Atlas gives Povetkin 'a good shot' to beat Klitschko

Atlas gives Povetkin 'a good shot' to beat Klitschko
Mark E. Ortega
RingTV.com
July 15, 2013


From 2009 to 2011, ESPN2 Friday Night Fights analyst and former trainer Teddy Atlas took on heavyweight Alexander Povetkin as somewhat of a personal project.

The two enjoyed a bit of success together before splitting in 2011, leaving both sides a bit embittered. Two years later, Povetkin faces an uphill battle in challenging Wladimir Klitschko in Moscow on Oct. 5 as a long-odds underdog.

Atlas was in Las Vegas on Friday to call that night's action for FNF, the job which kept him from working with Povetkin for his bout last February against cruiserweight titlist Marco Huck.

Though Atlas has previously been critical of Povetkin's performances since the two moved on from each other, he likes his former charge's chances against the younger half of the two-headed Klitschko monster.

"I gave him a good fight plan for Klitschko [when we worked together]," Atlas told RingTV prior to ESPN2 going on the air on Friday.

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EPIX taking a break from boxing--at least for now

EPIX taking a break from boxing--at least for now

Mark E. Ortega

RingTV.com

July 5, 2013

Beginning with March 2011's heavyweight title fight between Vitali Klitschko and Odlanier Solis, little-known premium cable network Epix jumped headfirst into the boxing game, televising European cards that were getting passed on by HBO and Showtime.

However, since this past May's heavyweight title fight between Wladimir Klitschko and Francesco Pianeta, the network has been mum regarding any new fights on their schedule. In fact, the Epix Sports Twitter account has been silent since May 16, causing one to wonder if the network has decided to bow out of the fight game for good.

"There are no boxing events planned this summer, but we remain interested in great opportunities that are a good fit for Epix," said Epix chief of staff Nora Ryan on Friday afternoon after being reached by e-mail.

Ryan continued by saying they are expanding their Epix Sports documentary programming, with several documentaries currently in development. Ryan said a few of these involve boxing and that she would notify RingTV of an impending announcement.

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Overseas promoters hope to fill Golden Boy void on HBO

Overseas promoters hope to fill Golden Boy void on HBO
Mark E. Ortega
RingTV.com
March 21, 2013


Earlier this week, HBO announced that it would no longer be doing business with Golden Boy Promotions.

With that announcement came the opportunity for other promoters and fighters to slide into the televised dates that may have otherwise belonged to Golden Boy.

In the past, HBO has televised shows from Europe, often airing them in the U.S. in the afternoon with a replay later that night, sometimes coupled with a live American broadcast. Occasionally, as was the case with the Joe Calzaghe-Mikkel Kessler super middleweight unification in November 2007, bouts have been held well past midnight in Europe so they could be televised live in America.

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Commentary: Hopkins can enhance legacy with Povetkin fight

Commentary: Hopkins can enhance legacy with Povetkin fight
Mark E. Ortega
RingTV.com
March 14, 2013


This past Saturday, Bernard Hopkins topped himself again by becoming the oldest recognized world champion at age 48 after handing undefeated light heavyweight beltholder Tavoris Cloud a clear decision defeat in Brooklyn in front of more than 12,000 fans at the Barclays Center.

 The victory is another accolade to add to a laundry list of them, leaving few worthwhile challenges to remain for the former longtime middleweight champion, who also holds the record for defenses in that weight class with 20.

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