Klitschko vs. Johnson Fight in Switzerland

The Vitali Klitschko vs. Kevin Johnson fight will hold at the PostFinance Arena, in Berne, Switzerland on December 12, 2009. Vitali will again face a very strong contender. Johnson (22-0-1, 9 KO’s) is undefeated, self-conscious and knows what a great chance this will be for him. Vitali Klitschko (38-2, 37 KO’s) will defend his title for the 3rd time in 2009. In March, “Dr. Ironfist” won against Juan Carlos Gomez by technical KO in round 9 and last month he knocked out Chris Arreola in round 10 in Los Angeles.

“I am in an excellent shape and had a perfect preparation and fight in Los Angeles. I can hardly wait to step into the ring again. Kevin Johnson is very dangerous. He already had 23 fights as a pro and is undefeated. He is technically much better than my last opponent Arreola. I know I can’t underestimate Johnson but I have no doubt to keep the WBC belt.” Klitschko said.

Johnson is confident of taking Klitschko’s Heavyweight title

“I’ve been working hard for this chance and I will definitely take it. On December 12th, there will finally be an American heavyweight champion again. I am sorry for ruining Klitschko’s Christmas holidays.” Johnson said.

Ticket sale started last October 24 for the Klitschko vs. Johnson bout at the PostFinance Arena, in Berne, Switzerland.

Houston Rockets key players open NBA pre-season without them

Chinese superstar center Yao Ming and forward Tracy McGrady were among those not in uniform Tuesday as the Houston Rockets began their NBA pre-season training camp. Seven-time NBA All-Star Yao is recovering from surgery to repair a broken left foot and is expected to miss the entire 2009-2010 season while McGrady underwent microfracture surgery upon his left knee last February. "Far ahead of schedule" is how McGrady described his rehabilitation status after seven months but added, "It's not time to really rush it back. Confidence-wise - running, cutting, jumping - I have that right now." Doctors told McGrady it could take as much as a year before he would be able to return for the Rockets, but he will undergo an MRI exam November 23 to obtain a status report. "If he can play after November 23, I think he'll still be ahead of schedule, but we don't know what the MRI is going to show," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. McGrady played in only 35 games last season before the surgery and said that even playing so long might have been a mistake, one he will not repeat with a premature return this season. "I don't want to rush anything," he said. "When I feel like I can go every day without having to play a night in practice and then sit out, until I feel that way, I'm not going to play." With Ron Artest traded to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, the team which ousted Houston in the second round of last season's playoffs, there will be many new faces in Rocket red uniforms this season. Among them will be Australian David Andersen, signed as the Houston center in Yao's absence. "The people that we're missing are huge pieces," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "It's going to be interesting to see how the guys respond. We've become a very young team. Guys are going to have to accept different roles."

Top 10 Pound for Pound by Ring Magazine

Here’s the complete top ten Pound For Pound Boxers in the world. Fighters recognized as champions by The Ring are rated at the top of their division, with the top 10 contenders listed below.

1. Manny Pacquiao

Country: Philippines

Record: 49-3-2 (37 KOs)

2. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Country: USA (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Record: 40-0-0 (25 KOs)

3. Shane Mosley

Country: USA (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Record: 46-5-0 (39 KOs)

4. Bernard Hopkins

Country: USA (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Record: 49-5-1 (32 KOs)

5. Juan Manuel Marquez

Country: Mexico

Record: 50-5-1 (37 KOs)

6. Israel Vazquez

Country: Mexico

Record: 43-4-0 (31 KOs)

7. Rafael Marquez

Country: Mexico

Record: 38-5-0 (34 KOs)

8. Nonito Donaire

Country: USA (San Leandro, Calif.)

Record: 22-1-0 (14 KOs)

9. Miguel Cotto

Country: Puerto Rico

Record: 34-1-0 (27 KOs)

10. Celestino Caballero

Country: Panama

Record: 33-2-0 (23 KOs)

Watch the Pacquiao vs. Cotto fight on November 14, 2009 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas Nevada.