CLEVELAND, Ohio – Mickey Bey knows anything can happen when it comes to boxing and just about everything has happened to prevent Bey’s return to the ring.
Bey has not fought since his IBF lightweight world title victory on Sept. 13, 2014. Bey, who has since given up his title because he did not face a mandatory challenger, had a fight scheduled Sept. 29, but his opponent did not make weight and the fight was called off.
So now Bey (21-1-1) is scheduled to fight Naim Nelson (12-0-1) on Dec. 18.
Bey is ready whether this fight comes off or not.
“You’re never sure, but I always do my part by training and staying ready,” Bey said. “I’m ready to get back into the ring.”
Despite the potential ring rust, Bey said a high-level performance on his part could provide several opportunities.
“It’s important how I handle my business in the ring on the 18th,” Bey said. “A good performance will get my ranking up. There’s also talk about me fighting back in Ohio, possibly on the Adrien Broner-Ashley Theophane card. It’s all up to me.”
Happy New Year
Cleveland bantamweight Antonio Nieves (14-0-1) remained undefeated with his knockout victory over Lorenzo Trejo last month in Erie, Pa. Now Nieves will play the waiting game with hopes that 2016 will bring bigger paydays and more recognition as an up and coming fighter.
“Next year should be a bigger year for us, as long as we keep winning and we should get calls,” said Nieves, about his support team. “We have been contacted to fight for the WBC/USBA title. We don’t know where yet or when, but the talk is about 2016.”
Quick jabs Oh no, not again. Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley III in April of 2016. Tyson Fury stripped of his IBF belt for not making mandatory defense. Adrien Broner will fight Ashley Theophane for the WBA light welterweight title in January. Bout between Shawn Porter and Keith Thurman remains on hold. Artur “The Pin” Szpilka will challenge heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder on Jan. 16. Should Andre Ward remain at 168 or move up to the light heavyweight division?
This week in boxing history
Dec. 11, 1982 – Bobby Chacon wins WBC Super Featherweight title in a close decision over Bazooka Limon. A final round knockdown in a wild slugfest seals the victory for Chacon, who was knocked down in the fourth and in the 10th. Chacon wins the series 2-1-1.
Boxing schedule
Friday (TruTV): Nonito Donaire vs. Cesar Juarez, for vacant WBO junior featherweight title. (Showtime): Valentyn Holovko vs. DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, junior welterweights.
Saturday (PBC on NBC/NBC Sports Net): Omar Figueroa vs. Antonio DeMarco, junior welterweights; Terrell Gausha vs. Said El Harrak, middleweights; Hugo Centeno vs. Josue Obando, middleweights. (HBO Latino): Pedro Campa vs. Aaron Herrera, junior welterweights; Sullivan Barrera vs. Karo Murat, IBF light heavyweight eliminator. (UniMas): Oscar Valdez vs. Ernie Sanchez, featherweights; Jose Benavidez Jr. vs. Sidney Siqueira, welterweights.
