On 17^th October 2009 Primetime launched in the UK as an independent Pay Per View broadcaster with the first night of Showtime’s innovative Super Six Tournament.

Six of the world’s finest Super Middleweight pugilists would embark on a course to determine the true Super Middleweight champion of the World which would take 2 years to complete. Over the course of the tournament we would see 2 fighters replaced through injury and a series of brutal KO’s building up to the career defining fight we will see this weekend.

On that first night of Primetime Carl Froch would defend his WBC crown in front of a home town audience in Nottingham with a split decision victory. Later that night Arthur Abraham would give Primetime it’s first KO as he defeated Jermaine Taylor in Germany.

Primetime were fortunate enough to broadcast the Super Six series through to the end of the group stages, bring you unforgettable moments such as Andre Dirrell’s controversial DQ victory over Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch losing his WBC title on points to Mikkel Kessler. Kessler would later be forced to withdraw through injury allowing Carl to recapture the strap after defeating
Arthur Abraham in Helsinki for the vacant title.

This spectacular series of fights allowed Primetime to enter the British broadcasting landscape with a significant impact, as well as proving the demand from British consumers for top quality Pay-Per-View Boxing events.

Since those early days on Primetime, we have been able to grow and bring you some of the best fistic action around. Having featured both Klitschko brothers, Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr as well as world class MMA action from Strikeforce, Primetime has now become the destination to watch the World’s best fighters in action.

Those early Super Six fights played a significant part in establishing Primetime in the British boxing landscape and allowing us to bring you the exciting fights which followed. As we head into this weekend, we may not be currently broadcasting Carl’s fights but all the Primetime staff will be willing Carl to display that true ‘British Bulldog’ spirit and bring the trophy home to England.

Good luck Carl from everyone at Primetime.

Primetime are continuing to work with the world’s leading fighters and promoters to bring you the best fights in World Boxing. Keep an eye on www.primetimelive.co.uk for announcements on our exciting line up for 2012!

You can register for Primetime by calling 08712004444*, visiting www.primetimelive.co.uk. Customers on Sky must register the first time they use Primetime and once registered can
purchase events using the ‘box office’ menu, Virgin Media customers can purchase events using the ‘On Demand’ menu.

PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ III

Saturday, November 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas

LIVE on Primetime PPV

‘It could be one of those battles where one punch could change a fight…’ – Khan

London, England (November 12, 2011) – Primetime guest commentator Amir ‘King’ Khan has shared his thoughts on this Saturday night’s highly anticipated super fight between Manny
Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, broadcasting live from Las Vegas on Primetime (Channel 480 on Sky).

The reigning WBA and IBF light-welterweight world champion has tipped his stablemate to win in impressive style believing that the Mexican great Marquez will not be able to sustain the onslaught that the Filipino will throw his way.

“Marquez looks too big, he looks very heavy upper body and that’s going to work against him because he’s more of a counter fighter and a guy who’s quick and catches you in between shots. But for this fight Marquez has been training to put pressure on Manny and push him back but that’ll work against him because he’s not used to that style and he’s way too big for his size,” said Khan.

“I believe within five rounds Manny will win this fight – he will definitely do a job on him. It could be one of those battles where one punch could change a fight but I just don’t think Marquez has
it in him,” Khan stated.

The Bolton born boxer not only backs ‘Pacman’ to win the fight but believes he will do so by knockout.

“Since their last two fights I think Marquez has aged a lot more than Manny, he was outboxed by Mayweather, and Manny will probably be the guy to knock him out – I think this could be one of
his last paydays. I’ve been watching Manny in training and he is looking really good so I don’t think he has anything to worry about,” he said.

A potential fight with Floyd Mayweather has been mooted should Pacquiao get past Marquez and Khan has revealed that a fight between the two is likely to happen before he gets the chance to step into the ring with the man dubbed ‘Money’.

“The fight between me and Mayweather won’t happen until the end of next year, maybe even later than that, so it’s no rush for me. I’m only 24 and will be 25 by then but Manny against Mayweather is a fight that everybody wants to see, so it’s one that has to happen,” said the
Olympic silver medallist.

Khan will also be running the rule over his nemesis in the 140 pound division, Timothy Bradley, who takes on the experienced Joel Casamayor, a fighter who is no stranger to big-time bouts.

One fight that Khan was keen to make earlier in the year, in order to try and capture all four recognised world-titles, was against the American Bradley but the British star will instead be watching closely from ringside when the current WBO light-welterweight world champion steps into the squared circle on the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez III.

“It’s a fight Bradley should win [against Casamayor],” said Khan. “We offered him the fight twice and he refused both times so he will be a little bit embarrassed by that. I don’t know the exact reasons behind it so I’m sure if I do see him we will probably have a chat because I remember before I fought Maidana he said to me ‘you win that fight and it’ll be a good fight between both of us’ and I thought the fight was going to happen,” he revealed.

“I want to move up to 147 pounds but don’t think he will take the fight on now because it’s too much for him to risk – he’s looking for a big payday fight against Mayweather or Pacquiao. The world knows I wanted that fight and offered it to him on paper and he stayed quiet when it was put to him,” said Khan.

This Saturday nights clash will be screened live and exclusive in the UK on Primetime
(Channel 480 on Sky) from 2am. All four 24/7 shows will be free-to-air from 11pm on Saturday 12 Nov. Having shown some of boxing’s biggest names including Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan and Carl Froch, Primetime are set to get boxing fans mouths watering again with a potential ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate.

You can order this great night of boxing, which is also set to feature Timothy Bradley vs. Joel Casamayor and Breidis Prescott vs. Mike Alvarado, for only £14.95 by calling 08712004444, by visiting www.primetimelive.co.uk or Virgin Media customers can purchase using the ‘On Demand’ menu. Customers on Sky must register the first time they use Primetime and once registered can purchase using the ‘box office’ menu.

Results

Juan Carlos Burgos 129lbs

Luis Cruz 130lbs

Breidis Prescott 140lbs

Mike Alvarado 140lbs

Joel Casamayor 140lbs

Timothy Bradley 140lbs

Juan Manuel Marquez 142lbs

Manny Pacquiao 143lbs

You can watch a vidoe of the weigh ins here;

http://www.ustream.tv/trboxing

Pacquiao vs Marquez III sees the World’s best pound for pound fighters return to Primetime this November. Ranked number 1in the pound for pound lists, Manny Pacquiao will be looking to end the controversy by convincingly dispatching long time rival Juan Manuel Marquez. After a
controversial points decision and a draw both fighters have a point to prove. The previous battles have delivered knockdowns galore and this fight promises to be no different.

Timothy Bradley steps back into the ring after ten months out and having been stripped of his WBC title as issues with his manager meant a fight with Amir Khan didn’t happen. Bradley will want to return to winning ways and prove he is still the number 1 in the Light Welterweight
division. To do that he’ll need to defend his WBO title against former two division champion Joel Casamayor.

Breidis Prescott also makes a quick return to British TV screens. Following his points loss to Paul McCloskey the only man to knock Amir Khan out aims to get back to winning ways as he challenges for the IBF Latino Light Welterweight crown. An undefeated Mike Alvarado stands in his way, with 41 KO’s from 58 fights between them this has all the makings of a fight of
the night candidate.

The card is completed by Luis Cruz vs Juan Burgos for the NABO Super Featherweight championship.

So it’s titles fights all the way on November 12^th, another must see night exclusive to Primetime!

You can order the card for only £14.95 by calling 08712004444*, visiting www.primetimelive.co.uk or Virgin Media customers can purchase using the ‘On Demand’ menu.
Customers on Sky must register the first time they use Primetime and once registered can purchase using the ‘box office’ menu.

Preview and Prediction: Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez:
On November 12th, the curtain lifts on the third act of a magnificent sporting drama. Multi-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38KOs) and legendary ring technician Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39KOs) are set to clash at the MGM Grand for the third and final time. A single point is all that separates the two sensational athletes on the scorecards after 24 rounds in the ring together. Meeting here for the WBO Welterweight title at a catchweight of 144lbs, the fighters’ fierce rivalry effectively spans seven years and five weight divisions. Each has grown in stature both physically and technically since meeting for the first time at 126lbs, and few fans will need reminding of the ferocity of their first two encounters. While Manny’s bitter quarrels with a certain Pretty Boy have been much publicized outside the ring, Marquez remains the fighter who has Pacquiao’s number inside the ropes.

2004 saw a raw and explosive encounter in which Pacquiao – moving up in weight for the fourth time – sent his gutsy Mexican rival to the canvas three times within the opening round. An astonishing feat of pride and resilience, however, saw Marquez make a convincing comeback and the contest was eventually ruled a draw. Four years later (and a few pounds heavier), their 2008 encounter began as painful déjà vu for Marquez when once again he found himself flat at the Filipino’s feet. This controversial power struggle finally ended in a split-decision in Pacquiao’s favour; a result that Marquez’s camp has much disputed.
From a hard-fought draw to a fractional points win, the question for many is whether Manny Pacquiao will continue edging ahead of his accomplished rival into the realms of becoming a genuine sporting phenomenon. Speaking on Ringlife recently, Pacquiao was clear on the significance of their third meeting. “This fight is to answer all doubts,” he asserted. “The doubts in [Marquez’s] mind, and in the minds of the fans.”

Marquez is fighting for what he believes is rightfully his, and thoughts have already turned to the ways in which he will galvanise his legacy. “I want history to remember me as a warrior,” he said on Ringlife. “As someone who refused to throw in the towel that easily. I want to be remembered with love and admiration.” Given that Marquez’s heart, resilience, and extraordinary ring craft embody much of what the sport has to offer, his wish seems likely to come true regardless of Saturday’s outcome.
The Generals behind the approaching war, boxing’s brightest training brains Freddie Roach and Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain, have been preparing meticulously and continue their war of words. “No-one can convince me otherwise,” Nacho said of Marquez and Pacquiao’s fights. “He [Marquez] dominated Pacquiao in technique.”
Freddie Roach was equally candid in his views and quipped, “You know why I really want this fight? …To shut them up.”
Roach’s comment could equally (if affectionately) be applied to us, the fans. In an era of frustrated super-fights we will be forgiven, I feel, for clamouring to see the third and decisive chapter of a memorable boxing story. The final word is required, and Saturday sees the conclusion of a battle for supremacy between two of the most celebrated fighters of a generation.

The card also sees Tim Bradley (currently ranked by Ring Magazine as the number 7 pound for pound fighter in the world) defending his title against former two-division world champion Joel Casamayor. Mike Alvarado will be defending his Latino Jnr Welterweight title against Breidis Prescott, (now relatively well-known to British fight fans for his eventful encounters with both Amir Khan and Kevin Mitchell), as well as a Junior Lightweight bout between exciting fighters Luis Cruz and Juan Burgos.

PREDICTION AND ANALYSIS of the Main Event
Stylistically, Marquez remains perhaps one of the most competitive pairings available for Pacquiao. Despite a fractional deterioration in speed, 37-year-old Marquez is a masterful counterpuncher with grit, ability, and a wealth of experience.
Rumour and controversy notwithstanding, Pacquiao’s development as a fighter has been undeniably formidable. His raw talent coupled with Roach’s superb gameplans has refined him into a force to be reckoned with in several divisions and the sport as a whole.
Pacquiao is a swift, skillful southpaw now armed with concussive power in both hands. His awkward angles and improved defense could mean that even the accomplished Marquez will struggle to establish rhythm and distance, or to counter effectively. Do not expect him to crumble into the defensive rubble common amongst some of Manny’s former victims, but after a valiant effort and memorable shootout, I expect Marquez’s vulnerability to early knockdowns and natural weight disadvantage to become insurmountable by the later rounds.
Pacquiao to stop him in the 10th.

Pacquiao Will Be Looking To Prove A Point

WBO Welterweight Title

When: 12^th November Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

What: Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez

Where: All on Primetime: Sky channel 480, Virgin Media ‘On Demand’ and online at www.primetimelive.co.uk

Pacquiao vs Marquez III is rapidly approaching, as we get ready for fight night we sat down with former WBO Middleweight and Super Middleweight Steve Collins to discuss the fight and get an insight into training with Freddie Roach. Here’s what he had to say;

“Personally I think Manny Pacquiao will be more impressive in this one than the previous two fights. Manny is 33 but Marquez is 38 now and appears to be aging as a fighter. While Manny has fought at this weight a number of times now, Marquez has only fought at this weight once (losing
on points to Floyd Mayweather Jr). That gives Pacquiao a weight advantage which could be telling. Of the three fights this is the one I think Manny will look best in.”

“Manny will want to prove a point in this fight. Marquez has fought Mayweather and lost on points. Manny will want to go and knock him out to prove a point to Floyd. If the Mayweather fight ever comes off that will be a huge confidence boost.”

“Manny has a lot of faith in Freddie and the two of them have a great rapport. When you get a fighter with ability and a trainer with the knowledge to pass on it’s a lethal combination, and that’s what you have with Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach. That’s helped Pacquiao improve and that improvement is proof of Freddie’s methods.”

“What makes Freddie so good as a trainer is, if a fighter has ideas and plans, he’ll listen to them. If Freddie says they’re good ideas then you’ll work with them. It’s not always his way, it’s whatever way works and gets results in the ring. By listening to the fighters, that’s what builds the rapport and confidence in each other. Freddie’s fighters don’t fight Freddie’s way, they fight whichever way it takes to get the win and beat the opponent, that’s what makes him different from a lot of other trainers.”

“Freddie is a great asset to have in your corner during a fight. He keeps his instructions simple, he says what needs to be said and doesn’t complicate it. If something’s not going right, Freddie has so much knowledge and experience he can tell you exactly what to do to change it. That gives you great confidences going back out.”

“This is a fight I am really looking forward to. I think Manny wants to win inside the distance and that’s what I think will happen.”

Pacquiao vs Marquez III sees the World’s best pound for pound fighters return to Primetime this November. Ranked number 1in the pound for pound lists, Manny Pacquiao will be looking to end the controversy by convincingly dispatching long time rival Juan Manuel Marquez. After a
controversial points decision and a draw both fighters have a point to prove. The previous battles have delivered knockdowns galore and this fight promises to be no different.

Timothy Bradley steps back into the ring after ten months out and having been stripped of his WBC title as issues with his manager meant a fight with Amir Khan didn’t happen. Bradley will want to return to winning ways and prove he is still the number 1 in the Light Welterweight
division. To do that he’ll need to defend his WBO title against former two division champion Joel Casamayor.

Breidis Prescott also makes a quick return to British TV screens. Following his points loss to Paul McCloskey the only man to knock Amir Khan out aims to get back to winning ways as he challenges for the IBF Latino Light Welterweight crown. An undefeated Mike Alvarado stands in his way, with 41 KO’s from 58 fights between them this has all the makings of a fight of
the night candidate.

The card is completed by Luis Cruz vs Juan Burgos for the NABO Super Featherweight championship.

So it’s titles fights all the way on November 12^th, another must see night exclusive to Primetime!

You can order the card for only £14.95 by calling 08712004444*, visiting www.primetimelive.co.uk or Virgin Media customers can purchase using the ‘On Demand’ menu.
Customers on Sky must register the first time they use Primetime and once registered can purchase using the ‘box office’ menu.

WBO Welterweight + Light Welterweight Titles

When: 12^th November Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

What: Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez; Timothy Bradley vs Joel Casamayor

Where: All on Primetime: Sky channel 480, Virgin Media ‘On Demand’ and online at www.primetimelive.co.uk

Primetime boxing returns on Saturday 12^th November as ‘Manny’ Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez step in to the squared circle to determine once and for all who is the better man.

Following the success of our interactive content for the Mayweather vs Ortiz broadcast Primetime pundit Steve Bunce will once again be following a selection of boxing forums to get your feedback live and reflect your views during the broadcast.

We’ll regularly be checking in throughout the night and our studio team of Andy Kerr, Steve Bunce and former two weight champion Steve Collins will be answering your questions to ensure you get the information you need during an unrivalled night of World Championship boxing.

You can get involved with the Primetime broadcast in the boxing forums at www.livefight.com, www.606v2.com, www.ringnews24boxingforum.com and www.eastsideboxing.com , why not
register today and make sure that you get the show you want only with Primetime.

Pacquiao vs Marquez III sees the World’s best pound for pound fighters return to Primetime this November. Ranked number 1in the pound for pound lists, Manny Pacquiao will be looking to end the controversy by convincingly dispatching long time rival Juan Manuel Marquez. After a
controversial points decision and a draw both fighters have a point to prove. The previous battles have delivered knockdowns galore and this fight promises to be no different.

Timothy Bradley steps back into the ring after ten months out and having been stripped of his WBC title as issues with his manager meant a fight with Amir Khan didn’t happen. Bradley will want to return to winning ways and prove he is still the number 1 in the Light Welterweight
division. To do that he’ll need to defend his WBO title against former two division champion Joel Casamayor.

Breidis Prescott also makes a quick return to British TV screens. Following his points loss to Paul McCloskey the only man to knock Amir Khan out aims to get back to winning ways as he challenges for the IBF Latino Light Welterweight crown. An undefeated Mike Alvarado stands in his way, with 41 KO’s from 58 fights between them this has all the makings of a fight of
the night candidate.

The card is completed by Luis Cruz vs Juan Burgos for the NABO Super Featherweight championship.

So it’s titles fights all the way on November 12^th, another must see night exclusive to Primetime!

You can order the card for only £14.95 by calling 08712004444*, visiting www.primetimelive.co.uk or Virgin Media customers can purchase using the ‘On Demand’ menu. Customers on Sky must register the first time they use Primetime and once registered can purchase using the ‘box office’ menu.

Tony weeks works very hard a being bilingual and that will help Marquez who does not speak English. Weeks is an excellent referee who is always in great position to referee fights. He is a very dominant referee without making too many appearances on your screen. He gets the fighter’s attention and works to keep the fighters in areas for clean hard fights. He does not tolerate any fouls and is on them immediately. Weeks did a great job in the Erik Morales war vs Marcos Maidana. Morales’s right was almost totally closed after the initial touching of the gloves. Yet Weeks let the Mexican Warrior fight on and that performance won over millions of boxing fans for the return of Morales. Great job by Weeks to see the fight through and let the all out war continue for the full 12-rounds.

For the WBO junior welterweight clash between Timothy Bradley and Joel Casamayor, the referee will be Vic Drakulich. The judges will be Levi Martinez, from New Mexico, and Adelaide Byrd and Burt Clements, both from Nevada. WBO Chairman of the Ratings Committee, Luis Perez, will be the Supervisor in charge for this fight.

Vic Drakulich’s worked the Zab Judah vs Amir Khan fight and he in a great position to see the location of the Khan punch on Judah and count Judah out. I also worked the Omar Niño Romero fight vs Rodel Mayol. in Guadalajara, Mexico. Romero hit Mayol with a low blow and as Mayol bent over in pain, Drakulich stopped the fight immediately. The call by Drakulich left Mayol a defenseless fighter but Romero stepped in, stepped on Mayol’s feet and knocked him out. A long review by Mauricio Sulaiman of the WBC, clearly showed what I saw and that was that Drakulich clearly signaled the fight to stop. Sulaiman declared the fight a technical decision draw. Drakulich showed again that he is always in a great position to call a fight.

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

I was deeply saddened to hear that Joe Frazier passed away earlier today, like I’m sure most of the boxing world was. He was a living legend and right up to his passing was so dedicated to the sport that bought him fame and fortune.

Whilst most people will remember Joe for his trilogy of fights with Ali, I remember him with deep affection for a totally different reason… It was Joe and his son Marvis that first got me involved in boxing.

In late 2005, whilst I was recovering from a serious illness, I traveled to Philadelphia to spend some time with my fiancee Marianne Marston, who was there on an extended business trip.

The day I arrived in Philly Marianne was particularly buoyant, not because I had made the trip but because that afternoon she had accidentally met with Joe in a coffee shop opposite our hotel.

Marianne, who had recently started boxing training with Choleton Senior in London, was recounting the story to me of how they met, before saying that Joe had invited her to try out at his North Philadelphia gym.

The very next morning we grabbed a cab and made our way along Broad Street, we passed the famous Blue Horizon – which also sadly is no longer with us, well as a boxing venue anyway – and continued North to a rather run down part of Philly.

When we arrived at the gym we were greeted by Joe’s son Marvis, Marianne showed him the card Joe had given her and told him that Joe invited her to try out at the gym. Marvis welcomed us both with open arms and sent Marianne to get changed.

About half an hour later, whilst Marvis was taking Marianne on the pads, a dapper older gent arrived and stood by the side of the ring observing. At the time I was sitting on one of the sofas in the waiting area reading, for some reason I kept stopping and looking over at the new arrival, he was intently watching the session but never spoke a word.

When Marvis had finished the session the older guy called Marianne over, Marianne looked nervous as she spoke with him and it was then that it dawned on me that this was the legendary Smokin’ Joe himself.

Joe got Marianne to climb out of the ring and personally started working with her, adjusting her stance before getting her to work on the heavy bag, speed bag and uppercut bag. Marianne was clearly nervous, but Joe was a patient teacher and he gave her nearly two hours of his time, during which he actively demonstrated virtually everything.

After they had finished and Marianne had got changed Joe summoned us to his office, where he promptly told Marianne that she is very good, technically a bit rough but has a lot of potential and that he would like her to become part of Team Frazier.

A training schedule was set there and then for the six weeks Marianne would be in Philly this trip. For the rest of the stay we were at the gym at 9 am sharp, I would sit reading while Joe, or when he wasn’t there Val Colbert or Marvis, would work with Marianne.

After about a week or so Joe decided Marianne was ready to spar and called over a lad named Sean and told him to glove up. Marianne soon learned that sparring in Philadelphia is different to London, it’s not about learning it’s about surviving.

Throughout the session Joe barely spoke, the only time he did was to instruct Marianne when to let rip with a big left hook – something that confused me at first so I turned to Marvis and asked why Joe kept encouraging Marianne to throw her left hook, he simply told me to watch Joe’s face when she throws it, so I did and each time Joe’s face would light up.

It was then that I realised just how much Joe loves passing on his boxing skills and the thrill he gets when a student effectively uses a particular aspect he has taught. He was the king of the left hook so Marianne being a southpaw he’d put a lot of work into developing her left hook.

After the first six weeks training were over we flew back to London and tried to find a gym for Marianne to train at in London, it was a joke All Stars being the only one to even entertain any form of training, although they offered her Boxercise!!!!

Joe’s secretary Barbie kept in touch, by e.mail, with instructions from Joe on what training he wanted Marianne to do as well as checking that she was OK. After just three or four weeks Marianne was getting so frustrated that she decided we were to return to Philly for another month or so in order to train properly.

As before I would just sit and read while she trained, Joe and the rest of the team would chat with me occasionally but that was the total level of our contact for about six months or so during the back and forward traveling for Marianne’s training.

About a day or so into our September visit Marvis came over to speak with meand asked if I could help get some of the youngsters in the gym, as well as the gym itself, some media exposure as he and Joe was impressed with the levels Marianne received after I had put out a press release on her being trained by Joe.

Of course I did and the next thing I know I became the publicist for the gym and worked alongside Marvis and Barbie on raising the profile of the gym, in order to attract more fighters, as well as started approaching sponsors, as the gym building was in very poor condition and Marvis had a vision to develop it into the Joe Frazier  Boxing Museum.

We were still only spending a month or so at a time in Philly, however this was set to change. When we returned in November Joe called Marianne in to the office to discuss her pro debuting the following spring. Joe then added that he wanted her to move to Philly for six months so he could fully prepare her for the proposed debut full time.

In January 2007 we made the move and now being fully a part of the team I started to spend more and more time with Joe, he’d often call me into his office to just chat. I found these times nothing short of awesome, I mean there I am sitting with one of the greatest boxers of all time

When Joe talked about his career it was with such enthusiasm and affection. It was also not unusual for Joe to reenact aspects of past fights. I’m not talking sitting there throwing punches I’m talking about full enactment, bear in mind how frail Joe was at this time yet there he was moving about like a man half his age and throwing punches from every conceivable angle, including his fearsome trademark left hooks.

Joe, Marvis and Barbie were wonderful to work with, their enthusiasm for the sport and the gym was utterly contagious, I would be at the gym from 9am through to the gym closing around 8pm, except when the gym closed early for us to go to a pro show at the Blue Horizon or as a team we went to support the gym’s amateurs at an event.

This was something else I found particularly wonderful about Joe, it didn’t matter if you were a novice amateur or a pro, he would support everyone in the gym. If a gym fighter had a fight he would move heaven and earth to be there to support them and actively encouraged everyone to do the same, which they did after all they were Team Frazier and proud of it.

Being full time at the gym I also started to discover other elements of this great man, even though he barely had two halfpennies to rub together, he was an extraordinarily generous man who would help anyone in need.

One example of Joe’s generosity and willingness to help anyone. A young lad was involved in the gang scene in LA and had been shot and seriously injured. A trainer friend of Joe’s called him to tell him about the youngster, saying that if he doesn’t get away from LA he’ll be dead within the year.

Joe didn’t hesitate and soon arranged for the lad to move to Philly and train at his gym. The youngster soon became one of the stars of the Frazier gym amateur squad. In return the lad repaid Joe’s faith in him by giving his time willingly and helping the younger  lads at the gym prepare whenever he could, as did all the Frazier fighters, they knew that’s what Joe did with
them.

In early February 2008 Joe asked me to arrange a fund raising event for one of his fighters, Faatimah Balmer, who had just made the regionals of the Golden Gloves. Joe said that he would attend and personally sign gloves etc. for those that attend.

Unfortunately on the night Joe was unable to attend, but supplied various pairs of signed gloves to auction on the night.

The following morning Joe being Joe, felt so bad that he hadn’t made it on the night, asked me to contact the bar, that had given over their premises for the fund raiser, to let them know that he would be coming there that evening to personally thank them.

That’s Joe for you here we are on the 15th February, just a few days before he goes into hospital for a major operation, and he felt it was the honourable thing to go and make a personal appearance. He didn’t just pop in either Joe, Marianne and myself were there for almost two hours, during which Joe spent almost every second talking with, as well as signing autographs for, everyone there that evening.

Even during his time in hospital Joe kept his finger on the pulse, metaphorically speaking, and would ring up to find out how the fighters were doing, as well as check everything was OK with myself. There’s us worrying about his health yet there’s him worrying about us!

Just over a month after Joe came out of hospital a decision was made by Joe and his personal manager to close the gym, due to the mezzanine that housed the changing rooms partially collapsing.

Despite the fact that Marvis managed the gym, Joe personally rang all the fighters and staff to inform them of the closure. I can’t speak for the others but when he rang me he was so apologetic, he was clearly choked up and thanked me for all I had done for him, the fighters and the gym.

We had kept in regular contact until Marianne and I returned to the UK in 2009, but since then we had only spoken occasionally.

These are just a few of the fondest of memories I have from the time I spent with Joe, Marvis and the rest of Team Frazier. Joe, and Marvis, inspired both Marianne and myself. But it was Joe’s belief in us, as well as his encouragement, that has seen us both pursuing Boxing based careers.

Finally I would like to say, my fond memories of Joe and the kindness and support he showed Marianne and myself will stay with me until the day I am also laid to rest.

God Bless  and Rest In Peace Joe.

More Than Just A Main Event

WBO Welterweight Title

When: 12^th November Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

What: Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez

Where: All on Primetime: Sky channel 480, Virgin Media ‘On Demand’ and online at www.primetimelive.co.uk

Pacquiao vs Marquez III is almost upon us, but this isn’t a card focussed only on the main event. As well as the main event there are title fights all the way through the card. Timothy Bradley is defending his WBO Light Welterweight crown against Joel Casamayor, Mike Alvarado defends his IBF Latino Light Welterweight title against Breidis Prescott and Luis Cruz battles Juan Carlos Burgos for the NABO Super Featherweight belt.

Cruz vs Burgos features two up and coming fighters that are looking to push themselves into the World title picture. So let’s spend a little time getting to know these fighters that could well put on the fight of the night.

LUIS CRUZ

Record: 19-0(15)
Age: 26
Home: Las Piedras, Puerto Rico
Nationality: Puerto Rico
Height: 5’9

Could Luis ‘El Atresano’ Cruz be the next big thing out of Puerto Rico? Well he trains with Miguel Cotto, and could be knocking on the door of a world title shot should he win tonight.

He was born in the USA and moved to Puerto Rico when he was three years old. He has picked
up national honours as an amateur before  turning pro in 2007 as a 21-year-old and has
remained unbeaten ever since.

Currently WBO number two, WBA number five, WBC number four and IBF number three. He picked up that high WBO ranking after winning  the WBO Latino super-featherweight title. While there may not be much by way of big names on his record, his last opponent, Antonio Davis, was a former world title challenger. Cruz beat him in six rounds.

Cruz has 15 stoppages to his name, including five in the first round, and this will be his first time scheduled for 12 rounds. He’s had seven scheduled 10 rounders, only hearing the final bell twice.

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS

Record: 27-1 (19)
Age: 23
Home: Tijuana
Nationality: Mexico
Height: 5’8.5

Juan Carlos Burgos is from Tijuana, Mexcico, and is a former world title challenger. He was previously ranked as high as number two with the WBC at featherweight, and this is a step up in weight.

Burgos turned pro in Mexico in 20047 two weeks before his 17th birthday. Boxing is in the blood as uncle Victor Burgos is a former light-flyweight world champion (he hasn’t boxed since undergoing surgery following his loss to Vic Darchinyan in 2007).

Juan Carlos Burgos rose rapidly after his pro debut, picking up regional WBC belts before taking
on Hozumi Hasegawa in November 2010, losing a WBC featherweight title fight in Japan on points. He’s fought twice since then, defeating Frankie Archuleta in two rounds, and last time out beating Gilberto Sanchez Leon over 10 in July.

Pacquiao vs Marquez III sees the World’s best pound for pound fighters return to Primetime this November. Ranked number 1in the pound for pound lists, Manny Pacquiao will be looking to end the controversy by convincingly dispatching long time rival Juan Manuel Marquez. After a
controversial points decision and a draw both fighters have a point to prove. The previous battles have delivered knockdowns galore and this fight promises to be no different.

Timothy Bradley steps back into the ring after ten months out and having been stripped of his WBC title as issues with his manager meant a fight with Amir Khan didn’t happen. Bradley will want to return to winning ways and prove he is still the number 1 in the Light Welterweight
division. To do that he’ll need to defend his WBO title against former two division champion Joel Casamayor.

Breidis Prescott also makes a quick return to British TV screens. Following his points loss to Paul McCloskey the only man to knock Amir Khan out aims to get back to winning ways as he challenges for the IBF Latino Light Welterweight crown. An undefeated Mike Alvarado stands in his way, with 41 KO’s from 58 fights between them this has all the makings of a fight of the night candidate.

The card is completed by Luis Cruz vs Juan Burgos for the NABO Super Featherweight championship.

So it’s titles fights all the way on November 12^th, another must see night exclusive to Primetime!

You can order the card for only £14.95 by calling 08712004444*, visiting www.primetimelive.co.uk or Virgin Media customers can purchase using the ‘On Demand’ menu.
Customers on Sky must register the first time they use Primetime and once registered can purchase using the ‘box office’ menu.