David Diaz On His Way To Texas


Photo: Team Diaz

WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck, American challenger Adam Richards, IBF mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin as well as cruiserweight hopeful Alexander Frenkel and IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez all participated in a public work-out today in Berlin´s famous Axel-Springer-Passage. All fighters will be in action on Saturday night when Captain Huck makes a second defence of his WBO title. His opponent presented himself in strong shape on Tuesday afternoon despite a horror trip from Houston, which had left him stranded in Amsterdam after missing his connecting flight. After a long wait, Richards (23-2, 15 KOs) made it to Berlin and eventually to his downtown hotel on late Monday night. “Everything is fine now,” he said. “It was a long journey but I am here and that is all that matters. I will be ready for Huck. It will be an exciting fight with two bulls going forward all the time.”

Captain Huck (27-1, 20 KOs) proved his punching power and explosiveness when working the pads with coach Ulli Wegner. “This is the first time I will be defending my belt in Berlin,” he said. “I really want to impress my fans and put on a good show. Richards is a tough opponent, but he has never been inside the ring with someone like me. He will not leave the country with my belt!”


Photo: Photo Wende

Also in action will be up-and-coming heavyweight star Alexander Povetkin (18-0, 13 KOs). The 2004 Olympic gold medal winner will make his second fight under the guidance of star coach Teddy Atlas, taking on Javier Mora (22-5, 18 KOs). Today the duo gave the crowd a look at their training routine during the public session. “It is great to work with Teddy Atlas,” Povetkin said. “He is a great coach and I keep learning new things every day. I need to stay in shape for Klitschko so I want to put on a convincing performance on Saturday. It is great to be fighting in Berlin again. This is where I defeated Eddie Chambers to become the IBF´s mandatory challenger so I am keen to continue where I left it.”

Mares vs Almanza Headlines "Fight Night Club" March 25

LOS ANGELES, March 9 - Top bantamweight contender Abner Mares is closing in on a world title shot in 2010, but before he can challenge for a championship belt, he will have to get through another tough battle, this time against Colombian veteran Felipe Almanza in the ten-round main event of the March 25 edition of the hit series "Fight Night Club" at L.A. LIVE's Club Nokia.

Also in action will be junior featherweight prospect Derrick Wilson facing undefeated Khabir Suleymanov in the televised co-featured bout as well as undefeated featherweight prospect Ronny Rios.

"Fight Night Club" is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and AEG and is sponsored by DeWalt Tools, Budweiser and Vitamin Water. The series will return to L.A. LIVE's Club Nokia on April 22, May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30, October 28 and November 18. The fights will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates (check local listings) and streamed live online at www.RingTV.com. Doors open at 6:00pm PT and the first bell rings at 7:00pm PT

Tickets, priced at $250 (VIP On-Stage Seats, which are limited to only twenty per show and allow purchasers to sit ringside on Club Nokia's stage near VIP's attending the fight [De La Hoya, Mosley, etc.], receive an autographed boxing glove by Oscar de la Hoya and provide buyers access to the Club Nokia VIP Room [must be 21 years of age and over]), $100 (VIP Front Row Balcony Seats which grant buyers access to the Club Nokia VIP Room [must be 21 years of age and over]), $60 (VIP Balcony Seats which grant buyers access to the Club Nokia VIP Room [must be 21 years of age and over]) and $19.75 (General Admission: Floor Standing Room & Balcony Seats), are on sale now and may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 online at http://www.ticketmaster.comor thru any Ticketmaster outlet or the STAPLES Center box office. Group tickets and full series tickets at a discounted rate are also available by calling 1-877-AEG TICKETS (1-877-234-8425).

Ranked in the top five by the WBO, WBA and IBF, Abner Mares (19-0, 12 KO's) of Montebello, California is on a collision course with the world champions at 118 pounds. A 2004 Olympian for Mexico, the 24-year-old Guadalajara native has won three of his last four fights by knockout, showing that he can box or bang when the bell rings. Fresh off of a sixth round knockout over Carlos Fulgencio on the August 2009 edition of "Fight Night Club," Mares is back at Club Nokia on March 25 and ready to shine once again and should he emerge victorious, Mares will challenge for a world title this spring. Looking to halt Mares' meteoric rise is Lorica, Colombia's Felipe Almanza (17-15-4, 8 KO's), a hard-nosed competitor who is on a hot streak that has seen him go unbeaten in his last seven fights.

A native of Fort Myers, Florida, junior featherweight Derrick Wilson (5-1-1, 2 KO's) returns to action on March 25 and the 21-year old is eager to repeat the success of his last "Fight Night Club" appearance in July of 2009, when he knocked out previously unbeaten Charles Huerta in just 59 seconds. Wilson faces undefeated Khabir Suleymanov (9-0, 4 KO's) of Los Angeles who returns to Club Nokia with ambitions of keeping his flawless record intact. In October of 2009, in his last appearance at "Fight Night Club", Suleymanov faced Hugo Ramos and proved that he is a fierce competitor adding a fourth knockout to his record in an all-action fight.

Santa Ana, California's Ronny Rios (9-0, 4 KO's) is a two-fight veteran of the "Fight Night Club" series and he brings a growing fan-base to each bout in his backyard of Los Angeles. That's no surprise given the talent that has earned him a perfect professional record. Rios kicked off 2010 with his first Las Vegas appearance in January, when he outpointed Willshaun Boxley in his toughest test to date. He's looking to make it two wins in a row this year on March 25.

An opponent for Rios, as well as a full undercard will be announced at a later date.

"Fight Night Club," is Golden Boy Promotions' and AEG's critically acclaimed live monthly boxing series, that presents boxing in a night club atmosphere, with a DJ, music, great food and a VIP room, as well as a unique setup where the ring is on Club Nokia's stage with standing room for fans in front of the ring, as well as reserved seating in the balcony. After the boxing action ends, fans are invited to stay to hear great music played by LA's hottest DJ's, dance and mingle with the fighters as the venue converts back into a night club.

A stacked lineup of exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fightnightclub.com follow Golden Boy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

Pacquiao Open Workout Today!

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (March 9, 2010) -  Congressional candidate, Fighter of the Decade and boxing's No. 1 pound for pound attraction MANNY PACQUIAO will host a workout, open to the public and the media, Today!  Tuesday, March 9, beginning at 1:30 p.m. CT, at the Gaylord Texan Hotel.  Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs), of General Santos City, defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against former world welterweight champion and current No. 1 contender Joshua Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium .  

Khan vs Malignaggi Presser To Formally Announce Bout

A press conference will take place in London later this week to formally announce the bout title bout between Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on May 15. The bout will be televised live on HBO.

Rafael Ramos Named Referee For Pacquiao-Clottey

Veteran referee Rafael Ramos will be the third man in the ring for Saturday's WBO welterweight clash between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium.

“I thank God for this opportunity to be in the fight of Pacquiao, the #1 in the world. For me, for my family and for Puerto Rico it’s a great honor,” said Ramos.

Huck, Povetkin Ready For Battle

WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck, American challenger Adam Richards, IBF mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin as well as cruiserweight hopeful Alexander Frenkel and IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez all participated in a public work-out today in Berlin´s famous Axel-Springer-Passage. All fighters will be in action on Saturday night when Captain Huck makes a second defence of his WBO title. His opponent presented himself in strong shape on Tuesday afternoon despite a horror trip from Houston, which had left him stranded in Amsterdam after missing his connecting flight. After a long wait, Richards (23-2, 15 KOs) made it to Berlin and eventually to his downtown hotel on late Monday night. “Everything is fine now,” he said. “It was a long journey but I am here and that is all that matters. I will be ready for Huck. It will be an exciting fight with two bulls going forward all the time.”

Captain Huck (27-1, 20 KOs) proved his punching power and explosiveness when working the pads with coach Ulli Wegner. “This is the first time I will be defending my belt in Berlin,” he said. “I really want to impress my fans and put on a good show. Richards is a tough opponent, but he has never been inside the ring with someone like me. He will not leave the country with my belt!”

Also in action will be up-and-coming heavyweight star Alexander Povetkin (18-0, 13 KOs). The 2004 Olympic gold medal winner will make his second fight under the guidance of star coach Teddy Atlas, taking on Javier Mora (22-5, 18 KOs). Today the duo gave the crowd a look at their training routine during the public session. “It is great to work with Teddy Atlas,” Povetkin said. “He is a great coach and I keep learning new things every day. I need to stay in shape for Klitschko so I want to put on a convincing performance on Saturday. It is great to be fighting in Berlin again. This is where I defeated Eddie Chambers to become the IBF´s mandatory challenger so I am keen to continue where I left it.”

V. Klitschko vs Albert Sosnowski May 29

WBC World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko defends his title against European Champion Albert Sosnowski from Poland at Veltins-Arena Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on May 29. The arena is the home field of the famous soccer club Schalke 04.

Vitali Klitschko: „I am very happy to have my next fight in Germany again. The arena in Gelsenkirchen and the fans there are very special. I experienced that last year when my brother Wladimir had his fight there in front of 61,000 spectators. The atmosphere was simply electrifying. I saw Sosnowski’s fights on DVD and must admit that he is a very experienced, quick and tough opponent. He will do anything to get my belt but I promise that this is not going to happen.”

31-year-old Albert Sosnowski, who was born in Warsaw (Poland), lives in Brentwood, England. „The Dragon“ Sosnowski turned professional in 1998 and since then the 6'2½'' tall has an outstanding fight record of 45 wins (27 KOs), two defeats and one draw.

Last December, Sosnowski won the European Heavyweight Championship against former champion Paolo Vidoz from Italy. 2008 he knocked out former world title challenger and Tyson conqueror Danny Williams. Sosnowski was scheduled to defend his European title against Olympic champion Audley Harrison in London on April, 9, but cancelled it for the chance to fight Vitali Klitschko instead.

Albert Sosnowski: „A dream comes true. Because of the Harrison fight I am already in training and suddenly comes the once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight Klitschko. I want to thank him and his team to give me that opportunity which I will definitely take. For me, Klitschko is already over the hill. I know that I am the underdog for everybody, but I tell you, Klitschko will regret that he picked me. Many Polish and Germans with Polish roots live in the Gelsenkirchen area and I hope that they will support me. I will be the first Polish Heavyweight Champion of the World!“

It is Klitschko’s 12th World Championship fight. His impressive record is 39 wins (37 KOs) and two defeats due to injury.

In Germany, the fight between World Champion Vitali Klitschko and European Champion Albert Sosnowski will be broadcasted live and exclusively on RTL.

Kell Brook Inches Closer To World Title Shot

Welterweight ace Kell Brook plans on taking a step closer to a world title shot on Friday - and then watching the man he wants to beat 24 hours later. Brook boxes Poland's Krzysztof Bienias in an eliminator for the WBO World title on Friday night in Liverpool. And the next night holder Manny Pacquiao defends against Joshua Clottey in the States. "After I've knocked out Bienias I'll sit down in front of the television and watch the Pacquiao fight," said Brook. "If I hadn't been fighting on Friday I might have gone to the States to be ringside.

"Manny is the man to beat at the moment, and it's either him or Mayweather who is the pound-for-pound number one..

"Pacquiao's not unbeatable, he's has been beaten before, it will take a special fighter to beat him right now.

"Obviously I need more fights before I face him, but if the fight did happen, I'd be excited at the opportunity rather than worried about the result."

Brook, 23, revealed that he's got his sights set on another fighter familiar to Pacquiao - Miguel Cotto.

The Puerto Rican, who last year beat Michael Jennings, lost his WBO crown to Pacquiao.
But he remains high in the ratings at number three, three places ahead of Brook.

"Cotto would be a great fight for me," said Brook. "I'd be out for a bit of revenge for the UK after he beat Jennings last year.

"He's a great fighter and definitely world class, but he might have had his time.

"I can see a scenario where Pacquiao gives up the title, and may be me and Cotto get it on for the vacant belt. If that's the case then bring it on.

"I grew up in an era where Ricky Hatton was constantly chasing a big fight against Kotsya Tyszu.

"Watching him made me realise that you have got to be patient and make sure you pick your moment, but I'm growing in confidence with every fight."

**********************

'The Pride of Merseyside' is headlined by Paul Smith's first defence of his British Super-Middleweight title against former champion Tony Dodson. Chief support is Kell Brook's challenge for the WBO Intercontinental title and Eliminator for the WBO World Welterweight title against Krzystof Bienias, and Tony Bellew's challenge for the Vacant Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title against unbeaten Atoli Moore. An action packed undercard includes former WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Maccaranelli, plus the best in young British talent: Stephen and Liam Smith, Ronnie Heffron, Thomas Costello, Tobias Webb, Joe Selkirk and the pro-debut of John Thain.

Tickets for 'The Pride of Merseyside' are priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £200 and are available from:

Liverpool Echo Arena Box Office
0844 8000 400
www.echoarena.com

See Tickets
0871 2200 260
www.seetickets.com

Latimore Eager For Rematch With Powell

ST. LOUIS, MO. (March 9, 2010) Junior middleweight contender Deandre “BULL” Latimore is in full force of his training camp in St. Louis, Missouri as he prepares for an ESPN2 televised rematch with New York City’s Sechew Powell on Friday March 19th at The Durant Choctaw Event Center at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. The Latimore/Powell scheduled twelve rounder is an eliminator bout for the IBF Junior Middleweight Title. The winner will square off against the victor in the upcoming Cory Spinks/Cornelius Bundradge title bout scheduled for March 26th, also to be broadcast on ESPN.

The Latimore/Powell showdown is presented by Rumble Time Promotions, Warriors Boxing, DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 800-788-2464

Latimore, 20-2-0 (16KO’s), was dominant throughout the first bout stopping the hometown Powell, 25-2-0 (15KO’s) in the seventh round at the Hard Rock Times Square in New York City on June 11, 2008.

“I’m ready to go, I beat him the first time and this time there is nothing he can do to change the outcome. All that talk he made, all the excuses after the fight was a little insulting. He wants to go again, will then come March 19th, I’m going for the knockout again” said the St. Louis born and raised 24 year old Latimore.

After his stoppage of Powell, Latimore would wait ten months before battling fellow St. Louis native Cory Spinks for the vacant IBF junior middleweight title, losing a very close, hard fought split decision on April 24, 2009 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

“No excuses on my end, it was a close fight, Cory did enough to win. I just want another shot at the title. Going through Powell again will get me that opportunity” continued the hard punching southpaw.

Following the Spinks bout, Latimore won a ten round decision over veteran Sammy Sparkman at the Chaifetz Arena in St Louis on August 22, 2009.

Said Latimore, “I’d like to fight more often that I have been and I’d like to fight in St. Louis. But JAY-Z asked to use the Scottrade Center on March 19th so that’s why I’m headed to Oklahoma. We’re cool this time, but ain’t no way he’s getting to use it for the title fight.”

Said Steve Smith of Rumble Time Promotions, original promoter of Latimore, now partnered with DiBella Entertainment, ‘Our plan is that after BULL takes care of Powell for the second time to have the title fight here in St. Louis. With Deandre, the terrific younger fighters we have here and the sponsors that I’ve been working with for many years, we can pack the place.”

“It’s hard to believe but Deandre is only 24. He made a lot of noise knocking out Powell in the first bout and the rematch is a great opportunity for him to get another world title shot. He’s in terrific shape and he knows how important this fight is.

Also scheduled to see action on March 19th is sensational undefeated junior welterweight prospect Pernice Brewer. The 22 year old Brewer, 14-0-1 (6KO’s), will see action in a scheduled six rounder against Salt Lake City, Utah, veteran, Christopher Fernandez, 18-8-1 (11KO’s).

Since turning professional three years ago, Brewer has become one of the most highly regarded prospects in boxing. He started off 2010 in style, taking a six round shutout decision over veteran Marteze Logan on January 15th at The Pagent in St. Louis.

Arum, Jones Discuss Pacquiao-Clottey

During Joshua Clottey's media day on Monday at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine, TX, Top Rank boss Bob Arum and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones discussed the upcoming March 13 bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium. Here's what they had to say...



Joshua Clottey Media Day: Pics & Video


Photo: David Sanchez II/R&D Boxing Blog

Joshua Clottey talked today to media about his upcoming fight with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao on March 13 at Cowboys Stadium. Along with talking to the media, Clottey did a light workout hitting the mitts, jumping rope, and some shadow boxing.





Photo: David Sanchez II/R&D Boxing Blog


Photo: David Sanchez II/R&D Boxing Blog

For a full gallery, click here

Derek "Pooh" Ennis Headlines "Spring Fling" April 2

PHILADELPHIA (March 8, 2010) — On Friday night, April 2nd, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will make the first defense of the USBA Jr. Middleweight title against an opponent to be named shortly in a bout that will be the main event of a terrific night of boxing dubbed “Spring Fling” that will be promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc.

Ennis of Philadelphia has a record of 20-2-1 with thirteen knockouts and is coming off a fifth round stoppage over Edwin Vazquez on February 5th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Ennis won the USBA Jr. Middleweight title with a tremendous back and forth brawl as he won a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision over Eromosele Albert on October 16th and The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Ennis and Albert exchanged hard combinations in close and the near-sellout crowd at The Legendary Blue Horizon was entertained as the fight was one of the best in Philadelphia in the past few years.

Ennis won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in the bout for which most ringside observers thought could have gone either way.

That win catapulted Ennis into the world rankings as he is now ranked number-thirteen by the IBF.

The win over Vazquez was Ennis’ eighth straight victory and he holds win over Albert (22-3-1), John Mackey (11-3-2) and Troy Browning (20-2-1) in that streak.

This will be Ennis fifth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon (4-0, 3 KO’s) with his most recent bout being the impressive performance against Vazquez.

In the co-feature, Derek Ennis’ brother, undefeated Super Middleweight, Farah Ennis will make his Legendary Blue Horizon debut as he competes in an eight round bout against an opponent to be named.

Ennis of Philadelphia, like his older brother is trained by his father, Derrick “Bozy” Ennis and has built up a reputation as a top prospect in the Super Middleweight division.

He is coming off a third round stoppage over Emanuel Gonzalez (9-6) on February 27th in Allentown, PA.

Also seeing action will be Super Featherweight prospect, Anthony Flores of Philadelphia.

Flores will be looking to rebound from his first pro defeat that came in his last bout when he dropped a hotly contested unanimous decision to Victor Valenzuela (6-0) on September 19th in Atlantic City. In that bout, Flores fought very valiantly as he suffered a broken orbital bone in that fight.

Flores, 22 years old, has a record of 8-1 with five knockouts and will be making his second appearance at The Blue Horizon. In his maiden fight at The Blue, he scored a first round stoppage over twenty-two fight veteran Carlos Diaz last May 1st.

Exciting and undefeated Heavyweight, Maurice Byarm will make his Legendary Blue Horizon debut on April 2nd.

Byarm, 6-0 with four knockouts is originally from Philadelphia but now calls Washington, DC home and has been thrilling the locals with his all out, crowd pleasing style.

Byarm is coming off a first round knockout over Maurice Winslow on January 31st in Fort Washington, MD.

On a side note, Byarm’s father, Lionel Byarm was the first ever professional opponent for Evander Holyfield in 1984.

In other bouts, John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) returns to The Legendary Blue Horizon after his devastating knockout over Nathan Perrott in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Philadelphia’s Ruben Ivey will make his pro debut in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Tim Johnson (4-1, 2 KO’s) and Taneal Goyco (3-1, 1 KO) square off in a four round cruiserweight affair featuring Philadelphia fighters.

Clemente Bethea (1-0) is back at The Blue after his pro debut win on February 5th and now he will take on fellow Philly fighter, Jason Sia (0-1) in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jose Ortiz (2-2, 1 KO) of Jersey City, NJ will see action in a four round Featherweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™
1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

Edwin Rodgriguez Feels Comfortable At 168

WORCESTER, Mass. (Mar. 8, 2010) – Highly-regarded, unbeaten prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez could still be “The Future of the Middleweight Division” as projected when he turned pro but, at least for the immediate future, he’ll continue campaigning as a super middleweight. The Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez (13-0, 9 KOs), fighting out of Worcester (MA), is set for nationally televised debut March 19 in an 8-round super middleweight bout versus veteran George “The Rooster” Armenta on ESPN Friday Night Fights, live from Choctaw Gaming Center in Durant, Oklahoma.

Rodriguez, who was the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament gold medalist, has fought as light as 162 pounds with a high of 168 in his last fight, a fifth-round technical knockout of Brian Norman last November.

“I’ve settled-in as a super middleweight and now I’m fully focused on training and improving,” the 24-year-old explained. “I feel very comfortable at 168. I’m improving with each fight and I believe we’re on the right track. I’m working on improving my skills instead of losing weight, but I can get down to 160 for a big fight.

“Boxing looks more physical than mental, but it’s really more mental. I had a big problem, mentally, trying to make the (2008 U.S.) Olympic team when my twins were (prematurely) born and they were in the hospital fighting for their lives. That’s as tough as it gets in the gym. I had it bad, mentally, when the twins were born. You need to have your head on straight in this sport, not worrying about making weight. I feel great, physically and mentally, for this fight.”

Rodriguez looks like a super middleweight, standing 6’ 1” with long arms, who’ll probably grow into a light heavyweight as he physically matures. For now, though, he’ll fight at 168 with the option of fighting as a middleweight, provided he has sufficient time to lose those extra pounds, and remain strong.

“Edwin walks around at 175 and making 168 is so much easier for him,” Rodriguez’ manager, Larry Army, added. “I believe, physically, he has the body of a super middleweight. He’ll be able to keep 6-8 more pounds and improve, instead of struggling to make weight. For the right opponent, he can drop down to 160, and remain strong. Right now, the top super middleweights are tied up in the Super Six tournament, but the middleweight division is wide open, and Edwin should be ready in another year or so to fight the top 160-pounders in the world.”

On ESPN FNF, Rodriguez fights a much more experienced Armenta (13-5, 11 KOs), who has knocked out 2000 U.S. Olympian Dante Craig and extended current WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman and top contender Sechew Powell the full distance in their fights. Powell headlines the Mar. 19th show.

Rodriguez is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, managed by Elite Management (Larry Army), and trained by Peter Manfredo, Sr. Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about Edwin and his team.

Golden Boy Promotions Makes ShoBox Debut April 2