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MAYWEATHER-PACMAN NOV 13 IN LAS VEGAS ON THE TABLE TRUFAN JULY 8, 2010 "The contracts are ready and all Mayweather Jr. has to do is sign the contract" states one boxing insider who says that the announcement will come on July 19th. Manny Pacquiao has agreed to the blood testing 14 days prior and immediately after the bout so the long awaited fight may be in place for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 13th.
As reported on TRUFANBOXING last November 25th that the fight would take place this year - the window of opportunity for this bout was closing until the Pacman 51-3-2(38) agreed to different terms. It is hinted that Mayweather Jr. 41-0 (25) will agree and the bout will happen . . . .
JLM
DUDDY DEFEATED IN TEXAS, BARRERA WINS
TRUFAN JUNE 27, 2010
John Duddy tried to pound out Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. here in San Antonio last night, but got hit with too many straight rights and lost a unanimous decision to the budding Mexican superstar. Chavez' punches were just too sharp and connect more often as Duddy pressed forward time and time again. Toward the end of the bout Duddy was in retreat, and seemed perplexed and weary as he went to the corner at the end of the 11th round.
Chavez was content to stay in the middle of the ring and bang with the New Yorker, who tried vainly to outgun his opponent. Duddy did have moments, especially in the third round, but Chavez calmly shrugged it off and recoiled to begin another onslaught. The fight was fierce, with both being banged up, but it brought out the best in what Chavez had to offer. This is the type of bout needed to get to the next level, and Chavez indeed passed the test. The scores were 120-108, 117-111, and 116-112.
Duddy falls to (29-2, 18 KOs), while Chavez remains unbeaten at (41-0-1, 30 KOs).
In the co-feature, former champ Marco Antonio Barrera (66-7, 43 KOs) dominated Aldailton DeJesus en route to a unanimous 12 round decision.
JLM
DMITRIY SALITA OBAMA’S GUEST AT WHITE HOUSE FOR JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH
Ron Ross On May 27th President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama invited the crème de la crème of American Jewry to the first ever celebration of Jewish Heritage Month at the White House. May was declared Jewish Heritage Month by President George W. Bush in 2006. But this is the first time the White House has planned to hold a reception to celebrate it. Among the youngest of those honored was boxing icon Dmitriy Salita who said he felt privileged to be included among a group of two hundred of the elite in the worlds of the arts, politics, entertainment, athletics and academics. The Brooklyn-based prizefighter who came from Odessa at the age of nine has distinguished himself not just as a great sports figure but as a champion humanitarian, good-will ambassador and a role model for young people of all religions, races and nationalities. The Dmitriy Salita Youth Center opening in Brighton Beach will serve as a beacon for young immigrants, helping them assimilate as Americans and also preparing those who choose, to learn about Israel. “It was awesome meeting such a great person like Sandy Koufax,” said Salita. It seemed that Dmitriy was equally impressed with Koufax’s career as a great pitcher and for the fact that he would not pitch in the World Series on Yom Kippur - this from an idealistic young man who has steadfastly refused to fight on the sabbath even if a world title was at stake.
 Dmitriy Salita and Sandy Koufax
President Obama, speaking eloquently to the “This is a pretty fancy group here, a pretty distinguished group. We've got senators and representatives. We've got Supreme Court justices and successful entrepreneurs, rabbinical scholars, Olympic athletes — and Sandy Koufax. Sandy and I actually have something in common — we are both lefties. He can't pitch on Yom Kippur; I can't pitch – period.” Besides Salita and Koufax, also honored from the sports world was former NFL offensive lineman, Dallas Cowboy super bowl champion Alan “Shlomo” Viengrad.
Salita, no newcomer to White House invitations, having twice previously been invited by former President George Bush, says that he was also honored to meet and speak with Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan.
Court nominee Elena Kaganeme Court nominee Elena Kagan
Devoting more of his time to working on programs for the Jewish community and as a good-will ambassador, Salita still spends many hours training as he continues his stellar ring career (only one defeat in thirty-two fights). There is talk of a possible mega-fight in New York against former junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi. If and when it happens, it will definitely be after the sabbath ends!
RR
Matthysse Camp Turns Down Harris Rematch
For Immediate Release~ CARLSTADT, NJ. (March 22, 2010) — All former junior welterweight champion Vivian Harris was hoping for was a rematch with Lucas Matthysse in order to right the wrong that he suffered during their fight in Mexico City.
On February 20th referee Gelasio Perez Huerta unjustifiably stopped the competitive contest midway into the 4th round, in what several media members agree was one of the worst stoppages they have ever seen.
An immediate televised rematch in the United States was supposedly in the works but now seems unlikely. According to Golden Boy Promotions Lucas Matthysse has turned down the fight and the opportunity to set the record straight on his tainted victory.
“He’s a coward plain and simple,” said Harris from his home in Carlstadt, New Jersey. “Why else would he and his team not want to fight me? They saw that his eye was rapidly closing and that there was a lot more fight left. They know it’s a risky fight and they probably just want to go back to fighting nobodies in Argentina. They have padded his record from the start of his career.”
“He and I both know that the stoppage was bullshit. Everyone who saw that fight knows I didn’t lose that fight on fair terms. I want the chance to set the record straight. It’s a shame he’s a gutless coward. I was looking forward to rearranging his face for a second time.”
Golden Boy Promotions and Harris’ management team have been working on reversing the decision to a no-contest and have filed an appeal. The Mexican boxing commission has yet to make a ruling.
McCALLS SUFFER DOUBLE LOSS Ron Ross
Reprinted from Boxing News article Hollywood, Fl Feb. 16, 2010
If Oliver McCall had a good enough reason to shed a few tears when he lost his rematch against Lennox Lewis in 1997, it may be assumed that he is crying up an ocean right now. Scheduled to fight in the main event on tonight’s card at the Hard Rock Live Arena against Zuri Lawrence, McCall was arrested on drug possession charges Saturday and was scratched from the all-heavyweight card. The 44-year old former heavyweight titleholder will just have to cry alone as it’s difficult to feel sorry for someone who has made as many mistakes as he has.
Matchmaker Johnny Bos quickly, in a move made of desperation, replaced McCall with McCall.
Elijah McCall, the 21-year old son of Oliver, moved up to main event status in this Clash of the Heavyweights card. Undefeated in four fights, all KO wins, McCall, at 227 ¾, took on Haitian Dieuly Aristilde, 219, who entered the ring with 6 wins against one defeat, never having scored a knockout. \ Aristilde, sporting a full beard, was battered savagely by McCall in the opening round of the scheduled 6-rounder, dropped twice and virtually out on his feet when the bell rang. Somehow, the resilient Aristilde was able to gather himself together and held his own in a free-swinging second round. As an emboldened Aristilde appeared to regain strength and stamina, McCall’s attack began to sputter. “The Untamed Beast” Aristilde was winging punches with fury and ferocious intent. In the third round those blows began finding their mark. McCall was fighting back but the tide of battle had shifted. In the fourth round Aristilde followed a crushing combination with a tremendous right that knocked McCall into an unconscious heap at 1:13 of the round for a tremendous turnaround that had the crowd cheering wildly. 
Aristilde watches as McCall is ministered to ... Photo: Jaime Woods
This show was the first in a development program showcasing and grooming young heavyweights. All the bouts, except for the six-round main event was scheduled for four rounds. If the opening night is an indication of what’s to come – Wow! Six knockouts – five consecutive one round knockouts. It’s like locking a kid in a candy factory.
The opening bout was the only one to go to the scorecards as former Florida State grad Michael Mitchell debuted with a four-round unanimous decision over Robert Turner boxed smartly, using his height to good advantage against the shorter Turner who lunged with sweeping desperation shots that couldn’t find their mark.
In a bout that saw two 236-pounders, Luis Ortiz, in his first pro fight, swarmed all over his opponent, Lamar Davis, 4-1, stopping him at 1:28 of round one.
This was followed by former University of Miami fullback James Bryant starting his pro career with a resounding KO of 43-year old , Roy Boykins, Vero Beach, 1-3-1. A couple of ripping left hooks sent Boykins to the canvas twice in the opening round with Referee Sam Burgos stopping the fight at 2:00 of round 1.
Roger Pinckney,177 ¼, making his pro debut virtually in his own backyard, didn’t disappoint his Hollywood fans, annihilating Bahamian Sam McPhee, 174 ½, 1-2, with a two-fisted onslaught at 1:20 of the opening round.  Local Favorite Rocky Pinckney bombarding Sam McPhee Photo:-Jaime Woods
With a spectacular, career-opening performance, Cuban Yasnay Consuegra knocked out Jacksonville, Florida’s Curtis Harper at 1:40 of Round one. It was also Harper’s first fight.
The 5th one round knockout came a s former University of Miami running back Quadrine Hill, 272 made his debut, dropping 289 ¼ pound Vashawn Tomlin, 0-1, with two tremendous rights, stopping him at 1:50 of the opening round
For a crowd that came to see heavyweight thunder, they certainly got what they came for. However, for the McCall family it was not quite as enjoyable. RR
ADAMEK SECURES WIN; JERSEY RESULTS TRUFAN FEBRURY 7, 2010 Heavyweight Tomasz Adamek (39-1) continued his climb in the heavyweight division with a close but convincing win over David Estrada (16-3) over 12 solid rounds. The Jersey City product was a little more busy and a bit more precise in his punching, while Estrada was content to pursue and pressure his moving opponent. But Estrada had his moments and if this bout is any indication of what can happen when Tomasz gets into the ring with a big puncher - someone like a Chris Arreola, (rumored to be his next opponent) then Adamek may be in trouble. In the latter rounds, Estarda kept the pressure on a backtracking Adamek, who was more comfortable picking his shots with an equal output to the head and body - then darting away when Estrada threw his counterpunches. Scores were 118-110, 115-113, and 116-112, all for Adamek. Blueprint of FIGHT.... photos by Chris Brooks
Adamek busy while Estrada on defensive . . . then >>>
but Adamek recoils and bounces a left hook counter . . .
It was a good win for Adamek , but must continue to improve if he is going to tackle the bigger boys in the division. In a SWING bout, unbeaten welterweight Sadame Ali (5-0) defeated fellow Brooklynite Jason Thompson (5-5-1) over 4 rounds . . . Super-middleweight Peter Quillen (21-0, 15 KO's) defeated an overmatched Fernando Zuniga in 10 rounds. The bout was a dull affair with Quillen being the aggressor while Zuniga was on the defensive for most of the bout.
Quillen corners Zuniga, but could not put away crafty veteran
Cruiserweight
Patrick Farrell
improved to a
perfect 5-0 with
a unanimous four
round decision
over Jon
Schneider.
Farrell floored
Schneider in the
1st and 3rd
rounds and
basically was in
control
throughout. Other bouts: Dennis Doughlin (7-0) WUD 6 Eddie Hunter Przemyslaw Majewski (12-0) WUD 6 Anthony Pietrantonio Ismyal Silliach (10-0) TKO4 Larry Pryor Attendance 10,123 JLM/ CBRooks
2/22/09 SAM PETER WINS IN Y'TOWN, WHAT'S NEXT ?
Sam Peter is the
former WBC
heavyweight
champion. He is
hoping to regain
a piece of the
heavyweight
title. He
battered Gabe"
Big G" Brown on
the Pavlik -
Espino
undercard. He
came in at 240
pounds. That was
23 pounds less
then what he
weighed when he
lost to Eddie
Chambers. Is Sam
Peter back in
the mix ?
Samuel Peter turned pro in 2001 and went undefeated until a decision loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2005. In 2006 Peter won a close decision over James Toney. In their 2007 rematch Peter handled Toney much easier and won a unanimous decision. Then came a life and death struggle at Madison Square Garden against Jameel McCline. "Big Time" had Sam down and nearly out early but faded down the stretch and Peter rallied to win the verdict and the interim WBC belt. In 2008 Peter halted Oleg Maskaev in six to win the WBC title outright. This led to a showdown with Vitali Klitschko. In his worst career performance Sam Peter was dominated and stopped by Vitali. Then earlier this year, weighing in at a portly 263 Peter was to slow to catch fast Eddie Chambers and dropped a decision. Peter weighed 240 pounds and looked great the other night. His opponent was a hulking fighter named Gabe Brown. Gabe is in the vicinity of 6'6" and weighed in at 363 pounds !!! He has ties to Roy Jones Jr. and sported an 18-12-4 record coming in. He had been in with the likes of Bruce Seldon, Dominick Guinn, Lance Whitaker and Clifford Etienne.
I would LOVE to
see Sam Peter
fight Chris
Arreola. What a
war that could
be. How about
Peter -vs- Tua ?
How about the
winner of
Holyfield -
Botha ? Oliver
McCall is still
looking for a
big fight. I
just want to see
Sam Peter in
shape and
active. He's
been a major
player in the
division for the
last five years.
Jim Amato
CES Classic Sees Griffin Get it Done, O’Connor Dazzle, Clampitt Return Big Time and Smith Drop Another Big Bomb! By: Coach “K” November 20th, Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, Rhode Island Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports Inc. presented “Autumn Classic” saw the leather flying like Autumn leaves falling in a Nor Easter. The action started with Roxbury, Massachusetts Maceo Crowder the brother of 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade making his pro debut picking apart, buckling then putting to rest Reidsville North Carolina’s Duane King also making his pro debut. Crowder out boxed and dropped King in the opener, buckled his knees with a heavy lead right hand in the second before finishing him with a clean 1-2 at 1:48 of round three. Next up was heavyweight action with Worcester, Massachusetts’s Rashad Minor, 3-1, 3Ko’s acting like the Titanic taking revenge on Hannibal, Missouri’s ’s Lance “Iceberg” Gauch, 1-2, 1Ko’s sinking him with a heavy looping right to the head forcing referee Danny Chiavonne to wave it off at 2:47 of round two. Bout number three featured 2008 NY Gold Glove Champion Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr.’s destruction of Eden, North Carolina’s Brandon McGowen’s pro debut. “The Bomber” used a tight defense to withstand an initial wild and wide McGowan assault before using a stiff jab to back McGowen to the corner then planting a jack hammer straight right to the solar plexus, crushing hook to the liver combination reminiscent of “Irish” Bobby Cassidy dropping and stopping McGowen at 0:45 of round one where he remained for over five minutes. Smith trained by former pro light heavyweight standouts, brothers Phil and Gerry Capobianco and Chris Canzona continues his impressive start at 2-0, 2Ko’s leaving McGowen flat looking for his first win.
The “Autumn Classic” was beginning to look like a full fledged winter storm and Providence, Rhode Islands southpaw super middleweight standout Vladine Biosse would keep it coming dead on track blasting out Davenport, Iowa’s Jeffrey Osbourne with an unanswered eleven punch combination forcing referee Danny Chiavonne to call it at 1:25 of round one. Biosse kept his zero matching it with his fifth victory while Osbourne fell to 8-15-2, 3Ko’s. In the first of three co-features “The Hurricane,” four-time women’s world title holder Jamie Clampitt, 20-4-1, 7Ko’s turned up quite an “Autumn” storm herself returning to the ring after a twenty month layoff to blow out North Carolina’s #10 ranked Rachel “The Joker” Clark, 4-3-1, 3Ko’s. Clampitt made the “Joker” look like a prankster winning every round hands down, some could have easily even been scored 10-8. Clampitt did all her measuring in the opening round then began to land with big right hands before putting it all together banging from both sides to Clarks head and body, several times throwing and landing ten punch combinations. Clampitt used a good jab to set up her power shots targeting Clark’s body, ripping inside outside hooks and uppercuts giving “The Joker” nothing to laugh about prompting some in the nearly capacity filled event center to call for the bout to be stopped. The judge’s cards were announced a 60-54 shutout times three. The semi main event showcased Framingham, Massachusetts 2008 US Olympic alternate light welterweight “Irish” Danny O’Connor who entered banking nine wins against zero losses in his first fourteen months as a pro. O’Connor totally out classed Rock Hill, South Carolina’s James Hope 4-3, 4Ko’s with a slippery “Patriot Missle” answering defense leaving a totally baffled and frustrated Hope talking to himself as he ate multitudes of counters. O’Conner showcased his complete package of skills, demonstrating a clean snapping southpaw jab, stinging straight lefts, body shots from both sides, boxing and banging all before turning and countering the South Carolina fighter leaving him the only “hope” to be put out of his misery which O’Connor several times appeared only one punch away. The impressive victory moves “The Irish Sensation” to 10-0, 3KOs giving Hope his third loss to go along with his four Ko wins. All three judges scored the one sided beating 60-54 O’Connor. Following a very spirited National Anthem by Mark Antonelii the main event featuring “Irish” Joe McCreedy, 11-4-1, 6Ko’s taking on “Sugar” Ray Leonard’s “The Next Great Champ” reality show winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin, 21-6-2, 8Ko’skept the event center rocking. The eight rounder was valiantly contested with McCreedy starting fast winging shots with both hands then falling in grabbing on. McCreedy continued to fall into his right after punching eventually allowing Griffin to turn the tide in the fifth round scoring regularly with some heavy uppercuts from both sides. McCreedy to his credit was game and kept coming forward firing away until the end as both fighters had their moments but it was Griffin’s jab and landing the cleaner harder shots that earned him the judges scores of 78-75, 77-76, and 78-74. The victory gives Griffin his second straight win since losing to Jeff Lacy and Marcus Oliveira early 2009. Overall it was a very entertaining “Autumn” evening of rock and sock ‘em boxing highlighted by the devastating punching of the “Irish” Bomber Joe Smith Jr; a world championship caliper battle by spotlighting the return of “the Hurricane” Jamie Clampitt and the world class skills demonstrated by a defensively sound and offensively skilled Danny O’Connor leaving everyone looking to forward to the next CES boxing show scheduled for December 10th at The Roxy in downtown Boston. See you there. For more information go to www.cesboxing.com.or more information about
Travis Kauffman Headlines
King's Promotions Card on
12/4 in Reading, PA
READING, PA - King's
Promotions is closing out the
decade with a bang as it returns
to the Sovereign Center in
Reading, PA with a professional
boxing/mixed martial arts hybrid
show on December 4. King's
Promotions hosted the first
hybrid event in May, resulting
in the company's most successful
event in it's 14-year history.-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- In keeping with the holiday spirit, King's Promotions will donate $.50 of each ticket sale to benefit The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In addition to patient care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is dedicated to finding cures for illnesses that affect children worldwide. "I want to continue to introduce boxing to MMA fans and vice versa," says Marshall Kauffman, the promoter of the event. "These two sports can co-exist and feed off each other and continue to grow alongside one another. At the end of the night, fans of both sports will leave satisfied. "All of my guys are going to be matched tough because I believe they are all capable of fighting at a high level. When fighters are put in 'soft' they do not develop the ability to cope with difficult situations. The fans will see exactly what these guys are made of." In the main event, heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman returns to action in front of his hometown against an opponent to be name later. Kauffman, 18-1 (15 KO), is coming off a controversial loss to Tony Grano on Shobox: The New Generation in his last fight and is eager to rebound with a solid victory.
"I'm
glad to be back in my
hometown," says Kauffman.
"My fans at home have always
supported me and for that I
am eternally grateful. I
want to show Reading and the
world that I'm still the
same fighter and won't be
deterred on my road to the
title."
In the co-featured bout, hard-hitting cruiserweight Julio Cesar Matthews of Harrisburg, PA will face tough upset specialist Harvey Jolly of Adrian, Michigan in a six round bout. Matthews, 8-0 (5 KO), will be in against his sternest test with Jolly, who at 10-11-1 (5 KO) has one of the most deceiving records in boxing. Jolly has spoiled four unbeaten fighters, including his last opponent, the previously 12-0 Nicholas Ianuzzi whom Jolly knocked out in the very first round. Local heavyweight favorite Craig Tomlinson will also return to action against Willie Palms of Jersey City, NJ in a fight scheduled for six rounds. Tomlinson, 24-15-1 (13 KO), has faced a who's who in the division over the course of his 16-year career. Palms, a US National Amateur Super Heavyweight champion in 1997, has worked as a sparring partner for most of the top heavyweights of the last decade, including the heavyweight champion Klitschko Brothers. Making his Reading debut, light-welterweight Van Oscar Penovaroff of Kailua Kona, Hawaii will face Fernando Basora of The Bronx, NY in a six round bout. Penovaroff, 4-0 (3 KO), is the newest protege' of Marshall Kauffman. He traveled with the 2004 US Olympic team to Athens, Greece to prepare them for competition. Penovaroff attended Northern Michigan University with Travis Kauffman in the amateur boxing program. Jason Cintron, brother of former welterweight champion Kermit Cintron, will return to action in a six-round contest against Norman Allen of Laurel, MD. Cintron, 10-1 (3 KO), is rebounding from his first defeat and will look to feed off the hometown love to get back on track. Keenan Collins of York, PA will face Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor of Wilmington, DE in a six-round junior middleweight bout. Collins, 12-5-2 (8 KO), is up against another upset specialist in Taylor, who had knocked out a 9-0 prospect two fights earlier. The MMA action will be run by Mark Jovich's Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge, the leader in Pennsylvania mixed martial arts action. As part of a special promotion, the first 500 ticket buyers will receive another free of equal value. Tickets, priced at $65, $50, $35 and $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Sovereign Center Box Office at 700 Penn Street in Reading (610-898-7200) or at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com). Doors open at 6PM and first fight starts at 7PM. For more information on how to donate to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, visit https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/express-donation.do?fnl=don_sin
Vested interest in Valuev-Haye WBA Title Fight for former champ Ruiz “David vs. Goliath” PPV card live Saturday from Germany
NUREMBERG, Germany (Nov. 5, 2009) – The most interested spectator Saturday in Versicherung Arena for the WBA heavyweight title fight between defending Nikolai “The Russian Giant” Valuev and challenger David “The Haymaker” Haye will be former 2-time WBA title-holder John “The Quietman” Ruiz.
Valuev-Haye is promoted by Wilfried Sauerland’s Sauerland Event and its Managing Director, Christian Meyer, in association with Don King Productions. The “David vs. Goliath” show is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN, DISH Network, Viewer’s Choice, Shaw PPV and Bell TV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A replay will be shown that same night at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.
Ruiz doesn’t necessarily care who wins the title fight between Valuev (50-1, 34 KOs), who “The Quietman” has dropped two close decisions to in Germany, and London-based Haye (22-1, 21 KOs). He will be watching Valuev-Haye closely, though, after his scheduled PPV-opening bout against Serin.
“I’m 0-3 in Germany and 6-0 fighting in England,” Ruiz joked, “so I guess I’d rather fight Haye. “I’m really looking forward to this fight. I know no fight is easy and that I have to get past this one to get the winner of Valuev-Haye. I know there’s another world title fight in the horizon for me, but I have to win this fight to get the next one.
“I’m very happy that my fight is going to be on pay per view in North America. My fans and media there haven’t been able to watch my last few fights because they weren’t televised there. They think I still fight the same way (clutch-and-grab), but I’m much more aggressive, and now they’ll be able to see how much I’ve improved. I’ve been working hard the past three months with my new head trainer, Miguel Diaz, and assistant (former WBA bantamweight) Richie Sandoval. Somewhere along the line, I got away from the basics, and we’ve been working in that area. I had been leaning in and landing too close to my opponent, which resulted in a lot of clutching and grabbing. We’ve improved my style; I’m more aggressive now, moving more and getting hit less.”
Additional undercard bouts and highlights will also air on PPV. Two other former world champions are on the card, heavyweight Sergei Liakhovich (23-3, 14 KOs) and cruiserweight Kelvin “Concrete” Davis (24-10-3, 17 KOs) vs. Jeremy “The Best” Bates (22-16-1, 18 KOs) and unbeaten IBF No. 10 rated Alexander Frankel, respectively. Undefeated WBC & WBA No. 3 rated cruiserweight Francisco “The Wizard” Palacios (18-0, 11 KOs) is also on the undercard versus DeLeon Tingsley (9-4-1, 5 KOs).
For more information about the Valuev-Haye PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com.
Don King Productions has pr, 1999; vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June
BILLY LYELL RETAINS THE NABC MIDDLEWEIGHT CROWN 10/17/09 Eastwood Expo Center - Niles, Ohio. Local hero Billy Lyell (21-7) successfully defended his NABC middleweight title via a unanimous eight round decision over tough veteran Chris Gray (12-11). Billy went right to work from the first bell and clearly outscored his game opponent. The scores were 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75. Lyell is ranked #15 in world by the IBF based on his upset victory over then #1 ranked John Duddy earlier this year. In a junior middleweight semi-main event 2002 National Golden Gloves welterweight champion Durrell Richardson of Youngtown, Ohio was a big winner. Richardson (12-3) surprisingly took out the 2000 Olympic representative Dante Craig (18-9-1) of Cincinnati, Ohio in the first round. It was an impressive performance by the 30 year old Durrell. In a six round welterweight bout the popular Jake Giuriceo (5-0) out Campbell, Ohio looked good winning a six round verdict over a determined James Pope (4-2) out of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Jake has a big following in the Youngstown are. In a scheduled light heavyweight four rounder local Randy Campbell (2-0) took care of Travis Richards (1-6) in the second round. This boxing card was presented by Bowers Promotions. Ringside - Jim Borgen.
Rodriguez rocks, Andrade rolls in Rhode Island
LINCOLN, R.I. (October 3, 2009) – Hot prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (12-0, 8 KOs) nearly pitched a shutout today, defeating battle-tested Darnell Boone by a unanimous 8-round decision in the main event on the “Saturday Afternoon Special” card at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
“Saturday Afternoon Special” was presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Star Boxing, Banner Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
Rodriguez outclassed veteran Boone (16-13-2, 6 KOs)in an entertaining match, using his quick hands and reach advantage to pepper his game opponent, winning eight rounds on one judge’s card and seven on the two others. The learning experience continued for former 2-time national amateur champion Rodriguez, who is developing into a complete package.
“Boone is a helluva fighter,” Rodriguez commented. “He brought his ‘A’ game and he took some good punches. I didn’t put him away but learned a lot from this fight.”
In the co-feature, 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “The Extinguisher” Andrade (8-0, 6 KOs) and Chris “The Last Chapter” Chatman (4-1, 2 KOs) went to war in a true crowd pleasing junior middleweight bout featuring a pair of multi-talented, previously unbeaten southpaws.
“He was a tough opponent,” Andrade said after the fight before his hometown fans. “He fought a good fight. You know what I do. He came to fight and took it good. I used my head and boxed. I have nothing to complain about.”
“I felt I punished him and deserved victory,” a disappointed Chatman claimed. “Nobody is going to hit him harder or pressure him more. I will be back. I am a warrior. He won’t fight anybody like me, unless it is me again.”
Relentless punching Cape Verdean super middleweight Vladine Biosse (4-0, 3 KOs), former University of Rhode Island football player, passed his stiffest test to date and went the distance for the first time against Tafari Lawton (1-1).
Light welterweight Simeon Dunwell improved his record to 10-1 with a fourth round stoppage of David Marquez in the fourth round. Light welterweight Jesus Caro (5-0, 2 KOs) remained unbeaten by way of a unanimous fourth-round decision. Hartford junior middleweight David Bauza (2-0, 2 KOs) dominated Damien Butler until their fight was ended early in the second.
Full results below:
RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER Lincoln, Rhode Island
Oct. 3, 2009 – “Saturday Afternoon Special”
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS Edwin Rodriguez (12-0, 8 KOs), Worcester, MA WDEC8 (80-72, 79-73, 79-73) Darnell Boone (16-13-2, 6 KOs), Atlanta, GA Vladine Biosse (4-0, 3 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC4 (40-36, 39-38, 39-38) Tafari Lawton (1-1, 0 KOs), New York, NY
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS Demetrius Andrade (8-0, 6 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC6 (60.54, 60-55, 59-55) Chris Chatman (4-1, 2 KOs), San Diego, CA David Bauza (2-0, 2 KOs), Hartford, CT WTKO2 (0:25) Johnny Rowell (0-3), Atlanta, GA
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS Jesus Caro (5-0, 2 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 39-36) Damien Butler (0-2), Baltimore, MD Simeon Dunwell (10-1, 2 KOs), Peabody, MA WTKO4 (1:40) David Marquez (5-7-1, 1 KO), Ft. Walton, CO
Promoter: Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis
-CES-
Sheika wins slugfest against Kruger McLean upsets Saleem in shocker O’Connor, Gingras and Sujak all winners
MANCHESTER , N.H. (Septe.ber 23, 2009) – Three-time world title challenger Omar Sheika won an entertaining slugfest tonight against a game Theo Kruger in the main event on the 8th annual “Fight To Educate” card at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.
The 8th annual “Fight To Educate,” presented by MB Tractor & Equipment, in association with Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, benefitted the SEE Science Center, Bobby Stephen Fund for Education, and The Veterans Count Club.
Sheika (28-9, 19 KOs) wore-down Kruger (9-9-2, 3 KOs) and took a knee in the seventh round after Sheika unloaded a barrage of punches. The onslaught continued in the eighth as Kruger was decked again. He beat the 10-count on shaky legs, but the fight was wisely halted by the referee at that point.
In the co-feature, light welterweight Danny O’Connor (9-0, 3 KOs), 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, kept rolling along with another impressive boxing performance. The slick southpaw stopped Patrick “The Raging Bill” Cape (6-8, 3 KOs) in the third round with a perfectly placed left uppercut to the body.
New Hampshire favorite Richard Gingas (10-2, 6 KOs), star of The Contender IV, a game Robert Davis (5-19-3) in an action-packed light heavyweight bout that ended when Davis was unable to continue after seven rounds.
New York heavyweight Shawn McLean (4-4, 3 KOs) upset previously undefeated Faruq Saleem (38-1, 32 KOs) by way of a fourth-round technical knockout.
New York super middleweight Hajro Sujak (4-0, 2 KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact, flooring Joel Lopez (0-4) twice with left hooks en route to a first-round TKO.
RESULTS FROM MANCHESTER, NH
September 23, 2009 – “The Maul In Manchester” 8th annual Fight To Educate Verizon Arena
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Shawn McLean (4-4, 2 KOs), New York, NY WTKO4 (1:22) Faruq Saleem (38-1, 32 KOs), Newark, NJ
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Omar Sheika (28-9, 19 KOs), Paterson, NJ WTKO8 (2:38) Theo Kruger (9-9-2, 3 KOs), Port Charlotte, FL Richard Gingras (10-2, 6 KOs), Claremont, NH WTKO7 (3:00) Robert Davis (5-19-3, 0 KOs), Tallahassee, FL
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Hajro Sujak (4-0, 2 KOs), Bronx, NY WTKO1 (2:46) Joel Lopez (0-3), Miami, FL
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS
Danny O’Connor (9-0, 3 KOs), Framingham, MA WTKO3 (1:44) Patrick Cape (6-8, 3 KOs), Little Canada, MN
Promoter: Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing Matchmaker: Jim Borzell
Travis Kauffman - "I Will Be Back Better
Than Ever"
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Reading, PA (Sept. 21, 2009) - Following the first defeat of his professional career, heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman is taking the experience in stride vowing to return a better fighter. The Reading, PA native swept the first three rounds of his scheduled ten-round bout against Tony Grano at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, CA, televised in the main event of the Showtime network's ShoBox: The New Generation series this past Friday night. Kauffman came out aggressively to try and finish a waning Grano in the fourth round before getting hit with a serious intentional low blow, stemming his momentum. Kauffman elected to continue without taking any of the allotted five minutes to recover. Grano shortly after turned around and spit out his mouthpiece to buy more time to rest. "I thought I fought a good fight but I got caught with a good shot," says Kauffman, 18-1 (15 KO). "His tactics were really dirty. I didn't take the time I needed after the low blow. Being a fighter and not using my head, I wanted to go for the kill. I was stunned no doubt. I'm not mad at him, he did what he had to do to win. I showed my inexperience instead of sticking to my game plan." "I've said many times that the day I stop learning is the day I stop fighting. I learned a lot from this fight. I can't sit here and cry about it, I have to move on. I'll live to fight another day. Real champs bounce back. I want a rematch and as exciting as the fight was, so should Showtime."
PA
Roman Martinez plans “Rocky” Horror Show for Rodriguez Calderon-Mayol II world title fight headlines Sept. 12 PPV live from San Juan
HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 3, 2009) – WBO super featherweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (22-0-1, 13 KOs) makes his first title defense in the 12-round co-feature September 12th against WBO No. 9 rated Vincente Martin “El Mono” Rodriguez (25-2-1, 13 KOs) on the “Undefeated Champions” pay per view event, airing live in the United States from the Coliseum of Puerto Rico in San Juan. . “Undefeated Champions,” headlined by WBO and The Ring magazine’s light flyweight champion Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon (32-0-1, 6 KOs) defending both belts in a rematch versus No. 1 contender Rodel “Kid Rapido” Mayol (25-3-1, 19 KOs) in the 12-round main event, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
Martinez, rated No. 4 by The Ring, captured the WBO title March 14, stopping Nicky Cook in the fourth round of their title fight in England.”Rocky” believes his time is now. “”A lot of people know me after the Cook fight,” Martinez remarked. “I never refuse to fight anybody, anywhere, and that’s why we were so confident fighting Cook in his backyard. Rodriguez is going to try and surprise me. He doesn’t have anything to lose. I’ve heard that he likes to fight and, believe me, if he can fight I will knock him out because that’s what I like to do.
“I’m not looking past Rodriguez, but after I win this fight I would like to fight Robert Guerrero, the IBF champion. I am the best in the division and right now nobody can stop me. This fight is going to help me continue to develop my popularity in the United States, fighting on pay per view there. It’s going to be my first title defense and in the near future everybody will be talking about me. I am a real fighter who has a big heart and likes to fight. I already said I never refuse to fight anybody. I like knockouts but also have great stamina to go 12 rounds. I really like to throw a lot of punches.”
The “Unbeaten Champions” PPV card, presented by PR Best Boxing Promotions, Inc., also includes a 10-round super flyweight bout between Juan “Panterita” Mercedes (23-2, 16 KOs) and Jesus “Changa” Martinez (18-6, 11 KOs), as well as unbeaten cruiserweight prospect Carlos Negron (3-0, 3 KOs), 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, showcased against Larry Carter (3-4-1, 3 KOs).
For more information about the “Undefeated Champions” PPV show, go on line to www.integratedsportsnet.com.
-IS-
Did Kellerman Justify a Decision Citing the Market Place? By: Bill Ethan (SBB) Following the controversial Diaz / Malignaggi decision HBO boxing analyst Max Kellerman was first spotted by Juan Diaz before slickly sided stepping Paulie Malignaggi’s direct question on the scoring of the fight. The interview started with Kellerman questioning Diaz. “Juan, lets start with you. That was a lot of fun to watch. How was it to fight?” “Isn’t it always fun to watch Max.” “It’s always fun to watch, Juan.” But when it’s your job to analyze the fight and your questioned please stand up and give the fight fan what they expect - let us know where you stand. Kellerman instead slips the shot like Willie Pep. Then after saying, “everyone deserves a faire shake and there is no excuse for a fighter for not getting a fair shake under any circumstances. However; the marketplace spoke tonight, Paulie Malignaggi it’s not as thought he could have not cultivated an ethnic following in New York. He has to some degree an Italian fighting out of New York city but given his style and his lack of punching power he has not been able to cultivate the kind following that Juan Diaz has been able to here in Houston with a Mexican and Mexican American fight crowd that really appreciates and just fight fans generally that really appreciates his style of fighting the fact that every Juan Diaz fight is always exciting and so for that reason Juan Diaz winds up with the powerful promoter and the hometown decision, possibly if you consider this a hometown decision and so even thought every fighter deserves always fair shake I think here the market place spoke and Juan Diaz gets the nod.” Does “However” mean the marketplace in now a judge or the hometown fans vote or did he even hint that an ethnic following somehow should influence a decision? We all know it does each fighter following and that the size of the following is what makes a fighter attractive to a promoter but to insinuate that it should some how play in a decision is just wrong. After the fight Diaz was very humble even calling for applause for Malignaggi. When Malignaggi was interviewed he asked Kellerman about the scoring and Kellerman responded that “ringside Harold Lederman had scored it 7-5, I thought that was about right, I thought it was competitive”. Paulie questions 7-5 , Kellerman responds “Harold did have that.” He himself never commits. Maybe it’s not his job but HBO analyst Lennox Lewis put himself on the line calling it for Malignaggi and analyst Bob Papa appearing surprised at Kellerman's rant said “it was a one or two point fight either way, or possibly a draw” and with all that said it was great performance by Juan Diaz and Paulie Malignaggi. I agree with Bob it was a good fight by both fighters and I scored it a draw. There were no big rounds either way with Diaz scoring the higher number of power punches 123-80 and Malignaggi controlling the action with his jab 2-1 (111-55). There were no knockdowns, no real big rounds and the biggest punch of the fight was a Malignaggi right cutting Diaz left eye I had it a draw. Now after questioning Kellerman’s marketplace reasoning I almost feel like a punk scoring the fight a draw. But after a very close fight with Malignaggi knowing all he said about fighting in his opponent’s hometown he should have put it all on the line in the final round. But that gives him a draw, not a loss or an excuse for his lose or his verbal run on after the bout. But backing up my call if he wins the last round he wins the fight. To even suggest that a promotional backing or a market place has influence on the decision and it its still a fair shake would only add to the list of reasons people like Senator John McCain call for boxing reform. Max call it what it was an unfair scoring. All that aside while assuming the market place doesn’t submit a scorecard if there was ever a call for a rematch this would be it. How would Diaz or the market place or his promotional company (Golden Boy) feel about a rematch in the Madison Square Garden. On that note, to his credit Golden Boy promoter Oscar DeLaHoya questioned the lopsided scoring following the bout. Hopefully this slip was a time restraint or something Max is usually right on.
OUTDOOR BOXING AT FRANKILIN SQUARE, NY JULY 18, 2009 No, it was not a re-play of Dempsey Willard, but Ring Promotions did put on a good show at the Plattsduetsche Restaurant at Frankilin Squre on Saturday July 18th . . .
For those of us who do not recollect what happened in the boxing arena a century ago, it must be noted that around this time a year that many bouts were staged in the outdoors. On this day it was no exception, except that it had more of a neighborhood feel to it, and taste as summer as two fighters battled in the ring.
Heavyweight Tor Hammer, NY needed only a round to discard Marcus Dickerson, San Diego, CA - whose 4-1 record was a little more intimidating than he was. Hammer improves to 7-0.
Brian Hart, Woodside, NY WIN TKO4 Fasika Bezabeth, Ethiopia. Hart, a Super Middleweight, evened his professional record at 1-1 by overpowering his opponent.
Marcus Bianconi, Glen Cove, NY KO3 Juan Zapata, Honduras. Super middleweights. Well, well, well, the fight of the day as Zapata comes out throwing the kitchen sink from the opening bell, as Bianconi tries to cover up and time a counterpunch. When Zapata misses a hook he spins around and is way off balance. A punch clips Bianconi and sends him to the canvas in round two, but he is still with it . . . Zapata is slowing and weakening as the round comes to a close. In the third Zapata goes all out and is spent, and a barrage of the Bianconi' punch , ending with a right hand, collapses Zapata in the neutral corner. Bout over - and Zapata remains motionless for 10 minutes and is taken to the hospital in a local ambulance ...
Break in action because the ambulance is gone, but there is plenty to do -- A bar is on the premises serving soft drinks and beer, as well as showing a local baseball game .. .. Local fighters introduced, as well as icon Emile Griffith . . .
Issouf Kinda, Harlem, NY TKO 2 Fernando Basora, Puerto Rico Jr Welterweight action is quiet until Kinda floors Basora with a straight right hand. It was all Kinda after this, as he registers the stoppage 55 seconds into Round 2.
Jarrell Miller WRTD1 Darius Whitson, Heavyweights Miller has Whitson in deep trouble as Round 1 ends. Whitson did not come out for second.
Steve Ormond, Dublin, Ireland defeats Isreal Suarez over 4 rounds. lightweights The grand bagpipe entrance is the highlight as Ormond puts the pressure on Suarez, winning a unanimous decision...
Chris Algieri W6 Jose Guzman Jr. welterweights Algieri floors Guzman multiple times but to Guzman's credit, he keeps getting back up. The two worked well and it was an entertaining Main Event. Algieri now is 8-0, with 4KO's.
Contrary to reports, promoter Bob Duffy was not cooking at the grill.
JLM
BOXING WRITERS DINNER JUNE 12th 2009
These are some of the snapshots taken at the Boxing Writers dinner at the Capitale on June 12th, 2009.
Manny Pacquaio took home "Fighter Of The Year" as well as his trainer, Freddie Roach, who was voted by the Guild as the Top Second. Other celebs in the audience included former champs Joe Calzaghe and Vito Antefuermo, Larry Merchant, Bill Gallo, Harold Lederman, Steve Farhood, Bobby Bartels and many others . . . .
Boxing is the one form of theater where nobody speaks a foolish word all evening—nobody in the ring, at least. But when it comes to the discussion of boxing, there was much eloquence at the Capitale Friday night.
Boxing is Dempsey, Louis and Muhammad Ali. But boxing is also Liebling, Schulberg and W. C. Heinz—the talented writers who report the fights.
The BWWA is an organization which is all about fighters, writers and promoting fine boxing journalism.
Whereas some people feel that boxing is on the decline, the BWWA is here to say that the reporting of the fights is definitely on the upswing.
The new crop of boxing writers and fighters honored this evening were:
Manny Pacquiao—Fighter of the Year. Joe Calzaghe—Manager of the Year Freddie Roach—Trainer of the Year Harold Lederman—Excellence in Broadcast Journalism The James J. Walker Award—Steve Farhood The A.J. Liebling Award—Larry Merchant; Leonard Gardner; John Gardner Marvin Kohn “Good Guy” Award—Alan Hopper The Bill Crawford Award—Genaro Hernandez & George Kimball
The 2008 Barney Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Boxing Journalism:
Boxing Event Coverage:
1st Place—Steve Farhood, Boxing Monthly
Boxing Column:
1st Place—David P. Greisman, Maxboxing.com
Boxing News Story
1st Place—Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News
Boxing Feature, (Under 2,500 words):
1st Place—Don Stradley, The Ring Boxing Feature (Over 2,500 words):
1st Place—Carlo Rotella, NYT Sports Magazine
Boxing Investigative Reporting:
1st Place—(Tie) Ron Borges, Boxing Monthly & Thomas Hauser, SecondsOut.com
Photography Contest:
Action Photos:
1st Place—Chris Farina/Top Rank
Feature Photos:
1st Place—Marty Rosengarten/Ringside Photos
By Peter Wood
PHOTOS COURTESY PETE WOOD
Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing and Super Boxeo Team Up with Fox Sports Español!
Sal
Musumeci’s Final Forum has teamed up with
Mario Ragazzo of Super
Boxeo and signed a 3-year deal to promote 50 shows per year on Fox Sports Español.“I am proud and honored to bring this 2 hour program to the boxing fans,” said an ecstatic Musumeci. “Our mission is to bring the best boxing available to our audience around the world.” The show will be available to over 150 million viewers in North America, and will take place every Saturday night with the inaugural show airing on May 2, 2009 on Fox Sports Español. In addition to the Main Event and Co-feature, the show will also feature a 3-minute highlight reel of the under-card bouts so TV audiences can familiarize themselves with the future Main Event fighters of the sport. This is just one of the many exciting segments planned for this broadcast. Stay tuned for more on this monumental Boxing Series.
CALZAGHE RETIRES ; COULD HE HAVE BEAT JOHN CONTEH ?
Joe Calzaghe is now
the toast of the British Kingdom. After
his long run as super middleweight
champion, Joe conquered Bernard Hopkins to
become the world's best light heavyweight.
Then he dominated a faded legend in Roy
Jones Jr. Well who would be next ? I know
Antonio Tarver has been calling Joe out.
How about Chad Dawson, Glen Johnson, Erdei
or a Hopkins rematch ? What about Kelly
Pavlik ? Well it will be none of the above
as Joe has decided to retire after an
undefeated fifteen year career. Will Joe
go down in history as myth or legend ?
Too bad that Joe came along about thirty five years too late. Back then Joe would have found stiff competition right in his own back yard..Chris Finnegan and John Conteh were on there way to becoming top contenders then. Finnegan got a title shot against the legendary Bob Foster in 1972 and after a plucky performance Chris was halted by Bob in the fourteenth round. It was the Ring Magazine " Fight Of The Year. In 1973 Chris met and lost a fifteen round decision to Conteh for the European and British Empire crown. In a 1974 rematch Conteh stopped Finnegan in six rounds. Conteh was now making his way up the contender ladder. At the beginning of his pro career there were times that Conteh beat heavyweights. Before his second win over Finnegan, John had established himself a major threat to Bob Foster. Conteh had beaten Vincente Rondon and Tom Bogs leading him closer to the top. Foster came close to losing his title to Argentina's Jorge Ahumada when they fought to a disputed draw. At that point Bob decided to relinquish his crown. The WBA matched Ahumada's countryman Victor Galindez and Len " Stinger " Hutchins for their version of the title. The WBC matched Conteh with Ahumada. Galindez and Conteh emerged victorious. A fight between Conteh and Galindez would have been a dandy but it would never take place. John would make successful defenses against Lonnie Bennett, rugged Yaqui Lopez and Hutchins. In their infinite wisdom the WBC stripped Conteh of his title and said it would recognize the winner of a bout between Jesse Burnett and Miguel Cuello as the new champion. Cuello halted Burnett to capture the crown. Cuello would quickly lose his title to Mate Parlov. Conteh would get a chance to regain the title against Mate but the awkward Parlov scored a fifteen round decision over John. Parlov would soon lose the title to Marvin Johnson. Matthew Saad Muhammad ended Johnson's reign and Conteh would now challenge Saad. John fought a wonderful fight and I had him ahead after twelve rounds but he seemed to fade in the " championship rounds " and Saad pulled out a fifteen round decision. It was close enough for a rematch but this time around Muhammad handled John with relative ease scoring a fourth round knockout. Conteh would fight one more time and then retire in 1980 after a distinguished tenure posting a final record of 34-4-1. Conteh was bothered by hand injuries throughout his career. How would Conteh have fared against today's Joe Calzaghe ? Very well I think. Calzaghe's swarming aggressive style would have been perfect for Conteh. John was very strong and was able to hold his own against some decent heavyweights. He was a good, solid all around boxer with a fine jab. Although not a one punch kayo artist, John was a sharp hitter. John tasted the canvas a few times in his career but he was only stopped once and as Calzaghe showed against Hopkins he's far from being a big banger. Also Conteh was not above using roughhouse tactics in the ring. I think it would boil down to a matter of tactics and Conteh had the superior talent. I'd have to go with Conteh if the bout was the " real " championship distance of fifteen rounds. If it was a twelve rounder Calzaghe might have been able to salvage a draw. If it went fifteen I believe Conteh would have finished strong to take the duke. Although John faded in the late rounds against Saad Muhammad, he was past his prime and Saad was a much more punishing puncher then Calzaghe would ever hope to be. A peak Conteh finished well in fifteen rounders against Finnegan, Ahumada and Yaqui Lopez. I actually shudder to think of Calzaghe in there with Bob Foster. Joe's lucky he did not fight in the 1970's and eighties. Jim Amato
\\ Cliff Couser: Still got some Punch
By David Pambianchi Unless the fighter is a friend or relative, a celebrity or you placed a bet on the match and want to get home early, few fans want to see a mismatch where one boxer pummels the other into an early TKO. Most audiences admire action, determination and heart from equally matched opponents. While he still has the goods, Cliff Couser (often referred to as “Twin Tyson” for his resemblance to Mike Tyson), hopes his new manager David Selwyn finds him some quality bouts. Selwyn states, “In a year or two he might retire, but he’s won some big fights, and he still has the will and talent to hold his own in a tough heavyweight division. He had impressive wins over Monte Barrett and Cuban star Jorge Luis Gonzalez and some tough opponents such as Chris Arreola, Cedric Boswell and Tony Thompson that he did not train properly for. Now, he is refocused and dedicated.”
DP
KAUFMAN STOPS MURPHY IN TWO ROUNDS
Tulsa, OK January
16, 2008 - Fighting for the second time in two
months, Travis Kauffman of Reading, PA wasted
little time in disposing of veteran Ken Murphy.
Kauffman scored a second round knockout against
the Chicago resident at the Million Dollar Elm
Casino in Tulsa, OK, raising his unbeaten record
to 15-0 (12 KO).
YURI FOREMAN SHUTS OUT JAMES MOORE -Ron Ross
Yuri Foreman darted to the left, then, in a flash he moved to the right. For a fleeting moment you saw him, then he was out of sight!
It wasn’t for lack of trying on the part of Jamie Moore How the heck can you hit what ain’t there anymore?
Yuri Foreman was a true master of his trade last night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. He owned the ring, captivated the officials and held the crowd in awe as he pitched as complete a shutout as you would ever – or, perhaps, never – hope to see in retaining the NABF light-middleweight title against a thoroughly frustrated, outclassed but ever-trying James Moore. You had to be reminded of old masters of the past such as Willie Pep and Tommy Loughran and maybe even a little bit of Gene Kelly (stepping a bit out of the ring) watching Foreman glide around the square circle and around his opponent, peppering him with a volley of left jabs, hooking to the body and even bringing a heavy arsenal of sharp right hand punches to the head. Foreman never loses his cool, though. He doesn’t fall to the temptation of indulging in toe-to-toe trench warfare. He continues with his game plan, knowing his strengths and is quite willing to sacrifice the power that comes with “planting the feet” to get off the big punch to continue his known strong attributes of speed, agility and deftness. If his skills and style are not appreciated to the fullest by today’s fans, it should in no way affect Yuri Foreman and his technique. When a fighter sweeps every round of a fight he has more than proved his point.
There are not many fighters who can move in the ring with the speed and adroitness of Foreman. There are some fighters who move well to the left or to the right, What makes Yuri so special is that he can move in any direction and throw punches as he moves. Also, his ability to stop and shift gears, go from tactical retreat mode to a two-fisted attack, is as effective as a ghost flitting away and suddenly billowing up in front of you with the most frightening “Boo!” scare imaginable. Only, this ghost is not ethereal and it is not an unfelt “Boo!” but a blistering left-right attack.
James Moore is a good, tough young fighter who, simply stated, was not ready to go up against the talents of a Yuri Foreman at this stage of his career. Yuri, who is in training to be a rabbi as well as a world class fighter, proved that he is ready to take on the best in his division. And a free word of advice; the best way to really see Yuri Foreman in action is to tape his fight, then play it back in very slow motion. Foreman remains undefeated, 27-0, 8 KO’s and Moore is now 16-2, 10 KO’s.
The fight was the prelude to Kendall Holt’s successful defense of his WBO Jr. Welterweight crown over Philadelphia’s Demetrius Hopkins in a 12-round split decision.
RR
RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER Lincoln, Rhode Island
November 29, 2008 – “Holiday Havoc”
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jason Estrada (15-1, 3 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 79-73) Derek Bryant (20-5-1, 17 KOs), Philadelphia, PA
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Joey McCreedy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), Lowell, MA WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-63) James Johnson (22-30-3, 13 KOs), Shreveport, LA
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Keith Kozlin (2-0, 1 KO), Warwick, RI WTKO1 (2:13) Vincent Robins (3-8-2, 3 KOs), York, SC
SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS
Demetrius Andrade (2-0, 2 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO4 (0:50) Eric Marriott (0-2), Independence, MO
WELTERWEIGHTS
Jason Pires (21-3, 9 KOs), New Bedford, MA WDEC6 (58-55, 58-55, 58-56) Frank Houghtaling (19-15-5, 4 KOs), Albany, NY
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Eddie Soto (10-0, 4 KOs), Pawtucket, RI WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37) Blake Franklin (1-2, 0 KOs), Shreveport, LA
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Omar Pena (1-0-1, 0 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Lindberg Freeman (0-2, Coram, NY)
Promoter: Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis
POST FIGHT QUOTES
JASON ESTRADA: “It was a very exciting fight. I faced a little adversity when we banged heads and his head hit directly on my nose. My eyes had to clear and I was swallowing blood the rest of the fight. A good fighter has to fight through adversity. I whipped his ass. He cried like a little girl when I hit him with a jab and opened up a cut over his eye. He was talking a lot. I can’t take anything away from him. He came here, tried his best, and lost. I gave him one round, when I couldn’t see, but it was a good fight and a great experience for me.”
DEMETRIUS ANDRADE: “I’ve been fighting a long time but, fighting at home, I wanted to put on a show. He took some good shots. I established my jab and worked the body. I’ll tell you, he can really take a good shot. I don’t know how he didn’t go down with some of those shots. This was really big for me coming back home from the Olympics. It was important for me to be with my family for Thanksgiving (instead of fighting on a card tonight in California).”
JASON PIRES: “I’d been away five years, two years on the job (as a New Bedford police officer). I needed to get the rust off. I was surprised (when he was knocked down in the first round). I think I was off balance. One I got knocked down, I picked it up and became more aggressive. He’s a tough, strong fighter, exactly what I needed. He gave me a good fight.”
TAYLOR DEFEATS LACY; CINTRON WINS. TRUFAN NOV 16 2008 I t took all twelve rounds, but Jermaine Taylor responded well to the test as he defaeted former Olympic teammate Jeff Lacy in a super-middleweight title eliminator last night in Tennessee.
Taylor, 26-2-1, started strong and hurt Taylor with a volley of punches in the third round, but Lacy fought back in the middle rounds to make a fight of it. However Taylor maintained the edge throughout the latter rounds, cruising to a unanimous decision. The scores read 119-109 twice, 118-110. Lacy falls to 24-2, but still can be seen as a strong opponent for top contenders in the division. Taylor has sights on Joe Calzaghe, if Calzaghe does not retire . . . In the strong 168lb division looms a Taylor bout with Lucien Bute, Mikkel Kessler, or a rubber match with Bernard Hopkins.
In an earlier bout, comebacking Kermit Cintron, 30-2 (27) displayed accurate punching that was enough to defeat the rugged Lovemore N'dou 46-10-1 (31)over twelve rounds.
JLM
"GRANDE EVENT" CANCELLED
NEW YORK (November 11, 2008) – Cedric Kushner, President of Gotham Boxing, announced in New York today that he has been informed by Irish Ropes that they cannot deliver the services of John Duddy, the headliner on the November 21st New York City show. As such, the show has been cancelled.
-30-
McGirt returns Nov. 11 as proven prospect
VERO BEACH, Florida (October 14, 2008) – How a pro boxer responds to adversity usually separates contenders from pretenders. Highly-regarded world middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (19-1, 9 KOs), coming off of his first career loss, passed his first major test June 25 on national television, winning a unanimous 10-round decision against former IBO and WBU middleweight champion Raymond “Hallelujah” Joval (37-5, 16 KOs).
McGirt, who returns to the ring November 11 on “Bad Boys” (Glen Johnson and Edision Miranda headline the card in separate bouts) against an opponent to be determined in Hollywood (FL), successfully bounced back from his first pro loss in April to Carlos DeLeon, Jr., serving as a valuable lesson for James who had floored DeLeon at the end of the sixth round, only to get careless going for a knockout in the seventh and consequently getting stopped himself.
McGirt has started to establish his own identity, somewhat breaking from the shadows of his father and head trainer, 2-time world champion James “Buddy” McGirt – James doesn’t use the nickname “Buddy” – with his win against Joval that catapulted him into the No. 8 spot in The Ring magazine’s ratings, as well as No. 14 in the latest World Boxing Council rankings.
“I felt better about myself after the Joval fight,” James said, “but it didn’t erase the loss (to DeLeon). But I did beat The Ring’s No. 8 rated middleweight (Joval). I beat a well experienced fighter, but I still have to whoop Carlos DeLeon so I can sleep good again at night.”
McGirt recently shifted training camp from Vero Beach to Las Vegas, where his father is preparing Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi for his November 22nd showdown against Ricky Hatton. “I’ve had a real good training camp and it’s going to get even better in Las Vegas,” James remarked. “I don’t know who I’m fighting but it doesn’t matter. Whoever it is, he’s going to have to worry about me. Paulie’s getting ready for his big fight with Hatton. My dad is his trainer, so I’m going where he is, and I respect that. I need to get away anyway. I’ve been home too long. I’ll be working harder out there and will be able to focus even more. It’s going to help get me in the right frame of mind with five weeks to go so I can go kick some butt. I can promise you this: I will be ready to fight on November 11th.”
-JM-
CES building foundation for 2009 title runs PROVIDENCE (September 23, 2008) – Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) has promoted eight shows this year in three different states, including four broadcast nationally on ESPN, in order to build a foundation for world and regional title runs by its fighters in 2009. “I’ve been a boxing promoter for a long time and we know how to build champions here,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “I’ve promoted some great fighters over the years – 5-time world champion Vinny Paz, Ray Oliveira, Scott Pemberton, Gary Balletto and others – but I’ve never had a stronger Team CES, top to bottom, as right now. We have a stable of world and regional title contenders, cagey veterans hoping to make another title run, and a group of very talented prospects. CES has worked hard in 2008 to set the stage for making a lot of noise next year in boxing.”
Leading the charge is NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey, rated No. 4 by the WBC and knocking on the door of a world title shot. Godfrey has had three notable victories by knockout on ESPN against Shaun George, Felix Cora, Jr. and Emmanuel Nwodo in Matt’s most recent fight. Godfrey’s only loss was earlier this year in Germany to unbeaten Rudolf Kraj by 12-round decision in a WBC title eliminator.
Super middleweight Peter “The Pride of Providence” Manfredo, Jr. (31-5, 16 KOs, star of The Contender I, had one world title shot, albeit an abbreviated one against WBO champion Joe Calzaghe that was prematurely stopped by the referee in the third round. WBC rated No. 15 Manfredo, who is co-promoted by CES and Tournament of Contenders, was developed by CES before leaving for The Contender. CES and the Tournament of Contenders are tentatively co-promoting a show November 13 in Providence, headlined by Manfredo versus Sakio Bika, winner of The Contender III, for the IBO title.
While Godfrey and Manfredo are the two CES fighters closest to world titles shots, several other CES fighters are in line for regional championship bouts, including undefeated 22-year-old light featherweight title-holder Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (15-0, 9 KOs), who already owns the WBC Youth and USNBC title belts. Another challenger is heavyweight Jason “Big Six” Estrada (14-1, 3 KOs), 2004
Olympian, who has steadily climbing-up the ranks with victories against Lance Whitaker and Robert Hawkins. Another hot prospect is 22-year-old, “Awesome” Aaron Williams (18-1-1, 12 KOs), the nine-time U.S. national amateur champion.
Power punching Joey “KO Kid” Spina (23-1-1, 16 KOs), former WBC Inter-Continental and USNBC champion, campaigns as a super middleweight but has also fought in the light heavyweight division, in which, he is rated No. 12 by the WBO and No. 17 by the WBC.
CES also features veterans such as former world title challengers, heavyweight Charles Shufford and light heavyweight Kingsley Ikeke (24-3, 13 KOs), as well as junior middleweight Ossie Duran (23-6-1, 9 KOs) and undefeated heavyweight “Baby” Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), who has temporarily put his boxing career on hold to run for a state senate seat in New York.
Other bright prospects in the CES stable include super middleweight Brian Macy (5-0, 2 KOs), 2000 U.S. National PAL champion; lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (11-0-1, 6 KOs), super middleweights Angel Camacho, Jr. (11-0, 4 KOs).
Go to www.cesboxing.com for more information about CES.
-CES-
BOXING GREAT, SUGAR RAY LEONARD, TO BE
HONORED
Olympic
Gold Medalist and Boxing Legend, Sugar Ray
Leonard, joins prestigious list of LOS ANGELES [August 31, 2008] - The Jim Murray Memorial Foundation (JMMF) will honor Sugar Ray Leonard, one of the legendary sports icons of the 20th century whose very name epitomizes boxing and conjures the image of a champion, with its “Great Ones” award at the Tenth Anniversary “Tribute to Living Legends of Sports and Media” on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, Calif. Leonard’s name has been synonymous with boxing greatness since the early 1970’s having a career that includes three National Golden Gloves titles, two Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships and the 1975 Pan-American Games crown. Not to mention winning a gold medal in boxing at the 1976 Olympic games. After turning pro in 1977, Leonard won world titles in the welterweight, junior middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions. He was the first boxer to win world titles in five different weight classes, a record that stands to this day. Leonard's sincere, charismatic personality coupled with his ring experience led to a successful career as a television broadcaster for NBC, ABC, HBO and ESPN. Leonard was host and mentor for the second and third seasons of the critically acclaimed series, Contender, on ESPN, and produced by Dreamworks Television and Mark Burnett Productions. For many years, Leonard has been the international chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure and Ray recently began his own foundation, The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation, which exclusively benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Southern California chapter. He also participates in a variety of national and international causes benefiting children's charities. He has four children and lives in Southern California with his wife Bernadette. “We are so pleased to honor Sugar Ray Leonard this year with the ‘Great Ones’ award,” said Linda McCoy-Murray, President/Founder of the JMMF. “His reputation in both his sport as well as the community around him most certainly qualifies him as a Great One!” The 2008 JMMF scholarship winners are Kyle Austin, Syracuse University; Kyle Goon, University of Maryland; Ryan Haney, Trinity College-Hartford; Alex Herbach, University of Southern California; Bill Oram, University of Montana; Michael Sanserino, Indiana University; and Mark Viera, Penn State University. The Jim Murray Memorial Foundation was established in 1998 by McCoy-Murray. As of 2008, the JMMF has awarded 63 journalism scholarships totaling $332,500.00. For more information on the October 30 awards dinner, please email info@jimmurrayfoundation.org or visit the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation website at www.jimmurrayfoundation.org.
Junior middleweight James Moore returns to the ring against Lloyd Christian Joseph in New York City’s Times Square on Wednesday, August 6. In his first fight since losing a disputed decision to Gabriel Rosado on June 4, the enormously popular junior middleweight James Moore, 15-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights of Queens, New York, will take on Lloyd Christian Joseph, 12-6-3 (5 KOS), in an 8 round bout on Wednesday, August 6, at B.B. King Blues Club in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. The show, which is being called “Hot Fights…Summer in the City,” is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE). The 35-year-old Joseph, a native of the Virgin Islands who resides in Brooklyn, New York, should provide a stern test for Moore. Besides beating former world champion Keith Mullings, he has gone the distance with top contenders Joshua Clottey and Godfrey Nyakana. He also battled to a draw with Aaron Mitchell, who was 12-1 at the time of their meeting. “I’m just happy to get back in the ring, and back on track,” said the 30-year-old Moore. “I look at the loss to Rosado as a minor bump in the road. I just need to put that loss aside by keeping myself busy and getting back the momentum I had going into that fight. Joseph is a tough guy, who will come to fight. That’s exactly the type of fight I’m looking for right now.” Moore is now trained by Lennox Blackmoore, who unsuccessfully challenged the great Aaron Pryor for the world junior welterweight title in 1981.Blackmoore is glad to be working with Moore, who he wholeheartedly believes has championship potential. “James is all business in training, and in the ring,” said Blackmoore. “He is a very good listener and a quick learner. He doesn’t take any shortcuts and is ready to put the past behind him and get back where he belongs…on the road to a title.” B.B. Kings is located at 237 West 42 Street in Manhattan. Tickets are priced at $160 (VIP seats and VIP tables); $100 (ringside seats and ringside tables); and $60 for standing room only. Due to the intimate size of the venue, only 550 seats are available. DBE is conducting a special pre-sale before the full card is announced. To purchase tickets, call DBE at 212-947-2577. RM
HOLT
RALLIES DRAMATICALLY TO WIN WBO 140-POUND TITLE,
LAMONT PETERSON STOPS CASTANEDA TO REMAIN
UNBEATEN ON A SPECIAL EDITION OF SHOBOX: THE NEW
GENERATION
SHOWTIME to Replay Thrilling Bouts Tuesday, July 8, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO2
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (July 5, 2008) – Hagler-Hearns gave way to Holt-Torres Saturday as fireworks arrived a day late on SHOWTIME.
In one of the most dramatic and explosive opening rounds and rematches in recent memory, Kendall "Rated R" Holt and Ricardo Torres combined to knock each other down three times in 61 seconds on a truly special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation.
After Holt hit the canvas twice in 34 seconds, the WBO No. 2 contender rallied spectacularly to knock Torres out cold and win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc., presented the exciting event, which aired on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
After Torres floored Holt 13 seconds in with a right to the head, the champion knocked the challenger down a second time 21 seconds later. With fans in attendance and those watching on television believing the fight was over, Holt connected with an overhand right to Torres’ head, sent him crashing to the ropes and ended matters at 1:01 of the opening round when referee Jay Nady stopped the exceptionally thrilling contest.
“I may go down, but I get back up,” Holt, who was cut over the right eye, said. “This is better than a dream come true. Let the blood flow.”
Since the turnabout was so sudden and unexpected, everyone in the theater, including Mike Tyson, Paris Hilton and Julio Cesar Chavez, watched a replay on a video screen to see what had really transpired during the 61 scintillating seconds.
Holt (24-2, 13 KOs), of Paterson, N.J., became the 28th ShoBox fighter – and fourth in 2008 -- to capture a world title since the series premiered in July 2001.
“I never saw the first knockdown coming,” said Holt, who joined fellow ShoBox alums, Andre Berto, Juan Manuel Lopez and Timothy Bradley, to claim world championship belts in ‘08. “I looked away and was distracted. I saw the second knockdown coming, but I couldn’t do anything about it.”
A disappointed Torres (32-2, 28 KOs), of Barranquilla, Colombia, seemingly had his third title defense wrapped up before Holt’s incredible comeback.
“I had him (Holt),” Torres said. “He was in my hands. I got careless. He got me.”
ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood was amazed at what he witnessed.
“This is as wild a fight as we’ve had in the seven years of ShoBox,” he said. “It re-confirmed one of the main reasons why we love boxing. Regardless of what had happened earlier, a fighter can do what Kendall Holt did. Five seconds before Holt landed the knockout punch, I would not have given 10 cents for his chances.”
In the co-feature, talented Lamont Peterson (25-0, 12 KOs) kept his perfect record in tact by scoring a late knockdown en route to a ninth-round TKO over hard-trying Rogelio Castaneda (24-14-3, eight KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico.
Peterson, of Washington, D.C., connected with a punishing right hook to the temple late in the ninth round and sent Mexico’s Castaneda crashing violently to the canvas. Moments later, referee Russell Mora stopped the contest at 2:50 at the request of Castaneda’s corner.
“I thought Lamont did pretty well considering this was his first fight in six months,” said Peterson’s trainer, Barry Hunter. “I give him a ‘B.’ ”
A world-ranked contender at 140 pounds, Peterson explained that he changed stances to score the knockdown.
“I turned southpaw and landed a clean shot to the temple,” Peterson said.
Castaneda’s corner said they waved the white towel to end the contest due to their concern of further punishment.
“The kid (Castaneda) is like a brother to me,” said Castaneda’s trainer, Israel Piceno. “There was only one round to go and he had taken too many punches. It was an easy decision. He wasn’t going to win a decision anyway.”
Nick Charles called the action from ringside with Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.
For more information on “ShoBox: The New Generation” and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go to the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi and, now, Kendall Holt.
Ruiz-Valuev rematch
for WBA championship
LAS VEGAS (June 27,
2008) – Soon after it was announced that WBA
heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev had pulled out
of his July 5 mandatory title defense against
former WBA title-holder and No. 1 contender,
Nikolai Valuev, due to another injury, John Ruiz,
through his advisor and attorney, Tony Cardinale,
contacted World Boxing Association officials
demanding that, in accordance with WBA rules and
regulations, the championship be vacated and
negotiations ordered to begin for a title fight
between Valuev and former 2-time world heavyweight
champion, WBA No. 2-rated John “The Quietman”
Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs).
Chagaev, who won
the WBA belt on April 4, 2007 by winning a
12-round majority decision against Valuev, hasn’t
made a mandatory title defense (due by April 4,
2008) because of a series of injuries, fighting
one voluntary defense (WDEC12 vs. Matt Skelton,
Jan. 19, 2008).
“We know that the
WBA will follow its rules and regulations,” Ruiz
said. “It’s already well past the time he’s had to
make a mandatory defense and the WBA heavyweight
title belt is being held hostage. We don’t need a
hostage negotiator to take politics out of the
heavyweight division. The WBA just has to do the
right thing to move forward and give boxing fans
what they deserve. The heavyweight division has
been at a standstill in the WBA and it should
follow its rules and order the top two rated
contenders to fight for the title.”
In its last
correspondence to the WBA, Team Ruiz anticipated
Chagev being physically unable to defend his title
against Valuev and informed the WBA that it would
demand that the WBA follow its regulations if
Chagaev sought a second postponement of his
mandatory title defense.
Team Ruiz’ demand
is pursuant to the following WBA Championship
Regulations:
5.- DEFENSE OF THE
TITLE
5.1 WBA TITLE DEFENSE
5.1.12 If a World
Champion recognized by the World Boxing
Association fails to comply with his obligation to
defend the title on the date indicated by the
Regulations, or fails to comply with his
obligation for a World Championship fight, duly
approved by the World Championships Committee, or
fails to comply with any rule of the World Boxing
Association, the Committee shall recommend the
President and the Directory of the Association
that his title be declared vacant.
8.- PROCEDURE TO
FOLLOW WHEN A TITLE IS DECLARED VACANT
8.1 A World
Championship may be lost because a of breach of
the contract for a World Championship fight, or
because of inability to fight, or because the
period given by the World Championships Committee
is over, or by failure to comply with the required
weight at the weighting time, according to what is
established in article 12.1 of the Regulations
that Govern the World Championship Matches,
however a World Championship can only be obtained
as a result of a fight duly authorized by the
World Championships Committee.
8.2 In the event
that a World Championship is declared vacant, the
two (2) Official Contenders shall fight for the
vacant title, and for this, they shall be granted
a period of no more that THIRTY (30) days to
negotiate an agreement under the best possible
conditions, with a duly qualified promoter. If
they fail to negotiate the agreement within the
time indicated, the Director of the World
Championships Committee shall call a Purse bid.
The World Championships Committee can open the
fight to Purse Bid before the period given is
over, as long as the parties (Champion or
Challenger) state his unwillingness to negotiate
an agreement for a world title fight.
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
Junior middleweight James Moore to replace trainer Harry Keitt TRUFAN JUNE 18, 2008 Junior middleweight James Moore, 15-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, incurred his first defeat at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York, on June 4. Gabriel Rosado, 10-2 (6 KOS), of Philadelphia, won a unanimous 8 round decision by the scores 77-74, 78-73 and 76-74. The scoring has caused some controversy because many observers, including Teddy Atlas, who was announcing the fight on ESPN 2, thought Moore did enough to win. Moore was knocked down in the fifth round, but a compelling argument can be made that he won at least five – and quite possibly six – of the other rounds. Moore, a veteran of 314 amateur fights and the longtime captain of the Irish national amateur team, is now regrouping as he plans to come back stronger than ever in the very near future. Several changes are afoot in the Moore camp, one of which has been the release of longtime trainer Harry Keitt. While members of Moore’s camp spoke highly of Keitt, it was decided that the fighter would be best served by moving in a new direction. Several trainers are now being considered to begin working with Moore, who is still considered a bright prospect in a red-hot division. PREMIERE
THE BATTLE OF THE WELTERWEIGHT SUPERPOWERS! IS ON . . . July 26, 2008 TRUFAN (May 22, 2008) Welterweight Superpowers Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito have signed to square off in a compelling and eagerly awaited World Title fight to determine who is the divisions "top dog" The bout will take place at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The bout marks the first time Cotto has fought in Las Vegas since 2004 where he knocked out Randall Bailey in the 6th round. Margariito returns to Las Vegas for the first time in more than two years where he knocked out Manuel Gomez in the first round. This premiere matchup is the biggest bout of the summer, and for those who wish to watch the PPV attraction, the card has a suggested retail price of $49.95. Bouts start at 9PM. JLM
SAL MUSUMECI'S FINAL FORUM PRESENTS "FISTS-A-FLYING II" ON MAY 17!!
"On Saturday, May 17, professional boxing returns to
Brooklyn for the second time in as many months at the
Aviator Sports & Recreation Complex in Brooklyn. The
main event will feature the undefeated Polish-phenom Pawel
"Raging Bull" Wolak (20-0, 14KO) vs. Philadelphia's
Troy Browning (20-1, 8KO) for the WBC's USNBC Super
Welterweight Championship. The event will also
feature Alexis Camacho, Sal Musumeci's Final Forum's
newly signed undefeated Welterweight prospect (16-0,
15KO) in his toughest fight to date as he takes
on Donovan Castaneda (9-3, 6KO). Among the other
notable fighters on the card will be Long Island's
George Walton (16-3, 11KO), Mike Ruiz (6-2, 5KO), and
Chris Algieri (1-0, 1KO), Brooklyn's Martin Wright
(6-0-1, 3KO), and undefeated female sensation Chika
Nakamura (6-0, 2KO).
Aviator Sports & Recreation complex is a
state-of-the-art facility located at Floyd Bennett
Field in Brooklyn, NY, less than a mile off Exit 11S
on the Belt Parkway. There is a parking lot that
holds 5,000 cars and the venue itself holds over 1,200
people. Limited tickets are still available for $200,
$100, $75, and $50. For more information on the
event, including where and how to purchase tickets,
visit www.finalforumboxing.com, or
www.aviatorsports.com."
McGirt vs. DeLeon
in battle between sons of former world champs
Friday night on ShoBox from Miami
VERO BEACH, Florida (April 9, 2008) – The
marketing of unbeaten super middleweight prospect James
McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) spikes Friday night when the son
of former world champion James “Buddy” McGirt fights in
his first scheduled 10-round bout against the offspring
another ex-world title holder, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon,
Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature on ShoBox,
airing live from Miccosukee Resort in Miami.
“I had an excellent training camp, about
two months long, and I’m ready to go,” James said. “All of
the hard work has been done. My dad (and head trainer)
watched tapes of DeLeon. He’s told me what to do and what
to watch out for. That’s the way we always do it. Nobody
breaks down tapes and analyzes opponents better than my
father. I don’t watch tapes; I just do what he teaches me.
Working with Glen Johnson has been great for me. He brings
a lot of experience to the table and a lot of pressure. I
really liked the work.”
The fathers of McGirt and DeLeon were world
champions at the same time in 1988. McGirt, Sr., who had
a 73-6-1 (48 KOs) record as a pro, was a 2-time world
champion in two weight classes (IBF light welterweight
1988, WBC welterweight 1991-93). Carlos “Sugar” DeLeon,
Sr., 52-8-1 (32 KOs) as a pro, was a 4-time WBC
cruiserweight champion (1980-82, 1983-85, 1986-88, 1989).
“Training has been good, no complaints,”
Buddy McGirt remarked. “The best part was working with
Glen Johnson. No matter who we fight, they can’t put
pressure on like Glen Johnson. They offered to pay James
to spar with Glen, but we did it for the experience.
DeLeon is a good fighter. His specialty is a double left
hook. The key is to nullify it.
“James’ strength and conditioning program
has helped him a great deal. You can see the difference in
his body, especially his legs. Plus, he’s maturing. I’ve
put him in the gym with the best to test him, and James
has gained a lot of valuable experience that way.”
McGirt, rated No. 26 by the WBC, is a
southpaw originally from Brentwood, New York, now living
and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida. DeLeon, rated No.
29 by the WBC, is the reigning USNBC champion from Puerto
Rico.
“Friday night is where we wanted to be (ShoBox
in first 10-round fight),” McGirt’s manager Dennis
Witherow explained. “We did this like a business plan with
long range plans. We knew that it was going to take time
to get there. A win in this fight will be a big leap
towards where we want to get. Ideally, we’ll get a look at
a top 15 or bigger name opponent. One different thing
about James now is that outside of the ring he understands
boxing is a business. He’s not a trash talker like other
guys, preferring to let his hands do the talking, but he
realizes he has to market himself. He’s been talking to
kids in school, attending charity events, and he’ll be
doing more things he really enjoys like that.
“James is proud of who he is. He is a true
student of the art of boxing. He’s been educated in boxing
his entire life. Not only has he learned how to be a good
boxer, he knows when to box and throw certain punches, not
just throwing ‘em at random. His strength is going to be
the biggest surprise. His conditioning has always been
great, but the conditioning and weights program he’s been
on has made a huge difference.”
Part of McGirt’s marketing campaign
includes a mission statement to become the first family in
boxing to feature father-son world champions with the
former working his natural son’s corner as head trainer
when the latter captures a major world title. The McGirts
want to make boxing history together and the next chapter
starts Friday night on ShoBox.
Casamayor wins impressively; “El Cepillo” drops Katsidis three times en route to stoppage By: Phil Santos- Overhandright.com In an action packed, highly entertaining fight, Joel Casamayor defended the Ring Magazine Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. Joel Casamayor came in as the champion and with a lot to prove. In his last fight against Jose Armando Santa Cruz he was the beneficiary of a gift decision in the eyes of most observers. He has been a part of many memorable battles but a combination of his age, long layoffs and numerous ring wars seemed to have taken their toll on “El Cepillo”. Michael Katsidis was regarded as the younger, stronger fighter whose pressure packed; power punching style could be the perfect foil for the apparently declining Casamayor. It didn’t take long for things to heat up as Casamayor snapped straight left hands into the grill of the on charging Katsidis. Twice in the 1st round the challenger had to lift himself off the canvas. Katsidis showed plenty of heart and weathered the early Casamayor barrage. The Casamayor’s southpaw stance was giving Katsidis fits. He continued to bury left hand counters momentarily pausing Katsidis’s attack. By the 3rd round Katsidis finally found success hammering Casamayor with body shots and well timed right hands. This was the most difficult round to score as Katsidis scored the harder punches but it was Casamayor who was the more technically sound and consistent. Katsidis appeared to be wearing down the aging champion but Casamayor would not quit. They traded rounds with Katsidis winning the 4th and Casamayor taking the 5th on my scorecard. The exchanges were exhilarating with both men swinging for the fences. You had the sense that this fight could end at any moment. That Katsidis was floored twice in the 1st was now becoming a distant memory as he took the fight to Casamayor. In the 6th Katsidis poured on the pressure and knocked Casamayor clean through the ropes with a combination that began with a body shot and was punctuated by a right hand. With the smell of blood n the air Katsidis went for the kill. The crafty Casamayor managed to survive the round but looked as though his confidence and stamina were beginning to abandon him. They again exchanged rounds with Casamayor taking the 7th, bouncing back nicely after the knockdown, and Katsidis winning the 8th. As the 9th round began the fight was very much up for grabs but the momentum seemed to favor Katsidis. After multiple warnings given to both fighters a point was deducted from Casamayor for a low blow. For some fighters the point deduction could have been a reason to go into the tank however it seemed to light a fire under Casamayor. He rallied to win the 9th on my card and appeared to have found his second wind. In round 10 Katsidis continued to walk down the champion with Casamayor firing off stiff counters to try and discourage him. Just then it happened. Katsidis charged in shooting a right hand at Casamayor and the champ responded with a thumping left hook that crumpled Katsidis to the canvas. Katsidis beat the count but was visibly shaken. Casamayor jumped on the wounded challenger and referee Jon Schrole stopped the fight. Casamayor has reestablished himself as a worthy champion and erased much of the doubt and criticism that his less than stellar performance against Santa Cruz had earned him. PS
Clampitt fighting on
for love of sport
Manfredo-Benfield headline Friday night’s “Rumble at the River” at Twin River Event Center, RI
PROVIDENCE (March 11, 2008) – Three-time
world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt, 2007 Canadian
Female Fighter of the Year, defends her IWBF lightweight
crown against GBU junior welterweight title-holder Belinda
“Brown Sugar” Larcuente in Friday night’s 10-round
co-feature on “Rumble at the River,” part of “The Budweiser
Night at the Fights,” at Twin River Events Center in
Lincoln, Rhode Island.
World super middleweight challenger “The
Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr. (28-5, 13 KOs) and
Shane “The Irish Hitman” Benfield (17-1, 9 KOs) headline in
the 10-round main event.
Boxing warriors from the past, Vinny Paz and
“Irish” Micky Ward, are serving as honorary captains of Team
Italy and Team Ireland, respectively, for the Italian-Irish
themed “Rumble at the River” pro boxing show, promoted by
Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.,
in association with Twin River, Budweiser and Tournament of
Contenders.
Clampitt (18-4-1, 7 KOs), fighting out of
Cranston (RI), has become a fitness instructor/coach, but
she continues to fight because she truly enjoys boxing. “I
love this sport,” Jaime explained. “If I didn’t have passion
for boxing I wouldn’t be doing it. Females don’t make
millions of dollars doing this, so we have to love what we
do. The day I don’t feel this way is the day I retire. I
have a lot of new fans from the Battleground Gym (E.
Greenwich, RI), where I train amateurs, people wanting to
stay fit, those who want to lose weight, etc. They are very
supportive of me and my career and follow me to where I
fight.”
Larcuente’s (23-21-3, 9 KOs), deceiving
record doesn’t note, at least on paper, that 21 of her last
22 bouts, dating back nearly five years, have been against
world champions, including 10 world title fights.
“I know I have a tough fight on March 14,”
Clampitt said. “Belinda just went the distance against the
No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in woman’s boxing, Holly Holm.
She brings a lot of experience and is capable of pulling off
an upset in any fight. Some of her losses and draws should
have been wins because Belinda fights in everybody’s
backyard. She’s been in with everybody and knows what she’s
doing. I plan to defend my title with a big win.”
Benfield is coming from South Carolina to
upset Manfredo in his hometown. “Fans are going to see a
blast from the past,” Benfield promised. “All of that talk
up there about me being a tune-up for Manfredo is BS. I hope
he did more than change the tires and clean the windows. If
he didn’t train hard enough he’s going to get his butt
kicked.”
A pair of power-punching, fan favorites --
USBA No. 4 super middleweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (20-1-1,
15 KOs), of Providence, and Lowell (MA) light heavyweight
“Irish” Joey McCreedy (6-1, 4 KOs) -- are on the undercard
in separate six-round bouts. Spina squares off against Henry
Mayes (6-4-1, 3 KOs), while McCreedy tangles with Tommie
Speller (4-2, 3 KOs).
Stoughton (MA) cruiserweight Chris McInerney
(9-1-1, 6 KOs) meets former New England title-holder Tim
“The Hammer” Flamos (19-4-1, 7 KOs), of Brockton, in a
six-round rematch of a fight McInerney won by sixth round
TKO last December.
Undefeated Russian middleweight Andre Nevsky
(3-0, 3 KOs), of Worcester (MA), faces Eric Pinarreta (2-1,
2 KOs), of New Bedford (MA), in a four-round match.
Undefeated Lynn (MA) flyweight Isander Beauchamp (3-0) takes
on Gabriel Cruz (2-1), while Pawtucket junior welterweight
Diego Pereira makes his pro debut against Felix “The Joker”
Fernandes (4-7, 2 KOs). All fights and fighters are subject
to change.
Manfredo, Spina, Flamos and Pinarreta are on
Paz’ Team Italy; Benfield, Clampitt, McInerney and McCreedy
are captained by Ward on Team Ireland.
Tickets for “Rumble at the River” are priced
at $35.00 (ADA stage seating only), $40.00, $50.00,
(Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00
(Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and may be purchased by calling CES
(401.724.2253/2254), going on line at
www.cesboxing.com
or
www.twinriver.com,
at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road,
Lincoln, RI), or any TicketMaster location. Contact CES
(401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events
Center (877.82.RIVER/
www.twinriver.com)
for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7
PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+
rule for “Rumble at the River.” Anybody under the age of 18
must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must
enter through the West entrance.)
-CES- GARY SHAW, ISRAEL VAZQUEZ, RAFAEL MARQUEZFINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008,El Paseo Inn Restaurant, Los Angeles
Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will square off in a highly anticipated rubber match for the WBC/The Ring Magazine super bantamweight title this Saturday, March 1, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
Vazquez-Marquez I and II produced the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007, with the second bout winning Fight of the Year and Round of the Year honors. Now, the Mexican warriors face each other in the final battle for honor, pride and 122-pound supremacy on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
The showdown is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Romanza Boxing Productions.
Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, may be purchased at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, as well as www.Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone, by calling 213-480-3232.
Doors open at 4 p.m. The first fight is at 4:15. Vazquez-Marquez goes live at 6 p.m. PT. GARY SHAW (promoter)
“The Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight title fight last Saturday was everything that is wrong with boxing. Vazquez-Marquez III is everything that is right about the sport. We need more fights like this one.
“What happened yesterday (a Tuesday press conference to announce another fight in Los Angeles) was also totally wrong.
“This week should belong to two Hall of Fame fighters, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, who have literally left their blood on the canvas in two prior fights, and are about to complete their amazingly exciting trilogy Saturday at the Home Depot Center on SHOWTIME.
“That is what this week is all about and should have been all about. Nothing personal against Golden Boy – we are going to sellout anyway. But for the life of me I will never understand why they did what they did, especially when they (co) promote one of the fighters (Vazquez).
“Why would a promoter try to take the limelight away from one of their own fighters? This should have been Israel’s time, not Oscar’s.
“Wh at they did was just flat-out wrong and makes no sense no matter what they say or how they try and spin it.
“Don’t talk about trying to change boxing and make the sport better and then pull stuff like this. Frankly, it is an insult to promoters, the media and the fans.’’ ISRAEL VAZQUEZ
“Deep down in my heart, I know and believe I am going to win by knockout Saturday night. I have the utmost respect for Marquez – everybody knows that – but in the ring it is a totally different story. I have to win by knockout. There is no other option.
“This is a very important fight for boxing, but it is more important for my career and my legacy. This fight will go down in history. When they mention Marquez’ name, my name will be tied to him because of the legendary trilogy that we fought against each other.
“My only goal is to win. A victory Saturday will set me up for my entire life. The victory will be for my fans and the sport of boxing.
“I am going to be throwing punches with the baddest of intentions. I want to tear Marquez apart in the ring. I am ready to fight right now.
“My main concern for the fight is to impose myself at all times. If Marquez wants to get into a boxing match with me and not trade shots, the fight might go the distance.
“If he trades blows with me, this will end before the 10th round and I will be the winner.”
RAFAEL MARQUEZ
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Estrada comes
over the top and
scores with
right . . .
All Photos:
Chris Brooks
and the winner .
. . but it
wasn't easy.
Farrell scores
with [powerful
left hook.
Action
at Twin River
e,
Dmitriy
and his advisor, Rabbi Israel Lieberow, visit with the First Family in
2005