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It’s difficult to comprehend such a wide variance in scoring as was the case in n

BOXING HISTORIAN & AUTHOR

MIKE SILVER will be the GUEST of HONOR

& RECIPIENT of the RING 4 CHAMPION of the YEAR AWARD

AMONG the HEAD TABLE GUESTS

will be IBRO President, Dan Cuoco; Historian and Author, Ted Sares; former Boxer and Author, Paul Doyle; Ring 4 Chaplain, Fr. Bob Reed; Former Mass State Boxing Commissioner and Trainer, Joe ‘Medicine Ball’ Wright; former Golden Gloves Champions, George Colton and Jack Brady.

Mike Silver recently authored The Arc of Boxing, and this book will be available for purchase and autograph, along with the books of Ted Sares and Paul Doyle.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES - JOE WRIGHT, JOEY DEGRANDIS, JOHN FORD

AWARD RECIPIENTS: Jack Brady, the Brothers in Boxing Award; Danny Long, the Al Clementi Award; Gerry Huston, the Humanitarian Award; the Buddy Hayes Award to John O’Brien, and the Clem Crowley Award to Bobby Franklin.

A BUFFET MENU will consist of Rolls & Butter, Tossed Salad, Choice of Potato, Vegetable Du Jour, Roast Beef with Rosemary Gravy, Boneless Stuffed Chicken with Apple Sage, Stuffing & Gravy, Coffee & Pastry.

VETERAN BOXERS ASSOCIATION

RING 4

ANNUAL BANQUET

Sunday, September 19, 2010

in Florian Hall, 55 Hallet Street, Dorchester, MA

Location: From Route 93 heading North take Exit 11, if heading South take exit 11B to Granite Avenue. Go over the draw bridge and take the first right at the lights, Hilltop Street. Proceed on Hilltop, at the Stop Sign ( be sure to stop) Hilltop Street becomes Hallet Street, and Florian Hall will be on the left. There is ample free parking.

DOORS WILL OPEN at 2:00 PM for a SOCIAL HOUR

The BANQUET WILL COMMENCE at 3:00 PM with a Tribute to America. followed by the Final Count, the Introduction of the Head Table, and the Blessing, which will be given by our Chaplain, Fr. Robert Reed, of Catholic TV.

COTTO VICTORIOUS OVER INJURED FOREMAN

MARTIROSYAN DEFEATS GREENE

YANKEE STADIUM ROUNDUP

TRUFAN JUNE 6th, 2010

It was a Yankee Stadium homecoming for boxing in New York, and Miguel Cotto was his former cool, collective self in defeating Yuri Foreman in a super welterweight contest. With the victory, Cotto captured Yuri's belt, securing titles in each division he has ventured into - jr welterweight, welterweight and super welterweight.

Foreman just did not have the firepower to match Cotto, and when his right knee gave out in the seventh, it was a matter of time before Cotto would be grabbing a title once again.

A bizarre occurrence happened a round later when Yuri's corner threw in the towel, only to be rescinded by referee Mercante Jr., son of the legendary Arthur. The referee has the right to determine whether or not to accept the surrender of the fighter, and in this instance, Mercante Jr. asked Foreman if he wanted to continue. Foreman replied that he did, and after a five minute delay, the fight was resumed.

Yuri hobbled and bobbled, zigged and zagged but was right in front of a Cheetah ready to gobble his prey. Yuri was battling himself to stay afloat, but had no movement as Cotto upped to fifth gear. It was stressful times as Yuri was forced to go toe to toe, unable to place any weight on the leg to even tie up his opponent.

In the ninth a left hook to the body dropped the stricken Foreman, who had vainly tried to fight on with no movement the previous two rounds. The fight was over at 42 seconds on the ninth round.

Give credit to Yuri, for he didn't quit when others would have - he fought for his belt until the end, going down swinging until he simply could not give any more . . .

MARTIROSYAN DEFEATS GREENE

In a super welterweight co-feature, Vanes Martirosyan extended his unbeaten record to 28-0(17), with a unanimous decision over "Mean"Joe Greene. It was tactical fight with Vanes keeping Greene off stride with strong counter-punching. Greene could not get off his powerful left hand - and was lunging in vain to connect. Although Greene was successful at times, he rarely hit his counterpart cleanly, and then was met with a left jab that kept him honest. Martirosyan had a big 8th round, where he was slicing through Greene's guard and had his bloodied opponent in retreat. A knockdown in the tenth sealed the deal for California based fighter, who now is in line for a title shot.

The scores were 98-91, 96-93 (2X), all in favor of Martirosyan.

Greene 22-1(14) was competitive however and the southpaw still can play a role in the jr. middleweight division.

WOLAK DEFEATS MOORE BY UD

Pawel Wolak started slow, then revved up the pressure cooker to cop a unanimous ten round decision over James Moore in a super welterweight contest.

Moore was a surprise, especially early, testing Wolak's chin by connecting with a huge right uppercut in the first minute of the bout. Moore won the first stanza, but by the third round Wolak was starting to find the rhythm and seeking to control the action by forcing Moore to the ropes. Moore would occasionally connect with clean punches, and his right hand snapped at close range to keep his busy opponent off - then clinched that forced Wolak to recoil.

And this is where Moore was a surprise - he matched his opponent with speed and at times showed a good jab that kept his opponent off - but abandoned it when Wolak got close inside and back into rhythm. Wolak chose to slug with Moore at close range and this earned him the nod - outworking his foe to a 97-93, 96-94 (2X) victory. Wolak, now 27-1(17) was the only New York based fighter to win in a major bout this evening. Moore, ironically, looked much better than previous bouts despite losing the decision.

OTHER BOUTS

Buterbaugh defeats Rainone over Six

In an upset, Colorado's Terry Buterbaugh fought well enough, and scored more often to outpoint his opponent, Long Island local Tommy Rainone, after six rounds. Buterbaugh held his ground, countered when it mattered, and the same pattern ensued after each round. Scores were 60-54, 59-55(2X).

Christian Martinez defeats Jonathan Cuba TKO 4

In a battle of native New Yorkers, Martinez showed skills in stopping his game foe after four one sided rounds. Martinez, who has upside written all over him, is now 4-0 with all 4 by KO.

Jorge Diaz TKO 6 Jae Sung Lee

Featherweight prospect Jorge Diaz beat up hard luck Jae Sung Lee en route to a 6th round TKO. Diaz took control of the bout after the third round and there was never a doubt that he would be the victor. Diaz improves to 14-0 with 9 KO's . . .

Cotto UD 6 Portillo

Abner Cotto worked and worked, pounding out a decision over Texas' Edgar Portillo in a lightweight bout. Portillo was close to being stopped in the fourth but held on to last the limit . . .

JLM

Tommy Rainone Ready for "Stadium Slugfest" at Yankee Stadium on June 5

Long Island, New York (May 31, 2010) - It still hasn't hit welterweight boxer Tommy Rainone how big his next fight is. His opponent - Terry Buterbaugh of Colorado - has a record of 5-3 (3 KO), and isn't going to ring any bells with his name recognition.

The six-round welterweight bout will, however, take place on the biggest boxing card in America this year this Saturday, June 5 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. The event - headlined by the junior middleweight title match between champion Yuri Foreman and challenger Miguel Cotto - is expected to draw 30,000+ as well as media from every corner of the world. An opportunity like this comes around once in a lifetime, which is a fact that Rainone is well aware of.

"I still haven't wrapped my mind how huge this event is yet," says Rainone, 13-3 (4 KO), of Plainview, Long Island. "It won't hit me until I leave my dressing room and walk into Yankee Stadium in front of 30,000 screaming fans."

Rainone, 30, says he knows very little about his opponent, but has prepared for the performance of his life. The southpaw specialist trains at the Westbury Boxing Club, which is the same gym he has trained at since he discovered boxing at the age of 17. His trainer, Jorge Gallardo, trained another southpaw Jake "The Snake" Rodriguez to the IBF junior welterweight title in 1994.

The card, entitled "Stadium Slugfest", will be promoted by Top Rank in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Yankee Stadium. The main and co-main event will be televised by HBO's World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:15 PM ET/7:15 PM PT.

"I'm a life-long Yankee fan and to be able to fight at Yankee Stadium in front of Yankee greats and my hometown fans, it's a dream come true. I'm just going to soak it all in, make sure to have a great time and make a statement with the world watching me."

Tickets, priced at $400, $300, $200, $100, $75 and $50, can be purchased at the Yankee Stadium box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, 800-982-2787. For more information, go to www.TopRank.com.

WILLIAMS BY TECHNICAL DECISION OVER CINTRON

- Ron Ross

Kermit Cintron took a dive in the fourth round of a scheduled 12-round light middleweight at the Home Depot Center, Carson, California. This dive was neither planned nor was it diabolical. It was the result of a missed punch, a collision and tangling of feet with his opponent Paul Williams. Bouncing off Williams who had slipped to the canvas, Cintron was unable to stop his headlong plunge through the ropes and landed with his head and back striking the officials’ table at the ring apron as he ended up writhing in pain on the concrete floor.

It was almost immediately apparent that he was unable to continue although he asked to be allowed to as he was strapped with neck and head supports to a stretcher and rushed from the arena. Cintron was still in the arena and undoubtedly shocked when Michael Buffer announced that rather than a “no decision” or technical draw, the fight, which lasted three and a smidgen rounds went to the scorecards and was awarded to Williams on a split decision, with one judge scoring all four rounds for Cintron while another vote was cast with all four rounds for Williams. The deciding score was 39-37 for Williams.

It’s difficult to comprehend such a wide variance in scoring as was the case in this fight, but it is even more difficult to comprehend why uniformity of rules are not established in a sport that is battling to retain credibility with the public. The fight that I was watching was one in which Cintron was doing a masterful job of staying out of harm’s way, outboxing and outpunching his slow-starting foe in the first two rounds. Williams, with his longer reach, started letting go with his good, snapping right jab and was trying to mix it up with Cintron early in the fourth round when the sudden curtain came down on the show.

If the fight were held in Nevada, New York or almost anywhere else, without the injury being the result of a punch, the fight would have been ruled “no contest.”

Hopefully, all the medical attention is of a precautionary nature and Kermit will be fine. All else is secondary at this time.

FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION LARRY HOLMES VISITS GALLAGHER’S STEAK HOUSE

***”Easton Assassin” joins Daily News Hall of Famer Bill Gallo, Boxing trainer and commentators Teddy Atlas for Gallo’s Geezers***

Former World Heavyweight Champion Larry Holmes graced Gallagher's Steak House in midtown Manhattan with his enormous presence the other day as the guest of honor at the Gallo's Geezer luncheon.

The "Easton Assassin," rated as one of the greatest of all time, defeated Muhammad Ali in October of 1980.

“I knew I was going to be the heavyweight boxing champion of the world,” recalled Holmes, “because Ali, Joe Frazier, Earnie Shavers…all those guys out there, were all four or five years older than me. So as soon as they got out of that sport, I was going to be on top.”

While Ali was one of the greatest of all time, Holmes always wanted to be his own man. “I never wanted to be like Muhammad Ali,” he says. “I wanted to be like Larry Holmes. I wanted to do my own thing and I did.”

“But,” added Holmes, “Ali did teach me a lot when I was his sparring partner. That helped me later in my career as I ascended the ranks.”

Holmes compiled a glittery 69-6 career ring record, with 44 victories coming by way of knockout, and downed the likes of Ali, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, and Leon Spinks during a career that spanned four decades.

“It’s always good to come back here to Gallagher’s where we had press conferences for every championship fight,” recalled Holmes. “These are memories that I’ll never forget.”

Holmes still follows boxing, but his current interest is the real estate business. Alongside that he makes many appearances, and his hometown of Easton, PA will be erecting a statue of him on a street named in his honor later this year.

Famed New York Daily News Hall of Fame cartoonist Bill Gallo hosted his monthly luncheon with upwards of 120 die-hard boxing fans on hand. Famed boxing trainer and ESPN "Friday Night Fights" commentator Teddy Atlas was also a featured speaker, all three delighting the crowd in attendance.

Gallo recounted the story of the Holmes victory over Ali for the audience: “Larry Holmes that night used the left hand like nobody I saw since Joe Louis. He has a marvelous beautiful left hand. Poor Ali could not get away from it. Thank God the ref stopped it. There was humanity in the fight.”

Atlas spoke of his charity, The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, which is named in memory of his beloved father and humanitarian. The foundation’s programs aim to help people in tough situations that may not be able to afford help themselves.

Ultimately the day was about bringing together boxing fans with their heroes. Atlas explained why boxing is such an exceptional sport. “On one given night, a guy with a heart as strong as mine can be a champion, can even the playing field,” he said. “He can be the champion of the world, and that’s something very special.”

More on the Atlas Foundation and its programs are below.

The Horowitz Scholarship

The George Horowitz Scholarship, named to honor the memory of a former school teacher who became CEO of Everlast, is given each year to an amateur boxer attending or about to attend college. The Atlas Foundation works in conjunction with the Horowitz Family to assist a student who has benefited from the discipline and good values promoted by boxing and who is looking to further him or herself through higher education. In this way the scholarship combines two of its namesake’s passions, boxing and education. $5,000 is awarded annually to be used for tuition, room, board and books.

The John Garand Rowan "Admiral" Scholarship

The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation presents an annual scholarship in the name of John Garand Rowan, a founding member of the Foundation and our first Treasurer. John was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, who served during the Gulf War and later became a practicing attorney. John left us at the age of 38, in 2003.

The "Admiral" Scholarship of $5,000.00 total, is awarded yearly to one male and one female graduating Senior from Curtis High School, who have distinguished themselves in the various facets of academic achievement, community and school service, and also have financial need. Special attention is given to applicants who are involved in the Curtis Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Program (NJROTC) to honor John Rowan's naval career and background.

Each awardee receives a one-time payment of $2,500.00 at the Senior Awards Night payable toward tuition at an accredited college or university. The selection is made by the Curtis principal, college advisor and the faculty advisor for the NJROTC Program. Further information may be obtained from the Curtis High School, attention to the College Advisor, 105 Hamilton Avenue, Staten Island, N.Y. 10301, 718-273-7380.

CIGAR

HOPKINS GETS REVENGE IN DECISION AGAINST JONES

(pre)HISTORIC REMATCH OF LEGENDS

TRUFANBOXING APR 4, 2010

Bernard Hopkins evened the score in a light-heavyweight matchup against Roy Jones Jr. - avenging the loss to Jr. that occurred on May 22, 1993, with a twelve round unanimous decision in Las Vegas last night.

The fight however was lackluster, a sloppy affair that may be proof that both should exit the professional ranks that they have dominated the past two decades. The scores were 117-110, 117-110, 118 - 109 all in favor of Hopkins. With the verdict, Hopkins improved to 51-5-1, with 32 by KO. Jones Jr. drops to 54-7, with 40 via the knockout.

Similar to their first bout was the fact that their styles do not match up well, but this time Hopkins was the fresher fighter, but far from the "Executioner" days of the late 1990's. And what can you say about Jones Jr.? He dominated Hopkins in their first fight, fought at 160lbs, and was an insurmountable speed force at middleweight, super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, even defeating John Ruiz for a piece of the heavyweight title a few years back. And even though Hopkins owns a belt at light-heavyweight right now, he basically has nothing to prove except to promoting younger fighters in his role with Golden Boy Promotions.

JLM

BRAY HOLDS THIRD ANNUAL YOUTH CLINIC

California

The John Bray Boxing Foundation is holding the 3rd Annual John Bray Free Youth Boxing Clinic in an effort to continue to help the community in preventing and combating gang violence while promoting discipline and academic success among school-age students. For the second consecutive year, the John Bray Boxing Foundation has teamed up with the LAPD Foothill Jeopardy Program, which is a program within the LAPD's juvenile division that targets children "at risk" of becoming involved in gang activity and offers them a variety of educational and physical projects from tutoring to boxing.

Both non-profits have arranged this Free Youth Boxing Clinic because of the issues with kids that are of crucial importance to the community. Children and young adults face many temptations everyday, whether it is drugs, gangs or peer pressure. The John Bray Boxing Foundation and Foothill Jeopardy Program want to provide these promising young men and women with an alternative where they can feel at home and escape the pressures they have to deal with on a daily basis. Although it is considered a boxing clinic, these young kids will also listen to inspirational speakers, and learn about nutrition, life skills and attitude development!

Every one of all ages is welcome. We have arranged special guest appearances by former world champions Gabriel and Rafael Ruelas, former Contender TV Series Star and current WBC CABOFE middleweight champion Miguel Espino, former IBF world junior middleweight champion Paul Vaden, former middleweight contender Alex "the Bronx Bomber" Ramos, former welterweight contender Randy Shields, former heavyweight contender Alex Garcia, referee Jack Reiss, former heavyweight contender and trainer Justin Fortune, former heavyweight contender Macka Foley, 1984 Olympic heavyweight gold medalist Henry Tillman, 1984 Olympic flyweight gold medalist Paul Gonzales, former heavyweight contender Jeremy Williams, and top trainer and cut man David Martinez.

The 3rd Annual John Bray Free Youth Boxing Clinic is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event will take place at the LAPD Foothill Jeopardy Facility located at 11844 Glenoaks Boulevard in San Fernando, California

For additional information regarding this event and/or on the John Bray Boxing Foundation, please visit www.johnbrayboxingfoundation.org or contact Jerry Gonzalez at (559) 643-9313.

Grano avenges only loss with decision against Brown

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (March 12, 2010) – Fan favorite Tony “TNT” Grano gained revenge for his only loss as a pro, winning a unanimous 10-round decision last night against Mark “Oak Tree” Brown in the main event on the “Brace For Impact” card, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES), in a sold-out Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Grano (17-1-1, 13 KOs) was cruising along through a rough fight until early in the final round, when lightning nearly struck again as Brown (15-3, 7 KOs), who knocked out Tony in the 8^th round of their first fight, dropped Grano with an overhand right early in the 10^th round. Grano, however, kept his composure and remained out of trouble to win on the judges’ scorecards (98-91, 97-92, 97-92).

“I didn’t want to overextend myself and rush in,” Grano commented. “This (revenge) was sweet. He’s a tough guy. He comes to fight. I give him credit for giving me a rematch.”

In the third round of the co-feature, super bantamweight Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver (23-2, 8 KOs) unloaded a right uppercut that dropped former 2-time world champion Kermin Guardia (37-12) for the 10-count in the third round.

“I did everything I had to do, everything that (head coach John) Scully told me,” Oliver explained after the fight. “I was relaxed and focused, instead of getting crazy in the ring. I felt real good. I cracked him to the body. It was a good shot and then he went down. I’m building everything back up (after suffering his only two losses, two years ago).”

Living legend and Hall of Fame trainer, Angelo Dundee, was inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony that included promoter Jimmy Burchfield and 5-time world champion Vinny Paz, who is a charter member of this exclusive club.

2008 U.S. Olympian Sadam “World Kid” Ali (6-0, 3 KOs) turned in an impressive performance, highlighted by the Knockout of the Night, in the third round against Jose “Hands of Steel” Duran. Ali hurt Duran early in the third with a left hook to the temple area and a finished him off with a right, followed by a vicious left hook that sent Duran to the mat for the 10 count, and his mouthpiece flying into his corner. “In the amateurs I used a lot of speed,” Ali said after the fight. My power has kicked in on by itself. In the pros you have to have power.”

Undefeated, power-punching Puerto Rican middleweight David Bauza (4-0) went the distance for the first time, out-pointing Erix Quintros in a 4-round bout for a majority decision that saw Quintros staggered a few times but never down.

Super middleweights Manuel Antonio Lopes (5-0-2) and Greg McCoy (0-1-1) fought to an entertaining 4-round majority draw.

New York light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) registered his third straight knockout victory, stopping Carlos Adams only 43-seconds into the opening round.

New Haven super lightweight Edwin Soto (3-0) kept his unbeaten record intact, out-classing veteran Joey Ortega by way of a second-round technical knockout.

CES moves over to Twin River (Lincoln, RI) next Friday night (Mar. 19), featuring unbeaten junior welterweight Danny O’Connor, in “ShamRock’d.”

“Brace For Impact” Results

HEAVYWEIGHTS:

Tony Grano (17-1-1, 13 KOs), Hartford, CT WDEC10 (98-91, 97-92, 97-92) Mark Brown (15-2, 7 KOs), Salem, NJ

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS:

Joe Smith, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs), Long Island, NY WTKO1 (0:43) Carlos Adams (2-8, 0 KOs), Memphis, TN

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS:

Manuel Antonio Lopes (5-0-2, 1 KO), Marshfield, MA MD4 (39-37, 38-38, 38-38) Greg McCoy (0-1-1), New Haven, CT

MIDDLEWEIGHTS:

David Bauza (4-0, 3 KOs), Hartford, CT WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 38-38) Erix Quintros (2-4, 1 KO), Atlanta, GA

WELTERWEIGHTS:

Sadam Ali (6-0, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY WKO3 (1:37) Jose Duran (6-5-2, 3 KOs), Sarasota, NY

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS:

Edwin Soto (3-0, 2 KOs), New Haven, CT WTKO2 (2:31) Joey Ortega (3-17, 1 KO), Lowell, MA

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS:

Mike Oliver (23-2, 8KOs), Hartford, CT WKO3 (2:19) Kermin Guardia (37-11, 21 KOs), Miami, FL

-CES-

ESTRADA PROMOTER TELLS CAMP ADAMEK - "BIG MISTAKE"

Jay Monte

(February 3, 2010) - Heavyweight Jason Estrada's promoter Jimmy Burchfield was blunt after praising Thomasz Adamek's success at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ - telling the press in North Bergen NJ, that indeed Adamek picked the wrong opponent in Jason Estrada and that the choice "was a big mistake."

Despite the vociferous Burchfield, it was business as usual as the undercard was presented, along with a strong co-feature which pits unbeaten middleweight Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillen against veteran former contender Fernando Zuniga.

Adamek (39-1, 27 KO's), who was quite reserved at the press conference, did not speak long, but promised the fans a good fight come Feb 6th. The fireworks don't end, however, because it's been speculated that team Adamek has signed to fight top contender Chris Arreola April 24th.

"Forget that" the Providence based Birchfield quipped, "Jason is fighting for his country. He's a 2004 (American) Olympian and he still representing the USA." Estrada (15-2, 4 KO's) is relishing the opportunity since turning professional in 2004. His two losses came to big undefeated heavyweights so he can be considered a sleeper or a "live dog" in this bout. In his last bout, Estrada stopped veteran Zuri Lawrence in 7 rounds.

Adamek still has to prove to fans he can deal with a big, young heavyweight with fast hands and Estrada is a stern test - but that is what Team Adamek wants as he climbs the heavyweight ladder. In his first bout as a heavyweight, the former Cruiserweight and Light heavyweight champion stopped 41 year old Andrew Golota in 5 rounds. Estrada presents a second, and dangerous obstacle Saturday night.

ADAMEK SIZES UP OPPONENT ESTRADA

Kathy Duva, head of Main Events, stated that tickets for this event have been going through the roof and that more seats have been added to the expandable venue. Another Olympian is seeing action on the card. Sadam Ali (USA 2008) squares off with fellow Brooklynite Jason Thompson in a welterweight bout.

Doors open at 6:30PM.

JLM

Lundy wins split decision in Boston

BOSTON (Jan. 22, 2010) – Hot lightweight prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy brought a touch of his Philadelphia fighting to Boston last night, defeating former Cuban amateur standout Richard “El Tigre” Abril by a 10-round split decision, in the “Boston Pop” main event at The Roxy.

Lundy (17-0-1, 10 KOs) remained unbeaten, even though he suffered a knockdown in the midway through the fight, that appeared to be more of a slip causing his glove to briefly hit the canvas. The judges scored 98-91 and 96-94 in favor of Lundy, 95-94 for Abril (12-2-1, 6 KOs).

“He didn’t frustrate me but he kept moving around,” Lundy said after the fight. “Once he felt my power he ran. I clearly beat him. He didn’t do noting but hold. That was a slip, not a knockdown. He can’t punch.”

In the co-feature, power-punching Eddie “Thunder” Caminero lived up to his nickname, stopping Chris Traietti in the second round, after flooring him in the first and later hurting him with a right hand before referee Bob Benoit halted the action.

In his first scheduled 6-rounder, popular lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski kept his perfect pro record (7-0) intact, despite being floored, took a unanimous decision from Francisco Palacios.

Junior welterweight Simeon “Dynamite” Dunwell improved his record to 11-1 with a 6-round decision versus Josh “Bam Bam” Beeman in an action-packed bout.

Boston super middleweight Maceo Crowder won a unanimous 4-round decision against pro debuting Greg McCoy.

Special guests in attendance included Vinny Paz, John Ruiz and Micky Ward.

Go online to www.cesboxing.com for CES Boxing’s schedule and news.

Jimmy Lange to Face “White Tiger” March 6 at Patriot CenterVirginia Contender to Defend WBC USNBC Title against Chase Shields on World-Class Boxing Card

FAIRFAX, VA (January 8, 2010) --- Ice Promotions officials announced that on Saturday, March 6, 2010, Junior Middleweight contender Jimmy Lange (31-3-2, 21 KOs) of Great Falls, VA will continue his climb towards a world title shot as he defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) U.S. National Boxing Championship (USNBC) 154-pound title against Chase “The White Tiger” Shields (29-3-1, 14 KOs) of Houston, TX at the Patriot Center. The 12-round title bout will headline a world-class professional boxing card showcasing top fighters from across the region and country. Tickets for the event, presented by Valcourt Building Services, start at $30 and can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets.

“I’m excited that JD Brown (matchmaker) and our promotional team were able to put this fight together. From what we I’ve learned and by looking at his record, Chase Shields is an extremely-talented boxer with good punching power. This could very well be the toughest fight thus far in my career,” said Lange. “However, I am completely confident that my trainers, Don Turner and Jimmy Glenn, will create the best strategy for me to defeat him. I can’t wait to go ‘tiger’ hunting.”

Voted “Fan Favorite” on the first season of The Contender television series, Lange has headlined all eight pro shows at the Patriot Center in front of large, enthusiastic crowds. On May 2, 2009, he captured his WBC title in a bout against Frank Houghtaling, who retired at the start of the 6^th round after absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment including a first-round knockdown. In his most recent fight held last September against former Contender teammate Jonathan Reid, Lange displayed an effective jab and retained his title when Reid failed to show for the 10^th round.

“From fighters, trainers, promoters and all others in the boxing community, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without all of their tremendous support,” continued Lange, currently rated #10 by the North American Boxing Federation and #30 in the world by the WBC at 154-pounds. “As always, I tip my hat to all of them, many of whom have been by my side since the very beginning. Once again fighting in front of the greatest fans in the world is an honor and a privilege, and for this I thank them.”

Meanwhile Shields, a former strong safety on the Texas Southern University football team, has also drawn big crowds since turning pro in 2002. Shields stepped up in competition in his last fight held on December 3, 2009, where he faced former world title contender Juan Carlos Candelo. Shields initially dominated his former sparring partner, winning the first two rounds and knocking the cagey veteran down in the third, but ultimately fell short when Candelo came back to stop Shields with a 7^th round TKO. A tough, powerful puncher with the ability to switch from an orthodox stance to south paw during a fight presents a real challenge for Lange.

“I’m very excited about fighting Jimmy Lange,” said Shield who trains at Houston’s Main Boxing Gym under veteran trainer Bobby Benton. “I’ve seen some footage of him and he’s a good fighter who reminds me of Jason Papillion. It’s definitely a step up in competition and will be a good test for me.”

Both fighters hold victories against their one common opponent, veteran Joshua Smith. Lange defeated Smith via 10-round decision in 2003, while Shields earned a pair of six-round decisions against him in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Tickets, priced at $30, $60, $85, $100, $125, $200, $300 and $500 (plus applicable service charge), can be purchased through Ticketmaster by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com, calling 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, including the Patriot Center box office (703-993-3030).

Look for future updates online at www.ipboxing.com.

NTH Promotions seeks injunction to stop Rigondeaux fight July 17 on ESPN FNF

CORK, Ireland (June 30, 2009) – Irish boxing manager Gary Hyde, president of NTH Promotions, is seeking an injunction to prevent 2-time Olympic champion Guillermo Rigondeaux from fighting on the July 17^th ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rigondeaux (1-0, 1 KO), fighting as a bantamweight, now lives in Los Angeles after defecting from Cuba, where he was a 7-time national champion. The 28-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.

“I first met Rigo in Belfast at the 2001 World Boxing Championships and subsequently traveled to Cuba,” Hyde explained. “Rigo signed a 5-year management contract with me in March of 2007. I am currently battling in the Miami courts to enforce our management agreement because he made his pro debut under the management of GSMG LTD and Marcus Concepcion, who work closely with the Arena Box outfit. I could find no record of either holding a manager’s license.

“I made an application for a temporary injunction to prevent Rigondeaux from boxing May 22, but the presiding judge allowed him to box in the interest of the public, although his purse was frozen. Our case is getting stronger by the day. The only contract with Rigondeaux, on file with the Florida State Boxing Commission, was dated May, 2009 with GSMG and Marcus Concepcion as managers. When GSMG and Concepcion learned of the 2007 contract with me, they showed-up with a 3-year contract dated July, 2006 with Antonio Gonzalez, director of GSMG, as manager. There are numerous contradictions in their contract that are coming out. I have the only valid managerial contract for Rigo and we are hoping the honorable judge acknowledges.”

Hyde also manages three other Cuban boxers who defected and are now fighting as professionals out of Ireland – heavyweight Mike “The Rebel” Perez (8-0, 6 KOs), winner of the World Junior Championships; bantamweight Alexei “The Hurricane” Acosta (5-0, 5 KOs) and super middleweight Luis “El Leon” Garcia (5-0, 4 KOs), both World Junior Championships champion in 2006.

“I applied for and was granted a European Union work permit for Rigo,” Hyde continued. “My intention was for Rigo to make his pro debut on a Brian Peters Promotions show in Ireland and then head to the United States, where Brian had laid the foundation with some of the major TV companies. We would then have a stage to showcase my ‘Cuban Young Guns.’ Rigo decided to go ahead to Miami because he has more connections there. Now, I’m battling for the guy I have signed to a contract, who was the best amateur boxer on the planet. We recently contacted Freddie Roach to ask about his roll as Rigo’s trainer. Freddie said that he wouldn’t be getting involved, but when I’m awarded a judgement as Rigo’s manager, I hope to have him as his trainer.”

-30-

Pro-Am boxing card

to rock historic Plymouth

“Brawl At The Hall,” June 12 at Memorial Hall

PROVIDENCE (June 1, 2009) – Pro boxing returns June 12 to Plymouth as Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) presents a rare pro-am card, “Brawl At The Hall,” at historic Plymouth Memorial Hall.

“Brawl At The Hall” is the second of four shows in “The Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor Fight Series,” scheduled in 2009 at Plymouth Memorial Hall and exclusively promoted by CES.

Iraqi War veteran Chris Traietti (7-2, 4 KOs), a light heavyweight from Quincy, is in the 6-round main event. U.S. Navy veteran and Plymouth firefighter, light heavyweight Benny “The Hornet” Lescarbeau (3-0, 3 KOs), is back fighting in front of his hometown fans.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are light middleweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (0-1), a Plymouth High graduate now fighting out of Marshfield, and a pair of pro-debuting boxers from Cape Cod, super middleweight Paul Gonsalves and heavyweight Jessie Barboza. Gonsalves, fighting out of Harwich, is a 2-time Southern New England Golden Gloves champion, while Barboza, of Barnstable, is a 3-time New England Golden Gloves title holder. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Five amateur matches featuring some of the area’s top non-professionals are also scheduled on the “Brawl At The Hall” card.

“We’re excited to be back in beautiful Plymouth and hope that people will enjoy a mini-vacation there with CES,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “This will be one of the few pro-am shows ever held in Massachusetts. It’s so appropriate that an Iraqi War veteran (Chris Traietti), as well as a US Navy veteran and Plymouth firefighter (Benny Lescarbeau), are fighting on a card in ‘America’s Hometown,’ one of these most historic areas in this great country. We hope locals will support their fighters and tourists enjoy a different, entertaining night out after visiting Plymouth Rock, The Mayflower and so many other places of great interest in Plymouth.”

Tickets for “Brawl At The Hall” are moderately priced (includes $3.00 surcharge per ticket) at $38.00 (Bronze), $48.00 (Silver), and $78.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club). VIP tables of eight are also available. To purchase call CES (401.724.2253/2254) or go online at www.cesboxing.com.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) for more information. Doors open at 6:00 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

-CES-

FLORIDA MAY 30th -- BERTO-URANGO/ANGULO-CINTRON

Welterweight Champ Andre Berto 24-0 (18 KO's) and Jr welterweight champ Juan Urango 21-1 (16KO) met at Yankee Stadium today - 45 days before they meet in the ring some 1100 miles away.

The 12 round bout will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel in North Miami, Florida, and it will be Juan Urango's first attempt at a welterweight crown, as the fighter jumps up from 140lbs to challenge Andre Berto for the welterweight crown. The bout will televised on HBO.

Yankee Stadium courtesy JLM

A SMILING BERTO & URANGO . . . READY FOR A FIGHT

And the welterweights, as well as the juniors, are loaded with talent, so this bout is one of many a fight fan would want to see. Berto comes forward and looks to fight, and Urango does pretty much the same - but looking to land the flush shot that has put many opponents away.

In the co-feature, Alfredo Angulo, 15-0 (12 KO), will challenge Kermit Cintron 30-2 (27KO), in what appears to be another thrilling bout. Cintron has only lost to Antonio Margarito, and is looking to get back into the picture. In his last bout Cintron rallied for a disputed draw against top notch jr. middleweight Sergio Martinez, , while Angulo stopped rugged veteran Cosme Rivera. Judging by the KO percentage of these two, the word for this bout is simply "Explosive"

Around New York: The Main Event pits a Lou Dibella Fighter (Berto) against his friend Leon Margules fighter (Urango) Both fighters are based in Florida. Dibella is the promoter of local "Braodway Boxing" in New York. Last call for the Golden Gloves finale at the Paramount Theatre at the Garden at 33rd Street this Thursday and Friday. Rumors are that jr. middleweight Yuri Forman has been let go from Top Rank. The New York base fighter is still unbeaten but has not been in the ring since December. A Top Rank Spokesperson told TRUFAN that his contract has run its course -- coupled with the fact that there is not a marketable bout out there for him . . . Next week is a busy time for Dibella and Company -- On Saturday April 25th Jermaine Taylor boxes with European Champ Carl Froch at Foxwoods . . . Friday night at the Prudential Center John Duddy is the Main Event as he takes on veteran Billy Lyell. The Main Event is promoted by Main Events . . . Local Brooklyn "Star Of David" boxer Dimtry Salita looks to get a win up on his unbeaten record when he takes on Raul Muniz on May 24th in Primm, NV. The highly ranked Salita hopes for a shot at a title this year.

JLM

STAR BOXING'S RODRIGUEZ WINS ON FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

by Jason Sardelis

March 6th, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut: Star Boxing’s Delvin Rodriguez held on to his USBA welterweight title closing hard pulling out a slim unanimous decision over Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez in ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights featured event.

In the early going the 5’7”Alvarez, 20-2, 11 Ko’s used his southpaw stance and lots of long lefts to keep Rodriguez, 24-2-2, 14 Ko’s off balance. It was in the second half that Rodriguez became more aggressive using his five inch height advantage and shooting a stiff jab. The jab seemed to get stronger rallying Rodriguez confidence turning the fight around. In the eleventh round Rodriguez added a straight right followed by a solid left hook flooring “The Truth.” Alvarez beat referee Eddie Claudio’s count but couldn’t beat the judge’s scores of 114-113 twice and 115-112 declaring Rodriguez the winner.

KNOCKDOWN! RODRIGUEZ FLOORS ALVAREZ IN THE 11th.

In the semi-main event 19 y/o welterweight Ray “Tito” Serrano 9-0, 5 KO’s traded shots with Catskill New York’s “Smokin” Jay Krupp, 12-2, 5 KO’s over six rounds. The opening round saw its share of big wide shots one of which dropped Krupp at about the halfway mark. Serrano looked for the KO but it would never come as Serrano remained undefeated taking it 58-55 and 60-53 times two.

Providence Rhode Island’s junior middleweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, 3-0, 3 Kio’s won a lop sided victory stopping Ohio’s Tom Joseph, 4-2-1, 0 Ko’s at 1:53 of the opening round. Andrade used his Olympic amateur background, a southpaw stance and superior hand speed to land a barrage of unanswered punches provoking referee Dick Flaherty to jump in and call the action a little prematurely saving Joseph the inevitable beating that was coming. Andrade needs to step up in the caliber of opponents and sit down on his shots.

Philadelphia super featherweight Frank Trader, 3-0, 1 KO stopped overmatched Worcester, Massachusetts Edwin Rosado in the second round of their scheduled four rounder. Trader out punched Rosado, now 1-5, 1Ko landing clean right hands causing referee Dick Flaherty to call the fight at 1:49 of round two.

In cruiserweight action Youngstown, Ohio’s Josh Harris, 3-2-1 2 Ko’s finished David Williams 6-3-1, 2 Ko’s with a thunderous right hook prompting referee Michael Ortega to complete his count and make it official at :21 round two.

Philadelphia’s light middleweight Tyrone Miles won his pro debut winning a four round majority decision 39-37, 39-37,38-38 over Canada’s Chris Aucoin, 1-2-1, 0Ko’s.

Holyfield confident of success against Valuev
Saturday’s PPV card live from Switzerland

ZURICH, Switzerland (December 17, 2008) -- Evander Holyfield is convinced that neither size nor age will matter in Saturday´s showdown with WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev. The 46-year-old challenger is determined to become the oldest heavyweight champion in the history of boxing when he takes on “The Russian Giant” in front of a sellout crowd of 12,500 fans in Zurich, Switzerland. In order to put his name in the record books, though, he needs to defeat the biggest and tallest champion of all time.

“I will display a performance that will surprise many people,” Holyfield said at today´s official press conference. “I have been asked about my age so many times but that is fine. It is not about how old you are. It is about how old you feel and what you can do inside the ring. I am very
experienced and I know what I have to do against Valuev. I am in great shape and I really look forward to Saturday night.”

Valuev-Holyfield is promoted by Wilfried Sauerland’s Sauerland Event and its Managing Director, Christian Meyer, in association with Don King Productions. The broadcast is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN and DISH Network for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A same night replay will be available at 9:00 PM/ET – 6:00 PM/PT. Award-winning announcers Nick Charles and Al Bernstein will call all of the action.

Valuev will make his second appearance in Switzerland after stopping Jameel McCline in the third round of their meeting in January 2007. “It is great to be back in Switzerland,” Valuev said. “It is a great country and the people are very nice. It is something very special to fight an accomplished champion such as Evander Holyfield. He is a living legend and I am full of respect for him. However, once you are inside the ring, neither names nor titles, matter any more. I have trained very well and I will put on a good performance on Saturday night.”

Manager Wilfried Sauerland admitted the showdown will be one of the biggest fights he has ever staged. “This is a very special bout,” he said. “Holyfield has been heavyweight champion four times. He faces the biggest champion of all time. It is a clash of the superlatives.”

Philippe Huber, CEO of co-organizers Kentaro, believes that Saturday´s clash will help to put Switzerland on the world boxing map. “We are keen to establish Switzerland as a top venue for great boxing fights,” he said. “This is truly an outstanding event.”

A relaxed Holyfield also happily answered questions that were not related to boxing. A curious reporter wanted to know whether he really lived in a house with more than 100 rooms. “Yes, that is true,” Holyfield said. “I have been blessed and I am very thankful for my lifestyle. I have worked very hard for it and that is what I will do on Saturday night: Work hard to win the title.”

Asked about how many rooms his house in Russia has, Valuev smiled and answered. “My new house is not finished yet. These kinds of things take a little longer in Russia.”

Also on PPV is an 8-round super middleweight bout between Danish southpaw Mads “Golden Boy” Larsen (50-2, 37 KOs), former IBO title-holder, and 5-time world kickboxing and Thai boxing champion, Roberto Cocco (9-2, 5 KOs), from Italy.

Highlights from some other fights on the card, time permitting, may be shown including a 12-round co-feature matching two undefeated heavyweights, German-based, Italian-born southpaw Francesco Pianeta (17-0, 11 KOs) defending his European heavyweight title against French challenger Johann Duhaupas (17-0, 10 KOs); former New York Knicks dancer Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-2-1, 0 KOs) defending her WIBA flyweight title against undefeated German favorite Nadia Raoul (9-0, 3 KOs); heavyweight Oleg Platov (26-1, 22 KOs) versus Jason Gavern (15-4-3, 8 KOs), cruiserweights Jimmy Kapanov (8-0, 5 KOs) and Paolo Ferrara (25-13-1, 7 KOs); heavyweight Timor Ibragimov (24-2-1, 13 KOs) vs. TBA.

For more information about Saturday’s Valuev-Holyfield PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com.

-IS-

Bernard Hopkins and Kelly Pavlik; The Questions that Answer

By: Phil Santos - Overhandright.com

In a fight that did more to muddy the waters within the 160, 168 and 175 pound divisions, (Middleweight, Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight), Bernard Hopkins defeated the seemingly indestructible Kelly Pavlik.

What does Bernard Hopkins recent victory over Kelly Pavlik mean? By not only bettering but truly outclassing one of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters, and the current Middleweight boss, Hopkins adds another quality victory to his Hall of Fame career. This guys plaque in Canastota has been sitting in storage for years, they just have to keep adding to the inscription. If Hopkins hope was to prove he is still a viable contender and supremely skilled despite his age….well then….mission accomplished. This type of victory all but assures B-Hop another big money fight should he decide to continue lacing up the leather.

This win does not, however, do anything to further his standing at Light Heavyweight. Consider the fact that you have Chad Dawson slaying two of the divisions giants, (Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver), in back-to-back fights and Joe Calzaghe defeating the bigger, heavier handed Hopkins in his previous fight. Hopkins can’t possibly move up in ranking being he is already considered a top 5, possibly top 3, Light Heavyweight contender going in. You can rightly rank Hopkins ahead of Tarver at this point but I believe Hopkins needs a win over a true 175 pounder, like Glen Johnson, before stepping between Dawson and Calzaghe. And I realize Hopkins TKO’d Johnson in their only meeting but that was 1997 and was fought at 160….ancient history.

Since stunning Antonio Tarver by venturing up to Light Heavyweight and taking his titles Hopkins has two wins and one loss while facing three smaller opponents. Winky Wright, Joe Calzaghe and now Kelly Pavlik all jumped up at least 7 pounds to meet Hopkins in the ring. Over his last 6 fights Bernard Hopkins is 3-3 with no knockouts. He lost his last two fights at Middleweight, (Jermain Taylor twice), and his last fight at Light Heavyweight (Joe Calzaghe). Hopkins remains a serious contender at 175 but nothing more at the moment. Barring a match-up with Chad Dawson or a Roy Jones Jr. victory over Calzaghe in November there are few, if any, scenarios in which Hopkins status at 175 could improve.

So how would the Executioner rate at 168? Well there is that pesky Calzaghe guy again. While there is no reason to think Hopkins would drop below 170 pounds there is even less reason to believe that he defeat the elite at Super Middle. Consider the fact that he hasn’t fought below 170 pounds since 2005 and that fight, a loss to Jermain Taylor, spelled the end of his Hall of Fame Middleweight campaign. Even more telling is that Taylor, the only man to defeat Hopkins twice, is barely rated in the top 10 at 168 by The Ring Magazine. Like the Light Heavyweight division 168 is well guarded at the top by Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler. Hopkins is capable of knocking off an Anthony Mundine or Lucian Bute but again that places him in the top 3-5 168 pounders in the world.

I’m not going to waste the space speculating as to where B-Hop would rate at 160. He is no longer a Middleweight and there is no reason to think he would consider a return. The fact remains he could likely compete with and possibly beat the best the Middleweight division can offer however at 43 years of age I don’t think he could make the weight without paying a physical toll.

What does his recent loss to Bernard Hopkins mean for Kelly Pavlik? Since making a huge splash in the sport by stopping Edison Miranda and Jermain Taylor in back to back fights Kelly Pavlik had been anointed the next great Middleweight and earned recognition, deservedly so, as a top 10 pound for pound fighter. While he remains the Middleweight Champion, despite the loss, the lopsided manner in which Hopkins handed the champ his first loss raised more than a few eyebrows.

Now words like exposed and over-rated are being thrown around, at the mention of Pavlik, like this loss somehow erases much of what he has accomplished over the past couple of years. I don’t see it as nearly that severe. History tells us that when some fighters lose their aura of invincibility they are no longer dominant. Mike Tyson is a prime example. Pavlik is viewed as a heavy handed, solid chinned pressure fighter. He is willing to eat a shot or two in order to land his big right hand. Reason being that right hand is a fight changing trip straight to la la land for most opponents.

The way I see it Hopkins didn’t expose Pavlik as an over-rated fighter. What his win did show us is that a highly skilled technician with good defensive skills, and the ability to fight while moving backward, can give “The Ghost” fits. His wins over Miranda and Taylor, though impressive, do nothing to prove he can outbox a top tier fighter. He can certainly outslug with a highly rated slugger. That we do know. Even in his rematch victory over Jermain Taylor he secured a win more so by pressuring and forcing the athletically gifted Taylor into uncomfortable situations. And nobody ever considered Taylor to be a technical wizard anyhow.

Kelly Pavlik remains the crème of the 160 pound crop. The one man who has emerged as his biggest threat is Arthur Abraham. Pavlik vs. Abraham would be an exciting proposition but I’m not sure that Abraham has the tool set required to take Pavlik apart. Abraham can bang and he has a granite chin but I’d have to rate Pavlik and Abraham’s technical skills a push. The man that may be a wild card is Winky Wright if he ever ends his hiatus that’s lasted for over a year now. Wright has the boxing skills to make a difficult fight for anyone at 160 and similarly to Hopkins his age, 37, means it’s now or never as far as big-time future fights are concerned. And given the way he was out classed by B-Hop don’t expect Pavlik vs. Wright, a fight that was rumored to have been recently turned down by Winky, to be anywhere near the top of Pavlik’s list of future opponents. Taking all this into account Pavlik’s loss to Hopkins does very little to effect his status as the best Middleweight on the planet.

Does Pavlik losing to Hopkins at a higher weight mean that “The Ghost” is ill equipped for a title run at 168 or eventually 175? This is a tougher question to answer. I tend to think that Pavlik will struggle if and when he opts to make a permanent jump up in weight. At 160 the 6’2’’ Pavlik, with his 75’’ reach, and exceptional punching power is a nightmare for fellow Middleweights. That advantage would disappear against the likes of Joe Calzaghe, Mikkel Kessler, Chad Dawson and a number of other serious contenders between 168 and 175. Were he not the bigger, stronger man going in, (which he wouldn’t always be fighting above 160), it’s reasonable to assume that Pavlik is incapable of out boxing championship caliber fighters outside of his division. While Pavlik’s skills may still improve a serious question mark has arisen concerning his ability to earn a decision over a slick boxer.

There is no shame in losing to a future Hall of Famer like Bernard Hopkins. Conversely if Pavlik hopes to pave a road to Canastota you would expect the 26 year old to put forth a better account of himself against his ageless opponent. Pavlik still has a bright future. Remember that even the greatest fighters ever spent time on the losing end of some battles. What matters most moving forward is how Kelly bounces back after this loss. Perhaps focusing on defending his belts and continuing to clean out the Middleweight division, starting with Arthur Abraham, would be a good first step toward solidifying his legacy. Assuming he is successful then the opportunity for big money fights versus bordering divisional champions or pound for pounders will present themselves.

Are we ready to wrap things up kids? After all that babble here’s what I was trying to say.

Kelly Pavlik holds all the cards regarding the future of his career and his status as an elite pound for pounder. As for how great a champion he will end up being, that remains to be seen. His loss to Hopkins hurts more now than it will in a year or so providing he can put together a solid win streak and a few title defenses. This loss may have dulled the shine of Kelly Pavlik’s star but the situation should only be temporary. Pavlik is a smart kid and likable guy who should land on his feet and come back stronger after his twelve round schooling session with Hopkins.

Where Bernard Hopkins is concerned this win is yet another where he went in as the underdog and came out the lion tamer. B-Hop can still get it done, it may not always be pretty but you have to admire the results. This win over Pavlik opens the door for another meaningful fight if there is anyone willing to give him a shot. His skill set and awkward style make him a very avoidable option for the top dogs at Light Heavyweight and after making Pavlik look silly I doubt there are many 168 pound fighters lining up to challenge the Executioner. His win over Pavlik is impressive but does little to change his status among his peers. Once you are a lock future Hall of Famer another impressive win can’t make you more of a lock to get in right? Hopkins position in the game is unchanged but this win earns him sustained relevance and redemption after losing to Calzaghe.

CALZAGHE-JONES PRESS CONFERENCE

- Ron Ross

Somebody should tell somebody that somebody said something bad about somebody’s mother. Or else when the referee tells Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Calzaghe to shake hands on November 8^th, it may be one very long handshake. Truthfully, it was refreshing seeing two guys trading tributes and praises instead of sophomoric stare-downs, growls, occasional punch-outs and breaking furniture. Not as much fun, but much more civilized. You did not have to have an Einstein-equivalent IQ to surmise that here were two guys that really liked each other.

They had such nice things to say about each other that it would have been very appropriate for Michael Buffer, who HBO brought in to handle the intros for this major league presser at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square, to bellow, “Let’s get ready to be humble!” It seems as though this “BATTLE OF THE SUPERPOWERS” for the lightheavyweight title may prove that age is no longer a barrier in the boxing world. Jones, with a record of 52-4, 38 KO’s will be just two months shy of his 40^th birthday on the night of the fight unless he can emulate Jack Benny who fiddled around the age of 39 forever. Roy acknowledges that 39 is not the same as 25. This may not qualify Roy for a college diploma, but it is good strong logic. Calzaghe, a mere stripling of 36 ½, undefeated in 45 bouts, 32 KO’s, will be realizing a life’s dream, according to his dad and trainer, Enzo Calzaghe, who spilled the beans by saying that for years “This pain in the ass has been saying, ‘Dad, I want to fight Roy Jones.”

Turning towards his son with a big smile, he stressed the point. “Joe, you pain in the ass! You got it now.”

It will be interesting to see how fans will respond to $1500 + lower level seats with a world in financial turmoil. Reports are that there is a tremendous advance already from the Calzaghe’s devoted Welsh fans.

Meanwhile, Dmitriy Salita, who has patiently waited for his crack at the Light-welterweight crown, has the option of holding his breath or praying. He should not have to resort to either but it seems as though titleholder Andreas Kotelnikis is playing hardball in his demands for signing for this fight. Hopefully, it will be ironed out in the next few days. If the Kotelnik fight cannot be made, Dmitriy will probably fight Glasgow’s Willie Limond. Here is a situation where the WBA should enter the fray and make certain that Salita, undefeated in 28 bouts, be given the opportunity he so rightfully deserves and has earned.

The show, co-promoted by Square Ring, Inc and Calzaghe Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden is what New York boxing is all about. Hopefully the big arena will be filled to capacity. Tickets are priced at $1500, $1000, $750, $500, $250 and $150. The card will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Godfrey offended by Calloway’s comments

PROVIDENCE (August 5, 2008) – NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) had his nose bent out of shape, so to speak, by recent comments attributed to Rob “All American Prize Fighter” Calloway.

Calloway (70-7-2, 56 KOs) was quoted as saying, “I’ve never turned down any fight!” He went on to proclaim that he deserved a title fight because he’s the WBC Americas champion and proceeded to call out Rudolf Kraj, Firat Arslan and Enzo Maccaranelli. Godfrey took offense on two counts: Team Calloway passed on an opportunity to fight Godfrey for his NABF belt on August 29 in an ESPN main event; Calloway is rated No. 11, behind No. 5 Godfrey.

“I know Rob and he’s a great guy,” Godfrey said, “but my speed and movement would be too much for him to handle. If he wants to fight the elite guys in the cruiserweight division, he should have taken the fight against me to prove himself. I am an elite cruiserweight – No. 5 -- but he didn’t take the fight.”

Despite Rob proclaiming he’d fight anyone in the world given three weeks notice, Team Calloway reportedly passed on Godfrey because Rob had a fight July 19 against Max Alexander (14-2-1), which ended in a 12-round draw. Godfrey’s only loss as a pro was a close 12-round decision in a WBC title eliminator to Kraj in Germany this past March.

Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

Godfrey was a highly decorated U.S. amateur who defeated many of today’s contemporary pro boxers in the amateurs such as former WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-2-3, 12 KOs), heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (23-1, 15 KOs), Devin Vargas (16-0, 7 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (16-3, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-2, 10 KOs).

-MG-

AUTHOR WOOD TO APPEAR ON
BOXING WITH FRED ROMANO

Boxing With Fred Romano is a monthly television program featuring interviews, opinion and historical retrospectives. Romano sits down with the fighters, promoters, writers and other personalities of the sport to bring you their unique perspectives and opinions.
The next addition of Boxing With Fred Romano will broadcast on the days and times listed below, and feature acclaimed boxing writer Peter Wood. Peter is the author of Confessions of a Fighter, and A Clenched Fist. In this program we will delve into his first work, Confessions of a Fighter. In his seminal work, Peter bares his soul, taking the reader on a journey of fear, family dysfunction, and adolescent confusion. Don’t miss this intimate and frank discussion with the author, as he relives his fantastic journey through the New York Golden Gloves Tournament. The author may be reached at PeterWood05@aol.com.

BROADCASTING SCHEDULE

The program is available to cable subscribers in the borough of Manhattan. For Time Warner Cable (TWC) our next program will broadcast on

July 16^th, 12:30 am (Tues. Night / Wed. morning) Channel 67;

July 22^nd, 11 pm (Tues.), Channel 56

July 3oth, 12:30 am (Tues. night / Wed. morning) Channel 67
If you do not live in Manhattan, you can still watch the program through a live stream on the internet at the dates and times indicated above. Web broadcasts can be viewed by going to www.mnn.org. at the time and date of the broadcast and by doing the following:

1) Click on “What’s On Now”, 2) From the “Watch MNN Live” section, click on the“MSS” which is next to the desired channel number ( ch. nos. are to the left of the slash) 3) click on “Launch the external player.” (If you do not have an external media player already loaded onto your computer, you should be given the option to load one

PACQUIAO, BARRETT UPSTAGED BY CORTEZ

- Ron Ross

June 30, 2008

It was quite a show at Mandalay Bay. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, stepping up a class to the lightweight division, brought back memories of Armstrong in totally dominating and stopping a courageous but completely outgunned David Diaz. Which Armstrong? Doesn’t matter. Whether the windmill punching machine, Henry Armstrong, who conquered all he opposed in the squared circle, or Wheaties Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy, who conquered all he opposed on radio and movie serials, on this night the Pacman seemed equal to any of either one’s exploits.

Already a living legend in his native Philipines, Manny convinced the world with his masterful, non-stop punching and superb technical skills. He blended speed, power and stamina into a performance worthy of a pound-for-pound best with or without a Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in the field. A stiff right jab followed by a perfect left on the button served as the coup d’ grace at 2:24 of the ninth round, but that was simply the icing on the cake. Diaz, to his credit, never gave up and fought like a tenacious bulldog. At the end, there were no excuses. He conceded that Pacquiao was just too fast for him. Actually, stepping up a weight class seems to have endowed the Pacman with the additional strength and energy that he may have sapped himself of making the lower weight and produced the best version of Pacman that we have yet seen.

It seemed, though, that Pacquiao would be sharing the spotlight with a late-in-life career-defining performance by New York’s Monte Barrett, supposedly the lamb ready to be slaughtered by all-around super athlete-turned super boxer, Tye Fields. Fields, at 6’8” and 265 pounds, with an impressive record of 41-1, including 37 KO’s may not have had the icy fingers of fear running up his spine at the sight of the 37-year old, 220 pound Barrett who had lost three of his last five fights and came in with an overall record of 34-6 with 20 KO’s. Whatever Fields may have been thinking was drastically changed less than a minute after the bell rang. The big southpaw from Nevada threw his vaunted left which went nowhere and Barrett countered with a right which went somewhere, right on Fields’ jaw and it seemed to short-circuit everything that made Fields function. Four more right hands totally separated him from his faculties as he went down and all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Tye Fields together again. I spoke with Barrett’s promoter, Lou DiBella, shortly after the fight and asked him if it was strictly a payday event for Barrett or did he think he had a chance. Lou said he was confident that Monte was going to do what he did. And he wasn’t talking about the WOW! Of a backflip Barrett executed in celebration.

But unfortunately the spotlight was stolen from the double-bill punching performances of Pacquiao and Barrett by a non-punching but devastating showing by referee Joe Cortez in the 12-rounder for the WBC interim super-featherweight title fight between Mexico’s Humberto Soto, 44-7 and Dominican Francisco Lorenzo, 34-4, who looked older than his 36 years. Soto beat up on Lorenzo like he was a rug hanging out on the line and had to have the dust beaten out of it. In the fourth round it was obvious that the end was at hand. Lorenzo was bloody – like with rivulets of red streaming over his face in all different direction – he was being virtually beaten to a pulp so badly that referee Joe Cortez stepped in to … to what? Nobody knew, obviously including Cortez. It was a moment of confusion that should not have been. The action resumed and as Soto went back on the attack, pummeling Lorenzo, who went down on one knee then got up with no intervention by Cortez and seemed to be going down again as Soto rightfully continued his blitzing. Meanwhile, Lorenzo was somewhere between going down again and pointing to the back of his head when Cortez stepped in and called a halt. What Soto had done was continue fighting in a scenario of confusion caused by Cortez’s non-action. What Lorenzo did was to try to steal the fight by crying “foul.” What referee Joe Cortez did was inexcusable. He disqualified the Winner in everyone’s book for a non-disqualifiable punch, a glancing right hand to the top of the head of a yo-yoing fighter ready to accept the canvas as his home. It was his action of lowering his head that caused the barely-glancing blow to make contact and for giving him the win and the crown for that is a complete travesty.

I have always respected Joe Cortez and would call him one of the great referees in the sport. But this was a big time blow. He conferred with Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and with the ring physician. In a blatant bid to uphold Cortez’s call, the doctor said that it was a blow of concussive force! Next week the whole world will be able to view this affront not just to a deserving prizefighter, Humberto Soto, but to every boxing fan. Joe Cortez chooses to live by the slogan – “Fair but Firm!” This time, Joe, it was quite a bit too firm and not fair at all!

The NSAC has the option of reversing itself and permitting a just resolution. Do it! You do not permit a cringing, beaten fighter to steal a stellar performance and having a referee and boxing commission complicit in such an injustice! Put the spotlight back where it belongs, on the stellar performances of deserving warriors, not an atrocious call by a mistaken referee.

Whew!

In a spirited 12-round back and forth battle, Californian Steve Luevano, 35-1-1, retained his WBO featherweight title, being held to a draw by Puerto Rico’s Mario Santiago, 19-1-1. In a battle of lefties, Luevano took an early lead but the seemingly harder punching Santiago came on strong in the middle rounds as it seemed that Luevano was tiring. However, the titleholder was able to summon up enough in the final stanzas to pull out even on the scorecards with Dave Moretti calling it 114-114, while Duane Ford had it 115-113 for Santiago while Harry Davis scored seemed to be an out-of-line 117-111 for Luevano.

NINE... TEN... AND OUT! The Two Worlds of Emile Griffith by Ron Ross

is now available

Moreno-Olszewski: Size doesn’t matter

Holm-Sanders headlines June 13 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE (June 2, 2008) – Popular WBC mininumweight champion Carina “La Reina” Moreno is a prime example of good things coming in small packages. The 5-foot, barely over 100-pounds Moreno (11-1, 5 KOs) faces WIBA flyweight title-holder and former New York Knicks dancer, Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0-1), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, in a 10-round fight June 13 for the IFBA junior flyweight crown on the “Finally” pay-per-view show, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The greatest collection of women boxers on one show, including five independently No. 1 rated fighters, are scheduled to battle in four world title bouts for five different belts on “Finally,” promoted by Fresquez Productions, Inc., is being produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States and Canada (10 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, DirecTV, Bell Expressvue and StarChoice for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

The main event features the top two women boxers in the world today, Albuquerque favorite Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs), recognized as the No. 1 welterweight in the world, versus the world’s No. 1 middleweight, Detroit icon Mary Jo Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs), squaring-off in the 10-round main event for the vacant IFBA junior middleweight crown and universal pound-for-pound supremacy.

“This is going to be the biggest women’s boxing show ever and I’m blessed to be part of it,” Moreno said. “I’m very excited to fight on pay-per-view at a casino and area I’ve never been to. It’s really going to help women’s boxing. All-around, I’m anxious and can’t wait. I know Eileen. We were both on Team USA for two years and trained together. She fought at 112 pounds, I was 106. We sparred quite a bit because we were the two smallest. Everybody stopped to watch us. The smaller fighters are fast and throw a lot of punches. There’s always a lot of action.

“Eileen’s coming down to 108 for this fight and I’m moving up. It’s going to be a good, exciting, tough fight. I’m faster, she’s stronger. I don’t know if she’s changed her style. As an amateur, she applied a lot of pressure and came right at you. She didn’t slip a lot of punches. I’m not sure what to expect from her. I saw one of her pro fights and she had that New York-style, hands down, but she held her hands high as an amateur. She’s always in tremendous condition and I assume she’ll be putting a lot of pressure on me. I did a lot of slipping and ducking, but we went at it as amateurs, I didn’t back down.”

Moreno owns and teaches classes at a gym (Noble-Moreno Boxing) she owns with her trainer, Rick Noble, in Watsonville, California. She’s finishing up at Cabrillo Community College and will soon transfer to San Jose State to pursue her business degree. On weekends, Carina helps out at her parent’s restaurant in Santa Cruz, “Tacos Moreno.”

“I’m going into my fight with Eileen to take care of business,” the WBC 2007 Female Fighter of the Year added. “I’d love for it to be the best fight of the night. I’m going to do my best to steal the show. There are going to be a lot of fans watching in Albuquerque and on pay-per-view. They’re going to see a lot of action. Smaller fighters like us seem to be more entertaining. We’ll be throwing a lot of punches. We’re going to put on a great show for everyone.”

WIBA & IBA junior lightweight title-holder Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), takes on WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), of Ontario (Canada), in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant IFBA lightweight championship that has all the makings of a female version of Gatti-Ward.

IBA junior flyweight champion Wendy “Little Thunder” Rodriguez will be seeking revenge June 13 when she fights one of only four opponents to ever defeat her, Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway, in their 10-round bout for the vacant IBA strawweight and IFBA mini-flyweight belts. Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, lost an eight-round decision March 15, 2007 to Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), the reigning WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder and NABF flyweight champion, fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, are on sale March 18 at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

-FP-

Andre “Boom Boom” Berto

A Steady Ascension to Stardom

By: Phil Santos – Overhandright.com

In the talent laden Welterweight division names like Mosley, Judah, Cotto and Mayweather guard the gates through which superstardom is obtained. There are no easy paths for a fighter looking to make his mark at 147. Even at the bottom end of the top ten, as rated by The Ring Magazine, there are difficult fights with proven veterans and former champions.

While Mayweather is still recognized as the best fighter in any weight and Miguel Cotto is thought to be the heir apparent to his throne, at least as the welterweight boss, there is another fighter who has peaked fight fans interest. That fighter is Andre Berto.

On June 21^st, at the Fedex Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, Berto takes on his toughest challenge to date in Miguel Angel Rodriguez. While a young, undefeated fighters record can be misleading in the case of Andre Berto his 21-0 (18) is looking more legitimate with each passing fight. The manner in which he has raised his game to new levels each time the competition becomes fiercer lends credibility to his growing status as a serious contender.

In his last two fights Berto faced veteran opponents with granite chins and methodically wore them out before finally stopping them. First up was David Estrada whom Berto furiously pounded en route to an 11^th round stoppage. Then he proceeded to dismantle Michel Trabant forcing him to quit on his stool. The victory over Estrada marked only the forth loss of his career, (Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron and Ishe Smith being the others), and the second time that he had been stopped; Kermit Cintron is the only other fighter to have stopped Estrada. Equally impressive was becoming the first fighter to make Trabant quit, handing the German fighter his third loss and first by KO.

Now with his June 21^st date with Rodriguez looming Berto looks to put together another notable performance perhaps landing him a shot at one of the lower end top ten welters. Berto certainly appears ready and his skills and growing résumé make him a worthy opponent for a Luis Callazo or Jackson Bonsu. For that matter the other three fighters who rank 6-10, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey and Kermit Cintron, would be a step up but by no means would they outclass Berto given his recent showings.

The near future looks promising for the 24 year old up and comer. His combination of speed, power and patience should carry him through the ranks and possibly into the title picture. He has a good promoter in Lou Dibella and possesses a great attitude as well as a humbleness you rarely find in this sport. He is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the talented bunch of Welterweight stars and assuming a win on the 21^st he’ll have inched closer to challenging a big name.

Garside excited about taking women’s boxing to another level against Hallback on “Finally” PPV card

Holm-Sanders headlines June 13 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE (April 21, 2008) – The much touted Fight of the Night candidate on the June 13th “Finally” pay-per-view event, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, is the 10-round co-feature for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) lightweight championship between WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs) and WIBA & IBA junior lightweight title-holder Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs).

The Fresquez Productions, Inc.-promoted “Finally” will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States and Canada (10 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, Shaw Communications, DirecTV and StarChoice for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

“‘Finally” features the greatest collection of women boxers on one show with all eight independently rated among the world’s top 3 by divisions, including five No. 1 rated females, battling in four world title bouts. The headliner matches the top two women boxers in the world today, Albuquerque favorite Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs), recognized as the No. 1 welterweight in the world, against the world’s No. 1 middleweight, Detroit icon Mary Jo Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs), in the 10-round main event for the vacant IFBA junior middleweight crown as well as universal pound-for-pound supremacy in female boxing.

WIBA champion Garside, the world’s No. 1 rated featherweight from Ontario, agrees that hershowdown against the No. 1 ranked lightweight, WIBA and IBA title-holder Hallback, of Tampa, could very well steal the “Finally” PPV show. “I’ve heard that and it’s because of what both of us bring to the table,” Jeannie explained. “When things get slow in a fight, I pump-up the pace to get the crowd into it. That’s my style; I feel the crowd and love to hear them. I’m so grateful to be part of the best women’s boxing card ever. Every single bout is exciting with eight women coming to fight. The passion in us makes our fights so exciting, especially on a show of this level taking women’s boxing to another level. I’ve sparred with Mary Jo. We’re close and I’m excited to be fighting on the same card as her.

“I’ve known Chevelle since I turned pro and we both fought once on the same card. She is one of the best fighters out there. I believe I’ve been underestimated in the past, but she’s not going to underestimate me. We’re getting an opportunity to put a fire under the butts of everybody watching our fight. It has all of the makings of a great fight….the Fight of the Night!”

Garside was a highly-decorated Canadian amateur boxer who started boxing after watching Christy Martin fight on a Mike Tyson undercard in1996, quickly developing into the 1998 & 1999 British Columbia champion and 1998 British Columbia Fighter of the Year. She earned a spot on the Canadian National Women’s Boxing Team and won a gold medal in the 2000 Canadian National Championships.

Her boxing career suffered a set-back when she tore an ACL in her knee during a touch football game in 2000, which required reconstructive surgery, but a year later Jeannine reached the semifinals of the AIBA World Amateur Championships and she won her fourth straight national title in 2002. Garside finished her amateur career with a 40-5 record. She made her pro debut on December 4, 2004, taking a four-round decision from Heather Percival in Tacoma, Washington, captured the WIBA super bantamweight title in only her fourth pro fight, and the WIBA featherweight title in her seventh.

In her fourth pro fight, the aggressive southpaw Garside easily won a 10-round decision (99-90, 98-90, 98-91) against Lisa Brown (12-1-2) for her WIBA super bantamweight crown. Last November, Jeannine added the WIBA featherweight title belt to her collection, dominating an exciting 10-round decision (100-87, 99-89, 98-90) against Laura Serrano (16-2-2).

“When I won my first world title in only my fourth pro fight,” Garside remarked, “there were some naysayers. Now, though, I have credibility because they know I have the skill and talent of a true champion. My best experience was fighting Europeans in the amateurs, when I developed my ring generalship and mind set I need to fight. I’m proud of my amateur career, but most women don’t spend a lot of time as amateurs. Hopefully, women’s boxing will be added to the Olympics. and more women will get into amateur boxing.”

Also on PPV, IBA junior featherweight champion Wendy Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, takes on WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas, in a 10-round vacant IBA strawweight title fight; WBC 2007 Fighter of the Year, WBC mininumweight champ Carina “La Reina” Moreno (11-1, 5 KOs), of Watsonville (CA), faces WIBA flyweighttitle-holder Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0-1), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, in a 10-round title fight for the IFBA junior flyweight crown. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, go on sale March 18 at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

-FP-

Alfonso Gomez: (vs. Miguel Cotto) I'm just looking at winning on Saturday, and when I win, there is a re-match clause, so I guess that's what's going to happen!

Interview with Alfonso Gomez
By: Danny Serratelli

Alfonso S. Gomez (18-3-2) is very confident heading into his fight on Saturday night against undefeated WBA welterweight champion and one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world, Miguel Cotto (31-0-0). Brickcityboxing.com/Doghouseboxing.com had the chance to speak with Alfonso as he was preparing for another huge opportunity to shine after already pulled off several big upsets in his career. The fight will be broadcasted by HBO, this Saturday, April 12 from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Read on to learn more about the talented Mexican-American fighter from California and just how confident he is going into this fight with Miguel Cotto. Special thanks to Melissa DeVolentine from team Gomez for setting up this interview. For further information on Alfonso Gomez and information about this exciting match up check out www.alfonsosgomez.com .

Danny Serratelli: Alfonso it is a pleasure to speak to you. To me you are a throwback fighter, which coming from me is a huge compliment. I feel it is often overlooked how you took the Contender at 160 pounds even thought you are naturally more of a 140-147 pound fighter. I know a lot of guys who turned it don because it was a weight class or 2 off. I know guys who refuse fights on shows I've promoted because of 2 or even 1 pound…but that's boxing, so much respect to you for not only entering, but doing very well. How did you feel going into "The Contender" with an obvious size disadvantage, and how was it to pull the big upset against Peter Manfredo in your 1st fight on the show?

Alfonso Gomez: I was going to go into The Contender regardless of weight for the opportunity of $1 million; not for the recognition, but for the money. For the first fight I picked who was supposed to be best and the one that no one wanted to fight. I don't run from anyone or anything, and since he was the best eventually we were going to fight anyway. But it really gave me a "name" for doing that.

DS: After beating Peter the first time, how disappointed were you after the rematch with Peter (which Manfredo won) and what was different in that 2nd fight with Manfredo?

AG: It was a very close fight; I can't say he "beat me beat me" but the judges felt he was better. At the end of the day, the weight caught up to me; I really started to feel the difference in weight/size.

DS: Who are your favorite fighters now, and who did you look up to as a kid when you were in the amateurs?
AG: Now, Manny Pacquiao and Kelly Pavlik, as a kid of course, Julio Cesar Chavez.

DS: As a young fighter when I have seen you, you have always seemed pretty experienced and composed. I usually attribute that to a more extensive amateur background. How many amateur fights did you have, and what was your record?

AG: 90 fights with 80 wins

DS: Entering the Contender did you seriously believe that fighting 2 weight classes over where you were regularly fighting that you would have the chance to do as well as you did?

AG: Yes, I felt I was going to win.

DS: At that point in your career getting the opportunity to compete for a million dollars… that is the attitude you have to have to stand a chance. Have you learned anything or do you feel differently after your recent wins over tough ring veterans like my fellow NJ guy, all time warrior, Arturo Gatti and Ben Tackie?

AG: More than anything, it gave me a boost of confidence as a fighter, and it gave me more confidence that I can go more rounds.

DS: I have been at pretty much all of Arturo Gatti's fights in Atlantic City and I know that it is a special place for Arturo and his fans. You seemed to be in a zone and like everything went your way that night. I'm curious about how you prepared mentally and physically and how you felt fight night pre-fight, during the fight and post fight?

AG: I always prepare physically to best of my abilities, and prepare mentally as well. I don't let anything get in my way. The pressure from fans and media before and at the fight didn't affect me. I was able to stay focused on the task at hand and on fight night I delivered exactly what I trained for.

DS: With that win, you captured the imagination of a lot of fans and silenced a lot of naysayers. Against Cotto, a win would obviously be huge, but even a good showing would earn you more respect and possible big fights down the road. What have you done to mentally and physically prepare for such a momentous night that could shape your career?"

AG: Thank you for that, but I'm not looking for a "good showing." I go to win and I've prepared by training hard like always.

DS: Who is your trainer, and what sparring partners have you used to help you prepare for Cotto's style, or should I say styles?

AG: My trainer is my father Alfonso S. Gomez, Sr., who has been my trainer for my whole career. I've also added a conditioning coach for this fight, so that I have the stamina to go 12 rounds. I've been sparring with Alfredo Angulo and Vardan Gasparvan, who are both light middleweights. They're both strong guys and pressure fighters so I feel like I've gotten very good sparring.

DS: I have always felt Miguel was a tough fighter; however at 140 he sometimes seemed flawed. Since he has moved up to 147 he has looked awesome. In my opinion he has improved a lot over the last few years to become a much more complete fighter fighting at a better weight for him. However, I also how do you feel you match up with Miguel style and strength/size wise, what are your feelings on strength, size and style matchups in this fight.

AG: Strength and size-wise, I'm bigger than him and I've proven I can handle bigger fighters, so the plan is to use the size and strength advantage. I can work on the inside or on the outside depending on what Cotto decides to do.

DS: You already went toBoardwalk Hall in Atlantic City to what they called the house that Gatti built and you were successful. How do you feel about going back to Atlantic City for only the 2nd time in your career to fight Miguel Cotto, who also packs the house in Atlantic City?

AG: I feel good about going back to Atlantic City. I have to do my job right and not focus on where I am or where he is. I focus on the fighter and I don't focus on anybody else.

DS: Do you watch tapes and devise a game plan for fights, does your trainer/dad do it, or do you just go in there and go with the flow and make adjustments?

AG: I watch tapes and make game plans but then I adjust to the other fighter. I tend to match them, so when the other fighter isn't as good, then I don't look as good, but when they are good, then I rise to their level. But I do train differently for each fighter.

DS: That's interesting, because I think that Miguel has seemed to do the same thing in the past, although I saw that more when he fought at 140 pounds. Since you guys both have a tendency to do that, it should make for an exciting fight. He has showed that he can box or brawl. I think you are an underrated fighter and a live underdog. I think you have underrated boxing skills, but I have also seen you brawl effectively. . You do a lot of subtle things in the ring and seem to always be relaxed and keep your composure. What is your game plan?

AG: If he tries to box, them I'll push him back, because he doesn't fight as good backwards as forwards in my opinion. I have a good jab and good timing so I'm going to capitalize on that as well.

DS: Thanks Alfonso, you are a good guy and a solid fighter. I know you are building a fan base in my neck of the woods in the Northeast and I am expecting a good fight on Saturday regardless of the outcome. I want to wish you the best of luck from www.Brickcityboxing.com and www.Doghouseboxing.com . I know you will come to fight and surprise a lot of people. Win or lose where do you want to go from here?

AG: Thank you Danny, and thanks to Brickcityboxing.com and Doghouseboxing.com. I look at it fight by fight. I'm just looking at winning on Saturday, and when I win, there is a re-match clause, so I guess that's what's going to happen.

DS: Sounds like a plan. I truly believe that you and Miguel are two of the good guys in the sport and I think the style match up will assure an exciting fight. Good luck my brother. I will see you after the fight.

ANOTHER ONE OF THE UNTOUCHABLES-YURI FOREMAN

-Ron Ross

It is 75 years since Claude Rains as “The Invisible Man” stayed out of harm’s way as no one was able to catch what they could not see. Four years later, 1937, a guy named Lamont Cranston developed “the power to cloud men’s minds” and as the Shadow took being an unseen entity a step farther by handing out some serious whippings to all those that crossed his path. Time marches on and on. It is now a new century and along comes a new breed of unseen untouchable in the person of Yuri Foreman, a young man with a dual purpose in life. He is training to be a Rabbi and a prizefighter at the same time. There are those who cannot see a person of the cloth and someone of the fistic persuasion in the same body.

On Thursday night a tough Mexican power-puncher, Saul Roman who was victorious in 28 of his previous32 fights, and had knocked out 24 of his opponents journeyed to the Aviators Sports Arena at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn and was introduced to Foreman by referee Ed Claudio. Roman’s problem was a lot simpler than not being able to see a Rabbi and a prizefighter in the same body. He was unable to see, or at least, locate Foreman the entire evening. Yuri Foreman, who was defending his North American Boxing Federation Light-Middleweight Championship, was too fast, too clever and too talented for Roman.

In pursuit of his twin dreams, Foreman was determined to teach Roman a lesson or two. What Roman learned in this contest was that you can’t hit what you can’t see. It was Foreman’s ring as he danced, glided and befuddled his frustrated but always trying opponent. In the second round Yuri nailed Roman with a right to the head that opened a deep gash over his left eye that bled throughout the entire fight. It was pure artistry as Yuri moved inside, outside, to Roman’s left, then to his right, never in a predictable pattern. In desperation, Roman continued throwing punches that would fall short of its target or be blocked by the Whirling Dervish in front of him, behind him, to this side of him, to that side of him. Foreman, with an unblemished record of 25 consecutive wins, was nowhere and he was everywhere. Everywhere but on the ropes which was where the outmaneuvered Mexican was hoping to corner him and all the while Foreman, in turn, was peppering him with an array of precision punches.

It was becoming obvious that as hard as Saul Roman tried, he didn’t have a prayer. When it came to prayers, Yuri Foreman seems to have cornered the market. After all, that was his first line of business. His natural talent, though, precludes any reliance upon prayer as the cards of the three judges confirmed with their scores of 97-93, 98-92 and 98-92, all in Foreman’s favor. Many in the arena had it scored a complete shutout for the Rabbi-in-training.

The Invisible Man, the Shadow and Yuri Foreman; they all had one thing in common. You had to not see them to believe in them.

NINE... TEN... AND OUT! The Two Worlds of Emile Griffith by Ron Ross

is now available

Manfredo-Benfield
Headline “Rumble at the River”
March 14 at Twin River Event Center, RI

New York (January 14, 2007) --- Top rated and undefeated welterweight Andre Berto (20-0, 17 KO’s) will face his most experienced opponent to date on February 9 when he takes on German Michel Trabant (43-2-1, 19 KO’s) in a 10-round welterweight contest. The bout will take place at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California and will be televised on HBO’s Boxing After Dark with coverage beginning at 10pm ET.

Berto last fought on September 29, 2007 when he scored an eleventh round TKO of veteran David Estrada (21-4, 12 KO’s) to capture the NABF Welterweight title and secure the #1 Contender position for the WBC. Berto was relentless throughout throwing ruthless combinations against the courageous Estrada.

Trabant is a tested veteran of the fight game, with 47 professional bouts and only 2 defeats, and is still only 29 years old. The Berlin native is a former two time European Welterweight champion. Trabant’s career has included signature wins over world class fighters Frederic Klose (41-6, 8 KO’s) and Michele Orlando (35-5-2, 18 KO’s). This will be Trabant’s first fight in America, having been showcased only in Europe throughout his career. The slick boxer looks to take advantage of fighting in front of a worldwide boxing audience on February 9.

February 9^th will be Berto’s fourth appearance on HBO. This fight against Trabant is just another step up the ladder to the top of the welterweight division for the 24-year-old Florida native. Berto is looking to show the world why he is regarded as the future of the division.

BILOXI, Miss. (Jan. 5, 2008) – Brothers Lamont and Anthony Peterson of Washington, D.C., kept their undefeated records and hopes for a world title shot in 2008 in tact with convincing victories Friday in the co-featured bouts on ShoBox: The New Generation at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Lamont Peterson, 23, and 14 months older than Anthony, improved to 24-0 with 11 knockouts with a unanimous 10-round decision over previously undefeated Brazilian Antonio Mesquita. Peterson outboxed and outpunched Mesquita (34-1, 27 KOs) to triumph by the scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-93.

A lightweight who is ranked No. 1 in the WBO, No. 4 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 12 in the International Boxing Federation, Anthony Peterson was well ahead on the judges’ scorecards entering the eighth round of his fight.

For 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.

LAMONT & ANTHONY PETERSON,

AnTONIO MESQUITA & JOSE ANTONIO IZQUIERDO

Lamont (23-0, 11 KOs), who is ranked No. 3 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBA at 140 pounds, will face fellow unbeaten Antonio Mesquita (34-0, 27 KOs), a Brazilian now residing in Las Vegas.

Anthony (25-0, 18 KOs), a lightweight who is ranked No. 1 in the WBO, No. 4 in the WBC and No. 12 in the IBF, will meet Jose Antonio Izquierdo (16-1-1, 13 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico, by way of Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. Izquierdo, who easily defeated Nick Casal in his last ShoBox appearance, is a replacement for Guadalupe Rosales, who withdrew due to illness.

“Fighting a guy on short notice doesn’t really change anything other than I may be a little more patient early on before I break him down when we hit the stretch. At some point, he is going to have to fight and show me what he’s all about.

Round 1: Hopkins comes out throwing jabs. Wright is the aggressor but is met by sneaky right leads by Hopkins. Hopkins connects with a sharp overhand right. HOPKINS 10-9

Round 2: Hopkins is making an aggressive Wright miss. Referee Byrd warns Hop for holding. Wright turns the pressure up and is trying to beat B-Hop to the punch. Uneventful but slight edge to Wright. Wright 10-9

Round 3: Wrights left eye is cut by a clash of heads. Hopkins smiles as he waits in the corner as there is a stoppage in the action. Hopkins is holding and it may have cost him the round. Wright 10-9

Round 4: Wright again picks up the pace and Hopkins is trying to pace himself. Wright is throwing more punches and some land. Hopkins is not matching Wright in clean punches. Wright 10-9

Round 5 : The referee warns both fighters about clashing heads. Both score well but Wright is blocking more punches. Hopkins stays in his shell and is trying to create angles. Wright cut reopens as Hopkins lands some punches. Round EVEN

Round 6: Wright seems comfortable in trading inside with Hop. Although many punches are not landing clean, Wright is getting the better of it. Hopkins holds and is breathing heavy. Hopkins lands a flurry of punches near the end of the round. Wright 10-9

Round 7: Hopkins is landing good shots but he is also holding. The referee warns Hopkins for holding. Hopkins is now moving on Wright and is boxing intelligently. Hopkins looks like a younger fighter again. HOPKINS 10-9

Round 8: Wright looks to get inside but is tied up . . . Hopkins lands a clean right and is circling around Wright. Sloppy round as Hopkins clinches. Slow end. HOPKINS 10-9

Round 9: Blood is again leaking out of Wright's eye. Hopkins lands a left hook and holds. As the referee tries to break, Hopkins doesn't break. Hopkins is again warned by the referee. A lot of embracing but Hopkins lands the heavier blows, which is not many. HOPKINS 10-9

Round 10: Wright seems to be tiring but comes up with a left lead. Hopkins scores with a right. Tough round as more embracing goes on. Round EVEN

Round 11: Hopkins seems tired and is throwing one punch and rolling his shoulder. Wright ties up Hopkins, and Hopkins continues to lock up Winky's right arm, and hit with the other. The fight appears dead even. WRIGHT 10-9

Round 12: Now Wright seems to be tired, Hopkins looks fresher and is trying to steal the round with short punches. They embrace. The crowd boos. Hopkins hits Winky with two sloppy punches. They embrace. The crowd chants B-HOP. Tough round to score. Tough fight to score HOPKINS 10-9.

Alfonso Gomez: (vs. Miguel Cotto) I'm just looking at winning on Saturday, and when I win, there is a re-match clause, so I guess that's what's going to happen!

LAMONT & ANTHONY PETERSON,

AnTONIO MESQUITA & JOSE ANTONIO IZQUIERDO

LAMONT PETERSON

ANTONIO MESQUITA

JOSE ANTONIO IZQUIERDO