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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ukraine boxer <keyword id="13257596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="viktor-postol" source="Orion">Viktor Postol</keyword> may have lost his last fight because he was distracted.</li><li>That's according to <keyword id="11922196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="boxing" source="Orion">boxing</keyword> coach <keyword id="11931259" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="freddie-roach" source="Orion">Freddie Roach</keyword>, who recently spoke to Insider.</li></ul>LOS ANGELES — <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/viktor-postol" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Viktor Postol</a> may have lost his last fight because his mind was on family and war, the Ukraine boxer's coach <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/freddie-roach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Freddie Roach</a> told Insider recently.A one-time world champion, 38-year-old Postol fought Gary Antuanne Russell during a Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime card in Las Vegas on February 26.At a pre-fight event Insider attended, reporters learned from Postol that <a href="https://www.insider.com/ukraine-boxer-viktor-postols-family-in-the-middle-of-everything-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his relatives were "in the middle of everything" at home</a> — the same week Russia invaded Ukraine's major cities.Russell defeated Postol late in the 10th and final round of a one-sided match, in a bout that could have gone to a decision.Thinking of the war effort, and whether his family remained safe, may have affected the outcome of the fight, according to Roach, 62."He may have lost his last fight because his mind was on his family back home," the six-time boxing trainer of the year told us.Postol did not stay in the ring to hear the official announcement when Russel beat him, and sought a quick flight out of the US to return to his family."It took us two days to get him on a plane home and he's with his family right now," said Roach.<div type="image" title="Gary Antuanne Russell and Viktor Postol fought a super lightweight match Saturday." height="625" width="1250" msid="90463679" hostid="261"></div>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and, in the weeks since, more than <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-un-war-displaced-10-million-people-refugees-internally-displaced/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 million people have been displaced</a> as multiple Ukraine towns and cities have been shelled from Russian aggression. Thousands have died.The war has had a significant impact on the boxing community, as boxing Hall-of-Famer and former heavyweight world champion <keyword id="13262840" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vitali-klitschko" source="Orion">Vitali Klitschko</keyword> is the current mayor of Kiev and a figurehead in the defense efforts.Another Hall-of-Fame boxer and former heavyweight world champion, <keyword id="13263272" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wladimir-klitschko" source="Orion">Wladimir Klitschko</keyword>, joined his older brother Vitali and has helped amplify their message to international media.The <a href="https://www.insider.com/wladimir-klitschko-war-is-terrifying-madness-and-terror-in-2022-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Klitschko brothers said early this month that war is "absolutely terrifying",</a> "complete madness", and "terror" in 2022.Wladimir alleged on March 10 that <a href="https://www.insider.com/wladimir-klitschko-claims-ukraine-children-are-dying-in-russia-war-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ukraine children are "dying by the dozens" in an angry video</a> that blasted Russia President Vladimir Putin.More recently, Kyiv mayor <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitali-klitschko-snaps-back-at-one-of-vladimir-putins-claims-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vitali snapped back with a simple but effective "bullshit"</a> when asked about Putin's claims that the Russian army hasn't been targeting civilians. He then pointed to a residential building that had been turned to rubble.Insider asked Roach about Wladimir, who he once helped train, and his role in Ukraine."It sounds like he's trying to save his country," he said. "It's not an easy job right now with Russia being so strong."Circling back to Postol, Roach said he "wouldn't be surprised" to see his fighter join the Klitschkos, and another world champion Ukraine boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko, in the country's military."If he joins that crew with the other guys, and all the guys get together … they all know how to fight!" Roach said.

Ukraine boxer Viktor Postol may have lost his last fight because his mind was on family and war, trainer says

<ul class="summary-list"><li>American boxer <keyword id="13257597" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gary-antuanne-russell" source="Orion">Gary Antuanne Russell</keyword> defeated Ukrainian fighter <keyword id="13257596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="viktor-postol" source="Orion">Viktor Postol</keyword> late, last month.</li><li>He told us he has sympathy for his opponent, who returned to war-torn Ukraine after the bout.</li></ul>LAS VEGAS — <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/gary-antuanne-russell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gary Antuanne Russell</a> has "a different respect" for Viktor Postol after their <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/boxing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boxing</a> match last month, as <a href="https://www.insider.com/ukraine-boxer-viktor-postols-family-in-the-middle-of-everything-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Ukraine boxer would have been consumed with thoughts regarding his family's safety</a> back home.Russell and Postol fought at <a href="https://www.insider.com/videos-hector-garcia-stuns-chris-colbert-with-an-upset-win-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime event that took place February 26</a> inside The Chelsea theater in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, before the American stopped him in the 10th round.Russell reflected later on the win to Insider, said he has "emotional sympathy" for what Postol and his compatriots are going through amid Russian invasion, and that he wants to return to the ring in a matter of months."I've got to show some type of emotional sympathy for him because that's his family, his friends," Russel said."His kids and his wife could possibly be at stake right now. It's a serious matter," the 25-year-old said.Russia shelled multiple Ukraine cities since invading February 24, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-general-assembly-volodymyr-zelenskyy-soccer-sports-7456cc05797d72960257a8ac75654d98#:~:text=The%20U.N.%20human%20rights%20office,impossible%20to%20verify%20the%20claim." target="_blank" rel="noopener">caused the civilian deaths of hundreds — if not thousands — of people</a> since then, and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/top-wrap-1-europes-largest-nuclear-power-plant-fire-after-russian-attack-mayor-2022-03-04/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seized Europe's biggest nuclear power plant</a> Friday.Speaking last week, Russell said he's praying that things "resolve soon" for Postol "at home."He said: "<keyword id="11922196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="boxing" source="Orion">Boxing</keyword> is what I do, but it don't define who I am. So take boxing away, me as a human being, I care for other people's lives. I'm not just a flamboyant person — I care."For him to be going through what he's going through and still participating in a brutal sport, I know that can harm a person mentally."<h2>Russell wants to return to the ring in the months ahead</h2><div type="image" title="Gary Antuanne Russell wants a quick return to the boxing ring." height="1272" width="2000" msid="90021330" hostid="261"></div>Russell finished Postol when he had his opponent hurt, before following up with a barrage of strikes until the referee intervened somewhat questionably, as Postol, with his experience, could have likely fought on.Insider asked Russell — who has finished every opponent he's faced in the pro game so far — if there were any learnings to take from being 29 seconds away from his first decision."He didn't bring anything to the table I hadn't seen before," he said. "I'm my worst critic and strongest opponent. I just can't be making a fight bigger than what it is. I magnified it when it shouldn't be."Prior to the Postol bout, Russell had boxed just once since February 2020 — a sixth-round retirement of Jovanie Santiago in California.He told us he wants to fight frequently in 2022. "I can say within two months, maybe another month and a half, you can be looking forward to my next fight being promoted."But as far as opponents he wants to face, that's "TBA," meaning, to be announced. "Stay tuned," he said.

Gary Antuanne Russell says he has 'a different respect' for Ukraine boxer Viktor Postol after their Las Vegas fight

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Two of the best boxers in the world flew to Ukraine to help the war effort against Russia invaders.</li><li><keyword id="12153613" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="oleksandr-usyk" source="Orion">Oleksandr Usyk</keyword> and <keyword id="13278274" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vasiliy-lomachenko" source="Orion">Vasiliy Lomachenko</keyword> are not alone in taking up arms.</li></ul><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/vasiliy-lomachenko" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vasiliy Lomachenko</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/oleksandr-usyk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oleksandr Usyk</a>, two of the world's best active boxers, have joined Ukraine in the fight against Russia's invasion.Russia sent troops into the former Soviet nation Thursday and shelled several cities including Kyiv, the capital, and Kharkiv, which is 25 miles from the border with Russia.Kharkiv's resistance began Friday, and has become a "key battleground" in Ukraine, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/28/kharkiv-ukraine-russia-war-east/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Washington Post reported Monday</a>.The country's key <keyword id="11922196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="boxing" source="Orion">boxing</keyword> figures have joined the war effort.Lomachanko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-weight world champion boxer, joined a territorial defense battalion in Ukraine.Usyk, another Olympic hero who unified championship belts at cruiserweight and heavyweight, recently joined the Kyiv Territorial Defense and can be seen holding an assault rifle in one photograph."Good morning, my name is Usky Oleksandr," <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dDzpHD8PDw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he said in one video this week</a>. "I want to appeal to the Russian people. If you consider us brotherly people, do not let your military, your children, go to our country. Stop attacking us!"I also appeal to [Russia] President [Vladimir] Putin. Stop this war! Don't give us ultimatums and declare your conditions, just sit down at the negotiating table. We need to talk and stop everything."Our children, our mothers, grandmothers, and ordinary people, are hiding in basements," said Usyk."We are on our own land, we act as we have to, we are protecting ourselves. Stop it. Stop this war."Both Lomachenko and Usyk are due to contest separate fights in the coming months, but it is unclear if the war effort will postpone those plans in <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/boxing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boxing</a>.Lomachenko had been linked to a lightweight title fight against George Kambosos Jr. in Australia, and Usyk remains contractually bound to a rematch clause to defend his newly-won heavyweight belts against Anthony Joshua.They are not the only boxers involved as legendary heavyweight <keyword id="13262840" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vitali-klitschko" source="Orion">Vitali Klitschko</keyword> is a former champion who is now mayor of Kyiv.Klitschko's brother Wladimir, also a former champion, took up arms against Russia, <a href="https://www.insider.com/klitschko-brothers-to-take-up-arms-for-ukraine-against-russia-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as Insider previously reported</a>.Insider was also ringside in Las Vegas for Saturday's Premier Boxing Champions event on Showtime <keyword id="11893855" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports" source="Orion">Sports</keyword> which featured a Ukrainian boxer, <keyword id="13257596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="viktor-postol" source="Orion">Viktor Postol</keyword>, who lost to American fighter Gary Antuanne Russell.Postol said earlier in the week that <a href="https://www.insider.com/ukraine-boxer-viktor-postols-family-in-the-middle-of-everything-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he would fly to Ukraine after his match and protect his family</a>.

2 of the world's best boxers have joined the fight for Ukraine against Russia's invasion

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An unforgettable night of violence took place Saturday at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.</li><li><keyword id="13257570" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="hector-garcia" source="Orion">Hector Garcia</keyword> dropped and defeated <keyword id="13257569" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chris-colbert" source="Orion">Chris Colbert</keyword> in a monster upset.</li></ul>LAS VEGAS — <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/chris-colbert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Colbert</a> came to the fight capital of the world with an abundance of energy and self-belief, ahead of his super featherweight world <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/boxing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boxing</a> title eliminator against Hector Garcia.However, he'll return to New York with a stunning loss.Colbert is fun and flashy but on Saturday <a href="https://www.insider.com/colbert-vs-garcia-at-the-cosmopolitan-of-las-vegas-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at The Chelsea theater inside The Cosmopolitan casino</a>, a late replacement opponent brought in with just three weeks' notice upset the odds with a statement win.Colbert was likely down after the opening two rounds alone, and though he came out firing in the third with a blistering combination of shots, his steller moments were few and far between.Really, this was Garcia's ring, and Colbert was just living in it.In the first half of the fight, Garcia cracked his skull with a shot so effective, it made Colbert wobble on unstable legs momentarily. Colbert would leave his jabbing hand out as if to fend away any incoming shot and buy him a second or two to recover. He was fighting like he was hurt.Midway through the fifth, Garcia threw a near-eight punch combination which was the right technique at the right time as it left Colbert with little option but to absorb it, with his back against the ropes.Colbert had flashes of good work but it was mostly overshadowed by an unrelenting fighter in front of him, who landed big shots with ease, and happily left his hands down by his waist as if to tell the American 'Hey, you have no power.'Then, Garcia almost wrecked Colbert's world midway through the seventh when a straight left punch thundered into his face, dropping him flat on the canvas.Colbert got to his feet to survive, but the crowd in Vegas had turned. Colbert's team was raucous through the week, but now Garcia's fans were buoyant, screaming with joy, as they sensed a monster upset was on the cards.Though Colbert threatened to regroup in the latter rounds, by the 10th, Garcia was thumping him into retreat mode.Now, it was Garcia who was confident, fun, and flashy as he stood his ground, paused, raised his arms and tried to drag Colbert into fisticuffs with showboating behavior.On his gloves and his flamboyant shorts, Colbert had pieces of a puzzle. But on Saturday, Garcia solved it — a clear-cut unanimous decision for the Dominican.Victory for the underdog saw Garcia advance his pro record to 15 wins (10 knockouts), while Colbert falls to 16 wins (six knockouts) and one defeat.<h2><keyword id="13257597" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gary-antuanne-russell" source="Orion">Gary Antuanne Russell</keyword> secures a late stoppage in <keyword id="13257596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="viktor-postol" source="Orion">Viktor Postol</keyword> bout</h2><div type="image" title="Gary Antuanne Russell and Viktor Postol fought a super lightweight match Saturday." height="937" width="1250" msid="89866071" hostid="261"></div>American super lightweight Gary Antuanne Russell, a fast-rising star in this game aged 25, took the fight to 38-year-old Viktor Postol in their 140-pound bout.Postol told reporters at a press conference Insider attended Thursday that <a href="https://www.insider.com/ukraine-boxer-viktor-postols-family-in-the-middle-of-everything-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he has "family in the middle of everything at home" in Ukraine</a> — a country defending itself from Russia's invasion.He said those distractions would not affect his mentality when it came time to fight, and through the first quarter of the bout that much seemed true.Postol tried to box around Russell, but the younger fighter was happy to command the position in the middle of the ring, and hunt for his opponent's head.The more powerful punching came exclusively from Russell, who wailed hook shots on Postol's face throughout the early going.In the third round, he added a straight left to his effective arsenal of potential match-changing punches, dazing Postol when he sent his glove through his kisser.Postol grew into the fight as it reached its middle stage, nicking rounds, making Russell spit blood into his bucket before the start of the sixth.But then Russell wound up that trusted left hand again, nailing Postol with that southpaw straight of his. And then again, and then a right hand. And when Russell turned it on, the fight was his.But Postol was making him work harder than he has ever had to work before the 14 knockouts he scored from the 14 fights he'd had in the pro game before this one.There are learnings for Russell to take as he continues to develop — Postol was able to counter him, he needs to work on his defensive game, and he must beware of the punch resistance to his face because he wore the wounds of boxing Saturday.Regardless, Russell scored a finish in the 10th round when he had Postol hurt, and followed up with a barrage of strikes until the referee intervened somewhat questionably, as Postol, with his experience, could have likely fought on.When speaking to Showtime analyst Jim Gray, Russell said "definitely," when asked if the fight should have been stopped. "There was a lot of contacts. Low gloves. The judges made the correct decision."I think my performance speaks for itself. The talent speaks for itself. I believe I'm ready for a step-up fight."Postol left the ring early. It is unclear why. However, he said this week that he'll return to Ukraine to help with the war effort.Gray asked Russell if it's difficult to box Postol knowing the situation he faces in Eastern Europe. "Not at all," he said."We in the hurt business. I do take my hat to Postol — his country is at war, and there are bombs going off. But the man is coming to hurt me, and I'm coming to hurt him."With victory, Russell preserved and extended his perfect knockout ratio, advancing his boxing record to 15 wins (15 knockouts).<h2><keyword id="13265348" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jerwin-ancajas" source="Orion">Jerwin Ancajas</keyword> and <keyword id="13265349" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fernando-martinez" source="Orion">Fernando Martinez</keyword> went to war</h2><div type="image" title="Jerwin Ancajas and Fernando Martinez went to war Saturday." height="675" width="900" msid="89866073" hostid="261"></div>Filipino fighter Jerwin Ancajas, 30, lost his IBF world championship in the televised opener, as Fernando Martinez, also 30, brought the fire in their spectacular junior bantamweight showdown.There were times in the fight when Martinez was slugging away, attempting to take his opponent's jaw off its hinges with relentless shots that Ancajas just seemed to shrug off, even though they were landing flush on his face.The pace and pressure on display midway through the Premier Boxing Champions card was obscene, as neither fighter backed down, and seemed happy to exchange damaging blows all night long.Martinez seemed to have tallied multiple rounds but Ancajas, perhaps spurred by wise words from his corner, rallied.As the bout drew to an end, they stood and traded blow after blow, emptying the bullets from their clip until they had nothing left but air.To underline the violence that took place, these wild sluggers too badass for their own good, combined to throw an extraordinary 1,862 punches, according to Compubox data sent to Insider.Eventually, Martinez was announced as the rightful winner in a unanimous decision. Having wrested the belt away from Ancajas in style, he advanced his pro record to 14 wins (eight knockouts), and remains unbeaten."I'm at a loss for words," the new champion said. "This is a dream come true. I want to unify titles and fight the best. I fought a warrior tonight, and I made the seemingly impossible, possible."<div type="image" title="Fernando Martinez won the IBF junior bantamweight title in style." height="732" width="1000" msid="89866075" hostid="261"></div>On the untelevised undercard, three young American fighters lit up the event as Micky Scala, 19, Angel Barrientes, also 19, and Justin Cardona, 22, boxed impressively in separate bouts to further their fledgling pro careers.Scala breezed past Jose Gomez, Angel Barrientes battered Brian Cannady, and Justin Cardona bullied Joshua Draughter until the referee intervened in the third round to wave the bout off.<a href="https://www.insider.com/cardona-barrientes-scala-score-bruising-knockouts-at-pbc-event-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch highlights of the early action here</a>.

A 30-year-old scored one of the biggest upsets of the year when he flattened American boxer Chris Colbert

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ukraine boxer <keyword id="13257596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="viktor-postol" source="Orion">Viktor Postol</keyword> returns to the ring Saturday.</li><li>He said this week his "family is in the middle of everything" as Russia invaded the country.</li></ul>LAS VEGAS — Ukraine boxer Viktor Postol's "family is in the middle of everything" at home, days away from his fight against highly-rated <keyword id="13257597" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gary-antuanne-russell" source="Orion">Gary Antuanne Russell</keyword> at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.Postol and Russell collide in a super featherweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds during the seven-bout Premier <keyword id="11922196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="boxing" source="Orion">Boxing</keyword> Champions event that Showtime will broadcast from 7 p.m. PT.The fight week featured animated athletes at the final pre-fight press conference Insider attended Thursday and fighters eager to rehydrate and compete after Friday's weigh-in.There is the main event with title shot ramifications between Chris Colbert and Hector Garcia and an IBF super flyweight championship between Jerwin Ancajas and Fernando Martinez.But Postol's story hits different as Russia this week invaded his home country Ukraine.Kyiv is besieged, as the defense ministry called on residents to "make Molotov cocktails" to fight Russians, who advance on the capital, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-kyiv-residents-molotov-cocktails-russia-advances-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as Insider recently reported</a>."The situation in Ukraine has escalated a lot, and it's hard not to think about it," Postol told reporters this week."I'm working on focusing on the fight. My family is in the middle of everything, but they are safe, and that's what is most important."Showtime <keyword id="11893855" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports" source="Orion">Sports</keyword> President <keyword id="13257598" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="stephen-espinoza" source="Orion">Stephen Espinoza</keyword> told Insider that "it's unimaginable" how distracting it must be for Postol."Rarely, in fights, is there a distraction of this magnitude where a home country and, more personally, where a family is at risk," Espinoza told us."And so as a father, as a husband, as a son, I'm sure his thoughts have to be on what's going on over there. It is human nature."But with a professional, like Postol who's been in with some of the best division, to the extent that you can compartmentalize that, he'll do that."He added: "He's been in tough situations before, but I can't imagine one that's personally much tougher than this one."<a href="https://www.boxingscene.com/postol-leave-las-vegas-right-russell-fight-rejoin-wife-twin-sons-war-torn-ukraine--164360" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speaking to Boxing Scene</a>, Postol called the <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">news</keyword> "upsetting" and "difficult" because "it's been escalating for a couple days. There's nothing good about it."But Postol, whose nickname is 'Iceman,' is trying to live — for the next 24 hours at least — with "a cold heart."He said: "I understand that if I go home now, today, it's not gonna change anything. I have my people in my home country that take care of my family. I know they're safe."I'm gonna do my job, and then I'm gonna go right back home after the fight to take care of them."<h2>Postol's job Saturday is to fight one of the best guys in his division</h2><div type="image" title="Gary Antuanne Russell and Viktor Russell faced-off for the last time Friday." height="1333" width="2000" msid="89839448" hostid="261"></div>Fighting Postol Saturday is Gary Antuanne Russell, who, at 25 years old, is 14 fights into his career — and has knocked out every one of those opponents.Russell is a tough dude and on a fast track toward the highest highs of the super lightweight division.But putting aside their job to compete against one another this weekend, Russell empathized with the position his opponent has been put in by Russia."I hope that with everything going on back home for Postol in Ukraine that it motivates him and makes him hungry to give the world a great fight on Saturday."Russell praised what Postol has done in his combat sports career but, regardless, is aiming to swat him aside so he can continue his quest to become a boxing superstar."They're going to say that I'm truly a superstar after this fight," he said this week. "That's what I've been saying for a long time. I'm stamping it on Saturday night."I'm going to give a show like I've always done … to be the next rising superstar. That's part of our plan."I've believed it all along, and now that other people are starting to see it, we're getting that much closer to our goal. The plan is to keep the knockout streak going. Execution is always our goal."Postol, who has esteemed coach Freddie Roach in his career, is unfazed.On the veteran boxing trainer Roach, who has trained dozens of world champion boxers including Manny Pacquiao, Postol said: "He's always able to give me the right adjustments in training and during the fight. "It helps with my confidence even more."He added: "I feel young and strong. I believe in myself. I'm very confident that I will become world champion again. This fight is a step toward achieving that feat."

Ukraine boxer Viktor Postol's 'family is in the middle of everything' at home, days away from his Vegas fight

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Two fighters have been inseparable at the highest echelon of world <keyword id="11922196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="boxing" source="Orion">boxing</keyword> for the last five years.</li><li>That's according to Hall of Fame inductee <keyword id="14178415" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="roy-jones-jr-" source="Orion">Roy Jones Jr.</keyword></li></ul>BOXING HALL OF FAME, CANASTOTA — American boxer <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/terence-crawford" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Terence Crawford</a> and Ukraine talent <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/vasiliy-lomachenko" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vasiliy Lomachenko</a> have been the top two fighters in the sport for the last five to six years.That's according to Hall of Fame boxer <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/roy-jones-jr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roy Jones Jr.</a>, who said Friday during a speech on the lawns of a <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/boxing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boxing</a> museum at Canastota, New York, that they've been almost inseparable in the modern era."I don't care if they're 1a, or 1b, that's the top two guys," Jones said at an event Insider attended.A three-weight world boxing champion, Crawford has put together an undefeated pro record of 38 wins from 38 fights with 29 coming by way of knockout.He is yet to secure a legacy-defining fight but has beaten the likes of Yuriorkis Gamboa, Viktor Postol, and Shawn Porter to establish himself as one of the best in the game right now.Lomachenko, meanwhile, is a former two-time Olympic gold medal winner who may be a somewhat controversial pick to have so close to the top of a pound-for-pound discussion as he was beaten convincingly by Teofimo Lopez in 2020.<div type="image" title="Vasiliy Lomachenko." height="1377" width="2000" msid="92165035" hostid="261"></div>He is yet to rebound with a significant win, defeating Masayoshi Nakatani and Richard Commey in non-title back-to-back fights.For Jones, though, what defines pound-for-pound caliber fighters is being able to "do things in the ring that nobody else can do."Jones himself was one of those fighters when he beat Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, Virgil Hill, John Ruiz, and Antonio Tarver in his heyday.<div type="image" title="Roy Jones Jr." height="1350" width="2000" msid="92165036" hostid="261"></div>The 53-year-old last fought in 2018 and enters boxing's Hall of Fame on Sunday as part of the 2022 class.Speaking earlier this week, he lauded the skills of those still competing in the sport today, and said: "Lomachenko and Crawford can do things in the ring that nobody else can do."Jones finished his pro career with a record of 66 wins and 47 knockouts from 75 fights. He lost nine times.

Terence Crawford has been one of the top 2 guys in boxing for years, Hall of Fame boxer Roy Jones Jr. says

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A <keyword id="11922196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="boxing" source="Orion">boxing</keyword> press conference was hidden away at a prohibition parlor in Las Vegas this week.</li><li>Inside, multiple fighters jawed at each other, talking up a PBC on Showtime fight Saturday.</li></ul>LAS VEGAS — Three men sat in separate chairs getting their hair cut Thursday at The Barbershop establishment inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.If you wanted any kind of fade, pompadour, or wet shave, then barbers like Rockstar, Elizabeth, or Gucci can get you looking and feeling fresh.The receptionist asked for my name but I wasn't looking for a trim. Not today, at least. I said I was media, and so she led me through the store to what looked like the restroom.Loud voices beckoned through the door as a speakeasy joint unveiled itself, a gem hidden from beyond those prepping themselves for a night at the blackjack tables.It was like she was showing me the way to the next whiskey bar, as those looking for a hit of bourbon had come to the right place at this prohibition style parlor.<div type="image" title="Through The Cosmopolitan's Barbershop is a speakeasy." height="1335" width="2000" msid="89860898" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="Chris Colbert and Hector Garcia were amongst those on center stage during fight week." height="1333" width="2000" msid="89860899" hostid="261"></div>Camera crews stood with their gear on a stage and filmed six fighters, who throw hands in three separate matches Saturday, talk-up their chances during a pre-fight press conference.<keyword id="13257569" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chris-colbert" source="Orion">Chris Colbert</keyword> fights Hector Garcia in the weekend's Premier Boxing Champions headliner broadcast by Showtime <keyword id="11893855" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports" source="Orion">Sports</keyword>, which takes place at the avant-garde The Chelsea venue inside The Cosmo.The New Yorker, with his dyed blue hair, stole the show. He grabbed the mic, interrogated his opponent, <a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-colbert-to-level-up-career-and-fight-skakur-stevenson-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">and generated a raucous energy from his excitable teammates</a> in the audience.Ukrainian former world champion boxer Viktor Postol, who fights fast-rising fighter <keyword id="13257597" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gary-antuanne-russell" source="Orion">Gary Antuanne Russell</keyword>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/ukraine-boxer-viktor-postols-family-in-the-middle-of-everything-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke about competing while his family remain in a country defending itself from a Russian invasion</a>.Showtime Sports boss <keyword id="13257598" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="stephen-espinoza" source="Orion">Stephen Espinoza</keyword> watched things unfold from the back of this secret room — one of many The Cosmopolitan can brag, alongside other incognitio bars and restaurants tucked away inside this casino.Playing on the theme of things hiding in plain sight, I asked Espinoza who Showtime's best-kept secret is in <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/boxing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boxing</a>."If you'd asked me this question about a year ago, I would've said probably Jerwin Ancajes," who defends his IBF super flyweight title Saturday against Fernando Martinez. "Maybe Brandun Lee," he added.Showtime insiders are also high on Russell, who takes on the toughest test of his career to date against the long Postol, a jab-happy fighter accustomed to the big stage.But Espinoza told Insider this week that because of "the way the boxing audience has connected with them, they're no longer secrets."I'm really optimistic about the future. When you look at Colbert, Gary Antuanne Russell, Brandun Lee — all of whom are young guys and not even close to reaching their peak," he said. "And we've got plenty of others."<h2>Bringing fights to Las Vegas is no secret — it is 'instrumental to the health of the sport'</h2>I covered fights in Vegas — at the MGM Grand, and at the T-Mobile Arena — before relocating here indefinitely.And so it took me slightly by surprise that in three weekends of working events in this city as a resident, I've been at the Mandalay Bay, the UFC Apex, and now The Cosmopolitan.For Espinoza, it's no great secret. "One of the strengths of Vegas is the city support for all sizes of events," he told Insider.<div type="image" title="Showtime Sports boss Stephen Espinoza." height="1333" width="2000" msid="89860900" hostid="261"></div>"We know about the bright lights and the casino support for the big, mega events. But to have the level of support both from the community in the casino, and the business environment for fights of this level, is a really important step in developing fighters to have them in a first-class venue in a first-class casino and get all the support that comes to it."It's one of the reasons why Vegas is so instrumental to the health of the sport of boxing."For Espinoza at Showtime, and PBC's event Saturday, bringing an event to The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas "brings a different crowd and a different feel as it's a venue that looks great on TV."There's not just support here for the big events," Espinoza said, finishing. "It's small, medium, large events. Vegas, truly, is a fight town — and this sport is better for it."Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime Sports begins 7 p.m. PT Saturday.

Secrets and boxing at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and why Stephen Espinoza keeps bringing the fight game to town

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Three young fighters boxed impressively in separate fights during the PBC on Showtime card.</li><li>It all went down Saturday inside The Chelsea theater at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.</li></ul>LAS VEGAS — Three young Americans lit up a Premier <keyword id="11922196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="boxing" source="Orion">Boxing</keyword> Champions card with bruising knockout wins Saturday <a href="https://www.insider.com/colbert-vs-garcia-at-the-cosmopolitan-of-las-vegas-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inside The Chelsea theater at The Cosmopolitan</a> of Las Vegas.<keyword id="13264279" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="micky-scala" source="Orion">Micky Scala</keyword>, 19, <keyword id="13264280" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="angel-barrientes" source="Orion">Angel Barrientes</keyword>, also 19, and <keyword id="13264281" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="justin-cardona" source="Orion">Justin Cardona</keyword>, 22, boxed impressively to further their fledgling pro careers.Arizona fighter Scala opened the show against super welterweight opponent Jose Gomez.Scala looked big at the weight, almost like a super middleweight rather than a 154-pounder, and brought a rowdy crowd with him from Mesa.<a href="https://www.insider.com/floyd-mayweather-american-fighters-futures-champs-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mayweather Promotions boxer</a> threw his punches well, picked Gomez apart, and scored a second-round finish without seemingly leaving first gear.Victory advanced his unbeaten pro record to five wins (three knockouts).<h2>Angel Barrientes obliterated Brian Cannady</h2>In the second bout of the evening, Angel Barrientes — who fights locally out of Las Vegas — scored knockdowns in the second and third rounds in a super bantamweight bout against Brian Cannady.Barrientes asserted his authority on the fight from the off with a long jab, punishing hook shots, and clubbing right hands over the top.A clear difference in power could be seen when a shot whipped into Cannady's body sent him back a few steps.If the first round wasn't decisive enough, Barrientes accelerated in the second, increasing the pressure and seeking the finish.It wasn't long before it arrived after a brace of knockdowns closed the show, propelling Barrientes' pro record to eight wins (six knockouts) against one loss.Watch the finish right here:<h2>Justin Cardona bullied Joshua Draughter into submission</h2>Next to impress was Californian youngster Justin Cardona who threw venomous strikes like a nasty SOB in his lightweight six-rounder against Joshua Draughter.He scored his first knockdown of the night early in the opening round, as he started fast and hard.Cardona was fighting with such bad intentions that one fan in the crowd could be heard shouting: "It's getting real, now!"It wasn't just real. It was horrible. Don't ever piss Cardona off because, man, just when you think that kid's gotten going, he activates a new level in bully mode and hammers Draughter's mid-section.Cardona knew all along that he could win by knockout, and with age and experience he likely could have gotten it sooner, as he boxed wild in the second before calming in the third round.Unlike the previous round where he put punches into wild bunches, Cardona threw single shots with remarkable power and consistency.Eventually, Daughter wilted. The corner would have known it, and the referee certainly knew it, as he waved the bout off there and then. Really, it should have been stopped sooner.Regardless, Cardona had done it — another win.Watch the finish right here:With victory, Cardona advanced his pro record to seven wins (four knockouts). He remains undefeated.Later, in the televised section of the show broadcast on Showtime <keyword id="11893855" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports" source="Orion">Sports</keyword>, Jerwin Ancajas defends his IBF junior bantamweight title against Fernando Martinez.Gary Antuanne Russell steps up in class against rangy jabber <a href="https://www.insider.com/ukraine-boxer-viktor-postols-family-in-the-middle-of-everything-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Viktor Postol</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-colbert-to-level-up-career-and-fight-skakur-stevenson-2022-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Colbert fights</a> Hector Garcia in a WBA super featherweight title eliminator set for 12 rounds.

3 young Americans lit up a Premier Boxing Champions card with bruising knockout wins

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="3661774" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="jose-ramirez">Jose Ramirez</keyword> is a boxer unlike most others.</li><li>Ramirez spoke to Insider ahead of his world super lightweight title defense against Viktor Postol. But rather than plug the fight, Ramirez wanted to promote social issues instead.</li><li>His political awareness outside the ring has drawn comparisons to Muhammad Ali, who transcended <keyword id="6362171" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Boxing">boxing</keyword> because of his stances on war, race, and class.</li><li>Considering the anti-immigrant rhetoric from the highest political office in the United States, there is perhaps no fighter, with a "pro-immigrant and proud" message as important as Ramirez's.</li></ul>Jose Ramirez is a boxing champion unlike most others, and it's easy to see why.Ahead of a world title fight, it is customary to call your opponent a loser, incite violence at the weigh-in ceremony, or even issue bone-chilling death threats.But Ramirez, a 28-year-old from central California, is different.Days before he defends his WBC and WBO super lightweight belts against the Ukrainian Viktor Postol at a behind-closed-doors ESPN show in Las Vegas Saturday, Ramirez spoke to Insider about his family, his relationship with God, and his political ideals.Ramirez answered with graceful diplomacy when we asked about Donald Trump. He told us that he's "pro-immigrant and proud." And he talked at length about agriculture, green policies, and community spirit.The fighter's activist mentality has drawn comparisons to Muhammad Ali, the three-time world heavyweight champion who transcended boxing because of his positions on race, class, and war."Jose Ramirez, in my view, is the most socially involved American fighter since Muhammad Ali," Ramirez's promoter <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/jose-ramirez-became-socially-involved-american-fighter-since-muhammad-ali-184735533.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bob Arum, the 88-year-old founder of the powerful Las Vegas fight firm Top Rank, told Yahoo Sports</a>.Ramirez's manager Rick Mirigian said similar to <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article205387669.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sacramento Bee</a>. "Whether it's water or immigrant rights, he puts his money where his mouth is."<h2>From the fields to the fights</h2>The sun would beat 100-degree heat onto Ramirez's neck as he worked the farms during the summer holidays as a kid.He'd labor outside in his teenage years, picking bell peppers in the fields, wanting to work and earn money so he could pay for his own things — clothes and a cell phone — as well as help out with a bill or two at home, relieving some of the financial burden from his parents.And so he found a job in the agriculture business, making $390 a week."During the day, I would wake up at 4 a.m. or 4.30 a.m., go to work at 5 a.m, finish at 4 p.m. and go to the gym for 4.30 p.m., train for two hours, and then go home and rest so I can do it all again the next morning."That was a typical day during those summers," he recalled.Ramirez never changed his work ethic even when school restarted in September. He's always been an early-riser."I'd wake up early and go for a run," he said. "Then I'd go to school, learn, go to the boxing gym afterward, and I played soccer as well after high school. Training with the team in the evenings."I'd then go home, do my homework, and sleep."<h2>A child of immigrants</h2><div type="image" title="Jose Ramirez and Rick Mirigian" height="450" width="900" msid="77824088" hostid="261"></div>Ramirez's pro-immigrant stance is defined by his lived experience. "My parents migrated from Mexico in 1987. I was born in the United States in 1992, first-generation, raised in a small farming community in California with a population of 10,000 people who dedicated their lives to the agriculture business."That's what I saw," he said. "A first-generation kid in that community where people had similar upbringings and lifestyles."My parents dedicated themselves to be good and loving. They taught me what's good and what's bad - faith in God. And made sure they were raising me and my siblings in the best way possible."Ramirez said he loved life as a boy and didn't see that other kids may have had "extra privileges.""Our innocence was colorful," he said.He started boxing at eight years old in the year 2000. Even at that young age, his dream was to become a champion and knew if he rose to the top he could earn serious cash to "give more privileges to my family than we were used to."To give my future kids a better school, better education, making sure we don't struggle for food and live check by check."Back to the beginnings, it was a very simple life. I feel very honored I was raised in such a humble community. I grew up appreciating who those people were [farmers] … making it easy for the rest of America to go to the local goods store and get their food."That's where my passion for these hard-working people started off."<h2>A political awakening that packed a punch</h2><div type="image" title="Jose Ramirez" height="1000" width="1500" msid="77824089" hostid="261"></div>Ramirez is a fighter by trade. That's clear. He's unbeaten in an eight-year professional career with 17 knockouts from 25 wins.He became a world champion in 2018 before annexing a second belt the following year with a signature stoppage win over Maurice Hooker in Arlington.Against Hooker, Ramirez foiled his foe with expert head movement, a superior ability to close the gap and box inside, and make his opponent wince with painful body shots.The referee jumped on Hooker when the Texan was on the ropes, getting battered by a merciless Ramirez in the performance of his career.Watch the highlights here:No doubt, Ramirez is an exhilarating fighter. And should he keep winning while competing in talent-rich weight categories, he will become a great one.But speaking to Insider, Ramirez was always humble. He never bragged. And he also refused to bad-mouth opponents — those in the ring, and outside of it.Insider asked Ramirez about Trump, his stance on immigration, and what he would do to combat anti-immigrant mentality, should he seek office in a post-boxing career."We are pro-immigrant and proud," he said, adding that he wants to motivate people."They should be proud to be immigrants just as an American, as a European American, who might have colored eyes and light skin."I want to remind people that America is a land of opportunity. And part of that is to motivate politicians to fight for immigration reform. We have the power to elect certain officials and it's their job to work for us."These elections, I haven't heard much about immigration reform besides opening or closing the borders. It's sad to see people running for president, who don't have answers to those questions."<h2>Green policy, clean water</h2>Immigration reform isn't the only issue Ramirez is passionate about.As <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/jose-ramirez-became-socially-involved-american-fighter-since-muhammad-ali-184735533.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Iole for Yahoo Sports reported</a>, "he's lobbied for water rights on behalf of the California Latino Water Coalition. He's worked to raise money for scholarships for needy students [in his community], who wouldn't be able to attend college otherwise."Ramirez told Insider: "In California, it's a very environmental state, so I'd lean more towards parties that benefit the animals, going green."He said because California is so agriculturally important to the rest of the country, providing many crops nationwide, the importance of correct water storage, and farmers having enough water to farm cannot be understated.<h2>A Pacquiao, Klitschko, and Ali for 2020 and beyond</h2>Fighters have hung up the gloves to concentrate on politics before. The former WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko is the current mayor of Kyiv.The eight-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao is a senator in the Philippines.It also brings us back to Ali, the man Ramirez's manager Mirigian and promoter Arum compare him to when it comes to social awareness.So, does Ramirez look up to Ali, Pacquiao, and Klitschko?"The only inspiration I have is to do the right thing and to do God's will," he said."Whatever policy, campaign, or movement I get behind, is because I truly believe in it and I know that it would do best for the people. That's my biggest motivation right now.These are weird times. I don't know if I can get into politics as I'm way too honest with myself."Boxing is his future, for the time being. "Right now, I want to focus on my career, and on being a good father, a good son, and a good friend. Respecting the people, respecting everyone's decision, and praying for everyone so they have a positive outcome."<h2>Fighting Postol</h2><div type="image" title="Jose Ramirez vs Viktor Postol faceoff" height="1087" width="1500" msid="77824090" hostid="261"></div>Ramirez defends his two super lightweight world championships Saturday at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.It is a highly-sanitized venue colloquially known as "The Bubble," and has been <keyword id="2349386" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="top-rank">Top Rank</keyword>'s go-to destination in the coronavirus era.It has <a href="https://www.insider.com/clay-collard-former-ufc-becomes-one-of-boxings-biggest-hits-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made a cult hero out of the former UFC fighter Clay Collard</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/video-elvis-rodriguez-kos-his-opponent-with-a-jab-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a budding star in Elvis Rodriguez</a> — who also fights Saturday — but it is Ramirez who is the biggest name to enter "The Bubble."Few wins in boxing last year made as big a statement as Ramirez's thumping victory over Hooker, and Ramirez acknowledges it as his best performance to date."The reason why was because of who I faced — another champion who was undefeated and that really elevated my ranking in the sport."Ramirez told us he's excited to finally continue where he left off in 2019, desperate to compete after two coronavirus-enforced cancelations of this bout.Ramirez had "two training camps with no reward" but now the fight is here. "I'm eager to do my best, perform at my best, and leave everything I have in that ring."Ramirez is visualizing victory so he can attempt to unify his two titles with the other two major championships in the 140-pound division — both of which are owned by the Scottish boxer Josh Taylor, a Top Rank stablemate."After Postol, that is definitely the fight [to make]," Ramirez said. "Josh Taylor is a great, unified champion. I'm a unified champion. [Whoever wins can] go on to the next division as the undisputed best."Taylor is a great fight," Ramirez said. "Everyone would be paying attention."Read more:<a href="https://www.insider.com/why-boxing-comes-easy-for-erislandy-lara-cuban-defector-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boxing is easy for Erislandy Lara because he already won the biggest fight of his life — becoming a US citizen after defecting from Cuba</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/andy-ruiz-jr-laughs-about-dillian-whytes-brutal-knockout-loss-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prominent people in boxing are gloating after the British heavyweight Dillian Whyte suffered a brutal knockout loss Saturday</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/jordan-wright-leaves-hole-in-ufc-opponents-face-wins-debut-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An unbeaten American left a hole in his opponent's face which was so bloody, the UFC doctor stopped the fight after 91 seconds</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/watch-joe-smith-send-eleider-alvarez-through-the-ropes-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An American boxer called Joe Smith landed a 1-2 punch combination so powerful it blasted his opponent through the bottom ropes</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/anderson-silva-and-conor-mcgregor-agreed-a-ufc-mega-fight-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><a href="https://www.insider.com/khabib-nurmagomedov-would-be-glad-to-fight-conor-mcgregor-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Khabib Nurmagomedov says he would happily fight Conor McGregor again in one of the biggest UFC bouts of all time</a>

Boxing champion Jose Ramirez has been compared to a modern-day Muhammad Ali, and could follow Manny Pacquiao into politics

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Bob Arum, 88, regrets that he might die before his boxing prospects are crowned kings.</li><li>Arum has worked for five decades in boxing, promoting Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar de la Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao.</li><li>He continues to wield great power in combat sports, and has a number of world-level fighters under contract at his Las Vegas-based company Top Rank.</li><li>But he recently signed a baby-faced assassin called Xander Zayas, a 17-year-old phenom from Puerto Rico, and Arum openly wonders whether his "clock will run out" by the time Zayas wins a world title.</li><li>"I would hate to be gone when that happens," he told Business Insider. "As I sign younger kids and I get older, the idea that I'll be there jumping in the ring when he wins a world title becomes less realistic."</li><li>A decorated amateur boxer, Zayas has fought twice since Arum signed him. He won both fights by knockout and returns to the ring this weekend, taking on Corey Champion in a four-rounder in Atlantic City.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>At 88 years old Bob Arum is not just one of boxing's most powerful men, he's also one of the oldest - and he knows it.Arum still has a thirst for deal-making, promoting championship events around the world, and signing young athletes. But he recently told Business Insider that those fighters - some more than 60 years younger than he is - may not win a world title, become a superstar, and bank millions of dollars until after he has died.His voice almost breaks as he says this. Signing talent still excites him, he said. "But it fills me with a lot of regret because I'm a realist about longevity."Crowning champions is what Arum does best, you see. He's promoted many, if not all, of the historically great fighters you can think of right now, from Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Evander Holyfield, to Oscar de la Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao.He still has a hulking stable and late last year added a baby-faced assassin to his Top Rank fight firm, the 17-year-old Puerto Rican phenom Xander Zayas.The Zayas family met Arum when the athlete was 16, and Arum told us it was not long before he realized the star potential which had walked into his Las Vegas office.Puerto Rico is a boxing-crazed country, has been a conveyor belt of talent in recent decades, and New York City - with its latino communities - has proven to be a winning city to host fights featuring Puerto Ricans.A decorated amateur boxer, Zayas wanted to turn professional before the Olympic cycle. Top Rank did not want to miss out on signing a fighter who would be its <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/27875299/how-top-rank-signed-xander-zayas-their-youngest-prospect-ever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">youngest prospect ever</a> - not after Arum saw for himself the future that may lie ahead - and so Top Rank wanted Zayas to turn pro with them."He was 16 years old and he came to the office with his mother, step father, and his sister, and they were really tall people. Mother and sister were each at least 6-foot tall."I looked at the kid … they showed me clips of amateur fights. And I realized I had a kid in front of me who was a welterweight who would probably end up at light heavyweight or heavyweight."He has a lot of talent, a lovely kid who you sort of fall in love with."We signed him to a contract and got it approved in a court in Nevada because he was a minor, still is. Most places you can't fight until 18, but there are certain places in the United States to fight professionally at 17 - Nevada luckily, Texas, and New Jersey are three places."When asked about having to relate to men much younger than him, Arum said: "I'm in great health but I realize at some time in the future the clock will run out and I don't know if that happens before or after the kid becomes a champion."I would hate to be gone when that happens, but we don't know. As I sign younger kids and I get older, the idea that I'll be there jumping in the ring when he wins a world title becomes less realistic."<h2>How Arum and Top Rank develops talent</h2>Arum and Top Rank have a tested method when it comes to scouting, nurturing talent, and turning potential into experience - and experience into champion status.The process, in brief, is this:<ol><li>Identify talent in the amateur scene</li><li>Put them in the right professional fights at the right times</li><li>Once their skill and experience has developed, book them in bouts which punctuate their greatness</li></ol>"We have three tremendously able matchmakers who have been around and have great eyes," Arum said. "They spot talent in the amateur ranks, particularly in the Olympics."Other kids are hidden under a barrel and emerge after their amateur careers, and they [Top Rank scouts] spot them then."We've been very successful in acquiring talent and then directing that talent in the right direction so that most of them become superstars. That was what we did with Floyd Mayweather, with Oscar de la Hoya, and with Manny Pacquiao to a great extent.""Without talent, we're not alchemists and can't turn lead into gold," Arum told us. "But, again, we have a great track record of taking these talented kids, making the right fights for them, and moving them along."Arum used the example of the WBC and WBO super lightweight world title holder Jose Carlos Ramirez, a 27-year-old American who blossomed late to enjoy a thumping 2018, a year which saw him crowned champion."This kid from Fresno, Jose Ramirez, a member of the US Olympic team … when he came out there was serious debate whether he'd be a star."Initially, though he won his early fights, he didn't look like a world beater but finally you could see the improvement in every fight. He won a championship against a very good fighter at Madison Square Garden [vs. Amir Imam in New York, 2018]."He then won a championship with another organization [by beating Maurice Hooker in Arlington, Texas, 2019], so he now holds two titles."Arum is sending Ramirez to China, where he will defend both of those championships against Viktor Postol at the Mission Hills in Haikou in a bout which takes place on February 2 and will be broadcast back to fight fans in America.But while Ramirez blossomed late, it is yet unclear the path Arum and Top Rank will take the teenage Zayas down - whether he will win a world title early in his career, late, or even at all.Currently, he is two fights into his professional career with two wins, both of which were knockouts. His third will take place this weekend, as he takes on Corey Champion in a four-round bout at the Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City, New Jersey - one of the few places which allows 17-year-olds to fight.If Zayas goes on to become a champion at the same age as Ramirez, it will be in 2028, and Arum would be in his late 90s.But if Zayas wins a world title at the same age as Pacquiao did in 1998, when the Filipino was 19, it will happen far sooner - 2022.In that scenario, few would be happier than Arum.Read more:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/floyd-mayweather-made-500000-for-every-punch-landed-in-2010s-1?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Floyd Mayweather made $500,000 for every punch he landed in the last decade, and he landed a lot of punches</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eddie-hearn-would-love-to-sign-saul-canelo-alvarez-2019-12?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canelo Alvarez could become boxing's greatest free agent since Floyd Mayweather, and Eddie Hearn says he would work with him 'in an absolute heartbeat'</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/terence-crawford-manny-pacquiao-fight-a-non-starter-bob-arun-2019-12?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manny Pacquiao's people want no part in a fight with Terence Crawford, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wladimir-klitschko-plotting-boxing-comeback-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wladimir Klitschko is plotting a spectacular boxing comeback, and he wants to break an old heavyweight record</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-the-tyson-fury-english-traveller-boxing-style-2019-8?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">English travellers like Tyson Fury are taking over boxing, but fight nothing like Brad Pitt's character in 'Snatch'</a>

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Ukraine boxer Viktor Postol may have lost his last fight because his mind was on family and war, trainer says

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A 30-year-old scored one of the biggest upsets of the year when he flattened American boxer Chris Colbert

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Ukraine boxer Viktor Postol's 'family is in the middle of everything' at home, days away from his Vegas fight

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Terence Crawford has been one of the top 2 guys in boxing for years, Hall of Fame boxer Roy Jones Jr. says

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Secrets and boxing at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and why Stephen Espinoza keeps bringing the fight game to town

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3 young Americans lit up a Premier Boxing Champions card with bruising knockout wins

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Boxing champion Jose Ramirez has been compared to a modern-day Muhammad Ali, and could follow Manny Pacquiao into politics

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One of boxing's most powerful men, 88, says he might die before his prospects become champions

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