September 2012

Sunday, September 23, 2012

R.I.P. Corrie Sanders

Former WBO heavyweight champion Corrie Sanders was shot and killed earlier today in Pretoria, South Africa. Police say Sanders was shot in the hand and stomach at hi nephew Michael's 21st birthday party at the Thatch Haven restaurant in Brits, in South Africa's North West province, on Saturday night when four armed men stormed in randomly shooting. According to SAPA news agency, the former boxing champion was at the entrance to the venue, making his way to the buffet, when the shooting started. Eyewitnesses said Sanders had told his daughter Marinic, 15, to get down and play dead and was covering his daughter when he was shot. The 46 year old died in a hospital 8 hours later in the capital city of Pretoria early Sunday morning.

His ex wife Sunette Sanders said the SA boxing champion died a hero. She seen him shot 1st hand while attending the 21st birthday party of a nephew. Sunette Sanders said robbers came into the Thatch Haven restaurant in Brits on Saturday night and started kicking and slapping people. She became emotional when she told how Corrie dove to protect his daughter when shots were fired. “I think he died a hero. He was just protecting his girl because they were shooting.” Police brigadier Thulani Ngubane told South African news media a search was continuing for the gunmen in a murder inquiry.

Sanders' former trainer Harold Volbrecht was also understandably emotional when news of his fighter’s passing had been publicized. “This is very sad. My heart is broken. It’s just terrible. I can’t believe this has happened.”

The Klitschko's had both fought Sanders. Wladimir took a loss from Sanders in 2003 and Vitali avenged that loss 13 months later in a vacant WBC championship bout in 2004. Vitali Klitschko said Sanders was his toughest fight after news of Sanders death. Klitschko's had this to say about the incident:

"We were shocked to learn of the sudden death of Corrie Sanders and we want to express our sincere condolences to his family. We will remember Corrie as a great person both inside and outside the ring. He was a great fighter with a big heart who always positively represented the sport of boxing."

Corrie was a self-admitted underachieve in boxing. He excelled in golf and at one point was close to going on the PGA tour.
His biggest achievement as a prizefighter was dropping and stopping current Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko four times en route to winning the WBO Heavyweight Championship in Hanover, Germany on March 8 th , 2003. Corrie overwhelmed Klitschko with his unique blend of speed, power, and southpaw style, and ultimately won the title by way of sensational 2nd round knock-out.

Sanders then vacated the WBO title in December of 2003 to compete for Lennox Lewis’ vacant WBC Heavyweight title. In a brave effort, Corrie was stopped by Wladimir’s brother, Vitali Klitschko, in a eight rounds brawl that took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on April 24 th , 2004.

After the bout, referee Jon Schorle called Corrie Sanders’ courageous effort against Vitali Klitschko, “one of the bravest performances I was ever privileged to be a part of”.

Besides the Klitschko's, Corrie was one of my favorite modern heavyweights. Rest in Peace, Champ!!

Corrie Sanders; dead at the age of 46 (January 7th , 1966 – September 23, 2012)

Here is most likely one of the last times Corrie was live over the air. It was aired 3 days before Corrie was murdered. He was on the line with another heavyweight boxer Francois Botha who is also from South Africa.

Corrie Sanders Highlights

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Klitschko Stops Charr In 4

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs) retained his tile tonight be defeating Manuel Charr (21-1, 11 KOs) via 4th round TKO stoppage due to a cut. Vitali easily maintained the fight by maintaining the distance and using his jab and also had Manuel down in the 2nd from a punch to the top of his head. Manuel was upset the fight was stopped but it didn't look like he had anything to bother Vitali had the fight went on.

Where To Watch Klitschko Charr

This is where you will find information on where you can watch the WBC heavyweight championship fight between reigning champion Vitali Klitschko and challenger Manuel Charr today from Moscow, Russia.

Fight time: 2:30 p.m. EDT (BoxNation - UK) / 5:00 p.m. EDT (RTL - Germany) / 9:45 p.m. EDT (HBO - US, tape delay)
Location: Olimpiyskiy - Moscow, Russia

Where To Watch Klitschko Charr In the US

HBO will be showing the fight on tape delay before the Dawson / Ward fight.

Where To Watch Klitschko Charr In the UK

BoxNation subscribers can catch the action live and exclusive on Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch. 546

Where to Watch Klitschko Charr in Russia

Rossiya-2 will show the fight in Russia...

Where To Watch Klitschko Charr In the Online

For online streams look for links near fight time in the chat box on the right side of this blog.. ---> enjoy! :)

Friday, September 7, 2012

Klitschko Charr Weigh-In

Today was the weigh in for WBC heavyweight champ Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO's) and challenger Manuel Charr (21-0, 11 KO's) ahead of their fight tomorrow night in Moscow, Russia. Vitali weighed in at 248 lbs / 112,5 kg , while Manuel weighed in at 241.4 lbs / 109,5 kg .

Klitschko Charr Weigh In Video

Alternate Video****

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Klitschko Charr Public Workout

Yesterday September 5th, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO's) and heavyweight contender Manuel Charr (21-0, 11 KO's) held a public workout and showed off their skills before Saturday's championship fight in Moscow, Russia. Both boxers looked in good shape ahead of their bout.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Klitschko Charr Press Conference

With the fight just days away current WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO's) met at a presser with Manuel Charr (21-0, 11 KO's) ahead of their championship fight this Saturday September 8th. In the previous 2 press conferences only 1 of the 2 fighters were present. So there was added tension in this one between the two. The fight will take place at the Olympiyskiy in Moscow, Russia. This could possible be Vitali's final fight if he gets elected mayor of Kiev and has to take over duties of office instead of continuing his boxing career.

Vitali Klitschko Quotes

Manuel Charr is one of the toughest opponents right now. He is young, aggressive and strong. I am sure it will be a real battle on Saturday. My training camp was very good and I am in good shape and can’t wait to step into the ring again.”

Manuel Charr Quotes

"I know Vitali’s trainer Fritz Sdunek and I worked with him. Therefore I know how he has prepared Vitali. I have my tactics against Vitali and I am 1000 per cent sure that my tactics will be better. I will be the new WBC world heavyweight champion.”