Boxing Podcast With John Nash

My guest on this podcast is John Nash, a top MMA writer for Bloody Elbow.  John writes primarily about MMA and boxing and also does an excellent podcast called Show Money which covers the business side of MMA.

We spoke about the idea of a Boxing League and what the nuts and bolts of that would look like.  We spoke about how revenues would be split and what the wage share would be, what antitrust or Ali Act concerns there would be and what would happen with the sanctioning bodies.

It was an excellent discussion - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Cliff Rold

My guest on this podcast is Cliff Rold, a top boxing writer and managing editor for BoxingScene.com.  Cliff is also a founding member of the media-run independent ratings organization the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board (TBRB).  We spoke about the 2020 IBHOF ballot and Cliff's choices for the Hall of Fame.  We also talked about his criteria for selecting his potential inductees and which writers receive which ballots 

We also got into the great fights of the last few weeks including Canelo-Kovalev and Inoue-Donaire.

It was a really interesting discussion.  Enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Official Boxing Esq. World Boxing Ratings - December 2019

Presenting the December 2019 Boxing Esq. World Boxing Ratings:

Boxing Podcast With James "Buddy" McGirt and Michael Woods

My guests on this podcast are Hall of Famer Buddy McGirt and boxing writer Michael Woods.  I spoke with McGirt about the upcoming Light Heavyweight title fight between his champion Sergey Kovalev and Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez.  We also spoke about the ring passing of Patrick Day and what safety measures the sport can take to prevent future deaths.

I spoke to Woods about Woods' upbringing in Massachusetts and what brought him to New York to become a boxing writer.  We also spoke about the state of the boxing press today and how it differs from when Woods started.

Great conversations - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Tom Loeffler

My guest on this podcast is Tom Loeffler of GGG Promotions and 360 Promotions.  We spoke about the recent Middleweight title fight and "Big Drama Show" at Madison Square Garden between Gennady Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Tom's upcoming 360 Promotions show in Hollywood with Serhei Bohachuk.  We also talked about Tom's background in sports memorabilia (with his partner Harlan Werner) and their list of clients including Muhammad Ali, Sandy Koufax, Joe Namath, Ronald Reagan, and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Additionally, we discussed his time as a boxing manager of Kevin Kelley, Oba Carr and Shane Mosley and his transition into promoting with K2 and the Klitschko brothers.

It was a fun discussion - enjoy it!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With David Berlin

My guest on this podcast is the former Executive Director of the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), David Berlin.  We spoke about David's background and interest in the sport, including a brief amateur boxing career.  We also talked about his relationship with Teddy Atlas, his representation of Salita Promotions and his new management company Four Corners Advisory Group.  Additionally, we discussed David's time at the NYSAC and his implementation of policies regarding drug testing, health care for boxers, bout insurance, selection of officials and instant replay.   It was a fun discussion - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Tim Smith

My guest on this podcast is Tim Smith, VP of Communications at Haymon Sports and the PBC.  We spoke about the upcoming Welterweight unification fight between Errol Spence and Shawn Porter and the rest of the top Welterweights on the PBC roster - Manny Pacquiao, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, and Mikey Garcia.  We also talked about the Heavyweights, including the rematches between Deontay Wilder-Luis Ortiz and Andy Ruiz-Anthony Joshua.  We further discussed the loaded Jr. Middleweight division and what's next for Jermall Charlo, Adrian Broner, Leo Santa Cruz, and others.  It was a fun discussion - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Kevin Cunningham

My guest on this podcast is world-class trainer and manager Kevin Cunningham.  We discussed Kevin's move from St. Louis and the establishment of his world-class training camp in West Palm Beach.  We further discussed Kevin's work with Junior Middleweight contender Erickson Lubin, WBA Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis and former four-division champion Adrian Broner.

Additionally, we spoke about Kevin's relationship with former Junior Welterweight and Welterweight Champion Devon Alexander and where it's at today.  Great conversation - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With David Duenez

My guest on this podcast is David Duenez, owner of the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  We talk about the weekend of fights including Kovalev-Yarde and Figueroa-Cintron.  We also talk about the Ruiz-Joshua 2 negotiations and Dana White's entry into boxing promotion.  Additionally, we spoke about David's background and interest in boxing and the origins of the Leave It In The Ring network.  A really fun and interesting conversation, hope you enjoy it.

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Brin-Jonathan Butler

My guest on this podcast is Brin-Jonathan Butler, critically acclaimed author, as well as one of the preeminent boxing journalists.  We review the good (Pacquiao-Thurman, Ramirez-Hooker), the bad (the administrative mess of Whyte-Rivas) and the ugly/tragic (RIP Maxim Dadashev and Hugo Santillan).  A really interesting conversation, hope you enjoy it.

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Herbert Goldman

My guest on this podcast is boxing historian Herbert Goldman.  We discussed Herbert's time as a managing editor at The Ring and his role in putting together the last three Ring Record Books.  We also discussed Herbert's four-volume magnum opus boxing record book for the sport "Boxing - A Worldwide Record of Bouts and Boxers", with a particular focus on the Timeline of Boxing History.

Additionally, we went through an abbreviated history of the sanctioning bodies in the interest of tracking how we got to the present of a proliferation of organizations and how close we came at various points to having one overarching regulatory organization.

It was a great conversation. Enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Doug Fischer

My guest on this podcast is Doug Fischer, Editor-in-Chief of The Ring Magazine.  We spoke about Doug's upbringing in the midwest and his journey as a boxing writer.  We discussed the origins of internet boxing coverage and Doug's time as one of the principals of both House of Boxing and MaxBoxing, as well as his move to the The Ring.

We also did a division by division review of the sport from Heavyweight to Bantamweight as well as our candidates for Fight of the Year so far in 2019.

It was a great discussion - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with them and you can find the podcast on their website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Legal Roundup: Salita Files Letter Requesting Enforcement Of Settlement Agreement Against Big Baby Miller

Earlier this week, counsel for Salita Promotions Corp. (SPC) filed a letter with the Court requesting a pre-motion conference in advance of a potential motion by SPC for an Order to enforce non-disparagement provisions of the Settlement Agreement entered into between SPC and Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller (Miller).

This case was originally brought by SPC (under the corporate name Star of David, Inc.) in December 2016 alleging breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against Miller for allegedly refusing to participate in fights and meetings with top network executives.

SPC also brought claims for tortious interference with contract and tortious interference with advantageous business relationship against Stephen Nelson, Miller's co-manager; Alvina Alston and More Media, Miller's publicist; and Leon Margules and Warriors Boxing Promotions, Miller's lawyer and a rival promoter.  The tortious interference claims alleged Alston put out press releases with false accusations against SPC, that Nelson advised Miller to breach the contract by non-performance and that Margules was not just acting as a lawyer but was trying to sign Miller to his promotional company Warriors Boxing.

The parties entered into a confidential Settlement Agreement in June 2017.  The Settlement Agreement was amended in February 2019.

Counsel for SPC (former NYSAC Commissioner David Berlin) alleges in the letter to the court this week that Miller has treated the New Promotional Agreement that was entered into at settlement with "blatant disregard and disrespect - repeatedly disparaging SPC and its principal Dmitriy Salita in interviews and on social media in violation of the Non-Disparagement Clause, meeting and negotiating with promoters other than SPC in violation of the agreement's exclusivity provisions, and flaunting the sport's anti-doping rules by using prohibited drugs in violation of the clear terms of the agreement, there squandering his opportunity to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship . . . "

SPC seeks "millions of dollars" in damages from Miller for the money lost due to the doping violations and also permanent and temporary injunctions to stop Miller from disparaging Salita and SPC and keep Miller from meeting or negotiating with promoters other than SPC.

See original complaint below:
See letter to Court below:

Legal Roundup: 2nd Circuit Affirms Dismissal Of Breach Of Contract Claims In Wilder v. World of Boxing/Povetkin Doping Case

Last week, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel Gorenstein's April 2018 decision in the Wilder/DiBella Entertainment (Wilder) vs. World of Boxing/Povetkin (WOB) case that dismissed both sides breach of contract claims and allowed Deontay Wilder's escrowed purse for a proposed fight with Alexander Povetkin to be returned to Povetkin's promoter WOB, in spite of a jury verdict that found Povetkin had ingested a banned substance in the time period it was banned by WADA.

This was a complicated case that was previously summarized on this blog. In essence, Judge Gorenstein's lower court ruling came down to the parties agreement to allow the WBC to draft the controlling bout agreement.  In the bout agreement, it stated that the WBC Rules governed the event, "in its entirety and shall be binding on all parties . . ."  In the event of a dispute, the parties were bound by the WBC's rules and regs.  The WBC's rules on PEDs leave any determination as to penalties solely in the discretion of the WBC on a case-by-case basis and explicitly state that they "do not adhere to a 'strict liability' standard in anti-doping matters."

Thus, because of the discretion given to the WBC in the bout agreement, Judge Gorenstein found that the parties were bound by the WBC's ultimate determination that it could not be conclusively proved that Povetkin ingested a banned substance.  The fact that the WBC ignored a jury verdict to the contrary was not enough to save Wilder's breach of contract claims.

The 2nd Circuit affirmed quoting the lower court's decision that to accept Wilder's arguments now "'would require this Court to determine that Povetkin breached the contract by failing to abide by 'WBC anti-doping requirements' when the parties specifically agreed that the WBC's decision on this question would be conclusive."

Similarly, the 2nd Circuit affirmed the dismissal of WOB's claims based on the lower court's determination that any damages suffered by WOB flowed from Povetkin's positive test and the WBC's determination to postpone and investigate and ultimately never reschedule the fight and not any alleged anticipatory repudiation by Wilder.

The 2nd Circuit also affirmed the award of Wilder's escrowed purse back to WOB as that was the instruction of the escrow agreement if the fight did not take place.  They similarly affirmed the lower courts dismissal of WOB's breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing claim for liquidated damages ruling that Wilder "did not act objectively unreasonably in objecting to the disbursement of the funds."

I've previously stated my takeaways from this case in my article from April 2018.  Suffice it to say that future parties drafting bout agreements for major title fights need to be extremely aware of the anti-doping provisions of the sanctioning body whose belt they are contesting.  The WBC has very open-ended rules that subject the parties to the whims of the WBC.  With the 2nd Circuit citing precedent that courts should "defer[] to a [private sports organization's] interpretation of its own rules in the absence of an allegation that [the organization] acted in bad faith or in violation of any local, state or federal laws" - parties need to be very aware of the rules they are up against.

See Opinion below:
 

Boxing Podcast With Todd duBoef

My guest on this podcast is Todd duBoef, the President of one of the leading promoters in boxing Top Rank, Inc.  We spoke about his company's television deal with ESPN and how it came about.  We also talked about his vision for the future and what shoulder-programming will go on the network.

We also spoke about his star heavyweight Tyson Fury and how he fits into the heavyweight picture as well as the great fights coming up on the schedule and collision course that Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez are on.

It was a great conversation - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Cliff Rold

My guest on this podcast is Cliff Rold, a top boxing writer and managing editor for BoxingScene.com.  Cliff is also a founding member of the media-run independent ratings organization the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board (TBRB).  We spoke about his journey in the sport from watching fights with his grandparents to writing for RIngTalk, CyberBoxingZone and Boxing Scene.

We also talked about his break from The Ring Ratings Panel to form the TBRB, the art of rating fighters and the goals and impact of the TBRB.  We further got into the state of the game, the Heavyweights and what should be the next weight classes for the World Boxing Super Series.

It was a really interesting discussion.  Enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With John Nash

My guest on this podcast is John Nash, a top MMA writer for Bloody Elbow.  John writes primarily about MMA and boxing and also does an excellent podcast called Show Money which covers the business side of MMA.

We spoke about the rumors of Endeavor purchasing Waddell Reed's interest in Haymon Sports and the PBC.  We also discussed Endeavor's possible interest in Top Rank and what an Endeavor boxing promotional entity would look like.

We further got into a few MMA topics including how the UFC's deal with ESPN is going and if Bellator is benefitting from its DAZN deal.

It was an excellent discussion - enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

DiBella Entertainment and Headbangers Win Dismissal from Prichard Colon Lawsuit

Today in D.C. Superior Court, Judge John Campbell filed an Opinion granting both defendant promoters DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and Headbangers, Inc. motions to dismiss the negligence claims brought against them in a lawsuit by injured boxer Prichard Colon.

The suit arose from the brain injuries Colon suffered in a boxing match against Terrel Williams in Fairfax, VA on October 17, 2015.   The Complaint alleged that Williams hit Colon with rabbit punches (illegal punches to the back of the head) throughout the fight until Colon fell from a rabbit punch in the seventh round.  The ringside doctor, Dr. Richard Ashby, examined Colon and allowed the fight to continue.  Colon was subsequently knocked down twice in the ninth round and lost on a disqualification.  Colon collapsed after the fight and has been bedridden and in a "vegetative" state since that night.

The Complaint, filed in May 2017, alleged that promoters DBE and Headbangers "owed Prichard a duty of care to hire, appoint, choose, recruit and approve personnel who enforce, instruct, advise and abide by applicable standards of care," and "to ensure that the specific ringside physician was properly trained . . . and skilled to perform the neurological examinations necessary to determine if one of the fighters had suffered a traumatic brain injury."  Plaintiffs also alleged that the promoters failed to "make sure that guidelines, procedures, and protocols were in place to properly prevent and assess bleeding in the brain of one of the boxers..."

Both DBE and Headbangers argued in their motions to dismiss that the bout was conducted under the auspices of the state of Virginia's Boxing Regulations.  They further argued that plaintiff Colon could not establish that the promoters had a duty of care to "hire . . . and approve personnel" and "ensure that the . . . ringside physician was properly trained" because the Regulations bestow those duties on the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Judge Campbell agreed with DBE and Headbangers arguments stating, the "Regulations are clear that event promoters, such as DBE and Headbangers, are not responsible for ringside protocols or the hiring of a ringside physician.  Both of these duties are entirely the responsibility of the Department.  DBE and Headbangers thus cannot be held liable for breach of a duty they did not possess." 

The Judge further ruled that all claims against DBE and Headbangers were dismissed with prejudice.

See Complaint below:
See DBE Motion to Dismiss:
See Headbangers Motion to Dismiss:
See Opinion of the Court:

Boxing Podcast With Bob Yalen

My guest on this podcast is Connecticut Boxing Hall of Famer, six-time sports Emmy award-winner and new President of MTK Global Management, Bob Yalen.  We spoke about the future of MTK's top fighters Tyson Fury, Carl Frampton and Billy Joe Saunders.  We also spoke about MTK's broadcast deals with ESPN and IFL TV. 

We then got into Bob's rich experience in the sport as a researcher for Flash Gordon, The Ring Record Book and Fight Fax.  We also talked about his time as head of boxing programming at ABC and ESPN networks and as the Chairman of the WBC Ratings Committee.  We closed with a discussion of the state of televised boxing today.

It was a really informative conversation.  Enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Steve Farhood

My guest on this podcast is Hall of Fame boxing writer and television commentator, Steve Farhood.  We spoke about Steve's experience growing up in NYC in the 1970's and his first job out of college with London Publishing, where he founded the legendary KO Magazine.  We also spoke about his time as Editor-in-Chief of The Ring Magazine and his nearly 20 years as an expert analyst on ShoBox.  Steve also gave his insights on the state of game, where women's boxing is going and who he thinks will win the major fights in the next few months.

It was a great conversation.  Enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Mago Counsel Seeks Expedition Of Trial Date Due To Visa Concerns

An interesting issue was recently raised in a letter to the Court from plaintiff's counsel Paul Edelstein in the Magomed Abdusalamov ("Mago") case.  Edelstein is trying to secure a trial date for Mago in New York Supreme Court, Kings County, before he has to file a petition for another extension of his visa to stay in the United States.  The major concern is whether Mago will be granted another visa extension in order to stay in the US for the trial.  The Court has currently scheduled the case for a trial assignment conference on July 16, 2019.  Edelstein is requesting a trial date prior to June 2019, the deadline for submission of the next visa extension application. 

If you are unfamiliar with Mago's case, he was injured by hard forearm to the face in the first round in his bout with Mike Perez at Madison Square Garden on November 2, 2013.  Mago went the distance with Perez but lost in a very physical and competitive bout.  Commission doctors examined him in his dressing room and allowed him to leave the arena. Soon after leaving, he started vomiting and was taken via taxi to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. He was placed in an induced coma and had surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.

Mago, 38, is currently paralyzed on the right side of his body.  His speech is severely impaired and doctors have stated he may never walk again.

Mago was originally granted a P-1 work status visa as an internationally recognized athlete, presumably in early 2009 when he first fought in the US.  Once he was injured in the Perez fight, he petitioned and was granted a B-2 visa - which is a tourist visa.  Edelstein states in the letter that the change in status was granted due in large part to his need to participate in the pending lawsuit and his serious medical needs.  The B-2 has been repeatedly extended each time for a six-month period.  The December 2018 petition for extension has not yet been decided on.

Edelstein is particularly concerned about Mago's visa status because his case has been transferred to an office in Nebraska.  The office has a more "conservative reputation" than the prior office in Vermont.

The suit was originally filed in 2014 and named many members of the New York State Athletic Commission as well as the promoter K2 and the venue MSG.  All defendants have been dismissed except for the ringside doctors who were working that night.  Mago's attorneys first filed a note of issue with the Court, signaling they are ready for trial, on June 29, 2017. 

See the letter to the Court below:

Middendorf Wins Judgment For Over $500,000 Against Top Rank In Crawford Contract Dispute

Chris Middendorf's company Middendorf Sports won a judgment of $520,296.87 plus prejudgment interest in its suit against Top Rank in U.S. Federal Court, District of Nebraska, over their contractual percentage owed on Terence Crawford's purses for title defenses.  Judge John Gerrard issued the opinion on Sunday.

This suit was brought in January 2017 after Top Rank stopped paying a fee equal to 8% of Crawford's title defense purses which they contracted to pay Middendorf in an Agreement and Release that enabled Crawford to sign with Top Rank back in 2011.

The Court found that the language in the Agreement and Release was "unambiguous" that "Top Rank is obliged to pay Middendorf eight percent of Crawford's 'purse' for any Crawford "title defense" that Top Rank promotes pursuant to a promotional rights agreement."  The Court determined that the obligation to pay the fee did not terminate when Top Rank signed Crawford to an Exclusive Restated Promotional Agreement in 2014.  The Court had essentially made this determination in its opinion on Top Rank's motion for summary judgment back in April 2018.

The parties still had a dispute over the meaning of the terms "purse" and "title defense" and recently went to trial over these issues. 

Top Rank argued that the term "purse" did not include additional revenues from gate participation that were paid to Crawford. The Court disagreed and held that gate participation was also part of the purse. The Court found that the term "purse", within the meaning of the Agreement and Release, meant "simply the remuneration paid to Crawford."

Regarding the meaning of the term "title defense", Top Rank argued that a "unification bout" did not come under the definition of a "title defense" and was a separate type of bout where no fees were owed to Middendorf.  The Court found that "Top Rank's argument that the categories of "title defense" and "unification bout" are mutually exclusive is not supported by the evidence."  The Court reasoned that a bout can be both a unification and a title defense.

No word on whether Top Rank will appeal.

See the Court's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law:
See the Judgment:

Boxing Podcast with Keith Connolly

My guest on this podcast is New York-based boxing manager Ketih Connolly.  We talked about how Keith got into the management business and his tremendous roster of fighters including: Daniel Jacobs, Luis Collazo, Marcus Browne, Sergey Derevyanchenko, Adam Kownacki, Chris Algieri, Nikita Abibiy, Reshet Mait and Nkosi Solomon. 

It was an interesting conversation with some great insight on how "working across the aisle" can happen in the sport.  Enjoy!

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast with James "Buddy" McGirt

My guest on this podcast is top trainer and 2019 IBHOF inductee James "Buddy" McGirt.  We discussed Buddy's recent work in the corner of WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev, as well as young prospect and 2016 Olympian Janibek Alimkhanuly.

We also discussed Buddy's Hall of Fame career and legendary fights with Frankie Warren, Saoul Mamby, Howard Davis, Meldrick Taylor, Simon Brown and Pernell Whitaker.  We talked about his notorious management team Al Certo and Stuart Weiner.  We then got into his adjustment to retiring from the ring and his becoming a trainer of champions such as Arturo Gatti, Antonio Tarver and Vernon Forrest.  It was a really great conversation - enjoy!

To check out Buddy's career record go to this link at boxrec.com.

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Russell Peltz

My guest on this podcast is legendary Philly promoter Russell Peltz.  It's Russell's 50th year as a promoter and we talked about his journey from being a sports reporter to promoting his first bout in 1969 at the age of 22. We discussed his amazing career as a promoter and focused on the decade of the 1970's when he promoted such greats as Bennie Briscoe, Marvin Hagler, Bobby "Boogaloo" Watts, Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Marvin Johnson, Roberto Duran, Bobby Chacon, Jeff Chandler and others.  We also got into how the sport and business of boxing have evolved and changed since Russell's first promotion in 1969.  It was a fascinating conversation - enjoy!

To check out Russell's promotional company go to this link at Peltz Boxing.

This podcast is presented by The Ring.  I'm honored to be working with The Ring and my good friend, Doug Fischer, the Editor-in-Chief.  You can find the podcast on the website at Ringtv.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring podcast network.  The LIITR network also includes great podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With David McWater

My guest on this podcast is boxing manager David McWater.  We talked about his journey from Oklahoma to NYC and his stints as a basketball agent, bar owner and Manhattan Community Board member.  We then talked about his move into boxing, his statistical method of evaluating fighters and his massive roster of boxers including: IBF Junior Welterweight Champ Ivan Baranchyk (and his withdrawal from the World Boxing Super Series), super prospect Teofimo Lopez, Olympians Charles Conwell, Vikas Krishan and Antonio Vargas and a few of his other prospects - Brian Ceballo, Erick DeLeon, Otha Jones, III and Sonny Conto.  It was a great conversation - hope you enjoy!

To check out David's roster of fighters go to this link at boxrec.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring network.  I'm honored to join the LIITR network that includes podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Eric Bottjer

My guest on this podcast is Matchroom Boxing matchmaker Eric Bottjer.  We talked about his journey in the sport and all of the promoters he's worked for including Johnny Bos, Dan Goossen, Cedric Kushner, Don King, Art Pellulo, Lou DiBella and Eddie Hearn.  We also talked about the art of matchmaking and his theory on how to develop fighters.  We also got into why there should be a boxing league and the PBC's missed opportunity with all that hedge fund money.  It was a great conversation - hope you enjoy!

To check out Eric's matchmaking (and fighting!) history in professional boxing go to this link at boxrec.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring network.  I'm honored to join the LIITR network that includes podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Boxing Podcast With Steve Weisfeld

My guest on this podcast is top boxing judge - Steve Weisfeld.  We talked about how he became a judge, some of the significant fights he's worked, the criteria he uses to score a fight and some tips for the viewers scoring at home.  We also spoke about the criticisms levied at judges and some possible reforms for more transparency in the judges' cards.  It was a great conversation - hope you enjoy!

To check out Steve's history of judging professional boxing go to this link at boxrec.com.

This podcast is distributed by the Leave It In The Ring network.  I'm honored to join the LIITR network that includes podcasts by founder David Duenez, Gabriel Montoya and Evan Rutkowski.

You can still find this podcast and older Boxing Esq. podcasts on this blog and on Soundcloud or subscribe to the Boxing Esq. Podcast on either iTunes or Stitcher.  If you enjoy the podcasts, please leave a comment or rating, that would be greatly appreciated.  The podcast will appear on both the LIITR network of podcasts as well as under the Boxing Esq. Podcast name.

Official Boxing Esq. World Boxing Ratings - December 2018

Presenting the December 2018 Boxing Esq. World Boxing Ratings:

Movements:

Heavys – Dominic Breazeale re-enters at 10 after being inactive for over a year with his win over Carlos Negron.  Alexander Dimitrenko exits the top 25.

Cruisers – Constantin Bejenaru drops from 16 to out due to inactivity.  Thabiso Mchunu re-enters ratings at 19 after winning easily in rematch with Thomas Oosthuizen after a controversial loss in their first fight.  Oosthuzen drops from 21 to 25.  Firat Arslan drops from 20 to out after disappointing draw with Sefer Seferi (yes that Seferi - the one who lost in that farce to Tyson Fury).  Matty Askin enters at 24.

Light Heavys - Karo Murat drops from 11 to 14 after losing to unrated Sven Fornling.  Fornling enters at 13.  Vyacheslav Shabranskyy drops from 14 to out due to inactivity.  Joshua Buatsi enters at 25 after impressive 1st round blowout of tough vet Renold Quinlan.  Adam Deines drops from 25 to out.

Super Middles - Sakio Bika drops from 21 to out due to inactivity.  Vladimir Shishkin enters at 25.

Middles - Martin Murray drops from 9 to 13 after loss to Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam.  N'Jikam re-enters at 12.  Matt Korobov enters at 15 after strong showing against Jermall Charlo.  Liam Williams enters at 24 after impressive stoppage win over unbeaten Mark Heffron.  Kamil Szeremeta, Walter Kautondokwa and Jason Quigley all drop out of top 25.

Jr. Middles - Tony Harrison moves from 11 to 3 with controversial decision win for WBC title over Jermell Charlo.  Charlo drops from 2 to 4.  Sadam Ali goes from 12 to out due to move back down to 147.  Willie Nelson goes from 13 to out due to inactivity.  Antonio Margarito goes from 21 to out due to inactivity.  Sergio Garcia, Ismail Iliev and Ted Cheeseman enter at 23, 24 and 25 respectively.

Welters – Sadam Ali enters at 15 after move down from 154 and win over veteran Mauricio Herrera.  Thulani Mbenge moves from 23 to 22 with stoppage win over former Lightweight champ Miguel Vazquez.  Sergey Lipinets moves from 25 to out.

Jr. Welters – Miguel Vazquez moves from 19 to out after move up to 147 and loss to Thulani Mbenge.  Sandor Martin enters at 25.

Lights – Masayoshi Nakatani rises from 19 to 17 with impressive stoppage win over Hurricane Futa.

Jr. Lights - Jezreel Corrales drops from 6 to out due to inactivity.  Martin Joseph Ward enters at 25.

Feathers - Josh Warrington moves from 6 to 2 with decisive win over Carl Frampton.  Frampton drops from 2 to 6.

Jr. Feathers – Guillermo Rigondeaux drops from 1 to out due to inactivity.  Emanuel Navarrete moves from 21 to 1 with impressive beatdown of rising star Isaac Dogboe for the WBO title. Former Champion Yukinori Oguni reenters the ratings at 14 after win ending inactivity.  

Bantams – Raushee Warren enters at 9 after move up from 115 to face Nordine Oubali for vacant WBC title.  Lee Haskins drops from 14 to out due to inactivity.  Mzuvukile Magwaca drops from 19 to out due to inactivity.  Joseph Agbeko and Ricardo Espinoza Franco enter at 24 and 25 respectively.

Super Flys - Donnie Nietes moves from 6 to 2 with split win over Kazuto Ioka.  Raushee Warren moves from 8 to out due to move to 118.  Kohei Kono moves from 20 to out due to retirement.  Yanga Sigqibo enters at 23 with win over Keyvin Lara.  Akira Yaegashi enters at 25.

Flys – Charlie Edwards enters at 1 with upset win over Christopher Rosales for the WBC title.  Giemal Magramo moves from 20 to 10 with impressive stoppage win over previously unbeaten Wengfe Ge.  Ge drops from 13 to 19.  Toshiyuki Igrashi drops from 15 to out due to inactivity.  Ryuji Hara drops from 17 to out due to inactivity.  Takuya Kogawa drops from 22 to out due to move to 115.  Mario Andrade drops from 23 to out due to move down to 108.  Jaysever Abcede, Wulan Tuolehazi and Jonathan Gonzalez enter at 22, 23 and 25 respectively.

Jr. Flys – Hiroto Kyoguchi moves from 5 to 2 with victory over Hekkie Budler for the WBA Super title.  Mario Andrade enters at 15 after dropping down from 112.  Rober Barrera moves from 21 to out due to move up in weight to 115.  Siridich Deebok drops from 23 to out due to upset loss to Marco John Remetizo.  Jing Xiang enters at 25 with decisive win over Suriyan Satorn.

Straws – No Changes.