Medan tuan rumah kejurnas "Sarung Tinju Emas"

Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara, mendapat kepercayan untuk menggelar Kejuaraan Nasional "Sarung Tinju Emas" (STE) memperebutkan piala bergilir Pangdam I/BB, 19-24 Oktober 2013 di Lapangan Benteng Medan. Ketua panitia kejurnas tinju "STE", Ahwan Ismadi di Medan, Senin, mengatakan kejuaraan nasional Sarung Tinju Emas itu dilaksanakan oleh Persatuan Tinju Nasioanal (Pertina) Sumut yang diberikan amanah olah Pertina Pusat. Pelaksanaan kejuaraan nasional itu sendiri merupakan komitmen bersama Pertina Sumut untuk menjadikan provinsi itu kembali menjadi kiblatnya olahraga tinju. Selain itu pelaksanaan kejurnas akan diikuti sedikitnya 200 petinju dari seluruh Indonesia itu juga merupakan seleksi bagi para atlet menuju SEA Games mendatang. "Ada sekitar 200 petinju pria dan wanita yang akan berlaga di kejurnas ini. Untuk Sumut sendiri akan menerjunkan 16 petinju, 10 diantaranya merupakan atlet Medan. Mereka merupakan atlet yang sudah lolos seleksi," katanya. Pelaksana tugas Wali Kota Medan Dzulmi Eldin memberikan apresiasi atas dipercayanya Kota Medan sebagai tempat pelaksanaan kejurnas memperebutkan Piala Pangdam I/BB tersebut. Karena pembinaan olahraga memang sudah menjadi program Pemkot Medan, dimana setiap kegiatan olahraga disambut baik dalam rangka meningkatkan prestasi guna mewujudkan Kota Medan menjadi "Kota Atlet". "Kita akui Sumut punya potensi yang cukup besar melahirkan petinju handal. Kejurnas sarung tinju emas ini cukup baik, dan untuk itulah kami siap mendukung kegiatan ini demi lahirnya petinju yang mampu berbicara baik di tingkat nasional maupun internasional," katanya.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Alexander Povetkin (TVOne)

Pertarungan gelar dunia kelas berat WBA Super/IBF/WBO/IBO antara sang juara bertahan Wladimir Klitschko dari Ukraina dan juara WBA "reguler" asal Rusia, Alexander Povetkin (pemegang medali emas Olimpiade 2004) ditengarai akan berlangsung menarik dan seru, sehingga HBOpun berniat menayangkan langsung partai yang akan berlangsung di Moscow, Rusia, ini. Dengan tinggi/jangkauan "hanya" 188/191 cm, tak ada pilihan lain bagi Povetkin (26 (18 KO)-0) untuk menyerbu masuk Klistchko yang memiliki rekor 60 (51 KO) - 3 ini. Dapat dipastikan, seperti biasa Dr. Steelhammer, julukan Wladimir Klitschko, akan senantiasa menjaga jarak dengan jab-jab dan pukulan panjang yang senantiasa lawan-lawannya frustrasi. Bagaimana usaha Povetkin? Mampukah dia menembus permainan jarak jauh yang akan diterapkan Klitschko? Jawabannya ada pada tanggal 5 Oktober mendatang, dan menurut rencana akan disiarkan oleh TVOne pada Sabtu malam, sekitar pukul 12.00.

The Biggest Disappointments in Boxing in 2012

Boxing has delivered some fantastic moments in 2012 including amazing fights and breathtaking knockouts. Even with all of this, boxing had its fair share of disappointments. Though these setbacks didn't cripple the sport or spark more premature boxing obituaries that the media appear to love writing every other week, they still leave boxing with plenty of room for improvement. Here's a look at the biggest disappointments in boxing over the course of 2012. 5. Through Tragedy and Upsets, Canelo Remains Untested

It's easy to criticize Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, a 22-year-old untested world champ in the 154-pound division, one of the hottest banks of talent available. Alvarez and his promoter Golden Boy tried to alleviate this problem this past September by pitting the young warrior against Paul Williams, a big, long-limbed veteran who unfortunately suffered a career-ending motorcycle crash. Then they tried to line up James Kirkland, who would go on to injure his shoulder and have financial concerns that ended the fight. Finally, Canelo was set to face Victor Ortiz, but the young Mexican warrior got his jaw broken against junior welterweight Josesito Lopez, who beat Ortiz to earn the shot against Alvarez. Alvarez blew past Lopez as expected, and now we hope that the young redhead will be tested on May 4, 2013 when he's expected back in the ring. Fellow undefeated champ Austin Trout could be next. 4. Mayweather Jail Sentence

After serving two months in jail in June and July, Floyd Mayweather spent the rest of 2012 plotting and planning for 2013 while getting back into fighting shape. He turns 36 in February. After fighting once a year for the part four years, it'll be nice to see if one of the best fighters of the modern era can actually squeeze two fights into 2013 as has been widely reported. Previous 4 of 7 Next 3. Cancelled Rematches Due to Positive Drug Tests

After producing two of the best fights of the past five years, Andre Berto was set to fight Victor Ortiz and Lamont Peterson was to defend the junior welterweight titles against Amir Khan in an attempt to replicate the magic both fights created the first time. In both fights, the American former champions tested positive for banned substances. Berto and Peterson would lose out on big money matches, create a cloud over their name and cause the cancellation of two of the most anticipated fights of 2012. Recent news reported by the BBC has suggested the tests may be the result of contamination and accidental use rather than intentional doping. Here's hoping we see at least one of these rematches next year. Previous 5 of 7 Next 2. Marquez Had to Knock Pacquiao out to Finally Win

Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the most underrated Mexican boxers of all time. He arguably defeated Manny Pacquiao three times before, only to be robbed of the decision each and every time. Marquez then delivered the knockout performance of his career when he ended his rivalry with Pacquiao with a bang in Round 6 of the fourth bout. A perfectly timed right hand left the Filipino down and out. It's a shame such a brutal knockout had to be delivered in order for Marquez to win. Had the fight continued for six more rounds, I'm confident Marquez would have outboxed Pacquiao—and then Marquez would have lost another controversial decision. 1. Pacquiao Robbed by Bradley

Manny Pacquiao won. The official scorecards may read differently in the Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight, but according to the opinion of virtually the entire world, Bradley lost. The fact that such a robbery could happen to such a big star on the biggest stage in boxing at the MGM Grand is not a good thing for the sport. It means that fans who spent $60 for the event felt conned out of their money—the end result contradicted everything they saw that night. Here's to hoping for a rematch and that Pacquiao emulates Marquez and leaves the decision out of the judges' hands next time.

"Manny Pacquiao 'in excellent spirits'

Former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao checked out OK after a precautionary visit to University Medical Center on Saturday night. Pacquiao did not appear at the postfight news conference in order to be taken to the hospital for observation follow his crushing one-punch knockout loss to rival Juan Manuel Marquez with one second left in the sixth round in front a sold-out crowd of 16,348 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. "Manny was given a CT scan and the results were negative," said Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's advisor. "We were in and out in just over an hour and Manny was in excellent spirits. Pacquiao and Marquez were fighting for the fourth time -- and second time in a row as welterweights -- with Pacquiao entering the bout with a 2-0-1 series lead in three close, controversial decisions. He and Marquez exchanged knockdowns in a tremendously exciting fight with Pacquiao going down in the third round and Marquez in the fifth round before the shocking ending when Marquez landed a spectacular overhand right that crumpled Pacquiao face first to the mat and out cold. After leaving the hospital, Pacquiao publicist Fred Sternburg said Pacquiao returned to his suite at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay for a family dinner followed by a DVD viewing of the fight. Sternburg said that as the DVD played, Pacquiao jokingly announced, "Spoiler alert. I don't think you are going to like how this ends." Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), who was ahead 47-46 on all three judges' scorecards at the time of the knockout, also congratulated Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs). "First and foremost I would like to thank God for keeping Juan Manuel Marquez and me safe during our fight on Saturday night," Pacquiao said in a statement. "I want to congratulate Juan Manuel. I have no excuses. It was a good fight and he deserved the victory. I think boxing fans who watched us were winners, too. "To all my fans, I would like to thank you for your prayers and assure you that I am fine. I am looking forward to a nice rest and then I will be back to fight. On behalf of (my wife) Jinkee and our family we would like to wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a happy and healthy new year."

Boxing World Remembers Hector 'Macho' Camacho

Puerto Rican boxing legend and multiple-time champion Hector "Macho" Camacho was pronounced dead Saturday morning at the age of 50, according to the Associated Press (via The Mercury News). Camacho had been shot in the face four days prior while sitting in a car outside a bar with his friend, Adrian Mojica Moreno—who died at the scene—but was fighting to stay alive. After being declared brain dead by the doctors, Camacho’s family decided to remove the boxing star from life support Saturday. In the AP’s report of the incident, the local police said “Mojica had nine small bags of cocaine in his pocket and a 10th bag was found open in the car.” Despite a tumultuous life that ended far too soon, the boxing and sports world remembers the legend fondly. Whether it was because of his brutal in-ring style or his happy-go-lucky attitude and swagger away from the ring, his zest for life was contagious. This is a devastatingly sad story, and the boxing community has once again come together to grieve the loss of a great fighter. Reactions Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard shared his thoughts with RingTV.com on the man that retired him from the sport in 1997: I think that he was a star from the very first time that I saw him, when I was working with HBO, doing color commentary. I noticed that he had that thing, man. He had that 'X-factor.’ He could be very crude and sexy and all of those things. But he could also fight. He had incredible hand-speed, incredible power and he was a showman. Legendary fighter and promoter Oscar De La Hoya took to Twitter to express how much admiration he had for Camacho and how he handled his fights: Oscar De Lahoya : If boxers today had half the heart Camacho had, boxing would be in a better place. He fought everybody in their prime. Manny Pacquiao’s trainer and former combatant of Camacho, Freddie Roach, spoke to RingTV.com about the former fighter: I think that he was a great athlete, and if he stayed on the straight and narrow, he could have been, pound-for-pound, one of the best fighters in the world. I think that he would have been like a Manny Pacquiao. I think that he would have used his speed as his best asset. I think that he could be a contender in any era. Boxing stars weren’t the only ones coming out to share their well wishes, though. UFC personality Joe Rogan also talked about what it was that made the star so memorable: Joe Rogan : RIP to the great Hector "Macho" Camacho. One of the most controversial and entertaining fighters ever. You will be missed. And former world champion wrestler and WWE announcer John Bradshaw Layfield expressed his sadness over the loss of a great fighter like Camacho: John Layfield : Sad to hear another legend, Hecto 'Macho' Camacho just passed away! A great tough fighter, loved watching the guy! RIP!

Boxing Legend Hector Camacho Dead at the Age of 50 After Shooting in Puerto Rico

Boxing legend Hector Camacho has passed away after being shot in a drive-by shooting Tuesday night, according to ESPN. The Worldwide Leader reported that the boxing great had been taken off of life support on Saturday morning and died shortly thereafter. TMZ had the news following the attack: The former boxing champ was reportedly in the passenger seat of a car around 7 PM local time ... when another vehicle rolled up and someone opened fire ... striking Camacho several times in the neck and face. The driver of Camacho's car was reportedly killed in the attack. Camacho was 79-6-3 in his illustrious career in the ring, registering 38 knockouts in the process. Fans from different generations know his name because of his impressive victories and his catchy "Macho" nickname. Camacho won championships in three different weight classes. His longest came at the light welterweight level, where he reigned for nearly two years straight as the WBO champion. Losing a figure like Camacho is a tragedy, especially when it happens like this. He had an incredible career in terms of wins and longevity, using guile, speed and power to dominate in the ring. The 50-year-old's legacy in the ring will live on through his son Hector Camacho Jr., who is 52-4-1 in his impressive career. Camacho's death marks a sad day for his family and a sad day for the boxing world.

Froch vs. Mack: The Cobra Retains IBF Super-Middleweight Title

Yusaf Mack boasted that he would out-slick Carl Froch the way Andre Ward did, but reality made a liar out of him. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to solve the Cobra. Froch improved to 30-2, handing Mack his fifth defeat as a professional. Using a lethal right-left combination into Mack's ribs in the third round, Froch scored an emphatic knockout win. The British champion prevailed in his homeland and retained his IBF super middleweight title in the process. Mack was fighting an uphill battle from the very beginning by traveling to Nottingham to face the champion. Froch was too much for the Philadelphian and has now placed himself in line for a major payday. He could always chase a rematch with Andre Ward to avenge his loss in December of 2011. A prideful fighter like Froch has to be interested in settling the score with Ward. After Ward's dominating defeat of Chad Dawson, he's one of the hottest names in the sport. If Froch is to be mentioned in the same breath, he needs to even the score with him. Another possible high profile bout could come in a rematch with Lucian Bute. Froch stopped Bute in May to win the IBF title, but Bute is on the comeback trail. This would be a step back for Froch, in my opinion. At 35 years old, he needs to take fights that elevate his career. Beating a man he's already defeated should rank fairly low on his list of priorities. Winning definitely creates options and that is what Froch now has. We'll see what direction he chooses to move in next, but after another winning performance, he's creeping up on the pound-for-pound lists.