Mandatory Eight Count - Hall of Fame Edition

Oscar de la Hoya says Pacquiao-Mayweather match nearly finalized | Digital Journal

Legendary boxer and president of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar de la Hoya says the highly hyped match between Manny Paquiao and Floyd Mayweather is close to being finalized. We've heard this song and dance before, and at this point, I'll believe it when they have the press conference. Hat tip to FlyByKnight.

Aaron Pryor Jr. defeats Willis Lockett | 15 Rounds

Pryor inflicted steady damage on Lockett, causing his corner to stop the bout before the seventh round. Also on the card, Julio Cesar Matthews barely escaped with his undefeated record in what was described as an entertaining brawl.

International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee gives inspirational talk | The Oneida Daily Dispatch News

This past weekend was induction weekend for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This article goes over some of the festivities, including video.

Tommy Hearns on Emanuel Steward, The Kronk Gym | Boxing FanHouse

FanHouse caught up to impeccably dressed, 51-year-old former six-division world champion Thomas Hearns for an interview covering Steward, Kronk and Superbad. Hat tip to Soulrise.

Devon Alexander coming home for next defense | KSDK

On August 7, Devon Alexander will be making his next title defense against Andriy Kotelnik at the Scottrade Center in Alexander's hometown of St. Louis.  On the undercard, Tavoris Cloud will be defending against Glen Johnson in what could be a great fight.  On the sidebar of the article, there are a number of interesting videos, including interviews with Don King, trainer Kevin Cunningham and Alexander himself.

Marco Huck to take on Matt Godfrey | Bild.de

While in Canastota for the IBHOF festivities, promoter Wilfried Sauerland stated that Marco Huck's next fight will come against Ring top-10 ranked fighter Matt Godfrey.  Sauerland was the only promoter inducted into the Hall this year, although in many ways, he appears to just be hitting his stride.  In addition, Sauerland has still been mentioning the idea of a cruiserweight super six, which would almost certainly include Huck, Steve Cunningham and Yoan Pablo Hernandez. 

Danny Lopez leads hall of fame class | Associated Press

BLH's own Ted Sares has been a long time champion of the cause to get Lopez into the Hall, and it honestly seems like this couldn't have happened to a humbler guy.  Other inductees include Howard Cossell (represented by his son), Billy Miske (represented by his grandson), Jung-Koo Chang (who says he'll be returning every year, like many other hall-of-famers), Sauerland, New Jersey boxing commissioner Larry Hazzard, Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler and manager Shelly Finkel. 

Introducing Charlie Ota | The Boxing Bulletin

TBB's Japanese correspondent Sidney Boquiren sat down with Japanese-based American fighter Charles Bellamy, AKA Charlie Ota.  Ota provides some interesting perspective on a situation that not too many Americans face, but that he has in common with a lot of other fighters - trying to win and build a base outside of his home country.  Ota is getting close to a title shot in the junior welterweight division, so his name may be one to remember in the future, especially with such an interesting story.