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Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:15 pm EDT

Boxing promotion Top Rank strengthens its roster with Moretti

By Kevin Iole

Carl Moretti, one of the brightest minds in boxing, has been hired as a vice president at Las Vegas-based Top Rank and will be charged with running the company's many events.

Moretti, who built his reputation as a matchmaker at Main Events, informed DiBella Entertainment CEO Lou DiBella of his decision on Monday. Moretti had been the vice president of boxing operations for DiBella.

His move to the powerful promotional company will allow Top Rank founder Bob Arum and president Todd duBoef to concentrate on other projects.

Moretti, who joked that he may have become the first man in boxing history to work for two promoters who went to Harvard, said he was happy working for DiBella but that the offer Top Rank made him was too good for him to decline.

"It's kind of like the movie, 'The Godfather,' " he said. "They made me an offer I couldn't refuse. With the way the world is today, this is a huge thing for me. These are tough economic times and this is the kind of job that will enable me to keep the house and send my daughters to college."

Moretti said he doesn't expect to spend time making many matches, since he called Top Rank's Bruce Trampler "probably the best matchmaker in the history of boxing.'

But Top Rank has been running shows internationally more than ever. It ran an independent pay-per-view from Tijuana, Mexico, last month, is running one in Manila on April 18 and then a week after that is promoting an HBO-televised card in Puerto Rico.

That hectic schedule is a reason duBoef said Moretti's addition is so critical for Top Rank.

"We're doing so many more events now and the business is really going global," duBoef said. "He's going to be a critical guy for us now in terms of running those events. I feel comfortable now knowing we have a guy like Carl, who is so well-liked and well-respected in the industry, going to run the daily operations of an event. That will
allow me to explore opportunities that will provide for growth in the company."

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101 Comments

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  1. MR.MVP
    1. Posted by MR.MVP Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:23 pm EDT

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    Seems like a good move by Top Rank!!! Thanks for the facts Kevin Lole...
    WBC lightweight-Edwin Valero looked strong but he needs a real test... I belive, Juan Diaz would be a good match up and test for him...
    WBC super lightweight-Tim Bradley looked ok putting the pressure on Kendall Holt, but it was close this could have gone either way if Holt would have only thrown the jab more in the middle rounds.... he did knock down Bradley twice!!!
    WBC light flyweight-Edgar Sosa looked powerful, very strong and had no difficulty coping with Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym defense.... He’s in the lightweight divisions not many fans there.. but very entertaining!!!
  2. ANTHONY B
    2. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    Iole, your the only reason an educated boxing fan would want to frequent this site anymore. Anyway, the business of boxing needs to change, and hopefully we will get the kind of change required to breed a new fan base. I would love a return to times when the undercard was just as important as the main event. Ironic, DLH has always claimed that he appreciates boxing fans, yet Golden Boy promotions is by far the worst offender in term of offering decent undercards & entertainment. GB has ripped of fight fans for years with totally pitiful undercards, and hopefully Top Rank doesn't follow that pathetic trend, alternatively I hope they provide fans with bang-for-the-buck entertainment value.
  3. Legacy
    3. Posted by Legacy Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

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    Kevin lole, I am glad to see Top Rank is taking steps to improve their promotional company, thus having a positive effect on boxing. The competition between promotional companies Top Rank and Golden Boy should be constructive for the Sweet Science. The increase of improved cards will force the rival companies to be more competitive, therefore improving the events. I hope! Keep up the good work Kevin Lole..
  4. tHa ElitE
    4. Posted by tHa ElitE Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:01 pm EDT

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    Ok Kevin that’s good info!!! THANX!!! What up with this Saturday though??? Whats tha business with Paul Williams vs Winky Wright????? I say it should be good but not very exciting....
    Oh and don’t forget about ya boy Chris Arreola vs Jameel McCline!!!! Like I said and correct me if I’m wrong, Chris “Nightmare” Arreola the top prospect from the U.S. coming straight out of Cali and next Heavyweight Champion!!! What!!!
  5. ANTHONY B
    5. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    Winky Williams should be a very interesting fight, two southpaws always make for an interesting match. I think Winky is going to school Williams, he simply has too much experience against far superior fighters, PaulW is a complete novice in comparison. But I give Williams (& Winky) a ton of credit for taking this fight. Winky is going to show some ring rusty early, so Williams might come out the gate with very heavy hands. Winky defense should prevail, and although he's been very inactive, he was never been hurt or damaged within the ring prior. The long layoff & rest might actually have done his aging body some good. Winky by easy decision.
  6. K NEL
    6. Posted by K NEL Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:55 pm EDT

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    I thought I saw someone say Chris Arreola the next heavyweight champion...LMAO..he'd get dropped by Haye and both Klitschko's and Povetkin..Let him fight Valuev and get a easy win.
    I dont know Anthony B. Winky does have some much knowledge and experience and superb defense. But Williams is a different type of animal then what Winky has seen. It will be interesting but I see Williams taking this fight by split decision. I wouldn't quite say to give credit to Paul for taking this fight though. Nobody wants to fight Paul like nobody wants to fight Winky so I say congrats to both of them for taking and hopefully making a good fight for us to watch.
  7. K NEL
    7. Posted by K NEL Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:55 pm EDT

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    BTW Thank you KEVIN LOLE we need more blogs from somebody who cares about boxing
  8. ANTHONY B
    8. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    julyfirehorse, you are now going way too overboard about tlarry. Let him be himself and you be yourself, and move on so we can get back to the business of discussing boxing ... which is the very reason why we are here in the first place.
  9. ANTHONY B
    9. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    K Nel, I agree that Winky has never seen the likes of Williams, but I don't think that will make much difference. Winky has adapted to a number of different excellent fighters in the past, plus his arms up defensive style has proved very difficult to penetrate. Winky is also naturally bigger than most of the opposition that Williams has faced, and I think Winky knows how to get inside Williams reach, nullifying Paul's power. If you remember, Margo did just that in his fight with Williams and I think Antonio won the majority of the last rounds (I had that fight much closer than most people). A major difference in overall experience is really a big advantage, especially if the experienced fighter is undamaged ... just ask Pavlik. However, anyway you cut it, it makes for a very interesting fight.
  10. ANTHONY B
    10. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    I'm not as interested in the Arreola Valuev, except that it might be entertaining to watch - in much the same way as going to the circus is entertaining to watch.
  11. ANTHONY B
    11. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    If Quintana can make Williams look like a complete amateur, imagine what Winky might do? A two year layoff is long, but it's not as though Winky had lost his skills or was damaged goods prior to his vacation. I think the biggest challenge for Winky is how his body will react to having to fight down at 154 again. His last fight (Hopkins) was at 170, and he hasn't fought at 154 since Nov.2004 when he beat Mosley. If he can come back down with little physical consequence, then I expect him to fight off the ring rust and easily handle Williams down the 12 round stretch.
  12. ANTHONY B
    12. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    Now, speaking of getting in shape for a fight ... I wonder if Arreola has lost some pounds and gained some muscle. Until he does exactly that, he won't ever be taken seriously, even with an alphabet soup title around his gut.
  13. K NEL
    13. Posted by K NEL Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:55 pm EDT

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    tha Elite...first of all Arreola is nothing but power point blank and period. I'm not bandwagon jumping or anything like that but call it how it is. Arreola has no defense what so ever. Haye would drum him, Klitschkos would drop in within 4 rounds. Arreola has fought NOBODY to even be considered a future champ. Only reason he is a contender is b/c the division is so weak. Hell he should win he's fighting a washed up Jameel McCline.
    My comments about Williams and Winky are on point. Winky is experienced and is one of the best defensive fighters in the game. He also has one of the best jabs in boxing ever. My point was is that it's going to be difficult for Winky to get inside of Williams as Williams has a 82 inch reach. Only 2 inches shorter then Lennox Lewis. Can make 4 different weight classes and is southpaw vs southpaw. He throws a very high volume of punches also. He is like no fighter he's ever faced. The same is said about Williams as he's never fought a defensive fighter such as Winky.
    BTW I'm from the U.S. smart guy. It's called an unbiased OPINION.
  14. ANTHONY B
    14. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    julyfirehorse, you are absolutely right that the Taylor draw effected Winky. I thought Winky screwed up what could have been a big victory (within a very close fight) by totally giving away the last round. He then went into suck mode and refused to do an interview claiming he was robbed, but in reality he had only himself to blame for the draw. He should never have given away that last round, I lost a lot respect for him. You are also correct that he needs to impress against Williams if he's to get another title shot. That's what makes this fight so unique and interesting, Williams wants to use Winky as a qualified stepping stone, while Winky wants to get back the respect he once had, and thinks he deserves. Like you, I like 'em both, and also wish them well.
  15. ANTHONY B
    15. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    McCline was never really all that good to begin with ... he lost nearly all of his big fights, including a loss to a 19-10 bum back in 2005. He's older and worn down, so he now serves boxing's traditional purpose of being that stepping stone for a younger so-called contender.
  16. K NEL
    16. Posted by K NEL Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:55 pm EDT

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    Julyfirehorse and Anthony B I agree also that the draw with Taylor was damaging. When I saw Winky give away that last round it reminded me of DLH. The Hopkins fight could've gone either way to me. You do bring up an interesting point..I wonder how Winky is going to handle dropping back to 154 lbs. I hope it doesn't affect him as it did with DLH vs. Pac man
  17. tHa ElitE
    17. Posted by tHa ElitE Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:01 pm EDT

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    Ok, K Nel thank ya for your unbiased opinion.... ohh and for tha complement too “smart guy”..... LOL!!! Yeah I feel ya on Winky vs Williams I can’t picture dynamites on tha fight,,, but it will be cool to see how they regulate each others styles!!!! My prediction for the fight is the hungrier younger fighter will win by unanimous decision!!!
    FAT-A$$ Arreola better get in shape, this should be good experience for him to continue getting better, maybe learn some D.. we need a U.S heavyweight Champ and I think this guy could be tha answer!!
  18. MR.MVP
    18. Posted by MR.MVP Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:23 pm EDT

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    We have a blog full of Boxing experts!!! Good analyses, facts, opinions, and arguments!!!! I am proud all of you!!!
    I can’t lie I also like Arreola and am hoping he develops to become a great champ.... he definitely has power, decent boxing skills, doesn’t have much defense, and has weight issues, but he’s a brawler..... and that is the reason I have followed him.... he is an EXCITING boxer specially compared to the current heavyweight including the champions!!!! He better have an impressive win over Jameel McCline, he isn’t only a stepping-stone he is The Gate Keeper!!!
    Winky Vs Williams is intriguing only because they aren’t your conventional boxer.. They better give a good show or they won’t have any one to fight next!!!
  19. Legacy
    19. Posted by Legacy Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

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    The outcome of the fight has a lot of factors to take into consideration fighting technique, age, experience, weight, activity, and determination.
    Winky Wright is a defensive southpaw, 37 years old, 5’10” tall, 72” reach, has 18 years as a pro with 56 fights 51W 4L 1D, and has been inactive for an extended period. He has more experience, had fought harder opponents and is a confirmed light middleweight Chamion. In his prime.
    Pual Williams is also a southpaw but stays occupied, 27 years old, 6’1” tall 82” reach, has 8 yeas as a pro with 37 fights 36W 1L and is active fighter and staying busy.
    If Winky isn’t dehydrated for dropping weight at his age it will be all about execution, which boxer has a better fight plan. Regardless it seems to me Paul Williams has supplementary advantages in this match and has more to prove.
    Mr. MVP, dissected Arreola, he needs to continue growing and I don’t mean in size. Definitely has potential to become a Champion.
  20. ANTHONY B
    20. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    Mangler, Williams looked stupid chasing Quintana around the ring looking for a KO all night long ... but in the rematch Paul was all business. So what, if you're the next great welterweight (as many claimed Paul was) he should have beaten Quintana with relative ease at any time. Beating Carlos will never be considered a true test of greatness. Winky is another matter, a major step above anyone Paul has faced to date ... in skill, experience, and to a lesser degree size. If Winky is still Winky at 154, then he has the ability to school Williams. Winky's been hit by some truly "great" & bigger fighters during his career and has never been damaged, so I doubt Williams can hurt him. I seem to be one of the rare ones here who think Winky can win, but I've my doubts about Winky's ability to fight at 154 these days. I also doubt Paul Williams ability to beat better bigger fighters. OK, he's on an impressive KO streak now, but Quintana, Kolle and Phillips will never be mistaken for Winky Wright.
  21. K NEL
    21. Posted by K NEL Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:55 pm EDT

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    Winky is a major step up for Williams. I'm really interested in this fight to see if Paul is going to bring his "A" game. Even though I pick him to win, if he doesn't bring his a game its going to be a long night. I mean no matter how much ring rust Winky may have you simply don't lose too much in regards to defense. Especially if defense is your forte as a fighter. Winky has been in there and has taken some big shots from bigger fighters. I just think if Williams can land enough that he might turn Winky completely defensive. On the other hand Paul has got to nuetrilize Winky's jab early. Winky is far too good if he gets that jab pumping and landing. I dont know about anybody else but when Winky gets his jab going he gets real confident and kind of toys with his opponents. I doubt that will be the case Saturday though.
    In regards to Arreola..I think we've all pretty much laid him out in detail. He has tons of potential but needs tons of work. Just a little bit of defense and getting his weight under control will do him good.
  22. ANTHONY B
    22. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    I just viewed some recent pictures of both Winky and PaulW as they arrived in LVegas. They both look to be in excellent shape. Winky looks very good at his more natural weight class (154).
  23. ANTHONY B
    23. Posted by ANTHONY B Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    So ... (hijack) ... after a publicized incident involving Cotto and his trainer, Miguel has issued a statement that his uncle will no longer be in his corner. Geez, how often have we seen this type of inner strife happen between fighters and related trainers? It will be interesting to see if this sudden change effects his training and focus going in against the very tough Joshua Clottey. That fight has the potential to be another dandy.

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