Mosley's fight with Floyd Mayweather features Olympic-style drug testing leading up to the fight; believed to have been caused by Mosley's history with steroids.

When news came out that “Sugar” Shane Mosley tested positive for performance enhancing drugs following his controversial 2003 victory over Oscar de la Hoya in a rematch of their classic 2000 match-up, his claim was and has since always been that he took the substances “unknowingly”. When it was announced that Mosley would be fighting Floyd “Money” Mayweather on May 1, along with it came random Olympic-style drug testing for both fighters; testing which Shane maintained would not phase him.

His past, though, is now coming back to haunt him.

Video tapes were recently released by BALCO founder Victor Conte, whom Shane is involved with in a legal battle, of a deposition taken in late 2009. In these tapes that appear in both edited and unedited formats, Mosley admits on camera to knowingly taking the drug EPO,  a doping agent that Mosley had taken  leading up to his rematch with de la Hoya in September 2003. A calendar seized in a raid on BALCO found that Mosley’s hematocrit, or measure of red blood cells, had increased by 8.2% in a matter of weeks, and in turn caused Mosley’s use of EPO to diminish in the weeks leading up to the fight.

In the video leaked by Conte, the man questioning Mosley asks him, “Prior to going to the grand jury in December of 2003, did you know you were taking EPO, yes or no?” to which Mosley replies, with a rather confused look on his face, “yes”. Other questions regarding Mosley’s EPO use are also posed, all of which directly pinpoints “Sugar” Shane as knowing exactly what he was taking in the lead-up to his fight with de la Hoya.

Mosley’s lawyer Judd Burstein, who oversees his $12 million defamation suit against Conte, hopes that by posting the rest of the depositions online in video form, that it can be understood that though Mosley admits that he knew he was taking EPO, he was not aware that EPO was illegal, or what it did exactly.

Floyd Mayweather’s failed fight with current pound for pound boxing king Manny Pacquiao fell apart over the issue of random drug testing due to the fact that Pacquiao’s superstitious nature makes him believe taking things out of the body weakens it, no matter the amount. Unable to compromise on a cut-off date, the fight fell apart and made room for Mosley to secure a mega-fight with Mayweather that had been brewing since 1999. He in turn also had to agree to the random testing applied by the United States Anti Doping Agency, which was prominently featured on the first episode of “Mayweather-Mosley 24/7″.

In the weeks following Mosley’s fight against Mayweather, tensions regarding the suit against Conte are sure to intensify. For now, though, one can only hope that Mosley’s insistence that talk of his previous indiscretions doesn’t bother him rings true.

Edwin Valero (Photo: Showtime)

The future was looking bright for Venezuelan power puncher Edwin Valero. After building a career record of 27-0 with 27 knockouts coupled with a cult-like buzz that hailed him as one of the most exciting and hardest hitters boxing may have seen in years, it seemed as though the sky was the limit. That, unfortunately, turned out false.

Coming off an impressive TKO win over Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 that saw Valero successfully defend his WBC lightweight title for the second time, talks began of Valero moving up to the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds to pursue more lucrative opportunities. However, the Venezuelan’s personal demons could not be subsided, and tragic circumstances befell both he and his family.

Valero after his win over DeMarco

Back in September of 2009, Valero was arrested for domestic abuse after a neighbor called police alleging that Valero had struck both his 20 year old wife and mother during a dispute. Valero vehemently denied the allegations, which were dropped, and no charges were filed. His problems did not stop there, however, as the boxer’s wife was taken to a hospital on March 26 suffering from multiple bruises and a collapsed lung, among other injuries, that were perceived to have occurred as a result of abuse from Valero. After a visit to the hospital resulted in Valero becoming hostile towards staff and police, he was detained by the Body of Scientific, Penal and Criminal Investigations. The assault charges were later dropped as a result of Valero’s wife Jennifer refusing to press charges, citing that her injuries were a result of an accidental fall; the same story given by Valero’s mother.

After confessing his problems with alcohol to a judge in Velezuela, Valero was sent to San Juan de Dios Hospital for rehabilitation where he could be treated for both his addiction to alcohol and psychiatric problems.

Those problems would not be solved, unfortunately, as Valero’s wife Jennifer was viciously murdered. Reports say that around dawn on April 18, Valero emerged from the hotel room in Valencia, where his wife was killed, and allegedly told security and staff that he had murdered her. He was later arrested and taken in for questioning, and later committed suicide in his jail cell by supposedly using his clothes to hang himself.

A sad end to an even sadder story, the boxer’s legacy in the ring will forever keep fans of the Sweet Science asking “What if?” For Valero and his wife’s two children, now without their parents and a tainted reputation that may follow them forever, the future seems ever-more bleak.

Rest in peace Edwin and Jennifer; for no matter how these events may have panned out, it is a tragedy.

One might think a national TV deal with CBS would turn out to be a good look for MMA, especially in the month of April with HBO and Showtime dishing out stellar match-ups of both high significance and possibly high action. Unfortunately for MMA fans, that’s not the case.

April 17 saw Boxing and MMA go head to head once more, this time without a pay-per-view from either side. HBO broadcast the second installment of its Emmy award-winning “24/7″ reality show featuring Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley, followed by two world championship matches starting with Lucian Bute facing the always exciting Edison “Pantera” Miranda for the IBF 168 pound title. In the main event, popular Youngstown, OH native Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik defending his Middleweight championships against slick southpaw Sergio Martinez, who was coming off an outstanding and entertaining fight against Paul Williams in which Martinez lost a close decision.

On the other side, mixed martial arts took center stage on CBS as Strikeforce broadcast a live card from Nashville, TN featuring former PRIDE 183 and 205 pound champion Dan Henderson against current Strikeforce Middleweight titleholder Jake Shields. A solid match-up, absolutely, but it was not the fight itself that bred the most interest, but rather the post-fight brawl that prompted well-known commentator Gus Johnson to try and quell tension by exclaiming “Gentlemen, we’re on national television!”

Following Shields’ impressive win over Henderson by decision, Jason “Mayhem” Miller entered the cage to ask Shields for a rematch from their November 2009 meeting. Members of Shields’ camp immediately took offense, and in the next few seconds a melee broke out that saw Miller get pummeled on the ground by a number of men, including brothers Nick and Nate Diaz. The in-cage riot drew criticism from Strikeforce rival and UFC President Dana White, as well as from the press for the unsportsmanlike and unprofessional conduct; criticism that does not help the stigma given to mixed martial arts as being “glorified street fighting”.

Boxing, on the other hand, was in fine form on HBO. Lucian Bute’s sensational third round knockout of Edison Miranda cemented him as one of, if not the best, super middleweight in the world and began talks of possible match-ups that await Bute at 168 pounds. In addition, Sergio Martinez finally reigned supreme following a controversial draw and close loss in his last two fights, and looked impressive in handily beating Kelly Pavlik into a bloody mess over 12 rounds to become the new Middleweight Champion of the world.

Don’t count out MMA just yet, however. This upcoming weekend will see a stacked WEC card featuring Jose Aldo defending his featherweight title against the popular “California Kid” Urijah Faber, as well as lightweight champion Ben Henderson taking on Donald Cerrone in a rematch of 2009′s Fight of the Year. Boxing faces stiff competition, but offers three great match-ups in response with explosive heavyweight power puncher Chris Arreola taking on former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek in the HBO main event, preceded by a fight that promises pure excitement as Alfred Angulo takes on Joel Julio. In addition, Showtime’s stellar “Super Six World Boxing Classic” continues as Carl Froch defends his WBC super middleweight title against Mikkel Kessler in Kessler’s native Denmark. Froch-Kessler proves to be the fight that many believe could provide the most explosiveness yet in the Super Six.

Whether you’re a boxing fan or an MMA fan, or both, excitement like this doesn’t come often. Pick a side, or simply enjoy the carnage.

Following Funeka’s loss to Joan Guzman in their March 27 rematch on HBO, he tested positive for a diuretic called hydrochlorothiazide, which is on a list of substances banned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. This of course is unimaginably ironic considering that Guzman was the one who came under serious fire due to his pre-fight weight of 144 pounds; nine pounds over the lightweight limit. A compromise was reached for the fight to move forward which said that a second weigh-in would be conducted the next morning, where Funeka could not rehydrate to more than 145 pounds, and Guzman no more than 150.

Due to the fact that Funeka made weight and Guzman did not, the vacant IBF 135 pound title was at stake only for Funeka. Unfortunately, the lanky power puncher could not put it together in the rematch against the much faster Guzman, whom it was believed was more energetic as well being that he did not have to drain his body to make the lightweight limit. Funeka lost by split decision, and Guzman immediately made a play for a title fight five pounds north at the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds.

This revelation regarding Funeka does not help his image, nor does it promise to not kill his career. Since his fight against Nate Campbell, where he also lost by split decision against an opponent who did not make weight, Funeka has been pitied by many in the boxing community for neverhttp://talksic.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php getting his just due. Though most believe he did not do enough against Campbell to win, the fight was close and many think Campbell’s weight advantage played a factor in his victory. Funeka’s first match-up against Guzman back in November 2009 ended in a highly controversial draw that saw Funeka lose his second opportunity at a championship despite punishing and bloodying Guzman for the better part of the fight.

Though Funeka’s manager disputed that the substance was not banned and was approved with a doctor’s prescription, Funeka was suspended on Friday by the NSAC and has until May 3 to respond.

An unfortunate happening in the boxing world? Yes. An even more unfortunate move for Funeka? Definitely.

But when UFC 112 aired this past Saturday, boxing fans had something to smile about.

The man widely considered to be the best mixed martial artist in the world, UFC Middleweight Anderson Silva, came under harsh criticism for his derogatory manner in which he fought challenger Damian Maia by mocking him and supposedly unleashing verbal insults during the fight. UFC President Dana White showed much disdain by Silva’s actions due to his constant defense of Silva’s talent and ability, and the huge exposure that UFC 112 garnered in Abu Dhabi. Also, one of the UFC’s most popular fighters in BJ Penn was upset by contender Frankie Edgar for the UFC Lightweight Championship in a bout that has been contested by fans as perhaps being a “robbery”.

On the other side, boxing fans had much rejoicing to do this past weekend, as HBO’s stellar programming showed that the Sweet Science is indeed alive and well. After the destructive earthquake in Haiti forced WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto to pull out of his January 30 match-up with Shane Mosley, it paved the way for Mosley’s much anticipated fight with Floyd “Money” Mayweather; anticipation that was heightened with the return of HBO’s Emmy award winning “24/7″ program on Saturday. In addition, Berto’s return to the ring showcased an HBO “World Championship Boxing” telecast following “24/7″ that saw rising featherweight Celestino “El Pelechin” Caballero nearly shut-out Daud Yordan over 12 rounds before Berto’s impressive eighth round TKO over respected fellow welterweight Carlos “El Indio” Quintana.

Boxing fans also have much to look forward to next week on HBO, as the second episode of “Mayweather-Mosley 24/7″ premieres at 9:30 on April 17 before another “World Championship Boxing” doubleheader featuring Lucian Bute vs. Edison Miranda for the IBF Super Middleweight Championship and Kelly Pavlik vs. Sergio Martinez for the WBC and WBO Middleweight Championship.

Rejoice, fight fans, because unlike the UFC, boxing isn’t fooling anyone in April.

Guzman preparing for his rematch with Funeka

After Joan Guzman’s first attempt to secure a Lightweight world championship in 2008 never happened due to his inability to make the contracted 135 pound limit against then champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell, the Dominican fighter came under harsh criticism. Due to the fact that he was moving up in weight, the extra three-and-a-half pounds pound he carried to the scale insured that he would not win the titles should the fight continue on as planned. It didn’t.

After a fight against Ameth Diaz saw Guzman finally make the 135 pound limit, he was then given a shot at the vacant IBF 135 pound belt left behind when Campbell himself moved up in weight to 140 pounds after failing to make weight for his first Lightweight title defense against Ali Funeka. Ironically, Funeka was Guzman’s opponent in a November showdown, which saw Guzman take much punishment from the 6’1″ Funeka before being given a majority draw by what can only be referred to as an incompetent judging panel.

When a rematch was signed, Guzman took it upon himself to change his training camp by bringing on the team of new head trainer Lee Beard and conditioning coach Kerry Kayes, who has been known in the boxing community for helping former lineal 140 pound champion Ricky Hatton boil down from his between-fight weight of nearly 180 pounds down to the junior welterweight limit.

Beard (far left) and Guzman (second from right) with other fighters in training camp

Before the rematch took place this past weekend for the still vacated IBF strap, Guzman once again took a step back to gaining the respect many fans of his natural talent feel has always alluded him by stepping onto the scale at Friday’s weigh-in nine pounds over the contracted limit at a weight of 144, which was disgraceful, to say the least. However, because monetary losses would fall victim to both men, their camps and promoters should the fight have been cancelled, it proceeded as planned with Guzman winning a split decision victory. His activity rate and movement on fight night was much improved from their first encounter, most likely due to the fact that the former 122 and 130 pound champion did not have to cut down in weight.

For a sport considered to be “dying” with the rise of mixed martial arts, such a blow to boxing is nothing short of distasteful and unprofessional by a fighter who has suffered from a lack of respect since the debacle before his scheduled fight with Campbell. Not only has Guzman chosen to disregard his inability to make weight, but subsequently spit in the faces of his loyal fan base who defended him through the low points he has encountered in the past year and a half. Now, he plans on making a move to junior welterweight to challenge for a title belt at 140 pounds; a title shot that one can only hope will not be handed to him given his lack of dedication.

Corrales-Castillo II, Campbell-Funeka, Mayweather-Marquez, and now Funeka-Guzman II are all encompassed under the umbrella of having fighters fail to make weight, yet fight on to win. Where does it stop?

There was one obstacle standing in the way during negotiations to bring the fight to the ballpark, however, and one that seemed all too ironic being that Foreman is of the Jewish faith: A bar mitzvah for Scott Ballan, whose father Joe Ballan was the lead bond lawyer for the financing of the new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium.

Apparently, the Yankees had reserved the June 5th date for the Ballan family, and had promised them use of the Legends Suite Club and video board in centerfield, which presented a big obstacle for the fight itself being staged in the stadium. If the video board were being used to show pictures or anything of the sort, the fight could not be broadcast on it. However, it now appears as if the date has been cleared and negotiations for Cotto-Foreman to take place in the new Yankee Stadium are well on their way.

The last fight in the old Yankee Stadium took place on September 28, 1976 when Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton fought for the third time, with Ali retaining his title after 15 rounds of action. The potential Cotto-Foreman showdown in the new stadium would also be for a world title as Cotto would move up in weight to challenge for Foreman’s WBO 154-pound title.

So to the Ballan family: Mazeltov! And to boxing fans: Let’s get it on!

Custom logo of Gorilla Productions

Many fans of boxing, or “The Sweet Science”, love a good highlight/tribute video or “trailer” for upcoming bouts. However, it’s not very often that you’ll come across one on YouTube or Vimeo that sticks out to you in a way that will resonate and stay in the back of your mind, making you say “wow, that was great.” But with new media growing by the day, one needs not to rely on HBO’s “24/7″ series to find outstanding production and splicing when it comes to expressing a love for boxing; Gorilla Productions has your back.

As their official Facebook fan page suggests, it is not the intention of Gorilla Productions to infringe on copyright laws or anything of the sort, but that “the videos are intended for the personal enjoyment of the creator, the creator’s audience, and the promotion of boxing as a sport”. It is their use of striking music, narration, incorporation of text and outstanding video editing that makes Gorilla Productions’ work as popular as it is today.

Their first really popular piece was titled “Boxing: The Greatest Sport in the World”, which engulfed the boxing forums winning praise and approval for nearly all fans who viewed it. This, of course led to their name being recognized, and more people discovering what else they had to offer in regards to highlights, tributes and trailers. I mean let’s face it, coming across YouTube videos with such a title as “Manny Pacquiao – The Pound 4 Pound King” are a dime a dozen, but once you click Gorilla Productions’ unique version, you’ll never look for another.

It’s not just the kind of things you’d necessarily expect a boxing fan to make, either. The highlights of Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz (The best fight of 2009) and Bernard Hopkins vs. Kelly Pavlik (a huge upset and career defining fight) are pretty basic as far as premise, but the highlights of esteemed boxing trainer Naazim Richardson (or “The Boxing Scholar” as they call him) giving advice shows how big of an impact the trainer can have on a fight.

It is the diversity of topics, use of multimedia elements and passion for which the creator has that makes Gorilla Productions such a respected entity in the boxing community. When a big fight gets signed, like the recently finalized Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs. “Sugar” Shane Mosley fight, it is my first inclination, along with many other fans I’m sure, to check Gorilla Productions’ YouTube account and see if their preview video has been uploaded yet. Being that it hasn’t, that only means I and the rest of the fan base that GP has built since 2009 have something to look forward to.

Chad Ochocinco, the outspoken wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, is at the top of the list for recognized athletes on Twitter, and has made a lot of noise in the world of social networking and multimedia with his “Ochocinco News Network” ploy to cover the Super Bowl alongside fellow NFL players. He also once engaged in a war of words with WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto via Twitter, challenging him to a boxing match for charity.

Now, former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi has been actively updating his Twitter account, interacting with fans, talking trash to possible opponents such as Amir Khan, and asking his followers what a good new nickname, “like Chad Ochocinco” would be. Since he currently fights at 140 pounds, I suggested via the “On The Ropes” Twitter account that he go by Paulie “Uno Cuarenta” Malignaggi, which means “One-Forty”.

His response?

“@OnTheRopesRadio HAHA, THATS SICK!! I LIKE BRO”

“Paulie Uno Cuarenta malignaggi!!!”

Since he adopted this new nickname for a brief period via Twitter, Malignaggi has continued to update his account repeatedly hour-by-hour. He then adoped the nickname “Mr. Twitter” following another suggestion from his followers before tweeting Ochocinco himself, proclaiming:

“@OGOchoCinco IM THE OCHOCINCO OF BOXIN”

Who doesn’t enjoy a good Twitter grudge match? Perhaps since Berto’s current hiatus from the sport due to the tragedy that struck in Haiti, we’ll get to see a charitable match-up between Malignaggi and Ochocinco. It’d need a catchy title though.

How does “Thrilla on Twitta” sound?

"Next time, bring my phone and update my Twitter between rounds!"

Being that a professional fighter must be completely prepared both mentally and physically for a bout of such significance, especially in a young, blossoming career like Berto’s, it was of no surprise that the 26 year-old pulled out of the match-up against Mosley. Even the “Sugar” man himself noted that he could understand the younger Berto wanting to help his family and loved ones during such a tragic time.

In the wake of recent events, Berto and Everlast have teamed up to benefit the victims with Berto’s new vintage, soft cotton t-shirt. Each individual shirt costs $20, and all proceeds will go the Red Cross to aid those affected by the earthquake on January 12.

Berto's Haiti Relief Tee from Everlast

Go to this link if you would like to purchase an Andre Berto Haiti Relief Tee: https://www.everlast.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EVTS78

Or, you can text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross relief efforts as well.