West Wins by controversial decision

Photo/story by Lori Steinhorst

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUEZADA IS PLAYING TRICKS ON US

By Raymond Markarian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Man charged with killing boxer held without bond

By DORIE TURNER, Associated Press Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

The investigation continues into the shooting.

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

Ware is scheduled for another court appearance Aug. 19.

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

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

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

Police: Mayweather uncle arrested in Vegas scuffle

By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP)—Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, was arrested at a Las Vegas apartment in an attack on a female boxer he once trained, authorities said Tuesday.

An aide to Clark County District Attorney David Roger said criminal charges were pending following the Sunday morning arrest of Roger Mayweather.

Mayweather, 48, was arrested on felony coercion and battery-strangulation charges and later freed from the Clark County jail on $13,000 bail, said Detective Ramon Denby, a police department spokesman. A date for an initial court appearance was not immediately available, and it was unclear if Mayweather had a lawyer, police and court officials said.

According to a police report, an officer responding to a disconnected 911 call found Mayweather fighting with a 25-year-old woman at the apartment in northwest Las Vegas.

The woman told police she had been punched in the ribs and hit Mayweather with a lamp during a struggle. She was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to a Las Vegas hospital for treatment of injuries that included redness around her throat, police said.

Mayweather had injuries on the head and the side of his face. It was not clear if he required medical treatment before he was taken to jail.

The report says Mayweather formerly trained the woman, and had been following her since she severed their business relationship and went to another gym.

It said Mayweather owns the apartment and was upset that his tenant was letting the woman live at the apartment. The tenant was not home at the time of the alleged attack, police said.

A spokesman for Floyd Mayweather Jr. and officials at Golden Boy Promotions, his promoter, declined immediate comment.

Roger Mayweather boxed under the nickname “Black Mamba,” winning 59 of 72 fights, including 35 knockouts and two boxing titles in different weight classes, before becoming his nephew’s trainer.

He made headlines in 2006 when he burst into the ring during a Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight against Zab Judah in Las Vegas, sparking a melee that led to fines and the temporary revocation of licenses for Roger Mayweather and others.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., 32, is considered a pound-for-pound boxing king, having won six world boxing championships in five weight classes. He is undefeated in 39 fights, and is scheduled to fight a welterweight bout Sept. 19 against Juan Manuel Marquez

TICKET ALERT!!!!!!!
DAVID DIAZ VS. JESUS CHAVEZ,
SEPTEMBER 26TH AT CHICAGO’S UIC PAVILION
8 COUNT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS HISTORICAL CHICAGO MATCHUP

CHICAGO, IL (August 4, 2009) Former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz will face off against two time world champion Jesus Chavez in the ten round main event at “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6” at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion on Saturday, September 26th, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

Tickets, priced at $151, $101, $76, $51 and $31, will go on sale Monday, August 10th at 10am through Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions Office (312-226-5800).

Said Pesoli, “We’re thrilled to be present this terrific bout between these two Chicago champions. David is incredibly popular here in Chicago, his win over Morales was fought in front of 10,000 local fight fans.”

“Jesus has fought all over the world but never in Chicago where he was raised. He’s always wanted to come back and fight here and has expressed to me how much this means to him.”

“This event truly encompasses the terrific support the Chicagoland fight fans have shown towards 8 Count Productions for the last twelve years. Diaz vs. Chavez is a throwback to fights in Chicago featuring great local fighters that would pack the Chicago Stadium in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.”

Said the Chicago born and raised Diaz, “This fight means a great deal to me, the opportunity to come home and fight in front of the terrific Chicago fight fans. They’ve always been very supportive of me. Jesus has been a world class fighter for many years and the fans are going to see an outstanding Chicago style fight on September 26th.”

Currently promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, Diaz, 34-2-1 (17KO’s), was undefeated for over three years before facing boxing’s finest, Manny Pacquiao, on June 28th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although badly cut early in the bout, Diaz fought courageously throughout the fight before being stopped in the ninth round.

Diaz, a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team, won the WBC Interim Lightweight Title with a crushing tenth round stoppage of Jose Armando Santa Cruz on August 12, 2006 in Las Vegas . Shortly afterwards, the current titlist Joel Casamayor refused to face Diaz, resulting in Diaz being named the WBC Lightweight Champion.

The 33 year old Diaz, a graduate of Northwest Side’s Schurz High School, defended his belt against boxing legend Erik Morales on August 4, 2007 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont in front of a huge crowd of Chicagoland fight fans, winning a twelve round unanimous decision.

Prior to facing Pacquiao, Diaz won a ten round non-title decision over Ramon Montano in Las Vegas on March 15, 2008.

Chavez, born in Chihuahua, Mexico, raised in Chicago and currently based in Austin, Texas, brings a record of 44-5-0 (30KO’s) into the battle with Diaz. He first became world champion with a twelve round decision over Sirimongkol Singwancha on August 15, 2003 for the WBC Super Featherweight Title.

He won the IBF Lightweight Title with an eleventh round TKO of Leavander Johnson on September 17, 2005. Johnson passed away shortly after the bout.

Chavez lost the IBF Lightweight Title when his bout against Julio Diaz on February 3, 2007 was stopped due to a leg injury he suffered in the third round.

He returned to action in 2008, beating Daniel Jimenez on April 4th via ten round decision and knocking out Andres Ledesma in the ninth round on September 6th.

Most recently Chavez battled Australian brawler Michael Katsidis over seven rounds before being stopped on April 4, 2009.

The co-main event at “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6” will feature Chicago fan favorites Jose Andres Hernandez and Juan Carlos “EL PEZ” Martinez in a ten round junior lightweight bout.

Hernandez, 22-4-0 (14KO’s), last fought on May 5, 2007, taking on world title contender Rocky Juarez in Las Vegas . Although dropped in round one, Hernandez aggressively battled Juarez throughout the course of the fight, losing a hard fought twelve round decision.

The bout was the co-main event at “A WORLD AWAITS”, the record setting Pay Per View event which was headlined by Oscar De La Hoya taking on Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand.

Prior to his bout against Juarez, Hernandez scored a devastating eighth round stoppage of Jason Litzau on December 16, 2006 in Miami, Florida, a bout broadcast on HBO.

A native of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, now living in Chicago, 16-11-1 (7KO’s), Martinez won the WBF All Americas Title with a ten round unanimous decision over Jaime Sandoval on May 29th at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 2 at the UIC Pavilion. The bout was a rematch of an earlier win over Sandoval two years earlier.

Martinez followed up his title win with a six round bout at Madison Square Garden on June 13th against Rafael Guzman on the undercard of Miguel Cotto/Joshua Clottey Welterweight World Title bout.

Although controlling the action throughout the fight, Martinez lost the six round bout by split decision, an announcement that had the large crowd booing and left most ringside observers shaking their heads.

Also on the undercard at “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6”, Chicago based undefeated junior welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca, 11-0-1 (7KO’s) will face heavy handed Puerto Rican veteran Mike Gonzalez, 10-6-1 (9KO’s).

The all action Popoca, 11-0-1 (7KO’s), took the best win of two and half year career on June 26th, taking an eight round decision over Hector Alatorre at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4, his ninth win in a row.

A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, now residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gonzalez has fought numerous highly regarded prospects including Jorge Luis Teron, Joel Torres, Edgar Santana and Sharif Bogere.

Also announced for “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6” is newcomer Diamond Baier, 1-0-1, who will appear in a four round junior lightweight bout.

Baier won an exciting four round decision over previously unbeaten Noe Perez on July 24th at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4.

More information on “WARRIORS COLLIDE/WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 6” 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/

Bradley stops Campbell, keeps 140-pound title

By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (AP)—Timothy Bradley defended his WBO 140-pound title Saturday night by battering Nate Campbell, whose eye injury forced the fight to be stopped after three rounds.

Bradley (25-0, 12 KOs) rode the energy of his hometown crowd in a dynamic performance, although television replays appeared to show an accidental head-butt opening a cut over Campbell’s left eye early in the third.

Campbell’s eye also was injured in the round, which he barely survived on his feet.

“I was just doing my job,” Bradley said. “(The injury) didn’t matter anyway. He was getting older and older through the fight. I was beating him easily.”

After the bout was stopped, the 37-year-old Campbell (33-6-1) vehemently argued his cut was caused by Bradley’s head, which would have made the bout a no-contest. Referee David Mendoza disagreed and awarded a TKO to Bradley, who made his first defense of the light welterweight belt he claimed from Kendall Holt in April.

“They were both butting each other all night,” Mendoza said. “The last one was a head-butt, but the blood came after the punch, not from the head-butt. That’s what I saw last: The punch, then the blood.”

Campbell had fought just once since his stunning victory over Juan Diaz in Cancun in March 2008 to win three lightweight belts, notably losing one big payday when Joan Guzman couldn’t make weight to face him. He taunted Bradley before the fight, but didn’t appear to have the speed to keep up with Bradley’s busy fists.

Campbell still insisted he should get another shot, which Bradley and promoter Gary Shaw said they wouldn’t mind.

“A cut like this comes from a head-butt,” Campbell said. “That was no punch. The California commission is wrong. This is just wrong. You can see it on television. How can they deem it a TKO? All they have to do is watch and see that it was a head-butt. This is not right.”

Aside from the debatable ending, the evening went almost perfectly for Bradley, who gave up his WBC 140-pound belt so he could take on Campbell. He declined to fight mandatory WBC challenger Devon Alexander, who won that vacant belt by beating Junior Witter earlier at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort.

The casino is just outside of Palm Springs, and Bradley’s home fans turned out in emphatic support of the 25-year-old champion, filling the arena with raucous chants and cheers. Bradley gave an impressive effort, peppering Campbell with dozens of punches while chasing the older challenger around the ring.

The 22-year-old Alexander won his first world title when Witter quit before the ninth round, citing a hand injury. Alexander (19-0, 12 KOs) largely dominated the bout, and wept when he raised the belt.

Alexander beats Witter for WBC 140-pound title

By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (AP)—Devon Alexander won the WBC 140-pound title Saturday night when Junior Witter quit before the ninth round of their bout for the vacant belt, citing a hand injury.

Alexander, a 22-year-old rising star from St. Louis, remained unbeaten with a fundamentally solid performance against the unorthodox Witter, who didn’t appear to take much serious punishment beyond a cut over his right eye. The English fighter’s corner declined to send him out for the ninth, handing the victory to Alexander (19-0, 12 KOs) at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort, just outside Palm Springs.

After the fight, Witter (37-3) said he couldn’t continue due to extreme pain in his hand, which recently healed from a hairline break.

Alexander wept when he claimed the WBC belt vacated by Timothy Bradley, who elected to fight Nate Campbell for the WBO belt in the main event rather than taking a smaller payday against Alexander, the WBC’s mandated challenger. With training partner and fellow St. Louis native Cory Spinks cheering him from ringside, Alexander largely dominated the fight.

“It’s time to take the belt back to St. Louis,” Alexander said. “Cory taught me a lot to be prepared for this fight. I watched lots of tape. I had a game plan, and I stuck with it.”

Witter’s decision baffled the fans who expected a full fight from the 35-year-old former champion who had lost just once since June 2000. His arms resting on the ropes, Witter shrugged at fans shouting “Witter the quitter!” from the stands.

“I felt the fight was quite even,” Witter said. “I had a hairline fracture to my hand six months ago, and it felt like I re-injured it just like that again in the fourth round. The pain would move from my hand to a jolt in my elbow. I tried to switch it up. If you notice, I’d start with my right and try to finish with my left, but I couldn’t.”

Alexander opened a cut near Witter’s eyebrow in the second round, but the injury slowed the veteran. Alexander staggered Witter into the ropes in the fifth, and remained more aggressive until Witter quit.

RODRIGUEZ-HLATSHWAYOMAKE

WEIGHT FOR

IBF WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Delvin Rodriguez, his opponent Isaac Hlatshwayo and the rest of the participants of the Star Boxing promoted card weighed-in today at the Mohegan Sun. Rodriguez vs. Hlatshwayo is for the vacant IBF Welterweight Championship of the World, and is a much anticipated rematch of their highly entertaining bout that took place back in November of last year which resulted in a draw. The entire card will be broadcast live via Pay-Per-View ($9.95) on GoFightLive.tv Below is the scheduled bout sheet for Saturday night's show with the weights.

Promoter Duva "Shocked" by Team De La Rosa Free Agency Announcement

"Duva Boxing and Cavazos Boxing have an exclusive promotional agreement with James De La Rosa."
Promoter Dino Duva of Duva Boxing says he was "shocked" to read that representatives of his undefeated welterweight prospect, James De La Rosa (19-0, 12 KOs), are proclaiming the young fighter's promotional free agency.

"It is news to me that he's a free agent," revealed Duva. "I read his press release with disbelief. Duva Boxing and Cavazos Boxing have an exclusive promotional agreement with James De La Rosa and I don't understand how they can claim to be a free agent. In fact, it's my understanding that Cavazos Boxing have James scheduled for a fight in Texas in September or October."

Duva contends (and Team De La Rosa admits) he's done a great job promoting the 21-year-old Texan and will be contacting the fighter and his manager directly to get to the bottom of the situation. "We feel we've done a superb job promoting James. We ran into a few roadblocks the last several months due to other people interfering with his career, but we still have a valid and existing contract."

By no means a newcomer to the business of boxing, the seasoned Duva says he's still 100% committed to De La Rosa's career and wishes for a speedy resolution to the unexpected turn of events. "We love James, but it appears he may be getting damaging and confusing advice. I will be talking to him and his manager immediately, to try and get things back on track in an amicable way. I have absolutely no idea what their announcement of free agency is about and I had no advance knowledge that this would be happening. I hope when I speak to them they will agree James is not a free agent because I am ready to promote James all the way to becoming the superstar I believe he has the potential to be.

However, if we are not able to resolve this amicably immediately, and/or there's something underhanded relating to this announcement, and someone has interfered with my contract, I will vigorously defend my position, challenge theirs legally and hold anyone responsible for damages incurred."

Cayo wins decision over Diaz

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP)—Victor Cayo remained unbeaten and scored the most impressive victory of his career with an unanimous decision over former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz on Friday night.

Cayo, of the Dominican Republic, frustrated Diaz with fast combinations during the 10-round junior welterweight bout.

Early in the fight, Cayo was intent on scoring from the outside as he landed solid left jabs and left hooks to the head.

Diaz, who held the IBF lightweight crown in 2007, finally cut punching range in the fifth round and was effective with combinations to the body.

But Cayo (23-0) also took Diaz’s best shots from short range and countered with rights to the head.

All three judges scored the bout for Cayo, 97-93, 96-94 and 98-92. There were no knockdowns.

Diaz, of Mexico, is 36-6 and 2-2 since losing his IBF lightweight crown against Juan Diaz in October 2007.

Cayo and Diaz both weighed 139 pounds.

In another fight, 2004 Olympian Luis Franco won his professional debut with a first-round technical knockout over Puerto Rico’s Leroy Padilla.

Franco, who defected from Cuba two months ago, frustrated an outclassed Padilla with solid and quick combinations to the head. Midway through the round, Franco pinned Padilla and connected with a flurry of unanswered combinations to the head.

Referee Frank Santore stopped the super-featherweight bout at 2:14 of the round.

Bradley takes risk for hometown fight vs. Campbell

By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

Timothy Bradley’s 140-pound WBC title belt will be at stake Saturday night in the high California desert. It just won’t be Bradley who’s fighting for it.

That’s because Bradley made the gutsy decision to give up his title so he could risk his unbeaten record against Nate Campbell, the motormouthed former lightweight champ, instead of defending the belt against Devon Alexander, his WBC-mandated challenger.

Alexander will fight Junior Witter for the WBC belt on the undercard at the Agua Caliente Casino, while Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs) will fight for his WBO belt— and the pride of knowing he took the biggest challenge available. A little extra money from Showtime doesn’t hurt, but Bradley already knows what he wants out of boxing.

“I want to fight the best fighters in the world. That’s it,” said Bradley, who beat Witter in Nottingham, England, last year to claim the belt.

Because Bradley put the sport before its politics, fight fans get the unexpected pleasure of a matchup between two hard-punching champions who otherwise might not have the motivation to meet each other.

“I couldn’t get fights,” said Campbell, who has fought just once since winning three lightweight titles last year with a stunning upset of Juan Diaz. “I had three of the four belts in the world, and I couldn’t get fights. Nobody was going to fight me for the simple reason they couldn’t take the chance.”

In his first fight in his native Palm Springs area, Bradley will risk his WBO belt against Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs), who knocked off Diaz in March 2008 in Cancun. Bradley was scheduled to fight Jose Luis Castillo on that same card in a Mexican bull ring, but Castillo couldn’t make weight, so Bradley instead became a surprised spectator.

“I lost money on that fight—five pesos,” said Bradley, who had bet his promoter that Diaz could come back to beat Campbell. “When I saw Nate put those hands on Juan, I was just like, ‘Wow, this dude is unbelievable.”’

Bradley frequently has fought close to home in Ontario, Calif., and he trains for every fight in the high elevations and stifling temperatures of Palm Springs. He’s still reveling in his first chance to headline at home in front of what he expects to be about 300 family members and friends.

“It’s pretty cool,” Bradley said. “I’ll be driving around in my car, walking around at WalMart, and people are coming up to me and saying, ‘Hello, how you doing, champ?’ A lot of people see the billboards, so that’s great.”

While Bradley looks forward to a homecoming, Campbell hopes to get his career rolling again. The 37-year-old power puncher lost out on a big payday last fall when Joan Guzman failed to make weight and refused to fight anyway, scrapping both fighters’ purses.

Campbell then lost his lightweight titles on the scales in February when he couldn’t make weight for a narrow majority decision victory over Ali Funeka. Realizing his 135-pound days were done, Campbell moved up to super lightweight and agreed to fight Bradley, who’s 12 years younger but not much less experienced than Campbell, who didn’t turn pro until shortly before his 28th birthday.

“I’m an angry guy every day,” Campbell said. “When I look back over my career over the last year or so, a lot of guys did me dirty. … I really don’t understand why fans worry about my age. I didn’t start boxing until I was Timmy’s age. I take care of my body. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I’ve always been an athlete, (and) fighters are fighting longer, and fighting better.”

Campbell has been a showman in the weeks leading up to the fight, gleefully taunting Bradley over the phone and at news conferences. He knows he’ll be the underdog in front of a sellout crowd in the desert, but the odds don’t bother him.

“Like Timmy said, he sat ringside (in Cancun) and he bet against me, so he knows I can explode at any moment,” Campbell said. “I’m the danger guy throughout. I can beat you up and get you out at all rounds, any round. I have nothing to prove to anybody in Palm Springs. They all think Timmy is going to win. I just have to go out and do my thing.”

Q AND A WITH STAR BOXING'S
HOT WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT
RAYMOND "TITO" SERRANO

On August 1st, Star Boxing's welterweight prospect Raymond "Tito" Serrano (9-0, 5KO) will look to stay undefeated when he takes on Jessie Davis (11-13, 8KO) on the undercard of the Delvin Rodriguez vs. Issac Hlatswahyo matchup for the vacant IBF Welterweight Championship of the World. Rodriguez vs. Hlatshwayo will be a rematch of their highly entertaining draw that took place back in November of last year. The Star Boxing promoted card will be held at the beautiful Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT.


Serrano recently took time out of his busy training schedule to talk about his career, and his upcoming fight on the 1st.

Q: Raymond how has everything been leading up to this fight?

RS: Everything has been great. I have been in the gym training for the last five months, so I know I am going to be in great shape come fight night. This is going to be my second fight in a row at the Mohegan Sun and I'm really looking forward to putting on another good performance for all those in attendance.

Q: Your last fight was March 6th on ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights". It was your first co- feature fight, and it was also the first time you were on national TV. What did you take away from the fight, and were you happy with your performance?

RS: Yes, I was very happy with my performance. I know that I made a couple mistakes, but I use every fight as a learning experience, so that I don't make those same mistakes in the future.

Q: What mistakes do you think you made?

RS: Well it was my first fight on national TV and I had the guy down in the first and after that I got a little bit over anxious trying to knock him out. After the first though I calmed down and started boxing again and I won the fight easily, so overall I think it was a good performance.


Q: What is your game plan going into this fight?

RS: To be honest, I don't know much about my opponent. I hear he is tough so we will see. I know though that as long as I stick to my game plan, and do the things I have been working on in training that there is no doubt I will come out victorious.

Q: You were one of the lead sparring partners for Manny Pacquiao as he prepared to face Ricky Hatton, what was that like for you?

RS: That was a dream come true for me. To have the opportunity to be in the same ring with the number one pound for pound in the world, well it just doesn't get much better then that. I learned a lot from working with Manny. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, especially at such an early stage in my career. I believe that I am going back out to prepare him for his fight with Cotto and I am really looking forward to it.


Q: You are still very young, just 20-years-old. What kind of timeline do you have for yourself in your career?

RS: Well I think Joe (Serrano's promoter is Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing) has moved me along well. Like you said I am still young, but I am also very hungry. I want to continue to stay busy and continue to keep moving up the ranks in the welterweight division. I feel that in another two years I will be ready to take on any of the big names in the division, and hopefully get the opportunity to fight for a world championship.

Q: When did you start working with trainer Danny Davis?

RS: I started working with Danny after my second fight as pro.

Q: What has Danny changed, or improved on in your game?

RS: Danny has improved a lot of things in my game. He has a lot of experience working with world class fighters, so when he tells me things, I listen to them. He has made me a much better fighter.

One of my favorite things about working with Danny is the work we do on the pads. I believe his pad work is second to none. It has really improved the combinations I throw. I mean anyone who has done the pads for Bernard Hopkins is good enough for me (laughs Serrano).

Q: Other then becoming champion of the world, do you have any other aspirations you want to fulfill in your career in boxing?

RS: I want to have a major fight in my native country of Puerto Rico. I fought there when I was an amateur but not yet as a pro. The atmosphere over there is absolutely crazy! There is nothing like Puerto Rican fans, I truly believe they are the best boxing fans in the world.

Q: Anything you would like to say in closing?

RS: I want to thank all my fans who have continued to show their support for me throughout my career. I want to encourage everyone to be there Saturday August 1st, as I am going to put on another great performance that no one will want to miss.


Tickets are priced at $125, $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office. Star is currently holding choice seats for prime customers. To find out more information about this terrific offer or to purchase these exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000.

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.

Photo's taken by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten