Alexis Arguello (82-8, 65 KO’s), was found dead at his home in Managua , Nicaragua on Wednesday. Arguello was 57 years old. Arguello’s nick name was “The Explosive Thin Man” and was one of Boxing’s greatest champions. According to Nicaraguan sources, it is suspected that Arguello shot himself through the heart, but as is common with early reports, the actual details of how he died are yet to be determined. It’s hard to believe Arguello, who never quit in one of the toughest sports in the world, would kill himself.
Arguello began his career as a Featherweight, where he lost… More »
#5 WBC rated heavyweight Eddie Chambers (34-1, 18 KOs), who is set to square off against #1 WBO heavyweight Alexander Dimitrenko (29-0, 19KOs) as the main event this Saturday, July 4 in a WBO official eliminator at Color Line Arena participated in an open media workout today in Hamburg, Germany.
Chambers stated, “I’m motivated and ready to take my position as the mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko."
“A win on Saturday night, will be especially significant, because it’s the 4th of July and I know that my fellow Americans will be celebrating their independence. This would make victory especially sweet… More »
“Maidana and Ortiz Star in a Classic Brawl in L.A.!”
June 28, 2009
Victor Ortiz said, “The better man won last night.” And that man was Marcos “El Chino” Maidana.
This was one of the best fights I’ve seen this year! This fight had everything, drama, suspense, intrigue, five knockdowns and a pair of young warriors worthy of remembrance. Too bad someone had to lose.
A few times a year, fight fans get treated to a truly wonderful rumble in the ring. Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles , Jr. Welterweight contender and local product, Victor Ortiz (24-2-1, 19 KO’s) was the featured fighter on the card. His opponent,… More »
NORTH BERGEN, NJ - "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis made his return to the ring a victorious one with a ten-round unanimous decision over the highly-motivated Doel Carrasquillo in front of a capacity crowd at North Bergen, NJ's Schuetzen Park. Scores were 98-92, 96-94 and 96-94.
Arnaoutis of Atlantic City, NJ by way of Sparta, Greece, made good use of his platform in Pound 4 Pound Promotions' "Summer Rumble" main event to put on a fan-friendly rumble with the tough Puerto Rican based out of Lancaster, PA.
Arnaoutis, 141 1/2, came out boxing at a fast pace, keeping the aggressive Carrasquillo at bay with… More »
North Bergen, NJ - "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis is pumped and ready for his June 25 return at North Bergen, NJ's Schuetzen Park this Thursday night. Arnaoutis, 21-3-2 (10 KO), will be fighting in Pound 4 Pound Promotions' "Summer Rumble" 10-round main event this Thursday night against Puerto Rican knockout artist Doel Carrasquillo.
"I'm looking forward to fighting in front of all my fans," says Arnaoutis, a native of Athens, Greece but now residing in Atlantic City, NJ. "It's going to be a great night. I promise to put on a great show for the fans and prove that I'm here… More »
Hot Prospect Improves to 4-0 all by 1st round KO
June 22, 2009
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, June 20, 2009 – Newly signed Top Rank prospect Omar Henry impressed his new bosses with a spectacular performance in the Mexican west coast sea town of Ensenada. A left hook started his opponent, Alfonso Gonzales, reeling backwards only a few seconds after the opening bell, and a straight right hand ended it, sending his foe to the canvas with wobbly legs prompting the referee to halt the bout.
The bout was Henry’s first outside of the USA and he was able to gain some new fans south of his home state of Texas. Top… More »
“I didn’t expect this decision. I won this fight. I want a rematch!”
Those were the words of Joshua Clottey Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, after 12 grueling rounds against Welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KO’s) who put his WBO belt on the line to fight Joshua Clottey (35-3, 20 KO’s), who had to relinquish his IBF title to make this fight happen.
This was a good fight with lots of back and forth action. It was about as good a match up as you can make these days. On paper, Clottey landed more and at a higher… More »
LAS VEGAS (June 14, 2009) - The highly anticipated July 18 fight between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez has been postponed due to a rib injury sustained by Mayweather while training. The mega-fight was scheduled to take place at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
"I am extremely disappointed that this fight has to be postponed," said Mayweather. "I was training very hard and looking forward to getting back in the ring on July 18th."
"I was very disappointed to hear the news about the fight being postponed," said Marquez from… More »
The summer program kicked off in brutal fashion as this past Friday, June 12, 2009 , the “Barbarian” Jairo Martinez entertained the sold-out crowd in Laredo , Texas , at the Laredo Civic Center . Martinez (132 pounds) took on tough Laredo native Eddie Ramirez (132 pounds) in a four round match. The obligatory opening “feel out round” was nonexistent as Ramirez came out with his guns blazing attempting to discourage the “Barbarian”. This tact would not only prove ineffective, but very costly for the Laredo fighter as Martinez withstood the opening onslaught and responded with some… More »
Ironboxing.com. The return of Floyd “Money” Mayweather means an influx of revenue and action fights for boxing right?
Surely the once number one fighter on the planet with the undefeated record parlays into a buzz that boxing fans want and need to see.
A fighter whose gift for assaulting his potential foes with crafty, brash one liners which mirrors in delivery to the pain he inflicts upon his victims in the ring with stinging precision and calculated humiliation translates to giving the fans what they want and need, fights with fighters that stand a very honest chance of beating him.
It had been eight years since I last interviewed “Dynamite” Danny Perez. The San Diegan had just won the NABF welterweight title from Sam Garr and was looking to get a rematch against the newest rising sensation, Antonio Margarito. It was one of the first times he’d ever been interviewed and it showed. He was fidgety and provided me with mostly one word answers.
The nervous 24 year old from back then is now 32 and a lot more relaxed after having gone through a rollercoaster of a career.
Two fight against Margarito, (one for the world title), a brutal stabbing,… More »
NEW YORK (June 3, 2009) - Justice Louis York of the New York State Supreme Court dealt a serious blow to Victor Conte's efforts to avoid paying the price for the outrageous lies he has continued to tell about Shane Mosley. Mosley has sued Conte for defamation based upon Conte's outright lies concerning Mosley's use of steroids. In an effort to avoid reaching the truth, Conte tried the procedural gambit of seeking to dismiss the case for no merit. His efforts were met with a judicial slap in the face, as the Judge denied the motion… More »
03JUN09) Ironboxing.com Boxing websites and forums are buzzing with activity regarding trainer extraordinaire, Freddie Roach, and whom he may be training next.
In a story carried by Eastsideboxing.com, but originally posted on Ringtalk.com, James Slater writes that Manny Pacquaio’s trainer, Freddie Roach, is set to become the newest instructor for Manchester, England’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.
I spoke moments ago with Hatton’s manager, Paul Speak, on the matter and he said
“There is no truth in the rumor”.
Mr. Speak said that he was informed of the rumor this morning from a colleague named Craig Gibson. Gibson runs the official Ricky… More »
Los Angeles, CA -- Pound-for-Pound King Manny Pacquiao has agreed to meet WBA Welterweight Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley in a mega-fight at a catch weight .
In an interview today with Filipino news organization GMA News, Manny Pacquiao agreed to Mosley’s dare to meet in the ring. “No problem, we can fight, as long we negotiate," Pacquiao said from his hometown, General Santos City.
Mosley countered, “Now that Manny has stated that he is ready to fight me, the only thing left to finish are negotiations. Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum are working out the details now. I will be… More »
In the district that spans from 140 to 154 pounds, some of the sweet science’s most gifted warriors reside and thrive.
From junior welterweight to super welterweight, this region of weight classes is stacked with fighters that are willing to give the public what they want and deserve- a fight.
Names like, but not limited to, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquaio, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Joshua Clottey, whom I believe will give fits to the PR bomber but ultimately lose by split decision, Paul Williams, Timothy Bradley Jr., Ricky Hatton, Andre Berto, the once mighty Antonio Margarito, and the new addition… More »
WHY ISN'T LUPE PINTOR IN THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME?
June 1, 2009
This is a story that you may say is regrettable. You may say it is sad or that it is a simple oversight. Or you may call it what it is, a travesty ! If you look at the credentials of Lupe Pintor it is plain to see that they far exceed those of some that are enshrined in the I.B.H.O.F. This is a proud warrior who should have been inducted years ago but sadly he sits on the outside looking in.
Pintor was born in Mexico in 1955 and he turned professional in 1974. He first gained attention in… More »
Author's Note: Since this article was first published in th June 1997 issue of BOXING WORLD magazine, Harry and Ray have put any animosity behind them.
May 30, 2009
"Why We Missed The Battle Of Youngstown"
Let us make believe that it is 1984 again and the management of Ray Mancini decided NOT to defend his W.B.A. lightweight title against Livingstone Bramble. Instead they opt to unify at least part of the championship against cross town rival Harry Arroyo, the I.B.F. title holder. The bout would be held in their home town of Youngstown, Ohio and be televised live nationally. The whole city of Youngstown and its surrounding areas are buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The TV executives predict a bonanza rating since both boxers are proven crowd pleasers.… More »
Los Angeles, CA, May, 29 2009—W B A Welterweight Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley announced today that he is ready to face Manny Pacquiao in the ring and is willing to meet at a catch-weight to make the fight happen.
In a statement, Mosley said:
“There are conflicting reports from the Pacquiao camp an upcoming fight between me and Manny Pacquiao. I want it to be known that I want to fight Pacquiao and I want to fight him now. I’m willing to meet at a catch weight to make that happen. I know this is what Freddie Roach wants… More »
NEW YORK—Boxing promoter Don King has asked the World Boxing Association to declare Nikolai “Giant Russian” Valuev its undisputed heavyweight champion after Saturday’s match between Valuev and WBA “champion in recess” Ruslan Chagaev at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland, was cancelled.
“The World Boxing Association should act swiftly and unequivocally to designate Nikolai Valuev as its undisputed heavyweight champion,” King said from New York just before boarding a plane bound for Helsinki where he will make his case in person. “Nikolai has been patient in waiting for Chagaev to become medically fit to fight. We applaud the WBA for… More »
At one time he was the most prominent heavyweight in the world beside of the deposed Muhammad Ali and streaking Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Frazier. He was the favorite to win the hastily put togetherWBA elimination tourney that was set up to find a successor to the alleged draft dodger Ali. When he beat ex-WBA champion Ernie Terrell in the opening round of the tournament he seemed like a shoe in to capture the vacant crown. Where did it all go wrong? Why did fate this talented boxer such a cruel blow? If only Thad Spencer knew what the future… More »
I cut my teeth on the sport of boxing in the mid-1960's. At that time the sport was just coming out of a somewhat dreary period of champions although talented, lacked charisma.
It was Cassius Clay, later to be Muhammad Ali that energized the sport and opened the door for a group of boxers who into the late 1970's established themselves and that time as a truly " Golden Era " in boxing.
The boxers that molded my mentality of what boxing was all about. It was a who's who of talent and solid mass of… More »
Scott LeDoux was a heavyweight contender in the 1970's and 80's. Today is battling his toughest opponent ever, ALS or better known as Lou Gerhig's Disease. There is no cure or treatment. This once robust fighter has already been weakened enough to need a walker to get around.
In his fifty bout career Scott met eight heavyweight champions. EIGHT ! George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Mike Weaver, Gerrie Coetzee, Frank Bruno and the recently deceased Greg Page. On July 7,1980 Scott met Larry Holmes for the WBC title. He was stopped in seven rounds. In addition to meeting eight… More »
He was a celebrated Olympic hero and undefeated as a professional until losing an extremely debatable verdict in Korea. Nino came to New York and captured the American fans with his suave, arrogant demeanor. He took two out of three against the great Emile Griffith and he was the middleweight champion of the world. There were impressive defenses against the capable Don Fullmer, brother of Gene who Nino dominated. There was a questionable diqualification win over Fraser Scott in a fight that seemed to be going Scott's way.
We saw Nino come from behind to salvage his… More »
The advantages of one are complement with the other one. Cotto has the punching power, especially those hard body shots and is very good in defense. On the other side we have Clottey a guy who will be ready for everything given that is the best opportunity for him and one he's been looking for. To say, Clottey has a difficult style for Cotto and he uses very much a punch that Cotto can't deal much with: The uppercut. Besides of that, Margarito, even with his loaded gloves or not, proved that in a brawl Cotto isn't the best and… More »
He was one of the best heavyweights of his era and possibly one of the best heavyweights to have never claimed the title. He fought the best of the late 1950's and 60's with a high degree of success.
Eddie Machen was born on July 15, 1932 in Redding, California and he entered the punch for pay ranks in 1955. Eddie won all eleven of his bouts during his maiden year including a knockout over highly regarded Howard King.
In 1956 Eddie added eight more victories and established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight… More »
Saturday night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland , Super-Middleweight Prospect, turned contender, Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KO’s) broke his cherry taking on ‘his first real test’ against the ferocious puncher, Edison “Pantera” Miranda (32-4, 28 KO’s).
Miranda only had two good rounds, the first and second. Miranda landing some good shots, one that caused a cut over Ward’s left eye. It looked like Miranda was going to make it an uphill battle for Ward but from rounds three through twelve, Miranda was neutralized by the slicker, faster Ward. Miranda’s sloppy, uninspired performance could see his stock plummet as fast… More »
Henry Hank of Detroit was born in 1935 and began his long professional career in 1953. In less then two years he was fighting the likes of Virgil Akins.
By 1959 Henry was good enough to mix it up with the best middleweights and light heavyweights in the world. Fighting men like Holly Mims, George Benton, Jesse Bowdry, Hank Casey, Randy Sandy and Gene Armstrong.
In 1961 Henry beat Joey Giardello. They met again in 1962 with Joey turning the tables. The rematch was voted the Fight Of The Year by Ring Magazine for 1962.
Other top names on his record are… More »
It was after the third round that he knew something was wrong. WBC emeritus super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez was in the midst of a third brutal confrontation against Rafael Marquez. “My vision was blurry in my right eye,” Vazquez said. “I thought it was the Vaseline that was being applied by my cut-man so I kept fighting on until the twelfth round.”
Several days later when the symptoms didn’t subside, Vazquez called on his long time manager and friend, Frank Espinoza, who took the highly regarded fighter to some of the top ophthalmologists in the Los Angeles area. It was… More »
Reading, PA - Heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman will lead the Reading Express professional indoor football team out onto the field for their home game against rivals Harrisburg Stampede this Sunday, May 17. The Reading Express play their home games at the Sovereign Center, where King's Promotions will feature Kauffman in the main event against former Ecuadorian Olympian Livin Castillo and cruiserweight Julio Cesar Matthews against Kamarah Paisley in the co-main event.
Kauffman, (16-0, 13 KOs), is on the fast track up the heavyweight ranks at only 23 years old. Kauffman will be competing in his hometown for the first time… More »
He may be one of the most overlooked champions of the 1990's. He had style and skill. He won 49 of 55 bouts and a piece of the welterweight title. He knocked out 31 but he himself was never stopped. His name was Aaron Davis and they called him " Superman ".
Davis was born in the Bronx in 1967 and turned professional in 1986. He reeled off 29 straight victories to establish himself as a top contender for the welterweight title. Along the way he beat the likes of Horace Shufford, Luis Santana, Gene Hatcher and Curtis Summit. Finally on… More »
He just may be the most popular Japanese fighter of all time. In a career that lasted a little over a decade he squeezed in 63 pro contests. He was the winner of 55 of those. He won world championships in two weight divisions and he came very close to becoming a three weight class titleholder. Please remember this was back in the day when there were only eight weight classes and one champion per division. He is the only man to beat the legendary Eder Jofre and he turned the trick twice. His name was Masahiko but in boxing… More »
Super Middleweight Edison “Pantera” Miranda (32-3, 28 KO’s) is scheduled to face Andre Ward (18-0, 12 KO’s) on May 16th at the Oracle Arena in Oakland California. This fight will be televised on that Saturday night on ‘Shobox, The New Generation’ on Showtime Network at 9 p.m., East coast time. Check your local listings if you’re not on the East coast. Ward is a good prospect with an unblemished, albeit limited resume. Miranda is top level contender with a big punch and a wild side that always guarantees excitement.
Thanks to a friend, Herman Colberg-Guerra, I was afforded the opportunity… More »
Seminole Warriors Boxing latest signing; Cestus Management's Super-Middleweight, Don "DA BOMB" George, sensationally returned to the ring by blasting out Mike Walthier in one minute and forty-five seconds of the first round. As soon as the bell rang George, got down to business peppering Walthier with hard jabs and a fast combination to the head and body. As the round went on, George followed up a stiff jab with a thudding right-hand shot that sent Walthier reeling into the ropes. Donovan immediately opened up on Walthier with precision and landed another combination finishing with a… More »
European light middleweight champion Jamie Moore made a successful first title defense to headline a tremendous bill by Frank Maloney Promotions at Crow Tree Leisure Centre in Sunderland, England on Saturday.
The action served as the lead in to Sky Box Office's telecast of Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton.
Manchester area hero Moore expertly took apart seasoned Continental challenger Roman Dzuman with cold, calculated efficiency.
Dzuman was clattered from one end of the ring to the other in the first frame before Moore moved in for the kill with sickening body shots that canvassed the challenger before the bout was stopped for good… More »
Who was the greatest fighter to come out of Argentina? Well pound for pound you would probably say Monzon or possibly Pascual Perez. You could make a case for Nicolino Locke too. Who was the biggest and baddest of all Argentine fighters? Many would say Luis "Angel" Firpo. I'll go with Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena.
When Oscar started his career in 1964, he met tough opponents like Tom McNeely and Dick Wipperman. In his first bout in 1965, he was overmatched and defeated by verteran contender Zora Folley. Oscar left New York and returned to Argentina. He defeated the vary capable… More »
It all started with Tom Jones singing, “God Save the Queen” Saturday night in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, the site of the big showdown between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquaio. That song sounded exactly like our own, “My Country Tis of Thee.” Strange? Well, stranger things were on the menu.
It was strange that on the greatest stage of his career, Hatton’s entry music was some slow paced, comic song about Ricky Fatton, followed by an abbreviated, non-crescendo version of Blue Moon that ended right at the part where all the English fans in… More »
Las Vegas, NV (May 2, 2009) - Sixteen months after one of the greatest fighters ever to grace the sport of boxing had his last fight and subsequently announced his retirement, the former six-time world champion and 2007 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year, Floyd "Money" Mayweather announced his return to the sweet science at a press conference today in Las Vegas.
"When I made my decision to retire last year, I felt like it was time for me to go as I had been boxing my whole life and felt like I had done all that I… More »
SET FOR JULY 18 AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS AND LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW
May 2, 2009
LAS VEGAS (May 2, 2009) - The boxing world received two gifts this week, not only the announcement that six-time world champion in five weight divisions Floyd "Money" Mayweather has returned to the sport, but also that he was immediately putting his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion in three weight divisions Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ "Number One/Numero Uno" on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET /… More »
"Credentials don't lie and my record speaks for itself. I was in the sport 11 years and I was a champion for 10 years. I left on top, and I am coming back on top. I am ready to reclaim what's mine.
"I am the king and no one has taken my crown.
"I am back because the sport of boxing needs me and the fans want me to. Everywhere I go, they go crazy.
"Some day someone might shut my mouth, but right now I am going to talk. I am the top dog and I am… More »
(01MAY09)Earlier this week, my colleague, Norman Lucas, and I made a prediction with regards to this weekend's blockbuster rumble between current Pound for Pound champion of multiple weight classes, Manny Pacquaio(48-3-2-36KO's) and his new assignment, IBO junior welterweight king Ricky Hatton(45-1-32KO's).
Their clash will take place this Saturday on HBO PPV live from Las Vegas, NV's MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Since our prediction first came to light, we have received multiple emails regarding the reasoning behind our forecast.
I believe that on Saturday night, Ricky Hatton will do just enough as a “boxer” to compliment his controlled aggression… More »
As rough and tumble Ricky Hatton of England gets set to enter into the ring with Manny Pacquiao this weekend. I am reminded of another tough battler from across the pond. He may not have reached the heights of Hatton but he was good enough to hold the British light middleweight title for a couple of years in the late 1970's. He also traveled ten rounds with the great Roberto Duran. His name was Jimmy Batten.
Batten was born in 1955 and turned professional in 1974. He worked his way up the British rankings and in 1977 after Maurice "Mo"… More »
The Brick City Bullet, moments before winning the belt in Puerto Rico
Alex “The Brick City Bullet” Perez, 10-0, 6 KO’s captured the WBC’s CABOFE (Caribbean Boxing Federation) Welterweight title on March 14th In Puerto Rico. He came off of a 15 month layoff before that fight, not by any fault of his own, but because every time he was scheduled to fight there were problems with opponents falling out and promoters not making sure there was an opponent for him ready to go come fight night. Perez was in the gym training for fights that weren’t to be the entire… More »
It has been a privilege representing the World Boxing Council as its super lightweight champion for the past 12 months and no one was more proud to wear that illustrious green belt than I.
The WBC believed in me and recognized my victories, advancing my ratings accordingly. Because of your support I was able to challenge Junior Witter for the WBC title last year and defend it and unify it, and for that I will always be grateful. It is important that unified champions should be encouraged thus eliminating the title confusion that permeates the sport or the media… More »
He was born in 1936 and he embarked on a professional boxing career in 1954. He won twenty five of his first twenty nine fights on his way to establishing himself as a top prospect by 1962. The imposing 6' 2" Amos Lincoln was nicknamed " Big Train " and he looked like he was going to become a force to be reckoned with for some time.
Fighting out of Portland, Oregon early in his career Amos also campaigned throughout the northwest in cities like Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Boise and even Vancouver, Canada. In 1957 he made one of his… More »
On May 2, 2009, the best pound-for-pound prime filipino sensation Champ "Manny Pacquaio" will fight against, a British Brawler turn "Boxer" or in the words of Floyd Mayweather, Sr. (the Italian Stallion) IBO Champ "Ricky Hatton" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on HBO's PPV.
Ricky will win. The success of Ricky will be depending on how effective he utilize the jab to the head & body of Manny, disrupting speed and timing. Manny has had a lot of distractions during training camp and hasn't looked as focused and hungry as in the past.
WORLD CLASS PROFESSIONAL BOXING AT HOUSTON ’S ARENA THEATRE
April 27, 2009
HOUSTON, TX (April 27, 2009) Tickets are now on sale as Chet Koerner’s TKO BOXING Promotions, home of the nationally acclaimed “HOMETOWN HEROES TO WORLD CHAMPIONS” professional boxing series, presents the “THE BEATDOWN IN H-TOWN”, on Thursday, May 28th at the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas.
Said Koerner, “This is our inaugural event here in Houston and we’re delivering an evening of world class professional boxing to the great fight fans here. Houston has a legacy of being an outstanding boxing town with very supportive fans, going back to Muhammad Ali vs. Ernie Terrell at the Astrodome in 1967… More »
LOS ANGELES (April 20, 2009) – From the days when he was a really skinny kid with little amateur experience to today where he is now a skinny young man that has unquestionably become the most feared boxer on the planet, the man behind Paul “The Punisher” Williams has been manager-trainer George Peterson.
The well-respected Peterson, a Washington D.C.-native who now resides in Aiken, S.C., has been in Williams’ corner for 11 years. The classy and honorable Peterson is overdue in his worldwide recognition with the prestigious ‘Trainer of the Year’ honors.
Reading, PA - King's Promotions is proud to announce the first boxing/mixed martial arts hybrid show in Lehigh Valley history. "Pain on Penn Street", scheduled for May 30 at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading, PA, will feature the region's most exciting young combatants in professional and amateur contests.
In response to growing concerns regarding the economy, the first 500 tickets will be priced at "Buy one, Get one Free" of equal value. "With the way the economy is going, everything is tight," says promoter Marshall Kauffman. "With this special promotion, the people can go out and enjoy themselves for… More »
With all due credit, Manny Pacquiao is on top of today's boxing world. He is the "Man". His destruction of Oscar De La Hoya drove the "Golden Boy" into retirement and put him as the #1 fighter pound for pound in the world today. I have no dispute with this but Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ricky Hatton might. Manny and Hatton will settle their issue this coming May 2nd. Floyd may be in Pacquiao's future. We'll see.
What if there was a fighter named Roberto Duran roaming the boxing landscape today ? I'm talking about a lean, fit and motivated Duran.… More »
Over the years the British Empire has tried to produce a legitimate heavyweight champion. During the 1960's and 70's several candidates appeared to give the Brits hope. Henry Cooper and Brian London quickly come to mind. Later on there was Joe Bugner and Richard Dunn.Of course Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis would eventually come along to clain titles.
During the 1960's the fans were quite stirred by the prospects of a young heavyweight named Billy Walker. He was dubbed the "Blond Bomber" but later because of drawing power he was called the "Golden Boy". After winning the British amateur title… More »
In the early 1970's he was the hottest light heavyweight in the world. He would eventually garner three shots at recognition as champion. All three would travel the true champiomship distance of fifteen rounds. In all three Jorge would come up short.
Jorge turned pro in 1968 in his native Argentina. In his home country he would meet future champion Victor Galindez four times. Jorge would win one by decision. On three occasions he was stopped by the great Galindez. They would meet again.
He may have been one of the best pound for pound boxers of the 1960's but he was over shadowed by the antics of one Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali. He may have been the best fighter in the welterweight division during the decade but he never had a chance to prove it against Emile Griffith. Instead he labored in the back round, fighting and beating all comers. Only after Griffith moved up to middleweight and allowed him to capture the vacated title did Curtis Cokes gain some long over due recognition.
Curtis who never had an amateur fight began… More »
One of the most exciting fighters of the 1970's and 80's was three time light heavyweight king Marvin Johnson. If ever a fighter lived by the sword and died by the sword, it was Marvin. He was a rangy southpaw who was constantly shuffling toward his opponent. His give and take pressure style created several memorable contests.
Born April 12,1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Marvin would become an accomplished amateur boxer. He was a three time National Golden Gloves champion. He also represented the United States in the 1972 Olympics winning a bronze medal.
Johnson turned professional in 1973 and won his… More »
Going The Distance:
Jermain Taylor doesn’t want his fight with Carl Froch to even go the maximum 12 rounds — he wants to knock out Froch much earlier. Still, for Taylor, it’s nice to know he can go 16 rounds if necessary.
Taylor is in the tapering-down stage of training camp now, less than 12 days before his WBC Super Middleweight title bout with Froch on April 25 at the MGM Grand Theater at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
The fight card is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Hennessy Sports. Tickets are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $75… More »
LOS ANGELES (April 14) - Famed boxing champion and future Hall of Fame fighter Oscar de la Hoya, one of the most decorated pugilist in the history of the sport, retired as a professional today during a noon press conference in Nokia Plaza LA Live in downtown Los Angeles.
"After heartfelt discussions with my family and my closest friends, it is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I announce my retirement from professional boxing," said De La Hoya, who retires from the ring with a 39-6, 30 KOs record. "Boxing has been the single, most consistent part of… More »
The 1970's spawned such great and dominant champions such as Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Bobby Foster, Monzon, Napoles, Cervantes, Duran, Olivares, Arguello and Zarate. In review of their fine accomplishments and the feats of some other fine champions of that era, several very capable boxers fell short of their dreams of becomining a champion. Let's take a look at some of these proud warriors. The "Almost Champions."
The first who comes to mind is Jerry Quarry. He was as tough as they come and talented too. He received his first title shot in 1968 when he made it to the finals of… More »
LONG ISLAND - Tommy "The Razor" Rainone plans to turn heads by unseating the recently-crowned New York State Welterweight champion Daniel Sostre on May 8 at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY.
Rainone, 12-2 (4 knockouts), considers it to his advantage that the fight will take place in his neck of the woods where his loyal home crowd will be out in force to support their native son.
"We came close to fighting a few times in the last year or so but things didn't quite pan out," Rainone, 29, of Plainview, Long Island says. "They wanted to have the… More »
April 27th will mark the 41st anniversary of one of the World Boxing Association's crowning achievements. The grand finale of their eight man elimination tournament to find a successor for the deposed Muhammad Ali.
Acting with the swiftness matched only by Mr. Dooley of the New York State Athletic Commission, the W.B.A. immediately stripped Ali of his crown when he refused induction into the Armed Forces. Eight ranking contenders were chosen to box off for the ultimate prize, the heavyweight championship of the world. The fortunate eight were: former champion Floyd Patterson, Ex W.B.A. titleholder Ernie Terrell, the Argentine strongman Oscar… More »
On June 23, 1969 at New York's Madison Square Garden, Joe Frazier met the popular Irish fighter, Jerry Quarry, for the New York State recognized heavyweight title. Back in the day, the New York State Boxing Commission wielded quite a bit of power. Commissioner Edwin Dooley wasted little time stripping Muhammad Ali of his heavyweight title when Ali refused induction into the Armed Forces. The World Boxing Association did the same and they set up a tournament to determine a new champion. Eight top contenders were selected, with unbeaten Joe Frazier being one of them. Frazier's management declined the invitation,… More »
Eddie Chamber ranked number 3 by the IBF got by with a majority decision of a ten round bout against ex-heavyweight champion Samuel Peter at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Ca. Chamber [34-1, 18 KO’s] of Philadelphia, PA set the pace of the fight with limited action thru out the entire fight as for Peter [32-3, 23 KO’s] of Las Vegas, NV came in at 265 pounds and was slower than usual. In the end the judges scored the bout [99-91][96-94][95-95] for Chambers.
In a bout of local pro-debuters Javier Molina [1-0, 1 KO,s] of Commerce, CA and 2008 U.S.… More »
Possibly the best heavyweight to ever come out of the state of Ohio was Earnie "The Acorn" Shavers. Born on August 31, 1945 in Alabama, his real name is Earnie Dee Shaver. He attended school in Warren, Ohio and made a name for himself as a football player. Earnie was just a great all around athlete and when the boxing bug bit him, he took to it like a duck to water.
What Earnie accomplished in boxing is phenomenal but the world championship eluded him. Nevertheless in both of his failed attempts at the crown, he left an indelible mark… More »
Reading, PA - Undefeated heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman returns to the nationally televised spotlight on May 1 at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA. The fight will air on the Showtime series ShoBox: The Next Generation. Kauffman will face an opponent to be named in the broadcast opener alongside prospects Luis Carlos Abregu and Marvin Quintero. The show will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions.
"I'm excited that Showtime is having me back," says Kauffman, 16-0 (13 KO), of Reading, PA. "I enjoy being in the spotlight. I train my butt off whether I'm on TV or off so I'm… More »
"Irish" John Duddy will put his undefeated record on the line April 24th in Newark, New Jersey. Duddy (26-0) with 17 KO's will face rugged Billy Lyell. Although Lyell (18-7) is billed out of Youngstown he is from Niles, Ohio. The home of the late former middleweight contender of years gone by, Sonny Horne. Lyell is no pushover. He has met the likes of James Kirkland and Yuri Boy Campas. In September of 2006 Duddy out scored Campas over twelve rounds. In June of 2007 Lyell lost a ten rounder to Campas.
Long before Mark McGwire was launching tape measure home runs in Oakland and acquiring the nickname "Big Mac", West Coast sports fans used to cheer the feats of another "Big Mac". MacArthur Foster a heavyweight boxer from Fresno, California won his first 24 professional bouts all by knockout. Six came in the first round, four in the second round and seven in the third round. By the spring of 1970 he was the number one rated contender for Joe Frazier’s crown.
Mac turned pro in November of 1966 and by the end of 1967 he had racked up nine kayos. Among… More »
LOS ANGELES, CA March 25 – Unbeaten in 25 fights with 18 knockouts, and ranked in the top five by three of the four major world sanctioning bodies, Maywood, California’s Urbano Antillon has more than earned his right to a major fight on premium cable television or for a world championship, yet the top names at 135 pounds continue to avoid him at every opportunity.
And the soft-spoken Antillon has had enough.
“I paid my dues,” said the 26-year old. “Now I want my shot. I keep seeing fighter after fighter without my credentials getting these big opportunities, and I’m tired… More »
On March 20, 2009 , ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights Boxing Series” invaded beautiful Laredo, Texas , with an excellent fight card which drove the local and area contingent out in force as over four thousand rabid boxing fans crowded the Laredo Entertainment Center. The event was promoted by Banner Promotions and delivered nonstop action. What further made the card a complete success was the presence of Cestus Management products Rodolfo “ BABY COBRA” Gomez and Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. Both Gomez and Luna Jr. produced scintillating performances which left everyone in attendance gasping for more.
For me the year 1972 marked some very important milestones. Especially the magic month of June.In the first three weeks of that month I became a candidate for the draft by turning eighteen. I graduated from High School and on the 17th I took on my first bride. I enjoyed that afternoon watching Carlos Monzon defend his title against the worthy challenge of Frenchman Jean Claude Bouttier. To be honest with you the most exciting day of the month was the 26th. On that date in Madison Square Garden, Roberto Duran captured the lightweight championship of the world by stopping… More »
He was a hard banger and a crowd pleaser who battled some of the best welterweights of his era. Eventually he would move up to 154 pounds and win a world title in that division. He thrilled crowds in his home state of Texas and would also become a popular draw on the West Coast. His name was Oscar Albarado and they called him " Shotgun ".
Born in 1948, Oscar turned professional in 1966 and reeled off 25 straight victories. He suffered his first loss via a decision to the highly touted Hedgemon Lewis in 1969. He came back… More »
Saturday afternoon, ESPN 2 aired the Heavyweight Championship fight between WBC titlist Vitali Klitschko (37-2, 36 KO’s) against Juan Carlos Gomez (44-2, 35 KO’s). The fight took place in the smallest ring I've ever seen at the Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart Germany .
Klitschko has sparred with Gomez and they know each other a bit. After being away from boxing for almost four years and then coming back and administering a beating to former titlist Sam Peter, Vitali Klitschko looked great. He made easy work of Peter, who’s usually a very tough fight for anyone. Vitali didn’t expect… More »
Back in the late 1970's and early 80's there was a pretty good heavyweight out on the West Coast. His name was Marty Monroe.
Marty was from Los Angeles and he turned pro in 1974. In 1976 he beat another up and coming heavyweight named Randy Mack. In 1977 he defeated tough Joe Gholston. In 1978 he defeated Leroy Boone.
In 1980 Marty would lose a decision to the rough and rugged Scott Ledoux. Marty bounced right back with impressive stoppage victories over Lynn Ball and Eddie " The Animal " Lopez. Marty was now a force to be reckoned with.
MIAMI, FL (March, 2009) - It was announced today that the Premios Deportes Sports Awards program will return for a second year on Univision, the most-watched Spanish-language television network in America, with Tecate, one of the country's leading imported Mexican cervezas, as the show's title sponsor. The star-studded red carpet event, which will take place in Los Angeles' historic Orpheum Theater, will honor the character and sportsmanship of Hispanic athletes and is scheduled to air on July 5, 2009.
Once again, Premios Deportes, produced by Los Angeles based, LatinPointe Productions, will feature 11 award categories and tributes to some of the… More »
Brickcityboxing has been informed that Brick City Boxing Team member and former heavyweight contender, Leo "The Italain Lionsheart" Loiacono will be hitting the big screen in a matter of weeks. Loiacono, who retired with a professional record of 16-4, 13 KO's new film will premiere on March 27 in the fighting city of Philidelphia.
The highly anticipated boxing film, "The Nail", The story of Joey Nardone, in which Leo is featured alongside Tony Danza, William Forsythe and many other top notch actors is a film that has captured the hearts and imagination of many who have seen it already.
The history of boxing. I love it. From the bare knuckle days to the present. It is all inner twined. The past, the now and the future. In my opinion to understand today, it's good to know about yesterday. How did we get here ?
If you want to go back to the beginnings a great book to read is Iain Manson's "The Lion And The Eagle". It is about the first "Super Bowl" of boxing. It pitted the best of America, John C.Heenan against the pride of England Tom Sayers. It caused an international stir in an era where… More »
On March 20, 2009 , the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo, Texas , will be packed with boxing fans as ESPN's “Friday Night Fights” boxing series invades the beautiful gateway city for a night of unforgettable fights. The event is promoted by Banner Promotions and features Mexican warrior Fernando Beltran Jr., Russian banger Ruslan Provodnikov, tough Ji Hoon Kim and undefeated, former 2008 United States Olympian, Demetrius Andrade. What further makes the card a must-see for fans from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico , is the addition of three of Cestus Managements fighters Rodolfo “ BABY COBRA”… More »
KIEL, GERMANY (March 14, 2009) - Former heavyweight champion "Relentless" Lamon Brewster cruised his way to an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Michael Sprott at Ostseehalle in Kiel, Germany. Judges Ingo Barrabas and Norbert Duernberger scored the fight 78-73, while Wilhelm Vogl saw the fight 79-73.
Brewster, now 35-4 (30 knockouts), boxed effectively throughout, backing up Sprott with his sheer aggressive nature and powerful left jab. At the end of the third round Brewster landed the most significant punch of the fight, a hard left hook following a grazing right hand that resulted in the only knockdown of the match.… More »
He only won 21 of 51 professional contests in a career that spanned seventeen years. He still became one of the most recognizable heavyweight " journeymen " of his era. His record although dotted with losses looks like a who's who of the heavyweight division during the 1960's and 70's. He battled three world champions and seven men who fought for the heavyweight title and one who fought the great Bob Foster for the light heavyweight title. He also faced ten others who at one point or another was considered a legitimate contender.
KIEL, GERMANY - Former heavyweight champion "Relentless" Lamon Brewster is promising his best performance of the decade when he steps into the ring tomorrow night against Michael Sprott in Kiel, Germany. Both fighters tipped the scale at 234 and looked in prime physical condition.
The fight, which is scheduled for eight rounds, will be Brewster's first as a member of the Sauerland Event stable. The main event will be the IBF middleweight title defense of Arthur Abraham against Lajuan Simon.
"I feel ready," says Lamon Brewster, 34-4 (30 knockouts). "I just can't wait to get in there already and do my… More »
Irish-American fighters, John Duddy and Patrick Farrell will participate in local New Jersey St. Patrick's Day parades this weekend to celebrate their Irish heritage and to promote their upcoming Friday, April 24th Main Event Boxing Series fights at Prudential Center in Newark.
The undefeated Duddy will participate in New Jersey's oldest and biggest annual St. Patrick's Day celebration in West Orange, New Jersey on Sunday. He will ride in the spectacular parade, which begins at 12:00 pm, and then visit a number of local St. Patrick's events.
Patrick Farrell will show his Irish spirit as part of Newark's… More »
The city of Cleveland produced a world class light heavyweight in the late 1970's and 80's. Pablo "Paul" Ramos was a ranked contender and met some of the division's best.
Paul was a celebrated amateur who once defeated future world heavyweight champion Michael Dokes. Paul turned pro in 1976. In 1977, competing in his sixth fight he stopped Mayfield Pennington. Later in the year Pennington would upset the great Emile Griffith. Also in 1977 Ramos would outscore Jerry "The Bull" Martin. This was the same Martin who make three game but unsuccessful attempts to win the world's light heavyweight title.
Shooting To Puerto Rico for a Welterweight Title Showdown
March 10, 2009
Alex “The Brick City Bullet” Perez is the consummate professional fighter. Fighting out of Newark, New Jersey since his child hood days both in the ring and on the street, “The Brick City Bullet” has acquired a reputation that has helped him on the street, but seems to have hindered him as a professional prizefighter. Despite the fact that Perez lives in the gym and never out of shape, he has not fought in over a year due to the fact that people do not want to fight him. It is easy to see why… More »
Japan has provided boxing with many fine champions and contenders over the years. Probably the most famous being the wonderful Fighting Harada. Among those fine fighters representing Japan one has been grossly overlooked. He won three titles in two weight divisions. This was back when boxers had only the W.B.A and W.B.C to contend with. Looking back over his fifty six fight career, you can see he met some pretty stiff competition. His name was Kuniaki Shibata.
Shibata was born at Hitachi, Japan in 1947. He made his professioal debut in 1965. Kuniaki quickly established himself… More »
Saturday at The Tank in San Jose California , Jr. Lightweight Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (23-1-1 NC, 16 KO’s) faced a little known fighter from Indonesia , Daud Yordan (23-0-1 NC, 17 KO’s). Guerrero started fast, landing two lefts to the body in what started as a quick paced fight. Yordan proved a good boxer, landing a left, right combo flush into Guerrero’s face. Then, Yordan landed two straight lefts to the face. Guerrero’s aggression morphed into clinching. A Yordan combo cracked Guerrero again near the end of the first round.
The second round was equally intense, with… More »
Oh my this book really sealed the deal. It was the best boxing book I have read in over two decades. Believe me I've read some outstanding books during that time. This one takes the cake. Why ? Well for a variety of reasons. First off Harry Greb is considered by many experts as one of the three best middleweights who ever lived. Up to now Harry Greb was somewhat of a mystery man. There are no known films of his classic fistic battles. This is very hard to believe since there are many films of his contemporaries. Also little… More »
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Former WBO heavyweight and current NABA heavyweight champion "Relentless" Lamon Brewster has signed a deal with German-based promotional outfit Sauerland Event. Brewster, 34-4 (30 knockouts) will fight in the co-featured slot of IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham's world title defense against Lajuan Simon on March 14 at the Ostseehalle in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
His opponent will be former British heavyweight champion Michael Sprott, who carries a record of 31-12 (16 knockouts), and is a native of Reading, England. Sprott, age 34, became the first man to knock out Olympic gold medalist Audley Harrison in 2007, accomplishing… More »
When a fighter earns the nickname "Kayo", it's safe to assume he's a pretty dangerous guy. Howard Smith met and defeated some top tier heavyweights in the 1970's. Yes he could bang with the best of them.
Howard turned professional in 1971 and suffered a defeat in his fourth pro fight. He bounced right back in 1972 halting future world champion Mike Weaver in three rounds. Next he outscored Weaver in a return match. In 1973 Howard pounded out a decision over Jack "The Giant" O'Halloran. Smith was moving up in the heavyweight rankings in 1974 with KO wins over… More »
The “Explosive Thin Man” Arguello, a champion in three weight classes versus the highly underrated “other” lightweight champion from Panama, Ismael Laguna. For all intents and purposes Alexis was at his best boxing at 130 pounds. When he was champion of that division he defeated Bobby Chacon, Boza Edwards, Rolando Navarette, and Bazooka Limon. All of who won the title AFTER Alexis moved to 135 pounds. Arguello won the lightweight title from Jim Watt. His highest profile defense at this weight was his highly competitive knockout of future champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. Alexis never lost any of his titles… More »
LONG ISLAND, NY -- 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.
"I'd like to be fighting every two months," says Rainone, 12-2 (4 KO). "I'm hoping to fight in March and if so, I'd love to fight at least 5 times this year. I'm always in the gym, always ready."
Rainone, a 29-year-old Plainview resident, is a promotional and… More »
AUTHOR'S NOTE : This article was written long before the invasion of the Eastern European heavyweights. The Klitschko brothers, etc...
March 1, 2009
Well, let's get this over with once and for all. Who was the best white heavyweight since Ingo, or since 1960? Many names come to mind but few have reached the pinnacle of world champion status. You could make a case for South African Gerrie Coetzee who briefly held the W. B. A. crown. He was a game fighter and a hard puncher but his chin was not always reliable and his boxing skills were limited. No, for my money the best Caucasian boxer over the last 40+ years was none other than Joe Bugner.
Texas has developed a reputation for doing everything in grand style. Tomorrow night will be no different when the city of Houston plays host to an outstanding boxing card featuring two title bouts that rank as “must see” events on HBO’s World Championship Boxing. The telecast will air live from Houston’s Toyota Center beginning at 9PM central time.
The main attraction of the evening will pit the former two division three- time world champion Juan Manuel Marquez against Houston’s very own former undisputed lightweight king, Juan Diaz in a fight for the vacant WBA and WBO lightweight titles.
This weekend should be action packed for boxing fans as we will be treated to several interesting match ups. First up will be the main event on the ESPN Friday night fight card. Former world champion Glen Johnson takes on Daniel Judah in a rematch. The two fought to a draw in 2003. Johnson (48-12-2) Is one of my favorite boxers active today. He'll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. He didn't get the nickname "Road Warrior" for nothing. Judah (23-3-3) is a talented southpaw and a tough customer. This should be a rousing battle. I favor Johnson who is looking to… More »
NEW YORK - Light-heavyweight contender Shaun George entered his bout with Jaffa Ballogou intent on sending the division a message it could not ignore. It took him only 86 seconds to accomplish his mission, finishing off "The African Assassin" in spectacular fashion in New York City's BB King Blues Club & Grill.
"I had a lot of respect for Jaffa going in," George said, now 18-2 (9 knockouts). "I took him very serious but at the same time I wanted to impress the boxing fans and show them what I can do. I wanted a knockout and I would have been… More »
He was grace and artistry in the ring. He was one of the best pure boxers of his era. He won one world title and failed twice to win titles in two other weight classes. He had class and was a gentleman. He proudly represented the great fight city of Youngstown, Ohio. His name was Greg Richardson and they called him "The Flea."
Born in 1958, Greg launched his pro career in 1982 winning by a first round kayo. In his next bout Greg was halted in the opening stanza by Harry Lee. Hardly the start of a legend.
NEW YORK, NY -- Light heavyweight contender Shaun George tipped the scales at 177.5 for his scheduled 10-round match against Jaffa Ballogou on Wednesday night at BB King Blues Club & Grill in New York City's Times Square. Ballogou weighed exactly 177. The bout will headline Dibella Entertainment's first installment of Broadway Boxing of 2009. The fight will be televised by SportsNet NY, with dates and times to be announced shortly.
For the 29-year-old Brooklyn native George, this fight is about sending a message to the light-heavyweight division that they won't be able to ignore.
Hall of Famer managing young Detroit fighter in IBF cruiserweight title fight in ShoBox feature presentation, live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
February 23, 2009
NEW YORK (Feb. 23, 2009) -- SHOWTIME caught up with legendary trainer Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward on Monday for his thoughts on this Friday’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight title fight pitting champion Tomasz Adamek against Steward’s pupil, the undefeated Johnathon Banks in the main event Friday, Feb. 27, on ShoBox: The New Generation (live at 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
Steward, 64, recently lost one of his best friends and mentors, the renowned Walter Smith, who along with Steward ran the world famous Kronk Gym in Detroit that produced numerous world champions, including eight-time… More »
This book is a collection of boxing essays and articles that renown writer Katherine Dunn has had published. This was a wonderful book written by someone who loves boxing. You could just feel her passion for the sport jump out at you as you turned the pages.
There were some great chapters on some of my favorite fighters and famous fights. Historic battles like Hagler's bouts with Duran, Hearns and Leonard. There is also a fine piece on the Holmes - Cooney classic. In other chapters Katherine highlights some of my favorite fighters. I especially… More »
The heavyweight division of the late 60's and early 70's was one of the most talent laden and competetive of all time. It gave us Ali and Frazier. Foreman, Norton, Shavers, Quarry, Lyle, Patterson and Ellis. The list is almost endless. Bonavena, Middleton, "Blue" Lewis, Mac Foster, Buster Mathis, Chuvalo, Thad Spencer, Leotis Martin...
In the late 70's former Olympian Duane Bobick emerged as a legitimate contender. Although kayoed by Teo Stevenson in the Olympics, Duane was guided through the pro ranks by "Smokin' Joe Frazier himself.
Duane racked up quite an impressive resume on his way up the… More »
What would you say about a fighter who met the likes of Ken Norton, Ron Lyle, Jimmy Ellis, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonevena and Joe Bugner? All boxers who either held or fought for the world’s heavyweight championship. Yet this fighter never came close to a world title shot. You could call him “Hard Luck”. I would call him Larry Middleton.
Larry began his career in 1965 and didn’t exactly set the world on fire. He drew with Jimmy Haynes, in his pro debut and two fights later, was stopped by Jerry O’Neal. He won three… More »
How do you outbox your opponent all night, score a knockdown, where your opponent got to continue after being counted out and then with nary a mark on your face after 12 rounds, have the fight ruled a Majority Draw? Maybe we should ask Ged O’ Connor and Peter Tremetera. This wasn’t in Montreal and the referee wasn’t Marlon B. Wright.
Saturday night at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise Florida, Jr. Middleweight contender Kermit Cintron (30-2-1, 27 KO’s) faced Argentine rising star, Sergio Gabriel Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KO’s) in a fight for the WBC’s 154 pound Interim title. Geez…how… More »
After eleven months of inactivity, Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KO’s) was finally back in action Saturday night at the Bank Atlantic Center in his home state of Florida, where he failed to make the contracted weight of 135 pounds and lost his WBA/IBF and WBO titles on the scales before the first bell rang to start the fight against Ali Funeka (30-2-2, 25 KO’s) of South Africa.
Relatively unknown Ali Funeka proved to be a high quality boxer/puncher. Had he beaten Campbell , he would have taken Campbell ’s lost titles back home to Africa . Funeka’s… More »
NEW YORK, NY -- As training camp winds down for Shaun George, he prepares for what he says will be "the performance of a lifetime" on February 25 against Jaffa Ballogou at BB King Blues Club & Grill, located in New York City's Times Square. The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds and will headline Dibella Entertainment's next installment of "Broadway Boxing".
"Everything is going great," George, 17-2-2 (8 KO) of Brooklyn, NY says. "I'm just staying sharp and keeping my timing right. I can't wait to get out there and fight already. Jaffa doesn't stand a chance against me."
Boxing Returns to Newark ’s Prudential Center on Friday, February 27th
February 13, 2009
When boxing returns to Newark ’s Prudential Center on Friday, February 27th fans will be treated to an entire night of competitive bouts.
Starting with the main event, where unbeaten Johnathon Banks of Detroit (20-0, 14 KO’s) challenges reigning IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Tomasz Adamek of Jersey City (36-1, 24 KO’s) a total of eight undefeated fighters will test their skills and risk their unblemished records on the scheduled eight-bout card.
Even more amazing is the fact that when added together, the total won/lost records of the night’s competitors amount to 121-14, 77 KO’s vs. 115-19, 73 KO’s. In… More »
THIS was a great book! When I received it I had heard of Charles "Bud" Taylor. I knew he was in the Hall Of Fame but he was a fighter from the past. I really knew little about him. I know better now thanks to author John D. Wright. John's labor of love brought to light a career forgotten. A career that should be remembered. Bud Taylor was a hell of fighter. He was a hell of a man too and Mr.Wright covers all the bases.
The names on Bud Taylor's record are impressive to say the… More »
I used to date a woman who was a fan of boxing (take me back please!) who was so humored by the nickname Sugar Poo that she laughed every time anyone said it. Now there’s another reason to laugh, because what Andre Ward did to Buchanan in some way probably resembles what would happen if you or I attempted to spar. Henry (I can’t say Poo too much) seemed shocked very early by how big the gap was between what he “is” and what Andre Ward “is” and you could see it on his face. Every now and then the… More »
I’m a fan of all things little, maybe because I am what one would call diminutive myself. Since I’m so enamored with myself (I like to keep it real) I see myself in Nate Robinson, Spud Webb, and Prince, anything little and packed with Dynamite. But Vic Darchinyan aint one of us ya’ll, his hands are that of someone 50lbs heavier. Damn where’s Mr. Richardson when you need him? If I were in Arces camp I would want to check his DNA after the fight. All credit to the feisty Mexican for showing massive heart in the face of a… More »
Junior middleweight Omar Henry stopped Francisco Martinez in the first round of a scheduled four round bout.
A left hook to the head by Henry hurt Martinez. Henry followed it up by landing a right hand that backed Martinez against the ropes. Henry then landed a three-punch combination that ended with a right to the head that dropped Martinez to the canvas.
Referee Tony Crebs did not bother to count and waved the fight over at 57 seconds of the round.
LOS ANGELES, CA -– What happens when two of boxing’s most feared superstars can’t find anyone willing to step up and face them? They fight each other. On Saturday, April 11th, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, former Junior Middleweight World Champion Winky Wright will look to stop the meteoric rise of two-division World Champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams in a 12 round middleweight bout that is destined to land the winner on the list of boxing’s best, pound-for-pound.
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 go on sale Friday, Feb. 13… More »
At one time Buster Mathis Sr. of Grand Rapids, Michigan was the best amateur heavyweight in the world. This was in 1964 after he had twice defeated another promising amateur named Joe Frazier. He was on his way to the 1964 Olympics Games in Tokyo but an injury sidelined him. Frazier took his place as an alternate. Joe won the Gold Medal and the rest is history.
Where does Buster Mathis stand in the annals of heavyweight history? Did he ever get the respect that he may have deserved? He was a good enough prospect… More »
Kermit Cintron must stay focused for his Valentines Day bout with Sergio Martinez. It must be difficult, and could anyone blame him for having one eye trained on the California Boxing Commission and former foe Antonio Margarito. Like the steroid hearings in baseball, once the cork is broken reputations are re examined and some are restored. In my opinion Sergio Martinez is all wrong for Cintron, especially stepping up into a new division. Cintron is a rangy, long range puncher with “good” hand speed but poor head movement and crisis resolution. Martinez is looking a late peaking, slick southpaw who… More »
This article used to be under the working title “from HBO with Love” in recognition of the networks Valentines Day triple offering to fight fans. Much respect is due the “home of boxing” for providing great matches you want to see as opposed to infomercials for their next PPV heist. Instead of watching “house” names compete in glorified sparring sessions the network (as well as promoters) seem to be assisting President Obama (I love saying that) in offering a stimulus package of more “ fight game” than big name. In times like these people are bound to watch more TV… More »
It was no walk in the park Saturday night in Anaheim, where WBA/WBC/IBF Super Flyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan (32-1-1, 26 KO’s) displayed his newest incarnation; Darchinyan the ambidextrous power boxer, who uses more than just his left to make his mark. What many expected to be an all out slugfest, was still a slugfest, but only at intervals and initiated mostly by his opponent, former champ, Jorge Arce (51-5-1, 39 KO’s), who after losing the first couple of rounds by being out-boxed from outside, decided to storm the castle and bring the fight inside to where his wild winging ways… More »
Since 1994, fighters in the lowest weight classes have been featured prominently and consistently on SHOWTIME.
There have been a total of 30 fights at 115 pounds or less. The vast, vast majority (90-plus percent) were for world titles, or were world title unification fights.
There have been 13 fights at 115 pounds; five at 112, six at 108 and six at 105.
Those who participated in the fights read like a Who's Who of "little guys" -- Ricardo "Finito" Lopez, Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson, Johnny Tapia, Nonito Donaire and, of course, Vic Darchinyan, who will be making… More »
Wednesday, Feb. 4, TKO Boxing Gym, Anaheim, CA
February 5, 2009
Three of the four fighters who will be featured on Saturday’s excellent doubleheader on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING participated in a workout Wednesday that was open to the media and public. It was held at the TKO Boxing Gym in Anaheim, Calif.
In what will be a slugfest from start to finish, Vic Darchinyan will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight belts against Jorge Arce in Saturday’s main event live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
The once-beaten, hard-hitting Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, by way… More »
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… More »
East Rutherford, NJ - The fighters who will be participating in Tuesday's Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions boxing event weighed in on Monday at the fight venue, the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ. The entire card will be broadcast live by GoFightLive.tv throughout the world.
Fans interested in viewing the entire seven-fight card entitled "Knockout Night" can simply visit www.gofightlive.tv and stream the event live at the affordable price of $4.99 .
The ten-round main event is a competitively matched junior welterweight fight between former world champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley of Washington DC and former title challenger "El Topadora"… More »
It was to be the last time the incomparable Muhammad Ali would ever successfully defend the heavyweight championship. It would be held in boxing’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. It would also feature Ohio’s most popular heavyweight of the last quarter century, Earnie Shavers.
The “Acorn” as Ali had dubbed Shavers would be a prohibitive underdog. He was accorded a puncher’s chance at best against the aging but still crafty king of the heavyweights. What transpired the night of September29, 1977 established Earnie as a legitimate contender and forecast the soon to be demise of… More »
Juan Urango went into the hostile territory of Montreal, Canada to take on their popular fighter Herman Ngoudjo. At stake was the vacant IBF light welterweight title. After twelve gruelling rounds Urango copped a unanimous decision and the title. The scoring for this fight though must be questioned. The scores were 118-108, 120-106 and a little more realistic 116-110. I had Urango winning with a few points to spare. The first two judges cards border on ridiculous.
Kudos to Ngoudjo who got off the canvas twice and remained competitive. At times he out boxed the plodding Urango with quick jabs… More »
East Rutherford, NJ - Former Junior-Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will face Wilson Enrique Galli of Uruguay in the ten-round main event of the February 3 Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions show entitled "Knockout Night" at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ.
Corley, 32-10-1 (18 KO) from Washington DC won the WBO 140 pound title when he knocked out Felix Flores in the first round in 2001. Corley made two successful defenses before losing a close decision to Zab Judah. Over the course of Corley's career he has faced top caliber opposition, including near-knockouts of Miguel Cotto and Floyd… More »
Stan " Kitten " Hayward was just one of the many tough welterweights and middleweights that came out of Philadelphia in the 1960's and 70's. He battled the best his hometown had to offer and several other world contenders too.
Hayward began his pro career in 1959. He won sixteen of his first eighteen matches. In 1963 he dropped a ten rounder to welterweight contender Jose Stable. Later in the year he stopped Percy Manning. In 1964 and 1965 Hayward made great strides up the ladder. First he halted future welterweight champion Curtis Cokes in four… More »
People who don’t understand nor approve of boxing finding it a ridiculous assertion to say the following words “Fighter A gave Fighter B a real beat down”. It rings of ignorance to the uninformed eye because to them any fool that steps between the ropes is receiving a beat down. In a way, we of the initiated must give a nod to them because boxing over time will insure long-term harm to its practitioners. Even people who we validate as defensive “wizards” like Floyd Mayweather receive punches to the face and body-every fight. Would any of us want to be… More »
When Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams passed away a few years back, it ended the final chapter of a story about three gifted heavyweights from the 50's and 60's. Williams joined Eddie Machen and Zora Folley to form a trio of hard luck boxers who met tragic deaths after a career of frustration.
Machen lost a decision to Ernie Terrell in a 1965 W.B.A. title bout. Later Eddie suffered some mental problems and eventually committed suicide. Folley who was stopped in seven by Muhammad Ali in 1967 died of injuries suffered
in a poolside accident. Machen and… More »
Bob Foster won the light heavyweight championship of the world on May 24th, 1968. He would dominate the division until 1974. Only once during that time did Bob lose possession of his title. Well in reality it was taken from him. The World Boxing Association in their divine wisdom stripped Bob of his title recognition. In their eyes the winner of a bout between long time contender Jimmy Dupree and Venezuela's Vincente Rondon would be declared the new WBA champion. Needless to say Mr. Foster was not happy about this situation and it was not wise to make Bob angry.… More »
East Rutherford, NJ - Former Junior-Welterweight champion Demarcus "Chop Chop" Corley has been added to the Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions show now scheduled for
Tuesday, February 3. Corley, who won the WBO 140 pound title with a dramatic first round KO of Felix Flores in 2001, will compete in a ten-round contest against an
opponent to be named later.
Corley defended his world title twice before dropping a close decision to Zab Judah. Over the course of his career, Corley has thrilled fans with his performances against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto and Junior Witter.
Mr. Ted Sares...The "Bull" as we know him has done it again. On the heels of his first boxing literary classic, "Boxing Is My Sanctuary", out comes his new work "Reelin' In The Years".
In this book Ted takes us through the different eras. He paints a vivid picture of our world during those times. Then he ties them to important bouts and famous fighters who roamed the landscape of those decades. It is pure nostalgia mixed with fury. I loved it !
Ted talks about spoilers and survivors. About tough guys and journeyman opponents. " Have Gloves Will Travel". Ted… More »
Saturday night in Los Angeles, 30 year old, former WBA Welterweight titlist Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito (37-6, 27 KO’s) saw his iron chin turned to tin, as he was beaten in every round by 37 year old “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46-5, 38 KO’s), who peppered Margarito with his jab and hammered him with his right hand, silencing the pro-Margarito crowd at the Staples Center as he broke Margarito down, culminating in a knockout in the ninth round.
If this fight reminded anyone of Hopkins ’ performance against Kelly Pavlik a few months ago, the common denominator is Mosley’s new trainer,… More »
The date is August 1, 1975. At the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two of the top middleweight prospects are meeting in a rematch of a May 19th bout in Binghampton, N.Y. On that occasion Mike Nixon, the brother-in-law of Jerry and Mike Quarry beat Mike Rossman. The loss that night to Nixon was the first of Rossman's budding career. He vowed to avenge that. The return saw nip and tuck action all the way with Rossman boxing well behind an educated left jab but Nixon came on some in the middle rounds. Although Rossman was probably in front,… More »
I just learned that on December 5th past Jeff Stoudemire passed away from kidney failure. He was 51 years old. Jeff was one of the most celebrated amateur boxers to ever come out of the area. He was trained by the highly respected Clint Martin.Jeff won the 1978 National Golden Gloves welterweight title. In 1979 he claimed the United States Amateur Boxing light middleweight championship. He was on the 1980 Olympic boxing team. That ill fated team never had a chance to compete due to President Jimmy Carter's decision to boycott the Moscow Olympics.
“Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss”
January 23, 2009
Tomorrow night, “Sugar” Shane Mosley will enter the ring playing the role of a fastly fading, former world champion to the current WBA welterweight king, Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito in HBO’s World Championship Boxing telecast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Mosley has been written off heading into the marquee match up by numerous boxing “experts” and fans alike largely based on his last outing against Ricardo Mayorga.
In that fight, Mosley went 35 minutes and 59 seconds before vanquishing Mayorga via an “early” stoppage. Shane, at times, looked out of sync and complacent during his battle with the… More »
Champion Ingemar Johansson vs Sonny Liston was a fight that very well could have happened. After Ingo shocked Floyd Patterson to win the title in 1959, he was the " man ". At this time Sonny was just beginning to establish himself as a heavyweight to be reckoned with. By the time Floyd and Ingo met again in June of 1960, Sonny had defeated Nino Valdez and Cleveland Williams twice. One month after Patterson - Johansson II Sonny stopped the clever Zora Folley. Then two months later he outscored the classy Eddie Machen. There was little doubt that Sonny Liston… More »
Author's Note: Since this article was first published in 1997, Harry and Ray have put any animosity behind them.
January 22, 2009
"Why We Missed The Battle Of Youngstown"
Let us make believe that it is 1984 again and the management of Ray Mancini decided NOT to defend his W.B.A. lightweight title against Livingstone Bramble. Instead they opt to unify at least part of the championship against cross town rival Harry Arroyo, the I.B.F. title holder. The bout would be held in their home town of Youngstown, Ohio and be televised live nationally. The whole city of Youngstown and its surrounding areas are buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The TV executives predict a bonanza rating since both boxers are proven crowd pleasers.… More »
This coming Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles California, 30 year old Welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito (37-5, 27 KO’s) will defend his WBA strap against 37 year old Shane Mosley (45-5, 38 KO’s). While this fight may have some draw power due to the big name thing, based on recent events, I can’t imagine Mosley has enough left in him to beat a big, strong fighter like Margarito. But anything CAN happen—just ask Kelly Pavlik.
Mosley struggled mightily in a 12 rounder against the very washed up Ricardo Mayorga last September, where with one click left in the… More »
East Rutherford, NJ -- Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions is proud to announce that their January 22 show at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ will be broadcast online by GoFightLive.tv.
Fans interested in viewing the entire seven-fight card entitled "Knockout Night" can simply visit www.gofightlive.tv and stream the event live at the affordable price of $4.99.
The weigh-in for the event is scheduled for 6 PM at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ. The Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel is located at 2 Meadowlands Plaza. The event is open to all members of the media as well as… More »
Oscar De La Hoya admits he still has not decided whether he will return to the boxing ring or to retire from the sport.
The 35-year-old, 10-time world champion was put to the sword over eight rounds by Manny Pacquiao at welterweight in Las Vegas last December prompting calls for the 'Golden Boy' to hang up his gloves.
Yet despite the speculation that his sixth defeat in a 45-fight professional career would be his last, De La Hoya said he still had not made up his mind.
"You know, I really haven't made a decision," De La Hoya said.
Junior Witter will continue his bid to return to the top against Devon Alexander with the interim WBC light-welterweight title on the line.
The 34-year-old lost the WBC belt on a split decision against Timothy Bradley in May last year but returned to the ring to knock out Victor Hugo Castro in three rounds six months later.
Nowe Witter is plotting a route back to world-title honours but with Bradley facing Kendall Holt the WBA champion, in a unification bout in April, an immediate rematch is not on the cards.
Alexander is a former US amateur light-welterweight champion, and is ranked at one… More »
The on-off super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton may be winding to a close with both parties not able to agree a revenue split.
The Ring online reported yesterday that Hatton had given Pacquiao until Wednesday morning to sign the deal or he would walk away from the deal.
The news got worse today with Top Ranks Promoter Bob Arum annoucing the fight off.
The Hatton camp told Richard Schaefer, The chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions that they intend on holding a press conference Thursday morning to announce that they are now not pushing for the super… More »
Little Falls -- The Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions Show scheduled for January 22 is postponed and will be rescheduled for Tuesday, February 3. "Knockout Night" will still take place at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ.
The show was jeopardized by the inability of a key fighter to make weight and an injury to another. The updated lineup for the show will be announced shortly.
Tickets already purchased for this event will be honored at the new date. For more information on this show and others, call 973-339-9611 or visit www.darwishbrothers.com. More »
Reports this morning claim former world champions Enzo Maccarinelli and Steve “USS” Cunningham will go head to head in a bout to be staged at the MEN arena on March 14th for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title.
Maccarinelli was thought to be lining up to fight Jonathan Banks but Banks withdrew from negotiations and now looks increasingly likely to face IBF champion Thomasz Adamek instead.
The fight hasnt been signed yet but with Frank Warren (Maccarinelli's promoter) already working together with Don King (Cunningham's trainer) on the Khan v Barrera fight it would appear this could be an easy fight to… More »
The former world Light Heavyweight champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Jose "Chegui" Torres Olympic died on Monday aged 72.
The former world champion died of a heart attack at his home in Puerto Rico.
Torres won the light heavyweight title in 1965 by stopping Willie Pastrano at Madison Square Garden in New York. He made three title defences before losing a close decision to Dick Tiger in 1966.
He finished with a record of 41-3-1, with 29 knockouts.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the fighters family and friends and all the fight fans this great warrior to reached out to. More »
Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton will slug it out on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after both camps reportedly agreed to a 52-48 compromise in pay-per-view revenue.
The British press reported that Pacquiao will get the bigger percentage, but not the 60-40 he earlier demanded.
Although Pacquiao was willing to settle for 55-45 revenue split, Top Rank boss Bob Arum managed to reduce the number to 52-48 in the last few days to save the fight from being canceled.
The Guardian newspaper said Arum is set to make a formal announcement on Friday when all contracts are signed by… More »
Amir Khan's days as a lightweight are running out, according to his American trainer Freddie Roach.
Khan joined Roach at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood yesterday to begin preparing for his big test against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at the MEN Arena in Manchester on March 14.
Roach is convinced Khan can beat Barrera, but not so confident that he can keep on beating the scales.
"Amir is a big 135lb (lightweight) boxer and I will be monitoring his growth over the next few months," confirmed Roach. "I think he will end up at 140lb (light-welterweight) and then it will be… More »
WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto (24-0, 19 KOs) scrapped past former WBA champ Luis Collazo (29-4, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Collazo started the better and things got wrose for the champion who was deducted a point for holding in round four, Berto started boxing from the outside in round five and had a few good rounds. Collazo got a second wind in rounds nine and ten, but Berto closed the fight strong to pull it out. Scores were 116-111, 114-113, 114-113.
Heavyweight Tor Hamer (3-0, 3 KOs) scored a second… More »
Tulsa, OK -- 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).
Murphy, a one-time cruiserweight world title challenger and the brother of former IBF cruiserweight champion Lee Roy Murphy, falls to 22-24-2 (16 KO). The time was 1:26.
"I felt good in there," Kauffman says. "I wanted to box a little. I was having fun in there. I lured him… More »
One such date I'll always remember is March 8, 1971. The " Battle Of The Century ", it was so aptly named.Two undefeated boxers who each had a legitimate claim to being the heavyweight champion of the world would collide. When Muhammad Ali first won the title in 1964 his name was Cassius Clay. He would shortly thereafter change his name and then proceed to change the face of boxing. He dominated the scene until 1967 when he refused induction into the US Military due to his religious beliefs. Then came the Eight Man Elimination Tourney that was won by… More »
Psssssssssssst, it’s me your boy and I’m back with that swagger like Mick Jagger! I promised ya’ll I’d come with some sharp work on the pads to get you into the new year of boxing. Now it’s time for part 2 to get ya’ll ready for Andre Berto’s little step up against Luis Collazo on Saturday. I’ll also let you know how I really feel about the Heavyweights and where I think the division’s two young guns. I’ll probably put my self in danger with Jin Mosley with my analysis of Mosley vs. Margarito but I believe all objective boxing… More »
By Ted Sares - You don’t go into the ring with Joe Louis unless you’re tough. --Bob Pastor
January 16, 2009
Known as the “Corn Belt’s Pride” by his rabid fans, a tough looking guy by the name of John J. Paychek was making some noise in Des Moines, Iowa back in the late-thirties. In fact, in 1938, he chalked up 15 wins without a loss, including a TKO over the well-traveled Harris Krakow (Alias King Levinsky and 75-32-7 at the time) and the well-worn Charley Belanger, 96-50-2 coming in.
Paychek was working as a bellboy at the Hotel Chamberlain and sports writers began to wonder how this stylish Polish lad could run up a 15 (KO 11)-0 mark in just… More »
Hackensack, NJ -- Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions' first media event in support of their January 22 boxing show was a smashing success this past Monday. The fighters who will be participating at "Knockout Night" at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel put their skills on display in front of various members of the media, dazzling all in attendance at the Hackensack Police Athletic League with their boxing prowess. For close to two hours, the boxers held a captive audience as they performed boxing exercises that hinted at the excitement that is in store for the fans next Thursday night.
Tulsa, OK -- Undefeated heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman is relaxed and ready to take care of business tomorrow night against Ken Murphy of Chicago, Illinois. Kauffman, 14-0 (11 KO), of Reading, PA will fight Murphy in a six-round bout on the undercard of the Gary Shaw Productions/Holden Productions-promoted show at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, OK.
Kauffman checked in at a trim and ready 224 pounds, three pounds heavier than his previous fight with Malachy Farrell in December which was televised on ShoBox: The Next Generation. His opponent weighed in at 230.
He turned professional in 1970, fighting in the clubs of New England, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. In his eighth pro contest he was trading shots with a fella named Edwin Viruet. He suffered his first pro defeat that night. No shame in that. Nor would there be any shame in his next setback two fights later to crafty Diego Alcala. He reeled off three wins and then lost again to world rated Miguel Montilla but he was now fighting out of his home base of Puerto Rico. Five weeks later he lost a decision to Gino Febus. Three… More »
Al Bernstein Boxing Channel to Air the Pay-Per-View Matches on January 14th
January 14, 2009
Hollywood, FL – iBN Sports, a premiere Internet-based broadcast sports television network announced that has reached a n agreement with Hollywood, Florida based Seminole Warriors Boxing, starting with the airing of its 2009 debut tripleheader over the Al Bernstein Boxing Channel (ABBC) and iBN Sports. The January 14th event from the Hard Rock in Florida will be made available for Pay-Per-View fans along with a spectacular fight from the Seminole Warriors library of past events. The tripleheader live card will feature Edison Miranda, Sechew Powell and O’Neil Bell and is billed as the “Hard Knocks at… More »
In 1966 two heavyweights of Puerto Rican heritage turned professional. Each would have an impact on the talent rich heavyweight division of the late 60's and early 70's. Their careers would mirror each others and they even took the time to cross gloves on a couple of occasions.
Pedro Agosto and Jose "King" Roman met some of the best heavyweights of the era with a varying degree of success. Agosto's career started with a bang as he reeled off twelve straight kayos. He won his first sixteen overall including a 12th round stoppage of Roman. Jose started with much less… More »
There was a time in the mid 60's that revolved around who would be Muhammad Ali's next opponent. The former Cassius Clay was chewing up and spitting out challengers with alarming ease. His hold on the heavyweight title was reaching the point of fan boredom. Few could see any serious contenders on the horizon.
Then a tremendous boxer-puncher of Puerto Rican heritage exploded on to the scene. He was really a blown up middleweight with an extensive and successful amateur background, but boy could he fight!
He was a thing of beauty to watch. Hands held high… More »
Indonesia's Chris John is an undefeated world champion. He has held that status since 2003. Still he is hardly ever mentioned in boxing columns or wire reports. I've never seen him on anybody's pound for pound rating lists. He has boxed professionally for a decade now but he has become an invisible champion.
On February 28th John will meet the tough and capable Rocky Juarez in his U.S. debut This will a co-feature with Juan Manuel Marquez meeting Juan Diaz. . Why Chris John is so unheralded is hard to understand because John has won a couple of major fights… More »
The Winky Wright Foundation has announced that Orlando of WiLD 98.7’s “Morning Freak Show” will be competing with Fisher and Boy of Tampa-based 97X’s “Morning X Show” in signing up walkers for the T.D. Cassaway Breast Cancer Awareness Walk scheduled for January 31. The walk will compliment “The Good Life Experience,” a three night star-studded event at Tampa Bay’s “The Venue” hosted by Winky Wright, music and enteratainment mogul Diddy, and NFL-great Deion Sanders in memory of Winky’s cousin and Herd Dorsey’s sister Tisha Cassaway who lost her battle with Breast Cancer in September.
Winky's Wright Foundation "Fights Breast Cancer!!!"
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL -— Daniel Santos will make his first defense of the World Boxing Association super welterweight championship he won in July when he faces interim World Boxing Council super welterweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez on Feb. 14.
The addition of the Santos-Martinez world championship to the previously announced HBO-televised card promoted by Don King Productions makes for a smashing tripleheader. The event already features World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs) opposing his IBF No. 1-Ranked mandatory challenger Ali “Rush Hour” Funeka as well as another intriguing 154-pound pairing… More »
East Los Angeles, CA -- Recently signed Goossen Tutor Promotions fighter Shawn “El Chamuko” Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs) is set to continue his knockout path in 2009 when he challenges Jeffrey Osborne Jr. of Davenport, Iowa, and a veteran of 21 professional bouts on Saturday, January 24 in Minnesota’s Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hinckley.
Estrada, the 2008 U.S. Olympian from East Los Angeles has come a long way in the past few months since his return from Beijing, China where he experienced two of three of the most difficult losses in the 23 young years of his life; the loss of… More »
He came from a fighting family and by the time his boxing career ended in 1971 he was the most beloved British boxer of all time. Only once did he challenge for the World's title but he dominated the British heavyweight scene for over fifteen years. His popularity soared even more after retirement and eventually the Queen of England knighted him. Sir Henry Cooper was more than just a British fighter. He was a fine example of what British boxing is all about.
Henry's professional career started in September of 1954 and he proceeded to win his first… More »
Ya’ll miss me? I knew you wouldn’t, but hey-those be the rules in the Fight game. Boxing is an exciting “what have you done for me lately” universe and unfortunately for me I’ve been far from lately. Yet, as an observer of the sweet science I am never far removed from neither the fights nor my sacred brethren- You! The degenerate Boxing Junkies. I was there in Vegas sandwiched between Tijuana natives the night Margarito walked down Miguel Cotto. I was so close that I felt strangely sympathetic merely witnessing the “Tornado” inching his way forward through a hail of… More »
Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, Live SHOWTIME 10PM CST.
January 7, 2009
NEW YORK, NY – For two, unproven, but talented prospects, the New Year brings a dangerous challenge that will test their ring smarts, skills, mental toughness and unbeaten records.
Leonilo Miranda (24-0, 23 KOs), a featherweight from Mexico, will aim for another knockout victory when he faces fellow unbeaten Orlando Cruz (15-0-1, 6 KOs) of Puerto Rico, in a 10-round featherweight bout on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, live on ShoBox: The New Generation (SHOWTIME 11 p.m. E/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Both prospects are southpaws and both are making their American television debut. “ShoBox is in large part about… More »
- Boxing has become America's tragic theater. --Joyce Carol Oates
January 7, 2009
The Island
Both Craftsmen and artists have produced memorable tapestries. So has a beautiful and verdant Caribbean Island sometimes referred to as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The island, almost rectangular in shape, is the smallest of the Greater Antilles.. With an estimated population of close to four million people and slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island, it likely has the most dynamic economy in the entire Caribbean. But unlike many other Islands (or countries for that matter), it has a disproportionate number of major league baseball players including Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente and Orlando Cepeda.… More »
The British produced some quality heavyweights during the 1950's and 60's. Of course "Ol'" Enry' Cooper comes to mind. There was rugged Joe Erskine and Wales gave us Dick Richardson. Later Billy "The Golden Boy" Walker would emerge. One of the best was Brian London who would twice fight for world title honors.
Brian was born in 1934 and turned professional in 1955. He won his first twelve bouts, eleven by knockout before being stopped in one round by Henry Cooper in 1956. Brian bounced back to win eight of his next nine before dropping… More »
Rafael Pineda was really a good fighter, a former champion who most fans remember as being outclassed by a prime Pernell Whitaker (who wasn't back then). In reality Pineda was a contender from the late 80's to 2004. Rafael was a dangerous fighter!
Pineda turned pro in 1986 and won his first 20 fights. In 1989 he suffered his first loss. He was stopped in five rounds by Mark Breland for the WBA welterweight title. Pineda claimed he was thumbed and refused to continue. Rafael then won six straight and in 1991 he challenged Roger… More »
He may be one of the most overlooked champions of the 1990's. He had style and skill. He won 49 of 55 bouts and a piece of the welterweight title. He knocked out 31 but he himself was never stopped. His name was Aaron Davis and they called him "Superman".
Davis was born in the Bronx in 1967 and turned professional in 1986. He reeled off 29 straight victories to establish himself as a top contender for the welterweight title. Along… More »
Reading, PA - Heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman will face his most experienced opponent to date on January 16, 2009 at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, OK. Ken Murphy, a veteran of 47 professional fights from Chicago, Illinois, will attempt to derail the unbeaten fighter in a six-round undercard matchup. Murphy once challenged for the WBA cruiserweight title and has consistently fought tough opposition throughout his career.
"I know the guy has a lot of experience," says Travis Kauffman, 14-0 (11 KO) of Reading, PA. "I believe that every fight for me is a step-up, regardless of their records.… More »
Sorry...I just could not get over this one. I tried but but I could not come to terms with it. When it was first announced that Barry McGuigan was being inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in Canastota, New York in 2005 I was a bit surprised. Obviously to me there were more deserving potential inductees. Then it hit me. Hit me like a ton of bricks. How could McGuigan be inducted while
Danny "Little Red" Lopez is still on the outside looking in?
This is not a personal vendetta against Barry McGuigan. … More »
Like a fine craftsman, Ted Sares blends the decades since the’40s with the sport of Boxing, The result is a compelling series of stories that are skillfully sequenced and touch on some very atypical perspectives of the fight game. As he did with his last book, the acclaimed Boxing is my Sanctuary, he displays a humanity that is equal parts of brutal and tender. For example, the reader will ride the pendulum from love to hate when revisiting the dark side of boxing and the tragic bout involving Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Duk Koo Kim. The reader will… More »
In 2006, Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca from the Philippines gave Juan Manuel Marquez a reasonably competitive fight before he was iced in the 9th stanza. You may recall this was a televised fight in which the referee told the badly cut JMM that he was well ahead so he did not have to continue. For his indiscretion in plain sight, the referee in question was suspended for a period of time..
This year (2008), former WBA super featherweight title holder Yodsanan "3-K Battery" Sor Nanthachai, stopped Jaca in Thailand in the 6th round. 3-K, no slouch, has beaten such notables as… More »
What could be better than walking down any street in any city and knowing you're the heavyweight champion of the world? --Marciano
Goody's a legend in this business. It's part of his passion. For me, as a young guy making this my dream and passion, he's lived it. I admire Goody big time. It's an honor to be doing things with Goody. --Rich Cappiello
Brockton, Massachusetts is a gritty, multi-ethnic, and densely populated city located in a working-class setting of about 94,000 people on the outskirts of Boston. It has a whole lot of soul and an interesting history.. Perhaps as much… More »
"Everybody breathing dirt, eating dirt---they call it 'pay dirt,' for Youngstown clean would be Youngstown out of work... --Frank Bohn, 1915"
January 3, 2009
Like Brockton, MA, this is a gritty and hardscrabble place with a population of about 74,000, but instead of a Shoe Museum, it has a Steel Museum celebrating its major industry which has declined badly since the ‘70s. Located in a region often referred to as the Rust Belt, the city has seen better times as evidenced by the many boarded up shops, but strong efforts are now underway to revitalize the city’s post-steel image.
One constant has been a tradition of professional and semi-professional sports with the Youngstown State University Penguins being a major regional draw. The university is… More »
The TD Cassaway Breast Cancer Awareness Walk is a great way to fight back against breast cancer and provide hope to all people facing the disease. TD Cassaway Walk will be a celebration of survivorship, an occasion to express hope, a shared goal to bring awareness to cancer and end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. This event will be open to men, women, and children of all ages. The TD Cassaway Walk will unite friends, families, and coworkers to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. On the main stage we will… More »
Roberto Duran is my favorite fighter of all time. Because of this fact I thought I may be a little bias in my opinion of the book "Hands Of Stone". Would I over rate it because the subject was Duran or would I be too harsh and expect too much? All I know is when it hit the shelf, I had to have it. Although time is not a luxury for me these days I was going to make time to read this book. I'm glad I did.
The author Christian Giudice did a tremendous job in researching this project.… More »
Ralph Citro's contributions to boxing have been numerous and he received recognition for his efforts a few years ago when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in Canastota, N.Y. It was a fitting tribute to a boxing pioneer to receive this much deserved recognition before his passing.
Ralph earned a reputation as a top flight cut man throughout his association with the sport. Nevertheless Ralph's contributions go far beyond that.He began the publication Computer Boxing Update in 1984 and it evolved into today's standard for the up keep of boxing records. Ralph had Computer Boxing… More »
One of the better boxers to come out of Cleveland, Ohio in the 1970's was welterweight Bobby Hayman. He lost eight of thirty fights but almost all his losses were to contenders.
Hayman turned pro in 1969 and in his second fight he lost a six rounder to future title challenger Johnny Gant. He then lost to and drew with Teddy Cooper. He then lost a decision to future top ten rated Roland Pryor. Bobby then put together a ten fight win streak that included a rubber match victory over Teddy Cooper. Two wins over tough Frankie Steele. He also defeated… More »
He was a classy boxer/puncher from New Jersey who appeared destined for greatness. Harold "the Shadow" Knight took a glossy 19-0 record into the ring in an attempt to win a world title. It would be his only chance...
Harold became a professional fighter in 1983 at the age of nineteen. It would not take him long to establish himself as a hot prospect and soon a legitimate contender. Harold won his first twelve fights going into 1987. In his thirteenth bout he halted Rene Resto in two rounds. It was Harold's ninth knockout victory. One month later Knight scored… More »
What if...Two of the greatest bantamweights from Mexico would have clashed in their prime ? Let's start with Olivares fresh off his second victory over the ever rugged Chu Chu Castillo. That avenged his only career defeat up to that time in his illustrious career. He also reclaimed the bantamweight title that he had originally won by stopping the game and talented Australian Lionel Rose. Now let's take the unbeaten Carlos Zarate who had just stopped the previously undefeated Alfonso Zamora in four breathtaking rounds. Although this was an over the weight match, Zarate, the WBC champion and Zamora, the… More »
The cruiser weight divsion brings up some interesting scenarios. First of all I DETEST all these weight divisions. When I first started following boxing, there
were the original eight standard weight divisions. Then eventually, the 140 and 130 pound weight classes were accepted. Now it has become ridiculous!
I guess at this time you may be able to justify a 200 pound division. This "bastard" division has been under scrutiny from its inception as the 190 pound weight class. Later it was bumped up to 200 pounds. In my opinion there have only been two recognizable cruiserweight champions, Evander Holyfield… More »
An overlooked heavyweight in the talent rich 1970's was New Jersey's Randy Neumann. Born on July 21, 1948 Randy joined the punch for pay ranks in 1969. He reeled off eleven straight wins but in 1971 he was stopped in two by Jimmy Harris. Randy came right back to decision Harris in a return bout.
Randy continued his move up the ladder with two decisions over rugged Argentine Raul Gorosito and a verdict over Brian O'Melia. On December 9, 1971 Randy captured the New Jersey State heavyweight title by outscoring Chuck Wepner. In 1972 Randy followed the Wepner win… More »
DALLAS, TX - U.S. Amateur boxing star Luis Yanez, anointed as "The Latin Legend" in his hometown of Duncanville, Texas, is set to announce his professional debut at a Media Conference, this coming Tuesday, Dec. 30th at the American Airlines Center.
Yanez and promoter Barry Mendelson of The Mendelson Entertainment Group, LLC, are set to officially announce details of Yanez' first pro bout at Media Conference, scheduled to start at 11:30 am in the South Lobby of the American Airlines Center (through entrance below giant outdoor video wall on south side). It will follow the Dallas Mavericks workout and media… More »
He had less then twenty professional fights but for anyone who followed the heavyweight division in the 1970's, they will not forget Joe Alexander. In twelve victories he scored ten knockouts. This guy could bang!
This New Yorker turned pro in 1968. He was short for a heavyweight at 5'9". In his second bout he suffered a one round KO defeat. Hey I didn't say he had Jake LaMotta's chin...In 1969, as a substitute he was halted by the capable Hal Carroll. No shame there. He came back in 1972 and in 1973 Joe outscored rugged veteran Leroy Caldwell.… More »
“I hit harder than Margarito. I’m feeling sharper than ever.”
December 22, 2008
Shane Mosley was given the nickname “Sugar” early in his career. A nickname that in boxing is usually designated for only the greatest of fighters to ever step into the squared circle.
Prior to Mosley, Ray Robinson and Ray Leonard were two of those men that carried the moniker “Sugar”.
Mosley, recognized for his prowess in the boxing ring has proven to be a rare fighter that possesses a combination of lightning quick hands, catlike reflexes, and power in his punches that have enabled him to defeat many of his foes since early on his career.
The 1970's spawned such great and dominant champions such as Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Bobby Foster, Monzon, Napoles, Cervantes, Duran, Olivares, Arguello and Zarate. In review of their fine accomplishments and the feats of some other fine champions of that era, several very capable boxers fell short of their dreams of becomining a champion. Let's take a look at some of these proud warriors. The "Almost Champions"...
The first who comes to mind is Jerry Quarry. He was as tough as they come and talented too. He received his first title shot in 1968 when he made it to the finals… More »
On November 18, 1921 Johnny Dundee won on a fifth round disqualification over George "KO" Chaney to become the first recognized champion of the junior lightweight division.He would lose and then regain the title in a pair of 1923 fifteen rounders against Jack Bernstein. Dundee would lose the title for good in 1924 via a ten round points loss to Steve "Kid" Sullivan. In 1925 Sullivan would lose the title to Mike Ballerino. Later that year Ballerino would be stopped by Tod Morgan.
Morgan would reign for four years before he was halted in two rounds by Benny Bass. In… More »
One of the best boxers to come out of Ohio in the last twenty years is "Prince" Charles Williams of Mansfield, who held the IBF light-heavyweight title from October 29, 1987 to March 20, 1993. Williams turned professional on June 27, 1978, dropping a four round decision to Henry Bunch. His career moved slowly over the next couple of years as he boxed mostly in the Ohio area. In 1981 he was halted by future IBF cruiserweight champion Jeff Lampkin. He reached a low point on March 1, 1983, when he was stopped in one round by Reggie Gross.… More »
In the talent laden heavyweight era of the 1970's...A few notable fighters have slipped through the cracks. One such fighter was Massachusetts native, John "Dino" Denis. He was as game as they come and he battled some of the best of his era.
Born in 1951, John turned professional in 1972. By 1976 he would run his record up to an impressive 28-0-1. Among the notables he defeated were Terry Daniels, Mike Boswell, Joe "King" Roman and the rugged Scott LeDoux. It all came crashing down in… More »
In many sports a participant is subject to pain. It goes with the territory. The nature of the beast so to speak. To me there can no greater obvious damage to a participant then in boxing. If you are a boxer and happen to be matched with a superior opponent you must try to summon the courage to endure the pain. It is the game and it is expected of you. Anything less from you could brand you as a coward to the average fan who sits on couch and sips beer watching you take a first class shellacking. Oh… More »
The Staple center in Los Angeles, CA was the place where Antonio Margarito and Sugar Shane Mosley held their press conference on Tuesday to announce their upcoming fight. The very enjoyable sunny weather with a cool breeze sure made it another beautiful day in Los Angeles and most likely it will be the same on January 24, 09, that’s when the fight is schedule for. Mosley [45-5, 38 KO’s] of Pomona, CA was the first to arrived then a few minutes later Margarito [37-5, 27 KO’s] of Tijuana, Mexico was on stage to begin the press conference. Top Rank… More »
They called it the dream match. On Saturday night in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao 47-3-2 (30KO’s), who began his career at only 106lbs., and it was rumored that he had pockets full of coins just to make that weight, entered the ring at 147lbs. to face Mexican American boxing icon Oscar De La Hoya 39-6-2(30KO’s) . The question of the night was, could “PAC MAN” turn this dream match into a nightmare for the Golden Boy, and simultaneously bring an end of an era to the biggest box office draw in boxing history. De La Hoya stated this was personal… More »
Oscar De La Hoya. The moniker given to him throughout his career was “Golden Boy.”
He was touted as a 10- time world champion spanning six weight classes. He was the only American boxer to bring home the gold in the ’92 Olympics.
He set revenue records that may never be matched in the boxing world. HBO’s mouthpieces noted that athletes in major American sports don’t even make 100 million in “36 minutes” of fighting once a year.
Such is the power, or WAS the power of the Golden Boy that everyone will now possibly wonder aloud or privately, “was Oscar… More »
As we’ve all heard a million and one times, a good big man beats a good small man. That cliché mean nothing when the bigger man isn’t all that good anymore and hasn’t been in a few years. Its time to get out the Kleenex if you’re a hard core DLH fan because Oscar’s time is up. He demonstrated Saturday night that he no longer possesses the agility, strength or ability to compete at the highest levels of boxing anymore.
The so called, “Dream Match” turned out to be a Nightmare In Las Vegas for the Jr. Middleweight… More »
LOS ANGELES – Goossen Tutor Promotions was informed today by Dr. Doug Frankel that Tony “The Tiger” Thompson is suffering from acute bronchitis and was given immediate orders to stay out of the gym and subsequently his plans to enter the ring next weekend (December 13) at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and broadcast on VERSUS to face 3-time World Champion, James “Lights Out” Toney, (70-6-3, 43 KOs) in a scheduled 12-Round NABO/IBA Heavyweight Championship Bout.
Upon receiving the news, Goossen Tutor Promotions matchmaker, Tom Brown acted quickly and replaced Thompson, with WBO Latino Heavyweight Champion and former World Title… More »
LAS VEGAS – He’s the guy flown in to lose to knockout artist Victor Ortiz, a protégé of Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. In fact, they’re so confident in Ortiz, who’s defending his World Boxing Organization NABO Light Welterweight Title, he’s fighting this guy on Pay-Per-View just before Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao get it on in Saturday night’s main event at the MGM Grand.
However his opponent, Jeffrey Resto, 31, didn’t travel this far to lose under the bright lights. Standing 5' 11", the lanky Resto is two inches taller and 10 years older than… More »
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – For various reasons, the end of the year is typically a slow period for the boxing industry. Television networks and promotional companies are closing in on their budgets and boxers typically like to enjoy the holiday season away from the ring.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is bucking that trend by placing three of its boxers into meaningful, “late season” fights. Former world champions Joan Guzman and Carlos Baldomir are in title eliminator bouts, while their newest charge, welterweight Carlos Abregu of Argentina , is fighting for the first time on SHOWTIME this Friday.
… More »
LOS ANGELES – Joan Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs ) continues to leave his sparring partners gassed and looking for the exits. On this occasion, from the Maywood Gym in Los Angeles , undefeated super featherweight Urbano Antillion (24-0, 17 KOs ) got a taste of what it’s like to be in the ring with a two-division world champion.
“Guzman’s hand speed and quickness is unlike anything I’ve seen before,” Antillion said. “He doesn’t let you develop any kind of rhythm. “After a while, you just get tired because of the pace he keeps. It… More »
Tony Alongi was among the better heavyweights of the 1960's that time has forgotten. Alongi amassed 46 fights from 1959 to 1967 . Tony won nine straight fights in his maiden year of 1959. He followed that by winning twelve more in 1960. In 1961 he stepped up the quality of his opposition. Tony won seven more contests. Among his victims were Tod Herring, Jefferson Davis and George Logan. In 1962 Tony suffered his first setback being stopped in ten rounds by Rodolfo Diaz. He came back to stop Joe DeGrazio in four but in 1963 he was… More »
Although he was one of the most dangerous lightweights of his era. Andrew Ganigan of Hawaii was not blessed with the best of chins. His live by the sword, die by the sword style of fighting made him a crowd pleasing favorite. In most cases Andy got to his opponent first thus allowing him to fight to the top of the ratings.
A nineteen year old Ganigan turned professional in 1972. Through 1977 he won his first 25 fights. He won 23 by KO! Among his feats were a two round demolition of Tury "The Fury" Pineda and an eighth round… More »
Saturday in Ontario California , Paul “The Punisher” Williams (36-1, 27 KO’s) administered a beating to former IBF Light Middleweight titlist, Verno Phillips (42-12-1, 21 KO’s). Williams used his long jab and a battery of punches to constantly back Phillips into the ropes, where Williams directed his assault to the body and head of his shorter opponent. Phillips had a couple of good moments here and there, landing some clean shots, ducking, slipping and making Williams miss but the most damage he caused Williams came from a head butt late in the first round. That butt caused a nasty… More »
Indianapolis, IN - Relentless Events and CBelieve regretfully inform the public that the November 29th HomeComing fight featuring Lamon Brewster vs. Bruce Seldon at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis has been postponed. Brewster had contracted stomach flu in the final days leading up to the fight and would not be ready to compete on Saturday.
Brewster fell ill suddenly and after consulting with a physician the determination was made that the fight could not go on as scheduled.
"I know a lot of people are going to be disappointed but I'm more disappointed because I was ready to go and put on… More »
In light of all the hoopla surrounding the mega fight between multi weight champions Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao scheduled for next Saturday, December 6, on HBO PPV, I penned an article recently on how I see the face-off breaking down.
In addition to the article, we at Ironboxing.com also released video interviews and workouts of Manny Pacquaio and Amir Khan training as well as a one on one interview with top rated trainer, Freddie Roach.
Since that content was released, we at Ironboxing.com received several emails with people chiming in on what they think will be the ultimate… More »
At one time Mike Tyson was the self proclaimed "Baddest Man On The Planet." Even after his decisive loss to Buster Douglas in 1990 and three year exile to prison many still believed him. His two subsequent losses to Evander Holyfield changed all that. It's too bad that Mike didn't box in the talent rich late 60's and early 70's. If Mike would have wanted to meet a real "Tough Guy," he could have looked up Jerry Quarry.
Remember Jerry Quarry? He was a perennial mainstay in the heavyweight division throughout the 60's and 70's. The dominant "White Hope"… More »
Ben Villaflor was a buzzsaw southpaw out of the Philippines who made his mark in the early seventies. He was a boy wonder who could punch like hell. That power would make him a two time world champion. He was born in November of 1952 and turned pro in 1966. Do the math...He won his first twelve professional contests but then lost a pair of decisions to Roger Boy Pedrano. Although he won most of his fights after that, an occasional loss spotted his
record.
Ben made his move in 1970 with a KO over highly regarded Don Johnson. In… More »
The camera rolls and the highlight clip begins. It shows a young, undefeated but green Marvis Frazier dancing while taunting heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. In the blink of an eye Holmes unloads a right hand sucker shot that sends Marvis backward and into a sprawled position on the canvas. Marvis showing he is a true Frazier gamely arises. Quickly Holmes pins him in a corner and pummels him unmercifully till the ref intervenes. The look on Frazier's face isn't so much a look of pain. It is a bewildered, shellshocked look like Ken Norton had after Gerry Cooney had worked… More »
If ever a boxer was a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, it was Puerto Rico's Esteban De Jesus. This former one time claimant of the W.B.C. lightweight title may have been the best Puerto Rican 135 pounder since Carlos
Ortiz. Unfortunately he boxed during the era of possibly the greatest of all lightweights, Roberto Duran. This occurred on November 17, 1972 at Madison Square Garden. Esteban floored Duran in the first round and then boxed his way to a decision win in a non-title bout. Then he twice whipped the respected Ray Lampkin in bouts… More »
In December of 1969 Charles "Sonny" Liston the former heavyweight champion of the world was in the midst of a remarkable comeback. Following his disastrous kayo losses to Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Sonny was written off by the experts. While Ali dominated the heavyweight scene Sonny took some time off. When Sonny did embark on a comeback he went to Europe and reeled off a series of wins against some non-threatening pugilists. He returned to the U.S. with little fanfare and continued his low key comeback with victories over the likes of Roger Rischter,
Amos Lincoln, Billy Joiner etc.
HOLLYWOOD, FL – Last Friday night before a sellout crowd, it only took WBA super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero four rounds to destroy previously unbeaten hometown favorite Steve Molitor, and to add the Canadian’s IBF 122-pound championship belt to his collection. Now “Pelenchin” wants to see which of the remaining top guns in the division are willing to step into the ring with him.
“Israel Vazquez, Juan Manuel Lopez, and Rafael Marquez are the ones I want to fight,” said Caballero. “I don’t care what order they come in, but I won’t stop calling for them until they step up… More »
Ricky Hatton is the best 140 pound fighter in the world. Paulie looked good defensively; he has a great chin and recovers quickly so he was able to stay on his feet despite getting tagged by Hatton a few times in the fight. The question that has to be asked in this fight is... What happened to the right hand and any kind of combinations from Malignaggi? Some little Sugar Ray flurries in a couple of the early rounds could have stolen them. A two handed Paulie would have definitely won a few rounds and that would have meant it… More »
I was always a fan of Wilfred Benitez. I mean anyone who could win a world title at the age of seventeen has to be considered "special." To win titles in three different weight classes, (140,147+154) by the age of twenty two means he was much more then just special. He was just down right gifted. Wilfred beat Hall Of Fame inductee Antonio Cervantes to capture his first title. In that bout Benitez just out speed-ed the somewhat wooden "Kid Pambele." Wilfred won his second world title by defeating another Hall Of Fame inductee Carlos Palomino. This was the slick… More »
Friday night at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Steve “The Canadian Kid” Molitor (28-1, 11 KO’s) lost his first pro fight and his Junior Featherweight IBF (122-pound) title in front of his Canadian fans in a short fight against the tall Panamanian, WBA titlist Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero (31-2, 22 KO’s).
Molitor, who stands at five-foot-seven and is basically a technical boxer that looks to counter-punch his way to victory. He entered the ring undefeated. Celestino Caballero, at five-foot-eleven may be the tallest Jr. Bantamweight I’ve ever seen and he didn’t come to box but to destroy his opponent… More »
Arturo Gatti was probably the warrior of this era. Some of his battles, win or lose are becoming legendary. Rewind now back to early 1970's to the mid 80's. There was a boxer, a champion who was Gatti before there was a Gatti. If anyone recalls Bobby " Schoolboy " Chacon they have to remember his blood and guts wars with Rafael "Bazooka" Limon and Cornelius Boza Edwards. He was a fine boxer but in many cases his heart over ruled his head and he decided to slug instead of box. It may have cost Bobby some fights but… More »
Tonight’s Ricky Hatton vs. Paulie Malignaggi bout is one of those special match-ups where I cannot wait until the first bell rings. I have been calling for this fight for a year now, and I am doubly thrilled that I will not be hitting my PPV button tonight.
The only quibble I have with this match is that it is not being held at Madison Square Garden, where it belongs. Nonetheless, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning, and fight time cannot approach fast enough.
The only person perhaps more eager to see this match-up than me is Paulie… More »
One of the best pure punchers of my generation was Alexis Arguello. He was aptly nicknamed "The Explosive Thin Man". He was tall and rail thin but his punch could stop an opponent dead in his tracks.
It's hard to believe that Alexis was stopped in the very first round of his pro debut in his native Managua, Nicaragua. He would rally to win three straight then
lose again. Hardly the makings of a legend.
Alexis would reel off twenty straight wins before his next loss. Then came thirteen more victories including knockouts over Octavio Gomez and Jose Legra. This led to… More »
December 6, the fight dubbed “The Dream Match” between the once golden Oscar De La Hoya and the now, very much in his prime Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas airing on the media outlet that Oscar built, HBO PPV.
Originally, I wasn’t interested in this match up. What others were calling a “Dream Match”, I was giving lying claim to the moniker of “glorified sparring session.”
However, after having repeated debates on this issue, I have now figured out what the entire buzz is truly about.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Former lightweight champion Julio Diaz (35-4, 26 KOs) will spend Halloween night inside a ring as he takes on the grizzled veteran Fernando Trejo (30-14-4, 18 KOs ) on Friday, Oct. 31, from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino televised on TeleFutura (5 p.m. PT).
The ten-round lightweight bout is promoted by Top Rank in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego, Calif.
One year removed from his lightweight unification loss to Juan Diaz, Julio plans on making a statement on All Hallows’ Eve.
“I think I belong with the best in the lightweight division,” said Diaz, who… More »
With 10 days to go before the toughest fight of his career, "Bad" Chad Dawson prepares for the IBF/IBO Light Heavyweight title fight against "The Magic Man" Antonio Tarver. (Oct. 1, Las Vegas; Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda)
“Bad” Chad Dawson worked up a serious sweat at Wednesday’s media workout in Las Vegas, Nev. The undefeated former WBC light heavyweight champion worked the speed bag and had a light sparring session to stay sharp for his upcoming fight against IBF/IBO 175-pound champ Antonio Tarver live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHP BOXING (9 p.m. ET delayed on West Coast).
DE LA HOYA VS. PACQUIAO STATUE OF LIBERTY PRESS CONFERENCE.
Oscar De La Hoya "Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, when I look at the Statue of Liberty, I feel proud to be American. I feel proud knowing that I am American. It is a privilege to be standing here with our Lady.
"My family came from Mexico as Mexican immigrants. I am very honored to be born in this country.
"Who thought that a kid from East Los Angeles can go on and win the Gold Medal and be an example of hope for a lot of people?
On Saturday, October 11, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will broadcast live from The Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino, Las Vegas, NV. the world title clash between the IBO/IBF Light Heavy Champion Antonio Tarver and the undefeated former WBC Light Heavy king Chad Dawson.
The match up should determine who holds bragging rights as the true boss of the official 175 pound division as both fighters will weigh in at the 175 pound limit as opposed to an agreed catch weight like Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins are set to do in their upcoming bouts with Roy Jones Jr. and Kelly Pavlik… More »
Joan Guzman personal statement regarding his canceled fight against Nate Campbell.
I was wrong and I apologize. There is no one else to blame for me not making the lightweight division weight limit of 135 pounds for my WBO, WBA and IBF title bout against Nate Campbell this past weekend.
No trainer is to blame. No nutritionist is to blame. No manager is to blame. No promoter is to blame. Put the blame on me, Joan Guzman, because I was completely at fault.
My conduct in this important matter was unprofessional.
I rolled the dice by coming in too heavy at the start of… More »
It was reported earlier this week that trainer extraordinaire, Floyd Mayweather Sr. would begin his new duties as head overseer of IBO light welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton’s preparations for his upcoming duel with the IBF light welterweight boss, Paulie Malignaggi on November 22 in Las Vegas.
Reportedly, Hatton expects his new instructor to arrive in the UK by late September to continue the provisions that will be needed in order for a victory to be sealed against Malignaggi.
Not mentioned, but surely not lost, on many people’s minds are what about Mayweather’s most highly profiled charge, Oscar De La… More »
TORONTO, ON - Greg Kielsa (7-0, 3 KO's) will be a busy man over the next couple of months.
Not only is the undefeated heavyweight returning to his hometown of Bialystok, Poland for a short vacation, but he'll be coming back to Canada ten days later to a schedule that you don't usually see in this cautious day and age of building a contender.
The 2000 Olympian will have three fights between October 23, and December 5, with the middle fight, on November 21, being set aside for a crack at reigning Canadian Heavyweight champion, six foot, eight inch tall, 265 lb.… More »
SYCUAN AND MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS PRESENT FRIDAY AT SYCUAN
September 3, 2008
SAN DIEGO, Calif., – Manny Pacquiao’s next big test inside the ring will be against Oscar De La Hoya, but before he takes on boxing’s most popular figure, the four-division champion faces the challenge of co-promoting his first boxing show with Sycuan Ringside Promotions on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 at Sycuan Resort and Casino in San Diego, Calif.
“I love the San Diego area,” said Pacquiao, who’s promotional company is titled Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP). “Before I won my title against David Diaz, I spent several hours touring San Diego after one of our press conferences. I can… More »
If you ever get a chance to watch Alfredo Angulo fight then you’re in for a real treat. Angulo’s style is busy, precise and brutally efficient. He stalks and mauls his victims like a trained attack dog. Hence the nickname, “El Perro”, the dog. A nickname that sounds far more menacing in Spanish.
It was given to him while he was still an amateur and training for the 2004 Olympics under Mexico’s banner. While his brawling style is exciting, it’s not made for amateur competition. He lost in the early qualifying rounds. He turned pro one year later. Since then, he’s… More »
It’s finally official. Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver’s (27-4, 19 KOs) International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight belt will be on the line when he battles “Bad” Chad Dawson (26-0, 17 KOs) on Saturday, Oct. 11 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from The Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
The announcement came at Wednesday’s Los Angeles press conference where both fighters addressed the media.
BONUS FOR FIGHT FANS THAT BUY TICKETS
As an added bonus to fans in attendance at The Pearl Theatre, the SHOWTIME telecast of WBC Heavyweight Champion… More »
AUSTIN, TX - Ricardo Cortes isn’t worried about fighting James Kirkland in his hometown of Austin, Texas. Kirkland’s reputation as a ferocious puncher and tenacious boxer doesn’t faze Cortes in the slightest. Even the Kirkland’s gaudy record and high knockout percentage means little to “El Guero,” one of the best boxing prospects to come out of California in a long time. Don’t think that Cortes is taking his fight with Kirkland on September, 5th in Austin, Texas, at the Austin Music Hall on ESPN’S Friday Night Fights lightly. Cortes just knows that everything that can be said about Kirkland, can… More »
Indonesia's Chris John is an undefeated world champion. He has held that status since 2003. Still he is hardly ever mentioned in boxing columns or wire reports. I've never seen him on anybody's pound for pound rating lists. He has boxed professionally for a decade now but he has become an invisible champion.
On October 24th John will meet Japan's unbeaten ( 27-0-2, 19 KO's ) Hiroyuki Enoki, the OPBF featherweight champion. Chris will carry a 41-0-1 ledger into the ring with him to defend his WBA title. This will cause some excitement in Tokyo where it will be… More »
HOPES TO FIGHT MARGARITO, CLOTTEY OR COTTO IN HIS RETURN TO THE RING
August 29, 2008
SAN DIEGO, Calif., – Sycuan Ringside Promotions announced today that former World Boxing Council Welterweight Champion Carlos Baldomir is presently in training camp in the U.S. preparing for a major fight later this year.
Baldomir, (44-11-6, 13 KO’s) from Argentina—who hails from the same hometown as the late, great World Middleweight Champion Carlos Monzon—is hopeful of being pitted against one of the top welterweights in his division, namely Margarito, Clottey or Cotto.
Carlos has fought some of the best in his division including having an impressive win via disqualification over the tough and strong puncher, Joshua Clottey, in… More »
Omar Henry is an up in coming light middle weight fighter who many of you should keep an eye on! This young fighter is a good boxer yet, is willing to brawl with anyone. He has a nice jab and a solid right cross. In his latest match and debut as a pro, Henry wasted no time showing Terence Anderson what he could do at pro level. Henry won that match with a TKO in the first round on July 18, 2008 at Reliant Arena in Houston, Texas. He… More »
Vanes Martirosyan is a star on the rise as a light middle weight fighter. Standing at 6’0, he has a 73 inch reach, which he knows how to use to his advantage. His best weapon in his arsenal is a strong crisp jab. This young fighter is a good boxer with an iron jaw. Martirosyan can take a punch with the best of them. He is a humble young man who does not let his success in the ring get to his head. He is undefeated and… More »
Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Gallagher’s Steak House, New York, New York
On a night that will electrify the boxing world, active World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Champion Sam Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) will defend his title against WBC Champion Emeritus Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs), making his dramatic return to the ring after a four-year absence, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Saturday, October 11.
Immediately following the heavyweight world title fight, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT on tape delay, two light heavyweight champions will meet, live on SHOWTIME, when Antonio "Magic Man"… More »
In a Houston gym that felt as hot and humid as the daily temperature outside was, there was a workman like volley of punches in rapid succession finding their way onto at first a speed bag and then a heavy bag.
The man responsible for the quick, rhythmic snare drum sounds on the speed bag and thudding shots to the heavy was none other than the former ruler of the lightweight division, Juan Diaz (33,1,17 KO’s).
We found Diaz in the midst of his preparations for his next assignment scheduled on September 6 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas… More »
A poll was distributed earlier this week asking various members of the boxing media along with other boxing insiders to predict who would win tonight’s IBF Middleweight title eliminator featuring the former champion Raul “El Diamante” Marquez (40,3,1, 29 KO’s) against the highly fourth ranked IBF undefeated contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s).
I chose Marquez. I, along with only three other peers, represented the twelve percent surveyed, that saw Marquez exploiting the youth, inexperience, and over hyped record of the young stud Lorenzo.
Most in the media, and I suspect the fans as well, thought this fight would be… More »
Since the announcement of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement this past Friday, there have been several columns and postings from fans, writers, and promoters expressing their personal slant on why Floyd has called it quits and what this does and means for boxing.
I, for one believe that the departure of Mayweather Jr. will and can only help boxing. The step aside by Floyd allows the fans and the sport to finally clarify the true champion of the welterweight division.
The first round destruction of one time WBO welterweight belt holder, Carlos Quintana, at the hands of once again newly crowned… More »
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