News/Releases

BERTO STOPS ZAVECK TO REGAIN CROWN

Biloxi, MS - (9/3/2011) - Earlier tonight, DiBella Entertainment in association with SES Boxing presented, Battle in Biloxi: Zaveck vs. Berto, which featured former WBC Welterweight Champion taking on IBF Champion, Jan Zaveck in the main event bout of the evening on HBO's Boxing After Dark at the Beau Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

With both fighters having something to prove; Berto coming off the first loss of his professional career and Zaveck fighting for the first time in the U.S. and on first time on HBO; the two wasted little time in getting the action started, each coming out fast in the first and showing their willingness to exchange.

The action in the first was just a preview of what was to come as each round saw both fighters exchanged furious combinations. Both fighters took their turns pressing forward and fighting on the inside, with Berto looking to use a heavy body attack to open up Zaveck's peek-a-boo defense.

In the fifth, some swelling developed under Berto's eye, while Zaveck's face becam a complete mess, with nasty cuts and heavy swelling developing on both eyes. Between rounds, Zaveck's corner, realizing that Zaveck was unable to see, called a halt to the contest.

It was a very impressive showing for Berto, who improved to 28-1, 21KO's, picking up the IBF Welterweight Crown, while Zaveck, who showed he is a true force in the welterweight division, record falls to 30-2, 18KO's.

In the main supporting bout of the evening, 2008 U.S. Olympian, Gary Russell Jr. stayed perfect, improving to 18-0, 10KO's with a dominate eight round decision over Mexico's Leonilo Miranda. Russell's hand speed and combination punching were too much for Miranda, as he won by scores of 80-72, 80-72, 79-72 on all three judge's scorecards.

UNDERCARD RESULTS

In a very entertaining fight, South Africa's Oosthuzien defended his IBO Super Middleweight Title with a twleve round unanimous decision victory over Aaron Pryor Jr. The southpaw, Oosthuzien who was making both his U.S. and DBE debut, was able to work behind a vicious body attack to outwork Pryor for most of the fight. Pryor hung tough, and did some good work of his own, causing a nasty cut to open over Oosthuzien's right eye, but in the end Oosthuzien was the much busier of the two, winning by scores of 117-11 on all three judge's scorecards.

IBF #2 rated welterweight, Randall "The K.O. King" Bailey improved to 42-7, 36KO's with a dominate ten round unanimous decision over Yoryi Estrella. Bailey, the manadatory challenger to tonight's main event winner, controlled the action throughout, dropping Estrella with an uppercut in the 5th round, before going on to win by scores of 100-89, 100-89, 98-91.

Luis Orlandito Del Valle knocked out Anthony Napunyi with a tremendous overhand right, improving to a perfect 14-0, 11KO's. Official time of the stoppage was 1:21 of round three.

In the opening bout of the evening, Gerald Jordon (8-5-1, 5KO's) scored an upset six round split decision over previously undefeated welterweight Sergio Vartanov (9-1, 6KO's).

Andre Berto returns to the ring and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on September 3 to take on Jan Zaveck in battle for welterweight gold, airing live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing . . .

NEW YORK, NY (August 5, 2011) – There will be no rest this Labor Day weekend for two of the best welterweights in the world. On September 3, reigning IBF welterweight champion Jan Zaveck comes to America to put his IBF welterweight title on the line against former WBC champion Andre Berto from the Beau Rivage Theatre at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Battle in Biloxi: Berto vs. Zaveck is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with SES Boxing. The show will be aired live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 10:45 PM ET/7:45 PM PT.

Tickets, priced at $150, $100, and $50, are on sale now and are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster retail outlet, or in person at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office.

“This is one of the premier matchups that could be made in the welterweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, the promoter of Battle in Biloxi. “Andre Berto is considered one of the elite in boxing and Zaveck is a reigning world champion. Both are known as all action fighters, so you know it will be explosive with so much on the line.”

Berto (27-1, 21 KOs), 27, of Winter Haven, FL, is coming off the first loss of his career, and the loss of his WBC title, on April 17 when he dropped a razor thin 12-round decision to “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, a classic battle that saw both fighters on the canvas twice and one that is considered the front runner for 2011 Fight of the Year. Prior to that Berto, a 2004 Haitian Olympian, had defended his title five times after winning it in 2008 via seventh round knockout of Miguel Angel Rodriguez.

“I am excited to get back in the ring and get gold back around my waist,” said Berto. “Everyone who knows me knows that it wasn’t the real Andre Berto in the ring in April. I’m focused on returning to reestablishing my dominance in the welterweight division and it starts with Jan Zaveck.”

Zaveck (31-1, 18 KOs), 35, originally from Ptuj, Slovenia, but now living in Germany, captured the IBF title in December, 2009 with a shocking third round stoppage of Issac Hlatshwayo in Hlatshwayo’s native South Africa. Since then, Zaveck has defended the title three times, including a majority decision win in 2010 over Rafal Jackiewicz, the only man to have previously defeated him. His bout versus Berto will mark his first professional appearance in the United States.

“I am coming to the United States to put on a great show,” said Zaveck. “When I get on the plane back to Europe, I will have my title belt.”

“Beau Rivage is happy to be partnering with DiBella Entertainment and HBO Sports to bring world championship boxing back to Biloxi,” said George P. Corchis, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts Regional Operations. “The headliner of Andre Berto vs. Jan Zaveck is a very competitive match with Berto seeking to regain another world title and Zaveck, who hasn’t lost since 2008, fighting his first professional bout in the United States. We look forward to putting on a world-class event.”

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

# # #

Broadway Boxing, airing this Sunday night on SNY, to honor the life of broadcasting legend Nick Charles

NEW YORK, NY (July 29, 2011) – This Sunday night’s episode of Broadway Boxing will pay tribute to one of the pioneers of sports television and one of boxing’s greatest advocates, the late Nick Charles. The program will feature a roundtable discussion featuring those who knew Charles the best, never before seen footage of Charles talking about the sport of boxing and, of course, three memorable bouts that Charles called from ringside in his capacity as the play-by-play man for Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation series and Broadway Boxing.

Broadway Boxing airs every Sunday night at 8PM ET / 5PM PT on SNY, which is broadcast via cable throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and nationwide on DirecTV and Dish Network. Broadway Boxing is syndicated on Comcast Sports Net affiliates nationwide. Check local listings for broadcast times on CSN.

Charles, who passed away on June 25 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer, is widely credited with popularizing the sports highlight show when he teamed with Fred Hickman for Sports Tonight upon the launch of CNN in 1980. In his 21 years at Showtime he covered almost every major sporting event worldwide. Throughout it all, boxing remained his first love.

In the roundtable portion of the show, ShoBox Executive Producer Gordon Hall, promoter Lou DiBella, Broadway Boxing and ShoBox color commentator Steve Farhood, and Broadway Boxing color commentator Brian Adams share their thoughts on Charles as their colleague and friend.

The fights shown will combine Charles’s work on both the ShoBox and Broadway Boxing franchise. The bouts to air are: the 2005 “double knockdown” affair – often referred to as the wildest 22 seconds in ShoBox history – between Sechew Powell and Cornelius Bundrage, the 2008 rematch between Randall Bailey and DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley which aired on Broadway Boxing, and the 2010 slugfest that aired on ShoBox featuring Edwin Rodriguez and Kevin Engel.

Further, clips of a documentary on boxing which was never aired, will be shown featuring Charles talk about his passion for boxing.

NEW YORK, NY (July 20, 2011) – Today at the 230 Fifth Rooftop Lounge, under the sweltering Manhattan sun, middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez and “Dazzling” Darren Barker, along with members of their respective camps and other boxing luminaries, gathered to announce “Noche de ‘Maravilla’” – or “Marvelous Night” – their October 1 clash emanating from historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Below are comments from participants in today’s kick-off press conference:

Sergio Martinez, Middleweight World Champion:

“I want to thank HBO and DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Lewkowicz, my adviser. I also want to thank Darren and all of his team.”

“I hope to see everyone on October 1.”

Darren Barker, Challenger:

“It’s nice to see this New York sun keeping my belt warm.”

“I am from London, my father was a boxer; I grew up around boxing. I’ve dedicated my life to this sport. I had over amateur 100 fights, fighting in hostile environments in other countries and coming away with medals. I live for that moment.”

“There is a great series of movies, Rocky. They captured the mentality of the underdog. If the favorite always won in sport, it wouldn’t be any fun. I’m here to prove that the underdog can cause a massive upset. So, you may not know who I am now, but come October 1, you will know exactly who ‘Dazzling’ Darren Barker is.”

Lou DiBella, Promoter of “Noche de ‘Maravilla’”:

“We believe this will be Maravilla’s night, but there is a man, ‘Dazzling’ Darren Barker, who wanted this fight. He called for this fight. And you should reward those who want the big fights.”

“There are plenty of $50 tickets, so this is an affordable night of great boxing.”

“HBO has made a commitment to Sergio Martinez since he came to America. HBO has made a commitment to showcasing the best of boxing.”

“Sergio Martinez respects Darren Barker and that’s why this fight is happening. Darren took to twitter and, bizarrely, that is how this fight happened. Eddie Hearn and I basically did the negotiations over twitter. This might be the first major fight ever made over twitter.”

“Sergio Martinez is a great champion. Not only one of the best fighters I’ve ever promoted, but one of the best guys I’ve ever promoted. He’s an extremely bright guy with a wonderful social consensus. He is, in fact, maravilla.”

Eddie Hearn, Barker’s Promoter:

“This fight was made in about 20 minutes on twitter, but that’s the relationship we have with Lou.”

“It’s been interesting talking to the press today, and they’re asking me who Darren Barker is. In England, he’s well renowned, but we quite like not being known. Darren has never even been in a fight where he has remotely been in trouble, so it’s hard to say how good Darren Barker is.”

“When we signed Darren Barker, we sat down and looked at the future, and he said to us ‘you might think I’m crazy, but if you ever get the chance to make a fight with Sergio Martinez, make it happen.’ And that’s why we take our hat off to Darren. He wants to fight the best middleweight in the world, because if you beat the best middleweight in the world, you are the best middleweight in the world. On October 1, Darren has the chance to become the best middleweight in the world.”

“Darren is a determined young man who has been through a lot of trials and tribulations, but he has remained committed to his dream. And [the press conference] is part of the dream, but it’s only half of the dream. We believe we can shock the world, and we wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

Kery Davis, Senior VP Programming for HBO Sports:

“What can you say about Sergio Martinez? 2010 FOY of the year, 2010 KOY, a great start to 2011 with a knockout of Sergiy Dziniziruk. This is Sergio’s sixth appearance on the network and he always puts on a great performance. He is quick, powerful, charismatic, and I swear Lou and Sampson are going to announce soon that they have signed him with Dos Equis to play “The Most Interesting Man in the World.”

“In looking at tapes of Darren Barker, he has a tremendous background. And he impressed us quite a bit with something he said leading up to this. He said he has been fighting for 16 years and its all leading up to this. That is the kind of fighting spirit we are looking for.”

Ken Condon, Representative of Caesars Atlantic City:

“Tickets are very reasonable for this level of fight, starting at $50 going up to $300 for ringside. This will be Sergio’s fourth fight in Atlantic City and he has developed a following here. It has become his home away from home.”

“From what I’ve heard, not too many people what to fight Sergio Martinez, but Darren Barker stepped up to the plate. I urge people to come down, enjoy the fall in Atlantic City, and enjoy your weekend on the shore.”

Jim Mercante, Representative of the World Boxing Council:

“We are here on a hot, hot day for New York to kick off what is going to be a hot, hot fight. This is the type of fight that my father, Arthur Mercante, would have wanted to referee.”

Posted By Michael Gerard Seiler to BOXING LEDGER | LATEST BOXING BLOGS | BOXING ARTICLES | BOXING BLOG FIGHT at 7/20/2011 08:27:00 PM

BOXING RETURNS TO "THE PARADISE"

By: Kevin Rooney, Jr., Star Boxing

On Thursday, July 7th, Star Boxing returns to the historic Paradise Theater in the Bronx, with the latest installment of its ever popular "Punchin at the Paradise" fight series. The event on July 7th will mark the second of five scheduled dates at the Theater in 2011.

"Our return to the Theater in May was everything we expected it to be. We were able to put together an exciting night of boxing, before a packed house of raucous fans who turned out for the show. Now we are looking to feed and build off the success of that show and carry it over into the rest of the events we have scheduled at the Theater for this year," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing.

"The card is going to be filled with a lot of local talent from the New York area, and will also feature some intriguing neighborhood battles for bragging rights of the Bronx," added DeGuardia.

In addition to the pro fights on the card there will also be four exciting amateur bouts, featuring some very exciting prospects out of the New York City area.

ERDEI MAKES SECOND US APPEARANCE

By: Alex Dombroff, Dibella Entertainment

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 26, 2011) – Unbeaten former two-time world champion and lineal light heavyweight champion Zsolt “Firebird” Erdei (32-0, 17 KOs) will make his second straight appearance on American soil on June 4 when he takes on former world champion Byron Mitchell (28-7-1, 21 KOs) on the undercard of Carl Froch’s WBC Super Middleweight title defense against Glen Johnson in the semifinals of the SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic.

To give his preparation a boost for this fight, the Hungarian hero Erdei, who is fighting his second straight bout back at light heavyweight after winning a cruiserweight title in 2009, has taken up temporary residence in the world renowned fight town, Philadelphia, PA. Erdei gave some insight into his training for his upcoming battle with Mitchell, his quest to conquer America, and how he is getting acclimated to the gyms of Philadelphia.

How has your overall training been for this bout?

Up to today I'm very satisfied with my preparations. I began basic training sessions in Budapest with my new physical coach, Zoltan Klink, a former Soccer player. He made me begin running stairs, first in my homeland Hungary at the river Duna in Budapest, then in Hamburg, Germany, then at the Bethesda Terrace stairs in New York’s Central Park, and now here in Philly on the Rocky Stairs at the Museum of Art. In March I also had a three weeks camp in Kitzbühel (Austria) together with Vitali Klitschko under the control of my coach Fritz Sdunek.

How do you feel about coming to the United States for your second straight bout?

To fight in the States was and is still my dream. To be successful in this country is my target. I like this country, I like the people. The people here have respect for fighters!

How has your training picked up since moving to Philadelphia?

Very good. I do my work at Joe Hand Gym and have the sparring sessions in the James Shuler Boxing Gym with good guys around me. Here they feel, taste and live boxing - that's what I like!

Have you become acclimated to life in the United States?

I'm used to having to be flexible. It's my fourth time in the States and, especially before my last fight in November in Atlantic City, I have used the time to adapt the way of living here.

What are your favorite things to do here that you can’t do in Hungary?

To eat lunch in a Japanese restaurant. I like sushi very much, and it fits into my eating program.

What has a typical day of training been like for you?

To be in the gym in the morning time, have some lunch at our favorite sushi bar, and after the sparring a good, but special dinner. Also I like to be outside and visit the landmarks in Philadelphia. I spend the rest of my off-time reading and solving Sudoku puzzles.

What will be the one thing that you must do in the ring to beat Byron Mitchell on June 4?

Everybody knows my skills - I'm fast and my technical skills have always been enough. I’m an undefeated world champion and have been champion in two divisions. My skills are enough.

Carl Froch vs. Glen Johnson is presented by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, in association with Matchroom Sports and Caesars Atlantic City. The bout will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing starting at 9 PM ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

DBE

Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin

Now in Sweet Position

LOS ANGELES (May 11, 2011) – Newly-crowned USBO Super Middleweight champion and undefeated prospect, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (24-0, 18 KO’s), finds himself in a sweet position after his electrifying knockout of former world title challenger Jesse Brinkley (35-7, 22 KO’s) on April 30 in Reno, Nevada in a fight televised live on TeleFutura’s “Solo Boxeo Tecate.”

The 27-year-old Quillin rocked Brinkley in the opening round with an overhand right, showed poise during target practice in the following round, and finished-off the then International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) No. 7-rated Brinkley when referee Joe Cortez mercifully halted the action at 2:34 of the third.

“Going into that fight I had a lot more confidence to do in the ring what I had worked so hard on in training camp,” Quillin said. “I orchestrated my camp and was more in rhythm to take care of boxing in order to be an explosive winner. I hurt him in the first round but didn’t go in for the kill. I relaxed and took my shots, realizing I could hit him again at any time. I hit him with a lot of hard, accurate shots. I stayed with our game plan in the second round but my corner (trainer Eric Brown) told me after the second round that Brinkley was ready to go.

“Our game plan was to box him the first five rounds and go from there with a lot of pressure. I hurt him in the first but didn’t pressure him then because I didn’t exactly know how he’d react. I never underestimated him because he’s a serious fighter. I didn’t want to risk trying to finish him off then. I was in the biggest fight of my career and just did what was natural. I knew I had a lot of power and he was right there for me to hit. I wanted to show more boxing, go to the body, but the fight only lasted three rounds.”

Quillin is now in an enviable position, training at Wild Club Boxing Club under Freddie Roach and Brown, promoted by Golden Boy, and even being mentioned as a participant in a high-profile fight, possibly against Sergio Martinez.

“I’ll fight anybody put in front of me as long as everybody – Golden Boy, my manager (John Seip) and corner – all agree that the opponent is the right one at this stage of my career,” Quillin noted.

Seip doesn’t believe there’s a rush for “Kid Chocolate” to be in a mega-fight, or need to fight again above middleweight. He noted that Quillin is a relatively young 27 with only 15 amateur matches and no “wars” as a professional having won 84 of 86 rounds.

“I’ve been with Petey six years and we’re going to stay the course,” Seip explained. “Why deviate? He’s on his way and totally destroyed Brinkley. He’s getting stronger working with his strength-and-conditioning coach, Brad Bose (Anatomi Gym in Santa Monica), who I call ‘The Professor’ because of his cutting edge programs. We’re sold on Golden Boy, Freddie Roach and Eric Brown, and believe with them he’ll become world champion. Petey has youth, athleticism, speed and power but people still haven’t seen his best punch, yet – left hook – because he’s been hurting guys with his right. I’d like to get him one or two more fights against a top 10, top 5 opponent before putting him in a world title fight. Physically, he’s capable right now, but this is the big time and I want to make sure he’s mentally prepared for the pressures of fighting in a major fight.

“He certainly was impressive, looking real strong against Brinkley, but Petey is going back down to 160 for good. We took this one fight against Brinkley because it was a great opportunity, but Petey is a middleweight, and I believe he’s the biggest puncher there. After the fight Brinkley told me Petey hits harder than (Lucian) Bute. We’ve been patient all along and there’s no reason to change now.”

For more information about Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin go online to www.TheKidChocolate.com or follow him on Twitter @/Kid Chocolate.

-30-

SALIDO UPSETS LOPEZ IN A SLUGFEST

09/04/2011 10:00:32 AM

Upset minded Orlando Salido of Mexico has beaten previously unbeaten featherweight superstar Juan Manual Lopez via an 8th round TKO in Puerto Rico.

Lopez, 30-1 (27) started strong, building up a lead until getting caught by two hard punches near the end of the fifth round. Lope never fully recovered and although he had moments, Salido continued to press the attack while Lopez appeared weary until the end.

Salido, a veteran with a record of 35-11-2 (23K'Os) was the aggressor and landed the cleaner shots after the third round. Some felt the stoppage was premature, but it seemed that Lopez was clearly on his way to his first defeat.

JLM

Fan favorite Sonya Lamonakis added to ‘East-West Showdown’ card

Berto-Ortiz headlines April 16 at MGM Grand at Foxwoods

NEW YORK, NY (Mar. 30, 2011) – Popular female heavyweight Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis has been added to the April 16 “East-West Showdown” card, featuring World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Welterweight World Champion and undefeated star Andre Berto against WBC # 5 rated challenger “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

“East-West Showdown: Berto vs. Ortiz” is presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Golden Boy Promotions. The bout will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 PM/ET 6:45 PM/PT. The broadcast kicks off with Amir “King” Khan (24-1, 17 KOs) defending his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against Paul “Dudley” McCloskey (22-0, 12 KOs) from the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England.

Lamonakis (4-0, 1 KO), a native of Greece, is a sixth-grade teacher at Harlem’s Family Academy who trains at the famed Gleason’s Gym in New York City. A four-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Sonya was a field hockey and softball player at Springfield College in Massachusetts. She has been a professional boxer since last June and, in her most recent fight, March 12 on the Sergio Martinez-Sergiy Dzinziruk card, also at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods, she won an entertaining six-round unanimous decision against previously unbeaten Tanzee Daniel. Lamonakis will be matched in another six-round bout against an opponent to be determined.

“Sonya is an all-action fighter who attracts a lot of fans,” promoter Lou DiBella said. “She has done very well and we’re happy to get her right back in action. Fight fans love watching her fight. ‘The Scholar’ is one of the most exciting female fighters out there today.”

Lamonakis will take on an opponent to be announced.

Tickets are priced at $350, $200, $125, and $65 and went on sale today through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

For information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

For information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, on twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing or Victor Ortiz @VICIOUSOrtiz.

Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing and on twitter @hboboxing.

# # #

THE SHOW MUST GO ON AT MAGIC CITY CASINO

- Ron Ross-

There was no highly contagious germ around that anyone knew of but when Glendy Hernandez, the unbeaten Cuban heavyweight scheduled to headline the Friday Night at the Fights card at the Magic City Arena, reported to the weigh-in feeling sick, promoter Ramiro Ortiz wasn’t feeling too well either, suddenly suffering a major headache. Glendy, being an honorable guy, showed up on Friday and said he would make the effort but to limit his fight to a four round preliminary. To Ramiro Ortiz, this worked better than a high dosage of aspirin.

But Hernandez, The Guantanamo Giant, 242 1/4, probably thought it over very carefully and decided that, in his delicate condition, even four rounds might be over-extending himself. so taking every precaution to make an early night of it, he unceremoniously disposed of the company of Francisco Mireles, 268 1/2, who traveled all the way from Tuczon, Arizona, to visit with him. A left hook to Mireles’ very ample gut, deposited him on the canvas early in the second round and sent home the clear message that he was not wanted as company any longer. He arose, seemingly not very happy, only to run into a torrent of punches from the very health-conscious Hernandez. Mireles got the point from a very clearly delivered left hook to the jaw that dropped him again and enabled Hernandez to go home after 1:56 of the second round. Hernandez remains undefeated at 6(3)-0. Mireles is now 11(2)-6.

Switched to the feature attraction, Cuban knockout artist Yunieski Gonzalez, 187 1/4, settled for his first going-the-limit victory after injuring his right hand early in the fight. Continually stalking his Tampa opponent, Reggie Pena, 191 1/4, 6(1)-6 and making good use of his left hand, Gonzalez breezed to a 60-54, 59-55, 59-55 in the six-round bout.

Perhaps the most impressive showing of the evening’s showcase of up-and-coming young talent was Puerto Rican welterweight Chris Velez, 145, who stormed out at the bell, tearing into fellow Puerto Rican, Mateo Acosta, 138 1/4, 0-2-1, with a vicious two-fisted attack that caused Referee Frank Santore to step in and mercifully halt the proceedings at 1:51 of the opening round. Velez, now 3(3)-0-1 seems to be headed to future stardom.

In other four round under-card bouts:

Luis Torres, Kissimmee, FL, 151 1/2, 1-1-0, scored a unanimous 40-36(on all cards) decision over debuting Ivan Kostiuk, Ft. Meyers, FL, 153.

Azea Augustama, Miami, 179 1/2, 10(6)-1, got back on the winning track after having his then all-winning record spoiled by dropping a close majority decision to another undefeated prospect, Denis Grachev his last time out. This time, he left no room for doubt as he swept all four rounds on all cards over Ft. Meyers J.C. Peterson, 178 1/4, 1-9.

In a free-swinging pier-six brawl where defense was checked at the front door, two Miamians, each in search of their first win put on an exciting, if not text book battle that was appreciated by the entire crowd. Larry Yanez, 139 1/2, was dropped in the first round as Autrell Reid, 136 3/4, nailed him coming in with a right to the head. Yanez came storming back in the second round to return the compliment, dropping Reid with a left hook. Yanez went on to cop a unanimous decision 38-36 on all three cards to move to 1-2. Reid is now 0-2-1.

Cesar Cisneros, Sarasota, FL, 131 1/4, 3(1)-1-1, swept all four rounds from Ft. Meyers Jesus Lule, 1-2 to round out highly entertaining card.

Ramiro Ortiz’ next edition of Badia’s Spices Friday Night Fights is scheduled for April 8th at the Magic City Casino.

-Sweetpea and Kathy Duva Discuss Training Zab Judah-

Pernell Whitaker: "You can't even imagine the feelings I am having right now about this kid (Judah). He's like a student all over again, it's like re-teaching the guy some of the best things about himself. Nobody probably knows better than me, other than his father, about his fight game. It's been easy for me to give him the transformation to do all the things I know he can do very well, and to please the crowd."

"Zab had a different mentality (before training with Whitaker). It's not Zab's style being a knock out artist and trying to prove that he could punch. He's a finesse fighter, he has probably the quickest hands in the sport and he has power. So he has to let all those things come together."

"I'm a scientist now, I'm not a boxer, but I was a legend, I wasn't just a boxer. I knew the game from A to Z. You can come to me with your opinion, but I know the facts. So what I'm doing with this young man is giving him the facts. If I think something don't work, we won't do it. I don't take no risks, there's no carelessness."

"I don't train guys to be like me, I help guys to do the things that work for them. If I can teach you how to hit and not get hit, then that's a blessing for you. Zab has the same abilities that I have but Zab still has to put it together and do it the way that Zab knows how to do it."

"If the fight is scheduled 12 rounds, we're prepared to go 12 rounds. My job is to make sure he's ready to give you people 12 solid rounds. If anything less happens (rounds) that's just a tribute to his hard work."

"I'm a defensive fighter. That's the first thing I'm going to remind him of, how to not get hit. That's the main goal. To hit and not get hit is a beautiful feeling."

(What does Zab have to do to get to the top of his 140lb division?) "All he has to do is stay focused. He's transformed into something totally different than I've seen in old Zab. He's a new father, he has a beautiful family, he's into his church thing and his religion. He's just more settled down than the Zab that I've seen in the past. When he boxes the way he knows how to box, I can't see nobody in this division out-boxing Zab."

"I think (in the past) the head butts have been his biggest downfall. He's been through a couple of those. So it's my main focus to keep his head out of there. Keep him out of trouble; keep him out of danger spots."

"It's been a phenomenal 4 weeks so far with Zab. He's been looking me right in the eye cause he wants to know these things. He wants to get it down right. So now I'm gonna put all those things together; the finesse; the speed; and the power that he does have. I want to put all three of those things together into one and let him work it out March 5^th. What you're gonna get this time is some good boxing, some great defense and a good jab."

"I haven't seen anything exciting in the sport in a long time, but I know I will on March 5^th when I see this young man (Judah) go out there and do 'me' all over again. You're gonna see Zab Judah perform out there."

Kathy Duva compared working with Zab in the past to working with Zab now: "Wow, it's completely different and yet in some ways it's the same. He's still got the energy and he's still fun, but he's so much more grown up now. He's a grown man. It's very different in that respect. Before that we were literally trying to corral him. We were dealing with a teenager and now we're dealing with a guy who knows who he is, what he wants, where he's going and sees what he has to do to get there. It's a wonderfully different experience in that respect."

Kathy Duva added, "Now, having brought Pernell into the picture, it's one of those moments where we say 'why didn't we think of this earlier?' Still when you send them to camp you really don't know what's going to happen, but I heard Zab speaking today and you can hear it in his voice. He's got so much more confidence. He's so on top of it. He referred to how, in the gym yesterday everything came together all at once. I know that anyone who has to learn something difficult realizes that that's how you learn. You struggle for a while and then suddenly everything clicks into place. When I heard him say that, it just made my day that means it really is working. I can't wait to see him fight."

The March 5th card featuring Zab "Super" Judah vs. Kaizer Mabuza for the IBF World Jr. Welterweight title is promoted by Main Events and Super Judah Promotions. An exciting undercard will also feature Sadam "Worldkid" Ali, as well as Tarvis Simms and 5 other local standouts. The fights will take place at Prudential Center's AmeriHealth Pavilion, Newark, NJ.

MARTINEZ - DZINZIRUK SQUARE OFF FOR MARCH 12trh

NEW YORK FEB 9, 2010

Saturday, March 12th, Argentina's Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KO's) steps back into the ring to face undefeated Sergiy "Dzyna" Dzinziruk (37-0, 23 KO's) at the MGM Grand Arena inside Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The middleweight clash will be broadcast LIVE on HBO's World Championship Boxing series.

Martinez, 35, has a record of (30-1-1, 19 KO's) in his last thirty-two fights. In that time span, his only defeat was a controversial twelve-round majority decision to Paul "The Punisher" Williams, which was avenged by Martinez' second round, one-punch knockout of Williams last November.

Dzinziruk, 34, will fight for only the second time in the United States. Previously, the Ukranian-born Dzinziruk scored a tenth-round stoppage in his last bout against Daniel Dawson in Santa Ynez, California. This fight marks Dzinziruk's first appearance at the 160 lb. limit. After winning the WBO Junior Middleweight title, via twelve-round unanimous decision in Germany versus Daniel Santos, Dzinziruk went on to successfully defend his title six times. However, the vacant WBC Diamond Middleweight title is the only one at stake when he collides with Martinez.

During the press conference at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan today, both fighters expressed tremendous confidence heading into their middleweight showdown.

Thank you to HBO and the WBC for giving me this opportunity," stated Martinez. "I also would like to thank Lou Dibella and Sampson Lewkowicz. I'm working hard every day to bring the best to you. I am thankful for Dzinziruk taking this fight. It's going to be a great fight, and I am looking forward to that day."

Martinez added, "This will be the best year for Sergio Martinez to be the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world."

"This main event is going to be a competitive fight," said Lou Dibella, C.E.O. Dibella Entertainment. "His (Dzinziruk) jab is tremendous, and his defense is remarkable. There's a reason he has a gaudy record, there's a reason he's a world champion, and there is a reason that Sergio accepted this fight."

Dibella added, "Sergio's attitude is, 'Bring me the best. I don't want an easy fight. Bring me the best.' We brought him (Martinez) the best available opponent, and the most difficult fight out there."

"I know that I have the best 154 pounder in the world," exclaimed Gary Shaw, referring to Sergiy Dzinziruk, who he co-promotes with Artie Pellulo. "The question is will he be the best 160 pounder in the world?"

Shaw further commented, "Fans don't want to see easy fights. It's about the best fighting the best all the time."

Posted By Welcome to the BOXING LEDGER! to BOXING LEDGER | LATEST BOXING BLOGS | BOXING ARTICLES | BOXING BLOG FIGHT at 2/10/2011 02:17:00 AM

NEW YORK, NY (Feb 9, 2011) – The “Diamond Elite” WBC Middleweight Diamond Championship showdown between Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk was formally announced today at a kick off press conference Wednesday afternoon from the BB King Blues Club in Times Square. Also in attendance were Andy Lee and Craig McEwan who will battle in a “Celtic War” in the HBO-televised undercard. All four fighters and representatives from their respective camps were in attendance at today’s event.

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30pm ET / 7:30pm PT.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.mgmatfoxwoods.com/, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

Below are quotes from the participants:

Sergio Martinez: I know Dzinziruk is the best champion at 154-lbs. and he will make for a great fight. This year will be the year that I become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I am training very hard to make sure that this is the best fight to bring to the fans.

Sergiy Dzinziruk: I am very happy to be here. I want to thank everyone who worked on my behalf to make this fight happen. I am training very hard to make this opportunity and I want to make the most of it in the ring.

Andy Lee: Unfortunately, the only time most people have seen me fight was when I lost, because it was on ESPN. I don’t intend on letting that happen again. Now we’re on HBO, which has always been our team’s goal. I want to thank my new promoter, Lou DiBella, for this opportunity.

Craig McEwan: I’ve known Andy for a long time, dating back to the amateurs. I always thought if we would fight again it would be for a championship. I guess I will have to get through him to get my shot at a championship.

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: When this fight was first brought to me, I said no. Sergio Martinez said yes. Sergio Martinez has all the qualities of a star and wants only the best fights. This is a great fight for boxing because not only are Martinez and Dzinziruk great fighters, they are entertainers. Boxing is about entertainment and these guys bring it. The MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods is already over half sold out for this event. Get your tickets for what will be a great night for the sport of boxing.

Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor to Martinez: The press is wrong for trying to be a matchmaker. Everyone wants to be matchmaker, but HBO got it right. This is the best fight that can be made at this time. Thanks also to the WBC for lending their support to a tremendous fight like this.

Gabriel Sarmiento, trainer of Martinez: This is a very good challenge for Sergio Martinez. Sergio is training very hard and you will see it on March 12.

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: Boxing is all about the best fighting the best. No one wants to see easy fights. When great fighters fight great fighters, that is when boxing is at its best. Everyone in Europe knows about Sergiy Dzinziruk, and after March 12 everyone [in America] will know about him as well. Sergiy Dzinziruk will be the next middleweight champion of the world.

Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: I think that this is going to be a great fight. Martinez and Dzinziruk are two of the best fighters in the world fighting at the prime of their lives.

Emanuel Steward, trainer of Lee: We were supposed to fight Sergio Martinez, so we want an impressive win and we want Andy to fight Sergio next. We know the importance of winning impressively. I am training Andy to score a knockout in this fight.

Monica Sears, Director of Communications & Events at Golden Boy Promotions, McEwan’s promoter: We are very excited about this opportunity. It is a great chance for Craig on the big stage. I want to thank everyone involved for putting together this event. It is sure to be a great night.

Mauricio Sulaiman, Executive Director of the WBC: Sergio Martinez is a great champion and a great ambassador for the sport of boxing. Sergiy Dzinziruk has been a champion for many years. Both fighters have great credentials, making this fight worthy of the Diamond Championship.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

# # #

Tomasz Adamek Challenges Klitschko

World Heavyweight Championship in Poland in September

Jan 26,2011

Tomasz Adamek will challenge one of the world champion Klitschko brothers in Poland in September. The final decision whether it will be WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko or IBF/WBO/IBO Champion Wladimir will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Tomasz Adamek is 34 years-old and lives in New Jersey (USA). Adamek was a cruiserweight and light heavyweight champion before he moved up to the heavyweight division. He won all his five heavyweight bouts, amongst which were his strong performance against former world title challenger Chris Arreola. Adamek's fight record is 43 (38 KOs) wins in 44 fights with just one defeat.

Before the scheduled Adamek clash both Klitschkos will defend their titles. Vitali Klitschko fights WBC #1 ranked Odlanier Solis in Cologne (Germany) on March 19. His younger brother Wladimir will face off with British and Commonwealth Champion Dereck Chisora in Mannheim (Germany) on April 30. Also Adamek plans a fight in April. If both Klitschkos were to lose, the deal with Adamek would be dead. If one loses, Adamek would face the other brother. If both Klitschkos win, the choice of Adamek's opponent would be decided by the Klitschko side.

Klitschko vs. Adamek will take place in a newly built soccer arena where the UEFA EURO 2012 will happen. Poland and Ukraine are both organizers of the European soccer championship. Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are already Friends of EURO 2012 and thus official ambassadors of the tournament. Vitali is also a member of the local organizing committee of Ukraine.

"A fight in a soccer stadium needs a lot of handling time. Therefore we cannot wait until all three have done their fights. We will start negotiating with TV station in Germany, Poland and USA in the next weeks to find a suitable date quickly", says Bernd Bönte, Managing Director of Klitschko Management Group.

"Adamek is very experienced, fast and a hard punching opponent. Whether it is Wladimir or me, we have to be very concentrated during the entire fight. It is fantastic that a Polish and a Ukrainian boxer will be together in the ring to set the first sports highlight in the run down to the EURO 2012", says Vitali Klitschko.

Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions, "We have promoted Klitschko fights in the highest profile arenas throughout the world, from Madison Square Garden in NY to Staples Center in LA and the largest soccer stadiums throughout Germany. Klitschko fights are huge events on the world stage and we are excited to bring a heavyweight championship fight to one of the new soccer stadiums in Poland, it should be a great atmosphere."

Tomasz Adamek "I am very happy. I would like to thank the Klitschko's for being very generous with the percentage offer. I am looking forward to this fight." He acknowledged, "It doesn't make a difference to me which Klitschko I fight. Right now they are both the biggest stars in the boxing world and I want to fight the biggest stars. I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Kathy Duva, Main Events, CEO, "We are extremely excited that Tomasz Adamek will not only get the opportunity to realize his dream of becoming the World Heavyweight Champion and the first man ever to win the Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight crowns in September, but that he will do so in his native Poland. Klitschko-Adamek will be Poland's first ever Megafight. I can't wait to start working with the Klitschko Team on what will undoubtedly be an historic promotion and a spectacular event."

Ziggy Rozalski, Tomasz Adamek co-promoter, Ziggy Promotions, Inc, "We are very happy with this deal. The Klitschko's were very generous." He added, "I am shocked that the Klitschko's agreed to do this fight in Poland, but it's in the middle of Europe. Obviously we will have many Polish fans, but a lot of Ukraine people live in Poland and all the Klitschko fans that live in Germany will also come see the fight. It's a great deal for everyone."

Boxing 360 Inks

KO King Tyrone Brunson

NEW YORK (Dec. 27, 2010) – The all-time record for most consecutive first-round knockouts, Philadelphia junior middleweight Tyrone “Young Gun” Brunson (21-1-1, 20 KOs), has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Boxing 360.

“We’re thrilled to add a talented knockout artist such as Tyrone to our growing stable of future champions,” Boxing 360 Founder and CEO Mario Yagobi said. “We plan on getting him back in the ring in the early part of 2011 and to keep him busy.”

A Philadelphia native who has been living in Las Vegas, the 25-year-old Brunson will soon be joined in his adopted Nevada home by his new trainer, former world champion Livingstone Bramble.

“I moved to Las Vegas to better my career and now I’m adding Livingstone Bramble to my corner,” Brunson said. “I guess it’s the politics of the game but, after my only loss (Dev. 4, 2009), I didn’t fight. I was still under contract with Gary Shaw and six months ago he was good enough to grant my release. Mario had been at a few of my most recent fights. I signed with Boxing 360 because Mario gave me a chance when nobody believed in me.

“I’m real patient but it’s been hard, not being part of the boxing scene, when my friends and other junior middleweights were fighting. After a year off, I’m hungry for this sport. I was 21-0 and a ‘hood celebrity, but my loss humbled me. I’m back with Boxing 360. I have all of the tools and I’m going to be knocking out contenders to get to any of the champions in my division.”

Brunson made his pro debut April 22, 2006, knocking out Kevin Casey in the first round, and Tyrone broke the record for opening-round stoppages -- 18 held by the late Edwin Valero -- March 29, 2008 versus Francis McKechnai.

His 19 in a row record streak was snapped in his next fight when Antonio Soriano took him six rounds for a majority draw. Bounce back victories against always tough Marcos Primera (DEC8) and game Jose Medina (KO3) set the stage of Brunson’s last fight, in which Carson Jones knocked out Tyrone in the third round a little more than a year ago.

“The record was good and bad,” Brunson explained. “It helped me get notoriety but it also hurt my chances to grow as a pro. I learned that it’s just a record and I want to be known as world champion. I’m starting fresh with Boxing 360 and I’m going to prove to the world that I can fight. People are going to see my punching power and speed, but I have better ring generalship and I learned the hard way that I have to keep my left hand up at all times.

“I’m a Philly fighter. There’s no added pressure being a fighter from Philly but coming from there you learn quickly how to be a tough fighter. Hey, there’s nothing else to do growing up there but box or play basketball, or you get caught-up in poverty and drugs. I’ve got all the tools and I’m coming back with a vengeance.”

Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include USBA heavyweight champion Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, Mike Mollo, world super bantamweight contender Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, Joshua “The Juice” Harris, Emad Ali, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, NY State super middleweight title-holder Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, Angel “Toro” Hernandez and “King” David Estrada.

Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Brunson, Boxing 360 or any of its other fighters.