NOTES FROM THE CAMP . . .

RICKY ON SEE=FOOD DIET

Will the Ex-Champ ever return?

Ricky Hatton made an appearance at WWE RAW and looked quite hefty and over the 140lb limit.  There have been hints that Ricky will get serious again and drop the weight and box at 140lbs. I hope so.  But this short encounter was definitely entertaining.

JLM

ADAMEK PONDERS FUTURE - WILL HE REMAIN HEAVYWEIGHT?

OCT 11, 2009

Feeling comfortable at 215lbs, Cruiserwweight Champ Thomaz Adamek left for Poland confident of victory in his upcoming bout with Andrew Golota Oct 24th. The bout will take place in Lodz, Poland and will feature the country's two iconic figures.

A huge fight in Poland, and it belongs there - but will Adamek return to the US as a competing heavyweight?  "Thomaz has a lot to learn" stated his manager Ziggy Rozaski, adding "that we wouldn't put him in with Klitscho right now." If he does remain 215lbs, Adamek will have to rely on his speed and finesse as he campaigns as a small heavyweight.

ADAMAK PONDERS FUTURE - WILL HE REMAIN AT HEAVYWEIGHT?

But he must get by Golota first.

Despite Golota's advanced age and diminished skills, this is not a walk in the park. Adamek is putting his small frame against a fighter that may outweigh him by 40 lbs. Rozalski stated that the size was minimal. "Adamek is 6 '3, while Golata is 6 '4 - so the height is not a factor."

Still, Golota possesses a big frame, and Adamek may have his hands full.  Still, the heavyweight division could use a guy like Thomaz to shake things up. We'll see what happens after Oct 24th.

What about the proposed bout with Hopkins, which seemingly went up in smoke? "We were so close' stated a source close to the camp, "but it just didn't happen." Hopkins remains as a possible future opponent, but he is at the end of a career and has opted to fight Roy Jones Jr. at the beginning of 2010. Campaigning as a heavyweight may be the best option for Adamek financially.  

JLM

COTTO STATES "I AM NOT OSCAR OR RICKY!"

New York Sept 10. 2009: With the epic Cotto-Pacquaio bout a little under 10 weeks away, both camps showed up on a press tour at Yankee Stadium today to make a statement about their upcoming fight which will take place in Las Vegas Nevada on November 14th.

And alluding to the fact that his opponent has KO'd former stars Oscar De la Hoya and Ricky Hatton, Cotto emphasized "I am not Oscar De La Hoya or Ricky Hatton!"

A the bout is considered a tossup, with the winner hoping to meet another top P4P fighter, (maybe Mayweather) possibly at Yankee Stadium next summer.  There has not been boxing at Yankee Stadium since Ken Norton and Muhammad Ali met at the old Stadium  in 1976.

The bout has been named "FIREPOWER" and will take place at the MGM Grand Hotel on the strip, and produced live via HBO PPV. Pacquaio and Cotto boast nine world titles and a combined boxing record of 83-4-2, with a KO percentile of 77%.

After today, the camps will go through four more cities - Caguas Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and finally San Diego.

And Freddie Roach, Pacquaio's charismatic trainer, stated " Without a doubt, Cotto will be Manny's toughest opponent", adding to the fact that he thinks Cotto has the ability to nullify speed, an asset of Manny, as proven in his bout with Shane Mosley two years ago.

"This is not going to easy" said the trainer.

 Pacquaio, (49-3-2) has been in the ring with some of the world's top fighters, ranging from 112 to 147 lbs, and has seemed to improve as he scaled each division. His last  fight produced a one punch KO over long time 140 champ Ricky Hatton.

Cotto, (34-1) has sold  more tickets at Madison Square Garden than any other fighter in the last ten years. His last victory, however, was a close 12 round decision over tough Joshua Clottey in June. 

The PPV event will start at 9PM, and the price set is $54.95, produced and directed by HBO Sports.

JLM

Kimbrough-Litzau Special Lightweight Attraction on “Hook City” PPV
Jones-Lacy headline Aug. 15 PPV in Biloxi

CALIFORNIA, PA (July 29, 2009) – A pair of young lightweight prospects battling to get to the next level, Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough and Jason “The American Boy” Litzau, have been added to the August 15^th “Hook City” pay per view event in a 10-round Special Attraction.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, headlined by two of the best left-hook punchers in boxing, 8-time world boxing champion Roy “Captain Hook” Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) and former 2-time super middleweight title-holder Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs, will air live from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95, as well as on Super Channel in Canada.

Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KOs), 26, has a rich amateur pedigree, highlighted by his gold medal performance in the 2002 U.S. Nationals (AAU) Championships as a lightweight, the same tournament and weight class that produced champions such as Aaron Pryor, Pernell Whitaker, Oscar de la Hoya, Shane Mosley and a host of other world champions.

A member of the Roy Jones, Jr.-owned Square Ring Promotions stable, Verquan at one time held several titles, including IBA, NABA, NABC Americas, IBC Americas, and West Virginia State. A slick, consummate boxer from Pittsburgh, Kimbrough is looking forward to his fight against Litzau, who has already challenged for the IBF featherweight crown.

“I feel very good about fighting on this show because it’ll be my first time on pay per view,” he said from training camp. “I’m eager, especially where I’ll be fighting on the same card at Roy Jones, Jr. The fight itself will be exciting and is a big step for me. I look forward to getting in the ring with an elite athlete and putting on a great exhibition.

“I’ve watched a lot of Roy’s fights and what I like most about him is what he brings to the table. He’s a great champion who is also a promoter. There’s an edge with him because he’s still a fighter, unlike most other promoters. I signed with him because I liked him and his team the most. They are all very ethical individuals who are united in their efforts. My word is my bond, let the cards fall where they may, and they’re like that, too. I’m enjoying training with Roy at camp. I know what to expect from him -- when it’s time for business or to play. You can see it in his eyes. He jokes when it’s play time, but he’s all business in the gym.”

Litzau (24-2, 20 KOs), fighting out of St. Paul (MN), already had a taste of competing at the next level, losing an IBF featherweight title fight 1 ½ years ago to Robert Guerrero. The 26-year-old Litzau is a flashy fighter who also had an impressive amateur career, posting a reported 125-10 career, including top honors in the National Silver Gloves Championship, and later earning a spot on the 2001 U.S. National Boxing Team.

“Fighting him is going to be a little awkward for me because he’s so tall (5’ 10”),” the 5’ 5” Kimbrough noted. “We both started boxing when we were young and are good athletes and competitors. He is the toughest opponent of my career. We’re at the level where the fight’s going to come down to who is more mentally and physically capable of getting to the next level. I’ve developed my skills where I can fight well against anything brought to the table. I guarantee that I’ll have the answers for anything he brings into the ring.

“I think it’ll come down to the stronger, more focused fighter that night. I expect a tough fight and I’m up to the challenge. I’m looking forward not only to the fight, but winning. I think this will be the biggest win on my resume. I don’t look too far ahead, career-wise; I leave that up to Roy and Square Ring, whether my next fight will be for any type of title or at the next level of competition. My job is to compete to the best of my ability.”

Australian import Danny “Green Machine” Green (26-3, 23 KOs) takes on South American champion Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez (20-4-1, 14 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the vacant IBO cruiserweight championship.

All bouts are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $150.00, $125.00, $100.00, $75.00, $50.00 & $25.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations by calling 800.745.3000, on line at Ticketmaster.com and at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office.

-30-

“Hook City” goes Green

Jones-Lacy headline Aug. 15 PPV in Biloxi

BILOXI, Miss. (July 23, 2009) -- “Hook City” has gone green, using Australian import and 2-time world champion Danny “Green Machine” Green, that is, and environmental issues aside, rest assured, Al Gore will not be working his corner August 15^th in Biloxi.

Green fights South American champion Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez in the 12-round co-feature for the vacant IBO cruiserweight championship. The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, headlined by two of the best left-hook punchers in boxing, 8-time world boxing champion Roy “Captain Hook” Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) and former 2-time super middleweight title-holder Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs, will air live from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95.

Jones, who has been world champion in four divisions (middleweight, super middleweight,  light heavyweight and heavyweight), has spoken about possibly fighting Green for the one weight-class title RJJ hasn’t captured between 160 and 201+ – cruiserweight -- provided he gets past Lacy and Green defeats Dominguez.

WBA rated No. 4 Green (26-3, 23 KOs) has fought only once as a pro in the United States, seven years ago, when he stopped Rhon Roberts in the third round of their fight on the Kostya Tszyu-Ben Tackie undercard in Las Vegas. A 2000 Australian Olympian, the rugged “Down Under” fighter captured the IBF Interim super middleweight belt in 2003, registering a sixth-round TKO against Eric Lucas in Canada. Four years later, Danny won the WBA light heavyweight crown at home in Perth by 12-round decision versus Stipe Drews.

“I’m very, very excited about fighting in the United States again,” Green said. “I can’t wait. I’ve trained in America, LA and Miami, about 10 times. I have fond memories of fighting in America. The day after my fight, I married my girlfriend in Las Vegas at the Elvis Presley Chapel and Elvis Presley (impersonator) married us.”

Green retired after the Drews fight and he then demonstrated his fancy footwork on the Australian version of “Dancing With The Stars,” eventually finishing as the runner-up. “It was extremely close and I nearly took it all,” he noted. “I had a lot of fun doing it. I was a token celebrity. I laughed my way all the way through it. I must have gotten five or six standing ovations. I’m laid back and can laugh at myself. I think Australians related to me. If you dance around in tights with an exposed shaven chest and don’t find it humorous…there has to be something wrong with you.”

Last April, Green made a successful comeback, knocking out Anthony van Niekerk in the second round. “I’m a fighter, mate,” Danny explained his reason to comeback. “I still can’t put a finger on why I retired. I woke-up one morning and just had it in my head. My dad always said to follow through with what you were feeling. I nearly came back 2-3 months earlier than I did, but I was worried about what people would think. I finally decided that I didn’t care what anybody thought. I had unfinished business and a lot to offer to the sport. I live clean, take good care of myself, and love the sport. Now, everything is fantastic. I’m fighting August 15^th in America, where the pulse of the sport is, and if I defeat my opponent, I’ll have an opportunity to fight the great Roy Jones, Jr. in Australia, if he defeats Lacy.”

Dominquez (20-4-1) will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time, having worked outside of his native Argentina only twice, in the Ukraine and Germany. He won the vacant South American light heavyweight title last November, knocking out Martin Abel Bruer in the fifth round, followed by a fourth-round TKO victory against Claudio Sergio Palacio this past May in his last action.

“People don’t know what it’s like to fight the first time for a world title,” Green continued. “I can’t put a statistic on how much hunger improves a fighter. I remember my first title fight against (2003) against (WBC super middleweight champion) Markus Beyer in Germany. I dropped him twice. I was beating him from pillar to post until they disqualified me. It was ridiculous. In the next fight, though, I went to Montreal and beat Eric Lucas in front of thousands of screaming French-Canadians for the (Interim) WBC belt.

“Dominguez is going to be very hungry. I have to concentrate on him 100-percent and defeat him in a good showing. If I don’t do that there will be no fight against Roy Jones, Jr. That’s my dream fight. If I don’t beat him, no Roy Jones, Jr. and my career will probably be over. Dominguez can punch. He’s the South American light heavyweight champ fighting for the IBO cruiserweight title. Hey, I don’t have to starve myself anymore to get down to light heavyweight. He can punch and bang. He’s got skills and sets everything up with his jab. But he has to set his feet before he throws and, when that happens, I’ve got to bang him. I have power, too, with 23 knockouts in my 26 wins. Even though he doesn’t have world title experience, he has balls and so do I. We’re both putting them on the line for the American people. The style we employ won’t be pitter-patter; one of us is getting knocked out and I’m preparing so it won’t be me. Tell American fights fans that Danny Green is coming!”

Lightweight contender Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KOs), former NABA and USBA champion, is also scheduled to fight on the PPV card in a 10-round bout.

All bouts are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $150.00, $125.00, $100.00, $75.00, $50.00 & $25.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations by calling 800.745.3000, on line at Ticketmaster.com and at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office.

-30-

LONG ISLAND,  March 2, 2009  - The professional boxing career of Tommy "Razor" Rainone started out just as he had hoped, fighting 10 times within his first 13 months. Since then the fights have been coming in less frequently, despite his burgeoning popularity in his native Long Island, NY and the entire Tri-State area.

Raul Marquez: “I’m going to shock the boxing world”

Abraham-Marquez world title fight on PPV live Nov. 8 from Germany

HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 27, 2008) – International Boxing Federation top contender and mandatory challenger, former U.S. Olympian and IBF light middleweight title-holder Raul “El Diamente” Marquez, says he will shock the boxing world November 8 when he fights unbeaten IBF middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham at Jako Arena in Bamberg, Germany.

Abraham-Marquez is promoted by Wilfried Sauerland, presented by Sauerland Event and its Managing Director, Christian Meyer, in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing. The broadcast  is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports for live viewing in English and Spanish at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DISH Network, Viewer’s Choice Canada, and Bell ExpressVue, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. iN Demand will show a replay the following day (Sunday, Nov. 9) at 2 PM/ET. Al Bernstein and Nick Charles will call the action.

Abraham-Marquez, originally scheduled October 4, was postponed due to Abraham’s sudden illness on the day of the fight, which Marquez still questions yet firmly believes will work to his advantage. Raul explained that both fighters made weight the night before and day of the fight, selected gloves, and passed examinations by the commission doctors.

“Everything was good after the weigh in,” southpaw Marquez explained. “After the morning weigh in (the day of the fight) I ate breakfast and went back to my room to rest. Around 11 there was banging on my door – everybody knows not to bother a fighter resting for his fight – and it was my promoter, Leon (Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing), who told me the fight was postponed. I was shocked; I couldn’t believe it. Something wasn’t right all along. I knew he (Abraham) was having trouble making weight. Before the first weigh in, we both checked out our weight – I was on but he was over a half-pound. I was called for the official weigh in and made it; he was called but was 10 minutes late. He came in wearing a robe because he had to go in the sauna. Maybe he was sick but, if he really was, it was because of what he had to do to make weight.

“It’s all positive for me. I’m looking at it as they stopped it for a reason. If he really was sick it would have taken him two weeks to get back to where he was. Four weeks isn’t going to help him if he’s having trouble making 160 pounds. I’ve heard that he’s had trouble making weight for his last few fights and his last was fought at a catch weight of 166. He’s very muscular and and it’s not easy staying in the same weight class. After my fight with (Giovanni) Lorenzo, we wanted this fight (against Abraham) to be in November so I’d have more time for my cut (over eye) to heal. Now it’s in November. I’ve already been to Germany and know what to expect. Germany’s going to be like my second home for the past month-and-a-half. It’s a beautiful country with great people and I made some fans over there. I’ll leave here next Wednesday and have the same 10 days to acclimate myself to the time and weather. The second time around I’m even more confident of winning. I’m not going over there just for a payday. When I beat him the big paydays will come. I’m going to Germany to shock the boxing world.”

Marquez still believes that Abraham is looking past him to a unification fight against Kelly Pavlik, despite Abraham’s claims that he isn’t looking ahead to bigger fights. “I’m an old pro, a crafty veteran who is even more motivated after seeing (Bernard) Hopkins beat Pavlik, old beating young, and I have a lot of experience over Abraham,” Raul continued. “I don’t know why Abraham just doesn’t say he’s focused on me like I would, but he keeps mentioning Pavlik or (Felix) Sturm and you can’t tell me he isn’t looking ahead, no matter what he says. I read a lot about boxing and he still has to beat me in a very tough fight to get Pavlik, unless, of course, he plans to pull out of our fight again. And I know he has had trouble fighting southpaws, like (Khoren) Gevor and (Ian) Gardiner, and I’m a top world-rated fighter.

“I got a lot of respect over there from him and his trainer. They said I’m better than Miranda or anybody else he’s fought. Abraham is powerful and strong with obvious power, but he leaves himself open and fights in spurts. He has flaws. Miranda won the first three rounds (in their last fight) but you saw what happens to a fighter who needed to lose too much weight. I won’t know how hard he hits until we get into the ring, but I’ve been hit by guys like (Jermain) Taylor and (Fernando) Vargas, and those two can really crack. If I didn’t think I could beat him, I wouldn’t be going to Germany. I’m in the best shape of my life, ready to go 12, 15 if they still had that many rounds. All of the pressure is on him. I expect to win and that will open the doors to bigger and better things for me.”

Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs), rated No. 2 by The Ring and ESPN, captured the IBF middleweight title nearly three years ago by way of a fifth-round knockout of Kingsley Ikeke (23-1). Seven successful title defenses have followed against Miranda, Shannon Taylor, Kofi Jantuah, Sebastian Demers, Khoren Gevor, Wayne Elcock and Elvin Ayala.

The 37-year-old Marquez (41-3-1, 29 KOs), rated No. 2 (No. 1 unrated) by the IBF as well as No. 8 by The Ring and No. 9 by ESPN, earned his title shot against Abraham by defeating previously unbeaten No. 1 contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0) in their June 21^st IBF title eliminator. Marquez, fighting out of Houston, was a 1992 U.S. Olympian who was the IBF junior middleweight title-holder in 1997.

The 10-round co-feature on the PPV show from Germany finds former NABO champion and “The Next Great Champ” reality television winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (19-3-2, 7 KOs), of Sacramento, fighting Yugoslavian-born Enad Licina (14-1, 8 KOs), now living in Germany, for the

vacant IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight belt.

For more information about the Abraham-Marguez PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com or www.warriorsboxing.com

-IS-

Giovanni Lorenzo reloads after learning valuable lesson

NEW YORK CITY (October 1, 2008) – 2000 Dominican Republic Olympian  Giovanni “El Chico Malo” Lorenzo (26-1, 18 KOs) soon embarks on a mission to prove that, coming off of his first pro loss in June, he still remains a clear and present danger in the middleweight division.

Lorenzo lost a voluntary IBF title eliminator fight to former world champion Raul “El Diamente” Marquez in a razor-close 12-round decision, separated by a single point on all three judges’ scorecards, but only after one point was controversially deducted for a head butt, live on Showtime Championship Boxing from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

“Losing to Raul Marquez in my first TV fight was very difficult for me,” Giovanni said. “At the same time, I have gained a tremendous amount of experience from this fight. I waited a little too much thinking Marquez would fade. My plan was to come on hard down the stretch. I felt like the bigger and stronger puncher in the fight. I learned that I need to be more aggressive. I am hoping to land another really big fight very soon and I am training very hard to regain my status as the top middleweight contender so I can complete my destiny of becoming middleweight champion of the world.

“Marquez is the kind of fighter that, if Abraham takes him lightly (Abraham defends his IBF title Saturday night against Marquez live from Germany on pay-per-view in the United States and Canada), he is capable of pulling off an upset. Marquez should not be underestimated because he shows you many different angles. He can punch a lot harder than people give him credit for and he is a tough, tough Mexican warrior with a ton of experience and determination.”

Going into the title eliminator, Lorenzo had been criticized in some quarters for having fought relatively light opposition. Team Lorenzo rolled the dice, even though they didn’t have to fight an eliminator for “Gio” to get a title shot, accepting the challenge (and risk) to fight the crafty U.S. Olympian Marquez. The former IBF junior middleweight title-holder had a distinct advantage in professional experience having fought 40 pro fights, 257 rounds and battled world champions Jermain Taylor, Fernando Vargas, and Shane Mosley. “Gio,” on the other hand (or glove), at that time had only 25 pro bouts and 90 rounds of action under his belt.

“Giovanni is going to learn a lot from our fight,” Marquez remarked. “He could afford to lose that fight, I couldn’t. He’s young and has a very bright future. He’s a big middleweight – strong puncher, definitely with power – who is going to make a name for himself.”

Lorenzo learned an invaluable lesson against Marquez as the 12-rounds of hard-earned experience will prepare him very well for the future. Giovanni is still a top 10-rated middleweight challenger, No. 6 by the IBF and No. 9 by the WBC, who doesn’t celebrate his 28^th birthday until October 13.

“The Marquez fight was a good experience for ‘Gio’ who is still young,” Giovanni’s co-manager Rich Ryan said. “Raul was too savvy, too experienced for ‘Gio,’ who had never fought a lefty before. He’s a much better fighter than he showed in that fight, but he still won six rounds against the house fighter. After the fight, we went back to the hotel and Marquez went to the hospital. The next day you wouldn’t have thought Marquez had won if you had seen him because he’d obviously been to a plastic surgeon and was all bandaged up. We can’t wait to get ‘Gio’ back in the ring to show everybody how much he’s learned and improved.”

Lorenzo posted a 247-16 amateur record, capturing 15 gold medals in International competition. He is from Jeringa, Dominican Republic but now lives and fights out of the Washington Heights section of New York City.

-GL-

 

 

 

CANCELS GARDEN DATE . . .

KOTELNIK DUCKS SALITA

 

- Ron Ross

 

            Dmitriy Salita took a harder shot to the gut today from WBA Light Welterweight Champion Andreas Kotelnik than he ever believed he would have taken in their proposed November 8^th title fight at Madison Square Garden. It was not a left hook, a right cross or any punch in the book for that matter. It was a blow of a different sort and it hurt a lot. After weeks of negotiations Kotelnik simply refused to fight Dmitriy, voluntarily losing out on the biggest payday of his career. For Dmitriy, it’s losing out on the opportunity to realize a dream he’s been chasing seemingly a lifetime. And it is involuntary.

 

            I spoke with Dmitriy this evening on a call from his Poconos training facility. His replacement opponent is Glasgow’s Willie Limond, Commonwealth (British Empire) lightweight champion and Dmitriy knows that he must re-focus, move Kotelnik from his thoughts and concentrate on Limond who will be bringing a 29-2 record into the fight. Dmitriy (Dima as his fans lovingly call him) is undefeated in 29 fights (28-0, 1 draw) and cannot afford to look past Limond. He assures us that he won’t. Right now he’s disappointed. By tomorrow he will be concentrating on a new game plan against a new opponent. The dream will remain a dream. Perhaps, not for long.

 

            The crown will remain with Kotelnik, but remember … "Uneasily lies the head that wears a crown." - William Shakespeare

 

RR

 

 

 

 

 

DAT NGUYEN TO BE CO-PROMOTED BY DBE AND FEATURED AT BROADWAY BOXING

*** Vietnamese-born Featherweight on “Hot Fights…Summer in the City” At B.B. King Blues Club Wednesday Night August 6***

 NEW YORK (July 15, 2008) – DiBella Entertainment presents “Hot Fights…Summer in the City”, a special edition of their hit series “Broadway Boxing” Wednesday night August 6 live at B.B. King Blues Club (237 West 42^nd Street) in the heart of Times Square.

 One of the highlights of the card will certainly be Vietnamese-born featherweight Dat “Dat Be Dat” Nguyen (12-1, 6 KO’s) who has dazzled fans at shows throughout his 4-year career.  “I am very excited to be co-promoting Dat with Richie Cappiello,” said DiBella Entertainment head Lou DiBella.  “He brings a ton of charisma coupled with great skill into the ring and I am happy to showcase his talents.  We hope the Vietnamese community of New York can come out and support  Dat at B.B. King’s on August 6.”

 “I am happy to be fighting on DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing in the heart of New York City,” said Nguyen.  “To become a star in the fight game, you need to show everyone how great you are and I am prepared to show everyone in New York what Dat Nguyen is all about.  I hope the Vietnamese community can come out and support me!”

 

Nguyen last fought on April 12 where he won an eight-round majority decision over Robert Daluz at The Roxy in Boston.  Nguyen is trained by known teacher and former legendary fighter James “Buddy” McGirt in Vero Beach, Florida where Nguyen now lives. 

Tickets for Broadway Boxing are priced at $160 (VIP seats and VIP tables), $100 (ringside seats and ringside tables), and $60 (standing room only). Due to the intimate size of the venue, only 550 seats are available. To purchase tickets, please call DiBella Entertainment offices at (212) 947-2577. Call quickly because over 200 tickets have already been sold!

 For more info on Dat Nguyen, please visit www.datbedat.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duddy training in Miami for Boston fight
Headlining “Hassle In The Castle” on June 28

 

NEW YORK (June 12, 2008) – Undefeated world middleweight contender “Ireland’s” John Duddy is training in Miami with his new trainer, Pat Burns, for his return to Boston on Saturday night, June 28 against Charles Howe, headlining “Hassle In The Castle” at The Castle in downtown Boston.

 

“I’m looking forward to fighting again in Boston,” Duddy said from training camp. “I’ve fought there and visited Boston many times. The atmosphere there is very friendly with so many of my family, friends and fans living there. The Castle is familiar territory for me, especially with so many irish there. I’m looking to give them a good experience.”

 

Duddy (24-0, 17 KOs), a native of County Derry in N. Ireland, living and fighting out of Queens, New York, is presently rated No. 2 by the WBC and No. 3 by the WBO, as well as No. 5 by the WBA and No. 10 by the IBF. Howe (17-4-2, 9 KOs), fighting out of Ohio, is coming off of the only loss in his last 14 fights, dating back nearly eight years, to WBC USNBC champion Joey Gilbert in their title fight last September.

 

“Training camp has been normal but we implemented weight training – three times a day, five times a week – and I rarely have a day off,” Duddy commented on his first training camp with Burns, who trained Jermain Taylor to the world middleweight championship. “Monday through Friday I do my regular boxing training. I run early in the morning around a track at a local park, as well as over a bridge and in another park. It hasn’t become monotonous because there are so many different routes we run.

 

“I’m feeling great. You know, my last few fights, some people have said I looked smaller. Even my mother and father said that. I didn’t really feel it but we’ve been working on me being stronger. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been great working with Pat. I’ve enjoyed our time together and I like his ideas. His brother, Joseph, has been a great help, conditioning-wise. I do what I do. I love training to fight. The preparation for my next fight has been great but, at the end of the day, all that matters is what I do in the ring. I’m looking forward to doing much better than I did my last fight.”

 

South Boston middleweight Donald Orr (12-0, 5 KOs), 2000 Canadian Olympian, is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in the 8-round co-feature.

 

On the undercard, Worcester (MA) middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs), 2-time U.S. National amateur champion, steps up in competition to fight Hector Hernandez (10-2-2, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

 

Boston-based cruiserweight Mark Clancy (7-0-1, 1 KO), 4-time Irish National amateur finalist, faces Salah Zabian (6-10, 4 KOs), of Lee (MA), in a 6-rounder.  Lynn (MA) junior welterweight Simeon Dunwell (7-0, 2 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line versus Aaron Drake (13-6, 9 KOs). Philadelphia super featherweight Frank Trader (1-0, 0 KOs) is also slated to fight on the card in a 4-round match versus TBA. All bouts and fighters are subject to change. 

 

Tickets are priced at $50.00 $75.00 and $100.00 and are available at The Kells (Jerry Quinn – 617.733.4535) in Allston, Porter Belly’s (Sean McCormack and Pat O’Sullivan – 617.254.3300) in Brighton, Shenanigans Bar & Grill (Shay Harris – 617.269.9509) in South Boston, and The Banshee Pub (617.436.9747). Tickets are also available at the usual Irish Ropes outlets in New York City and by going on line at www.irishropes.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.

 

-IRP-

 

  

 

 

Ruiz rated high, still avoided

 

LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2008) – Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz used to be the Rodney Dangerfield of boxing as well as one of its most avoided fighters. Now, though, the new Ruiz has gained respect in many circles, particularly after his impressive win against 4-time world title challenger Jameel McCline, yet, John remains the opponent champions and top contenders alike least want to fight.

 

Top American contender Ruiz and European challenger Alexander Dimitrenko are the only heavyweights rated among the top six in the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation. Rated No. 2 and No. 3 by the WBA and WBC, respectively, and No. 6 by the IBF but, unlike Dimitrenko, Ruiz is also ranked in the top 10 by The Ring magazine.

 

“After so many years of not being respected,” Ruiz said, “it’s exciting to know and feel that I’m finally being recognized as one of the top heavyweights in the world. I’m glad. It’s been a long time coming. I’m ready to clean-up the heavyweight division and I’m willing to fight any of the reigning champs or other top contenders.

 

“I can’t wait for my next fight. I’m so much more confident fighting this time around, throwing more punches and combinations, just being more aggressive in the ring. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole team and it’s really made a big difference, especially having Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer. I’ve learned so much from Manny. We’ve been working hard and it’s paying off.”

 

Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has fought himself back into position for another world title shot, coming off an impressive 12-round decision on March 8 in a near shutout performance (119-109, 118-110, 117-111) against McCline, who is his previous fight had three times floored new Samuel Peter, returning to the vintage days when “The Quietman” first won a world title with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield in 2001.

 

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 McCline during his 15-year pro career.

 

-JR-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada set to conquer ‘Mount’ Whitaker

April 4 headliner on ESPN2 FNF at Twin River Events Center in Rhode Island

 

PROVIDENCE (March 24, 2008) – 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs), coming off of his dominating win by 10-round decision in January against former world heavyweight title contender Charles Shufford, plans to breakaway from the rest of the U.S. heavyweight prospect pack with a convincing performance April 4 on national television against former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker in the 10-round main event on “Heavy Hitters,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment, Inc. at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

 

Estrada-Whitaker moved from co-feature to main event on the April 4th ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show when Estrada’s CES stablemate, “Baby” Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs) suffered a shoulder injury forcing him off of the April 4th card.

 

“Fighting on ESPN2 in the main event is one more step I need to take,” Estrada said. “I’m happy – not the way it happened with Joe getting injured – but now this is my moment. I’ve been waiting for this chance. I was going to be on TV in the co-feature, anyway, but now I’ll be the guy in the main event.”

 

The 6’ 8” Whitaker (32-4-1, 27), who has beaten former world champions Oleg Maskaev (KOs) and Al “Ice” Cole, will not be the tallest opponent Estrada has ever fought. Back in the amateurs, Jason defeated a 6’ 9” Cuban fighter and, although it’s difficult to find sparring partners Whitaker’s height, Estrada can’t wait for the challenge.

 

“I have the kind of hand speed Whitaker’s never seen before,” Jason spoke about his experienced opponent. “He’s been around a long time and has a lot of experience, but Whitaker’s also 35 and I don’t think he’s gotten better with age like some boxers. He’s too big and his arms are too long. I’ll be putting pressure on him from the start. I’ll be going forward and he’ll be going backwards. I’m going to keep beating him to the punch. I’ll out-hustle him like I did to Shufford.

“We were given a list of opponents. I wanted to fight on TV and said yes right away when his name was brought up. Beating a fighter like Whitaker – he’s big and has a big name -- on national television will accelerate my career. I’m not taking anything away from him. Maybe he’ll come out hungry. Who knows? But Whitaker better worry about me. I’m younger, stronger faster, quicker and more motivated.  I don’t care if he’s 6’ 8” because we’re not playing basketball. (Mike) Tyson proved height doesn’t matter in heavyweight boxing.”

Estrada, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), recently opened his own gym, “Big Six Boxing Academy,” in Providence.
 
“It doesn’t get any bigger than this,” Estrada’s father and advisor/head trainer Dr. Roland Estrada commented. “What better way for Jason to prove himself than on ESPN2 in the main event. It will give him an opportunity to impress fans all over. He’s fighting a 6’ 8” guy who has fought just about everybody and only has four losses in 37 pro fights. It’s going to be a nice time to shine and separate Jason fro the pack, into a fight against a top 20 opponent and on the way to becoming world champion. People are going to be surprised at how strong Jason is. He’s been working very hard.”

 

Providence-native Estrada, 27, was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition. He was the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. Highlights of his amateur career included representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics and capturing a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-American Games.

 

During his sensational amateur career, Estrada defeated some of today’s leading professionals including former world title challenger DaVarryl “The Touch of Sleep” Williamson (24-5, 20 KOs), unbeatens Malik Scott (30-0, 10 KOs) and Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep” Holmes (28-0-2, 24 KOs), Malcolm “The Showstopper” Tann (23-4, 12 KOs), and Felix “Bad News” Cora, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs).

 

Tickets for “Heavy Hitters,” promoted by CES, 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) are,  available to purchase 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.

 

-JE-

 

 

 

 

 

NABF junior welterweight champion

Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa now a promotional free agent

 

New York (March 4, 2008) – NABF junior welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa is a promotional free agent after his deal with Seeno Group recently concluded. Figueroa’s manager, Sal LoNano, is entertaining offers from numerous promoters.

 

Figueroa (18-2, 13 KOs), who has moved back to the Bronx after living a year in Miami, is rated No. 10 by the World Boxing Council, as well as No. 13 and No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association, respectfully.

 

“Frankie is the reigning NABF champion, world-class fighter and a great kid,” LoNano said. “With a good promoter in his corner, he will become a world champion. We want to thank Attorney Tony Cardinale for the legal advice he gave us.”

 

U.S. Army veteran Figueroa currently is in Vero Beach (FL) training camp with his trainer, James “Buddy” McGirt, Sr., awaiting his next fight.

 

“Gato” also is the reigning WBC International Mundo Hispano welterweight and New York State light welterweight title-holder.

 

For more information about “Gato” Figueroa visit his web site at www.gatofigueroa.com.

 

-FF-

 

 

 

 

 

THE SULTAN WHO WANTS TO BE KING

-                     Ron Ross

photos by Susann Ross

 

Sultan Ibragimov does not need fancy trappings or palatial surroundings to live the life of a king. It’s not his style. He’s the blue collar fighter who wants to rule the entire heavyweight world. He rules a piece of that world now– the kingdom of the WBO – but Ibragimov, who more readily fits into the role of stevedore, construction worker or lumberjack, is going for all the marbles when he squares off against Vladimir Klitschko, the other and true ruler in the eyes and minds of most  in a little less than two weeks.

 

His smiles are soft and infrequent but his punches are hard and rapid. He works in a small gym that’s his home base . On the outside is a sign saying “Rombor Gym” and on the inside is a banner calling it Sultan’s House, not Sultan’s Palace or Sultan’s Castle, just plain Sultan’s House. It’s tucked away in a strip of about 50 nondescript warehouse bays in Pompano Beach where it looks like a place that’s waiting for a snowstorm that’s never going to come.  For Sultan it’s a perfect fit. He comes to work. That’s what Sultan’s House is all about. He works hard for the better part of two hours. When he’s finished he removes his t-shirt and squeezes out what seems to be a quart of perspiration into a barrel that presumably, nobody drinks from. There are some believers. With the odds running 4 ½ to 1 on Klitschko, not too many. But there’s one strong believer, and that counts the most. Because his name is Sultan Ibragimov. Pat him on the shoulder and wish him good luck for the fight and he says nothing. He doesn’t have to. There is that soft smile. You can read it. Luck will have nothing to do with it. Ibragimov is confident. He has never tasted defeat as a professional prizefighter. It’s a lesson he has no intention of learning now. He intends to be King of the Heavyweight World. It won’t change him, though. Whatever happens on the night of February 23^rd at Madison Square Garden, he will always be Sultan!

 

Sultan Ibragimov with the hierarchy of the Seminole tribe

 

You won't see this position on Feb. 23rd, Sultan assures . . .

Sultan warming up to the task

 

It may not be Klitschko, but ....

 

This ain't Klitschko either

 

Manager Boris Grinberg watches as Sultan squeezes out the sweat

This is not Double Dutch. It's a single Russian!

 

-RR-

 

ESPINO HEADS BACK TO BAJA!

January 11, 2008 — WBC CABOFE Middleweight Champion Miguel Espino (18-2-1 7 KO's) heads back to Baja California to continue his pursuit of a title bout in 2008. 

Espino is scheduled to fight Humberto Corral, another Mexican native from Sonora, Mexico at the "Gymnasio Tigre Garcia" in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Espino ranked #13 in the World Boxing Council, looks forward to extending his fight streak to 10 straight wins and continue to climb up the rankings. After an impressive 4^th round TKO win against Roberto Valenzuela last November and a brief hiatus over the holidays, the former Contender TV Series star has been training diligently with John Bray for his upcoming 12-round bout on Saturday, February 23rd.

When his trainer/manager was asked how camp has been progressing, Bray noted “Miguel has been staying focused and working hard at his dream of being the Middleweight Champion of the world.”

Since Espino’s last fight at the "Gymnasio Tigre Garcia", he has generated great interest in the Mexican boxing community and the local Baja fans are looking forward to having him back.  When asked about fighting in Mexico for the second time in three months, Espino indicated “I love fighting in Mexico; it’s a whole different culture, the fans, the community, they embraced me, I really appreciated it and look forward to giving them another great show on February 23^rd.”

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  This boxing event is being brought to you by Cota Boxing Promotions and tickets can be purchased by calling: 818-612-9296.

JG

 

 

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ROBERT GUERRERO IS READY TO DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST MARTIN HONORIO       GILROY, CALIF. OCT 26th Training in the mountains of Gilroy, Calif., two-time world champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (20-2-1 13 KO's) has decided to stay home in preparation for his title defense against Martin "Brochas" Honorio. With a little more than two weeks left until fight night, Guerrero is in the best shape of his life.  The Mexican-American fighter who represents the Bay Area has been eagerly waiting for his chance to shine on a national stage.  "I'm ready to go," he said. "I've been out of the ring since late February and I'm hungry. As a matter of fact, I'm starving.  Before this fight got rescheduled, I was training in Big Bear (Calif.) with Sugar Shane Mosley and Jose Celaya.  I took the energy that I was feeling over there and brought it back home.  Nothing has changed as far as my mindset and my ability to work hard. "I want to show the world that I'm an elite fighter that deserves the high profile fights with the best in my division.  Come fight night everyone watching will see that I'm worthy." Guerrero continues to spar with Jose Celaya (33-3 16KO's) as he emulates the taller Honorio very well. "Honorio is a tough fighter with a lot of tricks,'' Guerrero said. "He always finds a way to win.  People will look at his record and think he's not an elite fighter.  But as we all know he has not lost a fight in two years and has a credible win against WBO champion Steven Luevano.  He's dangerous, but so am I.  It's going to be a great night of boxing." Guerrero Training Schedule Monday - Saturday* 5:00 AM:          Ten mile jog up the mountains 8:00 AM:         Breakfast and rest 12:00 PM:         Lunch 2:00 PM:         Trains at gym 6:00 PM:         Dinner *On sparring days, trains at gym at 4:00 PM   MARTIN "BROCHAS" HONORIO CLOSES IN ON FINISHING  PREPARATIONS FOR HIS SHOWDOWN WITH ROBERT GUERRERO   MEXICO CITY - Martin "Brochas" Honorio has faced many challenges throughout his career, but he has never been this close to winning a world title.  Without a doubt, Honorio's hard work and dedication have paved the way, and now his dream of becoming a world champion could be just around the corner. Honorio (24-3-1, 12 KO's) of Iztapalapa, México, is a hungry contender who has waited a long time for his shot at a world title.  Unbeaten in his last seven fights, the Mexico City resident is coming off solid back-to-back wins over Rogers Mtagwa and Joe Morales to earn the title opportunity.  He also faced one of his toughest tests when he fought Mexican-American, Steven Luevano, earning a unanimous decision and putting an end to the 29-fight winning streak of the current WBO featherweight champion.   Today, Honorio prepares for the most important fight of his career as he will attempt to dethrone the southpaw Guerrero. "Everything has gone as planned and I have no doubt that the work we put into this training camp will pay off," said Honorio. "I have the mindset that this isn't a regular fight; in fact, it's a world title fight and because of that, my training strategy has been different. Now it's just a matter of exploding in the ring and showing what I've learned at my camp in the Villa Estrella Mountains."   Honorio Training Schedule Monday - Saturday 5:30 AM:        60 minute run at Villa Estrella Mountain   7:00 AM:         Breakfast and rest 1:00 PM:         Trains at gym 3:30 PM:         Eats a healthy meal under the supervision of Doctor Mata, who maintains a diet rich in proteins, vegetables and healthy meats like chicken, fish and fruits 6:00 PM:         Trains at the G2 Gym in Iztapalapa for 45 minutes to an hour 8:00 PM:         Finishes training, eats dinner and goes to sleep