James Hagler Jr. felt compelled to reveal where he stood after Nick Khan mentioned Marvin Hagler during a Senate discussion on proposed changes to the Ali bill.
Using his grandfather’s large name in sports as leverage in an argument was seen by many as a blow, and Hagler Jr. he made it clear that he wanted no part of it.
“I didn’t like that they tried to apply my grandfather’s name to represent something that would take away the rights of the players” – Hagler Jr. he told World Boxing News exclusively.
The comments follow Hagler Jr.’s previous public outcry. regarding the apply of Marvin Hagler’s name in the Ali Act debate, in which he rejected any attempts to link his family legacy to changes that he believed would limit the freedom of fighters.
Hagler Jr. rejects Zuffa’s argument
When asked what Marvin Hagler would think about the proposed changes, Hagler Jr. he pointed to the way his grandfather managed his own career.
“My grandfather wouldn’t have liked it because he was a man who believed that players should have a say in their careers,” Hagler Jr. said.
“As we all know, he was not tied to a contract with a promoter. He worked with them from fight to fight. He was not tied to one particular promoter.”
This point is at the heart of opposition from both Hagler Jr. and Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, who also opposed proposed changes to the law bearing his grandfather’s name.
Ali Walsh helped lead the opposition through the Ali Act Preservation Alliance, arguing that fighters could lose influence if promoters gained too much control over rankings, titles and opportunities.
Warning about the rights of fighters
Hagler Jr. expressed hope that the fact that boxers can choose their own fight route will not be enough to push the proposed changes through the Senate.
“I hope that doesn’t happen because we should have the right to leave if we don’t come to an agreement with the promoter,” Hagler Jr. said.
“And if so, Ali’s name should not be associated with it.”
@jameshagelrjr
His starkest warning concerned what he believed would happen once the players signed the novel structure.
“I believe they will be imprisoned, like gladiators to kings in the age of gladiators, and will have no say in their career,” he said.
“Basically like a promoter’s slave.”
Despite opposition from Hagler Jr. and Ali Walsh, promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who also made a statement during the hearing, believes the law is already written in stone.
De La Hoya said the hearing was merely a public sham and that key decisions had already been made behind closed doors between people who wanted the law introduced and those who approved of it.
Promoter Golden Boy argued that the sport was currently being pushed towards a structure that could change the way fighters move, negotiate and chase titles.
Zuffa is already causing problems
Hagler Jr. may continue to lobby against it, but Zuffa Boxing will remain and be a direct competitor to the regular sanctioning body system.
The waters were already muddied by David Benavidez’s comments in Las Vegas following his victory over Gilberto Ramirez.
Benavidez stated that Zuffa was closed to negotiations with other promoters and that if any cruiserweight fighter who had recently signed with Zuffa, like Jai Opetaia, wanted a title shot, they had to work away from Zuffa’s mainframe.
His warning to Zuffa fighters showed how quickly the problem can become real in the ring.
This is the fear behind Hagler Jr.’s position. Once fighters become confined to one structure, the ability to leave, negotiate elsewhere, or seek a better opportunity may become more hard.
For a family name built on independence, stamina and control, this is the limit that Hagler Jr. I don’t want to exceed.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a seasoned boxing reporter with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported in-ring performances. Read the full biography.
Hamzah Sheeraz won the WBO super middleweight title last month and the undefeated star wants a quick turnaround, with another 168-pounder stating he would be ready for the opportunity to fight the Briton at tiny notice.
Anthony Joshua will return to action next month when he faces Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on July 25, hoping to make his long-awaited showdown with arch-rival Tyson Fury.
Earlier this week Boxing Scene reported that two world titles could be up for grabs on the undercard, with both Josh Kelly and Sheeraz set to make their first defense of their world titles in the super welterweight and super middleweight divisions, respectively.
Although Kelly is reportedly scheduled to face Caoimhin Agyarko from Belfast, Sheeraz’s opponent is unknown and the only condition is a place in the top fifteen of the WBO rankings.
In an interview with Boxing News, 39-year-old Milorad Zizic, who is rated No. 9 by the WBO, shared his desire to challenge for Sheeraz’s crown in a fight where he could join Dejan Zlatičanin as the second Montenegrin world champion in boxing history.
“It would mean a lot to me. I live for this goal. It would be a great honor for me, my family, Montenegro and the entire Balkan region. Becoming only the second world champion in Montenegro’s history would be something truly special.”
“It would mean everything to me. I live for boxing. I truly believe this fight could become the upset of the decade.”
“Hamzah Sheeraz is a true champion. He is in great shape and I have a lot of respect for him. But believe me, he has never faced such a devastating blow as I did. Believe me, he will never face such a devastating blow as I did. I respect him as a fighter, but not to the point of thinking that I cannot beat him. I believe in my abilities and I am sure that I can make my dream come true.
“It will be a war from the first bell, I know how it can be. If we fight and he survives five rounds, he will be the winner, but five rounds against me is a long time.
“If Hamzah and his team want this fight, I’m ready. If not, that’s fine too. I will keep moving forward, keep working and stay focused on my journey. My time will come.”
Although his head coach is Joco Todorovic, Zizic has previously been cornered by fan favorite four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr, who continues to train him.
Speaking to Boxing News, Jones explained why he thinks Zizic will be an compelling test for Sheeraz, agreeing with Zizic’s plan to force a shootout.
“Zizic is a very strenuous puncher, as is Sheeraz, they are both very strenuous punchers. Zizic was off for a minute, but he came back and got four quick wins, he’s back busy and I think it would be a great fight for Sheeraz.”
“Like I said, they’re both really good punchers, and Sheeraz won’t come across many people who can match his punching power, but Zizic has that punching power.”
“He has to go straight to him. He can’t try to box him, he’ll go straight to him. That would probably be the smartest approach because if you box him, as long as he [Sheeraz] means he will beat you.
“So your best chance is to get to him as rapid as you can and see if he can withstand your blows. If you wait, he’ll get you out of there.”
News on Sheeraz’s opponent – if he appears on the card – is expected soon, with fellow WBO-ranked contenders Bernardin Jakaj (No. 12) and Jack Bowen (No. 14) also among potential opponents.
Eddie Hearn has admitted that the long-awaited clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could be renegotiated, depending on the demands of paymaster Turki Alalshikha.
As of now, both British heavyweights will face each other later this year, provided they complete their warm-up fights.
While Fury’s fight has not yet been announced, it has been confirmed that Joshua will face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“The Gypsy King” is expected to have a hard-fought fight in August, potentially against Nelson Hysa, following his April unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
If all goes to plan, ‘AJ’ and Fury should meet in the UK, although Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn revealed the location could be renegotiated.
Furthermore, White also suggested that Joshua’s promoter Hearn has not yet been informed of the location, seemingly suggesting that the fight could take place in America.
In response, Hearn said IFL Television that this turn of events will have to be renegotiated and spelled out in both Joshua and Fury’s contracts.
“Without AJ’s consent, the fight cannot take place anywhere outside the UK. And there was no such consent.
“If there is a renegotiation and we want to make a deal again, I am sure we will consider it. [But] apart from money, we want this fight in the UK.
“We will act accordingly and will hold talks with Turki Alalshikh if asked, but who really wants to watch this fight at 4am UK time?”
Given that the pair are most likely to perform in November, when British weather for stadium shows is unpredictable at best, fans may need to prepare for an event in the United States or even Saudi Arabia.
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