Boxing

January 20, 2013 — John Hinderaker

Truax-Vanda, Live: A Report

Featured image We saw a terrific evening of fights last night at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The main event featured local middleweights Caleb Truax and Matt Vanda; I previewed their bout here. We had a table in the interior section of the arena near the ring. You needed credentials to get there, like at a political convention: Our guests included a professional boxer and a long-time fight fan who formerly covered Minnesota »
January 18, 2013 — John Hinderaker

Vanda-Truax: A Preview

Featured image Tomorrow night the biggest Minnesota boxing event of 2013 will take place: long-time favorite Matt Vanda will challenge Caleb Truax for the Minnesota middleweight championship. And, for the first time ever, I will be at ringside. The heavily-tattoed Vanda has both won and lost a lot of fights; his record is 44-14. But he has fought some big-time boxers, like Julio Cesar Chavez, twice. Six years ago, he battled Tony »
December 9, 2012 — John Hinderaker

A Shocking End to a Great Fight

Featured image Yesterday my youngest daughter’s high school hosted an invitational dance tournament. Since we were the hosts, my wife and I both worked the tournament. I was part of the security detail and for four hours wore a black T-shirt that said “SECURITY” in big white letters–a first for me. The home team swept the tournament, happily. Last night, at my son’s invitation, we watched the epic fourth battle between Manny »
September 9, 2012 — John Hinderaker

Andre Ward Stakes His Claim

Featured image The world of boxing is in a lull at the moment. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, who have dominated the sport in recent years, are still great but are on the downslopes of their careers. Who will succeed them as boxing’s top fighter? After last night, the number one contender is Andre Ward. Ward, at 28, is in his prime. He won a gold medal as a light heavyweight in »