DIAZ-MALIGNAGGI II

Saturday, December 12, 2009
UIC PAVILION, Chicago, IL

JUAN DIAZ Houston, TX 138.4 lbs, 35-2 (17 KO’s)
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI Brooklyn, NY 138.6 lbs, 26-3 (5 KO’s)

First things first. . .as far as rematches go, this is a hot one. Their first fight was a candidate for Fight of the Year, and it was in Diaz’s homeown of Houston, TX. Diaz won a close and controversial decision, prompting Malignaggi to spout off about a “home cooking” decision, which he might actually have had a point about. This time they fight for the NABO junior welter title on neutral territory.

The first round was pretty much cat and mouse, with no true aggressor, but Malignaggi had the “crowd advantage” as the cheers of “Paulie, Paulie, Paulie” could be heard throughout the stadium. Diaz also has more than his share of fans here, and the “Diaz, Diaz, Diaz” chants were screamed at the exact same volume. Paulie used his slick boxing skills to take the second round with his uppercuts right through Diaz’s defenses. A cut opened up over the left eye of Diaz, probably the same cut he suffered at the hands of Marquez, which reopened for Malignaggi in their first fight. Rumor has it that it never healed properly. At the end of round three, Diaz lands a couple of left hooks, which Malignaggi shrugs off with a smile. Malignaggi took the fourth round with his accurate jabs and hooks on the outside.

Diaz is more successful in the fifth with his inside hooks to the head and body. Paulie acts as if they don’t bother him, but we’ll see. Paulie comes out and totally dominates the sixth with his accuracy on the outside, even wobbling Diaz towards the end of the round. I can’t help but think, that since styles make fights, these two were absolutely MADE to fight one another. Slick, brash boxer versus forward-moving humble hook-thrower. The seventh wasn’t exactly action-packed, but Paulie’s jab kept Diaz at bay. Eighth round finds Diaz pushing forward, scoring to the body, and winning the round. Diaz took the ninth round too, still by bulling forward, making Paulie circle more than usual, not allowing him to get set and score, himself.

Round ten finds Diaz’s glove
touching after eating a right hook, and it being scored a knockdown. This will be considered controversial, since replays show that Diaz’s hand almost touched, but didn’t. Diaz takes the eleventh. Diaz also takes the twelfth, although just barely. The action in the last round causes the entire UIC Pavilion to get on its feet and cheer on their favorite.


Scores: 116-111 all for Malignaggi, the new NABO junior welterweight championship. Congrats, Paulie. You earned it.

***Special thanks to Golden Boy Promotions, Dibella Promotions, and 8Count Promotions for issuing Bolo Punch the credentials for to cover this event.


Photography by Emil Kegebein LegUpPhotos.com. All photos are the sole property of Bolo Punch, and cannot be used without permission. Ringside report by Chris Guzman. No portion of this report can be used without permission.

Victor Ortiz Stops Antonio Diaz

VICTOR ORTIZ Ventura, CA 144 lbs, 24-2-1 (19 KO’s)

ANTONIO DIAZ Coachella, CA 144 lbs, 45-5-1 (27 KO’s )

After watching the first round of this fight, could probably count the number of combined connections on one hand. Ortiz was tentative, Diaz is a counterpuncher by choice. The fight broke out in the second round, when Ortiz opened up his attack of killer body hooks, and he floored Diaz with a big left hand in the third. Diaz kept fighting back as the fight progressed, but a cut over his left eye seemed to bother him, possibly affecting his vision. After the sixth round, the doctor recommended the fight be stopped, which the referee did, at 0:01 of round 7, officially a TKO victory for Ortiz. Ortiz improves his record to 25-2-1 with 20 KO’s.




***Special thanks to Golden Boy Promotions, Dibella Promotions, and 8Count Promotions for issuing Bolo Punch the credentials for to cover this event.

Photography by Emil Kegebein LegUpPhotos.com. All photos are the sole property of Bolo Punch, and cannot be used without permission. Ringside report by Chris Guzman. No portion of this report can be used without permission.

DIAZ-MALIGNAGGI II Undercard

Saturday, December 12, 2009
UIC PAVILION, Chicago, IL

Heavyweights - 4 rounds
DARLINGTON AGHA ------------TERRY ADAMS
Sugarland, TX---------------------Huntsville, AL
239 lbs, 1-0 (1 KO)----------------208 lbs, 0-1






In this first fight of the afternoon, Agha avoided the heavily-muscled telegraphed hooks of Adams, who seemed winded after the first round, prompting his corner to stop the fight at 0:01 of round two. Agha improves his professional record to 2-0 with 2 KO’s.






DOMINIC GUINN-------------------- CHARLES DAVIS
Houston, TX--------------------------- Tuscon, AZ
239 lbs, 31-6-1 (21 KO’s)------------ 214 lbs, 19-17-2 (4 KO’s)

At one time, it seemed that at least a portion of America’s heavyweight hopes were pinned on Guinn, who impressed with his power and patience early in his career. That was in 2000, and a lot of time has passed since then. In this six-rounder, Guinn showed that he has just enough left in the tank to escape with scores of 58-56 (twice) and 60-54 against a now 19-18 fighter. Despite the boos from the crowd, Dominic Guinn improves his record to 32-6-1 with 21 KO’s.




OMAR FIGUEROA--------------- ANTHONY WOODS
Welasco, TX----------------------- Nassau, BAH
138.5 lbs, 7-0 (7 KO’s)------------ 137.5 lbs, 6-12 (3 KO’s)



It’s really a joy to see a young, undefeated power-puncher in the lower weights, and Omar Figueroa definitely fit’s the bill. He’s fast, has good power, and he improves to 8-0 with all eight wins coming by way of knockout. Tonight, the Welasco, TX native needed only a round and a half to dispatch of the game and wiry Woods with his accurate jab and relentless two-handed body attack, paired with his strong hooks to the head. The referee was forced to stop the fight at 1:46 of round two for a Figueroa TKO victory. Look for Figueroa to be quite a force in the junior welter or welter divisions in the near future.



RONALD HEARNS--------------- SHADRACK KIPRUTO
Southfield, MI--------------------- Nairobi, KEN
154 lbs, 22-1 (17 KO’s)------------ 154.5 lbs, 10-11 (7 KO’s)



Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns boxed with his legendary daddy, Tommy “Hitman” Hearns sitting ringside, to the delight of the Chicago crowd. This Hearns is still lanky, and quite powerful, too. Perhaps he’s on the same road that his father paved, but only time will tell. On this night, Hearns sent Kipruto to the canvas in the second with his lightning-quick right hand, which was set up by his “flicker” jab, which kept Kipruto off-balance the whole fight. A perfectly-timed overhand right landed square on the temple of Kipruto, prompting the referee to immediately wave off the fight at 2:33 of round 6, improving Hearns’ record to 23-1 with 18 KO’s.


JERMELL CHARLO--------------- ABDON LOZANO
Houston, TX------------------------ Las Vegas, NV
146.5 lbs, 9-0 (4 KO’s)------------- 146.5 lbs, 6-0 (1 KO)



Now this isn’t something you see everyday. Two young undefeated up-and-comers willing to fight one another, neither of which anywhere near their hometown. Lozano sustained a flash knockdown in the first ten seconds of the fight but recovered nicely, making the first round really exciting. Charlo caught Lozano with a left hook at 2:11, sending him to the canvas, slamming Lozano’s head backwards onto the canvashard enough to keep him down for a full ten-count, ending Lozano‘s undefeated record, and improving Charlo‘s professional record to 10-0 with 5 KO‘s.




RANDALL BAILEY------------- GERMAINE SANDERS
Miami, FL----------------------- Chicago, IL
148 lbs, 39-7 (35 KO’s)--------- 146.5 lbs, 27-7 (17 KO’s)


Randall Bailey is a real “fight fan’s” fighter. He’s quick, he’s strong, and he scores knockouts. After scoring a knockdown late in the first round, Bailey scored another knockdown late in the second. Again in the fifth, Sanders hit the deck, but got up and continued to take more and more punishment at the hands of “The KO King“. Sanders, to his credit, boxed well in the sixth and seventh, possibly getting a second wind. The eighth round was actually give-and-take, but Bailey had done more than enough to secure the victory by unanimous decision, improving to 40-7 with 35 KO’s. Scores were 78-71, 79-70, and 77-72.

HYLON WILLIAMS------------ HUMBERTO T APIA
Houston, TX--------------------- Tijuana, MEX
137 lbs, 11-0 (3 KO’s)----------- 137 lbs, 14-11-1 (7 KO’s)


Now this was an interesting one. . . Tapia is only capable of moving forward, and Williams is a classic counterpuncher. Combining this with the undefeated record of Williams on the line, we had the ingredients for a real barnburner. After a high-spirited first four rounds, the fifth is where the fire started. Tapia walked into a Williams lead right, then ate ten or so unanswered shots to the delight of the Chicago crowd. The hand speed of Williams is the stuff dreams are made of, but he doesn’t use speed as often as he could, or should. Oftentimes, he’s content to sit back and counter with standard uppercuts and hooks. Just imagine what this 19 year old man will be able to accomplish when his skills are complete. After an all-action eighth round where both fighters scored well, the scores were all the same (80-72) in a fight the audience really rose to the occasion for. Williams improves to 12-0 with 3 KO’s.

JIMMY HERRERA------------ GUSTAVO PALACIOS
Chicago, IL--------------------- Chicago, IL
146 lbs, pro debut------------- 148 lbs, 2-6 (1 KO)





Jimmy Herrera needed only 28 seconds to dispatch of durable but overmatched Palacios. Herrera put Palacios on the seat of his pants almost immediately after the bell started the fight, and Palacios struggled to get, but upon getting up, was waved off by the referee. This gives Herrera a professional record of 1-0 with one knockout.







ARGENIS MENDEZ------------- MORRIS CHULE
Brooklyn, NY--------------------- Nairobi, KEN
130 lbs, 14-1 (9 KO’s)------------ 129.5 lbs, 7-7-1 (7 KO’s)


The overhand right and left hook of Mendez controlled the early part of this fight, keeping Chule off-balance and guessing. Chule’s chin is most impressive, as he took plenty of Mendez’s best shots cleanly. This was a long and drawn-out affair, with Mendez doing most of the landing, and Chule doing more than his share of absorbing blows. Chule’s gameness and toughness are admirable, but I doubt he won even a round. 78-74 and 80-72 (twice) sealed the deal to improve Mendez’s professional record to 15-1 with 9 KO’s.





ERISLANDY LARA---------------- LUCIANO PEREZ
Guantanamo, CUB---------------- Chicago, IL
155.5 lbs, 8-0 (5 KO’s)------------ 155.5 lbs, 17-9-1 (15 KO’s)

Lara’s pedigree, along with his former stablemate, Yuriorkis Gamboa, have been tearing up the sport since their recent deportation from their native Cuba. After bloodying Perez’s nose in the first round, Perez basically threw just as many punches as Lara. The big difference was how often Lara was able to connect which was considerably more than Perez. Perez fought gamely, but in the end, was no match for the more polished Lara, who with scores of 100-90 and 99-91 (twice) improved his undefeated record to 9-0.



***Special thanks to Golden Boy Promotions, Dibella Promotions, and 8Count Promotions for issuing Bolo Punch the credentials for to cover this event.

Photography by Emil Kegebein LegUpPhotos.com. All photos are the sole property of Bolo Punch, and cannot be used without permission. Ringside report by Chris Guzman. No portion of this report can be used without permission.

Diaz out to prove win over Malignaggi was no fluke

By DAVE SKRETTA, AP Sports Writer

Juan Diaz sometimes feels as though he should stand up in the middle of a crowded room and remind everyone who actually won his first fight against Paul Malignaggi.

All the talking that Malignaggi has been doing since August, when Diaz won a close unanimous decision in his hometown of Houston, is starting to make some people forget that the Baby Bull was the one whose arm was raised after 12 thrilling rounds.

“It doesn’t matter whether you win by a point or by 10 points, a win is a win,” Diaz said. “He did so much talking that people believed him, he did so much talking.”


Yes, Malignaggi did plenty of talking—so much that he landed an immediate rematch. The two light welterweights will meet again on Saturday at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

“He can talk a lot, he can talk a good game, but when it comes down to it, he really doesn’t like to fight,” Diaz said. “He likes to punch and move, punch and move. He doesn’t like to get hit, he avoids any type of confrontation. That’s his whole strategy, to talk a lot and try to win the fight without getting hit.”

Diaz said he wants to provide some closure to the first fight, which was thrown into controversy when the scorecards were read. Two judges had it 115-113 and 116-112 for Diaz, reasonable scores for a bout in which there were several close rounds.

The third score, 118-110, prompted Malignaggi to embark on a tirade.

“That one scorecard was what made the rematch possible because it was so out of line, so out of whack,” said Malignaggi, who was still talking about the wide scorecard at a news conference on Thursday.

“I got what I expected from Juan the first time,” the former 140-pound (63 1/2 -kilogram) titleholder said. “He’s an aggressive fighter, and he steals rounds because of those little flurries he throws. It’s a smart tactic when you win rounds doing it that way.”

Malignaggi (26-3) prides himself on being an active fighter, but he doesn’t have much pop, winning only five times by knockout. Even so, the “Magic Man” said he’s not going to change his approach in an attempt to keep three judges seated ringside from deciding another outcome.

“I’m more active than all my opponents, being active is not really the issue. If I fight my fight, I don’t have anything to worry about,” he said.

Even though Diaz (35-2, 17 KOs) is coming off a win, he still believes he’s trying to regain momentum from a pair of tough losses in his last four fights.

The former unified lightweight titleholder dropped a split decision to Nate Campbell in Cancun early last year. After winning a split decision over Michael Katsidis, Ortiz went toe-to-toe with Juan Manuel Marquez until he was stopped in the ninth round.

“A lot of people questioned this last fight, a lot of people,” said Diaz promoter Oscar De La Hoya. “He’s a fighter, and whoever we put in front of him, he’s going to fight.”

QUOTES FROM DIAZ-MALIGNAGGI II

TICKETS ON SALE TODAY!

CHICAGO (November 11, 2009 ) – After controversy, heated conversations and negotiations were settled, former Three-Time Lightweight World Champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz and former Junior Welterweight World Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi met face-to-face yesterday to announce the December 12 rematch of their exciting August 22 bout. Diaz and Malignaggi will square off on neutral ground at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in a12 round junior welterweight bout that will be televised live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark.

Tickets for the highly anticipated rematch go on sale TODAY, November 11 at 10 am CT. They are reasonably priced at $251, $156, $86, $51 and $31 and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-312-226-5800, toll free at 1-800-745-3000 and at the UIC Pavilion Box Office (open Thursday and Friday from 9 am - 4 pm CT).


JUAN DIAZ, Former Three-Time Lightweight World Champion

“I’m very excited to be here in Chicago…all the people here treat me like I’m a real Chicago resident. I decided I liked it so much, I may adopt it as my second hometown.” (Diaz then held up a Chicago Bears jersey.)

“I’m not going to dwell on the past. The past is the past. This time around, it’s a different city and a new and different game plan.”
“To be honest, fighting Paulie after coming off fighting Future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez, I was not taking Paulie seriously and thought it was just another fight.”

“This time, it’s personal, and on December 12, the whole world will feel my anger.”


PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, Former Junior Welterweight World Champion

“I’m excited to be in Chicago, this city has produced great boxers and great boxing fans.”

“I’m really happy I got the rematch…I made enough of a stink after the first fight to help get me the rematch.”

“The reason this fight is so great is the boxing styles. Juan is a pressure fighter and I’m a defensive boxer, so it makes for a great show where you sit back and wait to see who can execute their game plan better.”

“We are going to clear everything up on December 12.”


DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO of Golden Boy Promotions

“The fight in August was hotly contested and some times called controversial.”

“Now, you have one guy trying to right a perceived wrong and one guy trying to put an exclamation point on something he already knows.”

“When you have a fight like that, it brings the best out in both fighters.”


LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“With an Italian-American and a Mexican-American fighting on the card, you have a recipe for a great night of boxing in Chicago.”

“I know after the first fight I said some things to Juan that were inappropriate because he is a good guy, but I wanted to do everything in my power to get my guy the rematch.”

“Whatever you think about the first fight, it is clear it was a competitive fight and we know it’s going to be again.”


WILLIE SAVANNAH, Manager of Juan Diaz

“Juan and Paulie put on the fight of their lives in August and you can expect the same in December.”
“Juan is in tremendous condition and he honestly looks the best that he ever has.”


DOMINIC PESOLI, President of 8 Count Productions

“Chicago is a great boxing market and we are excited to have a big HBO card like this here for all the great boxing fans.”

“The prices are very reasonable, so you won’t want to miss out on this fight.


RON PUCCILLO, Director of Athletics of the Illinois State Athletic Commission

“We are so proud to have both of these guys fighting in our town.”

“It’s going to be a great night and everyone knows that boxing is much better live in person, and this is a fight you will not want to miss.”

# # #

“By Popular Demand”: Diaz vs. Malignaggi II features former Three-Time Lightweight World Champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz taking on former Junior Welterweight World Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi in a 12 round junior welterweight rematch of their exciting August 22, 2009 bout. The co-main event will feature a junior welterweight showdown between top contender “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and former world title challenger Antonio Diaz. The evening of boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment in association with 8 Count Productions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. The bouts will air live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 pm ET/PT (9:15 pm CT).

A full undercard will be announced shortly. For more information regarding ”By Popular Demand”: Diaz vs. Malignaggi II, please visit http://www.goldenboypromotions.com/, http://www.dbe1.com/ or http://www.8countproductions.com/.
TICKETS ON SALE TODAY!

CHICAGO (November 11, 2009 ) – After controversy, heated conversations and negotiations were settled, former Three-Time Lightweight World Champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz and former Junior Welterweight World Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi met face-to-face yesterday to announce the December 12 rematch of their exciting August 22 bout. Diaz and Malignaggi will square off on neutral ground at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in a12 round junior welterweight bout that will be televised live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark.

Tickets for the highly anticipated rematch go on sale TODAY, November 11 at 10 am CT. They are reasonably priced at $251, $156, $86, $51 and $31 and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-312-226-5800, toll free at 1-800-745-3000 and at the UIC Pavilion Box Office (open Thursday and Friday from 9 am - 4 pm CT).


JUAN DIAZ, Former Three-Time Lightweight World Champion

“I’m very excited to be here in Chicago…all the people here treat me like I’m a real Chicago resident. I decided I liked it so much, I may adopt it as my second hometown.” (Diaz then held up a Chicago Bears jersey.)

“I’m not going to dwell on the past. The past is the past. This time around, it’s a different city and a new and different game plan.”
“To be honest, fighting Paulie after coming off fighting Future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez, I was not taking Paulie seriously and thought it was just another fight.”

“This time, it’s personal, and on December 12, the whole world will feel my anger.”


PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, Former Junior Welterweight World Champion

“I’m excited to be in Chicago, this city has produced great boxers and great boxing fans.”

“I’m really happy I got the rematch…I made enough of a stink after the first fight to help get me the rematch.”

“The reason this fight is so great is the boxing styles. Juan is a pressure fighter and I’m a defensive boxer, so it makes for a great show where you sit back and wait to see who can execute their game plan better.”

“We are going to clear everything up on December 12.”


DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO of Golden Boy Promotions

“The fight in August was hotly contested and some times called controversial.”

“Now, you have one guy trying to right a perceived wrong and one guy trying to put an exclamation point on something he already knows.”

“When you have a fight like that, it brings the best out in both fighters.”


LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“With an Italian-American and a Mexican-American fighting on the card, you have a recipe for a great night of boxing in Chicago.”

“I know after the first fight I said some things to Juan that were inappropriate because he is a good guy, but I wanted to do everything in my power to get my guy the rematch.”

“Whatever you think about the first fight, it is clear it was a competitive fight and we know it’s going to be again.”


WILLIE SAVANNAH, Manager of Juan Diaz

“Juan and Paulie put on the fight of their lives in August and you can expect the same in December.”
“Juan is in tremendous condition and he honestly looks the best that he ever has.”


DOMINIC PESOLI, President of 8 Count Productions

“Chicago is a great boxing market and we are excited to have a big HBO card like this here for all the great boxing fans.”

“The prices are very reasonable, so you won’t want to miss out on this fight.


RON PUCCILLO, Director of Athletics of the Illinois State Athletic Commission

“We are so proud to have both of these guys fighting in our town.”

“It’s going to be a great night and everyone knows that boxing is much better live in person, and this is a fight you will not want to miss.”

# # #

“By Popular Demand”: Diaz vs. Malignaggi II features former Three-Time Lightweight World Champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz taking on former Junior Welterweight World Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi in a 12 round junior welterweight rematch of their exciting August 22, 2009 bout. The co-main event will feature a junior welterweight showdown between top contender “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and former world title challenger Antonio Diaz. The evening of boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment in association with 8 Count Productions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. The bouts will air live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 pm ET/PT (9:15 pm CT).

A full undercard will be announced shortly. For more information regarding ”By Popular Demand”: Diaz vs. Malignaggi II, please visit http://www.goldenboypromotions.com/, http://www.dbe1.com/ or http://www.8countproductions.com/.

Capsules of Boxing Hall of Fame inductees

CANASTOTA, New York (AP)—A look at the 13 people to be inducted on June 13 into the International Boxing Hall of Fame:

JUNG-KOO CHANG—Known as the “Korean Hawk” for his relentless fighting style, Chang was born Feb. 4, 1963, in Pusan, South Korea, and turned professional in November 1980 at age 17. He won his first 18 bouts before losing a split decision in 1982 to Hilario Zapata for the WBC flyweight title, then knocked him out in the third round of a rematch six months later. Chang made 15 successful title defenses.

DANNY LOPEZ—Lopez was a hard-hitting featherweight who earned a reputation as one of the most crowd-pleasing fighters of all time. Born July 6, 1952, in Fort Duchesne, Utah, Lopez compiled a 40-7 amateur record. He turned pro in 1971 and posted 23 straight wins before losing in a ninth-round knockout to Bobby Chacon in 1974. Lopez rebounded with wins over Chucho Castillo, Ruben Olivares, Sean O’Grady and Art Hafey before beating Davey Kotey in 1976 in a 15-round decision for the WBC featherweight championship in Kotey’s homeland of Ghana. A string of eight successful title defenses followed before Salvador Sanchez knocked him out twice in 1980, ending his career.

LLOYD MARSHALL—Born June 4, 1914, in Georgia and raised in Cleveland. He won Golden Gloves titles in 1934-35, relocated to the West Coast and turned pro in 1937. In one of his finest bouts, he scored eight knockdowns en route to an eighth-round knockout over Ezzard Charles. Marshall had an impressive string of victories in 1944, defeating Nate Bolden, Jake LaMotta, Holman Williams and Joey Maxim. Died Aug. 11, 1997 in Sacramento.

YOUNG CORBETT II—Born William H. Rothwell on Oct. 4, 1880, in Denver and turned pro in 1896. A win over George Dixon set up a world featherweight title bid against Terry McGovern on Nov. 28, 1901. Corbett, who was known for frustrating opponents with insults, entered McGovern’s dressing room to intimidate the champion. The ploy infuriated McGovern and the two went toe to toe. After two vicious rounds, Corbett scored a knockout and also stopped McGovern in a rematch. They met a third time in 1906 and the fight ended in a no-decision. Corbett died April 10, 1927 in Denver.

ROCKY KANSAS—Born Rocco Tozzo on April 21, 1895, in Buffalo, New York, a former newsboy, he turned professional with a new name in 1911 when the ring announcer mistakenly introduced him as Rocky Kansas. Known as “Little Hercules,” the 5-foot-2 (1.57-meter) Kansas was a powerful brawler. One of the top lightweights of his era, Kansas made his 160th bout memorable, defeating Buffalo’s Jimmy Goodrich for the title in their hometown in 1925. Kansas died in 1954.

BILLY MISKE—Born William Arthur Miske on April 12, 1894, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nicknamed the “St. Paul Thunderbolt,” Miske began boxing as a middleweight in 1913. Competing in the “no-decision” era, he fought Hall of Famers Harry Greb, Tommy Gibbons, Jack Dillon, Battling Levinsky and Kid Norfolk. In 1918, Miske was diagnosed with a kidney ailment known as Bright’s Disease but kept it a secret, even to his family. He fought the only title bout of his career in 1920 and was stopped in three rounds by Jack Dempsey. Despite his poor health, Miske persuaded his manager to secure one last bout so he could provide a final Christmas to his family. He knocked out Bill Brennan on Nov. 7, 1923, and died at age 29 on Jan. 1, 1924.

PADDINGTON TOM JONES—Born in Paddington, London, in 1766, Jones began his career in 1786 and became the first welterweight champion (140 pounds, 63.5 kilograms at that time). Although a welterweight, Jones routinely fought bigger men. In 1799, he lost in 33 minutes to 185-pound (84-kilogram) heavyweight champion Jem Belcher. He died in 1833 at age 67.

SHELLY FINKEL—Born June 27, 1944, in New York City, Finkel was a rock and roll manager before branching out into boxing. He began promoting amateur bouts in 1978 and formed a partnership with Hall of Famer Lou Duva. Among the boxers in his corner were Olympic medalists Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield, Meldrick Taylor, Michael Moorer, Vinny Paz, Mike Tyson and current heavyweight champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. In 1990 and 1993 Finkel was voted the Al Buck Award as manager of the year.

LARRY HAZZARD—Born Dec. 7, 1944, in Newark, New Jersey, the former three-time U.S. Golden Gloves champion began refereeing amateur bouts in 1967 and professional bouts in 1978. He went on to referee more than 40 world title fights. In 1985, he was appointed commissioner of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, served until 2007, and was a fervent advocate for boxer safety and health.

WILFRIED SAUERLAND—Born Feb. 29, 1940 in Wuppertal, Germany, he developed a passion for boxing after his father took him to a bout. He promoted his first show in 1978, staged his first promotion in Germany in 1980, and presided over a boxing boom in Germany during the 1990s. Sauerland Event produces 12 boxing shows per year and has a long-term agreement with German TV giant ARD.

BRUCE TRAMPLER—Born Aug. 11, 1949, in Maplewood, New Jersey, Trampler boxed as an amateur and worked as a trainer, promoter, ring announcer, publicist and matchmaker. Beginning in 1971, he spent 15 months in Miami under the guidance of trainer Angelo Dundee and his brother Chris, a promoter. Trampler was later mentored by matchmaker Teddy Brenner, who hired him as an assistant at Madison Square Garden in 1977. Trampler left MSG two years later and joined Bob Arum’s Top Rank in 1981. He was instrumental in the comeback of heavyweight champion George Foreman.

HOWARD COSELL—Born Howard William Cohen on March 25, 1918, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was admitted to the New York State bar in 1941, and after leaving the U.S. Army in 1946 opened a Manhattan law office. In 1953, Cosell began hosting a Saturday radio show on ABC and by 1956 abandoned his law practice. A member of ABC’s Olympic coverage in the 1960s, Cosell was one of the first sports broadcasters to call Cassius Clay by his new name, Muhammad Ali, and was a staunch supporter of Ali when the future heavyweight champ refused to be inducted into the Army during the Vietnam War. Cosell also covered Floyd Patterson, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard and the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. He called his last fight in 1982, a 15-round victory by Larry Holmes over Tex Cobb and retired a decade later. Cosell died in 1995 at age 77.

ED SCHUYLER JR.—Born March 14, 1935, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania., Schuyler began working for The Associated Press in June 1960 and covered his first boxing match—Rubin Carter vs. Farid Salim—in September 1963. From 1970 until his retirement in 2002, he was AP’s national boxing writer. “Fast Eddie” covered some of boxing’s historic battles, including all three Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier fights, Ali vs. George Foreman in Zaire, and a series of bouts featuring Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns in the 1980s. Schuyler, who staffed boxing at the Olympic Games from 1976-2000, covered fights in 18 countries and Puerto Rico. In 1979, he was awarded the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Source: International Boxing Hall of Fame

DAVID DIAZ IMPRESSES IN HIGH-PROFILE COMEBACK

8Count Productions presents
Windy City Fight Night 6
WARRIORS COLLIDE
Saturday, September 26, 2009
UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL


Let's get one thing straight. Dominic Pesoli's 8Count Productions NEVER has a boring event. But once in a while, the planets line up and they put together a show that really grabs the audience by the throats and forces their attention. This night was unlike any Chicago fight night in recent memory, and it had everything to do with the matchups.

First of all, Jaime Sandoval (Chicago) won an unanimous decision over fellow Chicagoan Oscar de la Cruz in a thriller of an opening bout, with both fighters leaving their mark on their opponent. Sandoval, the younger brother of Jesus Chavez (who fought in the main event), was dropped in the first round by a picture-perfect left hook by de la Cruz, but was able to mount a comeback of sorts as he rallied back to squeak out a unanimous 57-56 (x3) score from the judges, improving his record to 16-4 in a fight that will have fans talking for quite a while.





Next up was newcomer Achour Esho (Palatine, IL), who needed only five minutes of fighting to score a TKO against Ricky Thompson (Tampa, FL), in a fight that saw Thompson down on the mat no less than three times. This was a totally dominant performance by Esho, who brings a lot of excitement (as well as a large fanbase) to the Chicagoland fight scene. This win brings Esho's professional record to 4-0.







Rey Ivan Popoca (Chicago) pounded on Michael Gonzalez's (Bayamon, Puerto Rico) chin for six rounds before the the referee was forced to stop the fight at 1:34 of round six.















Diamond Baier (Chicago) escaped with a three-way 38-37 set of scores after his spirited battle with Jose Guzman (Fort Wayne, IN) in a four round fight. Baier, whose record improves to 2-0-1 easily was given a "step up" in opposition with Guzman. Let's look forward to more steps up in Baier's future.







David Latoria (Chicago) muscled his way to a unanimous four round decision over Jeremiah Williams (Cincinatti, OH) in the night's lone heavyweight bout. The popular Latoria has carved out a bit of a niche for himself by beating on an overmatched but game opponent until the referee has seen enough. On this night, though, Williams wasn't going away, as Latoria is getting used to. Still dominant through all four rounds, Latoria moves up to 3-0 with 2 KO's.













Juan Martinez (San Luis Potosi, Mexico) showed the true meaning of the word dominance when he outpointed local favorite Jose Hernandez over 10 hotly-anticipated rounds. Martinez's record of 15-10 (now) doesn't show his skill level, that's for sure. He beat Hernandez to the punch in nearly every exchange, and proved that for all of Hernandez's aggression in the later rounds, that nothing the Chicagoan could put together could hurt Martinez, which was the cornerstone of his success. There was talk that if Hernandez couldn't beat Martinez, than he'd retire. Here's to Hernandez taking a deep breath, reevaluating, and seeing that he still has plenty to offer the sport that made him a household name in all of Chicagoland. Scores: 97-93 and 98-92 (twice).





Then came the big one. The barnburner. The fight that was going to decide Mexican-heritage bragging rights in Chicago, between former USA Olympian and former WBC lightweight world champion, David Diaz, and former two-time world belt-holder, Jesus "el Matador" Chavez. Chavez lived a good portion of his life in Chicago, and claimed to "be made in Chicago, fightwise". Diaz brought a big roster of talent on his pro record, his last fight being a KO loss to Manny Pacquiao last year.





Diaz started slowly as Chavez worked well to the body and the head, only to score well to the body, himself in the second round. Back and forth, Diaz and Chavez split the first four rounds as both combatants imposed their will on their opponents, giving the spirited audience all they needed as far as fight action. Coming into the eighth round, it looked like Chavez might be able to muster up a points victory, but Diaz swept the last three rounds with his killer body attack and fresher legs, usually punctuating the end of the rounds with flurries that would make a middleweight back up. The final scores read: 95-95, 97-93, and 96-94 for a majority decision for Diaz.









Afterwords, both fighters appeared in the rear of the UIC Pavilion for a postfight press conference emceed by acclaimed ring announcer, Tom Treiber. Chavez was quoted as saying, "I'm just glad we both came out of the fight okay. . . and safe. I felt good physically, and I'm not disappointed, but I think there might have been a little favoritism (fighting in Diaz's backyard). Diaz started his statements with, "I told you this guy was tough. . look at my face!" He was referring to the cut over the eye he sustained during the fight, and the noticeable swelling under both eyes. Diaz went on to field questions, including one I asked about possibly fighting Michael Katsidis in the near future. "Bring it on!" he said. "If Katsidis wants me, he can have me. I'm much better with taller fighters, anyway."

Special thanks to Dominic Pesoli and Bernie Bahrmasel of 8Count Productions for issuing Bolo Punch the credentials to report on WARRIORS COLLIDE.

**Ringside photography exclusively the property of Emil Kegebein of The Bolo Punch Boxing Hour. Written ringside report by Chris Guzman, who has hosted The Bolo Punch Boxing Hour since 2002.

Photos From Chicago, David Diaz VS. Jesus Chavez

lightweight
David Diaz
W
Jesus Chavez

featherweight
Jose Andres Hernandez
L
Juan Carlos Martinez

light welterweight
Ivan Popoca
W
Mike Gonzalez

lightweight
Jaime Sandoval
W
Oscar De La Cruz

super featherweight
Diamond Baier
W
Jose Javier Guzman

welterweight
Achour Esho
W
Ricky Thompson


heavyweight
David Latoria
W
Jeremiah Williams

DAVID DIAZ AND JESUS CHAVEZ OPEN CHICAGO BOARD OF OPTIONS EXCHANGE--FIGHT TO BE STREAMED LIVE THIS SATURDAY ON http://www.gofightlive.tv/

CHICAGO, IL (September 23, 2009) In front of a large crowd of traders and boxing fans at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, former world champions David Diaz and Jesus Chavez rang the opening bell on Tuesday morning to start off the trading day.

After opening the trading day, Diaz and Chavez were swarmed by hundreds of traders and CBOE employees as they walked the trading floor for over 90 minutes where they posed for pictures and signed autographs.

Diaz and Chavez are in Chicago to square off in the main event this Saturday night at “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6”, an evening of world class professional boxing at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions.
The fight will be streamed live on www.gofightlive.tv for a price of $9.99 by clicking:http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=510

Tickets for “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6” are priced at $151, $101, $76, $51 and $31, and are available through Ticketmaster (http://www..ticketmaster.com/), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions Office (312-226-5800).

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at http://www.uicpavilion.com/. The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit http://www.8countproductions.com/ and http://www.jabbboxing.com/

DAVID DIAZ CUBS FIRST PITCH

CHICAGO, IL (September 17, 2009) Former lightweight world champion David Diaz took a break from his Chicago based training camp to take to the mound prior to the Chicago Cubs/Milwaukee Brewers game on Wednesday night.

Under the watchful eye of manager Lou Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild, the lifelong Cubs fan threw a perfect strike to Cubs catcher Geovany Soto for the second year in a row.

Diaz is currently training in Chicago for his showdown against two-time former world champion Jesus Chavez on September 26th at Chicago ’s UIC Pavilion.

The Diaz/Chavez ten round lightweight main event headlines “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6” presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING since 1998.

Tickets for “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6” are priced at $151, $101, $76, $51 and $31, and are available through Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions Office (312-226-5800).

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at http://www.uicpavilion.com/. ). The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit http://www.8countproductions.com/ and http://www.jabbboxing.com/

WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5

8COUNT PROMOTIONS, INC.
UIC PAVILION, CHICAGO , IL
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2009


The first fight of the night pitted RAMIRO CARILLO ( Chicago ) against JAMAR HAMPTON ( St. Louis , MO ) in a four round event. This was an all-action fight, with both combatants having their moments. Carillo was stunned by a combination from Hampton late in the second, and was actually dropped by a perfect counter right hand in the fourth round, but the judges were more impressed with the accuracy and pressure from Carillo, who they awarded a unanimous (but close) decision, 38-37, 38-37, and 38-36, improving Carillo’s professional record to 2-0.







Next up was young FOSTER NKODO (Chicago, by way of Africa) taking on JOSE FLORENTINO ( Indianapolis , IN ). Nkodo is a slick, stylish boxer, and he had little trouble in taking Florentino into a hard-fought unanimous decision after six rounds for Nkodo. Nkodo’s professional record improves to 4-0 with this victory.







ANTONIO MALDONADO ( Chicago ) needed just over four minutes of fighting to dispose of TIM REYNOLDS ( Pince Bluff , AK ). The “drunken master” style of Reynolds was entertaining to watch, but Maldonado exposed his lack of real defense quickly by forcing the corner of Reynolds to throw in the towel at 1:26 of round two, improving Maldonado’s record to 2-0.







Making his professional debut tonight, ANTONIO AVILA ( Bensenville , IL ) took on GREGORY COGSHELL, sending the Chicago native to the canvas once in each of the two rounds of fighting. After the second knockdown, from a perfect 1-2 combination in the center of the ring, Cogshell was deemed unfit to continue, improving Avila ’s professional record to 1-0 after the TKO stoppage at 0:42 of round two.







Not much to say about DAVID LATORIA’s ( Chicago ) fight against late substitute RICARDO BRADLEY ( Cincinnati , OH ). In all, the fight lasted all of 0:17, INCLUDING the ten-count from the referee. The very popular Latoria will need to step up the level of competition if his early-career fights are to prepare him for bigger challenges. His pro record now reads 2-0, 2 KO’s.








DAVID ESTRADA ( Chicago ) fought CHRIS GRAY ( Vero Beach , FL ) in a slow-paced but deliberately strategic main event. After six rounds of Estrada basically giving Gray a boxing lesson (complete with his entire arsenal of punches), which was impressive, considering the amount of ring rust he needed to shake just to get warmed up, his opponent, Gray, having “slipped” for the fifth time in as many rounds, was deducted a point for the offense. Soon after in the same round, another slip exposed a knee injury for Gray, prompting the referee to stop the fight, since Gray was unable to continue. 1:42 of round six was the time of the official TKO, and Estrada moves up to 27-6.



Special thanks to Mr. Dominic Pesoli and Mr. Bernie Bahrmasel of 8Count Promotions, Inc. for supplying Bolo Punch with the necessary credentials to cover this fine event.



Bolo Punch was represented at ringside by Chris Guzman (written report) and Emil Kegebein (photography).

"KING DAVID" ESTRADA: CHICAGO TRAINING CAMP PICTURES AND QUOTES

Attached Photo Courtesy 8 Count Productions
David Estrada and trainer Fernando Hernandez



CHICAGO, IL (August 11, 2009) Amidst the sweltering heat in Chicago, welterweight contender “KING DAVID” Estrada trains diligently for his showdown with Chris Gray at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5”, set for Friday, August 21st at the UIC Pavilion in downtown Chicago.

“WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5” is presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING since 1998.

Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5”, starting at $31, can be purchased through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

“I’m up early everyday for my run and then here in the gym for my training and sparring. I’m training for this fight as if it’s a world title bout” said Estrada. “This bout is the first step towards me moving back up in the rankings and I want to be fully prepared for whatever Gray tries to do on August 21st.”

The 30 year old Estrada, 22-6-0 (13KO’s), has fought numerous world class fighters in his ten year career including world champions Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and Kermit Cintron, along with contenders Chris Smith, Ishe Smith, Jesus Soto-Karass and Nurhan Suleymanoglu.

Most recently, Estrada battled Luis Abregu on December 5, 2008, in a bout broadcast on Showtime. Although seemingly well ahead in the fight, Estrada was deemed by the judges to have lost by split decision which angered the packed house at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez , California .

The undercard at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5” features several outstanding undefeated prospects including; middleweight Foster Nkodo, heavyweight David Latoria, welterweight Tony Maldonado, junior welterweight Ramiro Carrillo and pro debuting Antonio Avila. .

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at http://www.uicpavilion.com/

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit http://www.8countproductions.com/ and http://www.jabbboxing.com/

IBF #1 Contender Tavoris Cloud Supports The 3rd Annual Official
Back To School: “Community Experience” While Preparing
To Fight for the Light Heavyweight World Title on August 28th


WHO:
MAYOR JOHN MARKS
TAVORIS CLOUD (19-0, 18 KOs)
City of Tallahassee #1 IBF Light Heavyweight Contender
Reverend O. Jermaine Simmons
Jacob Chapel Freewill Missionary Baptist Church
The Official Back To School “Community Experience” Event Chair


WHAT:
Mayor Marks will present Cloud with an official proclamation from the City of Tallahassee. Cloud will present the Mayor and Reverend Simmons with a donation to purchase school supplies. Cloud will address the media regarding his August 28th world championship bout.

The Champ will demonstrate some of his boxing skills to the Lincoln Center Boxing Club and spend quality time with local youth boxers.

Established in July 2008, the Lincoln Center Boxing Club’s focus is to provide youth, ages 8-18 years, a safe, structured boxing program as a positive outlet for aggressive and hostile energy.

One-on-one interviews with Cloud.


WHEN:
Monday, August 10 at 1 p.m.

WHERE:
Lincoln Community Center- 438 W Brevard St., Tallahassee 32301 Ph: (850) 891-4180

WHY:
Undefeated contender, Tavoris Cloud of Tallahassee, fights for the IBF light heavyweight championship of the world on August 28th. Broadcast internationally on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” at 8 p.m. EST, Cloud faces Sheffield, England’s Clinton Woods (42-4-1, 24 KOs) in this 12-bout co-main event from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.

Tickets for this event, priced at $52, $102, $152, and $202, may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/

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Mike Jones @ Bally's Casino Tonight !! $5.95
Mike Jones (17-0 15KOS) v. Lennin Arroyo from Costa Rica 20-9-1 record (4 K0s) has never been knocked out. At stake will be Jones’ world ranking (No. 10 WBA, No. 12 IBF, No. 13 WBO) and his NABA title.

A great under card is highlighted by former Dominican Olympian and Super Middleweight contender Jerson Ravelo (19-4 12KO's) v. Willis Lockett (12-8 5KO's)

Midwest Fighting Championship 8 - Ultimate Outlaws 8/14 $4.99
From Knoxville, IA and coinciding with the 49th annual Knoxville Nationals. Ultimate Outlaws will feature some of the best rising talents in southern Iowa as well as former veterans of the UFC, WEC, DREAM, and K-1. The main event of the afternoon will feature a superfight between K-1, DREAM, and former King of the Cage champion, Jimmy ' ' The Titanâ' Ambriz v. 2x UFC veteran and owner of over 220 mma wins, Travis 'The Ironmanâ' Fulton. See the star studded card.

The Dungeon in Salem 8/14 FREE
Professional Boxing: Owen Beck vs. Gabriel Holguin, Gary Bergeron vs. Henry "Hank" Lundy, Stevie Robinson vs. Brian Cohen, Coy Evans vs Darrel Martin .and many other great fights.

Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night 8/14 $4.99
What makes Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night different from just any other MMA event is the intensity and skill level represented there. That’s not to say there are not other places putting up some good MMA events, but not to the level of Jeremy Horn’s gym. Some of you may recognize his name as he was one of the original great MMA fighters. He is credited with 81 wins, including a TKO against Chuck Liddell back in 1999. This event is lining up to be an excellent night with another fight from Travis Marx, who has won he last 3 fights in the Elite Fight Night, and will be going up against Jeffrey Willingham from gym “Throwdown” out of Orem. Not to mention several other fighters from Jeremy’s gym like Nick Rossborough, and David Castillo who knocked out Paul Sizemore back in May’s fight night.

HOOK CITY 8/15 See Schedule
Hook City PPV: Flores-Mendoza; Green-Dominguez; Jones Jr-Lacy
Unbeaten NABO cruiserweight champion BJ “El Peligroso” Flores defends his title against former world title challenger Epifanio “Diamente” Mendoza in a 10-round bout to complete an entertaining, well matched “Hook City” 4-fight pay per view card, August 15 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, headlined by two of the best left-hook punchers in boxing, 8-time world boxing champion Roy “Captain Hook” Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) and 2-time super middleweight title-holder Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs).

1984 Olympic Boxing Team - 25 Year Reunion 8/15 FREE
Boxing Event with all the 1984 Olympians in attendance and being honored. The reunion is a celebration and tribute in honor of the 25th anniversary of the accomplishments of the US Olympians of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympiad who have since been deemed the greatest Olympic boxing team in US history. This team boasted of nine gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, and produced some of the most legendary professional boxers in boxing history. This event is also a fundraiser for the Retired Boxers Foundation, in which items donated by the Olympians themselves will be auctioned having 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Foundation. OLYMPIANS TO BE PRESENT: Tyrell Biggs Henry Tillman Evander Holyfield Virgil Hill Frank Tate Mark Breland Jerry Page Pernell Whitaker Meldrick Taylor Robert Shannon Milton McCrory* Paul Gonzales *for Steve McCrory

New Breed Fighters XXIV 8/15 $6.99
Hard Hitting MMA from Resorts Casino, with its 24th installment, being the longest running MMA show on the East Coast.


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West Wins by controversial decision

Photo/story by Lori Steinhorst

When Kaliesha West, now 11-1-0 (2 KOs), of Moreno Valley, California, and Rolanda Andrews, 8-8-1 (3 KOs), of Atlanta, Georgia, and native of Washington D.C., met last Saturday night at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California, on the undercard of Bradley vs. Campbell, both of them had great expectations. The prospect of being on the undercard of a hugely advertised event was exciting and validating for West and Andrews. Each of them were facing an opponent worthy of their talents and both had trained hard for this meeting.

Scheduled for only six rounds, these women understood that they would have to get busy early and lay claim to as many rounds as possible to obtain the victory. With West being the taller orthodox fighter, Andrews, a seasoned veteran southpaw, went right to work on a plan to come in strong and counter punch the right handed West. It appeared that Andrews was successful and West was a bit offset in trying to reach the slick southpaw.

West was quick to adjust and with a bit of speed and tenacity was able to catch up to Andrews. While it appeared that West had taken the brunt of the damage with a battered and swollen face, and many fight fans in the crowd felt certain it would be declared a draw, In the end, Kaliesha West's hand was raised and she was awarded the win by unanimous decision. However, both women fought hard and fought well.

This fight is an excellent example of what can happen when two women represent this sport with a skill and talent equal to each other, who come in prepared. well trained and put their heart and skills into action. This crowd was not disappointed in this bout and many fight fans commented on how much they enjoyed the women's bout. For a lot of the people attending this event this was the first time they had actually seen a women's professional boxing event. It appears the West vs. Andrews fight put a few new fans in the women's boxing corner, and left them wanting more!

# # # # # # # # # #

WBAN Comments: Luis Sandoval of boxingscene.com reported the following on this bout. "Kaliesha entered the ring with a warriors mask and tried to live up to it by going straight at Andrews. Both decided to exchange in the middle of the ring but it was Andrews who was winning the exchanges. West tried her best to pour it on but the southpaw from DC continued to land straight lefts and right hooks. After a 6th and final round that saw both women throw everything but the kitchen sink at each other, it was West who walked off with a surprising unanimous decision that received boos from the crowd."

WBAN would like to see a rematch of this bout in an area that is on neutral grounds. Andrews came in as the out-of-towner in this bout with West. Andrews returned to the sport in 2008, after not fighting since 2004. In her successful return in 2008, Andrews came into this fight with West with a fresh start of 2-0, since originally boxing prior to 2004. WBAN would like to view the video of this fight. If the bout is uploaded on YouTube, please notify WBAN and we will link it to the fight. Otherwise, if there is anyone who has the complete six-rounds of the fight, we would like to get view this bout. To Contact Team Andrews

Call the 24/7 Boxing Hotline at 845-893-2829 Write to Her manager David Selwyn at Boxing @Msn.com

QUEZADA IS PLAYING TRICKS ON US

By Raymond Markarian

August 6, 2009
Photo Laura De La Torre
TheSweetScience.com

After Manuel Quezada knocked out Travis Walker in the first round of a homecoming fight in Lemoore, Ca on July 16th, he had a smile on his face. It was the closest Quezada has come to becoming a magician.

Boxers are like magicians because they are both in a performance based industry. Sure a magician could have the greatest trick in the world, but without stage presence, or some kind of attention grabber, a show could turn to disaster.
One of my favorite movies, The Prestige shows a prime example of one-ups-man-ship between two magicians played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. Jackman's character seems more talented than Bale's. But when it came to performing an act, Bale had the greater charisma. Therefore Bale's character generally drew the bigger audiences in the movie.

Usually in sports, winning means everything. But in boxing, a victory does not necessarily provide universal acclaim. That is why fighters have to win, and they have to look good doing it. It is not always about the W.
The most exciting fighters attract the spectators. It is almost a guarantee that a technical boxer like Winky Wright would have a tougher time selling tickets than a knockout artist like Mike Tyson.

Quezada's win created tremors in the division. His knockout of Walker in the first round was two rounds faster than Chris Arreola disposed of Walker nine months earlier. Now Manuel Quezada is a holding a rabbit in his hat. There is a growing reputation surrounding the proud Mexican heavyweight contender who feels like the outcome of his victory is more important than the time it took to finish the job. Does beating Walker faster than Arreola beat him mean that Quezada is a stronger puncher than Arreola?
"Everybody has been saying that to me. I don't really look into that Arreola win too much. I just think that I caught him with a better shot do you know what I mean."

But Quezada is happy about the win nonetheless. "It is exciting. I am happy about this win and proud that I could be known as one of the other strongest Hispanic heavyweights in boxing."Continue Reading..

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V. Klitschko to fight Arreola in LA on Sept. 26

By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Vitali Klitschko has agreed to defend his WBC heavyweight title against rising prospect Chris Arreola in Los Angeles on Sept. 26.

Arreola promoter Dan Goossen confirmed details of the much-rumored fight to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The bout will be the 38-year-old Klitschko’s third fight since returning from a layoff of nearly four years to beat Samuel Peter late last year. Klitschko (37-2, 36 KOs) hoped to fight England’s David Haye in Germany on Sept. 12, but Haye backed out last month, choosing to fight Nikolai Valuev instead.

So Klitschko agreed to a major fight at Staples Center for the third time in his career. He’ll take on Arreola (27-0, 24 KOs), who grew up east of Los Angeles and lives in Riverside.

Arreola is hoping to become the first Mexican-American fighter to win a major heavyweight title, and Goossen expects a large Southern California crowd supporting both boxers. Klitschko has lived in Los Angeles at times for the past several years.

“I just think it could go through the roof,” Goossen said. “I think we’re going to pack Staples.”

Klitschko, whose brother Wladimir holds the IBF and WBO heavyweight titles, fought Lennox Lewis at Staples Center in June 2003, losing on cuts in the sixth round despite leading the fight on the judges’ scorecards. Klitschko then won the WBC title in Los Angeles in 2004, stopping Corrie Sanders.

After one more defense, Klitschko retired and repeatedly scuttled comeback attempts because of injuries and two failed campaigns to become the mayor of Kiev, Ukraine. When he finally returned against Peter, Klitschko had little trouble stopping the champion, who quit on his stool after the eighth round in Germany.

The fight with Arreola came together quickly after Haye dropped out. Arreola had been anticipating a fight against Oleg Maskaev next month, but eagerly seized the chance to take on Klitschko instead.

Arreola informally broke news of the fight to several dozen fans at the Agua Caliente Resort near Palm Springs last weekend while watching Timothy Bradley’s victory over Nate Campbell.

“It’s going to be big,” Arreola told a handful of cheering fans. “I’m going to get that (title), believe it.”

DAVID ESTRADA VS. CHRIS GRAY HEADLINES WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT FEATURED AT CHICAGO ’S UIC PAVILION

CHICAGO, IL (August 5, 2009) “KING DAVID” Estrada will face off against Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s “CLASSY” Chris Gray in an eight round junior middleweight bout on Friday, August 21st at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5” at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

“WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5” is presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING since 1998.

Said Pesoli, ‘We’ve had a terrific response in ticket sales in the last week since we announced that David was headlining “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5”. Fight fans in Chicago are excited that finally he’s coming back to town for the first time in nine years.”

Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5”, starting at $31, can be purchased through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

Continued, “When David and I first spoke and he wanted to fight on my show we both agreed that in keeping with the terrific fights we’ve had on this series at the UIC Pavilion, he would be in a tough fight. That was music to David’s ears because that’s the way he wants it also."

"Chris Gray is a tough kid from the South who’s fought and beaten a lot of top fighters often times in their own backyards. So I know he has no problem coming to Chicago to face Estrada on August 21st.”

Gray, 12-9-0 (1KO), nicknamed “CLASSY” by his friends, is coming off a six round decision over Mike Ruiz on June 5th in Westbury , New York . This will be his fifth fight of 2009, including a six round battle with contender Ishe Smith on May 8th in Las Vegas .
Said Estrada, “It’s going to be a tough fight, a real fight and that’s perfect for me and the Chicago fight fans.”

The 30 year old Estrada, 22-6-0 (13KO’s), has fought numerous world class fighters in his ten year career including world champions Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and Kermit Cintron, along with contenders Chris Smith, Ishe Smith, Jesus Soto-Karass and Nurhan Suleymanoglu.

Most recently, Estrada battled Luis Abregu on December 5, 2008, in a bout broadcast on Showtime. Although seemingly well ahead in the fight, Estrada was deemed by the judges to have lost by split decision which angered the packed house at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez , California .

The undercard at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 5” features several outstanding undefeated prospects including; middleweight Foster Nkodo, heavyweight David Latoria, welterweight Tony Maldonado, junior welterweight Ramiro Carrillo and pro debuting Antonio Avila. .

Foster Nkodo, 3-0-0 (1KO), a native of Cameroon, now living in Chicago, is coming off a six round unanimous decision win over undefeated Lamar Harris on March 27th at the inaugural “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT”.

Newcomer David Latoria, 1-0-0 (1KO), thrilled the UIC Pavilion crowd on Friday night, July 24th, with a brutal first round knockout of Christopher Boykins.

Also making his second professional start, welterweight Tony Maldonado, 1-0-0 (1KO), returns to the UIC Pavilion following his third round stoppage of Justin Muse on May 29th.

Chicago Golden Gloves Champion Ramiro Carrillo, 1-0-0 (1KO), will follow up his April 24th first round knockout of Steve Hall in a four round junior welterweight bout.

Rounding out the undercard, Chicago junior welterweight Antonio Avila will make his pro debut in a four round bout.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at http://www.uicpavilion.com/

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit http://www.8countproductions.com/ and http://www.jabbboxing.com/

Man charged with killing boxer held without bond

By DORIE TURNER, Associated Press Writer

ATLANTA (AP)—As his grandmother sat nearby weeping, a 20-year-old man charged with killing ex-boxing champion Vernon Forrest had his first appearance in court Wednesday morning.

Demario Ware, who turned himself in to authorities Tuesday night, is charged with murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

He appeared at a jailhouse hearing in front of Fulton County Magistrate Sylvia McCoy, who read him the charges. Wearing a navy blue jail jumpsuit and handcuffs, Ware said nothing other than “yes, ma’am” and kept his eyes on the floor. He is being held without bond.

Ware’s grandmother, Rose Thomas, sat in the courtroom crying.

“He wasn’t raised up to do the thing he done,” she said after the hearing. “I’m sorry to the gentleman that got killed and his family. I know if I’m hurting like I am, then I know they’re hurting.”

Police say Forrest, 38, was shot to death July 25 after he chased a man who robbed him of his championship ring and Rolex watch. No other arrests have been made in the case, but police do not believe Ware is the person who shot Forrest.

The investigation continues into the shooting.

Ware’s attorney, Curtis Hubbard, said his client is “not guilty until proven guilty.” He declined further comment after the hearing.

Ware is scheduled for another court appearance Aug. 19.

Authorities say Ware has been in and out of jail on various charges. He was out on bond from a March arrest for obstructing an officer, criminal trespass and other charges when Forrest was shot.

Forrest, a native of Augusta, Ga., who lived in Atlanta, was a member of the 1992 Olympic team along with Oscar De La Hoya. The fighter later won welterweight and junior middleweight titles and compiled a professional record of 41-3 with 29 knockouts.

Some 1,500 friends, family and fellow athletes attended his funeral Monday. Many remembered him as a soft-spoken, modest competitor known more by his work helping others than his victories in the ring.