Tag: Joe Goossen

Golden Boy sues Ryan Garcia, attorney to ensure he honors contract with promotional firm

Golden Boy has sued Ryan Garcia to ensure the popular fighter honors the remainder of his contract with the promotional firm.

Editor’s note: This article was updated with a statement from Ryan Garcia’s litigation counsel.

***

Golden Boy Promotions has sued Ryan Garcia and his attorney in United States District Court, District of Nevada to compel the popular fighter to honor his contract with the promotional company, according to a court document obtained by Boxing Junkie.

Garcia signed a five-year deal in the fall of 2019. However, Golden Boy said in the lawsuit that Garcia contends the contract is “void and unenforceable.”

Golden Boy accuses Garcia’s attorney, Lupe Valencia, of “driving a wedge” between his client and the company and leading him away from his obligations.

“Unfortunately, Garcia’s advisors have apparently convinced him that he does not need Golden Boy anymore,” the suit states. “One of those advisors, Valencia, has, for the last year or more, directly interfered with Golden Boy’s ability to communicate with Garcia and to negotiate the best deals and fights for Garcia. In fact, Valencia, in direct violation of Golden Boy’s
Agreement with Garcia, has engaged in negotiations with other promoters and boxers for Garcia’s fights. Valencia has done so despite explicitly knowing of the Agreement and its terms and has orchestrated an effort to drive a wedge between Garcia and Golden Boy.”

Golden Boy released a statement Friday in regard to the lawsuit: “Golden Boy has been proud to have worked with Ryan Garcia for the last several years and to help catapult him to the kind of stardom that led to the biggest boxing Pay Per View event in years just two months ago. With this filing, we are seeking to ensure that Ryan and his team will honor the remainder of his contract, a contract that Ryan himself called ‘one of the most lucrative boxing deals for a prospect in the history of the sport.’ Since then, Ryan has moved on to becoming a legitimate contender, and we will continue to present Ryan with the best possible opponents that can eventually lead the way to a world championship and a historic legacy.”

Garcia’s litigation counsel, James “Bo” Pearl, said in the formal statement that the lawsuit is retaliation to Garcia’s request for mediation.

The statement reads: “Golden Boy is obligated to promote and enhance Ryan Garcia, not malign him on Twitter and file a public, baseless lawsuit against him.  Ironically, the lawsuit itself constitutes a breach of the very agreement Golden Boy is seeking to enforce.  It is obvious retaliation to a written request by Ryan last week to mediate multiple breaches of contract by Golden Boy.   Rather than address these serious issues in mediation (as is required under the contract), Golden Boy rushed to court to sue its fighter.  To be sure, we will respond to this gamesmanship and fully enforce all of Ryan’s contractual rights against Golden Boy as well as his rights under state and federal law.”

On-and-off acrimony between the 140-pound contender and his promotional company reached a crescendo after his knockout loss to Gervonta Davis in a 136-pound bout on April 22.

Golden Boy executives Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins failed to show up at the post-fight news conference, as did trainer Joe Goossen.

Garcia parted ways with Goossen and made other changes in his camp shortly after the fight but he has not made an announcement about his future with Golden Boy.

However, a war of nasty words between Garcia and De La Hoya, the founder of Golden Boy, on Twitter a few weeks ago made it clear that the relationship is on the rocks.

Garcia questioned the loyalty of De La Hoya and his team, to which the Hall of Fame fighter-turned-promoter responded: “Wtf @RyanGarcia it’s been almost two months and youre still crying about the post presser? The blame for your loss is on YOU and your “advisor” Lupe. He is the only one who pushed you to accept that INSANE rehydration clause and THAT is the reason you lost. Man up. Own that.”

Garcia responded to that tweet: “Okay buddy, you got it all figured out. Tired of you disrespecting my whole career and you think non[e] of it matters. Loyalty and common sense is lost in your head. Stop treating people that way and think that they will just accept it.”

Then came the lawsuit, which Golden Boy claims was unavoidable given the circumstances.

“Golden Boy was forced to file this action to protect and enforce its interests under the Agreement so that it can continue to make the best fights for Garcia and his fans and to deter Valencia and others from interfering with Golden Boy’s rights,” the suit states.

The relationship between Garcia and Golden Boy had soured by 2019. However, the contract extension seemed to resolve their differences.

Garcia, 21 at the time, couldn’t have been more pleased with the deal.

“Actions speak louder than words,” he said, according to ESPN. “I’m here today to show everybody that I consider Golden Boy my family and that we’re going to be in this together as I fulfill my dreams. Just like I have all the capabilities to become a big star, Golden Boy has all the tools to get me there. But I just want to tell all of our fans: Enjoy the ride!”

Davis knocked out Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) with a body shot in Round 7 of their fight, which generated 1.2 million pay-per-view buys in the United States. Garcia moved down from 140 to 136 and accepted a rehydration clause to make the fight, which some believe was unwise.

Garcia is now expected to campaign at 140. He’s ranked in the Top 10 by all four major sanctioning bodies.

[lawrence-related id=37060,36998,36989,36985]

Golden Boy sues Ryan Garcia, attorney to ensure he honors contract with promotional firm

Golden Boy has sued Ryan Garcia to ensure the popular fighter honors the remainder of his contract with the promotional firm.

Editor’s note: This article was updated with a statement from Ryan Garcia’s litigation counsel.

***

Golden Boy Promotions has sued Ryan Garcia and his attorney in United States District Court, District of Nevada to compel the popular fighter to honor his contract with the promotional company, according to a court document obtained by Boxing Junkie.

Garcia signed a five-year deal in the fall of 2019. However, Golden Boy said in the lawsuit that Garcia contends the contract is “void and unenforceable.”

Golden Boy accuses Garcia’s attorney, Lupe Valencia, of “driving a wedge” between his client and the company and leading him away from his obligations.

“Unfortunately, Garcia’s advisors have apparently convinced him that he does not need Golden Boy anymore,” the suit states. “One of those advisors, Valencia, has, for the last year or more, directly interfered with Golden Boy’s ability to communicate with Garcia and to negotiate the best deals and fights for Garcia. In fact, Valencia, in direct violation of Golden Boy’s
Agreement with Garcia, has engaged in negotiations with other promoters and boxers for Garcia’s fights. Valencia has done so despite explicitly knowing of the Agreement and its terms and has orchestrated an effort to drive a wedge between Garcia and Golden Boy.”

Golden Boy released a statement Friday in regard to the lawsuit: “Golden Boy has been proud to have worked with Ryan Garcia for the last several years and to help catapult him to the kind of stardom that led to the biggest boxing Pay Per View event in years just two months ago. With this filing, we are seeking to ensure that Ryan and his team will honor the remainder of his contract, a contract that Ryan himself called ‘one of the most lucrative boxing deals for a prospect in the history of the sport.’ Since then, Ryan has moved on to becoming a legitimate contender, and we will continue to present Ryan with the best possible opponents that can eventually lead the way to a world championship and a historic legacy.”

Garcia’s litigation counsel, James “Bo” Pearl, said in the formal statement that the lawsuit is retaliation to Garcia’s request for mediation.

The statement reads: “Golden Boy is obligated to promote and enhance Ryan Garcia, not malign him on Twitter and file a public, baseless lawsuit against him.  Ironically, the lawsuit itself constitutes a breach of the very agreement Golden Boy is seeking to enforce.  It is obvious retaliation to a written request by Ryan last week to mediate multiple breaches of contract by Golden Boy.   Rather than address these serious issues in mediation (as is required under the contract), Golden Boy rushed to court to sue its fighter.  To be sure, we will respond to this gamesmanship and fully enforce all of Ryan’s contractual rights against Golden Boy as well as his rights under state and federal law.”

On-and-off acrimony between the 140-pound contender and his promotional company reached a crescendo after his knockout loss to Gervonta Davis in a 136-pound bout on April 22.

Golden Boy executives Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins failed to show up at the post-fight news conference, as did trainer Joe Goossen.

Garcia parted ways with Goossen and made other changes in his camp shortly after the fight but he has not made an announcement about his future with Golden Boy.

However, a war of nasty words between Garcia and De La Hoya, the founder of Golden Boy, on Twitter a few weeks ago made it clear that the relationship is on the rocks.

Garcia questioned the loyalty of De La Hoya and his team, to which the Hall of Fame fighter-turned-promoter responded: “Wtf @RyanGarcia it’s been almost two months and youre still crying about the post presser? The blame for your loss is on YOU and your “advisor” Lupe. He is the only one who pushed you to accept that INSANE rehydration clause and THAT is the reason you lost. Man up. Own that.”

Garcia responded to that tweet: “Okay buddy, you got it all figured out. Tired of you disrespecting my whole career and you think non[e] of it matters. Loyalty and common sense is lost in your head. Stop treating people that way and think that they will just accept it.”

Then came the lawsuit, which Golden Boy claims was unavoidable given the circumstances.

“Golden Boy was forced to file this action to protect and enforce its interests under the Agreement so that it can continue to make the best fights for Garcia and his fans and to deter Valencia and others from interfering with Golden Boy’s rights,” the suit states.

The relationship between Garcia and Golden Boy had soured by 2019. However, the contract extension seemed to resolve their differences.

Garcia, 21 at the time, couldn’t have been more pleased with the deal.

“Actions speak louder than words,” he said, according to ESPN. “I’m here today to show everybody that I consider Golden Boy my family and that we’re going to be in this together as I fulfill my dreams. Just like I have all the capabilities to become a big star, Golden Boy has all the tools to get me there. But I just want to tell all of our fans: Enjoy the ride!”

Davis knocked out Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) with a body shot in Round 7 of their fight, which generated 1.2 million pay-per-view buys in the United States. Garcia moved down from 140 to 136 and accepted a rehydration clause to make the fight, which some believe was unwise.

Garcia is now expected to campaign at 140. He’s ranked in the Top 10 by all four major sanctioning bodies.

[lawrence-related id=37060,36998,36989,36985]

Hall of Fame: Tim Bradley, Carl Froch, Rafael Marquez earned honor

Hall of Fame: Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez earned the honor.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be inducted Sunday in Canastota, New York.

Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez highlight the diverse class. Bradley is American, Froch British and Marquez Mexican. And, of course, all three were highly successful over long careers.

Here is a breakdown of the boxers who will be inducted (Modern Category, men; Modern Category, women; and Old-Timers).

MODERN CATEGORY (MEN)

TIMOTHY BRADLEY
Years active: 2004-16
Record: 33-2-1 (16 KOs)

I wonder whether people who have come to know Bradley as an analyst have forgotten how good he was as a fighter. Consider this: Between 2007 and 2013, the gifted, clever boxer from the Southern California desert beat in succession (not counting one no-contest): Miguel Vazquez, Junior Witter, Edner Cherry, Kendall Holt, Lamont Peterson, Luis Abregu, Devon Alexander, Joel Casamayor, Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan Provodnikov and Juan Manuel Marquez. That run alone makes Bradley Hall of Fame worthy. OK, most people thought he got a gift in his first meeting with Pacquiao. And he lost both the second and third installments of their trilogy. However, everyone agrees he was competitive with the Filipino legend. And let’s stop and appreciate his victory over Marquez, who was coming off his one-punch stoppage of Pacquiao. Bradley outboxed one of the best to ever do it. Bottom line: Bradley was sometimes overshadowed by bigger stars but his record compares favorably with most of those he’ll join in Canastota.

CARL FROCH
Years active: 2002-14
Record: 33-2 (24 KOs)

The first thing I think of when Froch’s name comes up is his mic-drop retirement, a one-punch knockout of rival George Groves in front of 80,000 screaming fans at Wembley Stadium in London that ended his decorated career. No one went out on a higher note. Of course, Froch should be remembered for more than one spectacular moment. The Nottingham fighter wasn’t great at any particular aspect of boxing but did everything well. That, combined with a nasty streak and unwavering confidence, produced a remarkable career. Among his victims: Robin Reid, Jean Pascal, Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson, Lucian Bute, Yusaf Mack, Mikkel Kessler and Groves (twice). His only losses came against Kessler in their first fight and all-time great Andre Ward in the final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, a 168-pound tournament. Few fighters of today even approach the quality of Froch’s deep resume. He richly deserves the honor of being inducted into the Hall.

RAFAEL MARQUEZ
Years active: 1995-2013
Record: 41-9 (37 KOs)

Marquez’s induction arguably is overdue. The brother of Juan Manuel Marquez didn’t have the skill set of his more famous sibling – few did – but he was a good boxer who punched harder than big bro. The younger Marquez burst upon the scene with back-to-back victories over Hall of Famer Mark Johnson, first a split decision and then an eighth-round knockout the following year. The two-division champion went on to beat Tim Austin, Mauricio Pastrana (twice) and Silence Mabuza (twice) before entering one of the most-compelling – and brutal – series of fights in boxing history, his rivalry with Israel Vazquez. Marquez would ultimately split the four fights with Vazquez but solidified his reputation as one of the best and most-exciting fighters of his era. He was never the same after the last fight with Vazquez, going 2-4 in his last six fights. However, the decline is easily forgotten. When he was at his best, Marquez was special. And we have to ask: Is there a better brother combination in the history of the sport?

 

MODERN CATEGORY (WOMEN)

ALICIA ASHLEY
Years active: 1991-2018
Record: 24-12-1 (4 KOs)

The most remarkable thing about Ashley is that she became the oldest boxer to win a world title when she claimed a vacant belt at 48 years old in 2015. There was more to the women’s boxing pioneer than that, however. She didn’t turn professional until she was 31 but still won major belts in three divisions. She finally retired in 2018, when she was 50 years old.

LAURA SERRANO
Years active: 1994-2012
Record: 17-5-3 (6 KOs)

The native of Mexico took on a big challenge in her pro debut, fighting Hall of Famer Christy Martin and emerging with a disputed draw. Many observers believe Serrano was cheated out of what would’ve been a defining victory. However, she persevered. The natural boxer went on to become one of the most accomplished female fighters from her adopted base of Las Vegas.

 

OLD-TIMER CATEGORY

TIGER JACK FOX
Years active: 1928-50
Record: 138-24-12 (91 KOs)

Fox is one of those old-timers who probably would’ve won multiple championships today. The one-time light heavyweight champion from Spokane, Washington, was a good boxer with murderous power, which accounts for his 91 knockouts. He claimed victories over some of the biggest names in history, including Hall of Famers Maxie Rosenbloom and future heavyweight champ Jersey Joe Walcott (twice).

PONE KINGPETCH
Years active: 1954-66
Record: 28-7 (9 KOs)

The Thai star made the most out of relatively few fights. In fact, he became an icon in his native country in only two bouts, back-to-back victories over all-time great Pascual Perez in 1960. He took Perez’s flyweight title by a split decision and then stopped the great Argentine in eight rounds in the rematch. He went on to have two more reigns as 112-pound champion.

JOANN HAGEN
Years active: 1954, ’56
Record: 1-1

Hagen isn’t being inducted because of what she did in the ring, although the fact she defeated women’s boxing legend Barbara Buttrick is noteworthy. The South Bend, Indiana, fighter earned the honor by paving the way for other women. She evidently piqued the interest of television executives because she appeared on multiple talk shows, which raised the profile of women’s boxing.

 

ALSO BEING INDUCTED

Joe Goossen, trainer; Brad Goodman, matchmaker; Brad Jacobs, non-participant; Seth Abraham, television executive; Tim Ryan, broadcaster.

Hall of Fame: Tim Bradley, Carl Froch, Rafael Marquez earned honor

Hall of Fame: Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez earned the honor.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be inducted Sunday in Canastota, New York.

Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez highlight the diverse class. Bradley is American, Froch British and Marquez Mexican. And, of course, all three were highly successful over long careers.

Here is a breakdown of the boxers who will be inducted (Modern Category, men; Modern Category, women; and Old-Timers).

MODERN CATEGORY (MEN)

TIMOTHY BRADLEY
Years active: 2004-16
Record: 33-2-1 (16 KOs)

I wonder whether people who have come to know Bradley as an analyst have forgotten how good he was as a fighter. Consider this: Between 2007 and 2013, the gifted, clever boxer from the Southern California desert beat in succession (not counting one no-contest): Miguel Vazquez, Junior Witter, Edner Cherry, Kendall Holt, Lamont Peterson, Luis Abregu, Devon Alexander, Joel Casamayor, Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan Provodnikov and Juan Manuel Marquez. That run alone makes Bradley Hall of Fame worthy. OK, most people thought he got a gift in his first meeting with Pacquiao. And he lost both the second and third installments of their trilogy. However, everyone agrees he was competitive with the Filipino legend. And let’s stop and appreciate his victory over Marquez, who was coming off his one-punch stoppage of Pacquiao. Bradley outboxed one of the best to ever do it. Bottom line: Bradley was sometimes overshadowed by bigger stars but his record compares favorably with most of those he’ll join in Canastota.

CARL FROCH
Years active: 2002-14
Record: 33-2 (24 KOs)

The first thing I think of when Froch’s name comes up is his mic-drop retirement, a one-punch knockout of rival George Groves in front of 80,000 screaming fans at Wembley Stadium in London that ended his decorated career. No one went out on a higher note. Of course, Froch should be remembered for more than one spectacular moment. The Nottingham fighter wasn’t great at any particular aspect of boxing but did everything well. That, combined with a nasty streak and unwavering confidence, produced a remarkable career. Among his victims: Robin Reid, Jean Pascal, Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson, Lucian Bute, Yusaf Mack, Mikkel Kessler and Groves (twice). His only losses came against Kessler in their first fight and all-time great Andre Ward in the final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, a 168-pound tournament. Few fighters of today even approach the quality of Froch’s deep resume. He richly deserves the honor of being inducted into the Hall.

RAFAEL MARQUEZ
Years active: 1995-2013
Record: 41-9 (37 KOs)

Marquez’s induction arguably is overdue. The brother of Juan Manuel Marquez didn’t have the skill set of his more famous sibling – few did – but he was a good boxer who punched harder than big bro. The younger Marquez burst upon the scene with back-to-back victories over Hall of Famer Mark Johnson, first a split decision and then an eighth-round knockout the following year. The two-division champion went on to beat Tim Austin, Mauricio Pastrana (twice) and Silence Mabuza (twice) before entering one of the most-compelling – and brutal – series of fights in boxing history, his rivalry with Israel Vazquez. Marquez would ultimately split the four fights with Vazquez but solidified his reputation as one of the best and most-exciting fighters of his era. He was never the same after the last fight with Vazquez, going 2-4 in his last six fights. However, the decline is easily forgotten. When he was at his best, Marquez was special. And we have to ask: Is there a better brother combination in the history of the sport?

 

MODERN CATEGORY (WOMEN)

ALICIA ASHLEY
Years active: 1991-2018
Record: 24-12-1 (4 KOs)

The most remarkable thing about Ashley is that she became the oldest boxer to win a world title when she claimed a vacant belt at 48 years old in 2015. There was more to the women’s boxing pioneer than that, however. She didn’t turn professional until she was 31 but still won major belts in three divisions. She finally retired in 2018, when she was 50 years old.

LAURA SERRANO
Years active: 1994-2012
Record: 17-5-3 (6 KOs)

The native of Mexico took on a big challenge in her pro debut, fighting Hall of Famer Christy Martin and emerging with a disputed draw. Many observers believe Serrano was cheated out of what would’ve been a defining victory. However, she persevered. The natural boxer went on to become one of the most accomplished female fighters from her adopted base of Las Vegas.

 

OLD-TIMER CATEGORY

TIGER JACK FOX
Years active: 1928-50
Record: 138-24-12 (91 KOs)

Fox is one of those old-timers who probably would’ve won multiple championships today. The one-time light heavyweight champion from Spokane, Washington, was a good boxer with murderous power, which accounts for his 91 knockouts. He claimed victories over some of the biggest names in history, including Hall of Famers Maxie Rosenbloom and future heavyweight champ Jersey Joe Walcott (twice).

PONE KINGPETCH
Years active: 1954-66
Record: 28-7 (9 KOs)

The Thai star made the most out of relatively few fights. In fact, he became an icon in his native country in only two bouts, back-to-back victories over all-time great Pascual Perez in 1960. He took Perez’s flyweight title by a split decision and then stopped the great Argentine in eight rounds in the rematch. He went on to have two more reigns as 112-pound champion.

JOANN HAGEN
Years active: 1954, ’56
Record: 1-1

Hagen isn’t being inducted because of what she did in the ring, although the fact she defeated women’s boxing legend Barbara Buttrick is noteworthy. The South Bend, Indiana, fighter earned the honor by paving the way for other women. She evidently piqued the interest of television executives because she appeared on multiple talk shows, which raised the profile of women’s boxing.

 

ALSO BEING INDUCTED

Joe Goossen, trainer; Brad Goodman, matchmaker; Brad Jacobs, non-participant; Seth Abraham, television executive; Tim Ryan, broadcaster.

Photos: Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia final news conference

Photos: Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia final news conference.

LAS VEGAS — Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia on Thursday at the MGM Grand took part in the a spirited news conference to promote their pay-per-view fight Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Each fighter predicted he’d knock out the other.

Here are images from the event. All photos by Esther Lin of Showtime.

[lawrence-related id=36865,36859,36854,36849,36844,36836,36811,36807,36805]

Photos: Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia final news conference

Photos: Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia final news conference.

LAS VEGAS — Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia on Thursday at the MGM Grand took part in the a spirited news conference to promote their pay-per-view fight Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Each fighter predicted he’d knock out the other.

Here are images from the event. All photos by Esther Lin of Showtime.

[lawrence-related id=36865,36859,36854,36849,36844,36836,36811,36807,36805]

Tim Bradley, Carl Froch, Rafael Marquez elected to International Boxing Hall of Fame

Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez have been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Timothy Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez are Hall of Famers.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that those former champions were elected in the men’s Modern category for the Class of 2023. Alicia Ashley and Laura Serrano will enter the Hall in the women’s Modern category. And trainer Joe Goossen and broadcaster Tim Ryan are among others elected.

They will be formally inducted in June during Hall of Fame Weekend in Canastota, New York.

Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KOs) was a five-time titleholder in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions and went on to become a successful TV analyst on ESPN. He is from Palm Springs, California.

“This is one of the greatest days of my life,” Bradley said. “I appreciate this so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m ecstatic and don’t really know what to say. This is everything I wanted and everything I worked for. I’m full of emotions and there are so many things going through my mind from my past that got me to this point.

“This is a dream come true. This is my heaven, the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

Froch (33-2, 24 KOs) was a three-time super middleweight titleholder. The Englishman had one of the greatest walk-offs in history, stopping rival George Groves with one punch at a packed Wembley Stadium and then calling it quits.

“Brilliant! This is amazing, great news!” Froch said. “It’s amazing to be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside so many legends of the sport. Boxing is the best sport in the world. It tests everything in a man and a woman. The mentality, discipline, grit, determination, heart, desire, everything is all in that ring and it is just you on your own with your opponent.

“For me to be inducted with the greatest of all time from every weight division is just fantastic! I’m grateful to be recognized.”

The election of Marquez (41-9, 37 KOS) gives his family two Hall of Famers. His brother, Juan Manuel Marquez, was inducted in 2020. Rafael Marquez, from Mexico, held bantamweight and junior featherweight titles in the 2000s.

“Perfect! Thank you very much,” Rafael Marquez said. “I don’t have the words to describe how I feel receiving this great news. I am very happy. It is a great honor to be in the Hall of Fame and I am very proud to be in Canastota with the greatest boxers of all time.”

Ashley (24-12-1, 4 KOs) and Serrano (17-5-3, 6 KOs) were among the best female fighters over the past 20 years.

“OMG! It is such an honor to be among the history of boxing and being there with the females that I absolutely admire as well. I’m totally ecstatic and speechless,” Ashley said.

Said Serrano: “Oh my goodness! This is exciting news. I dedicated my whole life to boxing and I did my best in those days when it was very difficult for women to fight, especially in my country of Mexico, where I fought for women’s rights. I’m so happy. I’m thankful for all of the members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

Joe Goossen has also become the second member of his family to be inducted. The late promoter Dan Goossen, Joe’s older brother, was inducted in 2020. Joe Goossen has trained a long list of elite fighters over several decades and also works as an analyst for Fox.

“I’ve got to tell you, I’m absolutely stunned,” Goossen said. “To think I’ll be in the Hall of Fame with my brother Dan is probably the best thing I’ve heard since he died. When I got into the sport back in 1970, I would have never thought in ten million years that I would really make a mark and eventually end up in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I’m shocked and honored.”

Three fighters were elected posthumously: light heavyweight Tiger Jack Fox (Old Timer), flyweight Pone Kingpetch (Old Timer) and JoAnn Hagen (Trailblazer).

Also elected were matchmaker Brad Goodman and promotional executive Brad Jacobs (Non-participant).

Those honored were elected by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.

Tim Bradley, Carl Froch, Rafael Marquez elected to International Boxing Hall of Fame

Tim Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez have been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Timothy Bradley, Carl Froch and Rafael Marquez are Hall of Famers.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that those former champions were elected in the men’s Modern category for the Class of 2023. Alicia Ashley and Laura Serrano will enter the Hall in the women’s Modern category. And trainer Joe Goossen and broadcaster Tim Ryan are among others elected.

They will be formally inducted in June during Hall of Fame Weekend in Canastota, New York.

Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KOs) was a five-time titleholder in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions and went on to become a successful TV analyst on ESPN. He is from Palm Springs, California.

“This is one of the greatest days of my life,” Bradley said. “I appreciate this so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m ecstatic and don’t really know what to say. This is everything I wanted and everything I worked for. I’m full of emotions and there are so many things going through my mind from my past that got me to this point.

“This is a dream come true. This is my heaven, the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

Froch (33-2, 24 KOs) was a three-time super middleweight titleholder. The Englishman had one of the greatest walk-offs in history, stopping rival George Groves with one punch at a packed Wembley Stadium and then calling it quits.

“Brilliant! This is amazing, great news!” Froch said. “It’s amazing to be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside so many legends of the sport. Boxing is the best sport in the world. It tests everything in a man and a woman. The mentality, discipline, grit, determination, heart, desire, everything is all in that ring and it is just you on your own with your opponent.

“For me to be inducted with the greatest of all time from every weight division is just fantastic! I’m grateful to be recognized.”

The election of Marquez (41-9, 37 KOS) gives his family two Hall of Famers. His brother, Juan Manuel Marquez, was inducted in 2020. Rafael Marquez, from Mexico, held bantamweight and junior featherweight titles in the 2000s.

“Perfect! Thank you very much,” Rafael Marquez said. “I don’t have the words to describe how I feel receiving this great news. I am very happy. It is a great honor to be in the Hall of Fame and I am very proud to be in Canastota with the greatest boxers of all time.”

Ashley (24-12-1, 4 KOs) and Serrano (17-5-3, 6 KOs) were among the best female fighters over the past 20 years.

“OMG! It is such an honor to be among the history of boxing and being there with the females that I absolutely admire as well. I’m totally ecstatic and speechless,” Ashley said.

Said Serrano: “Oh my goodness! This is exciting news. I dedicated my whole life to boxing and I did my best in those days when it was very difficult for women to fight, especially in my country of Mexico, where I fought for women’s rights. I’m so happy. I’m thankful for all of the members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

Joe Goossen has also become the second member of his family to be inducted. The late promoter Dan Goossen, Joe’s older brother, was inducted in 2020. Joe Goossen has trained a long list of elite fighters over several decades and also works as an analyst for Fox.

“I’ve got to tell you, I’m absolutely stunned,” Goossen said. “To think I’ll be in the Hall of Fame with my brother Dan is probably the best thing I’ve heard since he died. When I got into the sport back in 1970, I would have never thought in ten million years that I would really make a mark and eventually end up in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I’m shocked and honored.”

Three fighters were elected posthumously: light heavyweight Tiger Jack Fox (Old Timer), flyweight Pone Kingpetch (Old Timer) and JoAnn Hagen (Trailblazer).

Also elected were matchmaker Brad Goodman and promotional executive Brad Jacobs (Non-participant).

Those honored were elected by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.

Chris Arreola has worked overtime for his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr.

Chris Arreola has worked overtime for his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. on May 1.

Andy Ruiz Jr. isn’t the only one who found the value in discipline.

Chris Arreola, Ruiz’s opponent on May 1 in Carson, Calif., also once had a questionable work ethic. But he turned a corner late in his career and now has as the stamina of a much younger man.

Want proof? Arreola threw a heavyweight record 1,125 punches in his unanimous-decision loss to Adam Kownacki in August 2019, according to CompuBox.

The fighting spirit – and the punching power – has always been there for Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KOs). Fitness is an added weapon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROnW6SJb_fg

“I was able to keep up the pace against Kownacki because I did everything I had to do in the gym,” he said. “I could have given three more rounds at the end of that fight, too. The fight is always won in the gym and we put all of the work in to win that fight. I thought I won that fight. Despite not getting the decision, it was a fun fight for me.

“I feel great. I’ve been working hard for months. I know that I have to make this a great fight for the fans and for myself. I know how crucial this fight is for my career.”

Kownacki threw 1,047 punches in the fight Arreola, which added up to a combined heavyweight record of 2,172 punches. The Polish-American landed a division record 667, which doesn’t necessarily reflect well on Arreola’s defensive skills.

But Arreola, 40, insists he’s improved in that area under trainer Joe Goossen, who will be in his corner for a second time on May 1. Remember: They will have had most of two years to refine his technique.

Consistent work during his time off, he believes, will minimize any impact of the layoff.

“Defensively I’ve grown so much working with Joe,” he said. “He’s taught me a lot about keeping my hands up and countering. He hasn’t reinvented the wheel; he’s just made sure the wheel is round.”

Arreola knows he’ll be the underdog – by as much as 15-1 — against his fellow Mexican-American, who won and then lost portions of the heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua in 2019.

And he couldn’t care less. He’s been fighting for more than two decades and has tangled with the likes of Vitali Klitschko and Deontay Wilder in title fights. Not much is going to faze him.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds,” he said. “If people want to make me the underdog, I’m comfortable with that. I’ve been an underdog my whole life.”

[lawrence-related id=19705,19019,18833]

Chris Arreola has worked overtime for his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr.

Chris Arreola has worked overtime for his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. on May 1.

Andy Ruiz Jr. isn’t the only one who found the value in discipline.

Chris Arreola, Ruiz’s opponent on May 1 in Carson, Calif., also once had a questionable work ethic. But he turned a corner late in his career and now has as the stamina of a much younger man.

Want proof? Arreola threw a heavyweight record 1,125 punches in his unanimous-decision loss to Adam Kownacki in August 2019, according to CompuBox.

The fighting spirit – and the punching power – has always been there for Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KOs). Fitness is an added weapon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROnW6SJb_fg

“I was able to keep up the pace against Kownacki because I did everything I had to do in the gym,” he said. “I could have given three more rounds at the end of that fight, too. The fight is always won in the gym and we put all of the work in to win that fight. I thought I won that fight. Despite not getting the decision, it was a fun fight for me.

“I feel great. I’ve been working hard for months. I know that I have to make this a great fight for the fans and for myself. I know how crucial this fight is for my career.”

Kownacki threw 1,047 punches in the fight Arreola, which added up to a combined heavyweight record of 2,172 punches. The Polish-American landed a division record 667, which doesn’t necessarily reflect well on Arreola’s defensive skills.

But Arreola, 40, insists he’s improved in that area under trainer Joe Goossen, who will be in his corner for a second time on May 1. Remember: They will have had most of two years to refine his technique.

Consistent work during his time off, he believes, will minimize any impact of the layoff.

“Defensively I’ve grown so much working with Joe,” he said. “He’s taught me a lot about keeping my hands up and countering. He hasn’t reinvented the wheel; he’s just made sure the wheel is round.”

Arreola knows he’ll be the underdog – by as much as 15-1 — against his fellow Mexican-American, who won and then lost portions of the heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua in 2019.

And he couldn’t care less. He’s been fighting for more than two decades and has tangled with the likes of Vitali Klitschko and Deontay Wilder in title fights. Not much is going to faze him.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds,” he said. “If people want to make me the underdog, I’m comfortable with that. I’ve been an underdog my whole life.”

[lawrence-related id=19705,19019,18833]