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THE SAGA OF SALVADOR SANCHEZ CONTINUES…

 The legacy of the late great featherweight champion Salvador Sanchez picks up with his now professionally active 24-year-old nephew of the same name, Salvador Sanchez II. Nearly identical in physical stature and looks, Sanchez hails from the same hometown as his uncle, Santiago - Tianguistenco, Mexico, and fights as a featherweight wearing the same trunks, robes and shoes that his uncle, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991, adorned over 30 years ago.

 Sanchez turned pro in 2005 and has thus far built a record of 19-3-2 (9 KOs), losing only once in his last 22 starts. Managed by Grant Elvis Phillips, Sanchez was recently signed to a promotional contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. In his first fight for the promotional company, Sanchez thrilled a crowd of over 50,000 fans with a devastating knockout of Jaime Villa at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, on the Pacquiao-Clottey undercard.

 “Salvador wanted to be a fighter since he was little,” said Phillips, of his fighter’s aspirations. “His parents wanted him to go to school, similar to the original Salvador Sanchez, whose parents didn’t want him to be a boxer, either. They wanted him to go to college.”

 Sanchez is trained by the venerable Abel Sanchez, along with strength and conditioning coach Chris Tirado, and will be returning to the ring on June 26, 2010, on his biggest stage yet, live on Pay-Per-View, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, as part of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.-John Duddy undercard. His opponent will be the tough Tomas Villa, who waged a war against hard-hitting future title challenger Rogers Mtagwa, in 2008, in one of the year’s best fights.

 

 

 

 

Gary Hyde wins ruling to continue managing

2-time Olympic champion Guillermo Rigondeaux

Manager wants star back with Freddie Roach

 

 

MIAMI (May 25, 2010) – Irish boxing manager Gary Hyde, who last December  won a legal judgment in Miami to manage two-time Olympic champion Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux, recently received legal confirmation to continue managing the Cuban boxing star, effectively knocking out Hyde’s opposition for control of Rigondeaux’ pro boxing career. Defendants had sought reconsideration of the ruling and that was denied.

 

Rigondeaux (5-0, 4 KOs), fighting as a super bantamweight out of Miami, defecting from Cuba, where he was a 7-time national champion. The 29-year-old southpaw also won multiple World Championships titles, as well as a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-Am Games, during his incredible 243-4 amateur career.

 

In order to develop “Rigo” into a world champion, arrangements were made for 4-time Trainer of the Year, Freddie Roach, to become Rigondeaux’ head trainer, as well as for Guillermo to workout at Roach’s famed Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. “The two have unfortunately parted ways,” Hyde said. “Misinformation and false accusations against Roach were made by people who have been controlling Rigondeaux. The truth is ‘Rigo’ left Freddie because Roach said he wasn’t in proper condition to fight April 10 (at Sunrise, FL) because he’d been training only two weeks. ‘Rigo’ shared Roach’s apartment with Jose Benevidez, Sr. and Jr. and he received excellent treatment from everybody at the Wild Card Gym.

 

“They said Freddie didn’t have the authority to prevent ‘Rigo” from fighting (Apr. 10), so, as his manager, I stopped him from taking that fight. Then they instructed ‘Rigo” to leave Freddie and return to Miami. Roach and Rigondeaux work amazingly well together and understand each other very well. Freddie said that ‘Rigo’ is one of the best fighters he has ever worked with and predicts he’ll be world champion.”

 

Hyde remains in Rigondeaux’ corner despite interference from others, building on a relationship they started years ago when Gary helped ‘Rigo” to defect and relocate.

 

Hyde has agreed in principle for a multi-million dollar promotional deal which would make ‘Rigo’ the highest earning super bantamweight of all-time. “It’s in Guillermo’s best interest to return to Los Angeles and resume training with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym,” Hyde concluded. “Freddie knows what it’ll take to make ‘Rigo’ a world conqueror like so many of his other fighters over the years. Rigondeaux will be 100-percent ready for every fight when Freddie Roach is working his corner again.”

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Kid Chocolate” plays Wild Card;

Unbeaten middleweight Peter Quillin

to train with Freddie Roach

 

NEW YORK (Apr. 28, 2010) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (21-0, 15 KOs) is following the advice from the famous quote attributed to Horace Greeley, “Go West, young man, go West.”

 

Quillin, who was rated as high as No. 5 by the IBF before a series of unfortunate circumstances, due to three consecutive injuries, cost him 18-months of his career. He will soon be moving from New York to Los Angeles, where he will now be handled by 4-time Trainer of the Year, Freddie Roach, at his famed Wild Card Gym.

 

“I still have a lot of things to learn and I will get better with Freddie Roach,” Quillin commented. “I’m excited about moving to California. Colin (his trainer up until this point, Colin Morgan) got me to where I am today and I will always be indebted to him for being there for me since the first time I came to New York. My relocating to the West Coast has nothing to do with him. I thank him for everything. However, I feel a change in my life, so I can continue fully focusing on boxing, will benefit me.”

 

“Freddie’s hot, the West Coast is hot, and that’s where Pete needs to be training at this stage of his career,” Quillin’s promoter, Gotham Boxing President Cedric Kushner, said about Quillin’s June 1^st relocation plan. “The bottom line is this is an opportunity of a lifetime that Pete can’t afford to pass-up.”

 

Quillin is one of the most entertaining, marketable, young (26 years old) boxers -- before, during and after his fights. Fans can’t wait for him to toss chocolate candies into the crowd as he leaves the ring, which has fast become a popular tradition for the son of a Cuban father.

 

“Pete’s ready for another level and at Wild Card he’ll have the best sparring in the world, work with the best trainer in boxing, and train in an incredible boxing atmosphere,” Quillin’s manager John Seip explained. “I can’t say enough about the work Colin did with Pete. This change has nothing to do with him; we just couldn’t ask for more than having Pete train with Freddie at the Wild Card Gym. This is an opportunity we couldn’t refuse because he’s 21-0 and needs to get to the next level in order to pursue his dream of becoming world middleweight champion. Moving to LA will put him in the best position to attain his career goals.

 

“The transition for Pete going out there will be easier because of Martin Snow, a close friend of mine who owns the Trinity Boxing Club in New York City, where Peter has trained. Martin opened up a Trinity Boxing Club in Los Angeles and he was instrumental in getting us involved with Freddie.”

 

For more information about Pete “Kid Chocolate” Qullin go to www.GothamBoxing.com.

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPADAFORA CONTINUES WINNING WAYS

- Ron Ross

 

Excerpt from Boxing News article

 

            If, per chance, former IBF Lightweight titleholder Paul Spadafora, would have been

heard crooning,

 

                                    “I get a kick ev’rytime I see

                                    You standing there before me.

                                    I get a kick though it’s clear to me

                                    You obviously don’t adore me…..

                                    Yet I get a kick out of you.”

 

last night at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it would have seemed most appropriate to those in attendance, even though Mr. Cole Porter did not write the lyrics “I Get A Kick Out Of You” with Messrs. Spadafora and Ivan Fiorletta in mind.

 

            In a fight that saw the 34-year-old Pittsbugh Kid continue his comeback march in a career interrupted by a problem plagued personal life that included two jail stints, Spadafora dominated the scheduled 10-rounder against the dead game but out-gunned and out-maneuvered brawler from Abbruzzo,Italy to the extent where frustration took over and Fiorletta resorted to tactics, including kicking and wrestling, that would have elicited praise and adulation from the most discerning of Mixed Martial Arts fans. From a knee to the Netherlands to a various assortment of head locks, the 30-year-old Fiorletta waged his desperation battle.

            The first three round were close with Fiorletta bringing the fight to Spadafora and outfighting him in the early exchanges. When Spadafora picked up his attack in the third round, Fiorletta continued fighting back but now Spadafora was getting the better of the exchanges and was gliding around the ring, slipping and sliding out of range of his opponent’s persistent attack. By the fourth round, Spadafora began making his indelible statement snapping out an assortment of cluster punches – right jab, left cross, right hook – and also began digging savage hooks to the body that were visibly taking their toll. By the fifth round Spadafora was in complete command but Fiorletta was courageous in his efforts to fight back. The “Matador”, as he is known in his native Italy, had now stepped out of his role and fought more like a maddened bull. In the sixth round, what he was unable to accomplish with his fists he tried with a knee to the groin. This was very unacceptable behavior to referee Frank Gentile who immediately deducted a point from Fiorletta’s score, which was like taking an IOU from a penniless pauper. Meanwhile, Spadafora was winging away with a vicious body attack which was visibly taking the starch out of his now totally frustrated opponent.

 

            As the seventh round began, with his wild but earnest punches missing their mark, Fiorletta once again resorted to the headlock tactic as Spadafora had him wincing in pain, hammering both hands to the body.  At this point Frank Gentile had seen enough of what had evolved into a one-sided mugging and called a halt at the 40 second mark of the seventh round. Spadafora, 143 ¼, now 44(18)-0-1, is definitely a man in search of a crown – as long as he stays on that straight and narrow path. Fiorletta, 144 ¼, 24(8)-6-2 is too tough a fighter to keep down. A bit of a rest for those aching ribs and he’ll be back.

 

Spadafora & Fiorletta pose with Sam Cohen, VP of FL Boxing Hall of Fame after the fight

 

 

With his cheering contigent of fans stunned to silence, Erik “The Viking” Leander, local favorite from Boca Raton, found himself on the other end of the big punch. Leander, 247 and previously undefeated, 8(6)-0, came charging out at the opening bell snorting and punching as is his usual no frills style. But something was different. His opponent, Jason Barnett of St. Petersburg, FL, 218, a 35 year old veteran with not very imposing credentials, having lost 10 of his previous 21 fights and having been stopped 4 times, punched back instead of folding up like an accordion. Getting punched back is something that Erik Leander is not quite accustomed to. As he was bullying Barnett on the ropes midway through the first round, Leander was tagged with a right to the jaw that deposited him on the canvas. It was never the same Leander after that. He got up, visibly still hurt and with an “I don’t believe it” expression. He believed it after being dropped a second time by a two-fisted barrage to the head from a now confident Barnett. Leander came out for the second round trying to put the pieces back together again, but like Humpty Dumpty, it couldn’t be done. His roundhouse attempts were short-circuited by the faster, straighter fusillade of blows that Barnett countered with and it was all over at 31 seconds of round two of the scheduled six.

 

RR

 

 

 

 

 

Danny McDermott Returns to North Bergen 3/25 in First Title Fight

Release- Jersey City, NJ (March 4, 2010) - Lightweight prospect Danny "Little Mac" McDermott will look to add the NABC title to his trophy case when he returns to action on Thursday, March 25 at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ. The fight will be McDermott's first eight-round assignment, headlining Pound for Pound Promotions' "March Badness" card. McDermott's opponent will be announced shortly.

"It's an honor to fight for my first professional championship in front of my hometown fans," said McDermott, 8-1 (3 KO) at the Irish eatery The Quays in Hoboken. "Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of being called 'champion'. This is just a start but I can't look past the task in front of me. 2010 is going to be my breakout year."

The Jersey City, NJ native McDermott will make his first ring appearance since knocking out Floriano Pagliara in two rounds last May. Pagliara has since beaten undefeated prospect Antonio Espinosa and went the distance with 13-0 fighter Diego Magdaleno. McDermott's amateur career consisted of 50+ bouts but most of his experience came from sparring with champions Arturo Gatti, Bones Adams and Paul Malignaggi, among others.

"Pound for Pound is glad to be back in Schuetzen Park and proud to have Danny McDermott as a headliner," says promoter John Lynch. "Danny is always an exciting fighter and we expect him to thrill the crowd as usual."

Schuetzen Park, which is gaining a reputation as New Jersey's most popular venue for club shows, is often called "The House that McDermott Built", due in large part to McDermott's five exhilirating wars in the ballroom. The North American Boxing Council belt has been worn by former great Felix Trinidad, as well as Joshua Clottey and Stevie Johnston.

The card will also feature fellow Jersey City native Patrick Farrell, as well as Victor Valenzuela, Steven Martinez, Eilon Kedem, Chris Green and Abe Torres.
Tickets, priced $100, $50 and $35, can be purchased by calling (561) 503-9948. Schuetzen Park is located at 3167 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen, NJ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harris returns Friday night against Zumbrun

 

NEW YORK (Jan. 27, 2010) – Dangerous Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris, returns to the ring Friday night in Albuquerque against veteran Billy “The Kid” Zumbrun.

 

The 33-year-old Harris (20-14-2, 10 KOs), winner of the 2002 ‘Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament,” has been inactive for more than two years due to promotional problems. His fight against battled-tested Zumbrun marks Harris’ debut as a member of the new Boxing 360 stable.

 

In 2002, Harris knocked out previously unbeaten and future world title-holder Sergey Lyakhovich (16-0) in the ninth round. Harris earned a spot in that November’s “Thunderbox” tournament, eventually capturing the $100,000 winner’s purse by out-pointing  Gerald Nobles, Israel Garcia and Anthony Thompson, respectively, in 3-round matches in the same evening.

 

During the course of his up-and-down career, Maurice has also defeated David Izon, Jimmy Thunder and Jeremy Williams.

 

Harris fought only four times in the last six years and he’s anxious to get back into the heavyweight picture. “I’m ready and feel great,” Harris said. “I’m older, wiser and my experience is my greatest advantage. I’m going to really crack this guy and show people some new things that they haven’t seen from me. Look out heavyweights!”

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YURI FOREMAN CELEBRATES CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

IN TRUE THANKSGIVING STYLE

-Ron Ross

Nov. 24, 2009

            Teaming up with the Israeli Consul General Asaf Shariv, newly crowned junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman was a knockout winner on everyone’s card as he shared a brisk Tuesday morning handing out turkeys to hundreds of people in need in the Starrett City section of Brooklyn. The Fighting Rabbi preached no sermon on this day. He didn’t have to. There are messages that come across clearly and distinctly with actions and deeds.

 

            From the tailgate of a large truck in the parking lot of the Metropolitan Council’s Brooklyn office, Yuri smiled as he personally greeted and handed out over 300 turkeys to the crowd that stretched back about the length of a football field.

                                                               

Asaf Shariv, Israel’s consul General explained, “Israel has a great friendship with the people of New York. When Yuri said that he wanted to give back to the city, I could think of no better way than to go directly to the community. Since Thanksgiving is a time traditionally used to thank those around us, we decided to hand out turkeys to those in need – regardless of religious background.”

            “The best way to celebrate is to share with others. I am humbled to give back to the community and share with those that are less fortunate,” Yuri foreman said.

 

 

It wasn’t a boxing crowd that braved the early morning chill and stood on line for more than two hours but they all met a champ – a real champ. They each shook his hand. He smiled at them and brought a little more happiness and a joyous holiday into their lives. One elderly woman, as she left the lot with her turkey in her arms, was stopped by a passing stranger who, seeing the crowd, asked  what was going on. She smiled and pointed at the truck. “He’s the champion. From the whole world, he’s the champion.”

 

RR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undefeated Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez

headlines Thursday night in Rochester

 

WORCESTER, Mass. (Nov. 17, 2009) – Undefeated Dominican sensation Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez, rated No. 13 by the NABA, headlines Thursday night’s pro boxing card in Rochester (NY).

 

Rodriguez (12-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Worcester (MA), takes on veteran super middleweight Brian “The Assassin” Norman (17-9, 5 KOs) in the 8-round main event.

 

The 24-year-old Rodriguez will be fighting in Rochester for the second time in three months. Norman, who went the distance with current WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal and unbeaten world title contender Joe Greene, figures to be Rodriguez’ stiffest test to date.

 

“Norman has been in with a lot of good guys and experience is on his side,” Rodriguez said. “But I want to learn something new every fight. In my last fight (WDEC8 vs. Darnell Boone), I learned that, if I hit my opponent with a good shot but he acts like it didn’t hurt him, it probably did. Now, if that happens, I know that I have to keep the pressure on and to get him out of there. We’ve also been working hard on not getting hit as much; slipping and not pulling back. I have my hands up more, too. The best defense is a good offense. I’m working on not rolling back and throwing more combinations.”

 

The lean, 6-foot Rodriguez has long arms and a tremendous reach advantage against most opponents. “I look tall and skinny,” Edwin explained, “but I’m stronger than my opponents. I have to take advantage of my size by applying pressure and being in charge.

 

“Rochester has great fights fans and they’ll be behind me again. I’m very happy to be fighting there once again.”

 

Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about Rodriguez.

 

-ER-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECT IN THE WORKS . .  .

Joe Smith “The Irish Bomber” Backs it Up!

By: Coach “K”                                                                                                                                   October 31^st on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s CES “Fright Night” at the Mohegan Sun Long Islands  Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith who punched his way through the amateur’s winning New York Metro and Gold Gloves Championships backed it up as a pro.

Smith a 6 foot, 178lber made his long awaited pro debut in impressive fashion destroying Newark, New Jersey’s David Brown in one. Smith known for his devastating punch as an amateur took it to the pro’s this time demonstrating some veteran type patience.

         A successful pro debut for Smith

After shaking off the expected nerves “The Irish Bomber” showed the maturity needed as a pro. Taking his time using a wicked jab to walk down the bigger Brown, Smith measured then caught him with a tracer type jab stunning and lining him up for a straight right hand bomb that detonated on contact dropping Brown into the ropes like he just got hit with the “blarney stone” itself. Then the young pro showed his killer instinct immediately banging the defenseless Brown with both hands forcing the referee Danny Schiavone to pull him off stopping it at 2:35 of round one bringing the large Smith following and most of the Mohegan Sun boxing fans to there feet. Brown was overheard passing press row tell his handler “the kid can $#%^@ punch!

Team Smith is managed by Phil Capobianco and trained by his brother Gerry. The Capobianco brothers both former fighters come from a boxing family as their father John was an accomplished light heavyweight fighting from 1973-1982 and should give Smith a solid base. The managerial guidance and training from brothers Capobianco together with Smith’s raw two handed punching power and developing boxing skills has had him compared to the likes of Kelly Pavlik and Irish Bob Murphy. Having had the pleasure to watch his career advance I can guarantee he has what its takes and a must see. He will give the Irish boxing loyal something to be proud of and surely give John Duddy a run for his 'airgead'.

 "K"

 

 

 

Ivan Calderon fighting for

all-time best pure boxer legacy

Calderon-Mayol II, Martinez-Rodriguez world title fights Sept. 12 PPV live from San Juan

 

HOBOKEN, N.J. (August 31, 2009) – WBO light flyweight champion Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon (32-0-1, 6 KOs), also The Ring magazine’s titlist, defends both belts September 12 against No. 1 contender Rodel “Kid Rapido” Mayol (25-3-1, 19 KOs) in the 12-round main event headlining the “Undefeated Champions” pay per view event, airing live in the United States from the Coliseum of Puerto Rico in San Juan.

 

WBO super featherweight title-holder Roman “Rocky” Martinez (22-0-1, 13 KOs) makes his first title defense in the 12-round co-feature WBO No. 9 rated Vincente Martin “El Mono” Rodriguez (25-2-1, 13 KOs).

 

“Undefeated Champions” is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

 

Calderon-Mayol is a rematch of a brawl this past June held in Madison Square Garden that ended in a six-round technical draw because Ivan was unable to continue due to a cut from an accidental head butt he suffered in the fourth round.

 

“The fight at the time of the stoppage was very tight,” Calderon said from training camp in Puerto Rico. “I started very slow but, between rounds, I was getting my rhythm. The fight was my first in Madison Square Garden and I felt pressure to look good and put on a good performance. Mayol has fast hands. He came to box, not to try for a knockout like everybody else. He’s one of the best fighters in the world right now in the 108-pound division.

 

“Fans can always expect from me to hit and not be hit. I am the best pure boxer in the business and I need to do that to win this fight. I want to unify my title with the other champions – Edgar Sosa (WBC), Brian Viloria (IBF) and Giovanni Segura (WBA) – and then try and move up to 112 pounds to become world champion in three divisions and retire undefeated. I want everybody to remember me as the best pure fighter in the world and a champion who helps his people.”

 

The “Unbeaten Champions” PPV card, presented by PR Best Boxing Promotions, Inc., also include a 10-round super flyweight bout between Juan “Panterita” Mercedes (23-2, 16 KOs) and Jesus “Changa” Martinez (18-6, 11 KOs), as well as unbeaten cruiserweight prospect Carlos Negron (3-0, 3 KOs), 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, against Larry Carter (3-4-1, 3 KOs).

 

For more information about the “Undefeated Champions” PPV show, go on line to www.integratedsportsnet.com.

 

-IS-

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARRIS CLEARED TO FIGHT

CARLSTADT, NJ. (August 27, 2009) — Former Junior Welterweight champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris has been medically cleared to fight after collapsing from an accidental head butt in his last outing.

On August 14, in Tucson, AZ, Harris collapsed about 90 seconds into the 2nd-round after clashing heads with Noe Balanos in a bout that was shown live on ESPN.  After taking a knee, Harris got to his feet, but then collapsed after walking to his corner.

The 31-year-old Harris was taken to a nearby hospital for observation and was given a precautionary CAT scan that came back negative. He was released from the hospital around midnight. After returning to his home in Carlstadt, NJ, Harris visited his neurologist as a further precaution.  

“I’m OK. All the tests came back negative. My health is my number one concern so I made sure I took all the necessary medical precautions before I resume fighting. “Harris said. “Unfortunately these types of things happen but I’m back in the gym, and I look forward to fighting again before the end of the year.”

Harris, who recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions, is determined to work his way back to a title shot in the talent-filled 140 lb-division.  

MV
  

 

 

 

 

 

GOODBYE TO GATTI . . . 

 

NOTE ; I wrote this article a while back. In light of his tragic death...All I can say is boxing lost a great warrior. Rest in peace Arturo.

 

 

Arturo is probably my favorite boxer active today. What tremendous fights he has given boxing fans. The trilogy with Mickey Ward and his wars with Wilson Rodriguez and Gabe Ruelas, etc... He is a warrior in every sense of the word.

As much as I like Arturo I feel he has without a doubt reached the end of the line after being defeated by Alfonso Gomez. This was a fight that Arturo was not supposed to lose..Gatti could expect a tough fight but he was expected to go out a winner. To me Gomez is a naturally talented boxer with a great personality. He really won over the fans on the " Contender " show. Still I thought he had limitations and I really didn't think he could beat Arturo Gatti. Not even a fading version of Gatti. Whatever Gomez could do, Artuto could do better. Every match up, jab, hand speed , power, defense and ring generalship all favored Arturo. This is not a knock against Gomez who can be quite a clever boxer when he chooses to. Gomez also has some sting to his punches and is better defensively then he is given credit for. He just does not do these things as well as Arturo. Or so I thought. I also thought Gatti had the edge in heart because of his proven track record against world class opposition. Gomez though had shown great heart in his performances too.

How did I see the fight coming out ? I saw Gatti winning it . I envisioned him busting Gomez up early with his jab and sharp counterpunches. He might even knock Alfonso down but I doubted if he would be able to keep the gutsy Gomez on the canvas. I felt midway through the fight there would be some wild exchanges as Arturo may get careless in his eagerness to put Gomez away. Finally Gatti would settle down and get back to his game plan, chopping Gomez up with stinging rapid fire combinations.

It would be a nice payday and swan song for the most exciting boxer of this era, Arturo Gatti. Boy was I ever wrong. Arturo was handed a good old fashioned whipping by Gomez. Was Gomez that good or had Arturo slipped more then I realized ? This remains to be seen. No doubt that Gomez has stepped up. How far he will go remains to be seen. It is now painfully obvious though that Arturo Gatti has reached the end of line. He may not have gone out a winner but he'll always be remembered as a great warrior by the fans. Goodbye Arturo...

 

                                                                                       Jim Amato

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy added to “Braggin’ Rights” Card July 17th show at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (July 6, 2009) – Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy has been added to the July 17th “Braggin’ Rights” Pro-Am boxing card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln.

Philadelphia native Lundy (13-0-1) will be fighting in Rhode Island for the fourth time as a professional. He was rated No. 5 in the world as an amateur before turning pro, capturing several regional titles, as well as winning a silver medal at the 2005 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The electrifying, young fighter knocked out previously unbeaten Jason Cintron (10-0) on the road in April. “Hammerin’” Hank has also knocked off 7-0 Esteban Almarez by 4-round decision and fought 8-0 Darnell Jiles, Jr. to a 4-round draw in an exciting bout broadcasted on national television.

Lundy faces another former amateur star, Providence’s upset-minded Josh “Bam Bam” Beeman (4-3-3, 2 KOs), in the 6-round co-main event. Lundy-Beeman replaces the scheduled cruiserweight match between Rich Gingras and Tim Flamos that was canceled due to the former being ill and hospitalized.

“Hank is one of the most exciting young fighters in the country,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “Fans really love watching him fight because he gives them what they want – thrilling action for every second of each round – and that’s why he’s quickly becoming an adopted son in Rhode Island. This kid will fight anybody, anywhere, and he’s been very successful doing just that. Josh was a tremendous amateur, too. His pro career has been filled with unfulfilled potential, which can become closer to reality with an upset of Lundy. Beeman’s well skilled and aiming to prove that he can be every bit as good as a pro as he was an amateur.”

The other co-main event is a 6-round rematch of interstate Milltown rivals, EBA New England lightweight champion Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (11-0, 4 KOs), of Pawtucket (RI), and challenger Sean Eklund (6-4, 1 KO), who is trained by his uncle, “Irish” Micky Ward.

CES’ latest signee, super middleweight Vladine Biosse (1-0, 1 KO), who played football at the University of Rhode Island and Dean College, has moved from the gridiron into the ring. He makes his CES debut in a 4-round fight against an opponent to be determined.

Also on the July 17 card are a pair of unbeaten local favorites, cruiserweight Jay Holland (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Billy Greenwalt, and exciting light welterweight Diego Pereira (3-0, 2 KOs), in 4-round bouts.

Five amateur bouts are scheduled, featuring Tommy Duquette (Boston Boxing) vs. Steve Hollden (Balletto), 141 lbs.; Anthony Marsella (Tillinghast) vs. Christobal Marrero (Tomasello), 125 lbs.; Nick DeLomba (Balletto) vs. Jimmy Smith (Portland), 152 lbs.; Mario Morales (Uptown Boxing) vs. Thomas Falowo (Manfredo’s), 178 lbs.; George Yawo (Manfredo’s) vs. Adam Medeiros (TNT Kickboxing), 152 lbs.; Leonedra Lee (Clampitt) vs. Stephanie Steeves (Winsor), 132 lbs.

All pro and amateur bouts and boxers are subject to change.

Rollback ticket prices for “Braggin’ Rights” are $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $65.00 ($10.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and $100.00 ($25.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Braggin’ Rights.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

-CES-

 

 

 

“SHAUN GEORGE/CHRIS HENRY SHOWDOWN IS ON IN PHILLY!!”

(June 25, 2009) The anticipated match-up  between light heavyweight contenders Shaun George  and Chris Henry is on for July 10, 2009! The fight will take place at The Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The ten-round bout, which will be televised on ESPN 2, was added on to an action packed card as the co-feature to Matt Godfrey v. Shawn Hawk.   

George (18-2-2, 9 KO’s) is considered a top contender for the light heavyweight title.  He captured the attention of the boxing world when he destroyed two-time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd last year.  George’s most recent win came last February when he knocked out former world title challenger Jaffa Ballogou in the first round in stunning fashion.

“This is a great fight for Shaun on his path to a future title shot,” said his promoter Lou DiBella.   

Henry (23-2, 18 KO’s) is no stranger to fighting top notch competition like George.  He  has been in the ring with the likes of Adrian Daiconu and Yusef Mack.  The styles of both George and Henry should make for an exciting and fan-friendly match up.

“I feel like every fight is life or death for me,” said George.   “This fight will be no different.  I am on a mission to prove I am the best.”

 

                                                            ###

 

 

 

 

 

“Vicious” Vivian Harris a free agent!

 

CARLSTADT, NJ. (June 17, 2009) — Former Junior Welterweight champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris has announced that he is now officially a free agent. Harris has been granted a release from his contract with Gary Shaw Productions and is now looking to rejuvenate his career and put himself in line for another title shot. The 30-year-old Harris understands that time is precious and that he cannot afford suffer anymore long stretches of inactivity.

“I am putting the past behind me. My main goal is to stay as active as possible,” says Harris, who has only fought once in the last year and a half. “I know that the junior welterweight division is loaded with talent, and I believe that I am up there with the best of them. I just want to fight. I’m ready.”

Harris is trained by famed veteran trainer Tommy Brooks and managed by Humberto Romero. Harris is hungry to get back inside the ring as soon as possible and is open to fighting anyone in the junior welterweight division.

MV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL . . .

PROSPECT DOUGLIN HAS UNIQUE “TRAINER” IN HIS CORNER

 When you talk of boxing history, you usually hear the cliché's such “as in my day” or “the fighters were better back when", or maybe you heard that “fathers can’t be working as their sons head trainer” but . . . as any been trained by their moms?

 Yes indeed,  they did exist, and the most famous may be – "Ma" Stribling, who trained her son, the “Dixie Sensation” Young Stribling, a fine boxer in the late 1920’s. But  since that early time in the twentieth century many fighters were condemned rather than condoned by their moms on the pugilistic science  . . .

 Let me introduce a 21st century version of Mother trains fighter. This fighter is not your average momma’s boy. This boxer adopted this name ten years ago when he first stepped in the ring wearing shorts that read “Momma’s Boy”.

 When asked why a fighter would wear shorts that read "Momma’s Boy" in such a masculine sport is where the fighter's history in boxing begins.  Saphya Douglin is a certified boxing coach, and has been a personal trainer and nutrient specialist for over twenty years. She has been training her son to box since he was eight years old.  While living in Brooklyn she worked part time at the local Boxing Gym where she taught young kids the fundamentals of boxing. Saphya often took son Denis to work with her and it would be fair to say that his love for boxing did not come automatically.  It wasn’t until one day Denis came home from school and had been involved in a fight (let’s just says he didn’t do that well). This is when she pushed him into boxing and began to teach him how to defend himself. No longer thinking like a boxing coach, but as a mother she taught her son the fundamentals of boxing. 

 As time went on Denis grew to love the sport. The local gym closed down and they started training at New York’s Gleason’s Gym. Saphya never boxed competitively, but at Gleason’s she trained and sparred with men and the women in preparation for competition.  Denis continued to train with his mother and Uncle, Delen Parlsey who works as a trainer at the gym. When Denis was in his first year of high school his family moved from Brooklyn to Marlboro Jersey.  Still attending High School in Manhattan and his mom still working as a full time accountant in Brooklyn they would meet and train at Gleason’s gym. At sixteen Denis won the Golden Gloves representing Gleason’s Gym and was the youngest to win at Madison Square Garden. 

However the commute and the long hours of training started to put a strain on Denis’s school work.  His mother then decided to transfer him to high school in New Jersey and look for a gym closer to home.  This landed them at Middletown PAL in Middletown NJ, and although they met some really nice people it was not the working atmosphere that they needed.  After searching other gyms they did not find the energy in a gym they were use to, so they began training in the basement of their home.  In July 2007 Saphya opened New Breed Boxing and Fitness Gym in Freehold NJ where she once again teaches young kids the fundamentals of boxing along with her nephew Naquann who is also a certified boxing coach. Denis now represents his mother’s gym.

 Just completing his second professional bout Doughlin stopped his opponent in the first round. A long way from Stribling’s 290 bouts, but Denis is working on it.

           

DOUGHLIN, FAR RIGHT, POSES FOR MEDIA FOR WESTBURY EVENT. Posing, left to right, are Chris Algieri, Kassim Howard, promoter Joe Winters, headliner Pawal Wolak, promoter Lou Dibella, Will Rosinsky, and Doughlin.

 Doughlin fights his next pro fight at Westbury, NY on June 5^th.  In this preliminary bout, an unusual, but then again usual sight will be seen in the corner – Denis’ mother  - and the fan will see a small piece of boxing nostalgia, and a unique thing in boxing's historic circles . . .

JLM

 

 

 

 

 

 Danny “Golden Child” Jacobs Steps in for Kirkland -

vs Mike Walker on the Pacquiao-Hatton Undercard!

By: Jason Sardelis

Golden Boy’s Top Super middleweight prospect Brooklyn’s Danny “Golden Child” Jacobs continues the intense fast forward training and fight schedule that won him a National Junior Olympics, a US under 19 National Championship, Two National PAL Championships, and a National Golden Gloves welterweight championship, a National Golden Gloves middleweight championship, the United States Amateur middleweight championship and four New York Golden Gloves championships losing only seven of 140 amateur bouts.

 Staying true to that form Jacobs has fought 15 times in seventeen months, compiling a record of 15-0, 14Ko’s. The “Golden Child” just fought last Saturday taking on Jose “Terrible” Varela 23-5, 16Ko’s in what many considered to be Jacob’s first true test. Passing the “test” with flying colors the Brooklyn based fighter made easy work of Varela sending him home at 1:23 of the second round. Jacobs will step for Golden Boy’s other Super Middleweight star James “Mandingo” Kirkland who was scheduled to meet Chicago’s Mike “Midnight Stalker” Walker 19-1-2, 12 Ko's May 2^nd on the Manny Pacquiao / Ricky Hatton undercard but was forced to pull out due to an arrest for gun possession and subsequent incarceration. 

Walker a two-time world amateur champion comes in winning a closely contested rough majority decision revenging his draw over with Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols on this past October. Walker’s only loss comes to southpaw David Lopez by unanimous decision between the Echol’s fights. This fight adds some new excitement to the sold out card and the very interesting new match-up will be the third of four bouts May 2^nd to be televised live at 9:00 pm ET / 6:oopm PT  

on HBO pay-per-view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday night’s alright for

prospect Danny O’Connor

 

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (April 20, 2009) – Hot New England prospect Danny O’Connor is ready for Saturday night’s throw-down with 21-fight veteran Travis Hartman on the Carl Froch-Jermain Taylor undercard at MGM Grand Foxwoods in Ledyard, Connecticut.

 

2004 U.S. Olympic Team alternate O’Connor (5-0, 2 KOs) will be fighting not too far from His Framingham (MA) home for the second time in a row. Missouri-native Hartman (9-11-1, 7 KOs) will serve as a solid test, as well as a measuring stick for O’Connor, having fought other promising prospects such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Jorge Perez, Jr., Shamone Alvarez, Damain Frias and Ray Sanchez.

 

“I’m excited about fight Saturday night,” the Seminole Warriors Boxing-promoted O’Connor said. “It’s a good opportunity for me to showcase my talents on a big fight card, the Taylor-Froch undercard, which will give me good exposure. I’m eager to display all we’ve been working on since my last fight. I feel very strong for this fight.”

 

The 23-year-old O’Connor, who defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz a year ago in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet, is fighting again as a light welterweight (140) but gradually moving down to lightweight (135).

 

For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.

-DO-

 

JLM

 

LA offers reward in 1977 death of `Rocky' figure   By ROBERT JABLON, The Associated Press 2:22 p.m. March 11, 2009 LOS ANGELES — The city announced a $50,000 reward Wednesday for information that helps solve the 32-year-old murder of the flamboyant boxing manager and gym owner who helped inspire a character in the "Rocky" movies. The City Council approved the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the 1977 slaying of Howard Steindler. Police said robbers who rear-ended his gold Cadillac Seville may have abducted the 72-year-old man when he pulled over a block from his home in Encino. Steindler was found beaten, robbed and smothered in his car. His jewelry, including a diamond-and-gold ring in the shape of a boxing glove, was never found, but someone mailed his car keys and wallet to his wife after his death. Steindler, courtesy ww.amw.com His daughter, Carol Steindler Ferris of Thousand Oaks, said she believed he was killed while resisting the robbers. "Maybe it went further than it should have gone because he fought back so hard," she said. "Somebody out there knows something." Ferris said she was hoping for closure in the case, which recently was assigned to a new team of detectives. Steindler owned the Main Street Gym, where boxers such as Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali trained. The gym was torn down several decades ago. He also managed fighters, including 1976 featherweight world champion Danny "Little Red" Lopez. Boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson delivered the eulogy at Steindler's funeral. Burgess Meredith, who played Mickey Goldmill, the boxing manager in the "Rocky" movies, once told the Los Angeles Times that he studied Steindler for two weeks to prepare for the role. Steindler "gave me the mind of the man," Meredith said.     ROBERT "THE GHOST" GUERRERO "SPEAKS OUT ON CUT"  GUERRERO GETS PLASTIC SURGERY       ROBERT GUERRERO SPEAKS OUT IN DOGHOUSE EXCLUSIVE: "CALL ME A QUITTER, I ALWAYS COME TO FIGHT"  By Benny Henderson Jr. ~ DoghouseBoxing.com   This past Saturday night the San Jose, CA, fight fans were ready to witness their hometown hero gain another W and move another rung up the championship latter, but instead the crowd was fed a no decision when former two time featherweight champion Robert Guerrero 23-1-1 (16) could not continue due to a laceration over his right eye caused by an accidental head butt by his opponent Daud Yordan, ending The Ghost's night and the fight in the second round. After a short hospital visit that included twenty-three stitches to repair his right eye, an outpouring of negativity from some fans and sections of the media, as well as time to let it all sink in, The Ghost is ready to speak and address the fight fans, and of course, Doghouse Boxing has the exclusive, enjoy. Benny Henderson Jr.: How are you feeling? Robert Guerrero: I am feeling great. BH: Did you automatically know you were cut when the head butt occurred? RG: Yeah, as soon as we butted heads, it was a solid butt and as soon as I stepped back I felt the blood just trickle down.   How many stitches did you receive and what exactly did you doctor say about the cut? RG: I received twenty-three stitches, it was a pretty bad cut, now I just have to let it heal up and get back on the ball again. BH: How bad was the cut effecting you vision? RG: It started dripping right into the eye, like when you drop some eye drops into your eye and your vision blurs out, that is the way it was. BH: I have seen that you have taken some heat on deciding not to go on with the bout, some felt that you could of gone on, and some has went as far as calling you a quitter, what are your thoughts on some of the negative opinions? read more..   Mario Serrano Publicist boxingpublicist@aol.com (408) 607-5756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOHNSON MAULS JUDAH

February 27, 2009  Hollywood, Florida                - Ron Ross (reprinted from BOXING NEWS)

             Boxing’s senior citizen battler Glen Johnson, like Ol’ Man River, just keeps rolling along..  He did not turn back the clock last night at the Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida in his return match with Daniel Judah. He didn’t have to as Time has seemingly stood still for the ostensibly ageless Road Warrior from Miami. At 40 years old, he fought a no let-up, all-out ten round assault against Daniel of the Brooklyn-based Judah family, who unlike Time, did not stand still but chose to run most of the night instead.

            The 31-year old Judah, who came in at 175 pounds with a 23 (10)-3-3 record, was trading punches with Johnson in the first round when, in the final minute of that stanza  Johnson nailed him with a savage right that propelled him almost senseless into the ropes for a knockdown. It was that eight second reprieve that saved him from a very early exit.

            Johnson,  175 ¼, 49 (33)-12-2, came out quickly for the second round,  trying to take out Judah before he was fully recovered, but Judah weathered the storm, tried fighting back in the middle of the round with long range punches. Johnson was back on the attack in the final minute,  intent on taking it out of the hands of the officials or at least leaving no doubt in their minds this time, still resenting their controversial draw of 2003.

            It was now Johnson, the stalker and Judah, the prey, fighting basically for survival as the fight wore on.  The former light heavyweight titleholder was breaking his man down as he continually plodded forward, chopping away with both hands in rounds three through six, .while Judah, hurt and retreating, offered little in return.

            From the seventh round on, Johnson continued the solid drubbing of his opponent, with Judah now barely countering, making it obvious that he was just trying to last the distance.

            For a precious moment a fight actually broke out in the tenth round when a clash of heads angered Judah who came back swinging until Johnson took over again in the final minute of that final round.  Judah did hang on and stay the distance, but in doing so, any aspirations for a crack at the crown has obviously evaporated. Although in today’s Boxing world of “a crown for every occasion and almost every head” – who knows?

            There was no breath-holding or anxious moments awaiting this decision. Even Johnson, who has suffered enough questionable past calls to warrant his  “officials anxiety syndrome” was relaxed as ring announcer Bob Alexander called out the 99-89. 99-90, 99-90 no-question-about-it judges’ scorecards.

            The eight round welterweight semi-final between previously undefeated Norberto Gonzalez, Monterrey,  Mexico, 147 ¾,   and Miami’s Antwone Smith, 147 ½, 15 (8)-1-1, had the crowd on its feet roaring throughout the slugfest. The cheers came in alternate waves as first, the ever-pressing, give-no-quarter Gonzalez had his fans  urging on his two-fisted attack as he would back Smith to the ropes when suddenly Antwone would lash out with that rapier-like sneak right and turn the tide of battle around. Gonzalez was the busier fighter in the opening round, backing his man up with four and five punch combinations.

            He came out smoking in the second round, nailing Smith with two rapid fire left hooks. Moving backwards, Smith retaliated with a right to the head which seemed to ignite Gonzalez’ fuse as he launched a furious flurry of power punches, driving a seemingly stunned Smith into the ropes. With Gonzalez’ backers up and screaming for the kill, their cheering was replaced with shocked disbelief as it was Gonzalez who wound up on the canvas, nailed by a tremendous right hand from the ever-dangerous Smith. Gonzalez went right back on the attack as soon as he picked himself up after taking the eight count. Neither fighter relaxed his attack. Gonzalez kept coming forward, winging away with both fists and Smith was very much like the Spider inviting the fly into his parlor as he would wing away with both hands just when Gonzalez would think he had him where he wanted him. There were furious exchanges throughout, but it was that right hand counter-punching by Smith that made the difference as he was declared the winner after eight blistering rounds by a unanimous count of 78-74.

            The evening started off with a Russian invasion as two young Muscovites demolished their opponents in less time than it takes to pronounce their names. Magomed Abdusalamav came on at 7:15 sharp. Unfortunately, most of the fans were not even in their seats yet when the 263 ½  pound southpaw threw a monster right hook that felled 210 ¼  pound North Carolinian Maurice Winslow like an oak tree struck by lightning. Whether instinct or plain poor judgemet, Winslow managed to pull himself up only to take two more hard punches when Referee Tommy Kimmons came to the rescue at 1:13 of the first round of the scheduled four rounder. The Russian is now 3-0, all knockouts while Winslow falls to 3(3)-8-1.

            As Abdusalamav didn’t have time to work up a sweat, he did not bother going to his dressing room and shower. Instead he sat down at ringside in his boxing togs to watch his friend and stablemate, Habib Allahverdiev, 141 ½, 8(5)-0 drop Richard Pitt, Nassau, Bahamas, 139, 5(1)-10,  three times, halting him at 2:19 of the opening round of a six round bout. It appeared as though Pitt was a slightly reluctant opponent, finding the canvas twice after taking body shots that may very well have been harder than they appeared and the third knockdown seemed to come more from anticipation of a punch than the actual landing of same. As it developed, Abdusalamav did not have to wait very long for his shower.

            Local favorite, light welterweight Jesus Pabon, San Juan,  Puerto Rico now fighting out of Miami, 140 ¾, 14(8)-1 took a unanimous but hard-fought six round decision from Lenin Arroyo, San Jose, Costa Rica, 141 ¾, 20(4)-9-1. Arroyo, who was dropped in the third round and had two points deducted on rule infractions made the fight a lot closer with his tenacious, bulldog style attack than the scorecards of 60-51, 57-53 and 59-51 reflect..

            In a six round heavyweight attraction, Cuban Henry Fuentes, 240 ¾, 8(5)-0, kept his unbeaten record intact while showing little regard for rank as he pummeled Sergeant Samuel Brown, Fort Campbell, KY, dropping him twice in the third round when referee Sam Burgos stepped in and halted it at 2:03.

            In a four round middleweight bout, Eli Augustiana, Miami, FL, 163, 3(2)-0, won a unanimous verdict over William Deets, Kearney, NE, 162 ¼, 2(1)-8.

           Undefeated Danny O’Connor, Framingham, Mass. won a majority decision (38-38, 40-36 2X) in his four round light welterweight bout with Jamar Saunders, Atlanta, GA. O’Connor, 138 ¼, is now 4(1)-0 and Saunders, 137 ¾, is 2(1)-2-1

  RR

 

 

 

 

 

CHRIS JOHN : AN INVISIBLE CHAMPION

 

Indonesia's Chris John is an undefeated world champion. He has held that status since 2003. Still he is hardly ever mentioned in boxing columns or wire reports. I've never seen him on anybody's pound for pound rating lists. He has boxed professionally for a decade now but he has become an invisible champion.

On February 28th John will meet the tough and capable Rocky Juarez in his U.S. debut This will a co-feature with Juan Manuel Marquez meeting Juan Diaz. . Why Chris John is so unheralded is hard to understand because John has won a couple of major fights at the international level. His signature win was a decision over the highly regarded Juan Manuel Marquez in 2006. Marquez had two points deducted in that bout for low blows but if he was given those points back he still would have lost the verdict. John won in convincing fashion. Nevertheless most boxing experts considered the loss a fluke. In the meantime Marquez went on to have high profile fights with Marco Antonio Barrera, Rocky Juarez , Manny Pacquiao and Joel Casamayor. He is considered a future Hall Of Fame candidate. Chris John has received very little reward or respect for that victory. Somehow that just does not seem quite fair.

 42-0  "The Dragon" Chris John - Unknown to many but dangerous foe.

The only mar on John's record is a 2004 technical draw with Jose Rojas due to a clash of heads. John outpointed Rojas in a 2007 rematch. In 2005 John got off the floor in the first round and then went on to win a comfortable decision over Derrick Gainer. Later that year John was impressive in halting Australia's talented Tommy Browne. I've seen some footage of Chris John and I must say that I was highly impressed. He is 5' 7-1/2 " with a 65 " reach. He is very quick with his hands and feet. He can be aggressive too. Sometimes actually swarming over his opponents. He can also bang a bit. He has over twenty knockouts. In some of the footage I watched he just wasted a couple of his foes.

I am very glad he is coming to the U.S to get some long overdue recognition. He deserves a chance to earn some of those Yankee dollars. He will have to work hard to earn his money against the rugged Juarez. I firmly believe the fans that do get an opportunity to watch Chris John in action will not be disappointed.

Jim Amato

MARGARITO OVERWHELMS COTTO

TKO's Superstar in 11th

July 27, 2008

Antonio Margarito brought the pressure, matched it against the skill of his opponent, Miguel Cotto - and the pressure won out as Antonio Margarito wore down Cotto en route to an 11th Round TKO.

And the bout was a classic battle between skill and power, with both fighters having there moments. But Margarito proved to be too strong, and had the style matchup to be victorious. Claiming a piece of the welterweight pie, various options await Margarito within  the next few months, as Cotto has slipped to 32-1, but with a gallant effort last night . . .

JLM 

U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TO HOST A MEET AND GREET AT THE NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM IN NEW YORK, JULY 10 AT 6 P.M.

(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – The United States Olympic Boxing Team will make a final swing through New York City, July 10-12, before departing for Beijing on July 21. In addition to several media appearances, the Olympic Team will host a Meet and Greet open to the public on Thursday, July 10 at 6 p.m. at the National Sports Museum. USA Boxing members will receive free admission to the event, which will feature all the members of the Olympic Team signing autographs. The squad is currently in final preparations for the Olympic Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The team, which is currently ranked second in the world, recently returned from a training camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The U.S. Olympic Boxing Team will appear on NBC’s Today Show on Thursday, July 10, with their segment airing in the 8:30 half hour.

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS CONFERENCE  FOR BERTO, RODRIGUEZ, WITHERSPOON, ARREOLA

PHOTOS FROM HBO BOXING AFTER DARK “BLACK AND BLUES” PRESENTED BY PHAT FARM PRESS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON  IN MEMPHIS

***DBE in Association with Prize Fight Promotions, Don King Productions  and Goosen Tutor Promotions to Present Outstanding Fight Card at FedExForum***

 MEMPHIS, TN (June 19, 2008) -- DiBella Entertainment in association with Prize Fight Promotions, Don King Productions, and Goosen Tutor Promotions is proud to put on a night of boxing action Presented by Phat Farm at FedExForum in downtown Memphis, Tennessee next Saturday June 21.

A press conference was held this afternoon in the FedExForum lobby to promote Satureday night’s card at the downtown Memphis facility.

 

 

(Andre Berto and Miguel Rodriguez)           below (Chazz Witherspoon and Chris Arreola)

(Photos courtesy DiBella Entertainment)

Headlining the card will be undefeated NABF Welterweight Champion Andre Berto (21-0, 18 KO’s) as he goes up against talented Mexican veteran Miguel “Mikki” Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KO’s) for the vacant World Boxing Council Welterweight Title. 

The co-feature that evening will showcase America’s two best young, undefeated heavyweights as DBE’s “The Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon (23-0, 15 KO’s) steps into the ring against Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (23-0, 21 KO’s).  This matchup provides something that is desperately needed in today’s heavyweight division…a top American challenger in the heavyweight division. 

Tickets for the event are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, and $25 and are available by visiting the FedExForum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 901-525-1515, or online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 5:30pm with the first bout getting underway at 5:45pm.

 

MM

 

 

 

 

 

MALIGNAGGI WINS IN HAIRY SCENARIO

- Ron Ross

 

            What worked for Samson did not,work very well for Paulie Malignaggi. Long strands of hair did wonders for Samson when battling his enemies. It served even as more of a strength builder for the biblical hero than spinach did for Popeye. But Malignaggi, Brooklyn’s answer to the Dead End Kids and Jimmy Cagney, was robbed of his strength and speed in his rematch with Lovemore Ndou because of his foot long pony tail coming apart as soon as the opening bell sounded. It whipped around his face causing  him to fight as though he was blindfolded. Still, Paulie’s speed and adroitness kept him well in front for the first half of the fight despite the self-inflicted handicap.

 

            It was obvious that drastic measures had to be taken – and they were. After trying unsuccessfully after the first, second and third rounds to tame the out of control hair by taping it together in a proper pony tail, Malignaggi’s cornermen, Buddy McGirt and Danny Milano, took on the role of a modern-day Delilah, (no offense intended – either to Delilah or Buddy and Danny) and with scissors in hand, snipped away the offending pony tail. However, Paulie was faced with an even greater obstacle. His right hand, whose brittleness has plagued him throughout his career, was again broken in the sixth round, causing the game but greatly handicapped champion to fight a battle of survival. To Paulie’s credit, he stayed in there, punched as best he could, moved to stay out of harm’s way, but his lead was slipping away.

 

            Perhaps if Lovemore fought more or kept more pressure on Paulie things would have been different. The Kid from Brooklyn toughed it out and as the final bell sounded he held up the injured hand as though telling his Manchester/Ricky Hatton audience, “See, boo-boo.”

 

            It was close, the scorecards reading 115-114 for Ndou with the other two judges calling it 116-112 and 116-113 for Malignaggi who retained his IBF Jr Welterweight crown. It was not a sparkling win for Malinaggi and hopefully he now realizes that a pony’s pony tail is situated in a much more convenient place than a pony tail on a prizefighter. He has a much more serious consideration though. This tough kid with a refreshing dese and dems personality has to face the possibility that his ring career may be in serious jeopardy. A fighter’s fists are his “tools of the trade” and they cannot be replaced at Sears & Roebuck.

 

            Ricky Hatton, fighting his first battle since his only career loss, which was at the hands of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. thrilled his hometown audience by virtually shutting out Sacramento’s Juan Lezcano for the IBO Junior Welterweight title. This should set up a mega bout between Ricky and Malignaggi, but the question mark – Malignaggi’s broken right hand looms as a huge obstacle.

-RR-
 

 

 

N’dou strictly business for champ Malignaggi
 

 

SIRACUSA, Sicily (May 1, 2008) – IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi has shifted training camp from Vero Beach (Florida) to Sicily in preparation for his May 24 rematch with Lovemore N’dou on the Ricky Hatton-Juan Lazcano card in Manchester, England.

Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) captured the IBF title last June by defeating champion N’dou (46-9-1, 31 KOs) by unanimous 12-found decision. Paulie successfully defended his belt this past January with a 12-round decision against No. 1 contender Herman Ngoudjo (16-1).

Fighting an opponent he thoroughly outclassed (120-106, 120-106, 118-108) less than a year ago, flooring him in the process, has all the makings of a potential trap fight for Malignaggi, especially with a potential mega-deal on the table to fight Ricky Hatton this fall in New York City, pending wins May 24 by both fighters.

“I’m just working on getting the job done May 24th,” Malignaggi explained. “I’m focused on doing my job on this card, not looking any deeper than I have to. I’m training in Sicily to get acclimated to the time change (like England, 6 hours difference from the East Coast of the U.S.). I have connections here and everything was set-up for me, including my sparring partners. I trained two weeks in Vero Beach with Buddy (McGirt, head trainer) and he’ll catch up with us in Sicily.

“N’dou is a pressure fighter who fights at a high pace. I just have to stay consistent and fight like I did our first fight. I’ll force him into making adjustments. He has to try and get to me, come to me, not stay on the outside. He’s been the same fighter for a long time and I don’t expect anything much different this fight.”

Malignaggi was born in Brooklyn but his Italian immigrant parents moved back to Siracuse, Sicily when Paulie was only a few months old. Six years later, the family decided to move back to the United States, but Paulie’s professional soccer playing father, Nello, stayed only a few weeks before returning to live in Siracuse.

 

McGirt predicts Malignaggi will be ready for N’dou once again. “N’dou brought in Boza Edwards to train him and I know they’ll be concentrating more on a body attack,” Buddy said. “They’ll judge Paulie off of his last fight (against Ngoudjo) and try to do a couple of things differently. Once things don’t go his way, hopefully, N’dou will go back to fighting the way he always does.

 

“Paulie won’t be looking ahead to Hatton. He never mentioned Hatton’s name in the two weeks he trained here (Vero Beach). Paulie learned a tough lesson against Ngoudjo, looking ahead to talks about fighting Hatton. There’s no Hatton fight unless he wins this fight. Paulie will be ready.”

 

-PM

 

 

 

RAUL MARQUEZ RETURNS AGAINST McKART ON SATURDAY
FIGHT TO AIR LIVE ON INTERNET VIA GOFIGHTLIVE.TV

HOLLYWOOD, FL, March 27 - Winner of five fights in a row, all by knockout, since beginning his 2006 comeback, former 1992 United States Olympian and world junior middleweight champion Raul Marquez plans on keeping his amazing streak going this Saturday night when he takes on former world titlist Bronco McKart at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.  This is another step for Marquez as he moves toward claiming the world title in the middleweight division.

This 10 round middleweight bout, which headlines a seven bout card presented by CLIP Boxing and Blue Cap Promotions, will air live on the internet via www.gofightlive.tv, beginning at 8pm ET. 

Currently ranked tenth in the world by the WBC, eighth by the WBA, and 14th by the WBO, Marquez (40-3, 29 KOs), who is promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing,  is a native of Reynosa, Mexico, who now makes his home in Houston, Texas.  A member of the 1992 US Olympic team, El Diamante duplicated his amateur success in the pros as he won the IBF junior middleweight title with a ninth round TKO of Anthony Stephens in 1997.  He would defend the title twice before losing it to Yory Boy Campas later that year, but since then he has compiled a record of 12-2 with 1 no contest.  Nine of those wins have come by knockout.

In McKart, Marquez will be facing a veteran of over 15 years in the pro game who has weathered boxings ups and downs and still emerged as a relevant contender and title threat.  A former WBO junior middleweight champion, the 37-year old McKart has won three of his last four bouts, and is looking to make it four out of five this Saturday.

For more information please go to www.GoFightLive.tv or www.warriorboxing.com

PK

 

 

 

 

TRUFAN IN NEW YORK CITY March 10, 2008

INTERNATIONAL 12 BOUT CARD RAISES EYEBROWS MARCH 15

WOLAK, MOORE & OTHERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT THEIR CAREERS

They come from all over the globe to take center stage at Madison Square Garden this Saturday night, but this potpourri of competition, led by the main eventers James Moore (14-0) & Pawal Wolak (19-0), come to live their dream and get a chance to further their career, which will get fantastic exposure in New York City, the international place of all places.

So it is no surprise that the best jr. middleweights in New York will fight in the same ring against two valid opponents who will make their trip to fight the fight and try to get their own careers back on track.

Moore's opponent, Juan Carlos (J.C.) Candelo (27-9-4) hails from Columbia, and is a rugged veteran who will test Moore in the main event. Candelo has fought at the elite level, and his skill is far superior to anyone Moore has ever faced. To Moore's admission, he is on record of wanting to box higher level competition for some time. He recently changed management and is now looking forward. The Moore critics have said his modest opposition consisted of only "one heartbeat."

Wolak, and Moore co-feature attraction at MSG

 Moore's trainer, Harry Keitt, responds with "we are fighting a guy with 5 heartbeats, and we have trained very hard for this bout."  To be honest this is a very good barometer to see how Moore has come up in recent years. This is a very interesting bout pitting the veteran against and up and comer . . .

As for Wolak, the New Jersey bred fighter who was born in Debica, Poland -- he boxes a slick Slidell, Louisiana product in Dupre Strickland (18-2-1), who went the distance in  with John Duddy in New York last year - so he too will test Wolak and by no means is this a walk away bout for the Raging Bull, who, by his own admission, stepped up his work ethic as his career nears maturation.

If the Lords Of the Boxing Ring comes up Aces for these two NY prospects, you may see them fighting for a title in a year or two, possibly against each other.

Lightweight Irish contender Oisan Fagan (20-5) teaches school in Oklahoma, but will be at the Garden trying to get his 21st win. He is an original Irish product who has fought mainly in the Midwest. He lost a decision to unbeaten Paul Spadafora last year. 

South Korean boxer Jae-Sung Lee trains in Corona, New York K2 BC, but is bringing his act to the Garden in search of his ninth victory. He faces unbeaten Jules Blackwell, a PA product in what seems to be a very competitive bout . . .

Korean Jae-Sung Lee speaks through interpreter.

Cristy Nickel (7-5) grew up in North Idaho, attended Memphis University, and took up residence in Augusta Georgia. Nickel was into the bodybuilding scene until about five years ago when she discovered that boxing was a bit more exciting, yet would keep her physique in shape. With natural ability, Nickel built her record to 7-1, then dropped her next four. She then re-organized her career under new manager Dave Selwyn, who in most part, is successful with the female boxers. A fitness trainer by day, boxer by night, Nickel hopes to gain a few wins, then clamor for a title shot in the 147lb division. She faces cigar toting, cigar giving Oliva Fonseca (1-1-2) a Pennsylvania product who hands out cigars to the press if she wins. As with the recent local bouts of female fighters, this should be competive also.

Nickel, (l) with Fonseca

Additional attractions include Martin Wright, unbeaten NY welterweight, Luis Ruiz, Shea O'Meara, and Bryant Pappas.

  Legendary trainer/promoter Lou Duva attended the conference

JLM

 

ROBERT GUERRERO RETAINS IBF FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE
WITH SCINTILLATING EIGHTH-ROUND KO OVER JASON LITZAU,
TRAVIS WALKER GETS REVENGE, STOPS T.J. WILSON IN SECOND

Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

Tachi Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California

 

LEMOORE, Calif. (March 1, 2008) – Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero produced perhaps the finest performance of his career Friday when he successfully defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title with an exciting eighth-round knockout over Jason “The American Boy’’ Litzau in a thrilling one-sided war in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.

 

 In the co-feature, promising once-beaten Travis “Freight Train” Walker got back on track by registering a second-round knockout over the only boxer to defeat him, T.J. Wilson, in a non-stop action heavyweight fight.

 

 The crowd-pleasing doubleheader, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC, took place in front of a sellout crowd at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif. It aired live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). 

 

 Fans anxiously awaiting the highly anticipated rubber match between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez today/Saturday, March 1, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) got more than an appetizer. They got two marvelous main courses rolled into one.

 

So what else is new? After all, this is ShoBox and exhilarating, compelling matchups has been the norm since the popular pugilistic series debuted in July 2001.

 

Southpaw Guerrero (22-1-1, 1 ND, 15 KOs), of nearby Gilroy, Calif., fairly dominated Litzau (23-2, 19 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., before dropping him twice in the eighth round. After the second knockdown, the referee stopped the contest at 2:25.

 

Making the second defense in his second stint as IBF 126-pound kingpin, Guerrero floored the challenger the first time with two left hands approximately 40 seconds into the session. A three-punch combination ended the evening for Litzau.

 

  Robert Guerrero lands a left uppercut en route to knocking out Jason Litzau in the eighth round and retaining his IBF featherweight title Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME. All PHOTOS COURTESY Daisy Rosas/For Showtime

 

“It went how I expected it to go,’’ Guerrero said. “A lot of fans came here and a whole lot more were watching on SHOWTIME to see me put on a good show and I think I did. The support I get is just incredible and I really appreciate the fans that come to see me fight or watch on television.

 

“I expended a lot of energy at the beginning throwing a lot of power punches. A lot landed, but some missed, too. Between rounds, my corner told me to just go out and relax and box more and let the knockout come and sure enough they were right and it did.

 

“I’ll fight anybody next. There are a lot of big fights out there. If the winner of Vazquez-Marquez wants to move up, I would fight either of them. I am ready to fight now.’’

 

Litzau started slowly and seemed reluctant to let his fists go. Once he picked up the pace, however, he landed some solid shots, but rarely in combination. Guerrero also made him miss, at one point avoiding six consecutive punches.

 

“I have nothing but respect for Guerrero. He is a great champion,’’ said Litzau, who’s three fight-winning streak ended. “He came in and did his job. He got a little dirty at times and got me with some good headbutts, but you will not hear any excuses from me.

 

 

 Afterward, a triumphant Guerrero poses with his wife, Casey. This was his second fight since Casey, who is now in remission, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007.

 

 

“I worked my butt off in the gym and trained hard. I was as ready as I could be, but this was his night. I know I did my part to make this a very entertaining fight, but I’m just 24 and I will be back.’’

 

In the telecast’s opening bout, Walker (27-1-1, 21 KOs) of Houston, Tex., exacted sweet revenge on Wilson (12-2, eight KOs) of Miami, Fla. Walker won by knockout at 1:50 of the second round.

 

This was a rematch of a fight Wilson won on a controversial 15-second, first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007, on ShoBox.

 

Both boxers came out aggressively and connected with solid shots in a fast-paced opening round. The second frame picked up where the first left off until Wilson ran into a Walker right uppercut. Walker continued to connect with unanswered right and left hands and had Wilson out on his feet when the referee stepped in and waved off the proceedings.

 

“I have never been motivated for any fight before and this is total vindication and exactly the kind of fight I wanted,’’ Walker said. “I did what I was supposed to do in our first fight. I knew he wasn’t in my league and I couldn’t wait to show the world that.

 

“He hit me with the same kind of punches this time as he did in our first fight, but this time the referee let it go on. The guy lost a lot of weight and came in shape (at 264, Wilson weighed 18 pounds lighter than he did four months ago), but it didn’t matter.

 

“Maybe the loss was a good thing. It made me smarter. I do know the real Travis Walker got to show what he was about tonight. I would love to fight any of the top heavyweights.’’

 

If Wilson has his way, he and Wilson will have a third encounter.

 

 In a thrilling heavyweight brawl for as long as it lasted, Travis Walker registered a second-round knockout over T.J. Wilson in a rematch of a fight Wilson won by controversial first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007 on ShoBox.

 

“There’s a rematch clause in my contract, so, yes, we will fight again,’’ Wilson said. “I have no idea why the referee stopped the fight. I could have gone on. I wanted to go on. Walker got his rematch with me. Now he has to give me a rematch with him.’’

 

Nick Charles called the action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.

 

Friday’s stirring bouts will re-air this week as follows:

 

            DAY                                                                CHANNEL

Saturday, March 1, at 3 a.m. ET/PT                 SHOTOO 

Monday, March 3, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Tuesday, March 4, at Midnight ET/PT  SHO EXTREME

Thursday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT   SHOTOO

 

Four world-class boxers with a combined record of 93-0 will headline a “Special Edition” of ShoBox on Saturday, March 29, (SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) in England. In the main event, the World Boxing Council’s (WBC’s) No. 1 and No. 2 super middleweight contenders, respectively, Carl Froch (22-0) and Dennis Inkin (32-0), collide in a 168-pound elimination bout. The winner becomes the mandatory challenger to WBC titleholder Joe Calzaghe. In the co-feature, John Murray (23-0) faces John “Fireball” Fewkes (16-0) in a junior welterweight bout.

 

The ShoBox telecast will follow an excellent EliteXC Mixed Martial Arts event on SHOWTIME (9 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) that features the legendary Frank Shamrock against Cung Le.

 

For more information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

 

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title.  The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi and Paul Williams.

 

BEY

 

 

KLITSCHKO UNIFIES HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
- Ron Ross  February 24, 2008

 

       Vladimir Klitschko threw caution to the wind tonight at Madison Square Garden.  However, the wind was blowing in the wrong direction.  Throwing as many right hands as an amputee called Lefty for the first half of the  heavyweight championship unification bout, boxing's Dr. Strangeglove made the one minute rest periods seem as the excitement highlights of the evening. For twelve rounds the scenario remained virtually the same; Sultan Ibragimov would try to get inside, moving behind a poking right jab that Klitschko would slap away ... and slap away ... and slap away, then snap out his own left, at first a pawing tentative flick which did evolve into an authoritative, sometimes piston-like punch which kept Ibragimov at bay for just about the entire twelve rounds.

         It wasn't that Sultan didn't make the effort. He simply could not get inside Klitschko's protective jab and reach. You cannot make light of winning because isn't that what it is all about? Or is it about "how you play the game" that matters? It all depends on what your answer is as to whether it was a well executed fight plan that prevailed or whether the fight was just a stinker. It was much more readily accepted under the roof of Madison Square Garden where you have truer and more knowledgeable fight fans than you have in the crowd makeup of the casino venues.

       After the sixth round Klitschko took his right hand out of mothballs and let it taste the fresh air. Like a good pet, he kept it on a leash and did not let it wander too far or have too much exercise. For Ibragimov, who had never tasted defeat before as a professional, it was a frustration-filled evening. It was not for want of trying or lack of effort that he was constantly winging his punches at air, coming up short and unable to get close enough to his much taller  opponent. He had been on the short end from the beginning. First, the short end of the odds, then the short end the tape measure and scale and now the short end of a long jab. Probably his best round was the first, which I scored for him by default, as Klitschko was as much a spectator as anyone in the audience and threw the same amount of punches. Frustration can lead to unorthodox behavior. Ibragimov  did reach that point when he tackled Klitschko late in the fight sending both of them sprawling to the canvas.

         It was in the later rounds that Klitschko scored with his right hand with a little more regularity and authority. In the ninth round two solid rights sent Ibragimov knocked backwards on his heels. It was only falling into the ropes that saved him from a knockdown. Referee Wayne Kelly did not have very much work to do as Klitschko made sure that there were no clinches. The final bell brought a sigh of relief from much of the crowd. The tallies of 118-110 from Steve Weisfeld, 119-110 from Don Ackerman and 117-111, Chuck Giampa surprised no one. Klischko, at 238, is now 50-3 (44 KO's) and Ibragimov, 219, suffers his first loss against 22 wins and a draw (18 KO's)

       There is a strong possibility that this fight will not be in the running for Fight of the Year  honors.

-RR-
 

 

 

 

 

ROSSY BACK FROM CHINA, LOOKING FOR RAHMAN

January 31st, 2008

After a very successful trip overseas to Macau China, Sal Musumeci President and CEO

of Final Forum Boxing is ready to take Heavyweight Champ, Derric Rossy to the next level.

"Not many people know this," said Musumeci,"Hasim Rahman was the original opponent for

Macau. For whatever reason, the distance, the opponent whatever Rahman's people didn't

want to come to Macau.

Musumeci called Ray Mercer a "real gentleman and Professional." Rossy beat Mercer

by unanimous decision in Macau China on January 26th..

"Mercer took this fight like the true champion he is," said Musumeci,"Rahman's people

didn't want him to come to China, Mercer stepped right up and helped make this event a

huge success!"

Rossy is awaiting updated rankings from the Sanctioning bodies, he is expected to be ranked

in the top 10 of the WBC and WBO..Rahman is currently ranked number 3 by the WBC.

"Hasim Rahman is a true Champion and Gentleman," said Musumeci,"I am telling you

right here and right now we will fight Hasim Rahman in the US anytime and

anyplace. I'm hoping that Bob Arum sees this as the event I know it can be, a real Heavyweight

fight between two ranked guys looking to grab the prize! I'm just waiting for the phone to ring."

 

RB

 

 

“Magic Man” becomes “Ironman”

IBF boxing champ Paulie Malignaggi honorary captain Friday night for N. J. Ironmen soccer team
 

 

NEW YORK (January 22, 2008) – Reigning IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) will serve as honorary captain of the New Jersey Ironmen, a member of the first-year professional Major Indoor Soccer League, Friday night (Jan. 25) at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The Ironmen (10-5) host Monterrey LaRaza (8 PM/ET start) and Malignaggi will participate in the opening kick-off ceremony. Paulie is an avid soccer fan who celebrated when Italy won the 2006 World Cup. His father, Nelo, played professional soccer in Sicily and last year Paulie was a special guest of the famed AC Milan team.

“I grew-up loving soccer in an Italian household,” Malignaggi said. “Soccer is part of our culture. I support local teams, especially a soccer team like the New Jersey Ironmen, which has a lot of successful Italian-American players. I want to be a part of helping to build-up soccer in this country.”
 

-PM-

 

 

 

Paul Williams vs. Carlos Quintana

 (February 9^th HBO)

By: Phil Santos – Overhandright.com

 With the exception of Kelly Pavlik no fighter did more to elevate his status among the best fighters in the sport in 2007 than “The Punisher” Paul Williams.  Incredibly he achieved this heightened level of respect by winning only one fight.  It just so happened that the fight in question was against one of the top fighters in the best division in boxing.  Williams boxed his way to a Unanimous Decision victory over Antonio Margarito in July and earned the WBO Welterweight title in the process.  Williams frustrated the rugged veteran with his freakishly long reach, sharp, fluid punching and very quick hands.  In addition to earning Williams a World title his victory over Margarito garnered him the distinction of being one of the games most feared combatants. 

 Williams enters 08’ with an impressive 33-0 (24) and looking to take on the best fighters out there, presumably Miguel Cotto or Kermit Cintron, and add another title to his résumé.  To the disappointment of boxing fans (something we have grown quite accustomed to)  a potentially great match up between IBF titlist Kermit Cintron and Paul Williams was called off with injuries to Cintron’s hand as the cited reason.

 Enter Carlos “El Indio” Quintana.

 At one point Carlos Quintana was considered a potential World champ with solid technical skills and good pop to go with it.  He thoroughly dominated Joel Julio in a battle of undefeated fighters putting him next in line to test Miguel Cotto for the WBA title.  Cotto beat Quintana down flooring him twice in the fifth round which led to his refusal to answer the bell to start round six.  The loss, and more so the nature in which he lost, badly damaged Quintana’s reputation and his rating among the top Welters in the game.  Quintana has fought just once since suffering his first defeat, pounding out a win over journeyman Christopher Henry by 4^th round TKO in September, his only fight in 07’.

 A date and location have been confirmed for Williams vs. Quintana.  The fight will go down on February 9^th at Penchanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.  Carlos Quintana is still a solid opponent, however, when a fighter refuses to answer the bell, particularly in a championship bout, many questions rise to the surface concerning said fighters heart, commitment and desire.  Championship fights are few and far between, they are essentially the reason why you step between the ropes, and if you’ve quit once it becomes that much easier to do it again when the pressure is on, just ask Acelino Freitas. 

 With Williams coming off a career best win and Quintana presumably looking regain his standing among the top Welterweights you might expect a competitive fight.  I do not.  Look for Williams to punish Quintana from a distance before breaking him down and stopping him in the late rounds.  I like Williams by TKO somewhere around the 9^th or 10^th round.  Understandably Quintana was matched carefully, in his comeback, against a fighter with 18 losses on his record and even though he did what was expected and dispatched his opponent I find it hard to believe that a win over Christopher Henry, regardless of how impressive, is enough to restore the confidence that Miguel Cotto beat out of him.

 

 

 

 

OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMP RICARDO MAYORGA

 Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007,

Ricardo Mayorga joked, laughed, trained, talked with Robbie Duran, son of the legendary Roberto, flexed, ripped a picture of Fernando Vargas and more during an open media workout Tuesday at Boyle Heights, Calif.  

 

On the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 23, Vargas and Mayorga will fight in a highly anticipated main event of an excellent pay-per-view fight card at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is being distributed by SHOWTIME® PPV.

 

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000 and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers.  The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds at a catch weight of 166 pounds. 

  Vargas and Mayorga will fight in a highly-anticipated main event of a card that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is being distributed by SHOWTIME® PPV.

 Here is what Mayorga also had to say:

RICARDO “EL MATADOR’’ MAYORGA

 “If Vargas wants to run like little Miss Mayweather (Floyd Mayweather) than I am going to get him a pink skirt and pink rollerblades and he can run around the ring in those.

 “I respect all Mexican fighters because they fight with courage. What makes me upset with Vargas is that he says he is going to beat me when all he does is run from his opponents.  How is he going to beat me if he runs and is a coward?

“Vargas is going to be a coward and run from the very beginning.  I don’t plan to wait around for him to fight.  I’ll be looking to knock him out in the early rounds.

Ricardo Mayorga. Photo Jorge GArcia/for SHOWTIME

“It’s going to be an advantage for me to fight at a higher weight.  Vargas is too fat to keep up with me. He is done. He doesn’t have the skills to fight me.

 “Vargas is done as a fighter.  He was great when he was in his prime.  He was a typical Mexican fighter with (guts), but now he doesn’t have anything left.  He’s taken way too many shots. He is done.

“Vargas made a very big mistake picking this fight to be his farewell fight. If he wanted to retire, he should not have taken a fight with me. He is not going to retire with a victory.  He is going to lose and embarrass himself.

 “My mom’s birthday is coming up and she asked for a great present from me.  She asked me to knock out Vargas as her birthday gift and that is what I intend to do.

 “If he stands in front of me, the fight will last one or two rounds.  If he decides to run, it will last maybe five rounds.

 “I am looking forward to fighting in Los Angeles.  The hard part of training camp is over.  I am just winding down preparations and staying sharp for the fight.”  

BEY

 

CALZAGHE UNIFIES SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CROWN WITH UNANOUS DECISON OVER MIKKEL KESSLER

TRUFAN Nov 3, 2007

Super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe defended his title for the 21st time in Wales last night, and a spectacular performance was needed to defeat a Danish lion in Mikkel Kessler.

And spectacular Joe was - after a fast paced four rounds that saw the bout in a dead draw, Calzaghe found the mark in the fifth by boxing circles around his opponent and countered cleverly throughout. 

What Calzaghe did after the fourth round broke the spirit of the Viking Warrior as Kessler was not able tp land the thundering right hand and uppercut that had Joe concerned in the earlier rounds. And no kidding, if Kessler was boxing anyone else this night, they would not have stood a chance. He was on par with Joe, had his moments, even toward the final bell, but Calzaghe would not buy into the plan boxing at a higher level than his counterpart. In the end a unanimous decision for  'The Pride of Wales" who definitely deserves top billing on the boxing stage today. It was that kind of performance that makes a true boxing fan.

JLM

More News: Battler Calzaghe triumphs against Kessler

 

 

 

SEPT 4 TALK THE TALK, on Nov 3rd  . . .

CALZAGHE, KESSLER WEIGH IN ON EPIC BOUT

NEW YORK SEPT 4th, 2007

JOE CALZAGHE & MIKKEL KESSLER TALKED THE TALK TODAY, AS AS FAR AS WE KNOW, THIS UNIFICATION BOUT IN NOVEMBER MAY JUST BE THE FIGHT OF THE YEAR.

IN A QUIET SETTING ON MANHATTAN'S WEST SIDE, BOTH FIGHTERS  WERE GRATEFUL FOR HBO, WHICH IS SHOWING THE BOUT AT 5PM EST USA, THEN AGAIN AT 10PM ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3rd. 

While Kessler was quiet and gracious, his advisor Mike Marley spoke volumes of how his boxer will beat the veteran champion, claiming that the Netherlands will bring a large contingent to see their own battle for super-middleweight supremacy. Calzaghe spoke briefly, and described that this will be his toughest challenge.

"This is what keeps me going" the southpaw from Wales stated. Joe hinted that there are few bouts left for him -- at light heavyweight no less, before he calls it a day. "This is what boxing needs, the best fighting the best" stated the long reigning champion, who hopes to notch his 44th win as a pro. The last time Calzaghe lost was in an amateur bout in 1989.

As for the orthodox boxer Kessler, he seemed poised and confident, glad the unification bout that has been anticipated for years is finally coming true. The 28 year old Viking Warrior is coming off one of his most impressive victories, a dominating 12 round decision over previously undefeated Librado Andrade. That bout was his 39th victory without defeat.

JLM

SALITA SET FOR TITLE FIGHT

 

- Ron Ross

 

     It's all set. The contract is on the table for Dmitriy Salita to fight Gavin Rees for the WBA 140 pound championship in Cardiff, Wales on November 3 as the co-feature with Joe Calzaghe vs Mikkel Kessler. The pen will be placed in Dmitriy's hands. All he has to do is put it to the paper and sign his name! To be continued.

 

    

 

 

SHOWBOX TO SHOWCASE "SPECIAL EDITION"

PHOTO: TOM CASINO

Victor Oganov (left) and Fulgencio Zuniga each weighed in at 167 pounds Friday. The hard-hitting Oganov (26-0, 26 KOs) and Zuniga (19-2-1, 16 KOs) clash for the vacant IBO super middleweight title in the main event in a special edition of "ShoBox: The New Generation'' Saturday on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).

 

IMG _3668 -- Unbeaten WBO No. 10-ranked junior middleweight James Kirkland (19-0, 16 KOs) faces Mohammad Said (22-5-1, 14 KOs) in the Gary Shaw Productions-promoted co-feature at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash. Kirkland (left) weighed 154 1/2 pounds Friday; Said weighed 158.

 

QUOTES:

 

OGANOV: "Everybody is always asking me if there is pressure to win by knockout. I have been asked that so much it is almost funny. The answer is, and always has been, there is no pressure at all.

 

"I only want to win; if the knockout happens it happens.

 

"This is a very important fight for me because it is my first for a title and my first on SHOWTIME. I am very excited. I know this is my chance to show a lot of people that have never seen me before what I can do.''

 

ZUNIGA: "I am ready to go 12 hard rounds. I hope he is, too. I am as prepared as I can be. I know what a good opportunity this is.

 

"He has a lot of knockouts, but I am not impressed. He has built his record up against nobodies. Who has he fought? I have fought much better.

 

"Anything he brings, I will be ready for.''

 

KIRKLAND: "I am real happy with the way my career is going and I am really looking forward to fighting on SHOWTIME again.

 

"I have trained the last month in Los Angeles, which was different for me, because I usually train in Texas. But I think it did me a lot of good.

 

"Like always, I have trained to fight 20 rounds. I think I have proved that I am not just one of those guys that can fight hard for a few rounds and then collapse, or whatever. The days of my opponents waiting for me to tire myself out and take me into the late rounds are over.

 

"I don't know much about Said, but it doesn't matter. If I do my job and do what I am supposed to do, I will be fine.''

 

SAID: "I have never trained as hard for a fight as this one. I think my conditioning and overall experience will play a big role.

 

"Deep down, I know I can beat Kirkland. It may surprise some people after I win, but it won't surprise me.

 

"I really appreciate this opportunity and I am going to make the best of it.''

 

 BEY

 

 

 

You Ding a ling you . . .

 

“Ding-a-Ling Man” Calling Out Cruiser Champs

 

Promoter making belt holders’ phones ring, talking about the Ding-a-Ling.

 

Dino Duva co-promoter, along with Sal Musemeci’s Final Forum, of red-hot cruiserweight destroyer Darnell “Ding-A-Ling Man” Wilson (22-5-3, 19 KOs), says he is getting in touch with all the cruiserweight world champions to arrange a shot against one of them for his wildly popular fighter.

 

“He’s coming off the knockout of the year over Emanuel Nwodo. Before that he knocked out Daniel Judah, Dale Brown and Kelvin Davis in sensational consecutive fights. The Ding-a-Ling Man is a legitimate star in boxing and he has earned a title shot. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the entire sport!”

 

Wilson agrees and admits he’s very eager to swap punches with one of the reigning cruiserweight champions. “My waist is ready for the belt to be around it. I want one of them to give me a chance. I want this bad and I deserve a shot.”

 

Duva says he expects the camps of Jean Marc Mormeck (WBC/WBA), Steve Cunningham (IBF) and/or Enzo Maccarinelli (WBO) to jump at the chance to face Wilson because of his tremendous marketability. “From a promotional standpoint, it’s very sellable because of all the spectacular things Darnell has done on national television. I’m willing to either promote the fight myself or work with the champions’ promoters to get this done.”

 

What Duva says he likes the most about the power-punching 32-year-old Ding-a-Ling Man, besides the fact that he has the sport’s best nickname, is his way of doing things.

 

“Darnell has earned the right to fight for a world title and he did it the way you’re supposed to. He went out there and knocked out all the other top contenders in highlight-reel fashion. Darnell has become one of the most recognizable television fighters in the sport today and I’m going to get him the title shot he deserves for all his great work. Ding-a-Ling has the whole package: Punch, Chin, Guts, Determination, and best all, Charisma. He is a big part of what makes the cruiserweights such an exciting division.”

 

DUVA

 

 

Travis Simms Press Conference Quotes

 

        BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (June 21, 2007) — A press conference to formally announce the sensational Don King Productions-promoted fight card Saturday, July 7, at Bridgeport’s Arena at Harbor Yard took place Thursday in front of Arena at Harbor Yard.

 

        There will be three world title fights on the card, two of which will be shown on SHOWTIME featuring four fighters that boast a combined record of 98-1 with 69 knockouts.

 

        In a battle of unbeatens in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event, local favorite  “Tremendous” Travis Simms (25-0, 19 KOs) of Norwalk, Conn., will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight title against No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Joachim “Ti-Joa” Alcine (28-0, 18 KOs) from Haiti now living in Montreal.

 

        In a second world title fight on a SHOWTIME telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast), undefeated Aussie knockout powerhouse Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (28-0, 22 KOs ) will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight championships against once-beaten Filipino Nonito “Flash” Donaire (17-1, 10 KOs).

 

        A domestically non-televised third world championship will also be presented when former IBF super flyweight champion Luis “El Demoledor” Perez (24-1, 15 KOs), from Managua, Nicaragua, will tangle with Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia (35-5, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title.

 

        Tickets, priced at $35, $50, $100 and $200, with a limited number of ringside seats at $350, are on sale now to those age 18 and older at Arena at Harbor Yard box office (Information Line: 203-345-2400), all Ticketmaster outlets, on-line at ticketmaster.com or by charging by phone at (203) 368-1000,

(203) 624-0033, (860) 525-4500 or (203) 744-8100.

 

        The event is promoted by Don King Productions with Darchinyan vs. Donaire being promoted in association with Gary Shaw Promotions, LLC

 

TRAVIS SIMMS QUOTES:

 

"I'm intrigued to be fighting in my home state of Connecticut and I've been blown away by the support we've been receiving because my fight will be taking place in Bridgeport.

"I will have a hungry young fighter in front of me on July 7 when I face my WBA mandatory challenger Joachim Alcine.  He's going to be shocked to be in the ring with the best pound-for-pound fighter in the 154-pound division.

"Alcine wanted me to fight him in Canada but I said if this man wants to challenge me for my titles he's going to have to do it in my backyard.  He can try to win it but this is his first world championship fight and I am a seasoned veteran.  He better be hungry after he saw what I did to the great champion Jose Antonio Rivera.

"Get to Bridgeport on July 7 by train, get here by car, get her by bus, because I'm going to put on a show.

"People questioned if I would still be performing at a high level at age 36 but they're not asking me that question now.

"I want to unify the 154-pound division.  I want to become the undisputed champion.  I have dreamed of this all of my life.

"I'll fight anyone.  I'll fight Floyd Mayweather or Cory Spinks.  I'm willing to fight the best out there."

BEY
 

 

 

 

 

HANDS OF STONE : The Life And Legend Of Roberto Duran 

Roberto Duran is my favorite fighter of all time. Because of this fact I thought I may be a little bias in my opinion of the book " Hands Of Stone ". Would I over rate it because the subject was Duran or would I be too harsh and expect too much ? All I know is when it hit the shelf, I had to have it. Although time is not a luxury for me these days I was going to make time to read this book. I'm glad I did.

The author Christian Giudice did a tremendous job in researching this project. I was amazed at the number of people who were a part of Duran's life and legacy that he was able to talk too. The information he was able to gather molded this into more then just a book. It became a journey through Duran's life from his humble beginnings to the present. Family members and former opponents along with many others painted a picture of this great fighter and complex man we call Duran. That name alone stirs great memories for boxing fans around the world and the author was able to weave a superb story of one of boxing's all time greats on to the pages of this book.

This is a must read for all boxing fans and if you are a Duran fan...Well what are you waiting for ?

Jim Amato

 

Jimmy Lange Returns May 12 to Patriot Center for WBC Title Rematch Against Fontaine Cabell

Tickets go on sale Saturday at Noon at all Ticketmaster locations

 FAIRFAX, VA – Popular Northern Virginia middleweight contender JIMMY LANGE (27-3-2, 19 KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Patriot Center to face Fontaine “The Flame” Cabell (21-6-2, 16 KOs) in a 12-round rematch for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental America’s 154-pound title.  Doors open at 6:00 pm with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 pm.

 Tickets, priced at $25, $50, $75, $100, $125, $300 (Ringside) and $500 (VIP Ringside), for LANGE-CABELL II: THE REMATCH go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, March 17 at Noon at all area Ticketmaster locations, including the Patriot Center box office.

 Ice Promotions, a newly-formed company headed by JACKIE “THE FIRST LADY OF BOXING” KALLEN, will serve as the promoter of record.

 "I am excited to work with Jimmy Lange again. This is the fourth fight at Patriot Center that I have been involved in and I believe this one will be the best yet,” said the highly-successful Kallen, whose life story inspired the Paramount film Against the Ropes starring Meg Ryan. “I am very impressed with the Virginia boxing fans. They definitely support their hometown fighters."

 Last December, Lange and Cabell battled to a controversial draw (judges scored it 117-112 Lange, 116-112 Cabell, and 114-114) in the 12-round Main Event, puzzling many of the 5,437 boxing fans in attendance and fueling the highly-anticipated May 12 rematch. 

 Both boxers aim to set the record straight in this springtime showdown; each believing he earned the December victory.  This time around each fighter pledges to take matters into his own hands, not leaving a decision up to the judges.

 “There’s not much talking to be done right now; I’m ready mentally and physically to do my job and get back on track,” explained Lange. “I look forward to fighting back at the Patriot Center in front of the greatest fans in the world.”

 Meanwhile Cabell, born in Staten Island, NY but now fighting out of the Orlando, FL area, vows to bring his ‘A’ game back to Lange’s hometown for the event.

 "I’m anxious about the rematch and I’m ready to bring the belt home.  This time my actions are going to make the decision, not the judges," said Cabell.

 Lange, the “fan favorite” from season one of the boxing reality show, The Contender, will once again head into a rigorous training camp in Vero Beach, FL with his head trainer BUDDY McGIRT.  Other key members expected to be part of his camp include legendary trainer ANGELO DUNDEE, highly-regarded cut man JIMMY GLENN and top trainer/advisor TOMMY GALLAGHER.

 In addition to the Main Event, the May 12^th card will feature six undercard bouts showcasing top talent from the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia region and from across the country.  JD Brown is serving as matchmaker.

 Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or via phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT.  George Mason University faculty, staff and students, may receive a discount on select tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Patriot Center box office only.  Group discounts are available by calling 202-661-5061.  Contact the Patriot Center box office at 703-993-3000 or visit www.patriotcenter.com for more details.

 BISHOP

UNDEFEATED RUSSIAN HEAVYWEIGHTS

SULTAN IBRAGIMOV AND ROMAN GREENBERG HEADLINE SEMINOLE WARRIORS BOXING FIGHT CARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN’S THEATER ON SATURDAY NIGHT, MARCH 10

***Ibragimov squares off against Javier Mora in Main Event, Greenberg faces Michael Simms in Co-Feature***

New York, March 7—Gallagher's Steak House in midtown was the packed venue to get fight week underway, as the Russian heavyweights head to Madison Square Garden’s Theater this Saturday night, March 10. Sultan Ibragimov (19-0-1, 16 KO’s) will be in the main event against Mexican star Javier Mora (21-3-1, 17 KO’s), while Roman Greenberg (24-0, 17 KO’s) takes on Michael Simms (19-6-1, 13 KO’s) in the co-feature, as both stars put their unbeaten streaks on the line on the fight card spectacular presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Golden Grain Promotions, Nafta Moskva, Gotham Boxing, Goossen Tutor and Global Advertising Strategies.

Seminole Warriors Boxing executive director Leon Margules hosted the proceeding for the media and fight camps, also attended by undercard fighters Edgar Santana, Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin and others.

Ibragimov hails from Rostov-na-Donu, while Greenberg is from Odessa.

Ibragimov is a 6-foot-2 southpaw with a powerful punch, as his 16 KO victories clearly indicate. A 2000 Olympic Silver medalist for Russia, Sultan Ibragimov (19-0-1, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2002 with a first round knockout of Tracy Williams – in fact, his first four fights ended in opening round victories.  By 2004, Ibragimov relocated to Florida and began making a name for himself on the US scene.  He won the WBO Asia-Pacific title in October of 2004 by knocking out Najee Shaheed in the third round, and he defended that crown six times.  Among his victims were former world champion Al Cole and contenders Lance Whitaker and Zuri Lawrence. In July of 2006, Ibragimov battled Ray Austin in one of the best heavyweight fights of 2006 and after trading knockdowns with ‘The Rainman’, a 12 round draw verdict was rendered, though most observers believed Ibragimov deserved the nod. 

Greenberg has registered three straight knockout triumphs, and is considered one of the game’s top heavyweight prospects. Only 24 years old, Russian heavyweight contender Greenberg has been impressing more people with each fight, as he makes his way up the rankings. At 6’3’’ and weighing 240 lbs, and with the ability to box or bang in the ring, Greenberg has demonstrated both the physical tools and maturity in the ring to be a bona fide contender.  The IBO Intercontinental heavyweight champion holds wins over tested veterans Kendrick Releford and Julius Francis, and in his last bout he knocked out Steve Pannell in just three rounds. Roman was born in Russia, lived in Austria and moved to Israel when he was 11. He currently resides in Haifa, Isreal, but also has a residence and trains in England. Greenberg speaks English, Russian, German and Hebrew fluently.

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S EDGAR SANTANA ON IBRAGIMOV-MORA FIGHT CARD AT THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON MARCH 10^TH

New York, March 7- Edgar Santana (20-2, 13 KO’s), the popular fixture on Broadway Boxing, makes his return to Madison Square Garden this Saturday night, March 10, as one of the co-features on the Ibragimov-Mora fight card.

“El Chamaco” has reeled off fourteen straight wins in New York and has his sights set on his fifteenth consecutive victory on Saturday Night. Standing in Santana’s way will be Colombian Dairo Jose Esalas (29-6, 24 KO’s). Esalas comes into the bout with an impressive 24 knockouts in 35 fights.

A proud native of Manati, Puerto Rico who now makes his home in New York City’s Spanish Harlem, Santana has built a loyal fan following with his charismatic style and two-fisted attack in the ring.  Winner of 15 in a row since 2003, Santana is coming off an impressive third round stoppage of Meacher Major (11-3-1, 10 KO’s) last November.

Santana last fought at MSG on December 6, 2003, scoring an unanimous six round decision over Adam Salas.

“It is an honor to be fighting at the Garden," said Santana. "A lot of great fighters have fought there. Being a local kid is an added bonus. I will have the honor of my family and friends in the crowd. It is a honor for anyone to fight at the Garden.

“He is a good fighter," added the Spanish Harlem sensation. "He is more of a puncher. I will be ready for whatever he brings to the table.

“There are talks of fighting in May," wrapped up Santana. "Hopefully I will be getting in the ring right away. I am pretty comfortable at 140. I am going to stay at junior welterweight for a while. I can make weight easily. I feel comfortable at this weight. Unless something presents itself I will stay at 140 until I am the champ.”

CIGAR
 

CES releases world champion Missy Fiorentino

PROVIDENCE (February 13, 2007) - Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) has released IWBF featherweight champion Missy "The Fury" Fiorentino from her promotional contract, effective immediately, due to detrimental behavior at last Friday night's "Hearts Of Fire" show in Providence, CES president Jimmy Burchfield announced today.

Fiorentino (15-1, 6 KOs) walked Mia St. John to the ring and stood in her corner before and after the St. John's title fight against Missy's CES stablemate Jaime Clampitt, who won a 10-round unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 99-91) for the vacant IWBF lightweight championship, which Fiorentino had relinquished.

"CES stands for teamwork, family and togetherness," Burchfield explained his decision to release Fiorentino. "That's what we are all about and anyone who isn't cannot be with us, regardless of the fighter's record and accomplishments. We acknowledged all of our fighters (in the audience) by introducing them in the ring, in between fights, as a sign of respect. Nobody could find Missy because she was in Mia's dressing room, which was the last place anybody from CES would have thought to look. I couldn't believe she was in the corner of her CES teammate's opponent. It was a bush league move that I will not tolerate by her or anybody else on Team CES."

-CES-

BOXERAMA AWARDS go to Graham, Duddy, Corrales, Calzaghe, for outstanding achievement in the boxing community.

Presented by Boxing Digest Sean Sullivan - Master of Ceremonies

The AAIB honored some of boxing's best yesterday, with the champions award going to Diego Corrales, Ireland's John Duddy copping the Fighter of the Year,  Joe Calzaghe getting the "Outstanding Champions"award, and George Mitchell receiving   the corner man & trainers award.

Keep in mind that the AAIB, or the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, gives these awards for those who set the example and standards of what the sport should be -- constantly improving the standards nationwide-- both in the ring and outside of it. Since it was founded by Rocky Masrciano and Steve Acunto over 37 years ago, the organization continues to advocate its concern regarding medical safety and financial accountability for the professional fighter.

Now, of course some could not make the luncheon because of prior commitment, but nevertheless they were awarded the honor, in the category that best exemplifies the what the sport has to offer. 

RingsideSports Jack Hirsch addresses the Boxerama.

"A Salute to the AAIB, Inc, and to all those fine men in boxing who know the rules, live by the rules, fight by the rules, and fight for the rules." - Bill Cayton.

George Mitchell is an original native of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and as a kid joined the PAL boxing and his interest never waned. After a career in the NY Transit Police, he worked as an inspector in the new York State Athletic Commission.  In 1998, he, along with the late Al Gavin and Sal Musumaci formed Bulldog Boxing Club, then became Boxing Director for the Commission, After leaving the Commission in 2002, George devoted his full attention to training and working as a cut man. He currently is the cut man for many fighters, including Duddy, and still devotes his time to the development of young boxers. Hovering over 6'6, Mitchell is the man you cannot miss in the ring.

George Mitchell, the man you cannot miss at ringside.

"Ireland's" John Duddy has come a long way in such a short time. In September 2003 John made his debut at the old "Jimmy's Bronx Cafe" registering a first round KO. Learning the techniques from his trainer Harry Keitt and Orlando Canastillo, John progressed rapidly to an 18-0 mark, gaining a fan base unmatched by any other fighter in the Northeast region. In his last fight he defeated the excellent Luis Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas, a nineteen year veteran who had been in the ring with the best. According to many, the Campas fight brought back memories of the old Garden bouts and was the most exciting fight of the year.

John Duddy, local kid who defeated Campas, gets honor from AAIB founder Acunto.

The NYSAC still remains one of  the top commission in the country, and Ron Scott Stevens is the chairman of a revival in the sport. Boxing is back as an event in New York, and professional boxing under the NYSAC  has turned the corner and is looking at more productive days. "We too have moved to the computerized world," stated the chairman, who also thanked his staff for their contribution to the safety of the sport. During his time at the NYSAC, Ron has implemented medical reforms (with Dr. Barry Jordan) as well as safety & rule issues. Stevens received the AAIB Officials award.

NYSAC Chairman Ron Scott Stevens.

As a writer, Tim Graham has been working in boxing for the past 13 years, the last seven with the Buffalo News. Last year he was elected President of The Boxing Writers Association of America. Graham, who grew up in Cleveland Ohio, and started as an assistant sports editor in Lorain, Ohio. He worked his first bout in Las Vegas-- a young fighter named Oscar De La Hoya boxing a local Ohio veteran Carl Griffith. The Media award was presented by Jack Hirsch.

  -- Buffalo News Tim Graham/Media Award recipient.

The ten count remembered recently departed champions Willie Pep and Floyd Patterson. Fighters in attendance were heavyweight prospects Derrick Rossy, Kevin Johnson, and Vinnie Maddelone, as well as promoters Joe DeGuardia and Sal Musumaci. The Scholarship recipients were amateurs Nicole Burrowes and Joseph DiPaola. Corrales and Calzaghe could not attend.

JLM

“Rising Stars” over Hartford
Godfrey-Batchelder headlines Sept. 23 Pro-Am boxing show

HARTFORD (August 22, 2006) – Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) will
promote the first boxing show ever held at the Connecticut Convention
Center, the appropriately named “Night of the Rising Stars” Pro-Am card,
headlined by a cruiserweight unification bout between Matt “Too Smooth”
Godfrey and Danny “Boy” Batchelder, on September 23.

Godfrey (12-0, 7 KOs), rated No. 14 by the World Boxing Association and
World Boxing Council, defends his USNBC and WBC Continental Americas title
belts against WBC No. 13 ranked Batchelder (24-2-1, 11 KOs), who’ll put his
WBC Continental Americas crown on the line in the 12-round main event

“This has been a two-year project,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said
about promoting a show in Hartford. “We are in the city – the mecca – of
what boxing once was and we’re giving Hartford a chance to prove it is the
boxing capital. There’s so much boxing history in Hartford. We’ve dedicated
this show, in respect, to a legendary trainer who did so much for boxing,
Johnny Duke, who passed away. How do you have a fight in Hartford without
honoring Willie Pep? We want Hartford to be one of our bases. Three top
amateur matches representing as many different gyms In Connecticut are being
planned for this show. We are here to bring boxing back to Hartford.”

Unbeaten prospect Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (10-0, 7 KOs) moves up in
weight to fight for the vacant WBC Youth super featherweight championship
against an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-feature.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard in separate bouts are USBO super
bantamweight champion Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver (15-0, 7 KOs), former USBA &
NABF lightweight title-holder Israel “Pito” Cardona (35-6, 27 KOs), unbeaten
heavyweight and 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (6-0, 1 KO),
former US Nationals amateur heavyweight gold medallist Tony Grano (4-0-1, 4
KOs) and junior middleweight Enrique Palau (4-0, 4 KOs). All bouts and
fighters are subject to change.

Cardona and Oliver are from Hartford, Remillard from nearby Manchester (CT),
and Grano hails from Hebron (CT).

Opponents, ticket prices and other details will soon be released Call
401.724.2253 or visit www.cesboxing.com for more information.

-CES-