent physically and mentally at much younger ages and with less fights under their belts than he has right now.

The great Muhammad Ali, for example, was ten years younger than Bernard is right now when he was completely overcome by Larry Holmes in 1980 in a fight that when people recall it now they refer to Ali as “ancient at 38.” (continue reading…)

By Juan C. Ayllon

Tavoris Cloud, at left, and Bernard Hopkins exchange blow up close (photo courtesy of espn.go.com)

BROOKLYN, NY – If Bernard Hopkins would have just stood still so he could hit him squarely and often, Tavoris Cloud might still be champ. 

However, like a kid making the move to little league from T-ball – where the baseball sits atop a tee for the batter to hit – Cloud took on a challenge at a whole new level on March 9^th at the Barclays Center.     (continue reading…)

BOUT SCHEDULED AS CO-MAIN EVENT TO BERNARD HOPKINS VS. TAVORIS CLOUD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT

BROOKLYN, NY, February 12 — The co-main event to the Bernard Hopkins vs. Tavoris Cloud IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship on Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is set as undefeated Florida knockout artist Keith “One Time” Thurman and former World Champion Jan “Mr. Sympathicus” Zaveck will do battle in a 12-round bout for Zaveck’s WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Championship, which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

“I’ve been patiently waiting for my time,” said Thurman.  “That time is March 9 and I’m going to go through Zaveck and then get my title shot.  This is my year, no question about it and I’m going to let the world know it.” (continue reading…)

Hopkins to attempt to break record on oldest champ to win title

BROOKLYN, January 15, 2013 – Future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins was born 48 years ago today, and in celebration he will continue his record-setting career on Saturday, March 9 by facing undefeated IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a bout which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

“Today is my 48th birthday and I feel half my age, so Cloud had better be ready” said Hopkins, who will be participating in his 29th world championship fight and if he is victorious will break his own record as the oldest fighter in history to win a world title. “People can say what they want. I have broken records, quieted doubters and solidified my legacy. Now, I am going to do all of that again, but this time at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn in front of a large crowd of people that understand and appreciate the sport.” (continue reading…)

“One of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to announce.”

– Ring Announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.

“How this fight could be scored 116-110 on a judge’s scorecard is beyond comprehension. It’s one of the most egregious decisions I’ve ever seen.”

– Showtime Analyst Al Bernstein

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — In retrospect, it was very appropriate that light heavyweight title challenger Gabriel Campillo raised his arms above his head at the conclusion of his fight on Saturday night.

To the live audience at the American Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the nationwide viewers of Showtime Championship Boxing, it appeared that Campillo was celebrating his dominant 12-round victory over IBF Champion Tavoris Cloud.

But after the incomprehensible decision rendered by two of the judges, the truth became apparent: Campillo had his hands up because he was being robbed! (continue reading…)