UFC main event unclear as challenger Alistair Overeem fails drug test
Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN Sports) – The anticipated clash between heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos and vaunted big-time knockout king Alistair Overeem is likely not going to happen in the main event at UFC 146 after the latter failed a pre-fight drug test. The Nevada State Athletic Commission announced Wednesday that Overeem, the No. 1 heavyweight contender, failed a random test conducted last week. The tests, administered following the UFC 146 press conference, involved Overeem, Dos Santos, Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez, Roy Nelson and Antonio Silva all tested. The other five heavyweight fighters on the card all passed their tests. Overeem, who had endured a volatile seven-month stretch since joining with the UFC, must appear before the commission at a future date to be determined. The commission also has the discretion to grant an application for a fight license by the former Strikeforce and K1 champion Overeem. It is not the first time Overeem had to contend with the NSAC. The Dutch kickboxing champ almost blew a UFC 141 bout with Brock Lesnar when Overeem missed an NSAC-ordered drug test. Overeem eventually got a conditional license for the fight with Lesnar, but he had to pass a test prior and had to agree to random testing for the following six months. Overeem was also cited for a misdemeanour battery charge at a Vegas nightclub after his victory in his UFC debut. The charges were dropped last week when he agreed to 50 hours of community service and other terms. Overeem (36-11 MMA, 1-0 UFC), one of seven high-caliber heavyweights who signed with the UFC last year after the promotion purchased rival Strikeforce, was slated to headline UFC 146 against dos Santos on May 26. The event’s main card features all heavyweight bouts. Meanwhile, former champion Mir campaigned for a title shot against dos Santos after news of Overeem’s failed drug test spread Wednesday. Mir (16-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) is slated to meet fellow former champion Cain Velasquez (9-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) in the co-main event, with the winner getting a shot for the title. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Legendary boxing writer Bert Sugar dies at 75
AHN Sports Staff Mount Kisco, NY, United States (AHN Sports) – Boxing writer Bert Sugar died Sunday of cardiac arrest. He was 75. Known for his fedora and cigar, Sugar died at Northern Westchester Hospital. He was also battling lung cancer. A 2005 inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Sugar wrote more than 80 books according to the hall’s website. “Bert Sugar was a truly colorful character in the sport of boxing,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “His quick wit and amazing knowledge about boxing made him a fan favorite as a writer and as a commentator. As the boxing community mourns his passing, the Hall remembers him and his contributions to the sport.” Born June 7, 1937 in Washington, DC, Sugar was a fixture at ringside and one of the most recognizable figures in boxing. He graduated from the University of Maryland and attended law school at the University of Michigan. After passing the bar in the District of Columbia, he briefly practiced law before relocating to New York City to work in advertising. In the early 1970s, Sugar pursued his passion for boxing and writing and became editor of Boxing Illustrated. From 1979-1983 he served as editor-in-chief of The Ring and in 1998 founded Fight Game magazine. Sugar also appeared in several motion pictures, including Rocky Balboa, Play it to the Bone, Night and the City and The Great White Hype. In 1990, Sugar was the recipient of the Boxing Writers Association’s Nat Fleischer Award for “Excellence in Boxing Journalism.” Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Chisora slaps Vitali Klitschko, seeks WBC Heavyweight crown
AHN Sports Staff London, England, United Kingdom (AHN Sports) – British boxing contender Dereck Chisora added flair to his upcoming WBC Heavyweight title clash with Vitali Klitschko after slapping the Ukrainian champ across his face following their weigh-in Friday. Notorious for outrageous acts in and outside the ring, Chisora hurled a powerful slap on Klitschko’s face during a staredown Friday. Chisora (15-2, 10 KOs) will be making his first world title fight appearance, but the Brit certainly does not bode well against Klitschko. Klitschko has been the most dominant boxer over the last decade, boasting a 43-2 record with 40 knockouts. Chisora, considered as a heavy underdog against Klitschko, previously said he’s going to knock down the Ukrainian in the eighth round. Klitschko remains the favorite to book another superb victory and extend his long reign in the Heavyweight Class along with his brother Wladimir Klitschko. The Klitschko- Chisora title bout will take place Saturday at Olympiahalle, Munich, Bayern. It will be broadcast on EPIX and streamed live on the internet at EPIXHD. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Legendary boxing trainer Angelo Dundee passes away at 90
Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor Miami, FL, United States (AHN Sports) – Hall of Famer boxing trainer Angelo Dundee, best known for his work in the corner of legends Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, died Wednesday at 90. Dundee, who in over six decades developed 15 world champions, including Ali, died of a heart attack Wednesday night in Clearwater Florida, according to the Miami Herald. The famed trainer reportedly suffered a blood clot on his return trip from attending the 70th birthday of his old friend, Ali, in Louisville, Kentucky two weeks ago. Dundee was hospitalized at a Clearwater-area hospital, and died after being transferred to a rehabilitation center, the Herald reported. “He was recuperating and coming along quite well,” his son, Jim Dundee told the Herald. “He was already making plans to take a trip to Las Vegas for another event in two weeks.” Dundee’s legacy will always be tied to Ali. He was the cornerman in all but two of Ali’s fights (Tunney Hunsaker in 1960 and Jimmy Ellis in 1971). His relationship with Ali is considered one of the most successful fighter-trainer relationships in boxing history. Dundee, known as a quick thinker and a brilliant motivator, was hired in 1960 to train Ali. He saw the transformation of Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, the first to win the heavyweight title three times. Dundee remained with Ali until his fight with Larry Holmes in 1980. His motivational skills were also cited in Leonard’s sterling career. Dundee was also in George Foreman’s corner when he knocked out Michael Moorer to capture the heavyweight crown at the age of 45 in 1994. Foreman clashed with Ali in a 1974 bout in Zaire dubbed “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Dundee worked with 15 world champions, including Ali, Leonard, Foreman, Carmen Basilio, Jose Napoles, Ellis, Luis Rodriguez and Willie Pastrano. In 1992, Dundee was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. In addition to his son, Dundee is survived by one daughter and six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Floyd Mayweather-Miguel Cotto clash set for May 5
AHN Sports Staff Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN Sports) – Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be making his return to the super welterweight division, where he will be taking on pound-for-pound star Miguel Cotto for the WBA light middleweight title on May 5. As negotiations with Manny Pacquiao collapsed once again, Mayweather picked another fighter with a credible reputation inside the ring. Cotto, three-division champion (light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight, will be the next opponent for the undefeated Mayweather, who will be fighting in the super welterweight division for the first time since his epic bout with Oscar De La Hoya in 2007. “Miguel Cotto is a world class fighter who can never be taken for granted and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing,” Mayweather told ESPN Wednesday. “It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder. Mayweather, whose 87-day jail sentence was moved to June after a plea deal on domestic violence charges, guaranteed he’s going to win another title in May. “I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto’s reign as champion will come to an end on May 5,” Mayweather added. The Grand Rapids native recently mocked Pacquiao for allegedly ducking him following the Filipino refusal to accept the lesser share of the 60-40 fight purse. Meanwhile, Cotto looked pumped up for a bout with Mayweather and even predicted the American’s defeat on May 5. “That is what the sport of boxing is all about, making the fights that the fans want and deserve to see. On May 5, stay tuned, because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather, Cotto said, according to ESPN Wednesday. Cotto’s emergence as the next opponent for Mayweather may not come as a surprise considering the Puerto Rican’s pay-per-view credentials and huge Latino fan base. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Chris Powell: A 3-Step Plan To Successful Weight Loss
Once you have made the most important step in the transformation journey — choosing to change — it is time to map the course. If you have been reading my blogs, you understand the importance of commitments in the transformation process. I am going to lay out several commitments in each successive blog and highlight tips, tricks and shortcuts along the way! Step 1: Set Your Goal To begin any journey, we need a clear-cut path to where we are going. This process is about creating results by design, not by coincidence. So get out the pad and pencil, because it is time to make some important commitments to yourself. Proper goal setting goes far and beyond just saying “I want to lose weight,” or “I want to fit into my high school jeans.” First and foremost, we need to set a SMART goal. By following this simple acronym for goal setting, you will create the parameters and rules for your journey. Your SMART goal must be: Specific — you must state exactly what your goal is. Be as specific as possible and use the word “will” instead of “want.” For example, “I will lose 46 pounds” or “I will weigh 120 pounds” or “I will fit into a size six.” Measurable — it must be quantifiable and measurable. for example: a number on the scale, clothing size or circumference measurements in inches or centimeters. Attainable — you must be able to achieve the goal within your daily time and financial constraints. If you are a single mother working two jobs, keep your time commitments to exercise at an attainable level! Even if it is just 10 minutes a day, it is better than what you are doing now, and it will eventually grow. Realistic — Keep your goals realistic! If you want to lose 60 pounds, don’t expect it to happen in two weeks. Don’t expect more than you are willing to commit to this process. A good rule of thumb for expected weekly weight loss is to divide your weight by 100. For example, a 200-pound individual can lose around two per week. A 150-pound individual can lose around 1.5 lbs per week. Get it? But let’s…
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