By DAVE SKRETTA, AP Sports Writer
Vic Darchinyan’s insults sting about as much as his punches, and considering he’s a four-time champion in two weight divisions, Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko wasn’t surprised at what he heard during the run-up to their bantamweight title fight on Saturday night.
“I think after this fight they are going to change my opponent’s name to Joseph ‘Chimpanzee’ Agbeko,” Darchinyan railed on a joint teleconference. “This is going to be the biggest mismatch. Where would you like me to hurt you most, in the body or in the face?”
Darchinyan will be trying to become a three-division champion when he moves up in weight to challenge Agbeko for his IBF title at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.
Also on the stacked undercard, former cruiserweight champs Steve Cunningham and Wayne Braithwaite will fight for a mandatory chance at current titleholder Tomasz Adamek, and lightweights Tony DeMarco and Agnes Adjaho will be trying for a shot at WBC champion Edwin Valero. Welterweights Ivan Kirpa and Miguel Rodriguez will also be in the ring.
It’s the two colorful characters in the main event that have attracted all the attention, though. Biting barbs have been flying back and forth for weeks.
“Vic is always talking about his power and about how he’s this and that, but I’ve watched his fights and I never saw that power,” said Agbeko, who’s originally from Ghana and now trains in the Bronx. “He’s always fought guys that are afraid of him and he did what he wanted with them. But in this fight, I’m going to do what I want to do.”
Most observers favor Darchinyan, the Armenia-born Australian who’s been ruthlessly knocking out just about everybody he faces lately.
Darchinyan (32-1-1, 26 KOs) became the first junior bantamweight to unify three belts when he stopped Cristian Mijares in the ninth round of a lopsided fight last November. Three months later, the “Raging Bull” was battering former titleholder Jorge Arce when a doctor stopped their fight at the end of the 11th round.
Darchinyan’s only loss was a stunning fifth-round knockout to Filipino sensation Nonito Donaire—a defeat that Agbeko (26-1, 22 KOs) has rifled back against his brash challenger in their constant verbal sparring.
“Why didn’t he talk like this when Nonito Donaire beat him?” Agbeko said, in response to another zinger from Darchinyan. “I wanted him to talk more, and I want him to realize that I’m going to beat him more than Donaire beat him.”
Agbeko certainly represents one of the toughest challenges Darchinyan has faced, regardless of having to move up in weight. Agbeko’s only loss was a controversial decision to Wladimir Sidorenko in 2004 that even Darchinyan believes was wrongly awarded.
Still, promoter Gary Shaw is nearly as confident as Darchinyan that one of his prized assets will win on Saturday night. Shaw even mentioned possible opponents for his next fight, ranging from a rematch against Donaire to challenging someone like Rafael Marquez at 122 pounds.
“I believe I represent a fighter who will go down as one of the greatest boxers to ever fight in the lower weights,” Shaw said. “Vic and (manager) Elias (Nassar) don’t care about weights. They only want the best fighters, and they believe right now that ‘King Kong’ Agbeko is the best fighter at 118 pounds.”
Friday, July 10, 2009
AP Sources: Showtime close to boxing tourney deal
By DAVE SKRETTA, AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP)—Showtime is putting the final touches on a six-man super middleweight round-robin tournament that will include two current champions and three former U.S. Olympians.
Two people with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Thursday that the details, possibly including sites and dates, are being worked out this week. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations were ongoing.
The tournament is expected to include WBA champion Mikkel Kessler and WBC champion Carl Froch along with IBF middleweight titleholder Arthur Abraham. The three Europeans will be joined by former U.S. Olympians Jermain Taylor, Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell.
Showtime issued a statement saying all six fighters would be in New York on Monday for a “groundbreaking boxing announcement,” but declined to elaborate. They have a combined record of 161-4-1 with 117 knockouts.
Abraham, Froch, Dirrell and Ward have never been beaten.
Showtime has made a big investment in the 168-pound division, attempting to build name recognition for many of the participants. Froch knocked out Taylor in the 12th round in April, Ward beat Edison Miranda in May, and Abraham beat Mahir Oral last month.
Unlike elimination tournaments, the format would reward fighters with points based on the decision. A victory would earn two points, with a bonus point for a knockout, and a draw would be worth one point. The four fighters with the most points at the end of the round-robin would advance to seeded semifinals.
“I’ve got a lot to say on every subject, (but) give me a few days to give you something to talk about,” said Dan Goossen, who promotes Ward, when asked about the tournament.
The first scheduled fights would pit Dirrell, a 2004 Olympic bronze medalist, against Froch for the WBC title, with Abraham moving up in weight to fight Taylor.
The tournament could be precisely what boxing needs after a summer in which several big fights were postponed, the heavyweight division remained a mess and mixed martial arts kept cutting into the sport’s stagnant fan base.
Showtime’s plan, which had been rumored for weeks, could provide numerous intriguing fights over the next two years in both the United States and Europe.
“If you can pull this off, it’s genius,” Gary Shaw, who promotes Dirrell, told The Associated Press on Thursday. “It’s what boxing needs in every weight class. This is the best trying to fight the best.”
Shaw put together a 168-pound tournament of his own two years ago on Showtime. But that tournament, with a finale between Jean Paul Mendy and Anthony Hanshaw, did not have the star power that Showtime is attempting to put together this time.
There have been other attempts to create boxing tournaments, with mixed results.
In the 1980s, Don King put together a heavyweight tournament that included Michael Spinks, Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick. It lasted nearly two years and resulted in Mike Tyson defeating Tony Tucker by unanimous decision to become the undisputed champion.
The tournament had ran into problems when Spinks dropped out for a more lucrative fight.
There are plenty of legitimate 168-pounders who could fill in if someone drops out of Showtime’s planned tournament, although it’s not clear what contingencies are in place for such things as failed drug tests or injuries that might shelve a fighter.
Among those who aren’t involved are IBF champ Lucian Bute, who is scheduled to fight Librado Andrade in a mandatory this fall, WBO champion Karoly Balzsay and top contender Allan Green.
“If anyone would get through a tournament like this, you’d have a superstar,” Shaw said, “a new superstar. And that’s important and good for boxing, and maybe they’ll do this at 140, 154 (pounds). There are a lot of great fighters.”
NEW YORK (AP)—Showtime is putting the final touches on a six-man super middleweight round-robin tournament that will include two current champions and three former U.S. Olympians.
Two people with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Thursday that the details, possibly including sites and dates, are being worked out this week. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations were ongoing.
The tournament is expected to include WBA champion Mikkel Kessler and WBC champion Carl Froch along with IBF middleweight titleholder Arthur Abraham. The three Europeans will be joined by former U.S. Olympians Jermain Taylor, Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell.
Showtime issued a statement saying all six fighters would be in New York on Monday for a “groundbreaking boxing announcement,” but declined to elaborate. They have a combined record of 161-4-1 with 117 knockouts.
Abraham, Froch, Dirrell and Ward have never been beaten.
Showtime has made a big investment in the 168-pound division, attempting to build name recognition for many of the participants. Froch knocked out Taylor in the 12th round in April, Ward beat Edison Miranda in May, and Abraham beat Mahir Oral last month.
Unlike elimination tournaments, the format would reward fighters with points based on the decision. A victory would earn two points, with a bonus point for a knockout, and a draw would be worth one point. The four fighters with the most points at the end of the round-robin would advance to seeded semifinals.
“I’ve got a lot to say on every subject, (but) give me a few days to give you something to talk about,” said Dan Goossen, who promotes Ward, when asked about the tournament.The first scheduled fights would pit Dirrell, a 2004 Olympic bronze medalist, against Froch for the WBC title, with Abraham moving up in weight to fight Taylor.
The tournament could be precisely what boxing needs after a summer in which several big fights were postponed, the heavyweight division remained a mess and mixed martial arts kept cutting into the sport’s stagnant fan base.
Showtime’s plan, which had been rumored for weeks, could provide numerous intriguing fights over the next two years in both the United States and Europe.
“If you can pull this off, it’s genius,” Gary Shaw, who promotes Dirrell, told The Associated Press on Thursday. “It’s what boxing needs in every weight class. This is the best trying to fight the best.”
Shaw put together a 168-pound tournament of his own two years ago on Showtime. But that tournament, with a finale between Jean Paul Mendy and Anthony Hanshaw, did not have the star power that Showtime is attempting to put together this time.
There have been other attempts to create boxing tournaments, with mixed results.
In the 1980s, Don King put together a heavyweight tournament that included Michael Spinks, Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick. It lasted nearly two years and resulted in Mike Tyson defeating Tony Tucker by unanimous decision to become the undisputed champion.
The tournament had ran into problems when Spinks dropped out for a more lucrative fight.
There are plenty of legitimate 168-pounders who could fill in if someone drops out of Showtime’s planned tournament, although it’s not clear what contingencies are in place for such things as failed drug tests or injuries that might shelve a fighter.
Among those who aren’t involved are IBF champ Lucian Bute, who is scheduled to fight Librado Andrade in a mandatory this fall, WBO champion Karoly Balzsay and top contender Allan Green.
“If anyone would get through a tournament like this, you’d have a superstar,” Shaw said, “a new superstar. And that’s important and good for boxing, and maybe they’ll do this at 140, 154 (pounds). There are a lot of great fighters.”
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Windy City Fight Night 3
8Count Promotions
Friday, June 26, 2009
UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL
Never a promotion to disappoint, 8Count served up a scorcher of an event to set the summer off right. What an outstanding array of talent this promotion has, from a seemingly unending stable of fighters from all over the world. They just keep on churning out event after event, each even more competitive than the next, and the Chicago fight fans can’t get enough, as they piled into the UIC Pavilion on this warm June evening.
Achour Esho TKO4 Dontre King
This welterweight fight started the night off, with back and forth action and killer body attacks. Esho owned most of the exchanges, except for in Round Two, where King stepped it up and opened up some effective combinations to the body, that seemed to bother Esho. However, from Round Three on, it was all Esho, who sends King nearly backflipping down to the canvas, as the referee waves the fight off at :41 of the round. Achour Esho of Palatine, IL improves his record to 3-0.
Tommy Atencio UD6 Juan Bailon
Next up were the littler guys with the really big hearts. Atencio, visiting the Chicagoland area tonight from Denver, CO, took a unanimous decision over the now 4-2 Chicago native, Bailon. Atencio floored Bailon with a right uppercut to score the 10-8 in the second round, followed by the last four rounds of apparently razor-thin rounds with the slight advantage going to Atencio. However, the judges saw it 60-53 (twice) and 59-54, where many present ringside saw it just a bit closer. The right fighter won, though, and this Colorado fighter, who has all the tools to be an effective southpaw (but is a naturally orthodox fighter) is going to be a talent worth keeping an eye on in the future. Tommy Atencio improves his record to 4-1.
Tamara Johnson MD8 Rita Figueroa
This is a rematch of these two Chicago ladies’ first fight, which was ruled a draw by the judges. Everyone in the audience was interested to see these two matched up again, since their first bout was such a crowd-pleaser. This one wouldn’t disappoint, although Tamara Johnson clearly was the winner this time. There were tremendous exchanges throughout the fight, and each fighter had their moments, but overall, Johnson simply imposed her will over Figueroa more often. From the beginning of the fight, Johnson’s right hand just couldn’t miss its target. Johnson’s body attacks are brutally accurate, and to her credit, Figueroa didn’t seem fazed by them at all, but the judges saw them as points. Figueroa clearly took the fifth and eighth rounds, but Johnson’s aggression and forward movement kept her in the lead, prompting the judges to score it 76-76 and 78-74 (twice), giving Tamara Johnson the majority decision and improving her record to
4-2-2.
Ryan Smedick UD4 Gabriel Morris
Smedick pulled out a unanimous victory over Morris, but that doesn’t quite explain the real story to this fight. This bout was a real barnburner, complete with fast exchanges and back-and-forth action, with both fighters going toe to toe to obtain the upper hand. Smedick deserved the win, but Morris should keep his head high, because a lesser man would have crumbled under the relentless attack of Smedick, who improves his record to 3-0-1.
Andrzej Fonfara TKO2 Skylar Thompson
This bout was for the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship, and Fonfara wanted it badly enough to nearly end the fight on the first punch he landed, but Thompson was able to fend off the attack, for the first round, at least. Toward the end of Round Two, Fonfara unleashed a straight right hand “right down the pike”, sending Thompson crashing to the canvas. . . possibly breaking Thompson’s nose, and forcing the referee to stop the fight when Thompson was still wobbly after attempting to fully get up. Fonfara improves his record to 13-2 with this outstanding victory.
Fres Oquendo TKO3 Mark Brown
Former top-ten heavyweight contender Oquendo was matched with late-substitute Mark Brown, who proved to be a really tough challenge for the taller, more experienced Oquendo. It was difficult to land cleanly on Brown, who was content to bull-rush and hold in most of the exchanges, whereas Oquendo tried to actually box. This fight was full of wrestling and takedowns, prompting one ringside spectator to compare it to a mixed martial-arts fight. Always the professional, Oquendo stayed focused, and near the end of the third round, dropped Brown with a beautiful overhand right, prompting the referee to stop the contest at 2:38, improving his professional record to 30-5, with all of his losses coming against top-notch opposition like Chris Byrd and John Ruiz.
Ivan Popoca UD8 Hector Alatorre
Alatorre was NEVER in this fight, which went completely the way that Popoca wanted it to go. Popoca, a Chicago native and one of the most popular of the 8Count stable of talent, outworked, outhustled, and outclassed the Californian from the first round to the last. His bodyshots were killer, his footwork was clean, and his energy didn’t even think of giving out as he dismantled Alatorre in this eight round blowout. With this unanimous victory, Popoca improves his record to 11-0-1, and has been lately fighting better and better opposition, which will make him difficult to ignore in the lightweight/superlightweight rankings in the near future.
Special thanks to Mr. Dominic Pesoli and Mr. Bernie Bahrmasel for issuing Bolo Punch the credentials to report on this stellar event from the UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL.
**Ringside photography taken by Emil Kegebein, who has been Bolo Punch’s lone photographer since its inception. Ringside report by Chris Guzman, who has hosted The Bolo Punch Boxing Hour since 2002.
Friday, June 26, 2009
UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL
Never a promotion to disappoint, 8Count served up a scorcher of an event to set the summer off right. What an outstanding array of talent this promotion has, from a seemingly unending stable of fighters from all over the world. They just keep on churning out event after event, each even more competitive than the next, and the Chicago fight fans can’t get enough, as they piled into the UIC Pavilion on this warm June evening.
Achour Esho TKO4 Dontre King
This welterweight fight started the night off, with back and forth action and killer body attacks. Esho owned most of the exchanges, except for in Round Two, where King stepped it up and opened up some effective combinations to the body, that seemed to bother Esho. However, from Round Three on, it was all Esho, who sends King nearly backflipping down to the canvas, as the referee waves the fight off at :41 of the round. Achour Esho of Palatine, IL improves his record to 3-0.Tommy Atencio UD6 Juan Bailon
Next up were the littler guys with the really big hearts. Atencio, visiting the Chicagoland area tonight from Denver, CO, took a unanimous decision over the now 4-2 Chicago native, Bailon. Atencio floored Bailon with a right uppercut to score the 10-8 in the second round, followed by the last four rounds of apparently razor-thin rounds with the slight advantage going to Atencio. However, the judges saw it 60-53 (twice) and 59-54, where many present ringside saw it just a bit closer. The right fighter won, though, and this Colorado fighter, who has all the tools to be an effective southpaw (but is a naturally orthodox fighter) is going to be a talent worth keeping an eye on in the future. Tommy Atencio improves his record to 4-1.Tamara Johnson MD8 Rita Figueroa
This is a rematch of these two Chicago ladies’ first fight, which was ruled a draw by the judges. Everyone in the audience was interested to see these two matched up again, since their first bout was such a crowd-pleaser. This one wouldn’t disappoint, although Tamara Johnson clearly was the winner this time. There were tremendous exchanges throughout the fight, and each fighter had their moments, but overall, Johnson simply imposed her will over Figueroa more often. From the beginning of the fight, Johnson’s right hand just couldn’t miss its target. Johnson’s body attacks are brutally accurate, and to her credit, Figueroa didn’t seem fazed by them at all, but the judges saw them as points. Figueroa clearly took the fifth and eighth rounds, but Johnson’s aggression and forward movement kept her in the lead, prompting the judges to score it 76-76 and 78-74 (twice), giving Tamara Johnson the majority decision and improving her record to4-2-2.
Ryan Smedick UD4 Gabriel Morris
Smedick pulled out a unanimous victory over Morris, but that doesn’t quite explain the real story to this fight. This bout was a real barnburner, complete with fast exchanges and back-and-forth action, with both fighters going toe to toe to obtain the upper hand. Smedick deserved the win, but Morris should keep his head high, because a lesser man would have crumbled under the relentless attack of Smedick, who improves his record to 3-0-1.Andrzej Fonfara TKO2 Skylar Thompson
This bout was for the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship, and Fonfara wanted it badly enough to nearly end the fight on the first punch he landed, but Thompson was able to fend off the attack, for the first round, at least. Toward the end of Round Two, Fonfara unleashed a straight right hand “right down the pike”, sending Thompson crashing to the canvas. . . possibly breaking Thompson’s nose, and forcing the referee to stop the fight when Thompson was still wobbly after attempting to fully get up. Fonfara improves his record to 13-2 with this outstanding victory.Fres Oquendo TKO3 Mark Brown
Former top-ten heavyweight contender Oquendo was matched with late-substitute Mark Brown, who proved to be a really tough challenge for the taller, more experienced Oquendo. It was difficult to land cleanly on Brown, who was content to bull-rush and hold in most of the exchanges, whereas Oquendo tried to actually box. This fight was full of wrestling and takedowns, prompting one ringside spectator to compare it to a mixed martial-arts fight. Always the professional, Oquendo stayed focused, and near the end of the third round, dropped Brown with a beautiful overhand right, prompting the referee to stop the contest at 2:38, improving his professional record to 30-5, with all of his losses coming against top-notch opposition like Chris Byrd and John Ruiz.Ivan Popoca UD8 Hector Alatorre
Alatorre was NEVER in this fight, which went completely the way that Popoca wanted it to go. Popoca, a Chicago native and one of the most popular of the 8Count stable of talent, outworked, outhustled, and outclassed the Californian from the first round to the last. His bodyshots were killer, his footwork was clean, and his energy didn’t even think of giving out as he dismantled Alatorre in this eight round blowout. With this unanimous victory, Popoca improves his record to 11-0-1, and has been lately fighting better and better opposition, which will make him difficult to ignore in the lightweight/superlightweight rankings in the near future.Special thanks to Mr. Dominic Pesoli and Mr. Bernie Bahrmasel for issuing Bolo Punch the credentials to report on this stellar event from the UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL.
**Ringside photography taken by Emil Kegebein, who has been Bolo Punch’s lone photographer since its inception. Ringside report by Chris Guzman, who has hosted The Bolo Punch Boxing Hour since 2002.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Robert Guerrero Challenges For IBF Jr Lightweight World Championship
HOUSTON'S HERO, JUAN DIAZ,
RETURNS ON AUGUST 22ND AGAINST
FORMER WORLD CHAMPION PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
TICKETS ON SALE JULY 10TH
HBO BOXING AFTER DARK TO TELEVISE BOUTS
LOS ANGELES, July 8 - There's nothing in the world like Texas heat in August. On Saturday, August 22nd, four of boxing's best will square off at Houston's ToyotaCenter in an event that will raise the temperature of a sweltering summer of boxing even higher.
In the main event, former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion and hometown hero Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz takes on former 140-pound world titleholder Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi of Brooklyn, New York, while the co-featured bout sees heavy-handed Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero challenge for a world title in a second weight class when he takes on IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Malcolm Klassen.
Both bouts, which are presented by Golden Boy Promotions, with Diaz vs. Malignaggi being presented in association with DiBella Entertainment and Guerrero vs. Klassen being presented in association with Branco Sports Productions, will air on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 pm ET/PT (8:45 pm CT). The evening of boxing is sponsored by QuakerState, Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. Doors open at 3:30pm and the first bout begins at approximately 3:45pm CT.
Tickets, priced at $250, $125, $70, $45 and $25, go on sale on Friday, July 10th at 10am CT, and may be purchased online at www.ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX and at select Houston area Randalls locations. Tickets will be available at the Toyota Center Box Office beginning Monday, July 13th at 9am CT.
"An exciting evening of boxing like this is what the Boxing After Dark series is known for, and I can't think of any place better to have it than at ToyotaCenter in Houston," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "The fans in Houston are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we're giving them plenty to cheer for with their hometown fighter Juan Diaz taking on Paulie Malignaggi and Robert Guerrero looking to win another world title against Malcolm Klassen. This will be a great night for Houston and for boxing."
"These matchups simply continue the momentum of the exciting, make-or-break fights we've been televising on Boxing After Dark," said Luis Barragan, director of programming HBO Sports. "You put two young, hungry and talented fighters with their backs up against the wall, like Juan Diaz and Paul Malignaggi, and there's no doubt that you're going to get a tremendous fight."
"The ToyotaCenter is thrilled to welcome back Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for another classic night of boxing in Houston," said Doug Hall, Vice President and General Manager of ToyotaCenter. "The Houston fight fans have given their overwhelming support to boxing in general, and Juan Diaz in particular, at both our previous matches. We are honored that Golden Boy has asked us to participate in yet another great night of boxing and we can't wait to see the action unfold."
Boxing's most exciting pound for pound fighter, Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (34-2, 17 KO's) has accomplished a lot in the sport for a young man of just 25 years old. A former WBA World Lightweight Champion who defended his title five times before adding the WBO and IBF World Titles to his resume with technical knockouts of Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz respectively, Houston's finest is coming off an epic war with Juan Manuel Marquez in February. Though he fell short against the future Hall of Famer in a Fight of the Year candidate, Diaz is eager to go from hitting the books to hitting opponents following his graduation from the University of Houston - Downtown earlier this year.
"Ever since graduation, I've just been in the gym and I can't wait to get back into the ring," said Diaz. "Malignaggi is a slick opponent and a good test, but I'm confident that with my fans in Houston behind me, I'll win the fight in exciting fashion."
A brash Brooklynite who has been to the top of the boxing world as a former Junior Welterweight World Champion, Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi (26-2, 5 KO's) is more than flash in the ring. Owner of wins over Lovemore N'Dou, Herman Ngoudjo and Edner Cherry, the 28-year-old Malignaggi has also gone to battle against boxing superstars Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton, but he knows that no fight is more important than the one ahead of him on August 22nd as it could lead to a another world title shot for him if he beats Diaz.
"I respect Juan Diaz as a fighter and I know this fight has the potential to be Fight of the Year," said Malignaggi. "But I know what I have to do on August 22nd, and that's to dominate every round. This is the kind of big fight I've been waiting for and the fans are definitely going to see the old Paulie Malignaggi in action."
Hailing from Hammanskraal, South Africa, Malcolm Klassen (24-4-2, 14 KO's) is the latest in the line of hard-nosed South African fighters to ascend to the peak of the boxing mountain. A ten-year veteran who rebounded from a rocky start to his career to win 11 of his last 12 bouts, Klassen came to the attention of the boxing world in 2008 with his win over former Five-Time World Champion Manuel "Mantecas" Medina and followed that with a seventh round technical knockout of South African boxing legend Cassius Baloyi in April that earned him the IBF 130-pound championship.
"I'm happy to be fighting in the United States for the first time and to be challenged by a respected fighter like Robert Guerrero," said Klassen. "I expect a tough fight, but I waited too long to win this title and I'm not about to give it up on August 22nd."
A ferocious puncher whose last 16 wins have come by knockout, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (24-1-1, 17 KO's) has the type of power that can change the direction of a fight in a split second. A native of Gilroy, California, the popular Guerrero knows what it's like to compete at the game's highest level, having won the IBF Featherweight World Title twice. Now competing at 130 pounds, Guerrero - who is fresh off of an eighth round stoppage of veteran Efren Hinojosa in June - is ready to join the select few who can claim to be a world champion in two different weight classes.
"I miss being a world champion and knowing that I'm the best in the world, but I knew that after giving up my featherweight title I'd have to pay my dues all over again," said Guerrero. "I think I've done that and on August 22nd, I'm excited to have the opportunity to become a champion again. The fans should expect fireworks."
For more information regarding the August 22nd event, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.
Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Team Guerrero
RETURNS ON AUGUST 22ND AGAINST
FORMER WORLD CHAMPION PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
TICKETS ON SALE JULY 10TH
HBO BOXING AFTER DARK TO TELEVISE BOUTS
LOS ANGELES, July 8 - There's nothing in the world like Texas heat in August. On Saturday, August 22nd, four of boxing's best will square off at Houston's ToyotaCenter in an event that will raise the temperature of a sweltering summer of boxing even higher.
In the main event, former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion and hometown hero Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz takes on former 140-pound world titleholder Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi of Brooklyn, New York, while the co-featured bout sees heavy-handed Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero challenge for a world title in a second weight class when he takes on IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Malcolm Klassen.
Both bouts, which are presented by Golden Boy Promotions, with Diaz vs. Malignaggi being presented in association with DiBella Entertainment and Guerrero vs. Klassen being presented in association with Branco Sports Productions, will air on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 pm ET/PT (8:45 pm CT). The evening of boxing is sponsored by QuakerState, Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. Doors open at 3:30pm and the first bout begins at approximately 3:45pm CT.
Tickets, priced at $250, $125, $70, $45 and $25, go on sale on Friday, July 10th at 10am CT, and may be purchased online at www.ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX and at select Houston area Randalls locations. Tickets will be available at the Toyota Center Box Office beginning Monday, July 13th at 9am CT."An exciting evening of boxing like this is what the Boxing After Dark series is known for, and I can't think of any place better to have it than at ToyotaCenter in Houston," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "The fans in Houston are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we're giving them plenty to cheer for with their hometown fighter Juan Diaz taking on Paulie Malignaggi and Robert Guerrero looking to win another world title against Malcolm Klassen. This will be a great night for Houston and for boxing."
"These matchups simply continue the momentum of the exciting, make-or-break fights we've been televising on Boxing After Dark," said Luis Barragan, director of programming HBO Sports. "You put two young, hungry and talented fighters with their backs up against the wall, like Juan Diaz and Paul Malignaggi, and there's no doubt that you're going to get a tremendous fight."
"The ToyotaCenter is thrilled to welcome back Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for another classic night of boxing in Houston," said Doug Hall, Vice President and General Manager of ToyotaCenter. "The Houston fight fans have given their overwhelming support to boxing in general, and Juan Diaz in particular, at both our previous matches. We are honored that Golden Boy has asked us to participate in yet another great night of boxing and we can't wait to see the action unfold."
Boxing's most exciting pound for pound fighter, Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (34-2, 17 KO's) has accomplished a lot in the sport for a young man of just 25 years old. A former WBA World Lightweight Champion who defended his title five times before adding the WBO and IBF World Titles to his resume with technical knockouts of Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz respectively, Houston's finest is coming off an epic war with Juan Manuel Marquez in February. Though he fell short against the future Hall of Famer in a Fight of the Year candidate, Diaz is eager to go from hitting the books to hitting opponents following his graduation from the University of Houston - Downtown earlier this year.
"Ever since graduation, I've just been in the gym and I can't wait to get back into the ring," said Diaz. "Malignaggi is a slick opponent and a good test, but I'm confident that with my fans in Houston behind me, I'll win the fight in exciting fashion."
A brash Brooklynite who has been to the top of the boxing world as a former Junior Welterweight World Champion, Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi (26-2, 5 KO's) is more than flash in the ring. Owner of wins over Lovemore N'Dou, Herman Ngoudjo and Edner Cherry, the 28-year-old Malignaggi has also gone to battle against boxing superstars Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton, but he knows that no fight is more important than the one ahead of him on August 22nd as it could lead to a another world title shot for him if he beats Diaz.
"I respect Juan Diaz as a fighter and I know this fight has the potential to be Fight of the Year," said Malignaggi. "But I know what I have to do on August 22nd, and that's to dominate every round. This is the kind of big fight I've been waiting for and the fans are definitely going to see the old Paulie Malignaggi in action."
Hailing from Hammanskraal, South Africa, Malcolm Klassen (24-4-2, 14 KO's) is the latest in the line of hard-nosed South African fighters to ascend to the peak of the boxing mountain. A ten-year veteran who rebounded from a rocky start to his career to win 11 of his last 12 bouts, Klassen came to the attention of the boxing world in 2008 with his win over former Five-Time World Champion Manuel "Mantecas" Medina and followed that with a seventh round technical knockout of South African boxing legend Cassius Baloyi in April that earned him the IBF 130-pound championship.
"I'm happy to be fighting in the United States for the first time and to be challenged by a respected fighter like Robert Guerrero," said Klassen. "I expect a tough fight, but I waited too long to win this title and I'm not about to give it up on August 22nd."
A ferocious puncher whose last 16 wins have come by knockout, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (24-1-1, 17 KO's) has the type of power that can change the direction of a fight in a split second. A native of Gilroy, California, the popular Guerrero knows what it's like to compete at the game's highest level, having won the IBF Featherweight World Title twice. Now competing at 130 pounds, Guerrero - who is fresh off of an eighth round stoppage of veteran Efren Hinojosa in June - is ready to join the select few who can claim to be a world champion in two different weight classes.
"I miss being a world champion and knowing that I'm the best in the world, but I knew that after giving up my featherweight title I'd have to pay my dues all over again," said Guerrero. "I think I've done that and on August 22nd, I'm excited to have the opportunity to become a champion again. The fans should expect fireworks."
For more information regarding the August 22nd event, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.
Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Team Guerrero
STEVENS LOOKS TO MAKE STATEMENT TO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION
On July 11th, Star Boxing's hard hitting super middleweight contender, Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (20-2, 14KO) will look to position himself amongst the elite of the super middleweight division when he takes on unbeaten Polish contender Piotr Wilczewski (22-0, 7KO) at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The card is headlined by IBF cruiserweight champion, Tomaz Adamek defending his belt against Bobby Gunn.
STEVENS (R) VS. RAY SMITH
Stevens has been boxing almost his entire life. The 24-year-old Brownsville, NY native had a stellar amateur career, amassing over three hundred wins, and is credited with recording the third most knockouts in New York State amateur boxing history.
Stevens is a devastating puncher, with tremendous power in either hand as witnessed by his impressive knockout ratio, including twelve of his fourteen knockouts coming in the first two rounds.
Stevens was on the fast track to stardom before he ran into fellow unbeaten prospect and 2004 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell on HBO in 2007. Dirrell, visibly afraid of Stevens power, chose to dance and pop shot from the outside for the entire ten rounds, eventually being awarded a very unpopular decision.
STEVENS WITH PROMOTER JOE DEGUARDIA
After the loss to Dirrell, Stevens decided to make a few changes in his career, one which included changing his promotional team. After meeting with a few different companies, Stevens signed an exclusive promotional contract with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing in early 2008.
Since joining up with Star, Stevens has looked better than ever. He is a perfect 3-0 under his new promotional banner, with two of the three wins coming by knockout. Stevens' promoter Joe DeGuardia knows that a win against the unbeaten Wilczewski will surely open some doors for his super middleweight contender.
"A win against Wilczewski will put Curtis right back where we want him to be," stated DeGuardia. "He has looked very good since joining our roster, and if he can look equally as good in this fight he takes a major step towards a future world title opportunity. We are working on some very big things for Curtis, but right now he needs to first take care of business on the 11th and we are very confident he will do just that."
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.
Star Boxing
STEVENS (R) VS. RAY SMITH
Stevens has been boxing almost his entire life. The 24-year-old Brownsville, NY native had a stellar amateur career, amassing over three hundred wins, and is credited with recording the third most knockouts in New York State amateur boxing history.Stevens is a devastating puncher, with tremendous power in either hand as witnessed by his impressive knockout ratio, including twelve of his fourteen knockouts coming in the first two rounds.
Stevens was on the fast track to stardom before he ran into fellow unbeaten prospect and 2004 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell on HBO in 2007. Dirrell, visibly afraid of Stevens power, chose to dance and pop shot from the outside for the entire ten rounds, eventually being awarded a very unpopular decision.
STEVENS WITH PROMOTER JOE DEGUARDIA
After the loss to Dirrell, Stevens decided to make a few changes in his career, one which included changing his promotional team. After meeting with a few different companies, Stevens signed an exclusive promotional contract with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing in early 2008.Since joining up with Star, Stevens has looked better than ever. He is a perfect 3-0 under his new promotional banner, with two of the three wins coming by knockout. Stevens' promoter Joe DeGuardia knows that a win against the unbeaten Wilczewski will surely open some doors for his super middleweight contender.
"A win against Wilczewski will put Curtis right back where we want him to be," stated DeGuardia. "He has looked very good since joining our roster, and if he can look equally as good in this fight he takes a major step towards a future world title opportunity. We are working on some very big things for Curtis, but right now he needs to first take care of business on the 11th and we are very confident he will do just that."
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.
Star Boxing
Featherweight Rolanda Andrews: Back in the Mix & Hungry for a Title
By David Pambianchi
JULY 7) Not ready to put her gloves away, Rolanda Andrews signed on with notable women’s manager David Selwyn. She comments, “Unfortunately, I never had a promoter or manager backing me and also never had any amateur fights. I had to learn the hard way.” With two solid wins last year and a past performance that shows she can step up (with a 2nd round knock out against high profile champ Mia St. John in 2001, who was undefeated at 22-0 and stopped only one other time in 57 fights), Rolanda’s on the hunt for a title belt.
This Atlanta, Georgia based girl works and plays hard. As well as box, Rolanda currently plays soccer, and besides her employment as a Real Estate and Mortgage Consultant, she works as an Insurance Agent specializing in Mortgage Protection, Life Insurance and Annuities. As she puts it, “I really enjoy helping people to structure and protect their investment and retirement goals.”
With new fight management and a fresh flood of determination from Rolanda’s corner, keep an eye out for a change in her 8-7 record. There’s action coming this way.
Rolanda’s looking for an opponent and would like to fight Aug. 22, in her hometown Atlanta.
Contact Rolanda’s manager David Selwyn: boxing@msn.com
Or call 24/7 boxing hotline (845) 893-2829
JULY 7) Not ready to put her gloves away, Rolanda Andrews signed on with notable women’s manager David Selwyn. She comments, “Unfortunately, I never had a promoter or manager backing me and also never had any amateur fights. I had to learn the hard way.” With two solid wins last year and a past performance that shows she can step up (with a 2nd round knock out against high profile champ Mia St. John in 2001, who was undefeated at 22-0 and stopped only one other time in 57 fights), Rolanda’s on the hunt for a title belt.This Atlanta, Georgia based girl works and plays hard. As well as box, Rolanda currently plays soccer, and besides her employment as a Real Estate and Mortgage Consultant, she works as an Insurance Agent specializing in Mortgage Protection, Life Insurance and Annuities. As she puts it, “I really enjoy helping people to structure and protect their investment and retirement goals.”
With new fight management and a fresh flood of determination from Rolanda’s corner, keep an eye out for a change in her 8-7 record. There’s action coming this way.
Rolanda’s looking for an opponent and would like to fight Aug. 22, in her hometown Atlanta.
Contact Rolanda’s manager David Selwyn: boxing@msn.com
Or call 24/7 boxing hotline (845) 893-2829
WBC CABOFE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION MANUEL "EL TORO" QUEZADA
RIDING A 16-FIGHT WINNING STREAK
MANUEL "EL TORO" QUEZADA
LOOKS TO BECOME TOP 5 HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER
(July 7, 2009) ~ Fightnews.com
Photo by Laura De La Torre
Looking to become a top 5 world contender in the heavyweight division is the WBC #11 ranked and WBC CABOFE champion, Manuel "El Toro" Quezada (27-4, 17 KOs). Standing in Quezada's way is the WBC #17 rated and former NABF Heavyweight Champion, Travis Walker (30-2-1, 25 KOs). Riding a 16-fight winning streak, Quezada puts his title and world ranking on the line when the two warriors take center stage in a twelve round main event, Thursday, July 16 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California.
Quezada, who's under the study of world renowned trainer Joe Goossen, opened his training camp at Goossen's Van Nuys gym. With a little more than a week to go before they step in the ring, Quezada feels confident in his ability to triumph over Walker. "This is the biggest and toughest fight of my career," said Quezada. "I know to win this fight, I'll have to stick to the game plan that Joe provided, and I prepared to do just that. I've been getting great sparring with Malik Scott and Javier Mora preparing for Walker. I don't see this fight going the distance. Someone is going to get knocked out."
The winner of this bout becomes a viable challenger to the world championship.
MANUEL "EL TORO" QUEZADA
LOOKS TO BECOME TOP 5 HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER
(July 7, 2009) ~ Fightnews.com
Photo by Laura De La Torre
Looking to become a top 5 world contender in the heavyweight division is the WBC #11 ranked and WBC CABOFE champion, Manuel "El Toro" Quezada (27-4, 17 KOs). Standing in Quezada's way is the WBC #17 rated and former NABF Heavyweight Champion, Travis Walker (30-2-1, 25 KOs). Riding a 16-fight winning streak, Quezada puts his title and world ranking on the line when the two warriors take center stage in a twelve round main event, Thursday, July 16 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California.Quezada, who's under the study of world renowned trainer Joe Goossen, opened his training camp at Goossen's Van Nuys gym. With a little more than a week to go before they step in the ring, Quezada feels confident in his ability to triumph over Walker. "This is the biggest and toughest fight of my career," said Quezada. "I know to win this fight, I'll have to stick to the game plan that Joe provided, and I prepared to do just that. I've been getting great sparring with Malik Scott and Javier Mora preparing for Walker. I don't see this fight going the distance. Someone is going to get knocked out."
The winner of this bout becomes a viable challenger to the world championship.
STAR BOXING ANNOUNCES YOUTH PROGRAM PACKAGE FOR JULY 16TH SHOW AT THE HILTON RYE TOWN HOTEL
Over the past two weeks, Star Boxing has added numerous wins and yet another champion to its roster, but this time it wasn't in Boxing but rather in Baseball.
STAR'S 2007 LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM SHARES RING W/ VINNY MADDALONE
Star Boxing's sponsored baseball team recently captured the Ardsley Little League championship, winning a best out of three series to take home the crown. Following their championship victory, four members of the Star Boxing team joined other eleven and twelve year olds from the league to form the Ardsley Little League's District 20 Team. Last week the team advanced to the District 20 quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over White Plains. In both games (little league championship and District 20 game), 12 year old Joe DeGuardia, (son of CEO and founder of Star Boxing), pitched no-hitters.
"We are very proud of these teams," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and founder of Star Boxing "To reward the team and their effort we are giving all the kids on both teams' free tickets to our upcoming show on July 16th at the Hilton Rye Town Hotel. We are also encouraging any and all youth teams and organizations from Westchester County, players and coaches alike, to come join us at our upcoming show."
Players and coaches from any team will receive a 50% discount off the ticket price* In addition, any group that purchases 20 tickets or more will get their picture taken inside the ring with a boxer from the evening's show.
The Star Boxing promoted show features the return of former light heavyweight title challenger, Westchester County's own, David Telesco (29-6-1, 24KO) taking on Newark, New Jersey's William Gill in an eight round light heavyweight contest. There will be five additional fights on the card which will be announced shortly.
*To be eligible for this special offer, group must belong to a Youth organization. Tickets eligible for this discount are the Silver Ringside and Reserved Tickets which are $60 and $40 respectively. Thus, with a minimum purchase order of ten tickets for each group (buy ten tickets, only pay for five). To receive this special discount, tickets must be purchased by July 10th through the Star Boxing office.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Star Boxing's office at (718) 823-2000, or by going online to http://www.starboxing.com/. Or also by Clicking Here: Tickets are priced at $100 for Gold Ringside seating, $60 for Silver Ringside seating, and $40 for general admission. The Hilton Rye Town hotel is located at 699 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, New York, 10573.
STAR'S 2007 LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM SHARES RING W/ VINNY MADDALONE
Star Boxing's sponsored baseball team recently captured the Ardsley Little League championship, winning a best out of three series to take home the crown. Following their championship victory, four members of the Star Boxing team joined other eleven and twelve year olds from the league to form the Ardsley Little League's District 20 Team. Last week the team advanced to the District 20 quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over White Plains. In both games (little league championship and District 20 game), 12 year old Joe DeGuardia, (son of CEO and founder of Star Boxing), pitched no-hitters.
"We are very proud of these teams," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and founder of Star Boxing "To reward the team and their effort we are giving all the kids on both teams' free tickets to our upcoming show on July 16th at the Hilton Rye Town Hotel. We are also encouraging any and all youth teams and organizations from Westchester County, players and coaches alike, to come join us at our upcoming show."
Players and coaches from any team will receive a 50% discount off the ticket price* In addition, any group that purchases 20 tickets or more will get their picture taken inside the ring with a boxer from the evening's show.
The Star Boxing promoted show features the return of former light heavyweight title challenger, Westchester County's own, David Telesco (29-6-1, 24KO) taking on Newark, New Jersey's William Gill in an eight round light heavyweight contest. There will be five additional fights on the card which will be announced shortly.
*To be eligible for this special offer, group must belong to a Youth organization. Tickets eligible for this discount are the Silver Ringside and Reserved Tickets which are $60 and $40 respectively. Thus, with a minimum purchase order of ten tickets for each group (buy ten tickets, only pay for five). To receive this special discount, tickets must be purchased by July 10th through the Star Boxing office.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Star Boxing's office at (718) 823-2000, or by going online to http://www.starboxing.com/. Or also by Clicking Here: Tickets are priced at $100 for Gold Ringside seating, $60 for Silver Ringside seating, and $40 for general admission. The Hilton Rye Town hotel is located at 699 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, New York, 10573.
Tapia locked up for parole violation
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)—Former five-time world champion boxer Johnny Tapia is behind bars again.
The New Mexico Department of Corrections says Tapia was taken into custody and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque on Monday after violating the terms of his parole.
Corrections spokeswoman Tia Bland says Tapia traveled to Red River last weekend without permission from his parole officer. He also entered a bar while in Red River and was involved in some type of verbal confrontation, both violations of his parole.
The boxer was placed on a year of parole in May after a judge determined that he had violated the terms of an earlier release.
Tapia’s most recent legal woes began in 2008 after he pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a near-fatal overdose and was sentenced to probation.
The New Mexico Department of Corrections says Tapia was taken into custody and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque on Monday after violating the terms of his parole.
Corrections spokeswoman Tia Bland says Tapia traveled to Red River last weekend without permission from his parole officer. He also entered a bar while in Red River and was involved in some type of verbal confrontation, both violations of his parole.
The boxer was placed on a year of parole in May after a judge determined that he had violated the terms of an earlier release.
Tapia’s most recent legal woes began in 2008 after he pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a near-fatal overdose and was sentenced to probation.
Moreno retains WBA bantamweight title
POITIERS, France (AP)—Anselmo Moreno of Panama has retained his WBA bantamweight title with a split decision over Mahyar Monshipour of France.
Moreno (26-1-1) kept his composure Saturday as Monshipour pressured strongly between the eighth and 10th rounds. Two of the judges scored the bout 116-113 and 116-112 in favor of Moreno, while the third gave the fight to Monshipour 115-113.
Moreno, whose only loss was in 2002, started strongly, catching Monshipour with a left hook in the first round a several sharp jabs in the second.
The Panamanian got caught with a couple of shots, but used his speed and longer reach to keep the Monshipour at bay. The Frenchman fought back beginning in the eighth round, and the crowd at Poitier’s Parc des Expositions were on their feet in the 11th as Monshipour kept charging forward gamely.
Moreno stayed calm and picked him off, and the fighter nicknamed “Little Tyson” could not land enough clean punches to catch up on the scorecards.
The 34-year-old Monshipour (31-4-2) returned to boxing in December, nearly three years after losing his super bantamweight title to Thailand’s Somsak Sithchatchawal in a brutal fight in March 2006.
Prior to his defeat, Monshipour’s comeback had seen him win all three of his fights—against Emiliano Salvini of Italy, Britain’s Sean Hughes and Venezuela’s Felix Machado.
Moreno (26-1-1) kept his composure Saturday as Monshipour pressured strongly between the eighth and 10th rounds. Two of the judges scored the bout 116-113 and 116-112 in favor of Moreno, while the third gave the fight to Monshipour 115-113.
Moreno, whose only loss was in 2002, started strongly, catching Monshipour with a left hook in the first round a several sharp jabs in the second.
The Panamanian got caught with a couple of shots, but used his speed and longer reach to keep the Monshipour at bay. The Frenchman fought back beginning in the eighth round, and the crowd at Poitier’s Parc des Expositions were on their feet in the 11th as Monshipour kept charging forward gamely.Moreno stayed calm and picked him off, and the fighter nicknamed “Little Tyson” could not land enough clean punches to catch up on the scorecards.
The 34-year-old Monshipour (31-4-2) returned to boxing in December, nearly three years after losing his super bantamweight title to Thailand’s Somsak Sithchatchawal in a brutal fight in March 2006.
Prior to his defeat, Monshipour’s comeback had seen him win all three of his fights—against Emiliano Salvini of Italy, Britain’s Sean Hughes and Venezuela’s Felix Machado.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
FRES OQUENDO RETURNS IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, JULY 24TH
CHICAGO, IL (June 30, 2009) Fresh off a devastating third round knockout win this past Friday night, two time world title challenger “FAST” Fres Oquendo will return to action against WBO Latino Heavyweight Champion, Argentinean Gonzalo Omar Basile in the ten round main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” on Friday, July 24th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.
“WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” is presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, now in its twelfth year as the HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.
Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4”, 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/.
Oquendo, now 30-5-0 with nineteen knockouts, was dominant Friday night from the opening bell against the rugged New Jersey native Mark Brown. Dropping Brown twice hard in the third round, the bout was waived off by referee Geno Rodriguez at the 2:58 mark with a badly hurt Brown unable to defend himself.
Said Oquendo, “He tried to make it a street fight but I kept my cool, hurt him from the start and took him out when the time came. It was terrific fighting in my hometown of Chicago, the fans were very supportive.”
The knockout win over Brown was Oquendo’s first bout in the Chicagoland area in nine years.
Said Pesoli, “Fres looked like a world class heavyweight on Friday night. Our fans were thrilled to see him and wanted to know when he’s fighting again in Chicago . We’re proud to bring him back so quickly against Basile who he was originally supposed to fight.”
The knockout win over Brown for the WBC Latino Heavyweight Title was Oquendo's first as part of the Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC management group, headed by NBA Star Bobby Simmons.
The Puerto Rican born Oquendo was coming off a highly controversial split decision loss to former world champion James Toney on December 13th.
Basile, 41-4-0 (19KO’s), has won nine in a row, capturing the WBO Latino Heavyweight Title with a third round stoppage of Daniel Frank on February 14th of this year.
The undercard at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” is headlined by a terrific lightweight bout between Chicagoans Gadiel Andaluz and Oscar De La Cruz.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the 26 year old Andaluz won his first three professional bouts in Chicago last year before suffering a setback against Dannie Williams in Tacoma, Washington late last year which moved his record to 3-1-0 (2KO’s).
A native of Mexico City, De La Cruz brings a competitive record of 5-6-0 (2KO’s) into the bout with Andaluz. His eleven pro bouts include battles against outstanding young prospects Matt Remillard, Mike Oliver and Argenis Mendez.
Other newcomers at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” include super featherweight Noe Perez, 2-0-0 (2KO’s), super middleweight Mike Kurzeja, 1-0-0 (1KO) and the pro debuts of heavyweight David Latoria and junior middleweight Nate Mohr in separate bouts.
Additional information on “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” will be announced shortly.
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/
“WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” is presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, now in its twelfth year as the HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.
Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4”, 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/.Oquendo, now 30-5-0 with nineteen knockouts, was dominant Friday night from the opening bell against the rugged New Jersey native Mark Brown. Dropping Brown twice hard in the third round, the bout was waived off by referee Geno Rodriguez at the 2:58 mark with a badly hurt Brown unable to defend himself.
Said Oquendo, “He tried to make it a street fight but I kept my cool, hurt him from the start and took him out when the time came. It was terrific fighting in my hometown of Chicago, the fans were very supportive.”
The knockout win over Brown was Oquendo’s first bout in the Chicagoland area in nine years.
Said Pesoli, “Fres looked like a world class heavyweight on Friday night. Our fans were thrilled to see him and wanted to know when he’s fighting again in Chicago . We’re proud to bring him back so quickly against Basile who he was originally supposed to fight.”
The knockout win over Brown for the WBC Latino Heavyweight Title was Oquendo's first as part of the Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC management group, headed by NBA Star Bobby Simmons.
The Puerto Rican born Oquendo was coming off a highly controversial split decision loss to former world champion James Toney on December 13th.
Basile, 41-4-0 (19KO’s), has won nine in a row, capturing the WBO Latino Heavyweight Title with a third round stoppage of Daniel Frank on February 14th of this year.
The undercard at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” is headlined by a terrific lightweight bout between Chicagoans Gadiel Andaluz and Oscar De La Cruz.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the 26 year old Andaluz won his first three professional bouts in Chicago last year before suffering a setback against Dannie Williams in Tacoma, Washington late last year which moved his record to 3-1-0 (2KO’s).
A native of Mexico City, De La Cruz brings a competitive record of 5-6-0 (2KO’s) into the bout with Andaluz. His eleven pro bouts include battles against outstanding young prospects Matt Remillard, Mike Oliver and Argenis Mendez.
Other newcomers at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” include super featherweight Noe Perez, 2-0-0 (2KO’s), super middleweight Mike Kurzeja, 1-0-0 (1KO) and the pro debuts of heavyweight David Latoria and junior middleweight Nate Mohr in separate bouts.
Additional information on “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” will be announced shortly.
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/
Former boxing champ, Managua mayor Arguello dead
By FILADELFO ALEMAN, Associated Press Writer
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP)—Alexis Arguello, who fought in one of boxing’s most classic brawls and reigned supreme at 130 pounds, was found dead at his home early Wednesday.
Coroners were conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Sandanista Party’s Radio Ya and other local media were reporting it appeared to be a suicide.
The La Prensa newspaper reported that Arguello—elected mayor of Nicaragua’s capital last year—was found with a gunshot wound to the chest.
The 57-year-old Arguello retired in 1995 with a record of 82-8 with 65 knockouts and was a champion in three weight divisions. He was perhaps best known for two thrilling battles with Aaron Pryor and fights with Ray Mancini, Bobby Chacon and Ruben Olivares.
“I’m kind of in a daze right now. I can’t believe what I’m hearing,” Pryor told The Associated Press. “Those were great fights we had. This was a great champion.”
Nicknamed “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992, where flags were flying at half-staff in his honor Wednesday.
In 1999, a panel of experts assembled by The AP voted Arguello the best junior lightweight and sixth-best lightweight of the 20th century. He never lost at 130 pounds, and his popularity in his own country was so great that he carried the flag for Nicaragua at the Beijing Olympics.
“Not only was he one of the greatest fighters I’ve ever seen, he was the most intelligent fighter,” Bob Arum, who promoted some of his biggest fights, told The Associated Press. “He was a ring tactician. Every move was thought out. And he was a wonderful, wonderful person.”
Arguello turned pro in 1968 and promptly lost his first bout. He didn’t lose much more, and six years later knocked out Olivares in the 13th round to win the featherweight title.
Arguello went on to win the super featherweight and lightweight titles, his 5-foot-10 frame allowing him to move up in weight without losing his tremendous punching power. At the time, he was only the sixth boxer to win championships in three weight classes, and was considered for a while the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“I felt sad receiving the news and still find it hard to believe,” retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya said from Los Angeles. “Alexis was my idol. When I was young, I heard so much about him and his fights and loved his style in the ring. In my opinion he was of the biggest and most influential fighters boxing has ever produced.”
De La Hoya said Arguello attended his fight against Steve Forbes in May 2008, which was De La Hoya’s last victory.
“We shared some great moments together before and after the fight,” he said. “Arguello was definitely a legend in the boxing world because of all the joy he brought to his fans with his unforgettable career and amazing personality.”
Arguello moved up in weight again in November 1982 to challenge Pryor for the 140-pound belt, a match billed as “Battle of the Champions.” More than 23,000 fans packed the Orange Bowl in Miami, and the two waged an epic battle before Pryor knocked out Arguello in the 14th round.
“It was a brutal, brutal fight,” Arum said. “That was something I will never, ever forget as long as I live. That was one of the most memorable fights I ever did.”
The bout was named “Fight of the Year” and “Fight of the Decade” by Ring Magazine, but was shrouded by controversy. Pryor’s trainer, Panama Lewis, gave him a water bottle after the 13th round that many believe contained an illegal substance—an accusation Pryor denied.
A rematch was ordered and they met again a year later at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This time, Pryor knocked out Arguello in the 10th round.
“We always talk to each other about that first fight,” Pryor said. “I never went into the fight knowing I could beat Alexis, I just went into the fight to beat Alexis.”
Arguello announced after the fight that he would retire from boxing, but as so often happens in the sport, Arguello couldn’t stay away from the ring.
He returned to win two fights in 1985 and 1986, then didn’t step in the ring until 1994, when he made a brief comeback. He retired for good the following year.
“Alexis Arguello was a first-class fighter and a first-class gentleman,” said Hall of Fame executive director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning the loss of a great champion and friend.”
Arguello fought against the Sandinista government in the 1980s after it seized his property and bank account, but later joined the party and ran for mayor of the capital last November. He defeated Eduardo Montealegre, though opponents alleged the vote was fraudulent.
Arguello had returned Sunday from Puerto Rico, where he honored the late baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. His death prompted Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega to announced he was canceling a trip to Panama for the inauguration of President-elect Ricardo Martinelli.
“We are upset,” presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo said. “This is a heartbreaking announcement. He was the champion of the poor, an example of forgiveness and reconciliation.”
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP)—Alexis Arguello, who fought in one of boxing’s most classic brawls and reigned supreme at 130 pounds, was found dead at his home early Wednesday.
Coroners were conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Sandanista Party’s Radio Ya and other local media were reporting it appeared to be a suicide.
The La Prensa newspaper reported that Arguello—elected mayor of Nicaragua’s capital last year—was found with a gunshot wound to the chest.
The 57-year-old Arguello retired in 1995 with a record of 82-8 with 65 knockouts and was a champion in three weight divisions. He was perhaps best known for two thrilling battles with Aaron Pryor and fights with Ray Mancini, Bobby Chacon and Ruben Olivares.
“I’m kind of in a daze right now. I can’t believe what I’m hearing,” Pryor told The Associated Press. “Those were great fights we had. This was a great champion.”
Nicknamed “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992, where flags were flying at half-staff in his honor Wednesday.In 1999, a panel of experts assembled by The AP voted Arguello the best junior lightweight and sixth-best lightweight of the 20th century. He never lost at 130 pounds, and his popularity in his own country was so great that he carried the flag for Nicaragua at the Beijing Olympics.
“Not only was he one of the greatest fighters I’ve ever seen, he was the most intelligent fighter,” Bob Arum, who promoted some of his biggest fights, told The Associated Press. “He was a ring tactician. Every move was thought out. And he was a wonderful, wonderful person.”
Arguello turned pro in 1968 and promptly lost his first bout. He didn’t lose much more, and six years later knocked out Olivares in the 13th round to win the featherweight title.
Arguello went on to win the super featherweight and lightweight titles, his 5-foot-10 frame allowing him to move up in weight without losing his tremendous punching power. At the time, he was only the sixth boxer to win championships in three weight classes, and was considered for a while the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“I felt sad receiving the news and still find it hard to believe,” retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya said from Los Angeles. “Alexis was my idol. When I was young, I heard so much about him and his fights and loved his style in the ring. In my opinion he was of the biggest and most influential fighters boxing has ever produced.”
De La Hoya said Arguello attended his fight against Steve Forbes in May 2008, which was De La Hoya’s last victory.
“We shared some great moments together before and after the fight,” he said. “Arguello was definitely a legend in the boxing world because of all the joy he brought to his fans with his unforgettable career and amazing personality.”
Arguello moved up in weight again in November 1982 to challenge Pryor for the 140-pound belt, a match billed as “Battle of the Champions.” More than 23,000 fans packed the Orange Bowl in Miami, and the two waged an epic battle before Pryor knocked out Arguello in the 14th round.
“It was a brutal, brutal fight,” Arum said. “That was something I will never, ever forget as long as I live. That was one of the most memorable fights I ever did.”
The bout was named “Fight of the Year” and “Fight of the Decade” by Ring Magazine, but was shrouded by controversy. Pryor’s trainer, Panama Lewis, gave him a water bottle after the 13th round that many believe contained an illegal substance—an accusation Pryor denied.
A rematch was ordered and they met again a year later at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This time, Pryor knocked out Arguello in the 10th round.
“We always talk to each other about that first fight,” Pryor said. “I never went into the fight knowing I could beat Alexis, I just went into the fight to beat Alexis.”
Arguello announced after the fight that he would retire from boxing, but as so often happens in the sport, Arguello couldn’t stay away from the ring.
He returned to win two fights in 1985 and 1986, then didn’t step in the ring until 1994, when he made a brief comeback. He retired for good the following year.
“Alexis Arguello was a first-class fighter and a first-class gentleman,” said Hall of Fame executive director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning the loss of a great champion and friend.”
Arguello fought against the Sandinista government in the 1980s after it seized his property and bank account, but later joined the party and ran for mayor of the capital last November. He defeated Eduardo Montealegre, though opponents alleged the vote was fraudulent.
Arguello had returned Sunday from Puerto Rico, where he honored the late baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. His death prompted Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega to announced he was canceling a trip to Panama for the inauguration of President-elect Ricardo Martinelli.
“We are upset,” presidential spokeswoman Rosario Murillo said. “This is a heartbreaking announcement. He was the champion of the poor, an example of forgiveness and reconciliation.”
Pryor recalls epic brawl with Arguello
By DAVE SKRETTA, AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP)—Nearly three decades ago, a ferocious puncher and a brilliant ring tactician waged one of boxing’s epic brawls under the twinkling lights of the Orange Bowl in Miami, a fight so big that few remember Roberto Duran was on the undercard.
After 14 back-and-forth rounds, Aaron Pryor brutally knocked out Alexis Arguello to retain his junior welterweight title. The fight on Nov. 12, 1982, left an indelible impression on the 23,000-plus who crowded near the ring in the aging football stadium in Little Havana.
“That was something I will never, ever forget as long as I live,” said 77-year-old Bob Arum, who promoted the bout. “That was one of the most memorable fights I ever did.”
It became synonymous with the two fighters, continually brought up as Pryor’s life spiraled into and out of drug abuse, and as Arguello rose to become mayor of Managua, Nicaragua.
The 57-year-old Arguello was found dead in his home Wednesday with a gunshot wound to his chest. His Sandinista Party’s Radio Ya called it an apparent suicide, a tragic ending to one of the most brilliant careers in boxing history.
“It was a great fight we had,” Pryor told The Associated Press, not long after learning of Arguello’s death. “This was a great champion.”
Arguello had established himself well before stepping into the ring against Pryor, beating Ruben Olivares in 1974 and capture the featherweight title. Four years later, he knocked out Alfredo Escalera in the first of their two bouts to win the super featherweight title, and he added the lightweight title by beating Jim Watt in 1981.
After four defenses, including a knockout of Ray Mancini, Arguello moved up in weight again, trying to become the first man to win titles in four weight classes.
He was 77-5, a ring-savvy veteran, while Pryor had never lost in 31 fights.
“It was Alexis pushing the envelope,” said Bruce Trampler, who helped make the match. “As he had difficulty making weight, he would move up. He picked out one of the most dominant junior welters, but that was Alexis. He never wanted a cream puff.”
The setting was electric, the anticipation building throughout the undercard.
At the first bell, Arguello hit Pryor with a straight right, and the two traded blows through a frenetic first three minutes. By the time the bell sounded again, they’d combined to throw 238 punches—many of them landing flush.
“It was like a miniature of the Thrilla of Manilla, it went one way, then the other way,” Arum recalled. “Pryor was on top, then Arguello demolished him.”
Arguello landed a punch in the 13th round that seemed to stun Pryor, and despite trailing on two of three scorecards, the charismatic Nicaraguan had things tilting in his direction.
Pryor had never before been this deep in a fight, and trainer Panama Lewis seemed to realize things were slipping away. HBO was televising the bout and its microphones caught Lewis telling cutman Artie Curley, “Give me the bottle, the one I mixed.” While it’s unclear what was in the special bottle—speculation has ranged from chocolate to cocaine—it seemed to revive Pryor.
He landed at least 15 unanswered blows in the 14th before referee Stanley Christodoulou stopped it. Arguello collapsed to the canvas near the ropes, where he lay for several minutes.
“God knows what he gave Pryor to revive him,” Arum said.
Lewis and Pryor steadfastly denied the substance was anything illegal.
“I had, like, 30 knockouts before I fought Alexis, I don’t think I needed anything that particular night,” Pryor said. “I feel like my ability was doing my talking for me.”
The controversy resulted in a rematch, but the savage beating Arguello withstood stayed with him when they met the following year. Pryor dominated Arguello at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, stopping him in the 10th round.
“Arguello is lucky he didn’t get hurt,” said retired boxing writer Ed Schuyler Jr., who covered both fights for the AP. “The first fight, he was down right above me, and they started cutting his shoe laces to relieve pressure. Pryor was just too fast.
“The second fight was not even close. Arguello probably took it for the money, so when he went down he just sat there and took the count. But no one begrudged him not getting up. He was beaten and he knew it. It was not a shadow of the first fight.”
NEW YORK (AP)—Nearly three decades ago, a ferocious puncher and a brilliant ring tactician waged one of boxing’s epic brawls under the twinkling lights of the Orange Bowl in Miami, a fight so big that few remember Roberto Duran was on the undercard.
After 14 back-and-forth rounds, Aaron Pryor brutally knocked out Alexis Arguello to retain his junior welterweight title. The fight on Nov. 12, 1982, left an indelible impression on the 23,000-plus who crowded near the ring in the aging football stadium in Little Havana.
“That was something I will never, ever forget as long as I live,” said 77-year-old Bob Arum, who promoted the bout. “That was one of the most memorable fights I ever did.”
It became synonymous with the two fighters, continually brought up as Pryor’s life spiraled into and out of drug abuse, and as Arguello rose to become mayor of Managua, Nicaragua.
The 57-year-old Arguello was found dead in his home Wednesday with a gunshot wound to his chest. His Sandinista Party’s Radio Ya called it an apparent suicide, a tragic ending to one of the most brilliant careers in boxing history.
“It was a great fight we had,” Pryor told The Associated Press, not long after learning of Arguello’s death. “This was a great champion.”
Arguello had established himself well before stepping into the ring against Pryor, beating Ruben Olivares in 1974 and capture the featherweight title. Four years later, he knocked out Alfredo Escalera in the first of their two bouts to win the super featherweight title, and he added the lightweight title by beating Jim Watt in 1981.
After four defenses, including a knockout of Ray Mancini, Arguello moved up in weight again, trying to become the first man to win titles in four weight classes.
He was 77-5, a ring-savvy veteran, while Pryor had never lost in 31 fights.
“It was Alexis pushing the envelope,” said Bruce Trampler, who helped make the match. “As he had difficulty making weight, he would move up. He picked out one of the most dominant junior welters, but that was Alexis. He never wanted a cream puff.”
The setting was electric, the anticipation building throughout the undercard.
At the first bell, Arguello hit Pryor with a straight right, and the two traded blows through a frenetic first three minutes. By the time the bell sounded again, they’d combined to throw 238 punches—many of them landing flush.
“It was like a miniature of the Thrilla of Manilla, it went one way, then the other way,” Arum recalled. “Pryor was on top, then Arguello demolished him.”
Arguello landed a punch in the 13th round that seemed to stun Pryor, and despite trailing on two of three scorecards, the charismatic Nicaraguan had things tilting in his direction.
Pryor had never before been this deep in a fight, and trainer Panama Lewis seemed to realize things were slipping away. HBO was televising the bout and its microphones caught Lewis telling cutman Artie Curley, “Give me the bottle, the one I mixed.” While it’s unclear what was in the special bottle—speculation has ranged from chocolate to cocaine—it seemed to revive Pryor.
He landed at least 15 unanswered blows in the 14th before referee Stanley Christodoulou stopped it. Arguello collapsed to the canvas near the ropes, where he lay for several minutes.
“God knows what he gave Pryor to revive him,” Arum said.
Lewis and Pryor steadfastly denied the substance was anything illegal.
“I had, like, 30 knockouts before I fought Alexis, I don’t think I needed anything that particular night,” Pryor said. “I feel like my ability was doing my talking for me.”
The controversy resulted in a rematch, but the savage beating Arguello withstood stayed with him when they met the following year. Pryor dominated Arguello at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, stopping him in the 10th round.
“Arguello is lucky he didn’t get hurt,” said retired boxing writer Ed Schuyler Jr., who covered both fights for the AP. “The first fight, he was down right above me, and they started cutting his shoe laces to relieve pressure. Pryor was just too fast.
“The second fight was not even close. Arguello probably took it for the money, so when he went down he just sat there and took the count. But no one begrudged him not getting up. He was beaten and he knew it. It was not a shadow of the first fight.”
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Windy City Fight Night 3 Photo Galleries
By Emil Kegebein
Click photo for list of fight galleries
Heavyweight Fres Oquendo W Mark Brown TKO 3 of 10
Light Welterweight Ivan Popoca W Hector Alatorre Pts 8 of 8
Super Middleweight Andrzej Fonfara W Skyler Thompson KO 2 of 8
Light Welterweight Rita Figueroa L Tammie Johnson MD 8 of 8x2
Featherweight Juan Bailon L Tommy Atencio UD 6 of 6
Welterweight Ryan Smedick W Gabriel Morris MD 4 of 4
Welterweight Achour Esho W Dontre King TKO 4 of 4
Click photo for list of fight galleries
Heavyweight Fres Oquendo W Mark Brown TKO 3 of 10
Light Welterweight Ivan Popoca W Hector Alatorre Pts 8 of 8
Super Middleweight Andrzej Fonfara W Skyler Thompson KO 2 of 8
Light Welterweight Rita Figueroa L Tammie Johnson MD 8 of 8x2
Featherweight Juan Bailon L Tommy Atencio UD 6 of 6
Welterweight Ryan Smedick W Gabriel Morris MD 4 of 4
Welterweight Achour Esho W Dontre King TKO 4 of 4
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