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“Around The Ring”

ZAB JUDAH Rocks the Prudential Center

By Bobby Breen

 

            7/17/10. Zab Judah is back! Mainlining on the Main Events “Brick City Brawl” series and showcased live on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights, Judah looked sharp, crisp, and fresh. Judah (Brooklyn, NY) was able to dispatch a rugged Jose Armando Santa Cruz (Michoacan, Mexico) at 2:23 of round three. The former Welterweight and Light welterweight world champion looked in tremendous condition and was fast as ever with hands and feet. In the post-fight press conference Judah was well spoken and by all appearances is back on track in his career and personal life. Judah improves to 39 (27KO’s)-6-0 while Santa Cruz, who has been in the ring with the likes of Jose Casamayor, David Diaz, Edner Cherry, and held the NABF Lightweight title, falls to 28 (17KO’s)-5-0. Look for Zab Judah to move into a title contention in the Light Welterweight division.

 

Judah made short work of his opponent. Photo Chris Brooks

            In the co-feature Alex Perez of Newark, NJ won by unanimous decision over Edvan Barros from Miami, FL., via Brasil. Perez, who holds the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Welterweight title, which was not on the line, improves to 12 (7KO’s)-0-0 while Barros falls to 10 (7KO’s)-10-1.

 

            Undercard: Angel Concepcion, another hometown Brick City favorite, won his second pro bout by unanimous decision over Shannon Anderson of Coatsville, PA. Concepcion rocked Anderson hard toward the end of round three and almost had him going. Concepcion improves to 2-0-0 while Anderson falls to 4-2-0. Paddy Farrell and Newton Kidd battled in a brawl over six rounds in a cruiserweight bout. Farrell from Jersey City, NJ and Kidd from New York, NY slugged it out to a majority draw. There was great action in this bout especially in round three as they went toe-to-toe and traded heavy again in round five. Farrell moves to 5 (3KO’s)-1-1 while Kidd moves to 7-7-2. In one of the crowd pleasers of the night Brooklyn’s Adam Kownacki landed a straight right hand on the chin of Damian Clement from Dayton, OH and stretched him out flat ending their scheduled 4 round heavyweight bout at 0:42 of the second round. Kownacki, who survived a knockdown himself in round one, had a sea of red followers in the crowd, really lit up the arena and Clements with his show stopping right. Kownacki improves to 4 (4KO’s)-0-0 while Clements falls to 0-3-0. The main event of Judah vs. Santa Cruz along with the co-feature of Perez vs. Barros were scheduled for the ESPN2 live broadcast on Friday Night Fights, but added was the swing bout of former 2008 Olympian Sadam “World-Kid” Ali  going up against Julius Edmonds from Philadelphia, PA. Ali who is very fast and improving with each outing, dropped Edmonds in the first round. Landing lightening fast combinations with both left and right uppercuts, Ali finally ended the bout at 1:14 of the third round after dropping Edmonds with about a minute remaining in the round. Veteran and World Class Referee Eddie Cotton stopped the action saving Edmonds from additional punishment.

The last bout of the evening featured “Lil” Nicky Demarco of Staten Island, NY in a rematch with Jose Guzman of the Bronx, NY. Their first bout was held back in October 2007 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC, with Guzman winning a very close majority decision. This time it was Lil’ Nicky’s night as Demarco won by a unanimous decision peppering Guzman with punches to the body and head throughout the four rounds.

            This card and show was really tremendous. Main Events runs a first class operation. They had everything covered including up to date scorecard sheets from the commission as they do for the big title events. The Prudential Center, aka “The Rock” is a great venue to see a professional boxing card. It is easy to get to (by car or public transit), easy to park, clean, great crowd, great bouts. Look for Main Events to be back at this venue August 21st with the Tomasz Adamek (41 (27KO’s)-1-0) vs. Michael Grant 46 (34KO’s)-3-0, IBF and WBO NABO Heavyweight title bout.

 

Concepcion nails Anderson en route to UD.

 

Perez shows boxing skill in victory over Burris.

 

  Staten Island's DeMarco  defeats Bronx's Guzman.

 

 

The complete results of the Prudential Center Newark, NJ pro card July 16th;

1)      Angel Concepcion (Newark, NJ) U-dec. Shannon Anderson (Coatsville, PA) Lt.Heavy 4 rds

2)      Patrick Farrell (Jersey City, NJ) Majority Draw Newton Kidd (NY,NY) Cruisers 6 rds.

3)      Adam Kownacki (Brooklyn, NY) KO 0:42 R-2 Damian Clement (Dayton, OH) Heavywts.

4)      Alex Perez (Newark, NJ) U-dec. Edvan Barros (Miami, FL) Welterweights 8 rds.

5)      Sadam Ali (Brooklyn, NY) TKO 1:14 R-3 Julius Edmonds (Philadelphia, PA) 6 rds Welters

6)      Zab Judah (Brooklyn, NY)TKO 2:23 R-3 Jose Santa Cruz (Michoacan, MX) 10rds. JrWelters

Nicky DeMarco (Staten Island, NY) U-dec. Jose Guzman (Bronx, NY) 4 rds. Li

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Around The Ring”

Friends of the Champ Benefit

June 11th Bronx, NY

By Bobby Breen

 

He fought everybody, ducking nobody. His record at the end according to BoxRec was a remarkable 43 wins, 27 by KO, 19 losses, and1 draw for a total of 63 pro bouts. Seven of the losses and the draw came in his last year as a professional pugilist. Eight of his losses were to World Champions. He started at middleweight ending at heavyweight. What began in 1982 lasted until 1999 of a pro career that lasted 17 years. He fought the likes of Trevor Berbick, Gerrie Coetzee, James Toney, Thomas Hearns, Darrin Van Horn, Nigel Benn, Michael Nunn, Roberto Duran, Sumbu Kalambay,  James “The Heat” Kitchen, Wilford Scypion, and Robbie Sims, all who held title belts in their respective careers. He was a 5-time World Champion, the only man to beat Thomas Hearns twice in two great memorable bouts. He hailed from the Bronx, NY and was known as “The Blade”. He is none other than Iran “The Blade” Barkley!

 

            On Friday June 11th   at 6:30pm there will be a benefit for The Blade at Michael’s Waterfront Dining 748 Clarence Ave. Bronx, NY 10465. Put on by the “Friends of the Champ” a volunteer committee from the Villa Maria Academy and headed by Mike Bernard a teacher from VMA, they are having this special event to help the Champ who gave us some many great memories during his pro career. Iran would help the VMA boxing shows over the years by attending and never accepting an appearance   fee.

 

            Let me share two personal experiences of Iran Barkley. I used to set up the boxing ring for pro and amateur shows during the late 80’s and early 90’s. I was doing a show during Harlem Week and had the ring up on 125th St. Some current and former World Champions were to show up for the kids. Iran was the only one who showed. He signed autographs and spoke to the kids. I was very impressed with his giving back to the community. The second story is about 5 years ago I went up to the Bronx for an amateur boxing show being held in the middle of the projects just below 149th St. & 3rd Ave. There was Iran with a bullhorn, introducing the boxers, interacting with the crowd. He was again giving back to the community that he was from. Again Iran impressed me on his commitment to the community. What that told me was Iran was a Champion outside the ring. I’ve never heard of him being in trouble. He still attends amateur boxing shows and gives back. He still shows up for the kids of our city. It’s time we give back to Iran. Tickets are $60 and there will be food, music, special guests, and former World Champions are scheduled to attend. All proceeds go to the Barkley Family.

Mike Bernard can be reached at (718) 823-5083. Thanks for the memories Iran.

 

Thanks for being a great Champion in and outside the ring. 

See you “around the ring”!                BB

 

 

 

KELLY, SERGIO READY; WHO'S THE GHOST?

TRUFAN April 16, 2010

Jr middleweight Champ Sergio Martinez, (Argentina) and Middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik (USA) are ready for the middleweight championship title bout that will take place tomorrow night - Saturday April 17 (HBO) in Atlantic City.

Former middleweight champ Emile Griffith with current jr. middleweight and middleweight title challenger Sergio Martinez & team.

And in all likelihood, this has a forecast of many hooks, counters, movement, and of course - strategy. Can Pavlik establish his jab and set up power shots against the ever elusive Martinez or will Sergio dart in and out at all angles to confuse the champion and cop a decision in his favor? 

Role Reversal

Historical fact brings us to Sept 25, 1971 when Carlos Monzon, the "champion from the Argentine"  defended his title against the then former champion Emile Griffith.  Griffith, like Martinez, was a small jr middleweight facing a huge middleweight and the result was the iconic Argentinean halting Griffith after 14 furious rounds. As 154lb champ, Martinez now has the task of facing a huge opponent who can carry power in either hand. That topic was discussed at a press luncheon in New York this week, and had many doubting whether Martinez can weather the storm a strong middleweight can bring. Pavlik, by all accounts will be around 168lbs as fight time nears.

Who's the Ghost? Pavlik, or the ever elusive, disappearing Martinez?

One questioned that if Hopkins could outmaneuver Pavlik, what would a faster, younger Martinez do to him?

Yes, an aging Bernard Hopkins did outbox the Ghost  a couple years back, but Hopkins was 170lbs, not a natural jr. middleweight. Can Martinez take away Pavlik's jab and onslaught enough to create his own opportunities? We shall see.

Tidbits: A good bout this weekend pits puncher Edison Miranda against Super-middleweight champ Lucien Bute. Although this bout is in Canada, many give Miranda a punchers chance. He has to KO Bute because he definitely won't outbox him. . .  Griffith was on hand and met both Pavlik and Martinez at the conference. More later . . 

JLM

 

“Around The Ring”

And The New IBF Light-Flyweight Champion…

 “Carlos Tamara”!!!

By Bobby Breen

            1/24/10. Hats off to NJ resident Carlos Tamara.  Tamara travelled to the Philippines last Sunday to face Brian Viloria for the IBF Light-Flyweight Championship this past Friday night Jan. 23rd. In a brutal slugfest that lasted almost 12 rounds Tamara sent the three-time World Champion Viloria to the hospital for tests and observation. The fight was halted by TKO at 1:45 of round 12th round with Tamara winning his first world title in three attempts. Tamara previously held the WBC and WBO Latino Light-Flyweight titles.  

            Viloria known as “The Hawaiian Punch” is a former Olympian (2000 Sydney) and was a standout amateur boxer winning a National Golden Gloves title in 1999. Tamara came to NJ via Columbia where he was a world class amateur boxer competing in the Pan-Am Games and Olympics (2004 Athens).  He has struggled working small jobs and training waiting for his chance to become a world champion. Managed by Nelson Fernandez and trained by Butch Sanchez, Tamara trains out of the Bergen County PAL gym and carries himself as a true champion both in and outside the ring. His dream was to return to his native Bogota, Columbia a world champion. His record now is 21-4-0 (15KO’s). Congratulations Champ!

 Around the Ring and other Things: Got to see junior-lightweight Chazz McDowell (Yonkers, NY) make his pro debut last week at the Yonkers pro show promoted by O’Shea Brothers Boxing Promotions. McDowell, a former NY Golden Gloves champion and Olympic trials finalists (2008), won by TKO at 2:24 of round two in a scheduled four rounder over Alex Cooper (Bronx, NY). McDowell starts his pro career at 1-0-0 while Cooper falls to 0-2-0. Look for McDowell to appear on future O’Shea Brothers Boxing Promotion cards held at the Yonkers PAL sports complex on North Broadway, Yonkers, NY. They are hoping run again around March 12th and are in negotiations to hold a show in Brooklyn, NY in April.

Amateur Events: The New Jersey State Championships begin January 30th with an amateur show in Plainfield, NJ at the Plainfield 5 Star Gym on 5th St. Plainfield, NJ. Weigh-ins 12noon start time 3pm. For more info go to the NJ USA-Boxing website at: http://www.usaboxingnj.com/EventsSchedule.html

The NY Daily News Golden Gloves began this past Wednesday at BB Kings in NYC. This coming week look for shows at; Weds. Jan. 27th Freeport Recreation Center 130 E. Merrick Rd. Freeport, NY 11520 and Friday Jan. 29th at Bishop Kearny H.S. 2202 60TH St. Brooklyn, NY 11204.

For more info go the NY Daily News website at:  http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/goldengloves/index.html

See you “around the ring”.   BB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Around The Ring”

The Brawl in Brick City

Edmonds Promotions at Essex County College, NJ

By Bobby Breen/Photos Chris Brooks

            12-5-09. Another fun night of professional boxing took place Friday night at Essex County College in downtown Newark, NJ. Presented by Edmonds Promotions the show featured Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan in the main event. Bryan, fighting out of Paterson, NJ made short work of Darren Fallen from Philadelphia, PA in their scheduled welterweight 8 rounder. Bryan knock downed Fallen in round one and moved in for the finish at 2:35 of round two. After a hard right that floored Fallen for the second time, who surprisingly got up, Bryan got Fallen against the ropes and unleashed a body attack barrage that finished Fallen for the night. Bryan, (who boxes for Pound-4-Pound Promotions) improves to a perfect 13-0 with 6 KO’s and continues to move up the ladder of competition. Fallen was no slouch with a record of 12-4-1 with 6 KO’s.

CHRIS BROOKS

1) Paterson, NJ welterweight Jeremy Bryan (L) lines up Darren Fallen from Philadelphia in their 8 round matchup. Bryan stopped Fallen in round two.

 
2) Tyre Roberts (R) E. Orange, NJ junior middleweight lands a left hook to Tyrone Miles Camden, NJ in their four round heavy duty action packed bout.
 

 In other action; Alex Mendez of the Bronx, NY won his pro debut in a 4 round featherweight bout. Mendez, who originally hails from Boston, kicked up the action in round two after a mostly even first round. Mendez took control of the bout landing willfully with left hooks and just out hustled his opponent, Joseliz Cepeda (NJ) also debuting taking a unanimous decision. Juan Rodriguez from Union City, NJ won his pro debut in a scheduled 4 round junior middleweight bout. Rodriguez stopped Bobby Bynum of North Carolina at 1:11 of round one in impressive fashion. Rodriguez just had too much for Bynum to handle. Junior middleweight Tyre Roberts from Orange, NJ returned to the ring after a three year layoff. Roberts was making his pro debut as well after a celebrated amateur career that included four NJ Golden Glove championships. An East Orange policeman now, Roberts went four hard rounds against rugged Tyrone Miles of Camden, NJ in what many ringside thought could have easily been a draw. Both boxers put on a display of guts and grit going back and forth, with the taller lanky Miles trying to capitalize on his reach and Roberts trying to work the inside. In the end, the judges had it for Roberts in a majority decision. Eddie Edmond got his first “W” after a 0-0-1 start as a pro. Edmond came out on top with a unanimous decision over Mario Fisher of Salisbury, MD in a four round middleweight clash. Floriano “Flash” Pagliara of Toscana, Italy via Gleason’s Gym won in 6 rounds by a unanimous close decision over Antonio Espinosa of West NY, NJ. Pagliara improves to 10-3 6 KO’s while Espinosa got his first taste of defeat in twelve outings as a pro.

3) Classy featherweight Alex Mendez Bronx, NY lands a left hook to face of Joseliz Cepeda (NJ) in both their pro debuts. Mendez won by unanimous decision.

 
4) Union City, NJ native Juan Rodriguez (L) southpaw lands a right hook to Bobby Bynum (NC) in a jr. middleweight bout won by Rodriguez at 1:11 of round one.

 
5) Eddie Edmonds (right) Newark, NJ lands a right upper cut to midsection of  Mario FIsher (Salisbury, MD) in their 4 round middleweight bout won by Edmonds by unanimous decision.  

This was a great show. Edmond’s Promotions plans on running again sometime in March. Their publicist Matt Yanofsky (Knockout Publicity) did a real fine job of having a well organized show. There was a food stand at the facility and plenty of free parking. The talent is the new and upcoming contenders from the local area. You cannot beat the price for the ticket.

Other tidbits; Boxing has been active both professionally and in the amateur ranks as of late in the NJ/NY area. NY had three professional cards this month, with NJ running back to back shows this past weekend in Newark and Atlantic City (HB0 Williams vs. Martinez). Joe DiGuardia’s Star Boxing ran live on Versus sports channel Thursday night from NYC. There certainly are enough shows to breed new talent in what some think and say is a dead sport. Brooklyn’s Paulie Malignaggi (26-3-0 5KO’s) gets his much deserved rematch with Juan Diaz (35-2-0 17KO’s) Dec. 12th live on HBO from Chicago. I saw Paulie last week training at the Pound-4-Pound camp where he sparred with likes of Jeremy Bryan. If Malignaggi beats Diaz (again) he should finally get the credit that is long overdue for a truly professional Champion that is at the top of his game. His only losses were to Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto in a span of twenty nine pro bouts. The Francisco Rodriguez Fund has been established for the 25 yr. old super-bantamweight boxer from Chicago, who died after a bout at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, PA. on Nov. 20th. Rodriguez (14-3-0 8KO’s), a former 5-time Chicago Golden Gloves and 2001 National Golden Gloves champion was fighting for the vacant USBA Super-Bantamweight title against Philadelphia’s Teon Kennedy (14-0-1 6KO’s). He died 48 hours after the bout from brain injuries. His family donated some of his organs to save other lives. It’s a tragedy with many remarkable threads within it. Francisco aka “El Nino Azteca” leaves behind a young wife and 5 month old daughter. Donations can be sent to;

 
 The Francisco Rodriguez Fund

C/O National Republic Bank of Chicago

1201 W. Harrison St,

Chicago, IL 60607

312-738-4900

 Amateur news: Saturday Dec. 12th John’s Gym 436 Westchester Ave. Bronx, NY 10459 boxing at 6pm. This is a memorial show dedicated to “Ronny Venezuela Vargas” former 3-time NY Golden Glove Champion who was 8-0 6KO’s when he was tragically shot and killed in August 2008. Friday Dec. 11th @ Robert Treat Hotel 50 Park Pl. Newark, NJ. NJ vs. Connecticut. Saturday Dec. 19th COMBATT Boxing Club 205 Spruce St. Newark, NJ 1pm. New Jersey Silver Gloves.  See you “around the ring”.                 BB

 

  

“Around The Ring”

2009 NJ Diamond Gloves Begin

By Bobby Breen

            Oct. 6th 2009. The New Jersey Diamond Gloves begin this weekend with a show scheduled for 3pm at the Salvation Army at 699 Springfield Ave. Newark, NJ. This show is hosted by the IBN Ali Boxing Club of Newark, NJ.

            Started in 1933, this boxing tournament used to be attended by huge numbers of boxing fans in the thousands during the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Some of the greatest names in boxing and sports and entertainment would attend including; Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Graziano, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, James Braddock, Benny Leonard, and Barney Ross to watch and even guest referee. Yankee great Joe Dimaggio, TV stars and comedians Abbott and Costello (of which the boxing gym Lou Costello Boxing Club was named) and George Raft movie star would also attend.

The NJ Diamond Gloves is another breeding ground for NJ amateur boxers. This tournament includes Sub-Novice, Novice, Open, and Junior Olympic boxers both male and female. It’s a great tournament that has produced some of the premier boxer’s from New Jersey over the last seven decades. Produced and coordinated by Henry Hascup, who does a lot for the sport of boxing, the Diamonds have a flavor all their own. They permit the youth of NJ who are involved in amateur boxing to maintain peak competition level, prepare them for other tournaments, earn a coveted pair of Diamond Gloves, and most of all keeps our young boxer’s off the streets and in the gym. Henry does a helluva job multi-tasking as a one-stop do-it-all, coordinator, match-maker, announcer, and tournament director. In his spare time Henry runs the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame and if that’s not enough, a baseball league, as well as announces on the professional boxing circuit. He serves as a subject matter expert on not only boxing, but Sports Trivia. Thanks Henry for all you and your lovely wife Joyce do for boxing and the youth of New Jersey. Come on out to the NJ Diamond Gloves, you will not be disappointed.

  HASCUP

            Speaking of the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame, mark the date. Thursday November 12th the NJBHOF will be having their 2009 annual induction ceremony.  It takes place at the Venetian Caterers (the food is outstanding!) located at 546 River Drive in Garfield, NJ 07026 Tel (973) 546-2250. Check out this year’s lineup; Dave Anderson, Nino Del Buono, Buster Drayton, Kathy Duva, World Class Referees Benjy Esteves, Jr., and Wayne Hedgepeth, Junior Jones, Darren Maciunski, Mario Maldonado, and Lindsey Tucker of the IBF. Tickets are $80.00 and can be obtained by contacting Henry at (973) 471-2458 or by e-mail; hhascup@yahoo.com

  The complete schedule for the 2009 NJ Diamond Gloves;

1)    Saturday Oct. 10th IBN Ali BC @ 699 Springfield Ave. Newark, NJ (Salvation Army) 3PM

2)    Friday Oct. 16th Mother Seton School 1501 New York Ave. Union City, NJ 7:30PM

3)    Saturday Oct. 24th Dover Boxing Club 79-B Bassett Hwy. Dover, NJ 3PM

4)    Saturday Oct. 31st Orange High School Orange, NJ Time TBA

5)    Saturday Nov. 7th KofC South River 88 Jackson St. So. River, NJ 7:30PM

6)    Friday Nov. 13th Linden HS St. Georges Ave. Linden, NJ 7:30PM Finals!

 

 

 

 

“Around The Ring”

Pound-4-Pound Schuetzen Park, NJ

“AUGUST THUNDER!”

            9/5/09. Pound-4-Pound Promotions did it again. They held a great show Thursday Aug. 27th at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ despite having the main event not go off as scheduled. That wasn’t the story. There always is the story behind the story. Let me say it here and now. If you haven’t been to a Pound-4-Pound show at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ and you are a real fight fan, you are missing the best in young talent at a great venue, with a great boxing atmosphere. This is the new Blue Horizon of the 70’s and 80’s North!

            The first story. Junior Middleweights Chris Murphy (Sparta, NJ) and Abraham Torres (Jersey City, NJ) fought in what I would describe as the best four rounder I’ve ever witnessed. Both boxers gave their all and didn’t back up an inch. They banged solidly for all four rounds and had the crowd on their feet throughout. As many agreed in the packed crowd it was a draw. If these two warriors are matched again, and I imagine they will be, this is well worth the ticket. Murphy is now 3-0-1 3KO’s and Torres goes to 1-3-2.

    Murphy was in a touch and go battle, getting tagged with a right by Abraham Torres . .

.      and then another

PHOTOS CHRIS BROOKS

        . . . but comes back with a left hook of his own. The bout was ruled a Majority Draw.

            The second story. Steve Martinez Bronx, NY another Junior Middleweight made his pro-debut. Martinez, a celebrated amateur with three NY Daily News Golden Gloves and a National Golden Gloves (2008) titles behind him made short work of Keith Collins of St. Joseph, MO. Martinez just swarmed Collins against the ropes landing strong body and head punches that just overwhelmed him causing Referee Lindsey Page to stop the match at 2:15 of round one. Look for Martinez on the September 19th card at Bally's in Atlantic City, which will be a tribute to the late, great Arturo Gatti. 

That card is also scheduled to feature Pound-4-Pound boxers, Super Middleweight Jason Escalera (Union City, NJ) and Light Welterweight Jeremy Bryan (Paterson, NJ) both who are undefeated.

            The main event had Greek sensational Light Welterweight Mighty Mike Arnaoutis (Atlantic City, NJ) now 22 (10KO’s)-3-2 scratched last minute. Four other bouts rounded out the squared circle card, complete results below.

Look for Pound-4-Pound to be back at Schuetzen Park in October. See you “around the ring”.             BB

   

L to R: Brandon Jacobs Fullback NY Giants, Pablo Nieves, Steve Martinez, Marco Suarez, Pat Lynch, Nelson Cuevas

The complete results of the Schuetzen Park 8/27/09 pro-card;

1)    Chris Green Asbury Park, NJ U-dec. Luquan Lewis Wyandanch, NY Lightweights 6 rnds.

2)    Chris Murphy Sparta, NJ Majority Draw Abraham Torres Jersey City, NJ Jr. Middleweight 4 rnds.

3)    Steven Martinez Bronx, NY TKO 2:15 R-1 Keith Collins St. Joseph, MO. Jr. Middle

4)    Patrick Farrell Jersey City, NJ TKO 2:18 R-2 Dustin Schnakenberg Independence, MO Cruisers

5)    Jason Escalera Union City, NJ U-dec. Andre Espuet Morristown, NJ Super-Middleweight

6)    Bobby Rooney, Jr. Bayonne, NJ U-dec.  Toris Brewer N. Charleston, SC  Lt.Heavyweight 8 rnds.

BB

 

 

 

 

 

“Around The Ring”

Pound-4-Pound “Summer Rumble”

By Bobby Breen

July 3rd, 2009. Pound-4-Pound Promotions hosted “Summer Rumble”, Thursday June 24th at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ. Great card, great crowd! This is one good venue. They even have free parking for those who get there early enough. Several Pound-4-Pound fighters were showcased and all but one went home with a “W” in the left column.

            The main event featured junior welterweight “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis of Atlantic City, NJ going up against a tough customer in Doel Carrasquillo from Lancaster, PA. Arnaoutis came away with a unanimous decision after ten-rounds. One judge had it 98-92, while the other two judges had it at 96-94. The latter two judges had it more accurate as Carrasquillo put up a strong effort in the early rounds while Arnaoutis moved and scored more in the middle and later rounds.

            The surprise of the evening was an upset by out-of-towner Mondre Pope of Northfork, VA. decisioning Morristown’s Chris Green in a four round lightweight matchup. Pope demonstrating quicker hand speed over Green dropped him twice, once in round one and again in round three to take a unanimous decision and give Green his first loss. Pope won his first pro bout after coming in at 0-0 1 draw. Green falls to 2-1, 1KO.

Jr. Middleweight Irish Chris Murphy moves in on La-Tick Williams. Murphy won by TKO.
 

            Irish Chris Murphy of Sparta, NJ pounded out his four round junior middle weight bout against La-Tick Williams of Newark, NJ. Murphy using a steady body attack wore down and ended it at 2:13 of round three earning a TKO and improving to 3-0, 3KO’s. Williams remained winless at 0-1-1. Jersey City’s Patrick Farrell upped his record to 3-0-2KO’s winning a unanimous decision over a very tough Kenneth Farr of Rocky Mount, NC. Farr took everything thrown at him by Farrell which was massive quantities of body shots. Many in the sellout crowd were surprised Farr withstood the punishment dished out over four rounds while landing very few of his own on Farrell, who campaigns at Cruiserweight. Farr drops to 1-3.

Paddy Farrell lines up Kenneth Farr on the ropes in their four round Cruiserwieght bout.

            Jason Escalera ended it early as he usually does. In a scheduled six rounder, Escalera of Union City, NJ (aka, El Monstruo) improved to 6-0-6KO’s winning by TKO over Joe Park from Florence, SC at 1:15 of round three. Escalera has power in both hands as evident by his record and knockout percentage. Bobby Rooney, Jr. of Bayonne, NJ won by KO at 2:40 of round one. This light heavyweight bout was scheduled for eight rounds but Rooney was able to hurt his opponent early Brian Bernard of St. Joseph, MO and finish him off. Rooney improves to 10-2, 6KO’s. Bernard didn’t have a bad record coming in but went out at 8-5, 4KO’s.

Bayonne's Bobby Rooney, Jr. lands a hard right on Brian Bernard setting up his first round

            Three other Pound-4-Pound prospects won on other cards. Glenn Tapia and Jorge Diaz each pulled out decisions on the undercard of the Miguel Cotto fight at Madison Square Garden Saturday June 13th. Light middleweight Tapia (3-0, 2KO) of Passaic, NJ won in four rounds over David Lopez of Caldwell, ID, while Diaz (9-0, 5KO) a super bantamweight from New Brunswick, NJ won in six rounds over Guadulupe De Leon of Mission, TX. Meanwhile, light welterweight Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan of Paterson, NJ improved to 11-0 4KO’s by a unanimous decision in six rounds over Josh Beeman of Providence, RI. Bryan performed on the June 27th Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City, NJ undercard of the Juan Manuel Lopez championship bout. Tapia, Diaz, and Bryan all had distinguished amateur boxing careers winning National Championships and were all nationally ranked.

Another local prospect won on a big undercard, that being Mike “Michael Angelo The Artist” Perez of Newark, NJ. Perez  a lightweight improved to 3-0-1, 2KO’s with a unanimous decision over Thomas Herrera of Tucson, AR on the HBO Victor Ortiz undercard in the Staples Center Los Angeles, CA on June 27th. All these young promising prospects are worth coming out and catching them in their early pro careers. Look for another Pound-4-Pound Promotions show at Schuetzen Park around September.        See you “around the ring”.                 BB     

The complete results of the June 25th Pound-4-Pound Promotions Schuetzen Park, NJ show;

1)      Chris Murphy Sparta, NJ TKO 2:13 R-3 La-Tick Williams Newark, NJ Jr. Middleweight

2)      Mondre Pope Norfolk, VA. U-dec. Chris Green Morristown, NJ Lightweight 4 Rnds.

3)      Patrick Farrell Jersey City, NJ U-dec. Kenneth Farr Rocky Mount, NC Cruiserweight 4 Rds.

4)      Jason Escalera Union City, NJ TKO 1:15 R-3 Joe Park Florence, SC Super-Middleweight

5)      Bobby Rooney, Jr. Bayonne, NJ KO 2:40 R-1 Brian Bernard St. Joseph, MO, Lt.-Heavy

6)      Mike Arnaoutis Atlantic City, NJ U-dec Doel Carrasquillo Lancaster, PA Jr. Welter 10 rnds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Around The Ring”

NY/NJ Golden Gloves in Full Swing

By Bobby Breen

                March 9th, 2009. The NY and NJ Golden Gloves tournaments are in full swing on both side of the Hudson. The NJ Golden Gloves started this past Friday March 6th with a card held at the Ramada Inn in East Hanover, NJ. Nine bouts headlined the card and the standing room only crowd was entertained with amateur boxing at its best. Joe Rulli kicked off the tournament with a decision win over Feliz Tejada in a 132 lb. Sub novice class contest. Rulli, boxing out of Checkmate BC used his reach and height to cause problems for the shorter but game Tejada of Union City BC. Rulli was effective with his jab throughout the bout but didn’t score as much when he mixed it up with the tough Tejada on the inside. Rulli won by unanimous decision.

                The bout of the night was definitely the last bout between Daniel Reyes of KO BC and Jamie Burdette of Final Round BC in a 178 lb. Sub novice matchup. These two boxers showed no mercy against each other as they threw bombs each round. Both boxers didn’t look like they could keep up the pace set in the first round. Reyes landed enough to get a few standing eight counts on Burdette, with Burdette coming back stronger each time. With both boxers earning bloody noses, it was Burdette checked by the ringside doctor by the referee to insure he could continue. This was a crowd pleasing effort on both athletes earning it the “bout of the night” with Reyes winning by decision and “boxer of the night” honors.  

                The NJ Golden Gloves continue next Saturday March 14th at the New Brunswick, NJ boxing club, located at 121 New Jersey Ave. New Brunswick, NJ. First bout starts at 8pm. For the full schedule go to: http://www.usaboxingnj.com/EventsSchedule.html.

                The NY Daily News Golden Gloves have been going on since Jan. 28th. With a full eleven weeks of boxing all across the NYC-metro area, including Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, you can see some of the best amateurs in the country competing for the coveted Golden Gloves. The show last week on Weds. Mar. 4th in Staten Island, NY drew a large crowd of several hundred to Tottenville H.S. That card too had nine bouts in the 141, 152, and 132 lbs. sub novice divisions. This week’s shows are scheduled for Tues. Mar. 10th at the Masonic Temple 317 Clermont Ave. in Brooklyn, Weds. Mar. 11th in the Bronx at Mt. ST. Michael H.S., Fri. Mar. 13th in Brooklyn at St. Athanius, and a matinee (4pm) on Sat. Mar. 14th at Suffolk PAL in Brentwood, NY.  All shows start at 7:30pm except for the matinee. For more info check out; http://www.usaboxingmetro.com/2009_gg_schedule.htm

                For all you boxing fans, come on out and check the future champions of NY and NJ. You will not be disappointed. See you “around the ring”.         BB

 

 

The complete results of the Friday Mar. 6th NJ GG’s in East Hanover, NJ:

1)      Joe Rulli Checkmate BC dec. Feliz Tejada Union City BC 132 lb. Sub novice

2)      Joshua Cook Ibn Ali BC dec. Kevin Brown COMBATT BC 141 lb. Sub novice

3)      Saye Simon Gladiators BC dec. Jonathon Press Final Rnd. BC 152 lb.Novice

4)      Adrian Marte Bergen PAL dec. Tom Maier Middletown PAL 152 lb. S/Nov.

5)      Cedric Lewis Plainfield BA dec. Fernando Gavanilo Final Rnd. 141 lb. S/Nov.

6)      Gustavo Martinez Aspira BC dec. Ricardo Walker 1st Class BC 165 lb. S/Nov.

7)      Keon Ivery Aces’ Gym dec. Ronald Boldan Final Rnd. BC 152 lb. Sub/Novice

8)      Nick Robles Long Branch PAL dec. Frank Rodriguez Bergen PAL 165 lb. S/Nov.

9)      Daniel Reyes KO BC dec. Jamie Burdette Final Rnd. BC 176 lb. Sub/Novice

 
 

 

 

“Around The Ring”

National Silver Gloves Conclude, Area Amateurs

Win Championships

By Bobby Breen

 

Feb. 16th 2009. The 18th National Silver Gloves Tournament concluded Sat. Feb. 8th in Independence, MO. Forty-five champions were crowned in the championship round. Several NY/NJ area amateur boxers competed in the tournament that attracted over three hundred boxers between the ages 10-15 years old. The National Silver Gloves is a group member of USA-Boxing just like the National Golden Gloves that serves as the breeding ground for the Junior Olympic division of amateur boxing, ages 8 thru 16 years old. The National Silver Gloves organization follows the rules of USA-Boxing with few exceptions that are permitted under USA-Boxing national rules and guidelines.

 

            It’s hard to catch all the action with three boxing rings going on at once. I was camped out at ring # 2 smack in the middle of the action. I got to see young Christian Bermudez win in his semi-final contest. Bermudez of Brooklyn, NY fought a close bout. In fact I overheard one judge say, Bermudez was behind after two rounds, but ran away with it in the last and final third round. Also in semi-final action Lize Jarrett from Paterson, NJ fought a good hard bout landing left hooks and straight right hands consistently with Dusty Harrison of Washington, DC. Despite his great effort it was not enough to pull out the decision. The action at this level of competition is fast and furious. Bouts can be decided up to the last punch and seconds. I saw at least three bouts that were close enough to be draws. But there are no draws in amateur boxing. A winner must be decided on points and there are three criteria for tie-breakers. There was one bout that was tied on points and the tie-breakers were all different among the three criteria, (1) effective aggressor (2) better defense ( 3) better style) and it was commented that no officials have ever seen that before.

            Junior Younan of Brooklyn, NY won his finals bout over Tyrone Triplett of Pontiac, MI. Younan at 130 lbs. appeared in the 12 & 13 year old division. Rodney Anthony is a 165 lb. hard puncher boxer from Paterson, NJ. I didn’t see his initial bout on the first evening of action, but I heard the oohs! and aahs! from the crowd around the ring his bout was taking place in. Anthony can punch very hard. I saw him in action up in the Regional box-offs in Oneonta, NY prior to the national tournament. He can really punch. Anthony came home a National Silver Gloves Champion in the 165 lb. 12 & 13 year old division. All these young boxers deserve a lot of credit for their efforts!

 

Winning 2009 National Silver Gloves were;

 

1) Christian Bermudez Brooklyn, NY dec. Eric Estrada Hillsboro, OR 80 lbs 12/13 y/o

2) Jr. Younan Brooklyn, NY dec. Tyrone Triplett Pontiac, MI 130 lbs. 12/13 y/o

3) Rodney Anthony Paterson, NJ dec. Cameron Logan Rock Springs, WY 165lbs

 

.12/13

Isaac Cuellar Hackensack, NJ lost in the finals to Jordan White Waldorf, MD. 65 lbs. 10/11 year olds.

 

 Making it to the Semi-Finals;

1) Jimmy Serra Hackensack, NJ 70 lbs. 10/11 yrs. old

2) Julien Rodriguez Hackensack, NJ 112 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old

3) Lize Jarrett Paterson, NJ 132 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old.

“See you around the ring”.   BB

 

 
 
 
Star Boxing at the Roseland Ballroom:
Valentine’s Day vs. Friday the 13th
 
By David Pambianchi
 
The night before Valentine’s Day, Friday February 13th, New Yorkers got a mix of boxing action at the Roseland Ballroom. While every fighter needs heart to step into the ring, the results left some fighters looking like they stepped out from a horror movie.
 
The night started with some odd “fights that weren’t.” In a “Please throw in the Towel Bout,” Light heavyweight Bryant Papas TKO’d an unprepared Chris Ray in 2:40 of Round One.
 
Also in Round One of a “Punching Bag Bout,“ Super Middleweight Denis Douglin KO’d Robert Irizarry in 1:45.
 
Heavyweight Terrell Nelson locked up and slugged out some inside hook fighting with Wes Taylor until uppercuts stunned and staggered Taylor ending the match and giving Nelson a Round Two TKO in 2:13.
 
What almost started out as another “Punching Bag” first round fight, Cruiserweight Julius Jackson took a flurry of blows from Yathomas Riley, but managed to score some left hooks in round two and came out punching in the third. Scoring better overall, finishing with right hooks to the body and head, Reilly captured a Unanimous Decision win.
 
Welterweights Ray Robinson and Darnell Jiles started the bout close, but by the end of the Third Round, Robinson pounded Jiles on the ropes. Battered and unveiling a swollen hand, Jiles retired before the start of Round Four leaving Robinson the win.
 
The Main Event featured Jr. Middleweights Alexis Camacho and Carlos Molina. With greater speed and maneuverability throughout, Molina consistently scored better, displayed solid boxing skills and scored cleaner and more effectively to Camacho’s body and head. Though tired and off balance, Camacho hug tough, but this Friday the 13th left him badly bruised and busted. After taking a ten round Unanimous Decision, Molina looked ready to go out for Valentine’s Day.
 
Molina and Camacho mix it up in the Main Event.
 
In the Swing Bout, Jr. Lightweights Eddie Irizarry and Guillermo Sanchez closed the evening. After a match full of a lot of holding and wild swings, Sanchez took the Unanimous Decision in this Six Rounder.


David
 
"Hold on tight to your dreams."
               - Electric Light Orchestra

Visit David's Website:
http://davidmtc.web.officelive.com/


 
 
 
 
 
 
Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions Show Rescheduled for Feb. 3
 

Little Falls- The Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions Show scheduled for January 22 is postponed and will be rescheduled for Tuesday, February 3. "Knockout Night" will still take place at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ.

The show was jeopardized by the inability of a key fighter to make weight and an injury to another. The updated lineup for the show will be announced shortly.

Tickets already purchased for this event will be honored at the new date. For more information on this show and others, call 973-339-9611 or visit www.darwishbrothers.com .

 

 

 

 

SADAM ALI TO MAKE PRO DEBUT ON UNDERCARD OF BERTO VS. COLLAZO AT BEAU RIVAGE RESORT AND CASINO IN BILOXI, MS

 New York (January 14, 2009) - Amateur sensation Sadam Ali is set to make his highly anticipated pro debut this Saturday night in Biloxi, Mississippi on the under card of the Berto-Collazo World Championship fight.  Fans are in for an extra treat in Biloxi as the energetic and extremely talented fighter sets out to make his mark as a pro boxer.  “We are happy to add Olympian Sadam Ali to our Saturday night show at the Beau Rivage,” said show promoter Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment.  “It should be a great fight.”

 The twenty year old featherweight from Canarsee, Brooklyn will face Ricky Thompson of Tampa, Florida in what promises to be an exciting bout.   Ali’s superior hand speed and quick footwork are beautiful to watch, and his lightning fast combinations and accurate counter punching ability earned him a fan following.  Ali is always an impressive crowd pleaser and puts on a good show- to the crowd’s chant of “Ali, Ali, Ali!”- perhaps a foreshadowing of a spectacular future as a professional boxer.

 “I’m ready to do what I have to do,” said Ali.  “To show the world I can be a successful pro like I was an amateur.  I want to be the best I can be.”

 Ali is a highly decorated amateur champion- a Junior National Champion, a PAL National Champion, a U-19 National Champion, and a two-time New York City Golden Gloves champion.  He also took a historical role on the 2008 US Olympic team.  The son of Yemeni Arab parents, he is a true trailblazer as the first Arab American fighter to ever represent the United States at the Games.

 “My son made it to the Olympic Games,” said father and manager David Ali.  “I am not really worried about this fight.  He will do fine.” 

 “We have been waiting for this for some time – now we are here and ready.  Its time for some havoc and we are in the hurt business,” said Ali’s trainer Andre Rozier.

 Ali has been training hard to turn pro since he fought in the Olympics- anxious to make his mark as a professional fighter after fighting as an amateur for twelve years and learning the true meaning of sacrifice through boxing.  Ali said his ultimate goal is to be a successful boxer and to go to college at the same time.

 “Sadam Ali is an excellent prospect and I believe he will have a long and distinguished career,” said DiBella.  “We look forward to his pro debut.”

DB

 

 

 

NOV 19th HARVEY "HD" PROMOTIONS SHOW SUCCEEDS

All photo credits to Christopher Brooks

By Bobby Breen

             11-23-08. Harvey Dock and “HD Promotions” made their pro-debut Wednesday Nov. 19th 2008 at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark, NJ. For their first time out, HD Promotions brought a really good show to the fans that came out to support the local boxers on the card, several of whom were making their pro-debuts. For those who don’t know who Harvey Dock is, he is a former NJ USA-Boxing amateur boxer and official and was up to recently (2004-2008) a professional referee. He departed the NJ State Athletic Control Board to try his hands at promoting. Newark, NJ needs pro and amateur boxing, along with other sports activities for its youth. Boxing helps to channel the energy and aggression into a positive path for inner city youth and further helps to develop them into better productive citizens. HD Promotions is helping to achieve that goal by bringing professional boxing to Newark, NJ along with local Newark boxing talent. The card was originally set for Oct. 22ND but was cancelled and had to be re-scheduled for Nov. 19th. From the looks of things, everyone showed up who was supposed to show up. Not bad for a rookie Harvey, good job and good luck for the next one.

            Omar Brito, Dover, NJ, Elvin Sanchez Paterson, NJ, John Lennox and Rashad Bogar both from Newark, NJ all made their pro-debuts. All won by TKO and are off to a good start on the professional circuit. Brito (139), a junior-welterweight stopped Manuel Jimenez (138.5) of Paterson, NJ at 1:15 in round two. Brito had Jimenez down twice in the second round. Heavyweight Sanchez (201) stopped Robert Brown (195) of Blackville, SC at 2:28 in round two after dropping him to the canvas. Heavyweight Lennox (199) had his opponent Richard Cuffee (207) down once in each of the first two rounds before Cuffee’s corner threw in the towel at 1:06 of round three. Bogar (140.5) a welterweight looked sharp for the short time he was in the ring with Juan Guaman. Bogar dropped Guaman to the canvas forcing the towel to be thrown in by Guamans’s corner man at 0:57 seconds of round one.

            Welterweight Mike Torres (145) of Yonkers, NY improved his professional record to 12-0, 7 KO’s with a TKO at 2:15 in round two over Kpakau Allotey (141.5) from Ghana, Africa. Torres had Allotey down twice each in round one and round three. One thing Torres did on the last knockdown, as Allotey was down in a neutral corner, Torres did not follow the instructions of the referee Eddie Cotton (to go to the other neutral corner) and jumped up on the corner ropes over the fallen Allotey.

Allotey is out after Torres assault . . .

Bad sportsmanship Mike. That could get you a fine and suspension from the commission. The ringside doctors needed to attend to the downed and possibly injured Allotey. It’s also a turnoff for some fans. Hope you learn from this one Mike. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating a knockdown or victory, but not at the expense of your opponent or the rules.

The main event was an eight round super-middleweight bout between Jerson Ravelo of Newark, NJ taking on rugged Dhafir Smith of West Philadelphia, PA. Both boxers came in at 167 lbs. and Ravelo won by unanimous decision. All three judges had it 79-73 for Ravelo, who is coming off a loss against tough Andre Ward this past July for the vacant WBO NABO Super-Middleweight title. Ravelo, who fought in the 2000 Olympics representing his native Dominican Republic is also a former National Golden Gloves Champion (1998) improves to 19-3, 12 KO’s. He appeared in superb condition and boxed very well, but at times foolishly dropped his hands. This writer wonders how he would fair against the top ranked boxer’s in the Super-middleweight division (Calzaghe, Jermain Taylor, Mikkel Kessler, Jeff Lacey, Allen Green, etc.) by doing that. Jerson, you can be a great boxer and even a champion still one day. You have to fight and box like one! Good luck on your comeback trail. And good luck the Harvey Dock and HD Promotions. There’s something good going on in Newark, NJ.

Ravelo catches opponent with left jab

Ravelo's jab finds spot again and again . . .

Seen “around the ring”: A lot of NJ boxing elite out on this night. Saw Shaun George of Wayne, NJ via Brooklyn, NY, former cruiserweight champ now crusading as a light-heavyweight. Look for George to take on the former light-heavyweight champion “Road Warrior” Glen Johnson in early 2009. Famed boxing icon-manager/trainer Lou Duva, Pro-judge and HBO analyst Harold Lederman with his wife and daughter, also a pro-judge, Julie Lederman. Former Cruiserweight champion Al “Ice “ Cole. Two-time welterweight champ Vivian Harris. A pack of upcoming young professionals including; Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan Paterson, NJ welterweight (7-0 3 KO’s) prospect (who fights on the Prudential Center card in Newark, NJ on Dec. 11th) along with Henry Crawford, whose record now is an impressive 19-0 and will also be appearing on the Dec. 11th card. Pound-4-Pound Promotions fighter Victor Valenzuela of Passaic, NJ who is 4-0 as a featherweight. Lightweight Mike Perez of Newark, NJ who is now 2-0, 2 KO’s. And that’s it folks, see you “around the ring”.             BB

The complete results from the HD Promotions card Nov. 19th Robert Treat Hotel Newark, NJ;

1)      Elvin Sanchez Paterson, NJ TKO 2:28 R-2 over Robert Brown Blackville, SC Heavyweights

2)      John Lennox Newark, NJ TKO 1:06 R-3 over Richard Cuffee Brooklyn, NY Heavyweights

3)      Omar Brito Dover, NJ TKO 1:15 R-2 over Manuel Jimenez Paterson, NY Jr. Welterweight

4)      Rashad Bogar Newark, NJ TKO 0:57 R-1 over Juan Guaman Canar Ecuador Welterweights

5)      Mike Torres Yonkers, NY TKO 2:15 R-3 over Kpakau Allotey Ghana, Africa Welterweights

6)      Jerson Ravelo Newark, NJ U-Dec. over Dhafir Smith W. Philadelphia, PA Super-middle’s

BB