Franklin McNeil
20 articles · Star-Ledger Staff
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Impact of Wilder-Fury fight alone makes it must-see
On Saturday night, two of the best heavyweights of the past 10 years will meet at Staples Center in Los Angeles, as WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder [40-0, 39 knockouts] puts his belt…
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Canelo vs. GGG 2: Fight is more about legacy than titles for Alvarez
In just a few days Saul ?Canelo? Alvarez will face Gennady ?GGG? Golovkin for the WBC World middleweight, WBA Super World middleweight and International Boxing Organization World middleweight titles. The fight will…
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Boxing promoter DiBella firmly in White’s corner
While Bob Arum takes issue with the way Dana White does business, not every boxing promoter disagrees with the UFC president?s decision-making policies. Shortly after UFC announced that it had inked a…
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Mayweather, Ortiz reflective, restrained
NEW YORK -- There wasn't the usual braggadocio, no getting in the other guy's face or chest-bumping. Longtime welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and current WBC titleholder Victor Ortiz kicked off the…
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Mayweather not going for the gold
There was a time, not very long ago it seems, when possessing a major title belt represented greatness. Every fighter once strived to own at least one. Not anymore. When Floyd Mayweather…
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Arum to Mosley: Not so fast on Pacquiao
Despite recent comments by Shane Mosley, a fight with top-rated pound-for-pound boxer Manny Pacquiao isn't close to being cemented. Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum, Chairman of Top Rank, maintains that Mosley is on…
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De La Hoya-Pacquiao sells out quickly
When the most popular boxer in the world agrees to face the pound-for-pound best interest is certain to be high. So it comes as no surprise that the Dec. 6 showdown between…
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The Star-Ledger recognizes Calzaghe as No. 1
When it comes to boxing pound-for-pound lists the biggest debate centers on who is No. 1. WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao receives the lion's share of support, while 135-pound newcomer Juan Manuel…
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Pacquiao will prove too small a win for De La Hoya
Several months ago, Oscar De La Hoya said he would hang up the gloves after his fight Dec. 6 in Las Vegas. De La Hoya has since had a change of heart.…
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Oscar’s final foe? Many candidates
Oscar De La Hoya remains committed to fighting for the last time as a pro in December. Finding an opponent, however, is proving to be difficult. Talks between De La Hoya and…
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Diaz-Pacquiao replay tonight on HBO
It's a special edition of World Championship Boxing when HBO Sports presents the exclusive replay of David Diaz vs. Manny Pacquiao twice in prime time tonight at 9:30 ET and SATURDAY (10:00…
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Pacquiao out to send Diaz a powerful message
With Floyd Mayweather Jr. no longer on the scene, Manny Pacquiao has been anointed the best pound-for-pound boxer by most publications -- he's No. 2 behind Joe Calzaghe on The Star-Ledger list.…
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Marquez vows to give Pacquiao quite a start
For 11 rounds, Juan Manuel Marquez handled Manny Pacquiao. He won the battles in close, he landed the harder jabs and he avoided many of Pacquiao's power punches. But Marquez didn't win…
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Cagey vet Barrera’s plan: Lead with his ‘head’
There was a time when Marco Antonio Barrera could go toe-to-toe with any fighter carrying 130 pounds or less. But at 33 years old, Barrera can't do that anymore. His punches have…
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Juarez feels he’s an underdog with lots of bite
Like any high-ranking contender, Rocky Juarez believes he has what it takes to become a world champion. But Juarez is a realist: He knows beating the cream of the crop at super…
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De La Hoya-Mayweather looms a top draw
Just mention the name Oscar De La Hoya and fight fans start to salivate. If De La Hoya is participating in a bout, it becomes a must-see event. A look at the…
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Barrera expects best Marquez has to offer
Taking on a fighter of equal skill isn't new to Marco Antonio Barrera. He's done it several times in his career -- three battles with Eric Morales, another against Manny Pacquiao quickly…
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Morales is clearly on the hot seat
Much attention has been placed on Erik Morales' efforts to make the 130-pound limit for his rubber match tonight (HBO pay-per-view at 9) against Manny Pacquiao. But the former champ will carry…
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Pacquiao & Morales both seek important victory
For the third time in a little less than two years, super featherweights Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales will meet in the ring. But there?s much more at stake Saturday night (HBO…
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‘Robbed’ Roach pointing finger at wrong man
The question is, who (if anyone) is stealing Roach's money? Attempts by The Star-Ledger to reach the trainer were unsuccessful. Roach, however, has continued to point a finger at Muhammad. During an…