SUNRISE, Florida (AFP) - Ghana's Jospeh Agbeko retained the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over Australian-based Armenian Vic Darchinyan.
Agbeko overcame a controversial knockdown in the seventh round to improve to 27-1 and denied Darchinyan a world title in his third different weight class, dropping the undisputed super flyweight world champion to 32-2 with one drawn.
"This win means a lot to me," Agbeko said. "This is my time to shine. I prepared very well. I didn't prepare to be a champion for a short time. I want to reign for a long time."
Agbeko made the second successful second defense of the crown he won with a seventh-round stoppage of Nicaraguan Luis Perez in 2007. Agbeko has won six in a row, including a defense last December over Nicaraguan William Gonzalez.
"He's not better than me but he was today," Darchinyan said. "I went for a big punch and I paid for it. It was a close decision. I lost."
Agbeko opened a cut over Darchinyan's left eye in the second round and bloodied the southpaw's nose in the fifth round.
Darchinyan answered in the seventh by pushing Agbeko down to his right knee while landing a left in what was called a knockdown by referee Tommy Kimmons.
Agbeko opened a bloody gash over Darchinyan's right eye in what was ruled an accidental clash of heads. Darchinyan shoved Agbeko to the canvas in the 10th and 11th round but could not send him down with punches that counted.
"I knew to watch for head butts. I didn't and I paid for it. I took bad tactics. No excuses. He was great at moving. I couldn't find the right position. I know my mistakes. That's what I will work on."
Darchinyan, the former IBF flyweight king, saw his five-fight unbeaten streak snapped and must decide within 10 days whether or not to defend his undisputed superfly crown or stay at bantamweight, where Agbeko still rules.
"Vic Darchinyan can never stop my dream," Agbeko said. "Ghana is behind me. This was for them. This was the biggest fight of my career. I know nothing can stop me now."
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Vetyeka beats Barcelona for vacant bantam title
JOHANNESBURG (AP)—Simphiwe Vetyeka of South Africa won the vacant IBO bantamweight title, beating Eric Barcelona of the Philippines by unanimous decision Saturday.
Vetyeka (21-1) had an advantage in weight, height and reach, and won on all the judges’ cards at Emperor’s Palace: 118-114, 118-110 and 117-111 at Emperor’s Palace. Barcelona fell to 48-16-1.
Both fighters overcame a slippery ring as they tumbled along with Puerto Rican referee Roberto Ramirez at times.
Earlier, South African-born Lovemore N’dou (47-11-1) of Australia won the vacant IBO welterweight title at 37 against Phillip N’dou—no relation—by unanimous decision. It was only the second fight in five years for Phillip N’dou (32-4).
Vetyeka (21-1) had an advantage in weight, height and reach, and won on all the judges’ cards at Emperor’s Palace: 118-114, 118-110 and 117-111 at Emperor’s Palace. Barcelona fell to 48-16-1.
Both fighters overcame a slippery ring as they tumbled along with Puerto Rican referee Roberto Ramirez at times.
Earlier, South African-born Lovemore N’dou (47-11-1) of Australia won the vacant IBO welterweight title at 37 against Phillip N’dou—no relation—by unanimous decision. It was only the second fight in five years for Phillip N’dou (32-4).
Former boxing champ Gatti found dead in Brazil
By STAN LEHMAN, Associated Press Writer
SAO PAULO (AP)—Former boxing champion Arturo Gatti, one of the most exciting fighters of his generation, was found dead in a hotel room in the posh seaside resort of Porto de Galihnas early Saturday.
Police investigator Edilson Alves told The Associated Press that the body of the former junior welterweight champ was discovered in his hotel room at the tourist resort, where Gatti had arrived on Friday with his Brazilian wife Amanda and 1-year-old son.Alves said police were investigating and it was unclear how the 37-year-old Canadian died.
“It is still too early to say anything concrete, although it is all very strange,” Alves said.
A spokeswoman for the state public safety department said Gatti’s wife and son were unhurt. The women declined to give a name in keeping with department policy.
“There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find blood stains on the floor,” she said.
Gatti first captured the junior welterweight title in 1995, when he defeated Tracy Harris Patterson in Atlantic City, N.J. His brawling style and natural charisma made him a fan favorite, and he became one of New Jersey’s adopted sons while fighting some of his most memorable battles on the Boardwalk.
“His entire boxing career he fought with us, we’ve known him since he was 17,” Kathy Duva of promoter Main Events told The Associated Press. “It’s just an unspeakable tragedy. I can’t even find words. It’s a horror.”
Brazilian boxer and four-time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas told the G1 Web site of Brazil’s largest television network Globo that he was a close friend of Gatti and his wife, and that he “knew they were having some sort of problem and were about to separate, but I didn’t know they were in Brazil.”
Francisco Assis, a local police investigator, told G1 that Gatti could have died up to eight hours before his body was found early Saturday.
AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta in New York contributed to this report.
Sturm defends WBA middleweight title
NUERBURG, Germany (AP)—Felix Sturm retained his WBA middleweight title, beating Khoren Gevor in a unanimous decision Saturday at the Ring Arena.
Sturm relied on clean, strong shots that stunned Gevor several times throughout the 12-round fight. But the Armenian challenger was aggressive and tenacious, moving Sturm around the ring and keeping him in a defensive crouch.
All three judges called the fight for
Sturm, 115-113 twice and 117-111. Many in the arena were disappointed, including Gevor, who said “no one won that fight.”
Sturm (33-2-1) said he wasn’t as perturbed by Gevor’s dissent as he was by what he said were some dirty moves in the ring.
“He wants to be world champion, like everyone, but you have to do more than push with your head,” Sturm said.
The two fighters, both 30 years old, spent much of the fight locked with their gloves and heads nearly touching. At the close of the third round, Sturm fell to the mat when Gevor (30-4) took a swing while standing on his opponent’s foot.
Sturm, a German, hasn’t lost in his past nine fights, though he only mustered a draw against Randy Griffin in October 2007. He beat Griffin by unanimous decision later that year. His recent fights before Saturday been a string of easy victories.
Sturm relied on clean, strong shots that stunned Gevor several times throughout the 12-round fight. But the Armenian challenger was aggressive and tenacious, moving Sturm around the ring and keeping him in a defensive crouch.
All three judges called the fight for
Sturm, 115-113 twice and 117-111. Many in the arena were disappointed, including Gevor, who said “no one won that fight.”Sturm (33-2-1) said he wasn’t as perturbed by Gevor’s dissent as he was by what he said were some dirty moves in the ring.
“He wants to be world champion, like everyone, but you have to do more than push with your head,” Sturm said.
The two fighters, both 30 years old, spent much of the fight locked with their gloves and heads nearly touching. At the close of the third round, Sturm fell to the mat when Gevor (30-4) took a swing while standing on his opponent’s foot.
Sturm, a German, hasn’t lost in his past nine fights, though he only mustered a draw against Randy Griffin in October 2007. He beat Griffin by unanimous decision later that year. His recent fights before Saturday been a string of easy victories.
Gatti found dead in Brazil
Posted Jul. 11, 2009
By RingTV.com editors
Arturo Gatti, the thrill-a-minute brawler who engaged in an epic three-fight series with Mickey Ward, was found dead in a hotel room in northeastern Brazil, The Associated Press is reporting. He was 37.
Posted Jul. 11, 2009 at 02:35pm
Gatti’s body was discovered Saturday morning in Porto de Galinhas, a beach resort, AP reported. He arrived there on Friday with his wife and 1-year-old son, neither of whom was harmed.
A public safety spokesman for the region said it was unclear how Gatti died.
"There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find blood stains on the floor," said the spokesperson, who declined to be identified.
Gatti, a native of Montreal who lived in Jersey City, N.J., won two major titles. He never had the natural ability of an elite boxer but no one had a superior fighting spirit. His courage and resilience are legendary.
He retired in 2007.
By RingTV.com editors
Arturo Gatti, the thrill-a-minute brawler who engaged in an epic three-fight series with Mickey Ward, was found dead in a hotel room in northeastern Brazil, The Associated Press is reporting. He was 37.Posted Jul. 11, 2009 at 02:35pm
Gatti’s body was discovered Saturday morning in Porto de Galinhas, a beach resort, AP reported. He arrived there on Friday with his wife and 1-year-old son, neither of whom was harmed.
A public safety spokesman for the region said it was unclear how Gatti died.
"There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find blood stains on the floor," said the spokesperson, who declined to be identified.
Gatti, a native of Montreal who lived in Jersey City, N.J., won two major titles. He never had the natural ability of an elite boxer but no one had a superior fighting spirit. His courage and resilience are legendary.
He retired in 2007.
HILTON RYE TOWN HOTEL UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED
On Thursday July 16th, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing brings live boxing back to Westchester County, when former light heavyweight world title challenger, Port Chester's own David Telesco (29-6-1, 24KO) returns to the ring for the first time since 2005 when he takes on New Jersey's William Gill in the main event bout of the evening. The bout is scheduled for eight rounds in the light heavyweight division, and will take place at the beautiful Hilton Rye Town Hotel in Rye Brook, NY.
"THE NEW" RAY ROBINSON
In the co-feature bout of the evening Star Boxing's hot jr. welterweight prospect, "The New" Ray Robinson (10-0, 4KO) returns to the ring for the first time since his nationally televised (ESPN2 Friday Night Fight) third round TKO over previously unbeaten Darnell Jiles when he takes on game veteran Harrison Cuello (18-10-3, 14KO). The bout is scheduled for six rounds.
PASQUAL "EL TIGRE" ROUSE
In an eight round super featherweight special attraction, Yonkers resident, Pasqual "El Tigre" Rouse (20-13-2, 11KO) takes on Puerto Rico's Juan Nazario (6-1-1, 4KO) in a classic Dominican vs. Puerto Rican showdown. The Dominican native Rouse will surely have the hometown crowd on his side as he looks to add yet another victory to his resume.
YATHOMAS RILEY
Hard hitting light heavyweight Yathomas Riley (5-0, 3KO) looks to stay unbeaten when he battles it out against Philadelphia's Andre Hemphill (8-11-2, 5KO) over six rounds. For the Star Boxing promoted Riley, who hails from Miami, but now resides in the Bronx, it will be the young prospects first scheduled six rounder.
Exciting featherweight prospect, Eilon Kedem (9-2-3, 7KO) looks to get back into the win column when he takes on veteran Robert DaLuz (12-19-2, 9KO) in a six round featherweight contest. The 24-year-old Kedem, who hails from Herzelia Israel, has yet to lose when fighting on U.S. soil.
Rounding out the card is the pro-debut of Stamford, Connecticut's Ahmad Mickens. Mickens is scheduled to take on the Bronx's Phil Hannah (0-2). The bout is scheduled for four rounds in the light heavyweight division.
Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30. Tickets can be purchased through the Star Boxing office by calling (718) 823-2000 or by visiting the Star Boxing website ( www.starboxing.com). Tickets are priced at Gold Ringside - $100, Silver Ringside - $60 and reserved seating for $40. The Hilton Rye Town hotel is located at 699 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, New York, 10573. There will be free parking for all guests attending the fights that evening.
Ray Robinson photo taken by Star Boxing photographer Emily Harney
Star Boxing
"THE NEW" RAY ROBINSON
In the co-feature bout of the evening Star Boxing's hot jr. welterweight prospect, "The New" Ray Robinson (10-0, 4KO) returns to the ring for the first time since his nationally televised (ESPN2 Friday Night Fight) third round TKO over previously unbeaten Darnell Jiles when he takes on game veteran Harrison Cuello (18-10-3, 14KO). The bout is scheduled for six rounds.
PASQUAL "EL TIGRE" ROUSE
In an eight round super featherweight special attraction, Yonkers resident, Pasqual "El Tigre" Rouse (20-13-2, 11KO) takes on Puerto Rico's Juan Nazario (6-1-1, 4KO) in a classic Dominican vs. Puerto Rican showdown. The Dominican native Rouse will surely have the hometown crowd on his side as he looks to add yet another victory to his resume.
YATHOMAS RILEY
Hard hitting light heavyweight Yathomas Riley (5-0, 3KO) looks to stay unbeaten when he battles it out against Philadelphia's Andre Hemphill (8-11-2, 5KO) over six rounds. For the Star Boxing promoted Riley, who hails from Miami, but now resides in the Bronx, it will be the young prospects first scheduled six rounder.Exciting featherweight prospect, Eilon Kedem (9-2-3, 7KO) looks to get back into the win column when he takes on veteran Robert DaLuz (12-19-2, 9KO) in a six round featherweight contest. The 24-year-old Kedem, who hails from Herzelia Israel, has yet to lose when fighting on U.S. soil.
Rounding out the card is the pro-debut of Stamford, Connecticut's Ahmad Mickens. Mickens is scheduled to take on the Bronx's Phil Hannah (0-2). The bout is scheduled for four rounds in the light heavyweight division.
Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30. Tickets can be purchased through the Star Boxing office by calling (718) 823-2000 or by visiting the Star Boxing website ( www.starboxing.com). Tickets are priced at Gold Ringside - $100, Silver Ringside - $60 and reserved seating for $40. The Hilton Rye Town hotel is located at 699 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, New York, 10573. There will be free parking for all guests attending the fights that evening.
ABOUT STAR BOXING:
Star Boxing has been in operation since 1992 and has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.Ray Robinson photo taken by Star Boxing photographer Emily Harney
Star Boxing
"Quezada's has never fought anybody of my caliber"
By Benny Henderson
Doghouseboxing.com
Heavyweight contender Travis Walker 31-2-1 (25) who has earned himself three consecutive knockout wins since losing a heartbreaker to undefeated Chris Arreola in November of 2008, a fight where Walker had Arreola down, is aiming to keep his win streak alive. But before he can take another step in the right direction Walker has to get past Manuel Quezada 27-4 (17), who he will be taking on the sixteenth of this month at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, CA.Walker was running at high speed with a twenty-five fight win streak, and ten first round knock outs when he hit a speed bump by the name of TJ Wilson who defeated Travis in twenty-eight seconds of the first round, in what could be argued as a premature stoppage.
Avenging his loss to Wilson via second round TKO, Walker was matched up against another heavyweight hopeful in Chris Arreola. All though Walker had Chris down in the second round, Walker would hit the canvas three times in route to a third round TKO loss. Continue reading..
"Travis Walker will bring the best out of me"
By Benny HendersonDoghouseboxing.com
Heavyweight contender Manuel Quezada 27-4 (17) faces his toughest task in his eight year career when he takes on power punching Travis Walker 31-2-1 (25) July 16th at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, CA.
Quezada, who has defeated the likes of the 6'9" Rick Dyer (2nd R. KO), Galen Brown (5th R. TKO) and Teke Oruh (UD), is riding a sixteen fight win streak. Holding the WBC CABOFE heavyweight title and top spot in the WBC #11, believes Walker will not only catapult him up the heavyweight ladder, but bring the best out of him come fight night.
In this exclusive interview conducted by Manuel Quezada, he talks about his career, and his upcoming bout against Travis Walker, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.
You have a fight coming up July sixteenth against Travis Walker, give the readers your thoughts on the fight. Continue reading...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
