google55cdc9a2e5223fec.html
Archive
Vanes Martirosyan won a tough unanimous decision over Kassim Ouma. Ouma began the fight putting pressure on Martirosyan also cutting the ring off from Martirosyan. In the third round Ouma would land three hard straight right hands popping Martirosyan head back, Martiroysan would later answer back with his own right hands. Martirosyan would be cut over the left-eye at the end of the fourth due to a headbutt. As the fight went on the momentum seemed to be on Ouma's side as Ouma continued to land right hands and applied non-stop pressure. Martirosyan was more effective when he was on his toes and working the ring popping out his jab. Martirosyan would be knocked down in the ninth round due to a right hand by Ouma, but would spring up quickly and seemed to have no effect on him. In the final round of the fight Ouma would continue applying pressure in the final seconds Martiroysan would land some power shots. In the end the judges had it 97-92 and 97-93(twice).
_
Jose Benavidez Jr. won his pro debut by TKO in the first round over Steven Cox. Benavidez who is only 17 and trained by Freddie Roach came out using his jab and size advantage. Benavidez would knock down Cox with a hard straight left hand in the first round. Cox would get up but would not last as referee Russell Mora would stop the fight at 1:21. Benavidez looks to have a bright future in boxing.
_
Diego Magdaleno won a unanimous decision over Gerardo Robles in a eight round fight. Robles was game in the first round using his jab and applying pressure to Magdaleno. Things would turn around in the second round for Robles as he was cut under his left eye due to a headbutt and would effect him throughout the fight. Magdaleno began to dictate the fight by going to the body of Robles slowing Robles down in the later rounds. Score cards were 78-74(Twice) and 80-72.
Juanma In New York
Photo: Joel Colon / PR Best Boxing Promotions
Juan Manuel Lopez has arrived in New York in advance of his bout against WBO featherweight champ Steven Luevano next Saturday, January 23 at Madison Square Garden and live on HBO.
More On Andrade's Victory
Going into Friday's matchup against Bernardo Guereca on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights", Demetrius Andrade promised to put on a spectacular performance, and that's exactly what he did. Andrade, who improved his record to 9-0, 7KO landed a picture perfect counter right hook midway through the very first round that sent Guereca to the canvas hard. Guereca was very hurt and remained on the canvas until the referee reached the count of ten. Official time of the stoppage was 1 minute 18 seconds of round number one. Look for Andrade, who is co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, to be back in action very soon.
ABOUT STAR BOXING:
Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.
Vazquez & Evans Score Sensational Knockouts At The Arena In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 16, 2009)—Victor Vasquez and Coy Evans thrilled a near capacity crowd at The Arena in Philadelphia as they scored thrilling knockouts that highlighted a five bout card that was promoted by Greg Robinson’s Productions in association with Unleashed Beverage Company.
Vasquez and Gustavo Dailey waged a six round Lightweight war in what was the main event of the evening.
Dailey came out firing and landed some hard wining shots for which Vasquez was successful in countering and the two way battle was on from the outset of the fight. The two stood toe to toe as they exchanged being the boss for moments of a time.
Vasquez had his usual rabid cheering section helping pull through some of the tough moments but he seemed to turn the tide in round five as he landed some big right hands. In round six with the two in close, landed hard uppercuts that sent Dailey into the corner and Vasquez landed a barrage of punches that forced referee Hurley McCall to stop the bout at 2:05 of the final round as Vasquez rose his record to 11-3 with six knockouts.
Evans scored his first knockout while remaining undefeated at 6-0-1 as he took care of Vineash Rungea at 2:19 of round two of a scheduled four round Featherweight bout.
Evans dropped Rungea early in the second frame with a aquick right and shortly after landed a booming right hand that sent Rungea down again and hurt as his corner threw in the towel, saving their man from any further damage.
In an all Philadelphia Light Heavyweight bout, Tony Ferrante won a controversial split decision over Andre Hemphill in a six round bout.
Super Middleweight Tommie "Big Poppa" Speller and Middleweight Derrick Webster also scored victories
FULL RESULTS
6 Rounds – Lightweights—Victor Vasquez (11-3, 6 KO’s) 133 lbs of Philadelphia TKO 6 (2:05) over Gustavo Dailey (4-8) 133 ½ lbs of Philadelphia
4 Rounds – Featherweights—Coy Evans (6-0-1, 1 KO) 128 lbs of Philadelphia TKO 2 (2:19) over Vineash Rungea (2-15-3) 128 lbs of the United Kingdom
6 Rounds – Light Heavyweights – Tony Ferrante (9-0) 175 ½ lbs of Philadelphia S DEC over Andre Hemphill (8-14-2) 176 lbs of Philadelphia… Scores were 59-55 Ferrante, 58-56 Ferrante, 58-56 Hemphill
4 Rounds – Super Middleweights – Tommie Speller (5-3) 164 lbs of Philadelphia U DEC over Dave Cook (3-4) 164 ½ lbs of Butler, PA… Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Speller
4 Rounds – Middleweights – Derrick Webster (4-0) 159 ½ lbs of Glassboro, NJ TKO End of 2 over Antonio Walls (2-3) 158 lbs of Washington, DC
Weights From Vegas
Vanes Martirosyan 153 vs. Kassim Ouma 150
Undercard weights:
Jose Benavidez 138.5 vs. Steven Cox 139
Diego Magdaleno 130.5 vs. Gerardo Robles 131.5
Anthony Lenk 145 vs. Dusten Guillemin 144
Ismayl Sillakh 183 vs. Julius Jackson 182
* The bout between Miguel Angel Garcia and Joksan Hernandez has been scrapped due to visa problems with Hernandez, which prevented him from entering the U.S.
Burgos Stops Martinez, Evans & Andrade Victorious
WBC Carribean Boxing Federation featherweight champ Juan Carlos Burgos (24-0 17KOs) kept his perfect record in tact with an impressive twelfth round TKO victory of Juan Carlos Martinez (17-12-1 7KOs) Friday at the Laredo Civic Center in Laredo, Texas. Burgos kept Martinez in check throughout the night, but Martinez showed he had a tough chin by absorbing some power shots. The punishment eventually caught up to him as Burgos unleashed an attack in the twelfth that forced Martinez to take a knee. After the standing the eight, Burgos was back on the attack and finished things off with a huge right that staggered Martinez, forcing the referee to stop the bout at 1:07.
Yaundale Evans (5-0 3KOs) outworked Gino Escamilla (5-7-1 2KOs) on his way to a six round unanimous decision. Evans scored a knockdown over Escamilla in the opening round via a right that put Escamilla off balance and forced his glove to touch the canvas. Escamilla was dropped again in the second via a left from Evans, but was able to continue. However, it was Evans who would be in control. Scores were 60-52, 59-53, 60-52.
Demetrius Andrade (9-0 7KOs) made quick work of Bernardo Guereca (15-10-1 3KOs) by scoring a first round KO. A right hook from Andrade send Guereca down and out for the count at 1:18.
Norton vs Dolan Ends In Draw
Rob Norton (32-4-2 19KOs) retained his British cruiserweight titles via a twelve round draw against David Dolan (13-2-1 5KOs) Friday at the Leisure Centre in Altrincham, Cheshire, United Kingdom. Scores were 115-113 (Dolan) 114-114, 116-113 (Dorton).
In other action:
Martin Gethin (17-3-1 7KOs) claimed the vacant BBBofC English lightweight title with a ten round unanimous decision victory over Graeme Higginson (10-8-1 3KOs). Scores were 99-92 (twice), 98-92.
Mark Thompson PTS(10) Kevin McIntyre
Craig Lyon PTS(8) Emiliano Salvini
Paul Samuels PTS(8) Cello Renda
Joe Murray KO(4) George Mchedlishvili
Stephen Foster PTS(6) Kakhaber Avetisian
Matty Askin PTS(6) Hastings Rasani
Nick Charles Set To Return To ShoBox
Popular host and play-by-play boxing announcer Nick Charles will make his return to ringside following a five-month battle with bladder cancer. Charles recently announced that he is 80 percent in remission and doctors have given him the go-ahead to return to work. Charles will rejoin colleagues Steve Farhood and Antonio Tarver on Friday, Jan. 29 when ShoBox: The New Generation kicks off the year with a 10-round bantamweight bout—Chris Avalos vs. Jose Nieves—LIVE on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
“I never really lost hope and faith that I’d be back on ShoBox working with the finest people I know professionally and personally,” said Charles. “The boxing community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Their inspiration has moved me deeply. As important to me though are the fans of ShoBox who have expressed to me beyond all expectations their concern and encouragement through a difficult illness.”
“We are thrilled to announce the return of Nick Charles to ShoBox,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “Nick is one of the great guys in our business. His strength and perseverance through this ordeal has inspired all of us. We continue to offer our support and love and we look forward to January 29th when Nick returns to the mic.”
It was announced in August that Charles was taking a leave of absence from television—his life-long profession—due to the illness. The last fight he worked was the July 31, 2009, ShoBox event from the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.
Charles has been with the series since its inception in 2001.
Prior to his work on ShoBox, Charles was best-known for his work on CNN where he was hired to help launch the network in 1980. Charles won three Cable Ace Awards as co-host of CNN’s “Sports Tonite.” The versatile, well-traveled Charles–-who has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Columbia College-Chicago, with a major in broadcast journalism–-has worked as a site reporter and host for six Olympic Games, five Goodwill Games and the Pan-Am Games in Havana, Cuba.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.
Pacquiao/Clottey Tickets On Sale January 23
According to Top Rank's Facebook page, tickets ($50, $100, $200, $300, $500 and $700) for the WBO welterweight title clash between current champ Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2 38KOs) and former champion Joshua Clottey (35-3 20KOs) will go on sale Saturday, January 23 at 10am. Tickets will be available for purchase at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX, online at www.Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000.
Tanayong KOs Fabanyo, Retains WBC Youth Title
Chatchai Sor Tanayong (6-0 3KOs) retained his WBC Youth World flyweight title with a sixth round KO over Sharil Fabanyo (2-4-1 2KOs) Friday at Paisalee, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand.
Randall Bailey Positioning Himself For World Title Opportunity
Photo: David Sanchez II / R&D Boxing Blog
Randall "The Knock-Out King" Bailey has shaken off the loss to Juan Urango last August and finished 2009 with a solid unanimous decision victory over Germaine Sanders on 12/12/09. Now, Bailey will face Jackson Bonsu (31-3 24KOs) in an eliminator bout sometime in March. However, Bailey will have to travel to Bonsu's native Belgium. A win will position Bailey for a title shot against IBF welterweight champion Jan Zavek.
"At this stage of his career, Randall isn't hanging around to be an opponent. This is a situation that elevates him if he can win," DiBella told ESPN.com. "He's going to Bonsu's hometown but Randall has a huge advantage in punching power and if you knock him out it doesn't matter what the judges think."
Saul Alvarez On Pacquiao/Clottey Undercard?
A deal for Top Rank to co-promote undefeated Mexican welterweight star Saul Alvarez (30-0-1 22KOs) is currently being discussed. Should all parties come to an agreement sooner rather than later, Alvarez could see action on the undercard to Pacquiao/Clottey on March 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Alvarez has been calling out Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for some time now and is also promoted by Top Rank. The deal could setup a potential showdown between the two, which would be a huge event in Mexico.
Mayweather, Pacquiao Urine Tests Come Back Clean
Before talks fell through for the proposed mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, the Nevada State Athletic Commission ordered both Mayweather and Pacquiao to submit urine samples as part of the random drug testing administered due to both fighters being licensed in Nevada. According to the commission's executive director Keith Kizer, both samples came back clean.
Green Tried Everything To Make Hopkins Bout
IBO cruiserweight champ Danny Green says he tried everything in his power to make a bout with Bernard Hopkins happen in Australia. Green even offered Hopkins a much higher purse and gave in to his demands.
"I offered Bernard Hopkins 15 times his previous purse and that was a guarantee and that was the minimum he was going to earn," Green told AAP. "We had a verbal agreement. Bernard changed it and then we allowed him his demands and he's chosen against fighting me and chosen to fight Roy Jones in America.
"There's nothing more I could have done apart from fighting him for free. I did everything in my power to make this fight happen because we want to bring the big fights to Australia. Financially, he (Hopkins) has got everything to gain by coming here. He may see it as beating Roy Jones and then fighting me after that, who knows."
As far as Green's future, he will keep his options open. "There could be a move to heavyweight, there could be a light heavyweight fight, so I'm just keeping my options going. The signs are clear that I want to get back in because I'm shadow boxing the fridge, I'm shadow boxing the stereo, I'm shadow boxing the barbecue and I'm shadow boxing my chihuahua Rocky," Green said.
IBO Strips Pacquiao Of Title
With the confirmation that Manny Pacquiao will continue campaigning at Welterweight, the IBO will go forward and open the Junior Welterweight division which will be contested by the two leading available contenders.
We were proud and privileged to have the best pound for pound fighter in the world hold the IBO Junior Welterweight World Title.
Oliveira Named Candidate For Brazilian Athlete of The Year
Unbeaten middleweight sensation, “Chairman of the Board” Michael Oliveira (11-0, 9 KOs), is an official candidate for the Brazilian International Press Award’s 2009 Athlete of the Year Award.
The 19-year-old Oliveira, living in Miami and attending Miami Dade Community College, is the heir apparent to retired Acelino “Popo” Freitas in Brazilian boxing circles. Oliveira is one of only 10 Brazilian Athlete of the Year candidates, along with the likes of Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, as well as NBA players Nene Hilario and Anderson Varejao.
“I’m honored to be a candidate for this prestigious award with nine other great athletes,” Oliveira said. “Hopefully, my fans will support me by voting. More importantly, though, my last fight was in Haiti and I met a lot of the Brazilian peace-keeping troops stationed there. I am dedicating my next fight to the Brazilian solders that lost their lives in the recent earthquake in Haiti. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
The hard-punching teenager, who is the reigning UNBC Latin champion, won each of his eight fights last year, including his last December 18, when he stopped Eduardo Mercedes (5-2) in the second round of their bout in Haiti.
Go to www.MichaelOliveira.com to vote for Oliveira via a link located on the bottom, right-hand side of the home page. Oliveira’s valued sponsors include The Confianca Moving, The Beira – Mar and Pro 1 from Sao Paulo, Dumonde Travel (Michael’s official travel agency) and the multi-national fuel company, Shell.
"Facing Ali" On Spike TV February 15
Pasadena, CA, January 15, 2010 - Spike TV presents the world television premiere of the award-winning documentary, "Facing Ali," Monday, February 15 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT). Produced by Derik Murray (Legends of Hockey), Network Entertainment and Lionsgate in association with Spike TV, the film is directed by Pete McCormack (Uganda Rising) and delves into the fascinating life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in and out of the ring through the eyes of those who fought him..
"Facing Ali" showcases ten of Muhammad Ali's
From the moment he captured the gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics, the fighter who first came to prominence as Cassius Clay electrified the world and transformed the sport. Charismatic, articulate, and often controversial, he became an influential figure of the burgeoning civil rights movement and a hero to millions around the world. Along with his prodigious talent, Ali was a master showman and a brilliant strategist as he often was so successful in getting inside his opponents' head.
With exclusive interviews and vintage footage, "Facing Ali" recreates his most unforgettable rivalries, and recounts his triumphs, tragedies and unstoppable spirit.
Appearances in "Facing Ali" include Muhammad Ali, George Chuvalo, Sir Henry Cooper, George Foreman
"Facing Ali" first appeared in theaters in the summer of 2009 and was recently named one of the 15 films in the Documentary Feature category for the upcoming 82nd Academy Awards®. It also won the award for Most Popular Film in the Documentary category at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
Cintron Willing To Face Mayweather, Deal Can Be Done Quickly Says DiBella
After reading comments made to the Puerto Rican press by the President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya, stating that Kermit Cintron is “a great choice” to take on Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) has been recognized as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter for several years, but has recently come under scrutiny for not taking on the perceived toughest opposition. However, there will be no such pubic umbrage over a bout with Cintron (32-2-1, 28 KOs), who has twice held the welterweight crown and whose only losses have come at the hands of Antonio Margarito, a fighter currently under suspension for tampering with his gloves..
“There is no bigger fan of Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s talent than myself,” said Cintron. “But the whole world wants to see Floyd fight a big, strong welterweight, and that’s where I step in. Everyone knows I can punch and Alfredo Angulo
Cintron handed the highly touted Angulo his first and only loss in a brilliant effort last May.
Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, which represents Cintron, is at the ready and waiting to strike a deal whenever he hears from members of the Mayweather camp.
“Oscar and Richard [Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions] know me very well and they know I’m easy to deal with,” said DiBella. “We can have a deal made in an hour if this is the direction Floyd wants to take.”
Sosnowski Standing In Way Of Harrison's World Title Shot
PRIZEFIGHTER Champion Audley Harrison
Harrison, 38, saved his career by triumphing in Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 in October and will now meet Poland’s Albert Sosnowski for the European belt.
Former Olympic Gold medalist Harrison hopes the fight, scheduled for April 9 at London’s Alexandra Palace, leads to a shot at World title.
“Albert Sosnowski represents a difficult challenge for me and I know he wants to keep his crown he won in December against Paolo Vidoz,” said Harrison.
“I was impressed by Sosnowski’s fitness and pressure. I’ll need to be at the top of my game if I’m to be successful.
“He’s only lost twice before in 48 fights, but that tells me he can be beaten.
“I have enough time to get my preparations right; no excuses, this is it! I will be giving it my all to rip away the European title and gatecrash the big-time.
“David Haye and the Klitschko brothers will be within my sights if I can get a victory and that’s enough motivation for me to lay it all on the line.
“I am so happy to have agreed terms with Matchroom Sport and truly feel this opportunity will lead me to a World title this year.
“They have done everything they said they would do and that’s a rare commodity with promoters within this industry.”
Harrison’s career appeared to be over in December 2008 with a shock defeat against Martin Rogan but Harrison, who won an Olympic gold in 2000, responded in fine style.
He claimed impressive victories over Scott Belshaw and previously-undefeated duo Danny Hughes and Coleman Barrett to win Prizefighter.
“Forget the past, the dream is still very much alive for Audley,'' commented Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn.
“When I first met with Audley in Vegas last Summer I told him a win at Prizefighter would put him back in line for a shot at the big-time. Prizefighter was a big gamble and he showed plenty of bottle and quality to get the job done.
“Albert represents a tough challenge but the winner puts himself right in line for a World title shot - and who could rule out an all British battle with David Haye if Audley can produce the goods in April.''
Sosnowski, who is based in Brentwood, Essex, but originally hails from Warsaw, Poland, claimed the title with an emphatic points victory over Italian Paolo Vidoz in December.
However, 30-year-old Sosnowski is best known for a shock stoppage win in 2008 over Harrison’s long-term rival Danny Williams
The show will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and for ticket information contact Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
Bienas Hungry For World Title
World title hopeful Krzysztof Bienias has warned Kell Brook that a harsh Polish winter has made him a hungry fighter ahead of their February 13 clash. Former European title challenger Bienias will take on rising British star Brook in an eliminator for the WBO World Welterweight crown at Wembley Arena on the huge Night of the Champion extravaganza promoted by Frank Warren. Both men are riding high in the WBO rankings, but Bienias says he'll come out on top in the fight after a tough training camp in his home city of Warsaw. While temperatures have plummeted in the UK over recent weeks, they've been even colder in Eastern Europe, but that hasn't stopped Bienias from getting in shape outdoors..
"I've been breaking up blocks of ice with my fists," stormed Bienias.
"Some people hate the freezing weather but for me I love it because it means I can train harder than ever.
"Smashing ice has made my fists rock hard but it won't feel as good as breaking Brook's heart at Wembley Arena.
"He's a good young fighter but he's not faced anyone like me yet,"
Bienias, who is lost just three times in more than 40 outings, has also a secret weapon - a special Eastern European dessert that has given him his nickname, Kisiel.
It consists of sweetened juice, thickened with arrowroot, cornstarch or potato starch and Polish vodka, and Bienias says he tucks into it every evening.
"It gives me lots of strength after all that work in the snow," he revealed. "It's got a few added ingredients that I won't reveal, but it will mean that Brook will be feeling plenty of pain when I give him a serious beating at Wembley. I might have a sweet nickname but I'll be leaving a nasty taste in Brook's mouth."
Night of the Champions features the exciting heavyweight showdown between British heavyweight champion Danny Williams and Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton; Kevin Mitchell's WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title defence; Kell Brook's WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title challenge; Derek Chisora versus Matt Skelton for the Vacant English Heavyweight Championship; The Olympians James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Bill Joe Saunders
Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150, are available from:
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Martirosyan-Ouma Final Presser LOS ANGELES, January 14 - Unbeaten in six fights in his adopted hometown of El Paso, Texas, highly-ranked contender Antonio Escalante will look for El Paso win number seven on Friday, February 26, as he tests the waters at 126 pounds against rugged Mexican warrior Miguel "Mickey" Roman in the main event of ESPN'S "Friday Night Fights" at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. Currently ranked number one in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and in the top five by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF), 24-year-old Antonio Escalante (21-2, 14 KO's) hopes to make his long-awaited final approach to a championship fight in 2010. With his recent wins coming in impressive fashion over the likes of Mike Oliver, Gary Stark Jr. and Cornelius Lock, it's clear that Escalante is ready for a world title shot. Before that happens, the native of Juarez, Mexico must turn back the challenge of Roman in front of the fans in his adopted hometown and current residence of El Paso, where Antonio always delivers the goods. A hard-hitting slate of undercard bouts will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow Golden Boy Promotions on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.
Photo: Chris Farina / Top Rank
NABF/NABO welterweight champ Vanes Martirosyan and Kassim Ouma pose during the final presser for their bout Saturday, January 16 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The bout will headline the main event of the debut of Top Rank's new boxing series "Top Rank Live" that will air live on Fox Sports Net.
Escalante vs Roman On ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" Feb. 26
Photo: Ruben Ramirez / Golden Boy Promotions
This bout, which headlines a high-impact night of professional boxing, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and will be broadcast live on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" beginning at 10:00 pm ET / 8:00 pm MT / 7:00 pm PT on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN360.com. Doors open at 6:00 pm MT., with the first bell ringing at 7:00 pm MT.
Tickets priced at $20, $30, $50 and $75 (plus convenience charges) go on sale Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 am MT and will be available for purchase at the UTEP Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets. Tickets will also be available online at www.ticketmaster.com and by phone through the UTEP Box Office at 915-747-5234 and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.
Photo: Ruben Ramirez / Golden Boy Promotions
Photo: Ruben Ramirez / Golden Boy Promotions
Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico's Miguel "Mickey" Roman (28-6, 20 KO's) is five-foot-five inches of power punching fury who takes pride in always putting on a show for fight fans when the bell rings. A veteran of almost seven years in the professional game, the 24-year-old was in top form when he stopped prospects Andres Romero and Daniel Ruiz (who had a combined record of 31-2) within the span of a month last fall. He's looking to add another rising star's name to his resume when he squares off against Antonio Escalante.
Yordan One Fight Away From Showdown With John?
Daud Yordan is one fight away from a potential showdown with WBA champ Chris John. Yordan received an offer to fight IBO featherweight champ Jackson Asiku in April and if he should be victorious, a unification bout with John would be in sight. However, Yordan says Golden Boy Promotions has promised him a shot at the winner of the January 23 bout between WBO champ Steven Luevano and Juan Manuel Lopez.
"Chris's manager, Craig Christian, called me to offer the bout against Asiku. If I win, then he will set a unification bout with Chris John. The bout may take place in April," Yordan told the Jakarta Post. "I already have my own program, though. Golden Boy Promotions promised a title bout with the winner between WBO champion Steven Luevano and challenger Juan Manuel Lopez."
Should Yordan face Asiku, he says it won't be much of a fight. "I saw him fight a few times, and I think he's so-so. If I have a chance to fight him, it won't take much time to beat him," said Yordan.
Jose Benavides Signs With Top Rank, Debuts This Saturday
Amateur standout Jose Benavides officially became part of the Top Rank stable today in which the official signing took place and was announced by Top Rank President Todd duBoef. Benavides is set to make his pro debut this Saturday against Steven Cox (1-0 1KO) on the undercard to the Vanes Martirosyan vs Kassim Ouma bout.
Melindo Dethrones Villarreal, Banal KOs Santos
Miland Melindo (20-0 5KOs) captured the WBC Youth International flyweight title via a twelve round unanimous decision over Anthony Villarreal (9-3 4KOs) Thursday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines. Melindo jumped out to a quick start by scoring a knockdown in the opening round and was able to counter Villarreal by landing the cleaner punches the rest of the way. Scores were 97-93, 95-94, 96-93.
AJ Banal (21-1-1 17KOs) scored an impressive fourth round KO over Cecilio Santos (24-12-3 14KOs). A right hook by Banal followed by a power shot sent Santos down and out for the count.
Andrade To Open 2010 With A Bang On ESPN
Photo: Marty Rosengarten / Star Boxing
This Friday, fast rising undefeated jr. middleweight Demetrius Andrade (8-0, 6KO) will look to open up the new year with a bang when he takes on tough Mexican native Bernardo Guereca (15-9-1, 3KO) at the Laredo Civic Center in Laredo, TX. Andrade- Guereca is scheduled for six rounds, and will be the co-feature bout of the evening on the nationally televised ESPN "Friday Night Fight" series.
For the 2007 Amateur World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Andrade, who is co- promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, this will be the his fourth appearance on FNF since turning pro in October of 2008.
Andrade was a perfect 6-0, 4KO in 2009, earning him rave reviews from boxing insiders, as well as being chosen as one of boxing top prospects for the second straight year by ESPN.com's boxing analyst Dan Rafael.
"The best pro prospect from the 2008 U.S. Olympic team was a decorated amateur before turning pro in 2008. Boxing since he was 6, Andrade won a world amateur championship, two U.S. national titles and two National Golden Gloves titles. As a pro, the 6-1 Providence, R.I., native stayed busy with six bouts in 2009 and displayed the attributes that make him one of boxing's most dynamic prospects: dazzling hand speed, power and ring intelligence," stated Rafael.
"I am very excited to be back on Friday Night Fights, and have the opportunity to once again showcase my skills on the national level," stated Andrade. "Joe (DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing) and Artie (Pelullo, CEO of Banner Promotions) have done a great job of giving me these type of opportunities, and as you can see by my nomination as one of boxing top prospects for the second year in a row by ESPN, it's definitely paying off. 2010 is going to be a big year for me and my career, and that all starts this Friday night. This is my first nationally televised co-feature, so make sure to tune in, it's going to be a performance you won't want to want to miss."
ABOUT STAR BOXING:
Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.
Foreman's Manager Says Cotto Bout Was The Original Plan
Before WBA champ Yuri Foreman's name was mentioned as a possible opponent for Manny Pacquiao, the original plan was to match Foreman against former world champ and Puerto Rican great Miguel Cotto. After Pacquiao refused to fight Foreman due to height differences, Foreman's manager Murray Wilson said they decided to go back to a bout with Cotto.
"We have returned to the original plan, which was a defense against Cotto in June," Wilson told Primera Hora. "It is the fight that Miguel wanst and so do we. It would be a pleasure to have the opportunity to fight against someone who we consider a great champion. We still don't have anything signed to fight against Miguel, but on a scale from the 1 to the 10 - I would have say that the possibility of the fight taking place is a 9."
Hopkins-Jones Jr. Bout Back On
A bout between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. will happen after all. According to both parties, the fighters signed the contracts on Wednesday and the fight will happen on April 17 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
"We worked very hard to keep this fight alive and we got it signed on Wednesday," CEO of Square Ring John Wirt told ESPN.com. "We're ecstatic that the fight was made and we're looking forward to a great event. There's been a long-standing rivalry between two of the preeminent boxers of our generation. This fight will establish once and for all who is the better fighter between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. This is the fight Roy always wanted."
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer says despite Jones Jr. losing to Danny Green, the bout was never really off.
"The interesting thing is the conversations never died down," Schaefer said. "Even after Bernard won and Roy lost, the talks continued and different options were evaluated. But I just felt from talking to Bernard and from the conversations I had with John that they really wanted to fight each other.
"I think there is so much at stake for these guys. This is an event they have been waiting for for 17 years. They would not let anything get in the way of getting this fight finally done. I believe very strongly that at this point in their careers, after everything they have accomplished, I think this is a well-deserved fight for these two guys to finally get it on April 17. Love 'em or hate em, they are two of the most recognized names in the sport of boxing."
DeMarco Preparing For Valero
Photo: Team DeMarco
Any warrior will say that when he is preparing for a battle inside a ring, his sparring partners are a very important ingredient for his success and for the interim WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1, 17KO), who is preparing for his title bout against the absolute champion Edwin Valero (26-0, 26KO), it isn’t any different. “It is very important, the sparring partners help me with my work and they are willing to do anything. The partners I am using right now have the right style for Valero,” DeMarco of Los Mochis but living in Tijuana, MX, said. “They are pressuring me and they are making me work. I am working on my reflexes and working me hard, at full capacity.” At the same time, his sparring partners have measured DeMarco’s development as he prepares for February 6th in Monterrey, MX. “I think he is doing great, he has very solid punch. I have a lot of confidence in his punch as well as his intelligence and his ability to box intelligently,” Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero (18-2, 14KO), who is also trained by Romulo Quirarte and his sons, stated. “I think he is doing good right now and we are about three weeks away from his fight and I think he is going to get even better. I don’t think Valero will be able to stop him.” “I help him according to the instructions of Don Romulo. I try to follow them to a ‘t’. It doesn’t matter if he gets the best of me as long as it helps him and he wins his fight. We are gym partners and whatever I can do to help him, I will.” As well as Quintero, welterweight southpaw Israel Ornelas (7-3-2, 4KO) has laced up the gloves to help DeMarco. “I think DeMarco has a great chance against Valero. I have seen both fight and DeMarco has power and speed,” Ornelas stated. “Valero throws a lot of punches but with what I have seen with sparring with DeMarco, I think he has enough tools to be able to handle Valero.” “He’s smooth. He uses his distance well since he is tall. I think once he gets a little bit more speed he is going to be even better,” the undefeated Mercito Gesta (16-0-1, 7KO), of Cebu City, PI, but living in San Diego, CA, said. “I think it is going to be a tough fight for both of them. I think there is going to be some knockdowns for both of them in that fight.” For the 24-year-old DeMarco, his sparring partners are a big part of his preparation and he believes that if he could handle them, he will not have any problems with the Venezuelan champion. “I do think that I have the correct sparring for this fight and I do dare to say that my partners are more technically sound than Valero. Valero has power but my sparring partners are more complete boxers.”
"Yanjing Fight Night" In Dublin February 13
The dawn of a new decade signifies the beginning of another exciting period for Irish boxing with the stars of the next generation being showcased on the Yanjing Fight Night at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, February 13th. For the first time ever a record breaking 4 Irish titles will be up for grabs on the same night with the Heavyweight, Super Middleweight, Lightweight and Featherweight belts on the line. The event will be headlined by the long talked about clash between unbeaten Cavan star Andy Murray
The undercard will feature the first Irish Heavyweight
At Featherweight the exciting Dubliner Patrick Hyand will look to make the first defence of his title and put his 18 fight unbeaten record on the line against London based Cork man Mickey Coveney. It all adds up to a quality night of Irish title action in Dublin as the likes of Murray, Hyland, Barrett and Fitzgerald look to underline their status as the future stars of Irish boxing.
Promoter Brian Peters believes this is the kind of grassroots event that underlines the current strength of Irish boxing. “To have 4 Irish title fights in one night is amazing when you consider that at the start of the last decade we had a 5 year period (April 2000 – February 2005) without even one Irish title fight,” said Peters.
“Next months show underlines just how much the sport has grown here over the last 5 years and the level of talent that's still emerging through the ranks. RTÉ's support has been crucial to that development and they will be covering this event live as well. I think that underlines their continued commitment to the development of the sport here and the emerging talent coming through the ranks.
“The main event is a real crossroads clash between Andy and Oisin and it's a fight Irish boxing fans have been talking about for quite a while now,” said Peters. “Coleman Barrett did brilliantly in the last heavyweight Prizefighter getting to the final. He was winning the final too until he got caught by Audley Harrison
“Patrick Hyland and Anthony Fitzgerald have both been very impressive of late so there will be a lot of talent on display next month and with Irish titles on the line there's going to be an awful lot of pride at stake as well.”
Andy Murray is surely the most established of the emerging talents on the Irish scene having won two Irish titles (at Lightweight and Light Welterweight) and the European Union Lightweight title en route to compiling a 17 fight unbeaten record.
A broken collarbone suffered last September threatened to derail Murray's progress but he made a quick return to action when he outpointed Ecuador's Alex Bone in an exciting encounter on the undercard to Matthew Macklin's
“It's great to headline on RTÉ because it really boosts your profile,” said Murray. “It's going to be great experience for me and it's all part of the learning curve as your career progresses. It's a massive chance for me to show people what I can do and hopefully it will be the start of a big year for me. I've loads of respect for Oisin, we've always got on well but we'll have to put that aside on the night. I've had to fight my friends down through the years in the amateurs, it's just something you get on with and afterwards there's no hard feelings, it's just business at the end of the day.
“Oisin's been in with some of the best and he has all that experience from those big fights he had during his time in the U.S. so I know it's going to b a very hard night but obviously I'm confident that I can win it.”
Reflecting on last month's win Murray said, “Mentally or physically I probably wasn't at my best going into that fight but I was determined to get back in the ring as quickly as possible. The collarbone was still a concern going into the fight because it was still a bit tender. I sparred ok but you never really know how an injury like that will react until you're actually in there in a real fight. I came through ok and I was happy enough with the win but the collarbone was a little sore afterwards.
“I've been having physio on it since and it definitely feels a lot stronger now so I don't think it's going to be a factor in this fight.”
Murray's opponent knows all about broken bones with Portmarnock native Fagan having suffered a broken leg in his defeat to current World Champ Amir Khan just over a year ago. “It was a freak injury,” recalled Fagan who has also held the Irish Light Welterweight title previously.
“Khan caught me with a nice hook but it was a punch that wouldn’t normally have been enough to put me down. It put me off balance though and my foot turned awkwardly, I felt my ankle doubling up underneath me and heard a sickening crack. I knew at that moment, that I had broken something but I thought it was my ankle. The pain was incredible, but I got back up to fight.”
Amazingly Fagan fought on for another round with what doctors eventually diagnosed was a spiral fracture of his left fibula. The Dubliner made a speedy recovery and has since had three fights including a thrilling all Irish clash with Eddie Hyland which was voted the domestic fight of 2009.
He could be in line for that award again in 2010 if his clash with Murray lives up to expectations. “Andy and I have shared quite a few cards together over the last few years and we've got to know each other. He’s always been a gentleman and very down to earth so I respect him both inside and outside of the ring.
“He's an exceptional boxer and he's fundamentally sound, with a great amateur pedigree and a stellar reputation. That said, those who have followed my career up to now, know that reputations don’t really bother me and I tend to get riled up for the bigger occasions. I never run from anyone and I will walk through walls to get at my opponent. I fight for the respect of my countrymen and will go toe-to-toe with anyone in the world, to show them the heart and determination of a true son of Ireland. I’ve mixed it with the best in the world and have been unlucky at times, but my luck has got to change at some point and I feel that this is my time to shine!”
While Murray and Fagan will be contesting the Irish Lightweight title the big men will be going toe to toe at heavyweight with Coleman Barrett and Colin Kenna contesting the vacant national crown. Barrett's impressive amateur career saw him win a Bronze medal at the World Junior Championships in 2000 but his professional career had been of the stop start variety until he got the call to enter the most recent Heavyweight Prizefighter tournament.
Barrett, a first cousin of former Olympian Francis Barrett upset the odds by reaching the final where he appeared to be on his way to a points win against Olympic Gold medallist Audley Harrison before the big Londoner found the punches to stop the Galway native.
Now Barrett is hoping to follow in the footstep of the first ever Irish Heavyweight Champion, Peter Maher a fellow Galway man who won the title in 1890 before going on to win the World Heavyweight title. “This is a huge opportunity for me,” said Barrett who has won all but one of his pro fights with the lone defeat coming against Harrison.
“To fight for the Irish Heavyweight title will be a very proud moment for me in my career and it's something I've always wanted to win.”
As for Harrison Barrett says he has unfinished business with the Londoner. “I'd love a rematch with him and the opportunity to return the favour. There is talk of him fighting for the European title in March and I wish him the very best of luck with that. Maybe if he wins he might consider giving me a rematch but for now I'm just happy to focus on this Irish title fight.”
Kenna however is equally fired up for next months bout. The brother of former Irish soccer international Jeff Kenna said, “This is a title I've wanted since the day I turned pro. I'm really fired up for this one and although I'm based in Southampton I'm a very proud Dubliner so it will be extra special getting to fight for it in my hometown.”
Another proud Dubliner is reigning Irish Featherweight Champ Patrick Hyland. The Tallaght man, (one of three brothers all boxing professionally and all reigning Irish Champs) has a perfect record of 18 straight wins and he'll be looking to add to that next month with a win over Mickey Coveney, a seasoned campaigner from London with roots in County Cork.
The fourth Irish title fight on the card is the rearranged Super Middleweight title bout between Dublin's Anthony Fitzgerald and Lee Murtagh. The bout was originally supposed to take place in December but a knee injury forced Murtagh to withdraw however Fitzgerald is sticking to his prediction of a win inside three rounds.
Two non title fights on the bill will see featherweight prospect Willie Casey and new Belfast pro Jamie Conlan looking to extend their unbeaten records.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night priced €30, €40, €50 and €60 are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) and all usual outlets.
For all the latest visit brianpeterspromotions.com.
Lindsay Defends Against Arthur March 19
MARTIN LINDSAY will make the first defence of his British featherweight title against in-form Jamie Arthur.
Their 12 rounder takes place at Leigh Indoor Sports Centre on March 19 and will be televised live by the home of boxing Sky Sports.
Belfast's Lindsay (15-0) won the title last April with a sixth round stoppage of Scot Martin Lindsay in one the best domestic fights of 2009.
And now the 27-yerar-old is determined to make if a Celtic double when he tackles Welshman Jamie Arthur (16-2) in a clash that promises to be an all out war.
Lindsay is already in training camp and added: "Everything is going well except that is about -12 in the gym.
"You are training harder just to stay warm. The weather does have a bit of an effect on your roadwork but there are a few treadmills in the gym so you can still go in and tick away on them."
Cwmbran's Arthur is a 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, but retired from boxing in July 2005.
He returned almost three years later and has won seven fights on the bounce.
The 30-year-old earned himself the mandatory position for Lindsay's Lonsdale belt after outpointing Akaash Bhatia in June.
He said: "The reason I came back was to win the British title and I think my challenge will be a helluva fight."
The undercard is stacked with talent from Maloney's and Steve Wood's impressive VIP stable.
Among those fighting are Olympic bronze medallist David Price, former British super-middleweight champion Tony Quigley, British flyweight king Shinny Bayaar, Paul Edwards, Mark Moran, Karl Place, Rick Goddins and Kieran Farrell.
Tickets for are available for £40 and £80 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com
Billy Joe Saunders Update
"If someone asks me to do a photo shoot then I'm not going to say no, but boxing will always come first - even if I do look like a knockout!"
Saunders, unbeaten in five professional fights, has his sixth outing on February 13 at Wembley Arena on the huge Night of the Champions show alongside fellow Olympians James DeGale and Frankie Gavin.
And he's buzzing after a press conference earlier this week in which promoter Frank Warren backed him as a fighter to watch not just this year, but over the next decade.
"To get comments like that from Frank is a real confidence boost," said Saunders.
"Now it's up to me to prove him right. I've had a good first year as a professional, but I don't think I've boxed to anywhere near my potential yet.
"Hopefully I will stay busy this year and by the end of it I want to be fighting for titles. I've definitely got the talent to go all the way, it's just a question of getting the right fights at the right time."
Night of the Champions features the exciting heavyweight showdown between British heavyweight champion Danny Williams and Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton; Kevin Mitchell's WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title defence; Kell Brook's WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title challenge; Derek Chisora versus Matt Skelton for the Vacant English Heavyweight Championship; The Olympians James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders
Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150, are available from:
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Shelly Mann Passes
Long-time boxing announcer and a prominent fixture in the North Texas boxing scene Shelly Mann passed away at the age of 70 Monday morning. Mann was always eager to greet each and every person who was in his presence and share his experiences. He was always willing to offer a helping hand and was always involved in local events, including helping this site in covering our first live event.
R&D Boxing Blog would like to thank Mann for everything he was, is and always will be. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mann family.
Williams Ready To Fight Mayweather In March
Dan Goossen, promoter for Paul Williams, says his fighter is ready to step in and fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in March. Mayweather is reportedly near a deal to fight on March 13 against an opponent yet to be named. But should Williams ever get a call to fight Mayweather, there would be no hesitation.
"If we were asked, I’d pick Paul up, and we’d be there as fast as we could get there to sign the contract,” Goossen told the Los Angeles Times.
Erislandy Lara vs Grady Brewer January 29
LOS ANGELES - Former Cuban amateur star Erislandy Lara has made his mark in the professional ranks with the same speed and impact that his blistering combinations make on his opponents, and after just nine fights, he appears to be ready to graduate to the next level. On Friday, January 29, the undefeated rising star will be featured in a 10-round junior middleweight bout that will push Lara to the limit as he takes on 154-pound standout and the winner of the second season of "The Contender," Grady Brewer. Lara vs. Brewer will be the opening bout of the Fox Sports Net telecast headlined by Campillo vs. Shumenov II from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Former amateur star Erislandy Lara (9-0, 5 KO's) has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks since defecting from Cuba in 2008, and in just nine professional fights has dazzled boxing insiders and fans alike with his speed, power and poise. Fresh off of a near-shutout win over veteran Luciano Perez in his first 10-round fight last December, Lara will up the ante once again when he takes on seasoned contender Grady Brewer in a ten round junior middleweight bout.
"This is a big opportunity for me and I'm happy to be fighting a quality opponent like Grady Brewer," said Lara. "I know he's going to come ready to fight, but so am I, and I want to make a statement by giving the fans my best performance yet."
The story of Lawton, Oklahoma's Grady Brewer (26-11, 15 KO's) is the classic tale of a fighter who came up the hard way, but in 2006, Brewer finally got his chance to shine as a competitor on the hit reality series "The Contender." By the end of that year he scored three victories and defeated former World Champion Steve Forbes to take home the series crown. Since then, Brewer has put together four more wins, three by knockout and is eager to pin the first loss on Lara's record on January 29.
"There's no denying Lara's talent, but he's not ready for me or this fight," said Brewer. "I've paid my dues the hard way and now it's time for me to make my move. This ain't the amateurs and I'm going to let Lara know that on January 29."
"Fight Night With De La Hoya and Hopkins: Campillo vs. Shumenov II" features the 12-round Light Heavyweight World Championship rematch between Spain's Gabriel Campillo defending his WBA crown against Las Vegas resident Beibut Shumenov. The evening of boxing will be presented by KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions, with Campillo vs. Shumenov presented in association with Sampson Boxing LLC. The bout will be televised live on Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates beginning at 11 pm ET / 8 pm PT (check local listings). Doors will open at 6 pm and the first bell rings at 7 pm.
Tickets for this action-packed night of boxing, which will be hosted by and attended by future Hall of Famers Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins, are priced at $150, $125, $100, $50 and $40 (general admission standing room tickets). Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
Arum Eyes Cotto-Foreman Showdown In June
Top Rank boss Bob Arum is hoping for a June showdown between WBA junior middlweight champ Yuri Foreman and Miguel Cotto in New York. Both fighters will be in attendance for the January 23 Top Rank card featuring WBO featherweight Steven Luevano vs Juan Manuel Lopez at Madison Square Garden. It is then, that Arum hopes to seal the deal.
"I've got to make that match, but both fighters will be at the fight on Saturday. Miguel Cotto is coming, and Yuri Foreman -- that's what I'm trying to accomplish," said Arum. "I've spoken to both fighters' camps, and both fighters' camps are willing. So now, I have to close the match. I think that they match up really well."
Darchinyan vs Martinez March 6
WBC/WBA super flyweight champ Vic Darchinyan (33-2-1 27KOs) will defend his titles against Raul Martinez (25-1 15KOs) March 6 at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA and live on Showtime. The bout will be the co-feature to the Super Six Tourney second stage bout between Andre Dirrell and Arthur Abraham.
Vazquez Jr.-Sonsona Presser The initial press conference was held today in Bayamón, Puerto Rico for the upcoming WBO Interim junior featherweight fight between un-beatens Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. (17-0-1, 14 KOs) of Bayamón, Puerto Rico and former WBO super flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1, 12 KOs) of the Philippines. The event titled ‘Making History’ will take place February 27 at the Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Amongst those in attendance were PR Best Boxing (Iván Rivera & Peter Rivera), former three-division world champion and Vazquez Jr.’s father Wilfredo Vazquez Sr., Vice Mayor of Bayamón Rurico Pintado, Secretary of Recreation and Sports-Henry Neumann, WBO President-Francisco Valcárcel, President of the professional boxing commission Puerto Rico-Dommys Delgado Berty, and Promoters Félix ‘Tutico’ Zabala, Sammy Gello-Ani, and Sampson Lewkowicz. The bout is being presented by PR Best Boxing in association with All Star Boxing and Sampson Boxing LLC. Iván Rivera: We are starting off 2010 with an exciting fight featuring two of the best, young, and undefeated prospects in boxing. Sonsona is known in Puerto Rico now after defeating then world champion Jose ‘Carita’ Lopez this past September. We know and believe that Vazquez Jr. can become champion. On February 27th he will get his opportunity to win the title in his hometown. Vazquez Jr.: My example is my father and I’m very proud of him. I’m going to do everything I can to win this title. This is for my daughter. I have been training very hard for this since this past November and I’m very well prepared on all levels. Vazquez Sr.: We will take advantage of this opportunity. Not only is my son going to win the title he is going to win the title by knockout. Sonsona: This is going to be a very competetive fight without a doubt. However, I have come here to win and I’m coming to win by Knockout. There is no doubt in my mind, and I’m going to knock him out. Tickets can be purchased by calling (787) 792-5000 or online at www.tcpr.com . Tickets are priced at $20, $40, $75, $125, $150 and $300 Berto Speaks On Haiti's Earthquake WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto is devastated by the catastrophic earthquake, which hit the island nation of Haiti on Tuesday. He had the following comments about the tragedy and rescue efforts he will be developing to assist the people in the island nation. “I’m devastated by everything currently happening in Haiti. As everybody knows, I have a lot of family members in Haiti and proudly represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games. Like many other Haitian-Americans, my family and I are working to reach my loved ones. From what we have learned to this point, some of my family members are still missing and we have already been informed that members of my family have passed away in the earthquake. We are currently working on starting our own Haitian relief efforts, and I will be releasing additional information on how everyone can help very soon. I am asking everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers for the people in Haiti during this devastating time.” One Blood Test, One Post-Fight Urine Test For Pacquiao-Clottey
Photo: Jose Perez/Pr Boxing Promotions
For their March 13 WBO welterweight title showdown at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey will be subject to one blood test and one post-fight urine test according to WBO President Francisco Valcarcel.
“If Texas state law required blood testing,” Valcarcel told Boxing Confidential's Michael Marley, “then we would go along with it. I understand their only blood test is for licensing and its purpose is screening Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
“Both fighters will be subject to our immediate postfight urine testing as per usual with a WBO title match.”
Malignaggi Wants To Welcome Khan To The U.S.
Soon WBA light welterweight champ Amir Khan will make his U.S. debut and when he does, Paulie Malignaggi would like to be the one to welcome him. Khan most likely will fight once more in England before heading to the states. Malignaggi says a showdown with Khan at New York's Madison Square Garden would be the perfect setting for Khan's debut.
"My team told me Amir wanted one more fight in England to hype things up then we'd fight at the Garden later in the year," Khan told the Manchester Evening News.
"Over here we talk about Amir like he will be England's next superstar, that once in a generation superstar like Ricky Hatton or Naseem Hamed.
"The first live fight I saw was Hamed against Kevin Kelley and I was hooked after that.
"I know Ross Greenberg at HBO and Lou DiBella like the comparisons to Hamed-Kelley, the UK superstar making his US debut against a brash New Yorker at the Garden."
Private Jet Ready For Pacquiao's Press Tour
Manny Pacquiao will have a private plane waiting for him next week as he begins a two-day press tour for his March 13 showdown with Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The press tour is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 19 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas and end the following day in New York.
“Manny will be flying on a private plane all the way (from Los Angeles to Dallas and to New York and back to Los Angeles),” Top Rank boss and promoter Bob Arum told the Manila Bulletin.
Weights From Cebu, Philippines
Photo: Dong Secuya
Milan Melindo 109.5 vs Anthony Villareal 109
AJ Banal 118 vs Cecilio Santos 119
James Bacon 128 vs Thitichon Singwancha 128
Larry Canillas 122 vs Petch Twins Gym 122
Hatton Confirms Ring Return
Ricky Hatton has confirmed his plans to return to the ring. On his website, Hatton posted the following:
"Ricky Hatton has confirmed to Hatton TV that he will be making a return to the ring in 2010. He will start his training camp after returning from a family holiday in February. No opponent has yet been fixed not a venue and Ricky will talk with Sky TV about possible dates before any decisions are made."
Kessler Announced New Trainer
COPENHAGEN (January 13, 2010) – Mikkel Kessler (42-2, 32 KOs) will rely on the coaching brilliance of Jimmy Montoya when he takes on WBC Super-Middleweight Champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch (26-0, 20 KOs) in the second round of the Super Six World Boxing Classic. Montoya, a living legend, has been appointed the new head trainer following the opening-round loss against Andre Ward. He is no stranger to the Danish superstar, having worked in his corner as an assistant trainer on countless of occasions.
“I really look forward to working with Jimmy,” Kessler said. “Just like (Joe) Calzaghe, Ward managed to take my strengths away from me. Neither my corner nor I found any solutions during the fight. But I need to cope with this kind of situations, so I decided to make some changes. It was a very hard decision to part company with my dear friend Ricard Olsen, who has been in my corner in each and every fight of my career. Richard made me the fighter I am today – without him I would never have made it to this level. I owe him big time and will forever be in his debt for his great support..”
Yet the coaching change was necessary. Kessler added: “The reason why I have decided to bring in new competences into the team is to try and look at the tactics from a new perspective. Jimmy has been a part of my team before, as an assistant of Ricard, but never as the head trainer. He has a lifelong experience in the world of boxing and I am sure that he will be able to teach me new tactical dimensions and take me to the finals of the Super Six tournament.”
Montoya, who runs the famous Montoya Boxing Gym, boasts the experience of over 15 world title fights. During his illustrious career, he has worked with stars such as Hector “Macho” Camacho, Alexis Arguello, Salvador Sanchez, Richie Sandoval, Juan “Kid” Meza and Tony “The Tiger” Lopezar. He has no doubts that Kessler will bounce back stronger than ever. “Mikkel is a great warrior with the heart of a champion,” Montoya said. “It was not the real Mikkel Kessler that lost the fight against Ward. We will work hard in training camp to bring out the best in him again. He will be himself against Froch and put on a great performance to pave his way to success in the Super Six tournament.”
Chris Meyer, General Manager of Team Sauerland, also welcomes the decision. “After the fight in Oakland, it was clear that changes had to be made. We feel extremely optimistic about Jimmy and Mikkel. They are a great team. We have no doubts that Jimmy will help Mikkel back to success and glory, starting with a convincing victory against Froch and leading up all the way to the final of the Super Six tournament. Meanwhile, our cooperation with Ricard Olsen continues as he will continue to train our talented fighter Patrick Nielsen in his gym in Copenhagen.”
And Mikkel Kessler added: “The fight against Froch is the most important of my career. I will work my butt off to win this battle and show my great fans what the Viking Warrior is really made of."
Golden Boy Promotions Signs John Ruiz
Photo: Golden Boy Promotions
LOS ANGELES, January 12 – As the first and only Hispanic Heavyweight World Champion paves his way through the boxing history books, John Ruiz, has joined forces with Golden Boy Promotions to help guide his path. The Puerto Rican descendant has accomplished a lot throughout his career, including appearances in 11 world title bouts in the last decade, but Ruiz has plenty more in store and believes 2010 will be his year.
“I’m excited to become a member of the Golden Boy Promotions family and know that I have a great future ahead of me,” said Ruiz. “I’m going to continue to make history and break records one fight at a time, starting with David Haye this spring. I know Golden Boy will help get me back to the top of the heavyweight division and to secure my place in the boxing history books.”
“John Ruiz is a very skilled and talented heavyweight and we are very excited to add him to our elite stable of fighters,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “He has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to battle with the top guys in the division and will continue to do so in 2010 and beyond.”
The Chelsea, Massachusetts native who now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, John “The Quietman” Ruiz (44-8-1, 30 KO’s), has been the heavyweight division’s iron man in the last decade and is currently ranked number one by the World Boxing Association (WBA). Out of his last 15 fights, 11 of them have been world title fights with eight of those being against then-world champions Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., James Toney, Hasim Rahman and Nikolai Valuev and three others against world title challengers Andrew Golota, Kirk Johnson and Fres Oquendo. During this impressive stretch of fights, he made history by capturing the WBA Heavyweight World Title belt by defeating Evander Holyfield on March 3, 2001, becoming the first Hispanic fighter to win a Heavyweight World Title. As a world champion, Ruiz never backed down from a challenge, having faced mandatory contenders and top-rated fighters every time he defended his title. His penchant for squaring off against tough competition is also evidenced by his non-title fights of the decade with him having faced the likes of former World Champion Ruslan Chagaev and four-time world title challenger Jameel McCline. No one in the heavyweight division can compare to the record of success against top competition that the 17-year professional has racked up and he will continue his fearless trek into the history books with his 12th world title fight when he faces David “Hayemaker” Haye in the spring of 2010.
The date and location for Haye vs. Ruiz will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow us on www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.
Roach Concerned About Possibly Training Ricky Hatton
Should Ricky Hatton decide to return to the ring, there is a possibility he may inquire about using the services of trainer Freddie Roach. However, Roach does have some concerns about training Hatton due to the amount of punishment he has received. At this point, Roach is not sure what he can do to make Hatton better, but says if Hatton had come to him earlier, things may have turned out differently for the former champion.
“Obviously Ricky has to make his own mind up about coming back or retiring, but I’d be a little bit concerned about training Ricky now," Roach told The Telegraph. "He has suffered two bad knockouts, to the two top fighters of this generation, but if he had come to me a few years ago, I could really have worked with him.”
“Ricky has had a great career, he has been in some real wars, and is a great fighter. I think I could really have done something with him.”
Puerto Rico Best Boxing Signs Arroyo Twins
Photo: Jose Perez / PR Best Boxing
Amateur standouts McJoe and McWilliams Arroyo have signed a promotional deal with Puerto Rico Best Boxing. McJoe took home a bronze medal as a bantamweight at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships, while McWilliams won gold as a flyweight at the 2007 PanAmerican games and at the 2009 World Amateur Boxing Championships. The twins began training in October and will make their pro debut in Feruary.
Big Night Of Boxing Planned For Feb. 5 As Legendary Blue Horizon Kicks Off 2010 With Valentine's Special
PHILADELPHIA - On Friday night February 5th, Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc. presents the first big show at The world’s number-one boxing venue as a big show is planned for a the annual “Valentine’s Day Special” that will feature some of the best boxers from not only Philadelphia but from Europe as well.
In the main event, Maks Liminov of Prokopyevsk, Russia will risk his undefeated record of 11-0 against new Blue Horizon crowd favorite Loren Myers in an eight round Middleweight bout.
Liminov has a record of 11-0 with seven knockouts and will be making his second appearncde on American soil after fighting his first town bouts in his native Russia.
In that American debut, Limonov stopped Skyler Thompson (11-4) in three rounds on November 7th in Tacoma, Washington.
Myers quickly became a fan favorite at The Legendary Blue Horizon after his last outing on December 4th when he battled Gee Cullmer (16-1) to one of the most controversial draws in recent memory. It was a fight where most ringsiders thought Myers dominated and should have had his hand raised and the out of towner received a standing ovation from The Blue Horizon crowd.
Myers of Fresno, California has a record of 7-7-1 with two knockouts and is coming off that disputed draw on December 4th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
In one co-feature, exciting Featherweight prospect Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter will see action in an eight round bout against an opponent to be named.
Hunter, just twenty-three years old of Philadelphia has a record of 11-1 with four knockouts and has won six straight since his lone pro defeat in 2007.
This will be Hunter’s third appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon (2-0, 2 KO’s) and first since his third round knockout over Jules Blackwell on June 6, 2008.
In a special four round Heavyweight bout, Joe Dawejko will make his hometown debut as the nineteen year old former world Jr. Champion will take on Damon Clement.
Dawejko will be looking to thrill his hometown fans much like he did in the fall of 2008 when he was crowned the winner of the AIBA Youth World Championships.
Dawejko won his pro debut on September 26th when he scored a six round unanimous decision over Royphy Solieau.
Clement of Ohio is 0-2.
In a four round Heavyweight bout, Tim Johnson (4-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Patrick Budd (2-1, 1 KO) of Dumfries, VA
Fresh off his knockout win on December 4th over Nathan Perrott, John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) of New York City takes on Ricardo Johnson (1-0) of Cincinnati, OH. In a heavyweight bout scheduled for four rounds.
Jackie Davis (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will participate in a Ladies Welterweight four round fight against an opponent to be named.
Andres Gustafson of Norrkoping, Sweden will trek across the Atlantic to risk his undefeated mark (3-0, 1 KO) to take on Levay King in a four round Heavyweight bout.
In a four round welterweight bout, Ronald Cruz (7-0, 4 KO’s) and debuting Jr. Welterweight Clemente Bethea of Philadelphia will see action in separate four round bouts against opponents 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.
Marco Antonio Rubio Returns This Saturday
Marco Antonio Rubio (44-5-1 38KOs) will defend his WBC Latino middleweight title against Rigoberto Alvarez (23-1 17KOs) this Saturday, January 16 at Auditorio Centenario in Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico. Rubio is coming off a first round TKO against Jose Berrio on 10/31/09 in which he won the title.
Antonio Margarito Update
Antonio Margarito's one-year suspension is nearly up and the "Tijuana Tornado" is eagerly awaiting his ring return. According to Margarito's co-manager Francisco Espinoza, a hearing is scheduled for February with the California State Athletic Commission. Although Margarito's name has been mentioned as part of the undercard to the March 13 Manny Pacquiao/Joshua Clottey WBO welterweight clash at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Espinoza is unable to confirm or deny the date for his fighter's return.
"Margarito is still suspended, so I can not confirm that any story is true. We have to submit our application to the commission to get relicensed. Nothing can be done until then. If it is granted, then we forward,” Espinoza told El Nuevo Dia. “The arbitration is in February and we’re going before them.”
Espinoza also made mention that Margarito turned down offers to fight outside the U.S. during his suspension and is already at 160lbs after beginning training.
"We even got a $700,000 offer for a fight in Cancun, but we did not accept. I told Tony, it would be like we’re making fun of the suspension,” Espinoza said. "He’s been training like crazy. He’s in great shape and walking around at 160 pounds.”
Adamek/Estrada Ticket Sales Going Strong
Tickets for the February 6th Heavyweight boxing match between Jersey City’s Tomasz Adamek and Jason Estrada
The fight is being promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.
Tickets for the event are available through TicketMaster or at Prudential Center Box Office. Group discounts are available. Tickets, priced at $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside) are still available and can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or visiting Prucenter.com.
Ward To Face Green vs Bika Winner?
With the recent withdrawal of Jermain Taylor from Showtime's Super Six Tourney, many are wondering who will replace him. Taylor was scheduled to meet WBA super middleweight champ Andre Ward on April 17 in the second stage of the tournament. Now, several reports have the winner of the February 5 bout between Allan Green (29-1 20KOs) and Sakio Bika (28-3-2 19KOs) facing Ward.
Arthur Trevino Returns February 11
Photo: J. Garza / R&D Boxing Blog
Fort Worth, Texas native Arthur Trevino (5-3-2 2KOs) will begin his 2010 campaign on Thursday, February 11 against tough and rugged Gerardo Dominguez (0-6). The bout will take place on a card presented by Black Gloves Promotions (location TBA). Trevino enjoyed much success in 2009 under the tutelage of trainer Vince Reyes and racked up three consecutive victories.
Ian 'Dappa' Napa Ready For Title Showdown With McDonnell On January 22
Photo: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
London, UK - 12th January 2010 - With the first defense, of his second reign as British Bantamweight Champion, looming large, Hackney's Ian 'Dappa' Napa, instead of relaxing with his family over Christmas and New Year holidays, has been hard at work in the gym training.
'Dappa' Napa, who faces Jamie McDonnell on Friday the 22nd January at the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, Essex, took a little time off from his grueling workout routine, at Rooney's Boxing Gym in South East London, to talk about his preparations for this highly significant fight. "I'm not taking this fight lightly. I've really been working hard in the gym, getting in as much time as I can. Been getting lots of good sparring as well.
The only thing the bad weather has really affected is my running routine. Instead of road work we've been going to leisure centres and running on treadmills."
When asked about his nomination to face Frenchman Jerome Arnould for the European title Napa replied. "Yeah I'd like to get the European title again but right now I'm really focused on the fight with Jamie. It's a serious fight and I've got to do what it takes to win this first. I’ve been studying a DVD of his (Jamie McDonnell). You know, I boxed at the same gym as him and seen him fight a few times before, so I’m pretty confident."
Napa's coach, Brian Lawrence, chipped in at this point saying "We've got the European, but we’ve got to get past this fight (against McDonnell) first. The purse bid (for the European title fight) takes place just before the fight with McDonnell."
British boxing fans are in for a treat as the undercard of Napa vs McDonnell is stacked with top class match-ups including Napa's gym mate Ben Murphy 6(3KOs)-2-1 challenging Lee 'Cooky' Cook 12(3)-1(1)-1 for his BBBofC Southern Area Lightweight title and unbeaten Ashley Sexton 8(4)-0 and Usman Ahmed 6-2-1 battling it out for the vacant English Flyweight crown.
That's not all, by a long shot, as the card also includes; heavy hitting knockout artist Larry 'The War Machine' Olubamiwo 6(5)-1 against Scott Belshaw 10(7)-3(2) in a 6 round heavyweight contest. Liam 'Cannonball' Cameron 2-0 vs. Geraint Harvey 7(3)-44(7)-0 at Middleweight.
'Dappa' Napa's highly talented stable mate, Super Middleweight, Erick 'The Eagle' Ochieng 2-0 is also in action, against Plymouth's Gavin Brook 1(1)-4(2)-1, at this event.
Southampton's awkward southpaw Tony Hill 3(1)-0 in a Middleweight contest against Latvian Alex ‘Pit Bull’ Spitko 6(4)-19(8)-0. Peterborough’s undefeated Super Bantamweight Michael Maguire 5(2)-0 takes on another Latvian in Pavels Senkovs 2(2)-11-2.
The highly entertaining Featherweight 'Kash The Bash' (Akaash Bhatia) 14(5)-1-0 takes on West Ham's awkward southpaw Mickey Coveney 9(1)-8(2)-0 and Swanley Welterweight Martin Walsh 3(1)-0 faces debutant Terry Fletcher.
Also on the card are undefeated duo of Heavyweight Tom Dallas 8(6)-0 and Super Middleweight George Groves 7(5)-0 as well as former WBF Super Featherweight Champion Carl Johanneson 27(19)-4(3)-0.
Ian 'Dappa' Napa vs. Jamie McDonnell is on Friday 22nd January 2010 at the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, Essex
Tickets for this top class show, priced £80 and £35 are available on line www.frankmaloney.com or 0871 226 1508
Rafael Marquez Hires New Trainer
Rafael Marquez has hired Daniel Zaragoza as his new trainer. Zaragoza, a former world champion, will help Marquez prepare for his fourth encounter with Israel Vazquez on May 22 in California. Last week, Marquez announced he was parting ways with veteran and respected trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain.
In addition, Marquez will now be co-promoted by Gary Shaw and Mexico's lead promoter Fernando Beltran.
Star Boxing Returns To Atlantic City On Eve Of Super Bowl XLIV
On February 6th, on the eve of Super Bowl XLIV, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing returns to Atlantic City for the first time in the 2010, to present an exciting action packed card from the Tropicana Casino and Resort. Headlining the show will be Atlantic City's own welterweight contender, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) taking on knockout artist Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO) in an exciting ten round welterweight showdown. In the co- feature bout of the evening, heavyweight fan favorite, Vinny Maddalone (32-6, 23KO), coming off a hard fought decision loss to former two-time cruiserweight champion Jean Marc Mormeck, returns to action to take on Dominique "Diamond" Alexander (19-7-1, 9KO). The bout is scheduled for eight rounds.
"We are very excited to be returning to Atlantic City, especially since we are going to be at the Tropicana, something we haven't done in a few years" stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing. "We are looking to have a very big year promoting fights in Atlantic City, and feel that this card on the 6th, featuring a thrilling welterweight showdown in the main event, as well as having the always exciting Vinny Maddalone in the co-feature, will really set the tone for what we want to accomplish in 2010. With Superbowl XLIV taking place the following day we know that there is going to be a very exciting atmosphere in Atlantic Cityand we are looking forward to adding to that with a dynamic night of boxing."
"We have been in talks with Mr. DeGuardia for sometime now in attempts to bring one of his Star Boxing promoted cards to our showroom here at the Tropicana," stated Tropicana COO Mark Giannantonio. "Star Boxing has a great reputation for putting on exciting and entertaining events here in Atlantic City and we are truly looking forward to staging their first (Atlantic City) event of the near year, before a packed house on the Eve of Super Bowl Sunday, right here at Atlantic City's premier Casino and Resort."
A complete list of undercard fights will be announced shortly. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling 609 340-4000. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30 with a limited number of V.I.P. packages available at $200. Tickets can be purchased at any ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to www.ticketmaster.com or by simply CLICKING HERE: Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at 718 823-2000.
DeMarco Not Worried About Valero
Interim WBC lightweight champ Antonio DeMarco is deep in training preparing for his title bout against WBC champ and KO artist Edwin Valero on February 6, live on Showtime. DeMarco is solely focused on what he has to do and is not worried about what Valero is doing.
Jermain Taylor Issues Statement On Boxing Future
LITTLE ROCK, January 12, 2010 - Jermain Taylor
"I'm going to take some time off from the sport of boxing
British Boxing In Great Shape, Says Warren
Frank Warren says British boxing is in great shape as it enters a new decade - and he's got 10 fighters to prove it. Warren hosted a press conference yesterday in London, where he was joined by the young professionals he's backing to make it to the very top. All 10 have had less than 10 fights in the paid ranks, and are yet to challenge for honours. But Warren believes that the youngsters have massive potential and could become as big as any of the stars he has worked with. The 10 fighters are Olympic Gold Medallist James DeGale, Amateur World Champion Frankie Gavin, as well as amateur standouts Billy Joe Saunders"I've been involved in boxing for the best part of 30 years and this crop of youngsters matches any that I have promoted," said Warren.
"There is some much talent around at the moment that we are in for a very exciting couple of years watching these guys develop, and then a very exciting decade as they go beyond domestic level and start challenging for world honours.
"The last few decades as far as British boxing is concerned have been defined by a couple of fighters - Naseem Hamed
"I'm confident that one or more of the big names of the 2010s is going to come from this group of fighters. We're also going to have some massive fights as well - lots of these boys are in and around the same weight divisions, so there are some great matches to be made."
As well as his 10 for the 2010s, Warren's bulging stable includes a host of other young talents hoping to make it big on the world stage.
"Everyone at the press conference was chosen because they are at the formative stage of their professional careers and have had less than 10 fights," he explained.
"But I've also got lots of fighters who are just as exciting but a little more experienced - Kell Brook, Kevin Mitchell, Nathan Cleverly
Those fighters present at the press conference are relishing the chance to shine in the next decade.
DeGale said: "I grew up watching the likes of Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, and the chance to become as big a name as one of them is unbelievable.
"They were my heroes but now I have the opportunity to become a hero for the next generation."
Gavin said: "I was Britain's first amateur world champion but now I want to be a professional world champion as well. I've had a good start to my career, but it's only the beginning really. By the end of the year I want to be fighting for titles."
Saunders, who like his fellow 2008 Olympians is unbeaten in five professional fights, said: "It's good to be flagged up by a great promoter like Frank as one to watch, but all his praise will mean nothing unless I produce the goods in the ring. That's what I have to do over the next few years."
Costello said: "I'm from Birmingham like Frankie Gavin, and there's a real sense that big time boxing is coming back to the Midlands. We've got a lot of talented fighters in Brum and over the next few years there are going to be some massive shows here."
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Walsh and Smith brothers, all of whom want to see big shows in their respective areas.
"Liverpool has been neglected as a fight city for the last decade or so," said Stephen Smith. "But I think we showed the support that's out there when we did a show up there at the end of last year.
"The Echo Arena was sold out and it will be in March as well. Liverpool can become a rival to Manchester and London as the capital of British boxing."
Liam Walsh said: "Norfolk's got a great heavyweight champion in Sam Sexton, and we'll be flying the flag as well. Michael, Ryan and myself are desperate for big fights and for them to be held in Norfolk, and I know Frank Warren will deliver.
"We all want to be challenging for British titles by the end of the year, and then we all want to go on and create history by holding world titles at the same time. The Smith brothers have said they are going to do it quicker than us and it's great to have a bit of rivalry and spur each other on."
Ronnie Heffron, who made his professional debut last month, added: "I've been compared to Ricky Hatton and hopefully people saw how exciting I can be when I fought up in Newcastle.
"There's some quality young talent out there in the pro game at the moment and I'm very excited about what the future holds."
The Walsh brothers, Gavin, DeGale and Saunders will all feature on the undercard of Warren's February 13 show at Wembley Arena, while the Smith brothers, Heffron and Costello all fight on March 12 in Liverpool.
*Michael Walsh was not in attendance due to an illness.
Top Rank Set To Launch "Top Rank Live"
LAS VEGAS, NEV. – Top Rank, Fox Sports en Español and FOX Sports Net will host a News Conference Luncheon This Thursday! January 14, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas - Muse Ballroom to announce the launch of Top Rank Live, the exciting new boxing television series. Lunch will be served at Noon with the news conference beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Joining executives from Top Rank, Fox Sports en Español and Fox Sports Net will be undefeated Top-10 junior middleweight contender and former U.S. Olympian VANES MARTIROSYAN (26-0, 17 KOs), trained by Freddie Roach, and his opponent, former IBF junior middleweight champion KASSIM OUMA
Top Rank Live, a two-hour broadcast, will air live on Fox Sports en Español on Saturdays, three times per month, beginning at 10 p.m. ET, though Saturday’s series debut will air at a special time of 11 p.m. ET. At least one show per month will originate directly from Mexico. Under this new partnership, Top Rank fights will also be distributed on FOX Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates, beginning with the first event on January 16. FSN will continue to distribute Top Rank events once a month thereafter through 2011.
Winky Promotions Presents "Knockout Fight Club" Jan. 27
On January 27th, 2010 current WBC USA Heavyweight Champion
As one of the trendiest night clubs in New York City, M2 Ultralounge has played host to many super star performances. The evening of the 27th will be no different. After the victors have risen, Def Jam's "Fabolous" will take the stage to perform some of his most popular hits including songs from his gold album, from "Nothin' To Somethin'" and his latest release, "Loso's Way".
Knockout Fight Club is a branded series that mixes professional bouts with live musical performances. The events are staged in trendy clubs and cities around the country. "Knockout Fight Club literally takes the fight to the fans. The events showcase the talents of up and coming boxers while entertaining guests with competitive bouts and musical performances from top recording artists," says founder of Winky Promotions, Winky Wright
When asked about Knockout Fight Club's partnership with Cavi Designs, Wright states, "Knockout Fight Club is all about giving people a platform to shine. That is why we teamed up with Cavi Designs as our main sponsor. They are hands down one of the hippest and most relevant fashion labels to our audience. It would be hard not to shine in their clothing. Afterall, Cavi is a product of great taste."
Advanced tickets to the January 27th Knockout Fight Club show at M2 Ultralounge in NYC can be purchased now at www.knockoutseries.com. Doors open at 6:30pm. First bell starts promptly at 7:30pm.
TKO Boxing Promotions Returns To Tampa
TAMPA, FL - TKO Boxing Promotions will bring its nationally acclaimed “HOMETOWN HEROES TO WORLD CHAMPIONS” boxing series to the beautiful Gulf Coast city of Tampa, Florida on Friday, February 19th at the Ala Carte Event Pavilion.Featured at “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” will be numerous local fan favorites including world ranked lightweight Edner “CHERRY BOMB” Cherry, fast rising Jamaican heavyweight Lenroy “TNT” Thomas and sensational newcomer, junior welterweight Joseph Elegele.
Tickets for “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” presented along with Fight Night Productions and Ker’s WingHouse, starting at $20, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). The Ala Carte Event Pavilion is located at 4050 Dana Shores Drive . Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.
“We’re thrilled to work with Fight Night Productions in bringing our first show to the beautiful city of Tampa , Florida . Tampa has an excellent reputation as a terrific fight town with outstanding fans and we’re in the process of putting together a world class event on February 19th” said Chet Koerner, President to TKO Boxing Promotions.
Other local prospects who will see action at “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” include female sensation Jenna “THE COWGIRL” Shiver, middleweight Ahsandi “MR. BRIXX” Gibbs and junior middleweight Ali Tareh.
Former world title challenger Cherry, 25-6-2 (13KO’s), made a huge statement with his return to the ring on December 17th with a brutal third round stoppage of Jovann Jones at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles . Dropping down to lightweight for his return, the 27 year old Cherry used an array of devastating power shots to drop Jones three times on his way to the victory.
In September 2008, Cherry lost a very hard fought twelve round decision to welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley
Since losing his pro debut, Jamaican heavyweight prospect Lenroy “TNT” Thomas has won fourteen bouts in a row, eight by knockout. The 24 year old southpaw, guided by award winning trainer Dan Birmingham, has improved with each outing, most recently shutting out Andrew Greeley over six rounds on November 5th in Baltimore, Maryland at the Jonathan Ogden
After a terrorizing run as an outstanding amateur in Florida , welterweight Joseph Elegele has won his first two starts impressively in the pro ranks. Starting off with a four round decision win over fellow amateur standout Keith Redding on November 5th, Elegele followed up with a crunching first round knockout of Juan Carlos Diaz on December 17th.
Featherweight Shiver is amongst the most popular fighters in Florida . With a record of 9-4-1 (2KO’s), the 24 year old Shiver has fought her last nine fights at the Ala Carte Event Pavilion, most recently winning a six round decision over Lucia Larcinese on May 8, 2009.
The 31 year old Gibbs, 10-1-0 (4KO’s), will be looking to get back on the winning track after losing his first professional bout on May 8th when he was stopped in the fourth round by Marcus Upshaw. Also a staple of the Ala Carte Event Pavilion, Gibbs will be fighting in his tenth bout there on February 19th.
Tareh, 7-7-4 (4KO’s), will be making his return to action after a two and half year absence. He us scheduled to face Great Britain ’s James Todd, 2-2-1 in a scheduled four round bout.
Additional details on “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” will be announced shortly.
Arce Preparing For Angkota, 2010 Final Year In Boxing
Photo: Rafael Soto / Top Rank / Promociones Zanfer
Early morning in the cold mountains of the “Valley of Mexico” and Jorge Travieso is doing his running. A little after six in the morning and the veteran fighter is running through the “Bosque of Tlalpan” in the South side of Mexico City. That’s how the longtime Mexican star Arce begins 2010 in what he figures will be the last year of his professional boxing career as he looks forward to his title fight against Angky Angkota on Saturday, January 30 in Toluca, a fight that will be televised by Fox Sports Español as part of the new boxing series “Top Rank Live”. Arce (52-6-1, 40 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico will take on Angkota (23-4, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBO super flyweight championship.
“I have put together a very good team for this fight. Nacho Beristain will again be my trainer, but this time we have added Tiburcio Garcia into the mix to help me in the conditioning aspect of the game. Garcia and I go way back and he was part of my most successful run as a professional and he will assist Beristain,” said Arce a three-time world champion.
After nearly a month of training in Mexico City, Arce knows that he is getting to the end of his great professional career.
“The decision has already been made. I will fight for this world title and win or lose this will be my last year in professional boxing. I would like to fight twice more after this, a farewell fight in Mexico City or Tijuana and one more in Las Vegas, hopefully as a champion,” said Arce.
“I’m very happy with Tiburcio and Nacho, they are making me work very hard and I feel very motivated for this fight. It’s a great opportunity for me to go out on top and it would be great to be a world champion one more time before I hang them up for good,” said Arce a former 108 WBO and WBC champ, as well as 112 WBC interim champ and 115 WBA interim champion.
“I have always tried to give the fans the best fight possible. For me it has not always been about winning, but about giving the fans a fight they will remember for a long time,” said Arce, one of the most popular fighters in the world over the last 10 years.
Arce made his debut at 16 years of age in Tijuana in 1996 and was a world champion by 21. But he has lost two of his last three fights.
“I had a good run and its time for me to go, but not before I give the fans one more great fight. I feel good and I want to leave the game on my own terms,” said Arce.
Angkota known as the “Time Bomb” for his explosiveness is 28-years-old and from Indonesia.
“Angkota is a good tough fighter and it should be a good fight. If he comes to fight and you know I always do, it should be a very entertaining fight,” said Arce
“Top Rank Live” is a new boxing series that will be televised by Fox Sports Espanol three times a month and on FSN, once a month.
Martinez Plans To Be WBC Champ For A Long Time
(January 11, 2010) With rumors swirling about what will be happening with the World Boxing Council 154 lb. title, champion Sergio Martinez
“Everyone who knows me knows that I cherish the green belt more than any other accomplishment I’ve ever had in boxing
As for future plans, Martinez is gung-ho about chasing down the big name fights that had eluded him prior to his December 5 slugfest with Paul Williams. But even a move up to middleweight for a bout with Kelly Pavlik
“I know I may have to move up in weight to fight Pavlik or Williams,” said Martinez. “But I will not make any decision on the belt until after the fight.”
Black Gloves Promotions Returns February 11
Since bursting onto the boxing promotions scene in March 2009, Black Gloves Promotions has provided an abundance of boxing shows showcasing the sport's young rising stars. Based in Dallas, Texas, the promotional outfit has given fight fans throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex plenty to cheer about. Now in 2010, Black Gloves Promotions is ready to kick off the new year with an action-packed card on Thursday, February 11. The entire card as well as a location will be announced shortly.
Fore more information on Black Gloves Promotions, please visit www.blackglovespromotions.com
Warren Hopes Khan Remembers Who's Been By His Side
Ever since WBA super lightweight champ Amir Khan won a an Olympic gold medal in Athens, promoter Frank Warren has been by his side. Throughout the ups and downs, Warren stuck by Khan's side and promised to give him the opportunity to become world champion. When presented with an opportunity, Khan took advantage and elevated himself to where he is now. There is a possibility Khan could part ways with Warren, but Warren hopes Khan thinks about what he [Warren] has done for him. "Look, whatever's going to happen is going to happen. You just hope that people don't suffer from amnesia, that's all I can say. I have delivered all I said I was going to do. When he turned pro I said I'd look after him and I'd make sure he wins a world title and I've done that," Warren told Sportinglife.
"Now he could become a legend. Can he do it? I don't know. Will he do it with me? I think I'm pretty good at what I do and he's pretty good at what he does. Naseem Hamed was very good at what he did and I was good at what I did but, when he left me, it didn't work out for him and he went from being a very popular fighter to a man who was booed out of the ring and he regrets that and I hope that Amir doesn't get fazed by all these things.
"You have to remember 14 months ago he (Khan) was on the floor after being knocked out by an opponent they picked - the trainer lasted for one fight - so we'll see what happens. You can be very short term in this business and say, 'this is what I want and this is what somebody has told me'. But do you want a career? That's what it's all about. Do you want a career and at the end of it do you want to come out of it with all your marbles intact and with some money in the bank, and that's what he has got to look at."
Thompson Boxing Promotions Ready To Kick Off 2010
Thompson Boxing Promotions kicks off 2010 on January 22 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA.The six-bout card will be headlined by junior welterweight Patrick “El Elegante” Lopez (17-2, 11 KOs) against faded 41-year-old two-time world title challenger John “The Eastern Beast” Brown (24-16-2, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder. A six round lightweight co-feature will see Daniel “Travieso” Hernandez (8-0, 4 KOs) take on veteran Baudel Cardenas (18-19-2, 6 KOs). Also scheduled for six rounds is a junior welterweight war between Hector “Teco” Serrano (10-0, 3 KOs) and Cristian Favela (17-23-6, 10 KOs). Undefeated featherweight Efrain Esquivias (6-0, 4 KOs) first made a name for himself as a 2006 National Golden Gloves champion. On January 22nd he will look to improve on his perfect pro record in a six rounder against Randy Arrellin (2-1, 1 KO). Alberto Herrera (6-0, 5 KOs) made his pro debut in 2009, he’s been living up to his nickname of “Baby Dynamite”. On January 22nd, he’s back in a junior middleweight six rounder against Hilario Lopez (11-8, 8 KOs). Opening up the show will be a four round clash of debuting junior welterweights, as Johnatan Garcia takes on Anthony Reyes. Bouts subject to change. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the first bell rings at 7:45pm. Tickets priced at $75, $45, and $30 are available now and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900.
Mayweather Bout On March13 Nearly Finalized
On Saturday, March 13 while Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey battle it out at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Floyd Mayweather Jr. will also be fighting at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. According to Golden Boy Promotions CEO and representative for Mayweather, a deal is nearly finalized for Mayweather to move forward and fight on March 13, but would not reveal who the opponent would be.
Schaefer is also not keen on having the bout on the same night as Pacquiao/Clottey, as it's almost certain that both PPV buy rates will suffer. “Obviously that’s not ideal,” Schaefer told RingTV.com. “I hate to do that. I’d be a fool to say it’s a good thing. Sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt with, though.”
Pacquiao/Clottey Tickets Will Be Reasonable, Says Arum
Boxing fans attending the March 13 title bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas will be the real winners, as tickets will be reasonably priced. According to Top Rank boss and promoter for Pacquiao and Clottey, tickets will range from $50 all the way up to $700 for premium ringside tickets. Cowboys Stadium will be setup for 50,000 fans, but should demand increase leading up to the bout, more seats will be made available.
Details for the bout will be announced next week during a press tour scheduled for January 18 at Cowboys Stadium and January 19 in New York.
Boxing's Stars Are Coming Out On Explosive Jan. 30 Mosley vs Berto Undercard
LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK - Boxing fans are well aware that the first big fight of 2010 will be the welterweight championship showdown between Sugar Shane Mosley and Andre Berto at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday, January 30, which will be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing. Now, they're also going to get the first big boxing event of 2010, as Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment are pleased to announce a series of intriguing undercard matchups to get the year started in an explosive fashion.
Two of the junior welterweight division's most devastating punchers - Argentina's undefeated Lucas Matthysse and Brooklyn's former World Champion Vivian Harris - collide in a bout not likely to last the scheduled 10 rounds.
An IBF Light Heavyweight World title shot will be on the line when New York's Yusaf Mack clashes with former World Champion Glen "The Road Warrior" Johnson in a 12-round elimination bout.
Adding to the number of former title holders on the card will be former 154-pound World Champion Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora, who makes his Golden Boy Promotions debut in a 10-round bout against the always tough Canadian Jason Naugler.
Mosley vs. Berto, a 12-round welterweight title unification bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. The bout will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev., beginning at 10 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. PST.
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 are now on sale and available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
The younger brother of former welterweight title challenger Walter Matthysse,
27-year-old Lucas Martin Matthysse (25-0, 23 KOs) has pounded out his own niche in the fight game thanks to crushing punching power that has led to knockouts 23 of his 25 wins. Born in Trelew, Argentina but now living in Buenos Aires, Matthysse tore through Florencio Castellano (KO4) and Luis Jose (KO2) in his last two bouts, setting the stage for a big showdown with Vivian Harris.
When the list of the most exciting junior welterweights is compiled, you can expect to see the name "Vicious" Vivian Harris (29-3-1, 19 KOs) to be prominently featured. The former World Champion claimed the WBA crown in 2002 with a second-round stoppage of Diosbelys Hurtado and went on to defend it three times in 2005. Since then, Harris is unbeaten in five of six fights, including wins over Stevie Johnston and Juan Lazcano. He begins his run for another shot at the championship on January 30.
29-year-old light heavyweight contender Yusaf Mack (28-2-2, 17 KOs) has received no gifts on the way up the ranks; but after making a decision to compete full-time as a light heavyweight, the former USBA Super Middleweight champ kicked things into another gear. Unbeaten in his five fights at 175 pounds since 2008, Mack has parlayed wins over Daniel Judah, Omar Pittman, Chris Henry and DeAndrey Abron into a title eliminator against his toughest foe to date, Glen Johnson.
One of boxing's most respected competitors, Glen "Road Warrior" Johnson (49-13-2, 33 KOs) earned his reputation the hard way, with 17 years of battles against the best the game has to offer. A former Light Heavyweight World Champion and the consensus Fighter of the Year in 2004, a year in which he beat Clinton Woods, Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver, the 41-year-old Johnson is eager to get his title back in 2010. This quest begins with his title eliminator bout against Mack.
Former Junior Middleweight World Champion and the winner of the first season of NBC's "The Contender," Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora (21-1-1, 5 KOs) has gone on to prove that he's more than just a reality show winner. A slick boxing native of East Los Angeles with a warrior's heart, the 29-year-old Mora struck gold in June of 2008 when he defeated the late Vernon Forrest for the WBC Junior Middleweight World title. Though Mora would lose the belt in the rematch with Forrest three months later, a move to middleweight is expected to produce big things for "The Latin Snake."
Jason Naugler (18-11-1, 11 KOs), a Halifax, Nova Scotia native, is a tough out for anyone in the fight game and he's proven his mettle over the last 10 years in bouts against Joachim Alcine, Anthony Thompson, Chad Dawson, James McGirt Jr. and Jesse Brinkley. On January 30, the upset-minded Canadian will look to spoil Mora's first bout of the New Year.
In other undercard action, five of the game's hottest prospects will put their reputations on the line in what surely will be exciting bouts.
Eloy Perez (15-0-2, 4 KOs), from Salinas, Calif., will start 2010 with a 10-round junior featherweight clash against the pride of Oxnard, Calif., "Dangerous" David Rodela (14-1-2, 6 KOs). These California standouts combined for a record of 6-0 in 2009; but on January 30, somebody's winning streak will end.
In a middleweight bout scheduled for eight rounds, New England up-and-comer Edwin Rodriguez of Worcester, Mass. risks his perfect 13-0 (9 KOs) record against Los Angeles' Byron Tyson (9-1-2, 4 KOs).
Opening the event is a four-round junior welterweight bout featuring popular Norwalk, Calif. product Carlos Molina (9-0, 5 KOs) against an opponent to be announced in the near future.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.dbe1.com and follow Golden Boy on www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.
Ennis-Vazquez Turf Wars Undercard Finalized For This Friday, January 15 At The Arena In Philly
PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 11th, 2010)—THIS Friday night, the first big boxing of the new decade in Philadelphia will take place as USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will take on Edwin Vazquez in an eight round non-title bout that will highlight an eight bout card at The Arena in South Philadelphia.
The card is promoted by Greg Robinson’s Power Productions in association with River Edge Beverage Company.
Ennis of Philadelphia will be looking to improve upon his record that currently stands at 19-2-1 with twelve knockouts and will be looking to carry the momentum of a seven fight win streak. In that streak, Ennis has scored three knockouts and is coming off a career best win when he scored an exciting twelve round unanimous decision over Eromosele Albert on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon to capture the USBA Jr. Middleweight title.
A win over Vazquez will pave the way for Ennis’ first title defense that is tentatively penciled in for April 9th.
Vazquez of Santurce, Puerto Rico has a record of 22-14-2 with eight knockouts and is looking for a win in the worst way as he has dropped five straight contests.
Those losses have come to some of the top Welterweights and Jr. Middleweights as Vazquez has lost to Matthew HattonZab Judah (34-5); Eric Mitchell (20-4-1); Euri Gonzalez (16-0-1) and his most recent outing, Vazquez was stopped in four rounds (30-3-1); to Cuban super prospect Erislandy Lara (5-0) on May 22nd in Miami.
Ironically Ennis and Vazquez were scheduled to meet on February 15th, 2008 but Ennis failed to make weight and Mitchell stepped in on less then twenty-four hours notice to score a very close unanimous decision.
An exciting undercard has been put together that will feature of the area’s most popular and top prospects.
In a six round co-feature, popular Victor Vasquez (10-3, 5 KO’s) takes on Gustavo
Vasquez is riding a two fight win streak and the always crowd pleasing fighter, who is a licensed barber will look to cut down Dailey.
Vasquez is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Tyric Robinson (9-4-1) on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
Dailey has been matched very tough throughout his career and he has been very active as this will be his thirteenth fight in just under two years of pro experience.
Dailey is coming off the third fight of his trilogy with Maryland prospect, Tyrell Samuel.
Dailey scored a major upset when scored a six round split decision over Samuel last July in Samuel’s backyard in Maryland. The two engaged in a return bout two months later that saw Samuel win by an eight round unanimous decision. The two fought a rubber match in November and once again Samuel scored a five round technical decision after a cut opened up over Samuel’s right eye.
In a second six round co-feature, Northeast Philadelphian, Tony “Boom Boom”
Ferrante, 8-0 with four knockouts an eight round majority decision over Billy Bailey at The Arena on July 10th.
Ferrante recently came off a six week stint as the main sparring partner for the legendary Bernard Hopkins as Hopkins prepared for his December 2ndEnrique Ornelas
Hemphill, also of Philadelphia has a record of 8-13-2 with five wins coming by knockout has been in with top competition and this will be the THIRTEENTH undefeated opponent that he has stepped into the ring with which includes his last fight where he took a fight with Jeremiah Graziano on less then twenty-four hours notice and Hemphill was stopped in the first round of the October 2nd bout at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
Good looking Super Featherweight prospect, Coy Evans of Philadelphia risks his undefeated mark that stands at 5-0-1 when he takes on Vinesh Rungea of the United Kingdom.
Evans is coming off an impressive victory over thirty-five fight veteran Carlos Diaz on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon
Rungea is much like Hemphill as his record, 2-14-3, looks deceiving due to his high level opposition. He has faced seven undefeated fighters which includes his most recent outing which was a first round knockout defeat to highly regarded Rances Barthelemy on August 28th in Hollywood, Florida.
In a four round Light Heavyweight bout, Tommie "Big Poppa” Speller, 4-3 with three knockouts of Philadelphia takes on Dave Cook, 3-3 with two knockouts in a four round bout.
6’4” Middleweight, Derrick Webster, 3-0 with two knockouts of Glassboro,
Wahid Raheem, who is the brother of Lightweight contender and former U.S. Olympian Zahir Raheem, 3-0 with one stoppage of Philadelphia will square off with Eilud Torres (2-1-2, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a four round Lightweight bout.
Rounding out the bill will be Cruiserweight, Charles Heyward (2-2,1 KO) of Philadelphia seeing action in a four round Cruiserweight tussle.
Tickets for this outstanding night of boxing are priced at $75, $65 and $40 and can be purchased by calling Power Productions at 215-240-9987; Ticketmaster at 215-336-2000 or The Arena at 267-687-7560
Abregu vs Guiterrez Lands On Valero/DeMarco Undercard
Initially scheduled to take place on January 29, the Showtime televised bout between Carlos Abregu and Richard Guiterrez will now take place on the undercard to the WBC title clash between Edwin Valero and Antonio DeMarco on February 6. Showtime will televise both bouts live.
Chris Avalos (14-0 11KOs) vs Jose Nieves (17-1-3 8KOs) will now be the main event on January 29.
Mundine Defeats Medley
Anthony Mundine (38-3 23KOs) outpointed Robert Medley (27-3 17KOs) on his way to a twelve round unanimous decision victory Monday at the Entertainment Centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Medley hurt Mundine with his huge right hands in the early rounds, but Mundine consistantly landed the cleaner, effective punches. Scores were 117-115, 117-112, 117-113. With the win, Mundine claims the vacant WBA International middleweight title.
In other action:
Garth Wood SD(7) Kariz Kariuki
Peter Mitrevski Jr. UD(6) Jakkirt Suwunnalirt
Scott Lewis TKO(3) Carl Webb
Peter Kazza D Chokchana Sithkrupon
Renold Quinlan TKO(2) Mick Porter
Kratingdaenggym Decisions Hosono
WBA super bantamweight champion Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (40-1 28KOs) successfully defended his title with a twelve round majority decision against previously unbeaten Satoshi Hosono (16-1 12KOs) Monday at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan. Scores were 115-113, 114-114, 117-113.
Uchiyama Stops Salgado, Claims WBA Title
Takashi Uchiyama (14-0 11KOs) dethroned Juan Carlos Salgado (21-1-1 15KOs) via a twelfth round TKO to capture the WBA super featherweight title Monday at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan. Uchiyama jumped out to a quick start and was in control for most of the bout. Uchiyama would cap off his impressive performance by stopping Salgado at the 2:48 mark of the final stanza. At the time of stoppage, Uchiyama was ahead on all scorecards: 107-102 (twice), 106-103.
New Year, New Venue For London's Judgement Day Boxing Series
London – 11th January 2010 - Rooney's Boxing Gym announced today that their hugely successful Judgement Day Boxing series will be moving to an all new, larger capacity, venue at T47 in St Thomas Street, Southwark, London SE1, for 2010.The Judgement Day series, which was previously held at Cable night club in Southwark, quickly became established as the standard that White Collar Boxing events are judged by.
The sold out crowd at Judgement Day One, on the 30th September ‘09, were treated to a professional level six bout White Collar Boxing card, including an all female match up, followed by an explosive exhibition match by BanDogs MMA stars Jamaine Facey and Michael Brown.
Early in October Revolver Entertainment joined up with Rooney's Boxing Gym for Judgement Day II to promote their TYSON THE MOVIE Platinum Knockout Edition. Also around this time it was decided to add extra elements, of live music and Burlesque, to the already excellent show format.
Just 56 days after the inaugural event, on the 25th November ‘09, Judgement Day II took place, again at Cable. As before the event was sold-out and this time the crowd were not only royally entertained by six professional standard fights but were also treated to a very special tribute to the world of boxing by Burlesque star MISS GIGI RAMONE followed by an amazing set by the outrageous, Glam Punk Rock band SPIDERBABY that literally bought the house down.
That wasn't all as besides the showing of the bonus fight scenes from TYSON THE MOVIE Platinum Knockout Edition throughout the proceedings there was a special screening of TYSON THE MOVIE to end the highly entertaining night.
Following Judgement Day II it was clear that the series had already outgrown Cable and the search was on for a larger venue.
Rooney's Boxing Gym publicist, Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, explained how they came to chose T47. "What can I say, Cable has served us well but due to the limitations of their layout we just couldn’t get any more people in to Judgement Day II. We could easily have sold double the tickets we did.
We wanted to keep Judgement Day III in Southwark. Rooney’s Boxing Gym is here is Southwark and as such we feel that all Judgement Day events should also be here.
We were looking at possibly holding the next event at SE1 club, which would have given us extra capacity, but still would have been limiting us a little.
We found T47 totally by accident. Just before Christmas I was walking back to the gym from Borough market when I noticed the place. Later that day John (Rooney's Gym owner John Rooney Jnr.) and I went to have a look around and knew straight away it would make the perfect new home for the Judgement Day series. The really good thing about T47 is that the seated capacity alone is twice that of the standing capacity at Cable.
Now we just have to put together a show that tops Judgement Day II and does the new venue justice. It's going to be hard as Judgement Day II was totally awesome, but we know we can do it.
I expect to be making announcements very soon on both the full lineup for Judgement Day III as well as the planned post fight entertainment."
Judgement Day III will be held at T47, 47 St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QX on Saturday 27th January 2010. Doors open at 7.00pm.
Tickets for Judgement Day III are priced £15 (Standing), £30.00 (unreserved seated) and £50.00 (V.I.P.) and are available from Rooney's Boxing Gym, 895/896 Holyrood Street, London SE1 2EL or call 020 7403 6113 or on the door from 7.00pm
2009 Year In Review: Star Boxing
In what can only be termed as a wildly crazy, unpredictable and sometimes disappointing year, 2009 will surely not be soon forgotten by Star Boxing
Notable Events/Fighter Highlights
Star Boxing promoted and was in association with numerous successful events throughout the year, starting in February at New York City's Roseland Ballroom..ROBINSON SHINES ON FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
The show, which was held on Friday the 13th and broadcast on the ever popular ESNP2 "Friday Night Fight" series, saw Star Boxing's jr. welterweight prospect, "The New" Ray Robinson pick up his most impressive victory to date. In his first nationally televised co-feature, Robinson stopped fellow previously undefeated prospect Darnell Jiles (8-0-1, 3KO) in the third round of their scheduled six round contest. In a very impressive showing, Robinson continuously beat Jiles to the punch and was in command throughout until Jiles failed to answer the bell to start the fourth. The victory improved Robinson's record to 10- 0, 4KO.
STAR FIGHTERS PICK UP A CLEAN SWEEP ON FNF
On March 6th at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT, Star Boxing packed the house, and picked up a clean sweep with Delvin Rodriguez, Raymond Serrano and Demetrius Andrade all scoring impressive victories. The card, which again was part of ESPN's "Friday Night Fight" series, was headlined by Rodriguez taking on fellow Star Boxing stable-mate Shamone Alvarez
In what was a very close and highly entertaining battle, that brought the fans in attendance to a standing ovation multiple times throughout the twelve round contest, Rodriguez overcame an injured right hand and rallied down the stretch, dropping Alvarez in the 11th, to go on to win a unanimous decision.
In the co-feature bout of the night, Raymond "Tito" Serrano improved his record to perfect 9-0, 5KO winning a unanimous decision over Louisiana's "Smokin" Jay Krupp. Serrano dropped the once beaten Krupp in the first, and cruised his way to victory. The impressive showing by Serrano, on national television, caught the eye of trainer Freddie Roach, who later invited Serrano into camp to serve as a sparring partner and help prepare Manny Pacquiao for his bout against Ricky Hatton.
Kicking off the telecast was 2007 amateur world champion, and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Demetrius Andrade. The jr. middleweight Andrade, who hails from nearby Providence, RI, and is co-promoted by Banner Promotions, was fighting in his third professional fight since turning pro in late 2008. His opponent Tom Joseph (4-1-1) stood no chance against Andrade, as Andrade showed why many believe him to be one of top up and coming prospects in all of boxing, displaying his lightening speed and thunderous power to stop Joseph at just 1:53 of the very first round.
ANDRADE SCORES TRIFECTA ON ESPN2 IN 2009
Andrade followed up his first ESPN2 performance just two weeks later, opening up another Friday Night Fights telecast on March 20th from Laredo, TX. The date and location might have been different, but the outcome was very much the same, as Andrade battered Arnulfo Javier Romero from ring post to ring post, finally knocking Javier out with a vicious uppercut 2:53 into the 2nd round.
Andrade made one more appearance on ESPN2 in 2009, pitching a dominate shut-out decision over Tony Hirsch (8-1-1, 4KO) on June 19th. Overall Andrade fought six times in 09, winning four of the fights inside the distance, knocking off three fellow unbeaten prospects in the process and improving his record to 8-0, 6KO. For the second year in a row Andrade was named as one of boxing's top up and coming prospects by ESPN.com's boxing analyst Dan Rafael.
VIP BOXING GETS UNDERWAY
On April 28th, Star Boxing presented its first installment of VIP Boxing at the beautiful Russo's On The Bay banquet hall in Queens, NY. VIP Boxing, which combined professional boxing with a wedding like atmosphere, including a pre-fight hour long cocktail reception, and a four course elegant dinner served during the bouts, was headlined by Queens native, and heavyweight fan favorite, Vinny Maddalone taking on Benji Baker. The always entertaining blood and guts warrior Maddalone didn't disappoint his strong contingent of fans, turning in a standard Maddalone-like performance, as he stalked his opponent from the opening bell, ripping heavy shots to both the body and head of Baker, dropping him in the first, third and fourth rounds. The third knockdown being the equalizer as Baker failed to come out for the 5th. With the win Maddalone improved his record to 32-5, 23KO.
In December, Maddalone traveled to France to take on former two-time cruiserweight champion, Jean Marc Mormeck. Maddalone took the fight straight to the former champion. The fight, which took place at the Halle Carpentier in Mormeck's native Paris, France, had the packed house in attendance on the edge of their seats for the majority of the contest.
In the end Mormeck was the winner on the judges score cards, but the warrior Maddalone won over many of the fans with his aggressive come forward style. Maddalone will be back in action in Atlantic City on February 6th.
SOMEONE'S O'S HAD TO GO, AS STAR'S HEAVY'S COLLIDE AT HARRAHS
On May 15th, from Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, fellow undefeated Star Boxing heavyweight's Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson and "Devastatin" Devin Vargas, collided in the main event on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights".
The top-five-rated Johnson and 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Captain Vargas were originally slated to face separate foes, but when Johnson's originally opponent Monte Barrett pulled out last minute due to injury, Vargas stepped up to the plate to save the show.
The bout saw good action as both fighters went toe-to-toe, not afraid to trade with one another. In the 3rd, Johnson landed a series of hard left hooks that dropped Vargas for the first time in his entire career, both amateur and professional. Vargas fought on valiantly, but Johnson began pouring it on, dropping Vargas again in the 5th, and battering him against the ropes, finally forcing his corner to throw in the towel near the end of the 6th.
With the win, Johnson improved his record to 22-0-1, 9KO, while Vargas dropped to 17-1, 7KO. It was later revealed that Vargas suffered a perforated ear drum in the third.
RUMBLE AT THE HILTON RYE TOWN PREMIERES
In July, Star Boxing presented the first of two promoted events at the Hilton Rye Town Hotel in Rye Brook, NY. Both shows were headlined by Westchester County's own, The Pride of Portchester, David Telesco.
The former number one light heavyweight contender Telesco, who is best known for challenging Roy Jones Jr.
RILEY SCORES HIGHLIGHT REEL KNOCKOUT
Also picking up victories on the card were Star Boxing prospects, Yathomas Riley (right in the picture) who improved to 6-0, 4KO and Ray Robinson who moved his record to 11-0, 4KO.
Riley scored a devastating one-punch knockout over the usually durable Andre Hemphill, dropping him with a picture perfect left uppercut that caught Hemphill flush on the jaw. To see the knockout,CLICK HERE:
In the second installment of Rumble at the Hilton Rye Town, Telesco engaged in a wild shootout with former two-time super middleweight champion Byron Mitchell which unfortunately didn't go Telesco's way as he suffered a 2nd round TKO.
"SHOWTIME" STEVENS ANNIHILATES WILCZEWSKI BEFORE SEA OF RED
2009 saw the re-emergence of super middleweight contender Curtis "Showtime" Stevens. Stevens, now 21-2, 15KO, scored a career best victory over previously undefeated and world rated Polish contender Piotr Wilczewski, annihilating the Pole in three rounds, before a packed house of Polish fans at Newark, New Jersey's Prudential Center. The impressive victory propelled Stevens back into the world ratings, he is now currently rated as the IBF #10, WBC #13, WBO #13 super middleweight in the world. Up next for Stevens is a showdown on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" against former Contender Season 1 Alumni, Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22KO). The bout, which will take place in Reno, Nevada, will be an official IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING RETURNS TO THE MOHEGAN SUN
On August 1st, Star Boxing brought World Championship boxing back to the Mohegan Sun, staging the vacant IBF Welterweight Championship of the World between Delvin Rodriguez and Isaac Hlatshwayo.
The fight was a rematch of their very entertaining scrap that took place in November of 2008. The bout, which took place in Hlatshwayo's native country of South Africa, was ruled a draw, although many ringside observes felt Rodriguez deserved the victory.
The two combatants once again went right to battle, leaving off right where they had left off. Rodriguez was the aggressor in the early rounds, hurting Hlatshwayo with a right hand in the third. As the bout progressed, Hlatshwayo's left eye began to close, as Rodriguez right hand kept finding its mark. Hlatshwayo pressed on though, trying to walk down Rodriguez and get on the inside. The later rounds were close, and hard to score, as Rodriguez boxed and countered effectively from the ouside, while Hlatshwayo kept coming forward aggressively.
In the end, once again many felt Rodriguez deserved to have his hand raised as the victor, including judge Glen Feldman who scored the bout 115-113, but unfortunately for the Danbury native Rodriguez, judges Tony Paoillilo and judge Isaac Tshabalala scored the bout 116-112, 116-113 respectively, giving Hlatshwayo the decision, and IBF belt. The loss dropped Rodriguez's record to 24-3-1, 14KO while Hlatshwayo improved to 29-1-1, 10KO.
On the undercard Star Boxing fighters, Demetrius Andrade, Yathomas Riley, Raymond Serrano and Tarvis Simms all picked up victories.
ROBBED IN POLAND
2009 A YEAR TO FORGET FOR HARD LUCK RODRIGUEZ
Looking to hopefully set up a third fight with Hlatshwayo, Rodriguez traveled to Poland in November to take on native Rafal Jackiewicz in yet another official IBF Title Eliminator only to suffer another controversial and heart breaking defeat.
Going in, Rodriguez knew he would have to put on a dominating performance to win a decision, being the fight was taking place in Jackiewicz home country of Poland. Rodriguez stated prior to the fight that he was going to be aggressive and take the fight right to Jackiewicz. Rodriguez also stated he was going to hurt the Pole, and look to knock him out. Rodriguez made it clear that he didn't want to leave any questioning up to the judges, and would put on a performance that no one could argue who the real winner would be.
Rodriguez started fast, and didn't let his foot off the gas for the entire twelve rounds, dropping the Pole hard in the 6th. Rodriguez displayed a lightening quick jab that he pumped into the face of Jackiewicz all night long. He continuously walked the Pole down, landing vicious shots to the body when the two would be in close quarters.
At the end of the fight Jackiewicz faced showed the wear and tear of the grueling fight he has just been in, Rodriguez on the other hand didn't have a mark on him. Reports from Poland stated that Jackiewicz was urinating blood after the fight, most likely as a result of the heavy body shots he received all night, and was taken to the hospital for observation on a possible concussion and broken jaw, heavy injuries for a fighter who ended up winning by scores of 116-112, 115- 112, 114- 112.
In the end Rodriguez was credited with throwing 1,025 punches, while Jackiewicz only through 351. Rodriguez also outlanded Jackiewicz 141 to 108 and held a 94-60 edge in power shots.
Hopefully 2010 will bring some better luck to Rodriguez as he continues to show that he is one of the best welterweights in the entire world.
U.S. OLYMPIANS VARGAS AND BENITEZ WIN AT VIP BOXING II
The second installment of VIP Boxing in September saw Star Boxing's two former U.S. Olympians, Devin Vargas and Roberto Benitez get back into the win column before yet another packed house at Russo's On The Bay.
Vargas improved his record to 18-1, 7KO with a dominate eight round unanimous decision over game Terrell Nelson. It was later revealed that Vargas injured his right hand in the first round, forcing him to fight almost solely with his left for the remainder of the bout.
In the co-feature bout of the evening, Roberto Benitez, one of the most decorated amateurs to come out of the U.S. in the last decade returned to the ring after a three year hiatus, due to injuries, to win a shut out decision over Luis Angel Paneto.
Benitez, who won the United States Junior Olympics at 14 and 15 years of age and went on to win ten National championships, including two National Golden Gloves Titles, and 4 National Everlast Boxing Championships (more than any amateur boxer in history), as well as winning two Olympic trials, and being an alternate to the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team as a flyweight and a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team as a bantamweight, was dominate, winning by scores of 60-52 three times, improving his record to 6-0, 3KO. Look for Benitez to have a big 2010.
STAR JOINS PARTNERS WITH HUSTLER-NYC TO PRESENT NEW SERIES
On Decemer 3rd, Star Boxing presented its premiere installment of "Hustler Boxing," a new a series of star-studded boxing events throughout the New York City area, promoted in association with Larry Flynt's Hustler Club- NYC.
The card was broadcast live on the nationally televised Versus Network, and featured Mike Arnaoutis taking on Tim Pitbull Coleman for the vacant USBA light welterweight championship.
The bout saw good action from both fighters, with Coleman building an early lead, and Arnaoutis coming on strong down the stretch. Although many ringside observers, including the majority of press row, ring announcers, and hall-of-fame trainer and HBO commentator Emmanuel Steward, felt Arnaoutis deserved the decision, they, as well as judge Robin Taylor (116-112) were overruled by judges Kevin Morgan and Glen Feldman, who both scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Coleman.
Star and Hustler will look to feed of the success of the first show and continue the series all throughout 2010.
JOHNSON LOSES BID FOR WBC BELT AGAINST KLITSCHKO
On December 12th from Bern, Switzerland, Kevin Johnson became just the second fighter to go the distance with current WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko.
Johnson had some early success against Klitschko with his jab, but was unable to capitalize, eventually losing a unanimous decision.
HISTORIC BPA FORMED
2009 will go down as one of the most historic years in boxing, as more than thirty of the United States top promoters met at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City during the summer, to discuss the current state of boxing and the need to establish a unified boxing promoters association. After an all day meeting, which was spearheaded and organized by Star Boxing President and CEO, Joe DeGuardia, the promoters unanimously agreed to form the Boxing Promoter's Association (BPA) and signed the BPA's Declaration.
The second meeting, which took place during the fall, saw the BPA set a course of action, determine a set of by-laws, and select a Board of Directors, the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Association.
About Star Boxing:
Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.
Universum Responds To Sturm's Breach of Contract
Contrary to stories in the press put about by Sturm’s side in the last few weeks, Felix Sturm remains under exclusive contract to Universum. Universum will take any legal steps necessary to ensure that Felix Sturm remains obliged to fulfil his exclusive contract with Universum until 2012, when the contract ends. We will not tolerate his participation in any boxing
Following Mr Sturm’s rejection of an offer by Universum of a voluntary title defence bout to be fought in November or December 2009, the WBA (World Boxing Association) ruled that Mr Sturm must defend his world champion title in a mandatory title bout by April 2010 at the latest. The official challenger was named by the WBA as Gennady Golovkin, who is currently ranked no. 2 in the world and who is also under contract to Universum. Universum has asked for Mr Sturm’s cooperation in arranging this fight to ensure that it can be carried out in accordance with contractual provisions and with the WBA Rules.
Universum and Felix Sturm have worked together for years, and until recently (Mr Sturm’s last title defence bout at the Nürburgring on July 11, 2009), their partnership has been successful and mutually satisfactory. We have put much time, energy and patience into enabling Mr Sturm to attain the status of world champion – including procuring him a fight against boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya
Weather Forces Ian Napa To Relocate
IAN NAPA has left home to make sure he's in shape for his British bantamweight title defence against Jamie McDonnell at Brentwood Centre on January 22. The big freeze has meant that Napa cannot run near his home in East London and is moving into a hotel with trainer Brian Lawrence today (Mon). Hackney's Napa (19-7) cannot afford to lose against his Yorkshire rival especially after being nominated to fight Frenchman Jerome Arnould for the vacant European title. Promoter Frank Maloney: "It is a wise move by Ian and the gym won't just keep him away from distractions..
"It has full gym facilities with a running machine, so his roadwork will not be neglected.
"He has been unable to run near his home because of the ice. If he fell over the fight would be off and he would lose the nomination to box Arnould.
"Ian knows that another defeat will end his world title aspirations and he would hate to retire having been one of British boxing's
"This shows me how serious he is and Ian is even paying for the hotel out of his purse."
Ironically the purse bids for 31-year-old Napa's fight against Arnould will take place a few hours before he faces McDonnell (12-2-1)
On the same bill Cheshunt's cocky Ashley Sexton (8-0) faces fellow extrovert Usman Ahmed (6-2-1) in a clash for the vacant English flyweight championship.
Maloney's heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo (6-1) moves up a notch when he boxes Irish puncher Scott Belshaw (10-3).
tickets from frankmaloney.com.
Margarito, Gomez, Marroquin On Pacquiao-Clottey Undercard?
Now that the March 13 welterweight title bout between current champ Manny Pacquiao and challenger Joshua Clottey will officially take place at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, work on putting together the undercard has begun. Below are three fights being discussed as part of the three-fight televised undercard.
- Antonio Margarito in the co-featured bout is a possibility, should he get approved for a license in Texas.
- A clash between Alfonso Gomez and former world champ Jose Luis Castillo is also being discussed.
- Dallas' own Roberto Marroquin (11-0 8KOs) is almost a lock to see action, given his popularity and potential.
Mundine, Medley Weights
Anthony Mundine 158.9 vs Robert Medley 158.7
Kariz Kariuki 166.8 vs Garth Wood 167.3
Nader Hamdan 167.7 vs Junior Talipeau 167.9
Beltran, Foreman Victorious
Light welterweight Raymundo Beltran (23-4 15KOs) scored a seventh round TKO over David Torres (21-2 13KOs) Saturday night at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Time was 2:20.
Unbeaten heavyweight George Foreman III (5-0 5KOs) made quick work of Yul Witherspoon (1-3) with a first round KO. Time was 2:39.
In other action:
Arron Lyons UD(6) Andrae Cathron
Francisco Reyes UD(6) Darren Darby
Mike Gavronski TKO(3) Darren Azeie
David Clark TKO(1) Rob Diezel
Adamek vs Estrada Undercard Stacked
Newark, NJ—Brooklyn’s Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin takes on Ecuador’s Fernando Zuniga in what promises to be an electrifying Super Middleweight semi-final to the highly anticipated matchup between Heavyweights Tomasz Adamek of Jersey City and Jason Estrada of Providence, RI when Main Events’ Brick City Boxing Series returns to Newark’s Prudential Center on Feb. 6th. The 36-year old Zuniga represents the toughest foe to date for the unbeaten Quillin. Now living in Downey, CA, Zuniga (28-9, 20 KO’s) holds wins over Troy Rowland and Carlos DeLeon, Jr. He won his last two matches, over DeLeon by KO and over Daniel Stanislajevic by decision. Throughout his career he has fought the best, including ex-champs William Joppy and Charles Brewer, as well as contenders Sam Soliman, Thomas Tate, David Lopez and Ricardo Cortes.
The son of a Cuban father and African-American mother, Quillin (20-0, 15 KO’s) is a fan-friendly fighter who tosses small chocolates into the crowd after his fights. He got his nickname, “Kid Chocolate,” from an observer who told Peter that he looked like the original “Kid Chocolate,” Eligio Sardinias-Montalbo—the legendary Hall of Fame boxer from Cuba.
After a brief amateur career in which he won the Ringside Nationals as a novice in the 156-pound division, Quillin moved on to the pros where he impressed with his devastating KO punch. Ending 14 of his first 17 fights within the first two rounds, the undefeated Quillin has more recently demonstrated that he can also go the limit by scoring 10-round wins over Antwun Echols, Dionisio Miranda and Sam Hill.
In 6-round Super Middleweight action, Philadelphia’s Dennis “The Assassin” Hasson (9-0, 3 KO’s) faces Anthony Pietrantonio (6-3, 5 KO’s) of Youngstown, Ohio. A real-life “Rocky,” Hasson resides on Tusculum Street in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, right across the street from where the fictional Rocky Balboa lived in the movie. Sidelined for much of 2009 with contractual issues, the 25-year old is now back on track, knocking out Eric Pinaretta at Philadelphia’s Blue Horizon in his last match in November.
In other action, Denis “Momma’s Boy” Douglin of Morgansville, NJ will put his unbeaten (6-0, 3 KO) record on the line in a 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout. Trained by his mother, Douglin has incorporated yoga into his training regimen, which also involves trips all over the states of NJ and NY to seek out the best sparring.
Also appearing on the Feb. 6 show at Newark’s Prudential Center will be Jersey City’s former Golden Gloves and Diamond Glove Champion Patrick “Paddy Boy” Farrell. A graduate of St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, the 4-0, 3 KO’s Cruiserweight most recently sparred with both Tomasz Adamek and Vinny Maddalone to help prepare them for major fights.
In other action, Ismayl Sillakh, (9-0, 8 KO’s) of Ukraine will appear in an 6-round light heavyweight match and Brooklynites Saddam Ali (4-0, 2 KO’s) and Jason Thompson (5-4-1, 4 KO’s) face each other in a four round jr. welterweight slugfest.
The fight is being promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.
Tickets for the fight start at $38 and are available through TicketMaster or at Prudential Center Box Office. Group discounts are available. Tickets, priced at $38, $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside), can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or visiting Prucenter.com.
Pacquiao-Clottey To Fight Before 50,000 Fans
LOS ANGELES — The voice on the other line was hardly audible what with the electric atmosphere Saturday night at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
But there was one thing Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum made it known clearly: Dallas is going to be an excellent host for the March 13 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey.
“It’s fantastic,” Arum told the Bulletin over his mobile phone as he watched the Cowboys dump the Philadelphia Eagles, 34-14, from the VIP suite of team owner Jerry Jones and former US president George W. Bush and wife Laura.
“Dallas is going to be a great host. I can’t wait. This is going to be a great facility for boxing,” said Arum, who is lining up a press conference there and in New York as well to further hype up the Pacquiao-Clottey clash.
Top Rank chairman Arum, who flew from Las Vegas with stepson and Top Rank president Todd DuBoef, said he expects the deal to be formalized on Sunday.
“Give me a ring tomorrow and I’ll provide all the details,” said the ecstatic Arum, who had to find another opponent for Pacquiao after original choice Floyd Mayweather backed out owing to a dispute over random drug testing.
Pacquiao, who beat up Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in his last fight last November in Las Vegas, will be staking his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.
“There’s going to be no catch weight on this one,” said Arum, stressing that both fighters will box at the welter limit of 147 lbs.
The Bronx-based Clottey, originally from Accra, Ghana, is a rugged banger who gave Cotto fits in their 12-round brawl last year at Madison Square Garden in New York. Arum said he can draw as much as 50,000 people for the fight in the 80,000-capacity stadium built for $1.2 billion
“We’ll set it up for 50,000,” added Arum.
Vazquez-Sonsona Set For Feb 27
In a battle of unbeatens Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. (17-0-1, 14 KOs) will meet former WBO super flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1, 12 KOs) of the Philippines February 27th for the WBO interim junior featherweight title. The bout will take place at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. “This will be Vazquez’ Jr. first world title fight and he gets to fight in his hometown of Bayamon. Its a great opportunity for him,” said Iván Rivera, president of PR Best Boxing Promotions. The bout is being presented by PR Best Boxing (Ivan & Peter Rivera) in association with All Star Boxing and Sampson Boxing LLC. Tickets go on sale Monday January 11th and can be purchased by calling (787) 792-5000 or online at www.tcpr.com . Tickets are priced from $20 to $300. The initial press conference will take place this Wednesday in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
Floyd Mayweather vs Matthew Hatton?
The name of Matthew Hatton, younger brother of Ricky, has again surface as a possible opponent for Floyd Mayweather, after Mayweather’s proposed fight with Manny Pacquiao imploded on Wednesday. “Mayweather’s camp have been in touch about three times now. With the Pacquiao fight being called off now, it’s good news for me,” Matthew told the Daily Star. “My trainer was told by them I’m top of their list of opponents.” He added, “He’s a level above me in terms of class but, in sport, upsets happen. And it only takes one punch in boxing.” Mayweather is apparently willing to fight in the U.K. against Hatton, who is coming off a draw against Lovemore Ndou. Paulie Malignaggi has also been mentioned as a possible Mayweather foe.
Boxing Truth Radio Live Tonight!
The Boxing Truth Radio will be live tonight beginning at 9pm ET/8pm CT/6pm PT. The Boxing Truth Radio show can be heard by clicking on the Boxing Truth Radio link. Scheduled to appear is James "Lights Out" Toney.
Stieglitz Stops Acosta
Photo: SES Boxing.de
WBO super middleweight champ Robert Stieglitz (27-2 23KOs) successfully defended his title by scoring a fifth round TKO over Ruben Acosta (23-4-5 7KOs) Saturday at Bordelandhalle in Magdeburg, Germany. Time was 1:48.
In other action:
WBC/WBO/WIBF featherweight champion Ina Menzer (26-0 10KOs) defeated previously unbeaten Ramona Kuehne (15-1 4KOs) via sixth round TKO.
Undefeated heavyweight Denis Boytsov (27-0 22KOs) made quick work of Kevin Montiy (17-7-1 13KOs) with a second round KO victory. Time was 1:56.
Manuel Charr TKO(10) Owen Beck
Khoren Gevor UD(10) Jeferson Luis Goncalo
Mateusz Masternak KO(2) Tino Froehlich
Christian Hammer UD(6) Remigijus Ziausys
Zack Page MD(6) Sebastian Koeber
Jack Culcay TKO(1) Dmitrijus Sidorovicius
Pacquiao vs Clottey "Is A Better Fight," Says Arum
The proposed bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey is a better fight, so says Top Rank boss and promoter for both fighters Bob Arum. Arum and his team wasted no time in moving on after a deal for Pacquiao vs Mayweather could not be reached this week. While the details are still being worked out, Arum believes Clottey will present a tought test for Pacquiao.
"This is a better fight," Arum told Reuters. "(Clottey's) a real strong, aggressive and hard punching African from Ghana and he poses a real test for Manny."
Arum is expected to meet with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones this weekend about staging the bout at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. Jones is reportedly sending a private plane for Arum and Top Rank President Todd duBoef to bring them to Texas. A formal announcement is expected next week. Organizers believe they can draw in 40,000 fans.
Khan Eyeing Showdown With Hatton
WBA light welterweight champ Amir Khan is eyeing a showdown with former world champ Ricky Hatton. Khan believes Hatton still has something left in the tank and would be regretful if he passed up a chance to face him. “I would hate to get to the end of my career and look back at it and not have had the chance to fight Ricky Hatton. I still think Ricky has a bit left in him and I think he also has something he wants to prove to himself after the defeat by Pacquiao.
“Obviously, I have a mandatory defence of my WBA title to make and Ricky probably would want a warm-up fight but maybe later in the year it could happen. It would be the type of fight that would be great at an outdoor venue like one of the big football grounds,” Khan told Herald Scotland.
Should the two meet, Khan says he would have an advantage in reach and speed, but their different styles would make for a great fight. “I think I would have the edge in reach and speed while Ricky would be looking to cut the space down and get to work on the inside, but I think I could catch him on the way in. But who knows. We have different styles and I think that is what would make it a great fight.”
Sexton Adds Some Bite To His Training
Commonwealth heavyweight champion Sam Sexton has added some bite to his training camp by teaming up with two wolf dogs.
Sexton, who tackles British champion Danny Williams on February 13 at Wembley Arena, has been out running with Tia and Oslo, both of whom are far happier in the snow than he is.
"Doing roadwork while trying to keep control of two dogs isn't easy," said the 25-year-old who headlines Warren's huge Night of the Champions show live on Sky Sports..
"But they are helping to build up my strength ahead of the Williams fight and that's exactly what I need at the moment.
"Danny's a great fighter but as far as his career is concerned, the wolves are beginning to circle.
"He'll need a silver bullet to beat me at Wembley and I plan on knocking him out and taking the British heavyweight title in style."
Sexton captured the Commonwealth title with a win against Martin Rogan in Belfast last year before making a successful defence against the Irishman in an instant rematch.
And now he has the chance to add the coveted Lonsdale belt to his trophy cabinet on an action-packed card in North London.
Night of the Champions features the exciting heavyweight showdown between British heavyweight champion Danny Williams and Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton; Kevin Mitchell's WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title defence; Kell Brook's WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title challenge; Derek Chisora versus Matt Skelton for the Vacant English Heavyweight Championship; The Olympians James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders; plus hot prospects Vinny Mitchell and Liam, Michael and Ryan Walsh.
Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150, are available from:
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Karmazin KOs Miranda In Thriller
Roman Karmazin (40-3-1 26KOs) overcame a ninth round knockdown to come back and score a tenth round KO victory over Dionisio Miranda (20-5-2 18KOs) in an IBF middleweight title eliminator bout Friday night at the Civic Auditorium in Glendale, California. Karmazin was hurt in round three but was able to regroup and stay in the bout. After shaking off the ninth round knockdown, Karmazin turned it on in the tenth by scoring two knockdowns. Miranda was able to beat the count on the first knockdown, but the second came via a right that sent Miranda down and out at 2:24.
Anatoliy Dudchenko (8-2 6KOs) pitched a shutout over Isaac Atencio (2-2-1 2KOs) on his way to a six round unanimous decision. Atencio overcame knockdowns in rounds one, two and five but was never able to endanger Dudchenko. Scores were 60-51 all around.
Andrey Fedosov (21-1 17KOs) looked sharp in his bout against Lionel Butler (32-16-1 25KOs) as he stopped Butler inside of two rounds. Fedosov scored two knockdowns in the second before the bout was stopped at 2:27.
In a bout with both fighters making their pro debut, heavyweight Chris Davis (1-0 1KO) scored a first round KO over Netzahyualc Wilson (0-1). Wilson was dropped twice in the opening round and was counted out at the 2:58 mark.
Boxing Returns To Laredo January 15
Boxing returns January 15 at the Laredo Entertainment Center, located at 6700 Arena Boulevard in Laredo, Texas. The main event, co-featured bout, and other selected fights will be televised live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, their Spanish-Language Network, and ESPN 360.com. In the main event scheduled for 12 rounds, Juan Carlos Burgos, (23-0, 16 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, will defend the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) featherweight title against Juan Carlos Martinez, (15-10-1, 5 KOs), of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
The 22 year-old Burgos is a five-year pro. He made his debut at 16 in Mexico. The young contender was born into boxing–his father was an amateur boxer and his uncle is the former IBF junior flyweight world champion Victor Burgos. Juan Carlos has given consistently impressive performances and climbed in the world rankings– h is currently ranked No. 2 in the world by the WBC and No. 14 by the WBO at 126 pounds.
Martinez, now 28 years old, is a six-year professional veteran. He is coming off one of his career-best wins in his last fight on September 26, 2009, an upset 10 round unanimous decision against hometown favorite Jose Hernandez (22-4) in Chicago. Martinez is experienced against very good opposition and has gone the distance against WBC interim lightweight world champion Antonio De Marco and former WBC featherweight world champion Guty Espadas.
The co-featured bout will be a six-round junior middleweight fight between 2008 US Olympian Demetrius Andrade, (8-0, 6 KOs), of Providence, Rhode Island, against Bernardo Guereca, (15-9-1, 3 KOs), of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Several experienced veterans and young prospects will also be included on the card. Garret Simon will make his professional debut in a four-round heavyweight bout. Simon is from Puyallup, Washington, and was the 2008 National Junior Olympic gold medalist at 201 pounds. He will be facing Zakhariah King of Ft. Worth, Texas, who is also making his professional debut.
Local favorite Rodolfo Gomez Jr., (5-0, 4 KOs), Laredo, Texas will fight an opponent to be announced be in a four-round welterweight fight. Gomez is the son of Manuel “Shotgun” Gomez.
Three more fights are planned to complete the card. All bouts subject to change without notice.
Porter vs Jordan Headlines "Friday Night Fights" February 19
“ESPN Friday Night Fights” invades Cleveland, OH on February 19th live from the Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University. The star studded night of boxing will feature the homecoming of 2008 United States Olympic Team member and undefeated professional Shawn “Showtime” Porter in a twelve round main event against Russell Jordan of Rochester, NY for the NABO junior middleweight title. Cleveland’s Porter (12-0, 10 KOs), recently named as one of ESPN’s top 20 prospects in the world today, will bring his exciting all action style to the bout against Jordan (15-6, 10 KOs) in the junior middleweight clash. The bout will feature an interesting clash of styles as Porter, who stands 5'7? and is orthodox, will try to impose his will on the taller southpaw Jordan, who stands 6'2?.
Also featured on the ESPN broadcast will be rising welterweight prospect Lanard Lane (10-0, 7 KOs) from Houston, TX as he squares off with Martin Tucker (7-4, 3 KOs) from nearby Toledo, OH in an 8 round junior welterweight clash.
The ESPN broadcast will open up with one of the hardest punching prospects in boxing today as Dominic Wade (5-0, 5 KOs) goes toe to toe with Omar Bell (6-1, 4 KOs) of Atlanta, GA in a 6 round middleweight contest. The heavy fisted Wade, from Largo, MD, will look to keep his knockout streak alive in a bout that promises to be action packed from the opening bell.
This value packed 9 bout card will also feature some of Cleveland and Ohio’s greatest boxing prospects. Cleveland’s Dante Moore (6-0, 4 KOs) will battle Allentown, PA’s Marvin Rivera (4-4-2, 1 KO) in a 6 round junior middleweight bout. Cleveland’s amateur standout Wilkins Santiago will also be highlighted as he makes his professional debut Columbus, OH’s Troy Nelson in 4 round middleweight match. Another Cleveland prospect will do battle as Julius Leegrand (2-0) will square off with Toledo’s Eric Ricker in a 4 round battle of lightweights. Youngstown’s finest will also be on display as Jake Giuriceo (5-0-1, 2 KOs) will face Elkhart, IN’s Sam Gibson in a 6 round clash of junior welterweights. Also, Youngstown’s Chris Hazimihalis (1-0, 1 KO) will be pitted against Independence, MO’s Steven Cox (1-0, 1 KO) in a rare battle of young undefeated lightweights. Last but not least on this card will be Shawn Porter’s undefeated United States Olympic teammate Gary Russell Jr. (6-0, 3 KOs) from Capitol Heights, MD in a 6 round featherweight bout.
Tickets for ESPN’s Friday Night Fights will go on sale Monday, January 11 at 10 AM and start at just $25. Tickets can be purchased at the Wolstein Center’s box office, through any Ticketmaster outlet, or the Ticketmaster charge-by-phone. For more information, call 216.687.9292.
Open Letter From Tony "The Tiger" Thompson
To The Following Heavyweight
The year of 2009 is officially in the books and my new year’s resolution is aimed at one goal, fighting for the Heavyweight World Title again. But before I do that I have a small list of to do things or a small list of fighters that I need to deal with. This list includes the following fighters that I think currently stand in my way of accomplishing that goal. I want it to be known that I will fight any and all of these pretenders any time and any where this year. If you are a contender then you will stand up and answer my challenge if you are a pretender then you will ignore it and continue to run. May the following pretenders or contenders step forward:
Number 1 - Chris Arreola: After the heated discussion we had at the press conference, following both of our successful fights on December 6th last year, my goal is to get you in the ring and settled the dispute of who is the best American heavyweight in the world..
Number2 - Emmanuel Quezada: I don’t know much about you but you have a very high ranking. A ranking that’s higher than mine. I find that odd given the fact that you have not fought anyone that would substantiate you earning that high ranking. So, the only way to find out if you deserve that high ranking is to get in the ring with me.
Number 3 - James Toney: We never got to decide who the best Tony was in the ring. I wasn’t healthy but now I am and besides I think this would be a great fight. So I am ready to take this fight when ever.
Any one of those three fights should be easy to make because we all have fought under the Goossen Tutor banner.
Number 4 - Sam Peter: I’ve had this guy on my radar for years. He truly is a good fighter and an ex-champion but he just keeps slipping away or running the other way. But I’m here to tell that you can’t run for ever. Its time to put on the type of fight that people really want to see….
Number 5 - Oldlanier Solis: It’s a lot of hype surrounding the Olympic gold medal
Number 6/7 - Ruslan Chagaev and Denis Boytsov: Both of you guys fight out of my adopted home town of Hamburg Germany. If you guys need to know anything about me you can ask your stable mate Luan Krasniqi
In closing, I want to restate my challenge presented to the seven fighters mention, to fight any of them anytime and any place this year. I want to demonstrate to everyone that I am the best heavyweight America has to offer. In July of 2008, I stepped into the ring as man fighting against Vladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight title
Yours truly,
Tony “The Tiger” Thompson
Jimmy Lange vs Chase Fields Headlines March 6 Card
FAIRFAX, VA (January 8, 2010) --- Ice Promotions officials announced that on Saturday, March 6, 2010, Junior Middleweight contender Jimmy Lange (31-3-2, 21 KOs) of Great Falls, VA will continue his climb towards a world title shot as he defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) U.S. National Boxing Championship (USNBC) 154-pound title against Chase “The White Tiger” Shields (29-3-1, 14 KOs) of Houston, TX at the Patriot Center“I’m excited that JD Brown (matchmaker) and our promotional team were able to put this fight together. From what we I’ve learned and by looking at his record, Chase Shields is an extremely-talented boxer with good punching power. This could very well be the toughest fight thus far in my career,” said Lange. “However, I am completely confident that my trainers, Don Turner and Jimmy Glenn, will create the best strategy for me to defeat him. I can’t wait to go ‘tiger’ hunting.”
Voted “Fan Favorite” on the first season of The Contender television series, Lange has headlined all eight pro shows at the Patriot Center in front of large, enthusiastic crowds. On May 2, 2009, he captured his WBC title in a bout against Frank Houghtaling, who retired at the start of the 6th round after absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment including a first-round knockdown. In his most recent fight held last September against former Contender teammate Jonathan Reid, Lange displayed an effective jab and retained his title when Reid failed to show for the 10th round.
“From fighters, trainers, promoters and all others in the boxing community, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without all of their tremendous support,” continued Lange, currently rated #10 by the North American Boxing Federation and #30 in the world by the WBC at 154-pounds. “As always, I tip my hat to all of them, many of whom have been by my side since the very beginning. Once again fighting in front of the greatest fans in the world is an honor and a privilege, and for this I thank them.”
Meanwhile Shields, a former strong safety on the Texas Southern University football team, has also drawn big crowds since turning pro in 2002. Shields stepped up in competition in his last fight held on December 3, 2009, where he faced former world title contender Juan Carlos Candelo. Shields initially dominated his former sparring partner, winning the first two rounds and knocking the cagey veteran down in the third, but ultimately fell short when Candelo came back to stop Shields with a 7th round TKO. A tough, powerful puncher with the ability to switch from an orthodox stance to south paw during a fight presents a real challenge for Lange.
“I’m very excited about fighting Jimmy Lange,” said Shield who trains at Houston’s Main Boxing Gym under veteran trainer Bobby Benton. “I’ve seen some footage of him and he’s a good fighter who reminds me of Jason Papillion. It’s definitely a step up in competition and will be a good test for me.”
Both fighters hold victories against their one common opponent, veteran Joshua Smith. Lange defeated Smith via 10-round decision in 2003, while Shields earned a pair of six-round decisions against him in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Tickets, priced at $30, $60, $85, $100, $125, $200, $300 and $500 (plus applicable service charge), can be purchased through Ticketmaster by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com, calling 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, including the Patriot Center box office (703-993-3030).
Pacquiao vs Clottey At Cowboys Stadium?
Should a deal between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey be finalized, the bout could possibly take place at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. According to Bob Arum, promoter for both fighters, his team at Top Rank is currently working on finalizing the deal. "That's what we're working on right now, and that's what it looks like it's going to be," said Arum. "We're looking to finalize things with Joshua Clottey, and we're hoping to have it done in a couple of hours," Arum told AOL's Boxing Fanhouse.
Schaefer Still Trying To Make Mayweather/Pacquiao, Arum Says "Train Has Left The Station"
Despite published reports of the proposed mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao being "off," Mayweather's representative and Golden Boy Promotions' CEO Richard Schaefer is still trying to get the fight done, although it would be a long shot at this point. Schaefer says there was miscommunication on Pacquiao's side as to the cut-off point of blood tests leading up to the bout, which apparently was discussed during Tuesday's mediation. "We're still trying to get Mayweather-Pacquiao done for March 13, and we've heard Manny has made claims that the position of Floyd willing to end blood tests 14 days before the fight was never communicated to him," Schaefer told The Los Angeles Times. "Mayweather wants to split it down the middle to 14 days," Schaefer said. "Isn't that reasonable?"
However, Pacquiao's promoter and Top Rank boss Bob Arum recalls the cut-off being 24 days. "We had a [mediation] deal based on 24 days, but we said it's all off the table if [Mayweather representatives] get a no from Floyd, and they got a no," said Arum. "So the train has left the station. We have moved on. We don't want to talk about Mayweather anymore until the fall."
When Arum was asked if the fight would be back on if the 14-day deal was agreed upon, he replied: "Are you crazy?"
Campillo vs Shumenov Rematch January 29
LOS ANGELES - On Friday, January 29, KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions are pleased to present an evening of world championship boxing when they present "Fight Night With De La Hoya and Hopkins: Campillo vs. Shumenov II" at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In the 12-round main event, Spain's Gabriel Campillo will defend his WBA Light Heavyweight World Title against Las Vegas resident Beibut Shumenov, who will defend his IBA Light Heavyweight World Title, in a rematch of their heated 2009 title fight. In that August bout, Campillo upset the odds in an exciting 12 rounder that saw both men hit the deck before the Spaniard took the razor-thin and highly controversial majority decision.
"Fight Night With De La Hoya and Hopkins: Campillo vs. Shumenov II" is presented by KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions, with Campillo vs. Shumenov presented in association with Sampson Boxing LLC. The bout will be televised live on Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates beginning at 11 pm ET / 8 pm PT (check local listings). Doors will open at 6 pm and the first bell rings at 7 pm.
Tickets for this action-packed night of boxing, which will be hosted by and attended by future Hall of Famers Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins, are priced at $150, $125, $100, $50 and $40 (general admission standing room tickets), and go on sale this Saturday morning, January 9, at 12pm PT. Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
Also in action will be undefeated Cuban star Erislandy Lara, Uzbekistani standouts Gayrat Ahmedov and Ravshan Hudaynazarov, and hot California prospect Ronny Rios.
A professional since 2002, 31-year-old Gabriel Campillo (19-2, 6 KO's) really hit his stride 2009. Formerly the holder of the Spanish light heavyweight title, Campillo kicked off last year by decisioning Lolenga Mock for the European Union belt. Just three months later on June 20, he defeated Hugo Garay in his home country of Argentina for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title before finishing off 2009 with his win over the previously unbeaten Shumenov. On January 29, he looks for a repeat against Shumenov in his United States debut.
One of boxing's most amazing stories, Beibut Shumenov (8-1, 6 KO's) represented his country of Kazakhstan in the 2004 Olympics, but didn't make his professional debut until 2007. Shumenov quickly made up for lost time, defeating veterans Donnell Wiggins and Epifanio Mendoza, as well as former World Champions Montell Griffin and Byron Mitchell, all within his first eight professional fights, an impressive feat by any standards. Although he lost to Campillo in his first world title bout last year, the 26-year-old Shumenov plans to use the defeat as a learning experience and aims to reverse that result on January 29.
Former amateur star Erislandy Lara (9-0, 5 KO's) has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks since leaving Cuba, and in nine fights has dazzled boxing insiders and fans with his speed, power and poise. Fresh off of a near-shutout win over veteran Luciano Perez in his first 10-round fight last December, Lara will face an opponent to be named in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.
Making their United States debuts on January 29 will be light heavyweight Gayrat Ahmedov (12-0-1, 8 KO's) and his fellow countryman from Uzbekistan, junior middleweight Ravshan Hudaynazarov (9-0, 7 KO's). Both fighters are known for their ring savvy and exciting styles, and with Ahmedov riding a five-fight knockout streak and Hudaynazarov winning his last three bouts by knockout, fans can expect fireworks from both of them when they compete in eight round bouts against opponents to be announced.
19-year-old featherweight phenom Ronny Rios (8-0, 4 KO's) kicks off his 2010 campaign on January 29 and if his 2009 season was any indication, fight fans should be in for something special from the Santa Ana, California native, who went 6-0 with 3 knockouts last year. Rios will see action in a six round featherweight bout.
For more information, visit www.kzeventproductions.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow Golden Boy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing..
Boxing Promoters Association Meets In Las Vegas On Monday
On January 11th from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Boxing Promoters Association (BPA) will hold it's third meeting and first of the new year.
At the meeting the BPA expects to move forward with the continued development and betterment of the sport. President Joe DeGuardia released the agenda today.
- Establishing a National Boxing Convention to take place in the 2010
- Announcement of various collaborative projects amongst promoters
- Addressing pending U.S. Boxing Legislation currently in the U.S. Congress
- Addressing the proliferation of bad decisions and taking steps to ensure the competency and integrity of judges and elevate the credibility of the sport
At the first meeting in the summer, more than 30 of the United States top promoters met to discuss the current state of boxing. After an all day meeting the promoters agreed to form the Boxing Promoters Association and signed the BPA Declaration.
The second meeting, which took place during the fall, saw the BPA set a course of action, determine a set of by-laws, and select a Board of Directors, the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Association.
Showtime To Televise Valero vs DeMarco
After 18 years of absence, the American Network comes back to broadcasting boxing in Mexico, and that will happen on February 6th, 2010 in Monterrey, when WBC lightweight world champions, Edwin Valero (Venezuela) and Antonio DeMarco (Mexico), interim champion, will face each other in the main event of a card that is aimed to be unforgettable. Showtime will broadcast live the unification bout of the aforementioned championships and the show will certainly turn out to be a top show due to the background of both champions. In the boxing evening that we have mentioned, great local prospects will also perform in fights that will be fought for several WBC affiliate titles. The previously mentioned boxing card will be part of the beginning of celebrations of the Mexican Independence Bicentennial and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution (1910), within the boxing scope, being boxing a sport that is always present in the great events of our country. We are very happy that foreign and Mexican promoters will present here, a top level boxing event and that such happening will transcend in a definitive way to the rest of the planet where the sport of fists means a huge attraction.
Pacquiao Agrees To Fight Clottey, Says Roach
It appears that Manny Pacquiao will move forward with a bout against Joshua Clottey in March at a site in Las Vegas, NV. On Friday, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach told ESPN's Brian Kenny that Pacquiao had agreed to fight Clottey, although no official announcement has been made.
Clottey is reportedly on his way back from a vaction in Ghana to discuss the bout with his representatives.
European Champ Luke Campbell Flies To L.A. To Train With Freddie Roach
Photo: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
London, Friday 8th January 2010 - As part of his preparations for the 2012 London Olympics European Bantamweight Champion Luke Campbell has left behind the cold, and the snow currently covering much of the UK, for the much warmer climes of Los Angeles to spend some time training with ‘Trainer of the Year’ Freddie Roach at his famous Wild Card Gym.
Speaking at Rooney’s Boxing Gym in London, where he dropped by to see his former Team GB head coach Terry Edwards MBE before heading to Heathrow for the transatlantic flight, Luke said. "It’s going to be a once in the lifetime experience. LA’s a great place, but going to Freddie Roach’s gym will be something extra special. Freddie is the best coach pro coach in the world. Hopefully I’ll learn something new, something different to take back with us.
It’s going to be a great learning experience. He has so many champions in his gym. It’ll be interesting to train alongside them, hopefully I’ll pick up a few of the techniques they’re doing."
Luke, a two-time ABA Champion, made history by becoming the first British amateur boxer to secure a European title for 47 years, was crowned the Bantamweight (54kg) Champion at the European Championships in Liverpool in November 2008.
His path to glory was not an easy one. In the quarterfinal he faced and defeated the Moldovan Olympic bronze medal winner, Veaceslav Gojan, before progressing to the final after an excellent 4-1 points victory over Germany’s Denis Makarov. The quietly spoken 21 year old, from Hull, then secured the Bantamweight (54kg) title by defeating the highly experienced Bulgarian Detelin Dalakliev. Even more impressive was that this was his event debut.
The previous English boxer to win a European gold medal was Frankie Taylor, who won the Featherweight (57kg) title at the Belgrade Games, Yugoslavia in June 1961, also at the same event Melbourne Olympic Champion, Scotland’s Dick McTaggart, won gold in the (Lightweight) 60kg class.
Darchinyan Defends On March 6
WBC/WBA super flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan will defend his titles against an opponent TBA on March 6. The bout will take place at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California as part of the undercard to the Super Six Tourney bout between Arthur Abraham and Andre Dirrell.
W. Klitschko vs Johnson Deal Almost Done
A deal for the March 20 title bout between WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko and challenger Eddie Chambers is nearly complete. The bout will take place in Dusseldorf, Germany. The only problem is that there is currently no American T.V. network willing to televise the bout. According to Klitschko's manager, Bernd Boente, not even HBO is interested in the bout.
Sergio Martinez Is A Man With Many Opportunities
WBC junior middleweight champ Sergio Martinez (44-2-2 24KOs) is a man facing many opportunities for his next bout. After an impressive performance against Paul Williams last month in which Martinez came up on the short end of a majority decision, there has been talks of rematch between the two.
In addition to that offer, there's a possbility Martinez could face WBC/WBO middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik after receving an offer from Pavlik's promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank. Lou DiBella, promoter for Martinez, says while they would receive more money for a rematch with Williams, Martinez would prefer to fight Pavlik. "Arum is offering the Pavlik fight but Williams' people are offering more money, but Sergio prefers the Pavlik fight. Both fights are big for HBO and extremely viable and competitive fights. I'll pursue the fight my fighter wants and he prefers the Pavlik fight. But money is very important," DiBella told ESPN.com.
Shawn Porter Returns February 19 In Cleveland
Undefeated middleweight prospect Shawn Porter (12-0 10KOs) will return to action on February 19 against an opponent TBA. The bout will take place at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio and will be nationally televised on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights."
Roach Doesn't Want Khan To Fight Maidana
Interim WBA light welterweight champ and mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana may have to wait a bit longer to get his title shot against current WBA champ Amir Khan. According to Khan's trainer Freddie Roach, the time is not right for the two fighters to meet. “It's a business and it's about the right fights at the right time. There are some good fights out there for Amir. He can outbox Maidana but he's tough, a good puncher and you don't want to exchange with him too much,” Roach told The Sun.
Rafael Marquez Parts Ways With Beristain
After a long successful relationship, Rafael Marquez has decided to part ways with veteran and respected trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain and team up with Fernando Beltran Sr. for his proposed fourth encounter with Israel Vazquez in May. Beristain respects Marquez' decision, but says there is still a contract between both parties. "If Rafael has decided to leave this gym, no problem. He has his reasons and we still have the same respect. I hope he does well in his career. Anyway, there is an existing contract between us. Later I'll decide what do about it," Beristain told ESTO.
Marquez cites Beristain's lack of attention as the reason for leaving. "I virtually trained alone. He was devoted only to my brother Juan Manuel," said Marquez.
However, Beristain claims he always gave him the attention he needed. "I know I always gave him the attention he needed, but I must say one thing - if I tell him something, and someone else is telling him something then things could no longer go well," said Beristain.
Weights From Germany
(WBO Middleweight Title)
Robert Stieglitz 167.9 vs Ruben Eduardo Acosta 167.5
(WBC/WIBF/WBO Female Featerweight Title)
Ina Menzer 125.4 vs Ramona Kühne 125
Jack Culcay 153.6 vs Dmitrijus Sidorovicius 150.7
Denis Boytsov 224.8 vs Kevin Montiy 255.9
Manuel Charr 242.5 vs Owen Beck 250.4
Khoren Gevor 161.3 vs Jeferson Luis Goncalo 159.6
Sebastian Köber 227.2 vs Zack Page 206.1
Christian Hammer 248 vs Remigijus Ziausys 210.3
Mateusz Masternak 192.4 vs Tino Fröhlich 197.9
Karmazin, Miranda Weights
Photo: Emilio Sanchez / Art of Boxing
Roman Karmazin 158.6 vs. Dionisio Miranda 155.6
Undercard weights:
Andrey Fedosov 223 vs. Lionel Butler 276.8
Jose Alfredo Flores 158.4 vs. Roberto Valenzuela 160
Anatoliy Dudchenko 175.8 vs. Isaak Atencio 174.6
Francisco Solis 130.6 vs. Artur Bernetsyan 130
Chris Davis 251.8 vs. Netzahyualc Wilson 230.2
Floyd Mayweather Jr. Issues Statement
Floyd Mayweather Jr.: “Throughout this whole process I have remained patient, but at this point I am thoroughly disgusted that Pacquiao and his representatives are trying to blame me for the fight not happening when clearly the blame is on them. First and foremost, not only do I want to fight Manny Pacquiao
“Before the mediation, my team proposed a 14-day, no blood testing
“In my opinion it is Manny Pacquiao and his team who are denying the people a chance to see the biggest fight ever. I know the people will see through their smokescreens and lies. I am ready to fight and sign the contract. Manny needs to stop making his excuses, step up and fight.”
Cleverly: "Brancalion Is Running Scared"
Welsh hot-shot Nathan Cleverly
Cleverly was meant to tackle Brancalion in Italy at the end of the month after his rival's camp won purse bids for the fight.
But it's now fallen through, leaving Cleverly fuming.
"I sacrificed my Christmas for this joker," said Cleverly.
"It's obvious that Brancalion is running scared, and his team are doing everything they can to make sure this fight doesn't happen.
"I've spoken to my promoter Frank Warren and he has put forward a complaint to the EBU Championship Committee.
"At least that's a bit of good news and hopefully the fight will take place over here, but I'm mad at Brancalion and I'm going to teach him a lesson if he finally has enough bottle to face me.
"I'll give him a beating far worse than the one Silvio Berlusconi got recently when I finally get my hands on him."
Hot prospect Cleverly, currently the British and Commonwealth champion, is riding high in the IBF and WBO rankings, and is also in the top 15 for the WBA and WBC.
The Cardiff University student, still only 22, is aiming to break into world class in 2010, and wanted to use his fight against Brancalion as a springboard for success.
"I want the European title to add to my British and Commonwealth crowns, so hopefully this fight comes off," said the Welshman, unbeaten in 18 fights.
"But if it doesn't I might just go straight after a world title instead. I'm ready to make the step up and be let off the leash."
When It Comes To Training, DeGale Says Trainer Is Pschyo
James DeGale has had his worst fears confirmed about trainer Jim McDonnell thanks to the big freeze - and discovered his masochism knows no match.
While pampered Premiership footballers put their feet up midweek with a string of big games postponed because of the snow and ice, Olympic gold medallist DeGale was doing his early morning roadwork in sub-zero temperatures in preparation for his London homecoming on Frank Warren's Night of the Champions show live on Sky Sports..
And with the cold snap worsening over the weekend, DeGale will be out on the roads once again whatever the weather may bring.
"I'd heard that Jimmy was a psycho trainer before I went to his gym," said southpaw sensation DeGale, who will make his London debut on February 13 at Wembley Arena, just a stone's throw from where he was born.
"Things have been tough in my first year as a professional, but the work I've put in during the last few days has been something else.
"Tuesday night we had loads of snow in north London, and I thought on Wednesday morning I'd get a lie in because there was no way I could get to the gym.
"But I was woken up at 5am by Jimmy, who'd battled the blizzards to make it round to my house to make sure I did my roadwork.
"And we were out running in the dark with the snow coming down all around us even though I'd have been better off in ice skates than running shoes.
"This weekend he's got more runs in the snow planned - even if the temperature drops to -20.
"I hear that it's colder here than in Antarctica at the moment, but that's not stopping Jimmy, and by the time I get to fight at Wembley it's going to be a case of The Iceman Cometh!
"The man is a complete psycho when it comes to training, but I'll be thanking him when all the hard work pays off and I become a world champion."
DeGale, still only 23, will have his sixth fight at Wembley Arena having won all of his first five outings as a professional, three by stoppage.
Night of the Champions features the exciting heavyweight showdown between British heavyweight champion Danny Williams and Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton; Kevin Mitchell's WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title defence; Kell Brook's WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title challenge; Derek Chisora versus Matt Skelton for the Vacant English Heavyweight Championship; The Olympians James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Bill Joe Saunders
Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150, are available from:
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Bradley: "I'd Go Up To 147 To Face Mayweather or Pacquiao"
WBO junior welterweight champ Timothy Bradley says he's ready to face either Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao. Now that talks between Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao fell through, Bradley is willing to move up to 147 to challenger either fighter. "I don't know what's going on, but now that they're not fighting each other, you've got a gentleman right here, and I'm screaming and I'm waving my hands up in the air saying, 'Let's fight!' You know? 'Come on, let's fight!", Bradley told AOL's Boxing FanHouse.
"I'd go up to 147 pounds to face any of these guys. And I'm a 140-pounder. I'll do whatever it takes," said Bradley.
"If they tell me that I have to fight this guy and then that guy and that if I beat this guy over here then I have an opportunity, just let me know what I need to do to get a fight with [Mayweather or Pacquiao]," added Bradley. "Just let me know what I need to do. Please let me know."
Mediator Issues Order Finding Pacquiao Camp Made False Allegations About Mediation
Judge Daniel Weinstein today issued an order to correct the false record that has been created by the recent statements from Top Rank and Manny Pacquiao's representatives concerning what occurred at the mediation. The full text of the Judge's statement is as follows:
Mediator's Corrective Order Re: Mayweather-Pacquiao Mediation
The Mediator finds:
1. Various articles have appeared in the press purporting to characterize the substance and outcome of the Mayweather-Pacquiao mediation and the negotiations between the parties. Many of the reports are incorrect.
2. The mediation was a confidential proceeding. Any comments to the press or public by participants in the mediation purporting to report the substance or details of the mediation are violations of the strict confidentiality to which the parties and their representatives agreed and which they authorized the Mediator to enforce.
3. The parties and their representatives authorized that, if misinformation was disclosed to the press by either side, the Mediator would correct any erroneous information.
The Mediator corrects the erroneous reports to the press as follows:
a. Both parties participated in the mediation in good faith. Both parties participated in many hours of negotiation, with a number of proposals issued by each side and carefully considered by the parties and their representatives.
b. The Mediator himself did not formulate, recommend or issue a Mediator's Proposal. The Mediator did not make an evaluation or finding that any one of the many proposals considered by the parties was the correct protocol.
c. Any attempt to characterize the mediation process as an acceptance or rejection by any of the parties of a mediator's or an arbiter's proposal or of any specific proposal is false.
d. In the end, the parties could not agree on a testing protocol acceptable to all.
Pacquiao Rejects Bout With Foreman Due To Height Concerns
According to Manny Pacquiao's U.S. advisor/manager, Michael Koncz, Pacquiao has decided not to go forward with a bout against WBA light middleweight champ Yuri Foreman due to a difference in height. Pacquiao is listed at 5' 6 1/2", while Foreman stands 5' 11". "Manny's concerned about Foreman's height. We'll go through the entire [welterweight and junior welterweight] categories and see what we can come up with," Koncz told The Los Angeles Times.
Meanwhile, Foreman is taking Pacquiao's decision not to fight him as an honor. "It's a real honor the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world doesn't want to fight me," Foreman said. "Aside from winning the world title, this is the greatest compliment I've gotten in boxing."
Valero 30-Day Weigh In
WBC lightweight champ Edwin Valero (26-0 26KOs) tipped the scales at 143.3lbs for his mandatory 30-day weigh in at the Boxing Zone Gym in Las Mercedes, Caracas, Venezuela. Valero defends his title for the second time against interim WBC champ Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1 17KOs) on February 6 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
ESPN, Tecate Renew Sponsorship
ESPN and Tecate, cerveza con carácter, announced today the renewal of their boxing sponsorship agreement that aligns the company with ESPN’s Spanish and English-language boxing content on TV, online and on radio; highlighted by the title sponsorship of the Tecate Friday Night Fights Studio within weekly Friday Night Fights telecasts on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
“Since 2007, boxing has embodied Tecate’s con caracter brand experience through the sponsorship of various marquee events. The extended relationship with ESPN Deportes will give us continuity in the sport and presence in key markets,” said Felix Palau, vice president of marketing for Tecate Equity. “We are confident that Tecate Friday Night Fights Studio paired with ESPN’s media support will help anchor the brand as the leading boxing sponsor.”
“Tecate is the leading brand in boxing today and we are thrilled to once again partner with them and their agency, MV42, on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights series and our boxing programming across ESPN platforms,” said John Fitzgerald, vice president, multimedia sales, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Audio. “This deal reinforces ESPN’s unique position in reaching Hispanic sports fans in English and Spanish.”
Norton vs Dolan Headlines January 15 Card In U.K.
A battle for the British cruiserweight title between Rob Norton (32-4-1 19KOs) and David Dolan (13-2 5KOs) will headline a card presented by Hatton Promotions on January 15 at the Leisure Center in Altrincham, Cheshire, United Kingdom. In the co-feature, Graeme Higginson and Martin Gethin will battle it out for the vacant English light welterweight title.
Tickets: 0161 775 7500
Boytsov Returns Saturday
Undefeated heavyweight contender Denis Boytsov (26-0 21KOs) , who is currently ranked #5 by the WBA/IBF and #4 by the WBO, returns to action this Saturday, January 9 against Kevin Montiy (17-6-1 13KOs). The bout will take place on the undercard to the WBO super middleweight title clash between Robert Stieglitz and Ruben Acosta at Bordelandhalle in Magdeburg, Germany.
Pacquiao Disappointed, Plans To Pursue Lawsuit
When news broke of the failed negotiations for a mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, Pacquiao was none to pleased with the news. An angry Pacquiao said he was upset that he would not get the opportunity to face Mayweather Jr. and would also pursue the lawsuit he filed last month.
“I am very disappointed that we could not make this fight for the fans and I am angered because of the false accusations from Golden Boy and the Mayweather camp that I used some type of drugs and that is why I have instructed our American lawyers to proceed with the lawsuit to clear my name,” said Pacquiao in a released statement.
Officials Named For Stieglitz vs Acosta
Jose Rivera will serve as referee for this Saturday's title bout between WBO super middleweight champ Robert Stieglitz and challenger Ruben Acosta in Magdeburg, Germany. The three judges scoring the bout will be Manfred Küchler (Germany), Manuel Oliver (Spain) and Eugenia Williams (USA). The WBO Supervisor will be President Francisco Valcarcel (Puerto Rico).Philadelphia Meet & Greet With Steve 'USS' Cunningham, 'Fast' Eddie Chambers and many more Boxing Stars On Jan. 8
Photo: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
Philadelphia, PA - 7th January 2010 - Philadelphia Boxing
Amongst the many famous boxing stars who will be on hand include number one ranked and former IBF Cruiserweight Champion of the World STEVE ‘USS’ CUNNINGHAM who is soon to face MATT ‘TOO SMOOTH’ GODFREY for the vacant IBF Cruiserweight title, number one ranked Heavyweight ‘FAST’ EDDIE CHAMBERS who is due to face World Champion WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO on the 20th March 2010, ranked contender HARRY JOE YORGEY, Heavyweight contender CHAZZ WITHERSPOON, former IBF Champ CHARLES BREWER and many more. There will also be boxing exhibitions by 2 time Heavyweight Champion of the World ‘TERRIBLE’ TIM WITHERSPOON and his son, upcoming lightweight TIM WITHERSPOON JNR.
Gym owner, radio and boxing personality, Mike Cassell spoke briefly of his latest venture as the final finishing touches were being made to the new gym. "We want to give Philadelphia boxing some context. Our goal is promote 6 amateur cards a year and a pro show or two. We want to partner with every gym and work together to show the world, that the best fighters in the world are right here in the Fighting City of Philadelphia. I love this city and I am so happy be involved in this project."
Philadelphia boxing fans are invited to the grand opening - on Friday 8th January 2009 from 7pm - and the chance to meet and chat with the many boxing stars that will be in attendance.
Location:
FIGHTING CITY GYM 11000 Roosevelt blvd inside the spectacular 28,000 sq.ft WORLDS GYM facility.
www.fightingcity.com
Groves, Dallas Added To January 22 Card
TWO of Britain's hottest prospects George Groves and Tom Dallas have been added to Frank Maloney's talent stacked bill at Brentwood Centre on Friday January 22. Groves, 21, is a man in hurry and targeting Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Charles Adamu. Hammersmith's Groves and Kent man Dallas will all meet selected opponents on the bill being televised live by Sky Sports.´Groves, 21, said: "With Frank and Hayemaker taking care of me, I'll be able to showcase my skills all over the country. "Frank's got dates on Sky TV just about every other week - so I can't see why he wouldn't want to use me..
"Although David and Adam are my management and training team, Frank is taking over the promotional contract and that is going to bring great exposure."
Maloney added: "George has benefitted from being around David Haye in the gym and has made it clear he wants a quick route to the top."
Dallas, 24, is undefeated in eight fights and firmly establishing himself as one of Britain's' best young heavyweights.
He has recently been sparring with FTM stable mate David Price and Maloney says it is the best heavyweight sparring he has seen for years.
Top of the bill is Ian Napa's (19-7) British bantamweight title defence against Jamie McDonnell (12-2-1)
On the same bill Cheshunt's cocky Ashley Sexton (8-0) faces fellow extrovert Usman Ahmed (6-2-1) in a clash for the vacant English flyweight championship.
On the comeback trail is former British super-featherweight champion Carl Johanneson (27-4) who boxes for the first time since his defeat to Kevin Mitchell in March 2008.
Another Maloney heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo (6-1) moves up a notch when he boxes Irish puncher Scott Belshaw (10-3).
Tickets for this top class show, priced £80 and £35 are available on line www.frankmaloney.com or 0871 226 1508
Mayweather/Pacquiao If Off, Says Arum
Late Wednesday night, Top Rank boss and promoter for Manny Pacquiao declared the proposed fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. as being off. Arum said plans are to move forward with a bout between Pacquiao and WBA super welterweight champ Yuri Foreman in March.
George Foreman III Returns This Saturday
“I’m continuing to learn with each fight,” said Foreman III, who had no amateur bouts and turned pro during June of this year.
“I’m working on many areas when I’m in the gym; then I’m applying what I’m learning in my fights,” said Foreman III, who graduated from Rice University in his hometown of Houston.
“We’re just taking it one fight at a time,” said his father.
The 26-year-old Foreman III made his professional debut June 6 in Kinder, La., and knocked out Clyde Weaver during the first round.
The second bout for Foreman III was a second-round technical knockout of George Burrage July 31 in Las Cruces, N.M.
The third fight for Foreman III was a first-round technical knockout of Marvin Ray Jones Sept. 26 in Kinder.
The most recent outing for Foreman III was another first-round technical knockout, this time of Bradley Moss Nov. 14 in Cut Off, La.
The 6-foot-5-inch Foreman III weighed 237 pounds for his first two bouts and 230 1/2 for his past two fights.
Witherspoon, from Eunice, La., has a record of 1-2 with no knockouts.
Also on the card Jan. 9 will be David Torres (21-1, 13 KOs) of Othello, Wash., against Raymundo Beltran (22-4, 14 KOs) of Phoenix in the 10-round super lightweight main event; Walter Wright (13-3, 7 KOs) of Seattle against an opponent to be determined in a six-round super welterweight bout; Francisco Reyes (3-0, 2 KOs) of Seattle against Darren Darby (5-11-3, 2 KOs) of Vancouver, B.C., in a four-round lightweight bout; Mike Gravronski (pro debut) of Tacoma against Darren Azeie (debut) in a four-round super middleweight bout; and Dave Clark (debut) of San Diego against Rob Diezel (debut) in a four-round bantamweight bout.
Tickets for the card Jan. 9, are priced at $30, $60 and $100 and available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office, by calling the box office at 888-831-7655 and at all TicketMaster outlets.
Photo: Main Events Media
Romulo Quirarte, head trainer and tactician for the careers of such remarkable world champions as Raul “Jibaro” Perez, Juan Jose “Dinamita” Estrada and the legend himself, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., among others, now is in charge of preparing the interim WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs) for his champion clash against the full-fledged WBC champ Edwin Valero of Venezuela on February 6th in Monterrey, MX. After guiding the southpaw DeMarco of Tijuana, MX, by way of Los Mochis, to the interim world title last October with a win over Jose Alfaro, Quirarte feels that this is the right moment for DeMarco to face his biggest test yet.
“This is definitely the right time, I wish the fight was sooner. When the fights end as comfortable as the last one, where Tony did not get hurt, then it is easy to take a quick fight but unfortunately that is not the case because the fights are bigger now,” Quirarte stated.
His son, Bobby Quirarte, who at the same time assisting his father in DeMarco’s camp is renown as a quality trainer in his own right which can be seen with his work with the current super feather WBC champ Humberto “Zorrita” Soto, added “the fight came at the most opportune time. A lot of people are afraid for us because of Valero’s record but we are not scared. We have a lot of confidence in Tony and we believe this is the right moment for us to face Valero.”
Mr. Quirarte also specified that he does not believe the fact that Valero is a southpaw will bother his pupil.
“It isn’t an advantage or a disadvantage. We are accustomed to working with southpaws and for Tony, it isn’t anything new. Fortunately he hits hard and for me, I don’t see it as a problem,” Quirarte declared.
“Tony is used to fighting southpaws. Practically his whole amateur career, he fought southpaws and sparred southpaws so it won’t be anything new,” Bobby Quirarte added. “I think he is more accustomed to fighting southpaws than orthodox fighters.”
Even though that tactics that are being practiced in the gym can not be revealed, Bobby Quirarte did imply towards what would be one of the biggest facets of their strategy for a DeMarco victory.
“For him to make the decision to be himself inside the ring. I can’t talk about our specific strategies but more than anything, he must make the decision as far as the fight and always take the initiative.”
Adamek-Estrada Undercard Brooklyn’s Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin takes on Ecuador’s Fernando Zuniga in what promises to be an electrifying Super Middleweight semi-final to the highly anticipated matchup between Heavyweights Tomasz Adamek of Jersey City and Jason Estrada of Providence, RI when Main Events’ Brick City Boxing Series returns to Newark’s Prudential Center on Feb. 6th. The 36-year old Zuniga represents the toughest foe to date for the unbeaten Quillin. Now living in Downey, CA, Zuniga (28-9, 20 KO’s) holds wins over Troy Rowland and Carlos DeLeon, Jr. He won his last two matches, over DeLeon by KO and over Daniel Stanislajevic by decision. Throughout his career he has fought the best, including ex-champs William Joppy and Charles Brewer, as well as contenders Sam Soliman, Thomas Tate, David Lopez and Ricardo Cortes. The son of a Cuban father and African-American mother, Quillin (20-0, 15 KO’s) is a fan-friendly fighter who tosses small chocolates into the crowd after his fights. He got his nickname, “Kid Chocolate,” from an observer who told Peter that he looked like the original “Kid Chocolate,” Eligio Sardinias-Montalbo—the legendary Hall of Fame boxer from Cuba. After a brief amateur career in which he won the Ringside Nationals as a novice in the 156-pound division, Quillin moved on to the pros where he impressed with his devastating KO punch. Ending 14 of his first 17 fights within the first two rounds, the undefeated Quillin has more recently demonstrated that he can also go the limit by scoring 10-round wins over Antwun Echols, Dionisio Miranda and Sam Hill. In 6-round Super Middleweight action, Philadelphia’s Dennis “The Assassin” Hasson (9-0, 3 KO’s) faces Anthony Pietrantonio (6-3, 5 KO’s) of Youngstown, Ohio. A real-life “Rocky,” Hasson resides on Tusculum Street in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, right across the street from where the fictional Rocky Balboa lived in the movie. Sidelined for much of 2009 with contractual issues, the 25-year old is now back on track, knocking out Eric Pinaretta at Philadelphia’s Blue Horizon in his last match in November. In other action, Denis “Momma’s Boy” Douglin of Morgansville, NJ will put his unbeaten (6-0, 3 KO) record on the line in a 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout. Trained by his mother, Douglin has incorporated yoga into his training regimen, which also involves trips all over the states of NJ and NY to seek out the best sparring. Also appearing on the Feb. 6 show at Newark’s Prudential Center will be Jersey City’s former Golden Gloves and Diamond Glove Champion Patrick “Paddy Boy” Farrell. A graduate of St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, the 4-0, 3 KO’s Cruiserweight most recently sparred with both Tomasz Adamek and Vinny Maddalone to help prepare them for major fights. In other action, Ismayl Sillakh, (9-0, 8 KO’s) of Ukraine will appear in an 6-round light heavyweight match and Brooklynites Saddam Ali (4-0, 2 KO’s) and Jason Thompson (5-4-1, 4 KO’s) face each other in a four round jr. welterweight slugfest. The fight is being promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. Tickets for the fight start at $38 and are available through TicketMaster or at Prudential Center Box Office. Group discounts are available. Tickets, priced at $38, $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside), can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or visiting Prucenter.com.
Reynoso-Ambriz Face Off Jan 21
Boxing returns on January 21 at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland, California when Patrick Ortiz of Ringside Tickets presents a card headlined by southpaw Jose ‘El Nino’ Reynoso (9-2-2) taking on undefeated Aris Ambriz (13-0, 8 KOs) for the vacant GBU jr. welterweight Americas championship. Also bantamweight Kaliesha West puts her 11-1-0 record on the line against TBA. Tickets are $30 and $40 available at Ticketmaster and at the San Manuel Box Office. A 21-and-older age requirement to enter the casino is strictly enforced.
Jones vs Bruseles Headlines "Top Rank Live" February 27
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ -- Unbeaten North American Boxing Association (NABA) welterweight champion and Top-10 contender MIKE JONES, of Philadelphia, PA, makes the fourth defense of his title when he faces HENRY BRUSELES, of Gurabo, Puerto Rico, in the main event of an all-action card, Saturday evening, February 27, at Bally’s Atlantic City. The first bout will begin 8.30 p.m.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., the Jones-Bruseles title tilt will headline Top Rank Live, the exciting new boxing series, televised live on Fox Sports en Español and FOX Sports Net, beginning at 10 p.m. ET.
Jones, 26, is considered one of the hottest prospects in boxing. His 19-0 record, including 16 knockouts, has elevated his world ratings to a career high -- No. 8 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), and No. 16 by the World Boxing Council (WBC). He won the vacant NABA title on August 29, 2008 at the New Alhambra in Philadelphia, knocking out Brazilian strongman Juliano Ramos (15-1, 12 KOs), in the sixth round. Jones successfully defended his title three times last year, knocking out Dairo Esalas at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, outpointing Lenin Arroyo at Bally’s and knocking out Raul Pinzon, also at Bally’s. Other victims include Germaine Sanders, Gilbert Venegas and Luciano Perez
Bruseles, 28, a three-time North American Boxing Organization (NABO) champion represents Jones’ toughest opposition so far. A pro since 1999, Bruseles has a 28-3-1 record, with 15 of those victories coming by stoppage. He enters this fight riding a five-year winning streak, including victories over Wilfredo Negron, Ener Julio, Arturo Urena, Cesar Bazan, Robert Frankel, Ben Tackie and Mario Ramos. Bruseles has not lost since January 22, 2005, against pound for pound icon Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Remaining tickets for the seven-bout card, priced at $75 and $50, can be purchased at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922), all Ticketmaster outlets (1-800-745-3000), or online at www.Ticketmaster.com and www.peltzboxing.com.
Team Huracan Issues Statement On ABC Decision
Melissa Hernandez: “I’m happy that the ABC has taken me off suspension. They took the time to really fish out what is, and what could be going on in an already fishy case I got involved with. I thank the ABC for lifting my suspension and letting me go back to what me and boxing
Also, Lenny Fresquez should have his promoters license suspended for his lack of respect for the rules. I don’t have to fight Lenny word for word on the Internet for the fact I did nothing wrong. The Isleta Commission was wrong in many ways. I hope now everything gets looked at as a whole: the weight issue- Holly’s three times at the scale; there were not two outside judges like Lenny agreed with me verbally and the referee; Team Holm’s refusal to cut the hand wraps and the Isleta Commission not giving me the option to watch the wraps or tell Team Holm to rewrap. I’m also asking the question why if you’re calling a commission, why does a promoters line ring?. You don’t call NYSAC (New York State Athletic Commission) and Lou Dibella's office answers. I got to question THAT. I believe womyn’s boxing needs me. I’m not just a warrior while fighting inside the ring, but a warrior outside too. I’m making sure I’m going into a fair fight in an already deadly sport.
I can't stop thanking my lucky stars for the great team I have that pulled together for me, my manager Brian Cohen and adviser Belinda Laracuente. They really pulled it together the night of the fight and stood by me. I don't know of any team that would do that for a female fighter in the greed infested sport. Together we put the team in " Team Huracan". As for Holly Holm, I think she should womyn up and come out to fight me since in her Hollyhood they don't play fair.”
Brian Cohen: “What this whole soap opera boils down to is a lack of respect. A lack of respect for the athletes that put their life on the line every time they step in a boxing ring
I have been involved with boxing all my life. I have been in evolved in every facet of the business. I am an active professional boxer, I have had an extensive amateur career, I have trained fighters, assisted in matchmaking, worked on cuts and promoted my own shows. The things that I saw go on in New Mexico on December 4 were beyond my belief. The damaging comments and lies that were printed by the media befuddled me. The media made Melissa Hernandez out to be someone who was trying to extort extra money out of the "promoter" . They portrayed her to be someone who was scared to fight, someone who was unreliable, someone who disappointed a lot of people. They were basically trying to destroy her character. If anyone out there has one iota of common sense they can go back and read all the quoted comments by Lenny Fresquez and he tells three different stories on how people tried to extort him. First he says he called her. Then he says he talked to me and I said "its nothing a little money can't fix". Then he said he talked to "Team Hernandez".
Melissa Hernandez is a three time champion. She is a two time Golden Glove champion. She runs from no one. Common sense would have to tell you that it must have been really out of place for our team to go to such extreme measures.
What boggles my mind is- where oh where is Holly Holm? When she didn't make weight Melissa gave her three chances to make it. As a courtesy to a fellow fighter couldn't she have just have easily cut her wraps? Has anyone even thought of that? Or is she such a puppet she only speaks when told to?
On a closing note, it amazes me what money can buy. A sub average (and that's me being nice) fighter being named fighter of the year. Does anyone realize she went 10 rounds with a girl who admitted to working out for two hours earlier in the day and was sitting in the stands? Fighter of the year? Fraud of the year! Unfortunately Melissa does not have the luxury of hiding by a promoter wallet. There is one thing that money can't buy Lenny or Holly and that's a clear conscience.”
Melissa Hernandez is looking forward to returning to the ring by the end of January, and making up for lost time. Her training never ceased during the suspension and she’s ready, willing and able to fight the best of the best, anytime, anywhere, including Holly Holm, anywhere but in the “Hollyhood”.
WBO Orders Martinez/Burns Purse Bid
The WBO has ordered a purse bid for a bout between WBO junior lightweight champ Roman Martinez and #1 challenger Ricky Burns. The purse bid will be held January 13 in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the WBO headquarters and has a minimum bid of $150,000.
Villarreal Speaks On Title Defense Against Melindo
WBC Intercontinental Youth Champion Anthony "Baby Assassin" Villarreal will defend his title on January 14th, 2010 in Cebu City Philippine's when he takes on World Ranked Milan Melindo 19W-0L (5 KO's) of the Philippines. Villarreal an amateur standout was ranked #1 in the amateurs for 3 years and compiled an impressive 91W-8L record including multiple National titles before turning professional in 2004. As a professional he has 9 wins, 2 losses with 5 of his wins coming by way of knock out. One of his questionable losses was to the Brazilian 2000 Olympian Jose Albuquerque..
Anthony lets start off with your loss to Albuquerque, I know many who attended thought you won that fight, what are your thoughts about that?
Without a doubt I beat him, I took the fight to him and they still gave him a split decision. There were some issues going into this fight that didn't have anything to do with me but I think it was taken out on me. My coach said that he lost because of him, I don't want to get into details but the guy bit me in the chest, drew blood and the ref said he didn't see it so it must of not happened? I don't understand when you have teeth marks on your chest with blood around it do you really need to have seen it happen? I dropped him in the 2nd round and it was called a slip? whatever.
So you feel there were politics involved? and would you want a rematch?
Rematch? anytime! anyplace! I think he is a nice guy, I like him personally as a person but hell yes I will fight anyone including friends, this is my business and I take it very seriously. As far as it being political, I am not saying that and that's it as far as that subject goes.
Anthony you are taking a huge step in your career by fighting Melindo, are you ready for this fight?
I have been waiting for a fight like this all my life, I have been boxing
What do you know about your opponent?
Not much, I have seen some video footage of him, but I had never heard of him before this fight. From what I have seen he is a technical boxer with a little speed. I think I have too much movement and speed for him, plus I know I can hurt him, I have put every opponent I have faced down even the ones that slipped. But to be honest I really don't care; I just want to fight! I WILL FIGHT ANYONE, ANYTIME AND IN ANYPLACE!
Sounds like the words of a true fighter. What are you doing to prepare for this fight?
I am working extra hard for this fight, running at 6AM, in the gym for 3 hours in the afternoon and working on my strength and speed everyday. I am getting my timing and movement dialed in and come January 14th it will all fall into place.
Where did you set up camp for this fight, we know that you work with Al Franco who is well known and respected in boxing?
I train out of the Apple Valley PAL gym in Apple Valley, my coach actually has me and his son's Mike who you know and Daniel work with the kids there. So we coach and train out of this gym. Its a nice gym and everyone is real supportive there.
Are you a paid coach there?
You kidding! (laughter) no we "volunteer" our time there but its all good. The kids there work really hard and that's unusual in a amateur gym. Most gyms with young kids are playgrounds or places for parents to drop off their kids, but not here. In the beginning I thought that the program coach had put together would be too hard for these kids, but i was wrong, the kids love it. It really surprised me that they have all taken to it so well, these kids work hard, I mean really hard and they are getting good, we have 8 year old's that can do 200 sit-ups or 100 push up's with out stopping? I don't mind it at all, plus overall we represent the gym together.
Good stuff Anthony, I think kids need to have professional athletes such as yourself and Mike in the gyms with them, I'm sure that it motivates them. How do you feel about fighting in another Country and what are your concerns?
Well traveling I have lots of experience with, but I have never been to the Philippines. I am really excited about that; I have traveled all over the Country as an amateur so being the visitor won't bother me at all. Plus the Philippine people know boxing so I am sure that they will appreciate my skills. I just hope the judges do as well, I know it will be tough for me to get a fair decision no matter what I do, but I have to fight, I have to beat this guy bad. I really have to try and not let this guy make it to the end. If I beat him enough that I feel I won and they take the fight away from me, we will protest it. But again the Philippine people are good people and I hope that they (judges) are fair. I honestly believe though that my style will give him trouble and our game plan will give me many opportunities to hurt this guy. I guarantee you that he has never faced anyone like me, I will make him miss but will always be right in front of him countering, every time he misses he will pay. I just don't see him having anything to beat me with!
Anything you want to say in closing?
I want to thank my coach for putting in the hard work, my fans, my family who have always supported me and all the kids from our gym for motivating me.
Anthony, you have been a pleasure to interview and we wish you the best of luck in your up and coming bout and in all your future bouts.
Thank you for taking the time and giving me the opportunity to get my name out there.
Jerry Belmontes In Action February 6
Photo: Marina Sanchez / R&D Boxing Blog
Undefeated featherweight prospect Jerry Belmontes (10-0 3KOs) will try to continue his rise up the ranks when he battles Morris Chule (11-9-2 8KOs) on February 6 in McAllen, TX. Belmontes stayed busy in 2009 by racking up five victories and plans to begin his 2010 campaign with a victory.
Gonzalez To Defend January 30
WBA minimumweight champ Roman Gonzalez (24-0 20KOs) will defend his title against an opponent TBA on Saturday, January 30 in Puebla, Mexico on a card presented by KO Entertainment.Miguel Angel Garcia Highlights January 16 Undercard
Photo: Marina Sanchez / R&D Boxing Blog
While the January 16 Top Rank card at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV will feature Vanes Martirosyan vs Kassim Ouma for the NABF light middleweight title, the undercard will be highlighted by undefeated featherweight prospect Miguel Angel Garcia (18-0 15KOs). Garcia will face Joksan Hernandez (17-1 10KOs) in a ten round featherweight bout.
The bout marks a quick return to the ring for Garcia as his last bout came on 12/19/09, when he scored a third round KO over Yogli Herrera.
Huck Returns March 13
WBO cruiserweight champ Marco Huck returns to action on March 13 in Germany. Huck will defend his title against an opponent TBA and is coming off a twelve round unanimous decision over Ola Afolabi on 12/5/09.
Valero Will Do His Talking In The Ring
WBC lightweight champ Edwin Valero (26-0 26KOs) faces a tough challenge when he battles interim WBC champ Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1 17KOs) on February 6 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. DeMarco recently said via a press release that for him the upcoming bout was personal. However, Valero refuses to get into a war of words and says he will let his fists do the talking. "I just go out there and do my job. I won't discuss what will happen in the ring. I only talk with my fists," Valero said.
Hasegawa Named Japanese Boxer of The Year
On Wednesday, the Japanese Boxing Commission named WBC bantamweight champ Hozumi Hasegawa Boxer of The Year. Hasegawa successfully defended his title three times in 2009, all wins coming by way of knockout.Stieglitz Workout
Photo: Eroll Popova
Fight fans at Elbe Park in Magdeburg, Germany, were thrilled when world champions Robert Stieglitz, Ina Menzer and Ramona Kühne engaged in a public workout in advance of their title fights on Saturday at Bördelandhalle. Also on hand was world title challenger Ruben Acosta, unbeaten heavyweight contender Denis Boytsov (pictured above), unbeaten heavyweight Manuel Charr, former heavyweight title challenger Owen Beck and highly regarded world amateur world champion “Golden Jack” Culcay.
Tommy Egan Promotions, Setanta Sports TV Deal
Tommy Egan Promotions’ bid to bring Irish domestic boxing to the next level has taken a significant leap forward as the Irish promoter has entered talks with Setanta Sports Ireland to broadcast a City West hosted fight night. Legendary boxing pundit Steve Bunce will host the event, which will take place on Saturday April 17th. Headlining the night is the Irish Light Middleweight Title clash between champion Neil Sinclair of Belfast and New York based Arklow native James Moore
While the return of Buncey is an exciting development, Egan believes it is just a part of what will prove to be a sensational overall fight night package.
“We are delighted to be working with Steve Bunce and Setanta Sports. Steve is a huge name in boxing
“I am promising Irish fight fans a strong card. I am going to make fights that will excite the live and TV audience. Having Setanta involved will also be great for Irish fighters. They will have a platform to display their skills to a wider audience. The link between Tommy Egan Promotions, Banner Promotions, Freddie Roach and Steve Feder means that the fighters could really progress their careers Stateside,” Egan explained before revealing this show will not be a once off.
“This will be the first of many quality Irish cards to be televised. Tommy Egan Promotions will make the Irish Title prestigious once more and will give Irish fight fans quality cards on a regular basis.
Skelton Plans To Make Chisora Look Like A "Plonker"
Former world title challenger Matt Skelton
"All I hear from Chisora is that he's the future of the domestic heavyweight division," said Skelton.
.
"Let's be honest though, who has he fought? He's got a decent win over Sam Sexton, but Sexton is still unproven, and apart from that there is no one of any note on his record.
"Fighting me is taking a massive step up in class, and I plan on taking him to school in February and making him look a bit of a plonker.
"I heard he's been driving around in a Robin Reliant like his hero Derek Trotter, but I'll make him look like one in the ring."
Skelton, who two years ago challenged Ruslan Chagaev for the WBA heavyweight title
"2009 wasn't a great year for me, I'll be the first to admit that," he said.
But I've got plenty left to offer. I'll do a job on Chisora and I'll do a job on Sexton if I get a chance against him.
"I also feel I've got unfinished business against Martin Rogan. I don't want to go out on a loss and I'll prove a lot of people wrong on February 13.
"Winning the English title back in 2003 opened doors for me. A lot of people said that I was a novice and would get found out against by Michael Holden, but I stopped him in six rounds and carried on upsetting the odds throughout my career."
Night of the Champions features the exciting heavyweight showdown between British heavyweight champion Danny Williams and Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton; Kevin Mitchell's WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title defence; Kell Brook's WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title challenge; Derek Chisora versus Matt Skelton for the Vacant English Heavyweight Championship
Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150, are available from:
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Wembley Arena
0844 815 0815
www.wembleyarena.co.uk
Representatives for Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao provided no comment after nearly nine hours of mediation on Tuesday. The two sides met before retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein in Santa Monica to try and come to a compromise on the drug testing issues hindering the proposed March 13 mega fight between Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao.
Following the proceedings, both camps were instructed not to comment on the situation.
WBA Orders Khan/Maidana Purse Bid
A purse bid for a bout between WBA light welterweight champ Amir Khan and interim WBA champ Marcos Maidana has been ordered by the WBA. The bid is scheduled for 11am on January 11 at the WBA's office in Panama.
Juan Manuel Marquez Returns May 1
Photo: David Sanchez II / R&D Boxing Blog
WBO lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez appears to be headed towards a ring return of May 1 in Las Vegas, NV. Golden Boy Promotions and the MGM Grand have reserved the date for the Mexican warrior against an opponent TBA. According to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, one possibility is a rematch between Marquez and Juan Diaz. The two met each other in Houston, TX on 2/28/09 in an all out brawl that saw Marquez score a ninth round TKO victory.
Another possible opponent is interim WBO champ Michael Katsidis. Katsidis, who now resides in Las Vegas, has been patiently awaiting a chance to fight Marquez for the full title and had has made it publicly known he should be the first choice for Marquez.
Donovan George vs Phil Williams Headlines January 29 Card
Super middleweight prospect Donovan “DA BOMB” George will face off against Minnesota’s Phil “THE DRILL” Williams on Friday, January 29th in the main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion
“With 26 knockouts amongst their 29 victories these two should provide an all action fight from the start. They’re both very hard hitting super middleweights, it will just be a matter of who can take the other guy’s shot better, “DA BOMB or the THE DRILL” said Pesoli. “This truly is a crossroads fight for both guys, for each one it’s the toughest test of their careers.”
Amongst the most popular fighters in Chicago the 25 year old George, 18-0-1 (16KO’s), is coming off his finest performance to date, a brutal fourth round stoppage of Jason Naugler on November 6th at the UIC Pavilion
With all three of his fights in 2009 ending by knockout, George has become one of the hottest prospects in boxing and a must-see attraction in Chicago .
The 32 year old Williams, 11-2-0 (10KO’s), has been a pro for four years, with his heavy handed knockouts being his calling card for boxing fans in the Twin Cities area. Following a three bout winning streak, he battled veteran contender Matt Vanda
The co-main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” brings the return of power punching Chicago based prospect Ivan Popoca in an eight round welterweight battle against impressive Michigan newcomer Federico Flores Jr.
Popoca, 12-0-1 (8KO’s), is coming off a sixth round stoppage of Mike Gonzales on September 26th, his fourth win in 2009. With his devastating power in both hands and willingness to trade inside, the 27 year old Popoca has been amongst Chicago ’s most popular fighters since turning professional three years ago.
The 21 year old Flores, 6-3-0 (2KO’s), fought three times in Chicago in 2008 and was victorious each time, including wins over Guadalupe Diaz, Gustavo Palacios and Joshua Rodriguez.
Said Pesoli, “ Flores jumped at the opportunity to fight Ivan. Federico loves fighting in Chicago and truly earned the respect of the Chicago fight fans with his three victories here against hometown kids. Ivan will have to be at his best or Flores will play the role of spoiler once again.”
Also just added, undefeated Chicago welterweights Ryan Smedick and Achour Esho will square off in a scheduled six rounder, the first for each prospect.
The 27 year old Smedick, 4-0-1 (1KO), has won over local fight fans with his terrific boxing skills since turning professional in the summer of 2008. In his last start on November 6th, Smedick once again impressed the UIC Pavilion crowd with a four round decision over veteran Jeremy Marts winning by scores of 40-35 on all three scorecards.
The heavy handed Esho, 5-0-0 (4KO’s), has fought twice at the UIC Pavilion with knockout victories over Dontre King and Ricky Thompson coming in 2009.
Continued Pesoli, “The Smedick/Esho bout is a real test for both guys. They have contrasting styles with Smedick being more of a boxer while Esho is a real heavy handed kid who loves to come right at his opponent. They both have huge fan bases so it should make for a great environment for the fight.”
Also on the undercard, super bantamweights Sergio Montes De Oca and Sergio Cristobal, will attempt to settle their cross town score. The 23 year old Montes De Oca has impressively moved to 3-0-0 since turning professional twelve month ago.
In his last bout, Montes De Oca won a hard fought four round decision over LaShaun Blair at the UIC Pavilion on May 29th. On the same card, Cristobal lost a very close majority decision in his pro debut to Juan Carlos Fernandez.
Also featured on the undercard of “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” is undefeated Puerto Rican junior welterweight prospect Kenny Galarza, 11-0-0 (11KO’s), Chicago heavyweight David Latoria, 4-0-0 (2KO’s), lightweight Bobby Jaskierny, 4-2-0 (2KO’s), of Chicago along with lightweight Antonio Avila, 2-0-0 (1KO), also of Chicago .
Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8”, presented in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing, starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312-226-5800).
8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.
For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxing.com
ESPN Friday Night Fights Returns This Friday
ESPN Friday Night Fights will kick off the first of 29 boxing cards in 2010 on Friday, Jan. 8. In its 12th season, Friday Night Fights will feature a consistent high-definition telecast on ESPN2 in addition to complimentary coverage on ESPN Deportes and ESPN360.com. As in 2009, this year’s studio portion of the telecast will feature a rotating quartet of analysts. The four are Bernard Hopkins, ESPN.com columnist Dan Rafael, Bernardo Osuna and BJ Flores
In the booth ringside, Joe Tessitore will host while Teddy Atlas will continue to offer his unique insight and perspective.
"We look forward to showcasing some entertaining matches in the 2010 season and are pleased to offer fans a number of ways to be able to enjoy Friday Night Fights content,” said Doug Loughrey, ESPN's boxing
The ESPN2 studio portion will focus on hot topics in the industry with the guest analysts offering their opinions. Hopkins added an entertaining element to FNF telecasts in 2009. The future Hall of Fame middleweight is best known for his 10-year reign as Middleweight World Champion, during which time he defended his title a record 20 times. He is the oldest man to have held the Middleweight Championship in professional boxing.
Rafael began writing for ESPN.com in March 2005 after working for five years as the boxing writer for USA Today. Rafael will continue to cover boxing for ESPN.com in addition to his television role.
In line with Friday Night Fights’ continued focus on the U.S. Hispanic sports fan, the panel will include two accomplished Hispanic personalities: Former WBF Cruiserweight champion Flores, who is undefeated, will add cache as an active boxer.
Additionally, Osuna is one of the most respected boxing journalists to appear on Spanish-language television. His professional achievements include the prestigious Sam Taub Award for excellence in broadcast journalism presented by the Boxing Writer’s Association of America and three Emmy awards.
Friday Night Fights will air throughout the year on select Fridays, showcasing some of the best bouts in the industry, beginning at times ranging from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET.
The Jan. 8 season-opening fight, which will begin at 10 p.m. ET, will feature former junior middleweight titlist Roman Karmazin
Other fighters featured in the opening weeks of FNF include Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22 KOs), formerly of "The Contender," on Jan. 29 and Guillermo Rigondeaux (3-0, 3 KOs), a two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist and top-notch prospect, on Feb. 5.
IBO Addresses Anthony Mundine Situation
Anthony Mundine's decision to forego a quest for the International Boxing Organization’s junior middleweight title next week in Australia is his own – and not based on undue influence or conflict from the IBO – according to its president, Ed Levine. Mundine had been scheduled to meet Robert Medley
Levine, however, said it’s more likely Mundine's decision is based on other factors.
“Our opinion is that Mundine's current failure to honor his contractual obligations to the IBO and Medley are purely based on his inability to make the weight and/or his reluctance to accept two international officials and the costs attendant to putting on a world title fight,” Levine said.
Mundine defeated Geale by split decision to win the IBO middleweight belt. According to Levine, an appeal to the IBO from Geale's management resulted in a review of the bout by three “senior IBO judges,” which then resulted in a narrow split decision opinion in Geale's favor.
Some reports, including the Sydney Morning Herald’s, erroneously indicated that a unanimous decision in Geale's direction after the review would have mandated the original decision be overturned.
“That is total nonsense and completely incorrect. The IBO would never overturn an official result,” Levine said. “What was said by the IBO is that if the three appeals judges ‘unanimously and clearly by a wide margin’ scored the bout for Geale, title recognition could be withdrawn or an immediate rematch ordered.
“A mere close unanimous re-scoring of the contest would have led to Geale being made a mandatory fight for Mundine. Effectively, the close re-scoring getting a narrow split decision to Geale resulted in the same decision, a mandatory position for Geale but not in an immediate and direct rematch. Mundine was given the opportunity for an intervening optional defense.”
Levine said fights will be scheduled soon to fill the vacancies at 154 and 160 pounds.
Green Won't Let Money Stand In Way Of Hopkins Bout
While it appeared as if the potential bout between Danny Green and Bernard Hopkins was off due to money issues, Green says it's not about the money for him and is still working on bringing Hopkins to Australia for what would be the biggest fight ever down under.
“When I left the States two weeks ago we had an agreement that whatever goes into the pot we were 50-50 which is what we did with Roy Jones. And after the momentum of the Roy Jones fight, I could fight SpongeBob SquarePants and still make good money. But it’s not about the money for me. It’s about continuing to try to build a legacy and knocking out two future hall-of-fame fighters. Knocking out two legends, bringing two legends to my backyard and helping the sport of boxing. I spoke to Bernard again on Christmas Eve and then I had the Sydney to Hobart, so I haven’t spoken to him for the past week. I’ve got one more phone call to make to him to try to make this happen. I’m confident that he’s going to take this deal. He’s squabbling over making millions. Let’s just make it happen and get it on!”
Pacquiao To Begin Training In U.S. Next Week
As he awaits to find out who his next opponent will be, Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. next week to begin training for his next bout in March. Trainer Freddie Roach said Team Pacquiao will setup camp at the Roach's Wild Card Gym in California.
Mack Ready For Johnson
NABA light heavyweight champion Yusaf Mack, 28-2-2 (17), is ready to go for his January 30th showdown against former IBF light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson, 49-13-2 (33). This fight will be a IBF title elimination bout, with the winner earning a shot at IBF champion Tavoris Cloud, 20-0 (18), for his belt. Speaking of his upcoming bout, Mack states “This will be a strong boxing match. I want to prove to everybody that I am the best. I am in the best shape of my life. I have new people behind me, I’m getting stronger and better..”
Mack is looking forward to the showdown with Johnson and sees bigger things if he is victorious. “Hopefully it will bring me a world title shot against Cloud, (Chad) Dawson, or however steps up first. I want to fight the best opponent!”
The Yusaf Mack and Glen Johnson showdown will take place as the co-main event to the Shane Mosley-Andre Berto clash in the Mandalay Bay Casino Las Vegas Nevada. Tickets for the event range from $50 to $300, and are available through www.ticketmaster.com
Cunningham Branches Out By Opening New Gym
Former IBF Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve 'USS' Cunningham, who will be facing Matt 'Too Smooth' Godfrey early in 2010 for the title he held until December ‘08, has branched out by opening a gym - Sweat Studio 24 - in Glenolden, PA.
Following his magnificent victory over Wayne 'Big Truck' Braithwaite, in the IBF Cruiserweight final eliminator, in July '09, Steve, and his wife and manager Livvy, decided to open their own gym. A few months later they found a suitable home for their new venture and got to work fitting it out..
Taking a little time from relaxing with his family over the holidays Steve said of his new gym. "Sweat Studio 24 is a new venture for us, we are really excited about it. Our goal is to offer a safe, convenient and affordable option to getting and staying fit. We went with the 24 hour option because we know people have different schedules and we wanted to accommodate everyone.
We will be continuing the children's obesity camps and really just looking for new ways to connect and give back to the community.
January is a great month start a new training regime and I just encourage everyone to make healthy changes in their lives for 2010."
Sweat Studio 24 has a fully equipped fitness studio featuring the latest hydraulic resistance weight machines, commercial grade treadmill, elliptical trainer, heavy bags and stationary bike as well as a fully loaded weights studio on the lower floor.
Steve has developed BoxBlast a boxing fitness class, which is lead by professional boxers. BoxBlast is a fun, upbeat circuit based on the same training routine used by Steve and other top flight professional boxers. The BoxBlast classes are on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm.
In addition, when not in training camp himself, Steve is available for personal One-2-One boxing workouts by arrangement.
Steve 'USS' Cunningham’s Sweat Studio 24 is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year and is located at 38 South MacDade Boulevard, Glenolden, PA. Tel: 484 494 5379.
Mijares Plans February Return
Former world champ Cristian Mijares (38-6-2 17KOs) plans to begin training next week for a return to the ring on February 26. Mijares told local media the bout would take place in Houston, TX against an opponent TBA. Mijares hopes to compete for another world title in 2010. Since dropping a twelve round unanimous decision to Nehomar Cermeno on 9/12/09, Mijares has won his last two bouts by KO.
If No Mayweather Jr., Roach Wants Marquez Trilogy
If a deal for a mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao can't be reached, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach would prefer to face Juan Manuel Marquez for a third time. “Let's fight (Juan Manuel) Marquez,” Roach told the Manila Bulletin.
Roach believes fans would be interested in the fight given the history of the previous two bouts (draw, split decision (Pacquiao). “They're going to watch it,” said Roach.
However, recent reports have Yuri Foreman as the frontrunner to face Pacquiao in March and Roach says such a bout would be a challenge. “He's (Foreman) big, he's tall and he's rangy,” said Roach. “It's going to be tough.”
Urango vs Alexander March 6
IBF light welterweight champ Juan Urango (22-2-1 17KOs) will face WBC light welterweight champ Devon Alexander (19-0 12KOs) in a unification bout March 6. “I’ll fight Alexander in March, it’s gonna be an interesting fight and I’m ready to battle,” said Urango. “I am honored to hold the IBF world title for the second time, but I think the fans deserve to find out who is the beast at 140. I call out the champions to help me unify the titles in our weight class and give boxing fans the holiday present they deserve.”
Mosley vs Berto Available On Sky Sports
The January 30 welterweight unification bout between WBA champ Shane Mosley and WBC champ Andre Berto will be available in the U.K. on Sky Sports. Boxing fans in the U.K. will be able to witness what should be an action-packed fight.
Holyfield vs Botha Set For January 16
The January 16 WBF heavyweight title fight between Evander Holyfield (42-10-2 27KOs) and Francois Botha (47-4-3 28KOs) will still take place at the Nelson Mandela Memorial Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. Recent reports had the title bout in doubt, but a recent AP report said organizers had signed contracts from both fighters and a crowd of 80,000 fans is expected to attend.
Green Still Trying To Make Hopkins Bout Happen, Responds To Jones Jr. Protest
Although talks between representatives for IBO cruiserweight Danny Green and Bernard Hopkins stalled due to issues over money, Green still hopes the fight will be made. Before heading out with his family to catch some waves, Green said he is doing everything possible to bring Hopkins to Australia.
"I'm bending over backwards to make this fight happen and bring him (Hopkins) to Australia," Green told AAP.
"We can only do so much to make it happen. If Bernard doesn't want to fight I can't force him.
"I'm doing everything in my power to make it happen.
"I'm taking the family surfing and getting some waves. We will have some news on the Hopkins fight within a week or ten days."
Green also commented on the recent protest by Roy Jones Jr. where Jones Jr. questioned the wrapping of Green's hands. The IBO champ says the protest takes nothing away from his win and that Jones Jr. is just following a pattern of excuses. "It doesn't, if you look back at history this is simply a pattern that Roy Jones has followed," said Green.
"Everytime he has been demoralised in a boxing ring he's reached out and has clutched for an excuse."
Pacquiao vs Foreman March 20?
According to Yuri Foreman's manager Murray Wilson, a preliminary deal has been reached between Foreman and Manny Pacquiao to face each other on March 20 in Las Vegas, NV. Wilson says that should the deal be finalized, neither fighter will be required to take a blood test.
"We reached an agreement for Pacquiao to face Foreman. Originally we wanted to have it on March 13, but (Floyd) Mayweather, Jr. has that date booked with the MGM Grand. So we are looking at March 20. We still have to settle some things, but we will definitely not have blood tests done on either of the two fighters," Wilson told Primera Hora.
"It will be a tough fight. I believe that Manny is heading into the unknown. It will not be easy against a man who will hydrate up to 160 pounds by the time of the fight. I think it will be too much for him (Pacquiao)."
Ennis vs Vazquez Headlines "Turf Wars" January 15
PHILADELPHIA — On Friday night, January 15th, the first big boxing event of 2010 will take place as Greg Robinson’s Power Promotions in association with River Edge Beverage Company presents “Turf Wars” that will take place at The Arena in South Philadelphia.
In the main event, USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will take part in a ten round non-title fight as he battles veteran Edwin Vazquez.
Ennis, 19-2-1 with twelve knockouts 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 Albert was Ennis’ seventh 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 fourth appearance at The Arena (formally known as the New Alhambra) and he has a record of 2-1 in that building which includes the six round unanimous decision over Mackey that took place on July 10, 2009.
Vazquez is a seventeen year veteran and has a record of 22-14-2 with eight knockouts.
The native of Santurce, Puerto Rico has been in with some of the biggest names in boxing as evidenced by a resume that includes fights with former world title challengers, Demetrius Hopkins, Antonio Diaz, former WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Ricardo Torres, Matthew Hatton, and former Undisputed Welterweight champion Zab Judah.
Vazquez won the WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jose Correa (13-1) on March 23, 2007 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Local fans may remember Vazquez last appearance in the area as he lost a razor thin unanimous decision to Eric Mitchell (20-4-1) on March 15, 2008 in Sewell, New Jersey in a bout that was for the IBC Continental-America’s title.
The fight was controversial as Vazquez was deducted a point in round three for a low blow. If not for that deduction the fight would have been a draw.
An outstanding undercard of some local favorites and bright prospects has been as assembled as Victor Vasquez will battle Ikem Orji in a Lightweight bout scheduled for six rounds.
Vasquez of Philadelphia has a record of 10-3 with five wins coming by knockouts and because of his all action style, more often than not he is in The Fight of The Night.
Vasquez has won two straight which includes his latest bout being a career best performance unanimous decision over Tyric Robinson (9-4-1) on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
In the bout, Vasquez showed that he was more than a come forward fighter as he showed some solid defensive skills in what was his first bout with new trainer Chris Rotella.
This will be Vasquez seventh appearance at The Arena where he has an impressive record of 5-1.
Orji of Laurel, Maryland has a record of 5-2 with one win coming by knockout.
Orji won his first four bout before dropping a six round unanimous decision to Phildelphia lightweight Anthony Flores (6-0) on February 27, 2009 as part of Tomasz Adamek-Jonathan Banks Cruiserweight title card in Newark, New Jersey.
Orji has been inactive for eight months since his last bout which was a six round split decision to Isaac Suarez (6-0) on May 8th at The Arena.
In a Light Heavyweight co-feature, popular Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante will take on Andre Hemphill in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Ferrante of Northeast Philadelphia has a perfect ledger of 8-0 with four wins coming by knockout.
The popular fighter brings a boisterous fan base and has quickly become one of the most well-liked fighters in the city.
He is coming off an entertaining eight round majority decision over Billy Bailey on July 10th at The Arena. That was his second win at the venue without a loss.
Ferrante was most recently tabbed the chief sparring partner for future hall of famer Bernard Hopkins for Hopkins December 2nd fight with Enrique Ornelas.
Hemphill of Philadelphia has a record of 8-13-2 with five knockouts and has faced top competition as the combined record of Hemphill’s opponents is a very impressive 124-17-7 which includes eleven undefeated fighters.
He has wins over popular New Jersey prospect Bobby Rooney (5-1), Simon Carr (4-0) and third round knockout over Joey McCreedy (5-0).
Hemphill is coming off an October 2nd first round knockout defeat to Jeremiah Graziano (6-0, 6 KO’s) at The Legendary Blue Horizon in a bout that Hemphill took on less than twenty-four hours notice.
This will be Hemphill’s second appearance at the Arena since an August 24, 2007 draw with Carr in a rematch.
In a four round Light Heavyweight bout, Tommie “Big Poppa” Speller (4-3, 3 KO’s) takes on Dave Cook (3-3, 1 KO).
In a four round Jr. Lightweight bout, Whaid Raheem (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Eilud Torres (2-1-2, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA.
In four round Jr. Lightweight bout, Coy Evans (5-0-1) of Philadelphia takes an opponent to be named.
6’4” Middleweight Derrick Webster (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Glassboro, New Jersey will see action in a four round bout as well as Middleweight Phillip McCants (8-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia in separate bouts
Both Webster and McCants will have their opponents announced shortly.
Tickets for this outstanding night of boxing are priced at $75, $65 and $40 and can be purchased by calling Power Productions at 215-240-9987; Ticketmaster at 215-336-2000 or The Arena at 267-687-7560
Despite Lawsuit, Schaefer Still Working On Mayweather/Pacquiao
Despite the lawsuit filed by Manny Pacquiao, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer still hopes to finalize a deal for a bout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. in March. When asked about the lawsuit, Schaefer said they always defer such instances to their attorneys. "As it relates to lawsuits, we never have a comment. We will refer it to our attorneys. That's all I have to say about the lawsuit," Schaefer told ESPN.com.
Golden Boy Promotions CMO Bruce Binkow and Top Rank President Todd duBoef have been in discussions trying to come to an agreement throughout the recent events and Schaefer says the lawsuit doesn't mean both sides will cease talks. "The fact is Floyd Mayweather is ready, willing and able to fight Manny Pacquiao," said Schaefer. "Bruce Binkow has told me that conversations are ongoing with Todd duBoef from Top Rank to find a solution to get this fight done, and just because there is a lawsuit, Todd has not represented to Bruce that they should stop talking."
Pacquiao Files Defamation Lawsuit
On December 30, 2009, pound-for-pound boxing champion Manny Pacquiao filed a lawsuit in Nevada federal court against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Floyd Mayweather, Sr., Roger Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions, LLC, and Golden Boy Promotions executives Oscar de la Hoya, and Richard Schaefer for making false and defamatory statements accusing Pacquiao of taking performance-enhancing drugs. The complaint is attached. The lawsuit claims the Mayweathers, de la Hoya, and Schaefer knew that Pacquiao has never taken performance-enhancing drugs, knew their statements were false, but made them anyway out of "ill-will, spite, malice, revenge, and envy."
Pacquiao has retained Daniel Petrocelli of the Los Angeles-based law firm of O'Melveny & Myers LLP. About the filing of the complaint, Petrocelli stated: "Manny Pacquiao's achievements come from God-given talent and an indefatigable work ethic -- not steroids. He cannot and will not allow others to deliberately misrepresent his years of hard work and tarnish his reputation."
The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in Las Vegas, Nevada, and seeks compensatory and punitive damages for defendants' wrongful conduct.
Ellerbe: "Either Pacquiao Is Going To Step Up To The Plate Or He Isn't"
While various reports have Team Pacquiao moving on to face another opponent instead of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mayweather's adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, is still hoping the two sides can come to an agreement. Regardless of what happens, Ellerbe says the situation will get resolved when Pacquiao decides to either step up or not. “The clock is ticking,” Ellerbe told The Grand Rapids Press. “It’ll get resolved, one way or another. Either he (Pacquiao) is going to step up to the plate or he isn’t.”
“It ain’t over ’til it’s over,” said Ellerbe.
Money KOs Potential Hopkins/Green Bout
It appears a bout between IBO cruiserweight champ Danny Green and Bernard Hopkins is not going to happen due to a dispute over money. According to Green's adviser, promoter Gary Shaw, a deal of 50-50 had been agreed upon during a meeting in Los Angeles with Golden Boy Promotions' CEO Richard Schaefer a couple of weeks ago. "We thought we had a deal at 50-50 when we left Richard's office. We had gone over all the numbers Danny did in the Roy Jones fight," Shaw told ESPN.com.
However, Schaefer says although they received an offer, they never agreed to it. "There was a deal presented to Bernard and me where Danny Green offered 50-50," explained Schaefer. "We countered that deal and said we would agree to 50-50 if we can keep the U.S. [television] money or put into the joint account in effect the same amount of money which was available to them from the U.S. TV rights for the Jones-Green fight. That in return was declined by Green."
Shaw says he was the one who actually went to HBO and negotiated the fees with the network. "After I met with HBO, Danny spoke with Bernard once or twice and Bernard suddenly changed the deal," Shaw said. "He told Danny he wanted all of the HBO money because he was bringing HBO, which wasn't accurate because I was the one who went to HBO and negotiated the money."
"Once Bernard changed the deal, Danny said it was a non-starter," added Shaw. "So let them go their separate ways."
Ishida Hopes To Land Bout Against Foreman
According to Kyodo News, interim WBA light middleweight champ Nobuhiro Ishida (22-5-2 7KOs) hopes to land a title bout against full WBA champ Yuri Foreman (28-0 8KOs) in the near future. Ishida may have to wait a while as Foreman is among the possible opponents being named for Manny Pacquiao should the bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. not get completed.
Roach Bothered By Allegations Against Pacquiao
Trainer Freddie Roach has become somewhat bothered by the recent allegations of his fighter Manny Pacquiao using performance-enhacing drugs. Roach feels the public's perception is that Pacquiao is using steroids. “The general public now thinks Manny’s on steroids,” Roach told the Manila Bulletin. Roach says he has been unable to get in contact with Pacquiao to discuss matters and future plans pertaining to the potential bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13.
“This is the reason why I want to talk to him,” said Roach. “I think we could still find a way to make the fight happen by agreeing on a compromise.”
John Wants Next Bout In Indonesia
WBA featherweight champ Chris John hopes his next bout will take place back home in Indonesia in front of his own fans. John has not fought in Indonesia since scoring a seventh round TKO over Roinet Caballero on 1/26/08 and his last three bouts took place in Japan and in the U.S. (twice). “I want to hit the ring again in April next year, and I want it to be in Indonesia,” John told Jakarta Globe.
However, if John is to fight outside the U.S., he will need to find a promoter as his current contract with Golden Boy Promotions is only valid for bouts that take place in the U.S. “If I want to fight outside the U.S., then I have to find another promoter and sponsors to make it happen,” said John.
Arum Becoming Less Optimistic of Mayweather/Pacquiao Deal
Manny Pacquiao's promoter and Top Rank boss Bob Arum is becoming less optimistic that deal between his fighter and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be agreed upon. Given the recent issues regarding the testing procedures, Arum said both sides are standing their ground and it may be best for all parties to move forward and try to make a deal at a later time. "This is only my opinion, but I don't see the fight happening now. Positions are hardening. I talked to [Pacquiao's advisor], and Manny's fit to be tied. He's very angry. It might be best to visit this fight later in 2010," Arum told the Los Angeles Times.
Meet & Greet Puerto Rican Style
Everlast and Promociones Miguel Cotto will host four Meet & Greet events on Sunday, January 3rd featuring several of Puerto Rico’s best boxers at select Sears and Kmart locations across the island. The boxers will include featherweight Jose Miguel Cotto (31-1, 23 KOs), lightweight Juan Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs), lightweight Abner Cotto (6-0, 4 KOs) and featherweight Jayson Velez (11-0, 9 KOs). All of the fighters will be available to sign autographs and take pictures with their fans. The Meet & Greet will also be a festivity for The Three Kings Day, a traditional holiday of gift-giving celebrated in Puerto Rico. The Meet & Greet will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the following Sears and Kmart locations: * Juan Gonzalez will appear at Sears in Mayaguez, PR
* Jose Miguel Cotto will appear at Sears in San Juan, PR
* Abner Cotto will appear at Sears in Bayamon, PR
* Jayson Velez will appear at Kmart in San Juan, PR
Joseph Judah Launches "Joseph Judah Promotions"
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - (December 30, 2009) Joseph Judah has launched a new boxing promotional company entitled Joseph Judah Promotions, he will make his 2010 boxing debut on a fight card promoted by Clip Boxing on friday night, January 29 in Detroit Michigan against TBA. Joseph Judah is a undefeated welterweight boxing prospect and the younger brother of former undisputed world champion Zab Judah. Joseph at this point in his boxing career is focused, on taking the sport of pro boxing to the next level in 2010. He wants to build his fan base, increase his marketability and exposure. He wants to fight often and show the boxing world he has the potential to become a world champion..
Joseph Judah is not just a fighter, he is also a entertainer who will be seen in commercials, television projects, music projects, films and media campaigns in 2010.
The launching of Joseph Judah Promotions will allow Joseph Judah to execute his innovative vision, that will lead him to becoming a world champion and one of the next mainstream boxing
Macke Roberts said "Joseph Judah was born and raised from birth into the pro boxing game. Joseph Judah comes from a world championship caliber pedigree and he has the dedication, focus and desire to become a world champion. The launching of Joseph Judah Promotions will be his springboard to becoming the next boxing mainstream superstar."
Joseph Judah said "My plans for my promotion company is to take the sport of boxing to the next level. Joseph Judah Promotions is gonna take the boxing business to a new frontier that has never been reached before."
Joseph Judah said "When I step in the ring on January 29th, the boxing world can expect me to represent Brooklyn to the fullest and start the new year off with a bang."
The focus of Joseph Judah Promotions is to put on fan friendly fight cards that will be exciting for our fans. We want to give the boxing fans quality boxing events on a consistent basis.
Joseph Judah Promotions is interested in working closely with corporate sponsors, television, cable networks and business executives to create innovative marketing strategies to increase live event ticket sales, revenue, and television ratings for the sport of pro boxing. Joseph Judah Promotions has plans to promote live boxing events at various venues in the USA, Canada, UK & South America in 2010.
Joseph Judah Promotions would like to thank our corporate business partners Swagg DVD, DIA Entertainment & LV Fitted.
Olubamiwo Takes A Step Up In Class Against Belshaw
LARRY OLUBAMIWO will be pushed towards a British heavyweight title because his promoter fears time might catch up. 'The War Machine', 31, takes a step up in class when he meets Irish puncher Scott Belshaw at Brentwood Centre on Friday 22nd January. Olubamiwo (6-1) knows an impressive performance against Belshaw (10-3) will put him in the title picture.
The Londoner's promoter Frank Maloney said: "I am going to start moving Larry up in class this year. "If he keeps making progress he should be in a position to fight for the British title by the end of 2010.
"People might say I am rushing Larry, but he doesn't have as much time on his side as younger fighters in my stable like Tom Dallas and David Price."
Five of Larry's six victims have failed to last two rounds and Maloney added: "Belshaw has critics but can hit.
"I promoted him early on and had real hopes, but our relationship never really worked out.
"It is a big chance for him to prove me wrong for giving him his contract back.
"He has lost a couple recently but that was against Tyson Fury and Audley Harrison. If Larry does as good a job then he deserves to be up there."
Top of the bill is Ian Napa's (19-7) British bantamweight title defence against Jamie McDonnell (12-2-1)
On the same bill Cheshunt's cocky Ashley Sexton (8-0) faces fellow extrovert Usman Ahmed (6-2-1) in a clash for the vacant English flyweight championship.
On the comeback trail is former British super-featherweight champion Carl Johanneson (27-4) who boxes for the first time since his defeat to Kevin Mitchell in March 2008.
Tickets for this top class show, priced £80 and £35 are available on line www.frankmaloney.com or 0871 226 1508
Giving Up Titles Is A Possibility For Munroe
RENDALL MUNROE will meet Frank Maloney this weekend to discuss his ring future.
The Commonwealth and European super-bantamweight title holder will be meet Maloney at the FA Cup tie between Millwall and the team he loves to hate Derby County.
Early in 2010 Leicester City fan Munroe will face Victor Terrazas in a final eliminator for the WBC world title held by Japanese ace Toshiaki Nishioka.
Maloney explained: "There is a lot to talk about when I meet Rendall, but giving up his titles is a possibility because there will be obligations expected.
"The Commonwealth council have been patient and Rendall has been a fantastic EBU champion and faced every mandatory contender.
"Because the Terrazas fight appears imminent he will not be able to defend either title in the first few months of 2010 and it would be unfair to hold up other boxers like Jason Booth."
Maloney has revealed that he has already received a "derisory offer" for Munroe to face Terrazas in Mexico.
He added: "Because of the holiday period I haven't spoke to anybody directly from Terrazas's promotional team, but I will next week and make a tempting offer
"We had one offer top go over there which shows they want to the fight on, but I am just as desperate to get home advantage.
"It could well go to purses bids in mid-January and I would be hopeful of winning, but we cannot leave anything to chance if the Mexicans win it.
"They could suddenly put a date on us, but if they did we would already have a training camp in the US or Mexico sorted and be ready to go."
Brook vs Bienias February 13
Hot prospect for 2010 Kell Brook will face tough Eastern European opposition on February 13 in an eliminator for the WBO World Welterweight title currently held by pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. The 23-year-old British champion, and 2009's British Boxing Writers' Young Boxer of the Year, takes on Poland's Krzysztof Bienias at Wembley Arena on Frank Warren's huge Night of the Champions extravaganza. Bienias is the current WBO Intercontinental champion,
Brook, who is undefeated in 20 fights and who has just raced to a Lonsdale belt outright inside 12 months, is rated seven by the organisation.
"Bienias has a great record and he's going to be a very dangerous opponent," said the Sheffield sensation.
"He's the kind of guy that I need to beat if I'm going to get to world level.
"He's above me in the ratings and if I beat him then I'm going to be progressing nicely and I'll be one step closer to that world title opportunity.
"Bienias hasn't been beaten for five years and he'll be coming to London to win.
"But it's a fantastic opportunity for me to make a big statement and I'll be looking to keep up my run of KO victories.
"I've been saying for the last year that I want to be tested and I'm ready for world level and this fight is the perfect chance to do just that.
"Winning the Lonsdale belt outright is a dream come true but it's just the start. 2010 is going to be my year and I'll be the name on everybody's lips.
"I want to be a world champion by the end of the year."
Main event features the explosive heavyweight showdown between British heavyweight champion Danny Williams and Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton; Kevin Mitchell's WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title defence; Derek Chisora versus Matt Skelton for the Vacant English Heavyweight Championship;
Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150, are available from:
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Doctor Arrives To Test Pacquiao
Representing the Philippine Olympic Committee, Dr. Alex Pineda has arrived in General Santos City to conduct the urine test ordered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission earlier this week. Results are expected within a week from when the sample is submitted to the lab.
Labao Gets Second Chance At WBO-Asia Pacific Title
Rey Labao (17-2 12KOs) will get a second opportunity to win the WBO Asia-Pacific super featherweight title when he faces Yulio Moro (17-5 15KOs) on January 15 in Yinchuan, China. Labao came up short on his first opportunity when he lost to Jesus Muzaka via a twelve round unanimous decision on 7/31/09.
The title became vacant when Muzaka dropped a ten round unanimous decision to Czar Amonsot in a non-title bout on 10/16/09.
More On Edison Miranda
Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda, who was scheduled to fight for the WBO belt against Robert Stieglitz
“I want to apologize to everyone, Robert Stieglitz, Universum, the WBO, my team, and all boxing fans for not being able to make this fight happen. I am very upset with having to cancel. This was a great opportunity for me. Hopefully we can try to reschedule sometime in the next 4-6 weeks.” According to Team Pantera there are other opportunities that have been mentioned if the Stieglitz camp decides not to reschedule this bout. One name that has been mention is IBF belt holder Lucian Bute
Universum Responds To Dzinziruk Comments
Universum Box-Promotion would like to make a clear statement about comments recently made by WBO super welterweight world champion Sergiy Dzinziruk and put the record straight.
Dietmar Poszwa, member of the Universum management: "There has been a court case between Universum and Sergiy Dzinziruk in which the validity of his contract has been examined. The court ruled in Universum's favour. There have been reports that Sergiy is a free agent but that is not true. According to the court ruling made by the district court in Hamburg on November 13 2009, he is still bound by contract exclusively with Universum. Additionally, Universum is, contrary to allegations made by Dzinziruk, not responsible that intended fights against Paul Williams and James Kirkland couldn't be realized. Those fights failed due to a lack of interest from the U.S. TV and the high purse demand of Dzinziruk.
"We would like to point out that as a result of the court ruling Sergiy Dzinziruk has indicated his wish towards Universum to be released from the contract by buying himself out once he receives an offer from another promotor. We have agreed to this. If Sergiy Dzinziruk has paid this money he will be free but at the moment there is no such offer."
Oliveira Establishes Himself As Top Prospect For 2010
MIAMI (Dec. 29, 2009) – Undefeated Brazilian middleweight “Chairman of the Board” Michael Oliveira (11-0, 9 KOs), 8-0 (6 KOs) in 2009, established himself as one of the top prospects to watch in 2010.
The 19-year-old Oliveira, living in Miami and attending Miami Dade Community College, went into 2009 with three first-round knockout wins in his first three pro fights. The hard-punching teenager fought all over this past year, starting with another first-round knockout of Michael Bradley
Back in Indianapolis, Oliveira knocked out Joe Howard in the opening round and then Michael stepped-up in class to win the vacant UNBC Latin middleweight title on 9/11, taking an 8-round decision against Robert Kliewer (10-8-2) in Pompano Beach (FL).
In perhaps his most significant win to date on November 7, fighting on the Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson HBO card in Hartford (CT), Oliveira pounded Francisco Ruben Osorio (12-6) until he was unable to answer the bell for the eighth round.
Oliveira registered another first-round TKO win December 7 against Gustavo De La Cruz and only 11 days later in Haiti, Michael closed his perfect 2009 campaign by stopping Eduardo Mercedes (5-2) in the second round.
Oliveira feels that the area of most improvement was in his maturatio