Professional Boxing
Saturday, May 16, 2009 7pm
Farm Bureau Building Indiana State Fairgrounds
4 rounds
Mustapha Johnson, Indpls., vs Joe Howard, Kokomo
4 rounds
Julian Nixon, OH vs Moussa Zakou, IN
4 rounds
Mike Dawson, IN vs Josh Johnson, IN
6 rounds
Larry Smith, Lafayette vs Mike Oliveira, FL
4 rounds
Ronald Garr, OH vs Azga Augustama
6 rounds
Travis Loveless, Frankfort vs Billy Cunningham, TN
4 rounds
Dionne Craig, OH vs Thomas Hayes, IL
4 rounds
Derek Hill, IN vs Tom Brown, IL
6 rounds
George Blades, IN vs Tyrone Dowdy, TN
4 rounds
Keon Johnson vs Dave Foster, OH
6 rounds
Dante Craig, OH vs Carlos Adams,
6 rounds
Frank "Ya Ya" Lawrence, IN vs tba
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mitchell Not Deterred by Loss
Former two-time world champion Byron "Gator" Mitchell says his comeback won't be derailed by one setback.
Mitchell took a short-notice chance at a quick bump in the world ratings and paid for it over the weekend by suffering his fifth career loss to undefeated Kazakhstan native Beibut Shumenov at the Stadium Khadjimukan in Chimkent, Kazakhstan, via TKO 4.
"We weren't really in the gym, but we got the call and decided to give it a shot," explained the disappointed Mitchell, who took the Shumenov matchup on 48 hours notice, flew 27 hours and landed on the day of the fight at 9 am.
To compound his disadvantages, Mitchell was then forced to drop some weight pre-fight.
"I take nothing away from this kid Shumenov, he fought well. But that wasn't the real Gator in there. I'd like to face him again under more even circumstances."
Mitchell's promoter, Nick Garone of X-Cel Worldwide, says although the entire team knew the odds they were up against, the opportunity to fight for the International Boxing Association, WBO Asia Pacific, WBC Asian Boxing Council and interim PABA light heavyweight championships in one fight was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"We knew going in it was a steep hill to climb, but a loss like this is explainable and doesn't affect our future plans with Byron. He still has his NABA-US title and he'll be back."
Mitchell took a short-notice chance at a quick bump in the world ratings and paid for it over the weekend by suffering his fifth career loss to undefeated Kazakhstan native Beibut Shumenov at the Stadium Khadjimukan in Chimkent, Kazakhstan, via TKO 4.
"We weren't really in the gym, but we got the call and decided to give it a shot," explained the disappointed Mitchell, who took the Shumenov matchup on 48 hours notice, flew 27 hours and landed on the day of the fight at 9 am.
To compound his disadvantages, Mitchell was then forced to drop some weight pre-fight.
"I take nothing away from this kid Shumenov, he fought well. But that wasn't the real Gator in there. I'd like to face him again under more even circumstances."
Mitchell's promoter, Nick Garone of X-Cel Worldwide, says although the entire team knew the odds they were up against, the opportunity to fight for the International Boxing Association, WBO Asia Pacific, WBC Asian Boxing Council and interim PABA light heavyweight championships in one fight was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"We knew going in it was a steep hill to climb, but a loss like this is explainable and doesn't affect our future plans with Byron. He still has his NABA-US title and he'll be back."
Monday, May 11, 2009
Carlos Ivan Velasquez Remains Undefeated
Photo by Ray Rodriguez (May 11, 2009) - The hard hitting and devastating punching power of highly touted featherweight prospect, Carlos Ivan Velasquez, was on display last Friday May 8, 2009 when the Golden Boy Promotions rising star extended his winless record to (10-0, 9 KO's), flattening Andres Ledesma in the first round.
In the later half of the first round, Velasquez connected with a left hook to the body, then followed with an overhand right that dropped Ledesma. Still on shaky legs after getting up, Ledesma was hit with another crushing overhand right that put him down for good. The fight was stopped at the 2:59 mark and Velasquez was awarded a TKO victory.
"This was a good win for me," said Velasquez. "I'm looking to get back in the ring as soon as possible. My goal is to get to 15-0 by the end of 2009. If I can accomplish this goal, I feel I'll be ready to fight for a title in 2010."
For more information of Velasquez please visit www.shellyfinkel.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com.
Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Shelly Finkel Management
boxingpublicist@aol.com
In the later half of the first round, Velasquez connected with a left hook to the body, then followed with an overhand right that dropped Ledesma. Still on shaky legs after getting up, Ledesma was hit with another crushing overhand right that put him down for good. The fight was stopped at the 2:59 mark and Velasquez was awarded a TKO victory.
"This was a good win for me," said Velasquez. "I'm looking to get back in the ring as soon as possible. My goal is to get to 15-0 by the end of 2009. If I can accomplish this goal, I feel I'll be ready to fight for a title in 2010."
For more information of Velasquez please visit www.shellyfinkel.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com.
Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Shelly Finkel Management
boxingpublicist@aol.com
Philippines celebrates Manny Pacquiao’s triumph
By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer
MANILA, Philippines (AP)—Huge crowds cheered Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao as a convoy paraded him from Manila’s squalid slums to the presidential palace in a government-declared national celebration Monday for his latest win.
Pacquiao’s stunning second-round knockout that dethroned IBO light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on May 3 cemented the Filipino’s image as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter and his massive popularity at home.
His victory set off celebrations across the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, where the 30-year-old has created a fanatical following bridging the divide between rich and poor.
Shanty dwellers jostled along filthy sidewalks in Manila’s Tondo slum district to get a glimpse of Pacquiao, whose phenomenal rise from crushing poverty as a street vendor to world fame has become the subject of at least one film.
Pacquiao smiled and waved while children threw mock punches as his long motorcade passed by.
“He’s still my idol though I didn’t get a cent from his big win,” said garbage collector Renato Baldivia, 43, flashing a toothless smile.
The parade was abruptly cut short to allow Pacquiao to go to the Malacanang Palace, where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, her Cabinet and members of Congress showered him with confetti, praises, a cake emblazoned with the Philippine flag and a sumptuous Filipino lunch in a chandelier-lit banquet hall.
Three tenors serenaded him with a rendition of his songs—one of his many side interests that includes acting.
Pacquiao presented his IBO light welterweight champion belt to Arroyo then gave her and her husband his team’s sports jackets. Arroyo wore it over her elegant fuchsia dress, grabbed a microphone and threw questions at him like a fan.
“Did Hatton hurt you?” Arroyo asked.
“Not so much,” Pacquiao replied. “On top of the ring, I thought he was bigger and stronger. But no, he could not take the punch of the Filipino nation.”
Arroyo presented him with an encased copy of a presidential proclamation, which called for a national celebration Monday for Pacquiao. It described him as a “boxing legend” whose “life and victories inspire the Filipinos to have resiliency and dedication to triumph against all odds.”
Arroyo declared Pacquiao a special envoy of peace and unity.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, citing World Health Organization advice, urged Pacquiao last week to postpone his homecoming and observe a self-quarantine for five days because the swine flu virus has spread in Los Angeles, where Pacquiao remained to rest after his bout.
But Pacquiao defied the advice, saying he and his entourage did not have flu symptoms. He flew home Friday and shook hands of well-wishers then drove to Quiapo church in downtown Manila where a mob of fans awaited him.
Pacquiao has unsuccessfully run for a congressional seat but is planning another attempt next year.
Now basking in fame, he has become the object of detailed scrutiny. A reporter asked him Monday who cut his hair, while prominent sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz wrote about his change in attire.
“He used to sleep in cardboard boxes and wear hand-me-down shirts,” Nathanielsz wrote in Manila Standard Today. “Now he dons Armani suits as befits the world’s top ring gladiator.”
Associated Press writer Hrvoje Hranjski contributed to this report.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)—Huge crowds cheered Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao as a convoy paraded him from Manila’s squalid slums to the presidential palace in a government-declared national celebration Monday for his latest win.
Pacquiao’s stunning second-round knockout that dethroned IBO light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on May 3 cemented the Filipino’s image as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter and his massive popularity at home.
His victory set off celebrations across the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, where the 30-year-old has created a fanatical following bridging the divide between rich and poor.
Shanty dwellers jostled along filthy sidewalks in Manila’s Tondo slum district to get a glimpse of Pacquiao, whose phenomenal rise from crushing poverty as a street vendor to world fame has become the subject of at least one film.Pacquiao smiled and waved while children threw mock punches as his long motorcade passed by.
“He’s still my idol though I didn’t get a cent from his big win,” said garbage collector Renato Baldivia, 43, flashing a toothless smile.
The parade was abruptly cut short to allow Pacquiao to go to the Malacanang Palace, where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, her Cabinet and members of Congress showered him with confetti, praises, a cake emblazoned with the Philippine flag and a sumptuous Filipino lunch in a chandelier-lit banquet hall.
Three tenors serenaded him with a rendition of his songs—one of his many side interests that includes acting.
Pacquiao presented his IBO light welterweight champion belt to Arroyo then gave her and her husband his team’s sports jackets. Arroyo wore it over her elegant fuchsia dress, grabbed a microphone and threw questions at him like a fan.
“Did Hatton hurt you?” Arroyo asked.
“Not so much,” Pacquiao replied. “On top of the ring, I thought he was bigger and stronger. But no, he could not take the punch of the Filipino nation.”
Arroyo presented him with an encased copy of a presidential proclamation, which called for a national celebration Monday for Pacquiao. It described him as a “boxing legend” whose “life and victories inspire the Filipinos to have resiliency and dedication to triumph against all odds.”
Arroyo declared Pacquiao a special envoy of peace and unity.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, citing World Health Organization advice, urged Pacquiao last week to postpone his homecoming and observe a self-quarantine for five days because the swine flu virus has spread in Los Angeles, where Pacquiao remained to rest after his bout.
But Pacquiao defied the advice, saying he and his entourage did not have flu symptoms. He flew home Friday and shook hands of well-wishers then drove to Quiapo church in downtown Manila where a mob of fans awaited him.
Pacquiao has unsuccessfully run for a congressional seat but is planning another attempt next year.
Now basking in fame, he has become the object of detailed scrutiny. A reporter asked him Monday who cut his hair, while prominent sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz wrote about his change in attire.
“He used to sleep in cardboard boxes and wear hand-me-down shirts,” Nathanielsz wrote in Manila Standard Today. “Now he dons Armani suits as befits the world’s top ring gladiator.”
Associated Press writer Hrvoje Hranjski contributed to this report.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Dawson unanimously outpoints Tarver
LAS VEGAS (AP)—Chad Dawson successfully defended his IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles Saturday night, unanimously outpointing Antonio Tarver in a rematch of their October fight.
The undefeated Dawson, who looked lackadaisical at times in fighting off several impressive combinations from the 40-year-old Tarver, had winning scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111 from the three judges.
Unlike their bout last fall, when the fast-handed left-hander dominated in a 118-109, 117-110 and 117-110 victory, Saturday’s fight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino produced plenty of back-and-forth action from start to finish.
“He put up a hell of a fight,” said Dawson, 28-0 with 17 knockouts. “He definitely took me off my game. My hats off to Antonio Tarver.”
Dawson landed most of significant punches in the final four rounds, including a flurry of punches at the end of the ninth round—arguably his most impressive round.
Tarver was the clear aggressor, throwing 749 punches to Dawson’s 677. But the 26-year-old Dawson had a 62-14 advantage in punches that connected with the body and connected on 31 percent of his punches. Tarver only landed 16 percent of his punches.
“He pushed the fight and took my off my game plan,” Dawson said. “He threw a lot of punches, but I was catching most of them.”
Gary Shaw, Dawson’s promoter, said Tarver gave his fighter everything he could handle.
“I don’t know how everyone else felt but I was scared in every round,” Shaw said.
Dawson, who was in the first fight of a two-fight contract with HBO, said he doesn’t know who he will fight next. An ideal possibility is Bernard Hopkins, but Shaw said there has been little contact with Hopkins’ camp.
“I will fight whoever they throw in front of me,” Dawson said. “I’m glad I got this rematch out of the way so I could get the fights I deserve.”
Regardless of the next opponent, Dawson knows he needs to improve. Another performance like Saturday could equal his first loss.
“I know I didn’t have my best night,” Dawson said. “I know it wasn’t it my best performance. I don’t know how much of that had to do with Tarver having a good night.”
Despite the lopsided outcome in the first meeting, Tarver was confident he would win the rematch. He had also lost to Roy Jones Jr., Glen Johnson and Eric Harding during his career, but avenged all three loses in rematches.
He was almost right. Tarver, nicknamed the “Magic Man,” believes he proved he still has some magic left in his hands.
Tarver, a significant underdog, pieced together successful combinations especially in the earlier rounds the showed the veteran champion wasn’t going to be an easy opponent.
“I don’t feel like a loser up here tonight. I truly don’t,” Tarver said. “I fought 12 hard rounds and I was in it every round. Let my hands go, and when I like my hands go, I can compete with anyone in the world. I showed that tonight.”
He definitely surprised Dawson’s camp.
“You showed tonight what a champions heart is made off,” Dawson’s trainer, Eddie Muhammad, told Tarver in the post-fight news conference.
Hopkins said he isn’t sure what the future holds, but could easily see himself returning.
“I just went 12 rounds and feel great,” he said.
The undefeated Dawson, who looked lackadaisical at times in fighting off several impressive combinations from the 40-year-old Tarver, had winning scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111 from the three judges.
Unlike their bout last fall, when the fast-handed left-hander dominated in a 118-109, 117-110 and 117-110 victory, Saturday’s fight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino produced plenty of back-and-forth action from start to finish.“He put up a hell of a fight,” said Dawson, 28-0 with 17 knockouts. “He definitely took me off my game. My hats off to Antonio Tarver.”
Dawson landed most of significant punches in the final four rounds, including a flurry of punches at the end of the ninth round—arguably his most impressive round.
Tarver was the clear aggressor, throwing 749 punches to Dawson’s 677. But the 26-year-old Dawson had a 62-14 advantage in punches that connected with the body and connected on 31 percent of his punches. Tarver only landed 16 percent of his punches.
“He pushed the fight and took my off my game plan,” Dawson said. “He threw a lot of punches, but I was catching most of them.”
Gary Shaw, Dawson’s promoter, said Tarver gave his fighter everything he could handle.“I don’t know how everyone else felt but I was scared in every round,” Shaw said.
Dawson, who was in the first fight of a two-fight contract with HBO, said he doesn’t know who he will fight next. An ideal possibility is Bernard Hopkins, but Shaw said there has been little contact with Hopkins’ camp.
“I will fight whoever they throw in front of me,” Dawson said. “I’m glad I got this rematch out of the way so I could get the fights I deserve.”
Regardless of the next opponent, Dawson knows he needs to improve. Another performance like Saturday could equal his first loss.
“I know I didn’t have my best night,” Dawson said. “I know it wasn’t it my best performance. I don’t know how much of that had to do with Tarver having a good night.”
Despite the lopsided outcome in the first meeting, Tarver was confident he would win the rematch. He had also lost to Roy Jones Jr., Glen Johnson and Eric Harding during his career, but avenged all three loses in rematches.
He was almost right. Tarver, nicknamed the “Magic Man,” believes he proved he still has some magic left in his hands.
Tarver, a significant underdog, pieced together successful combinations especially in the earlier rounds the showed the veteran champion wasn’t going to be an easy opponent.
“I don’t feel like a loser up here tonight. I truly don’t,” Tarver said. “I fought 12 hard rounds and I was in it every round. Let my hands go, and when I like my hands go, I can compete with anyone in the world. I showed that tonight.”
He definitely surprised Dawson’s camp.
“You showed tonight what a champions heart is made off,” Dawson’s trainer, Eddie Muhammad, told Tarver in the post-fight news conference.
Hopkins said he isn’t sure what the future holds, but could easily see himself returning.
“I just went 12 rounds and feel great,” he said.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tickets On Sale Now For "Tinley Park Rumble"
Loaded "Tinley Park Rumble" Card To Explode With A World Class Main Event And Star-Studded UndercardMay 8 (Merrillville, In) - The one main event that has the star-power capable of following up the "Merciless" Mary McGee vs. Kristy "Rose" Follmar world championship extravaganza is a feud that goes beyond the ring and was originally scheduled for "Date With Destiny" but rescheduled for the "Tinley Park Rumble" on Friday, June 12th at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18501 Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park, IL.
Michael "Midnight Stalker" Walker (19-2-2, 12 KOs) vs. "Iron" Orphius Waite (5-0, 3 KOs) is a main event that started inside the Octavius James' One In A Million Inc.'s training facility, as two of the world's best middleweights were once sparring partners.
Walker and Waite will never be seen enjoying dinner together, but boxing fans will have an opportunity to enjoy their world class main event battle that is guaranteed to be a bone crunching crowd pleaser. "Walker and Waite is one of those fights that will have fight fans standing on there feet," said Octavius James, C.E.O. of One In A Million Inc.
"These two guys don't like each other and when they get in that ring it's going to be bruising main event that I'm excited to see," added James. "One In A Million is looking to bring back the Age of the Superfight, with McGee vs. Follmar and Walker vs. Waite, we are definitely putting together some of the best fights the world of boxing has seen in a very long time."
"I could tell (Waite) was trying to size me up during our sparring sessions," said Walker. "Orphius wants to be me and he is trying to fight like I do, I'm ready and he is ready so let's get it on, he is messing with a different level of fighter and I don't feel any respect at all from him, but I will get that respect when I whoop him without the head gear," Said Walker.
"When we would walk into the training facility we both got that weird vibe and when we sparred I left his face battered a few times even with the head gear," said Waite. "It's a very big fight, biggest fight of my career and secondly it's going to be a stepping stone in my career, (Walker) had his chance to shine and he didn't do too well and now it's my turn." Waite said.
Also scheduled as part of another sensational undercard are unbeaten fighters Welterweight Ed "2 Fast 2 Furious" Ochoa (8-0, 8 KOs), middleweight Josh Crouch (4-0, 4 KOs) and super featherweight Evette Collazo (4-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring.
Tickets "Tinley Park Rumble" are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at VIP $100, VIP ringside $75, ringside $50, and general admission $30 and they are available from any Ticket Master location at (800)745-3000, (866) 438-7372 or www.TicketMaster.com.
The Tinley Park Convention Center, which is just 25 minutes from Northwest Indiana, doors will open at 7 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m.
Visit us at our new knockout website and leave us some feedback: www.oneinamillionboxing.com
Contact:Aaron Pineda
Publicist/Media & Public Relations
One In A Million Inc.
apineda@oneinamillionboxing.com
QUEZADA EYEING CHALLENGES WITH BRIAN MINTO AND TRAVIS WALKER
Lemoore California (May 8, 2009)
Photo by Laura De La Torre
Riding a 16-fight winning streak, WBC CABOFE Heavyweight champion, Manuel "El Toro" Quezada, is eyeing challenges with heavyweight contenders Brian Minto (33-2, 21 KO's) and Travis Walker (30-2-1, 24 KO's).Quezada, who's ranked # 15 by the WBC, feels a win against Minto or Walker will get him closer to title contention as he stated, "A fight with a durable guy like Brian Minto is exactly what I want right now. It's my understanding that he's mentioned my name as someone he would like to fight too. As far as Travis Walker, he's a highly ranked contender that doesn't duck anyone. I'm sure he'll be willing to step in the ring with me, but we'll see. He might be gun shy after getting knocked out by Chris Arreola. We have a date open on July 16th at the Tachi Palace Casino. If any one of these fight gets finalized, I'll be happy to give Minto or Walker a shot at my title."
Quezada has made it clear that he is willing to get in the ring with any of the top ranked heavyweights and will travel to their own backyard to make it happen. For further inquires contact Quezada's co-promoter Christian Printup (cprintup@hotmail.com) or matchmaker Tom Brown (818) 817-8004.
Mario SerranoPublicist ~ Tachi Palce Casino
boxingpublicist@aol.com
Velasquez vs Ledesma
May 8, 2009 ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights
Q and A Carlos Ivan Velasquez
By Anson Wainwright ~ 15rounds.com
Photos by Tom Hogan ~ hoganphotos.com
Puerto Rican puncher Carlos Ivan Velasquez 9-0(8) returns from an 8 month hiatus when he resumes his career on ESPN in an 8 rounder against Andres Ledesma 15-13-1(10). Velasquez 24, represented his country at the 2004 Olympics but waited until early 2007 to make the transition to the pro's.
Hello Carlos Ivan, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright - I believe you will be fighting this weekend in Fort Worth, do you have an opponent? Will it be at Featherweight?
Carlos Ivan Velasquez - I think it will be Andres Ledesma, but it looks like I'll be fighting in an eight round bout. I'm campaigning at featherweight and want to challenge for the world title at 126 lbs. Continue Reading...
Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Shelly Finkel Management
boxingpublicist@aol.com
May 6, 2009 (San Jose California) - This Thursday May 7, 2009 four-time world champion, Carina "La Reina" Moreno, has been invited by Roy Englebrecht Promotions to make an appearance at American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank set to take place at the HP Pavilion at San Jose Ca. Moreno will sign autographs and meet and greet the fans in attendance.American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank Unveils New Format for May 7 Bouts
The best boxing in the Bay Area has a new name: 'American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank: The Next Chapter and returns on Thursday, May 7 for its eighth season at HP Pavilion at San Jose.
"The Next Chapter" has been added to American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank to reflect the new team concept.
AM&I Fight Night at the Tank will now consist of seven four-round bouts with at least one women's bout. All fighters will be included in the 'You Be The Judge' contest; a way for fans to show their support of their favorite fighter of the night. The crowd will judge the bouts and choose their favorite boxer by round of applause. The winning fighter will receive the AMI Cup with an extra $1,000 bonus. The crowd will have a chance to win money of their own as $100 cash will be given away between every bout.
Members of each team will have opportunities to add to their pocketbooks with team bonuses. Both teams will be competing for bonuses of $2,100 ($300 per fighter). The teams will be scored on a point system with one point awarded per bout ending with the best of seven. If there is a knockout, "The Quickest Knockout Award" will garner that special fighter another $500.
AM&I Fight Night at the Tank will bring back a familiar face as Roy Englebrecht returns to AM&I Fight Night at the Tank as the event matchmaker. Roy Englebrecht is owner and founder of Roy Englebrecht Promotions, California's third largest Boxing Promotions Company. In December of 2001 Oscar De La Hoya purchased Roy Englebrecht Promotions creating Golden Boy Promotions, with Roy serving as COO for the first three years. At the end of 2004 Roy Englebrecht Promotions was again reestablished, with Oscar De La Hoya as a minority partner.
Individual tickets can be purchased at the HP Pavilion ticket office, at Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout the Bay Area, online at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For more information about season tickets or group discounts call (408) 999-6808 or go by clicking here..
KO Artist Brunson Signs
with Triple-Mac Promotions
with Triple-Mac Promotions
Virginia-based Triple-Mac Promotions is proud to announce the signing of powerhouse Philadelphia middleweight Tyrone "Young Gun" Brunson to a promotional agreement.
The sharpshooting Brunson (19-0-1, 19 KOs) set a boxing record with 19 consecutive first-round knockouts to begin his career before fighting to a draw in his last outing.
"Tyrone was beginning to go stale by chasing that record and not facing the kind of opposition he should have been to develop properly," said Triple-Mac President Freddie Mac of his new client. "We believe in Tyrone and we intend to bring him to the top levels of the sport properly. He has the talent and the natural punching power to become a world champion."24-year-old Brunson surpassed the North American record with his 15th first-round stoppage (vs. David Johnson, March 9, 2007) and tied the world record of 18 set by current WBC Lightweight Champion Edwin Valero of Venezuela - in June of last year against Jamie Waru in Auckland, New Zealand. He then broke the all-time record in 72 seconds against Francis McKechnai on March 29, 2008.
Brunson is the first big signing for Triple-Mac who have established a respected reputation doing shows in the Norfolk area. "We are ready to make a dent in boxing by treating our fighters right and giving our fans the quality of fights they don't mind paying to see. Tyrone will be our first world champion and will clear the way at the top for a long line of Triple-Mac fighters.
CARLOS IVAN VELASQUEZ RETURNS TO THE RING THIS FRIDAY ON ESPN 2 FNF
By Ryan Burton ~ BoxingTalk.com
Super feather says Andres Ledezma is his next foe
Puerto Rican super featherweight prospect: Carlos Ivan Velasquez speaks to BoxingTalk's Ryan Burton. Vasquez fights May 8th on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.
Boxingtalk: What is new with you?
Carlos Velasquez: I am just relaxing. I have been out for a while but I feel that I have progressed a lot as a professional these last couple months. I am going to show that on Friday. I feel that I have really progressed.
BT: When did you get hurt?
CV: I got hurt sparring and that is why I haven't fought since September (Marquez-Casamayor undercard).
BT: Has your opponent been named yet for Friday?
CV: I think its Andres Ledezma.
BT: What are the keys to victory?
CV: The keys are I will study my opponent and see his errors. When I see him make a mistake I am going to make him pay for it. I having been training hard and I will be ready for the fight. I am a very technical boxer. I like to out scheme my opponent. When I step into the ring I always have bad intentions. Continue Reading..
Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Shelly Finkel Management
boxingpublicist@aol.com
(408) 607-5756
By Ryan Burton ~ BoxingTalk.com
Super feather says Andres Ledezma is his next foe
Puerto Rican super featherweight prospect: Carlos Ivan Velasquez speaks to BoxingTalk's Ryan Burton. Vasquez fights May 8th on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.
Boxingtalk: What is new with you?
Carlos Velasquez: I am just relaxing. I have been out for a while but I feel that I have progressed a lot as a professional these last couple months. I am going to show that on Friday. I feel that I have really progressed.
BT: When did you get hurt?
CV: I got hurt sparring and that is why I haven't fought since September (Marquez-Casamayor undercard).
BT: Has your opponent been named yet for Friday?
CV: I think its Andres Ledezma.
BT: What are the keys to victory?
CV: The keys are I will study my opponent and see his errors. When I see him make a mistake I am going to make him pay for it. I having been training hard and I will be ready for the fight. I am a very technical boxer. I like to out scheme my opponent. When I step into the ring I always have bad intentions. Continue Reading..
Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Shelly Finkel Management
boxingpublicist@aol.com
(408) 607-5756
Seminole Warriors Boxing's Latest Signing, Don "Da bomb" George; Scores Knockout in Detroit !
By: Cestus Press
Seminole Warriors Boxing latest signing; Cestus Management's Super-Middleweight, Don "DA BOMB" George, sensationally returned to the ring by blasting out Mike Walthier in one minute and forty-five seconds of the first round. As soon as the bell rang George, got down to business peppering Walthier with hard jabs and a fast combination to the head and body. As the round went on, George followed up a stiff jab with a thudding right-hand shot that sent Walthier reeling into the ropes. Donovan immediately opened up on Walthier with precision and landed another combination finishing with a crushing right-hand to the side of the head, which sent Walthier crashing to the canvas and drove the sold-out live crowd into a frenzy. George then did his trademark back flip which sent the screaming fans into orbit. The rest of the fight card was very competative and entertaining and produced a fabulous night of boxing for the loyal Detroit fight fans. The event was held at the Majestic Theater in Detroit , Michigan and was promoted by one of Detroit’s premier promoters Carlos Llinas of Clip International Promotions; and The Donovan George vs Mike Walthier fight was brought to everyone by Seminole Warriors Boxing. At ringside in attendance were Detroit boxing legend Thomas Hearns and his son Ronald Hearns.
Leon Margules, Seminole Warriors Boxing Executive Director; said we are proud and excited to promote such a talented fighter as Donovan and to have the opportunity to make him one of our next world champions”
Gina Iacavou, Cestus CEO said; fight fans love knockouts and thats exactly what you get when Donovan fights“, his aggressive style and true punching power make him a fighter that's great for boxing. Our promoter Seminole Warriors Boxing have big plans for Donovan and his climb to the top of the Super-Middleweight division is now just a matter of time.
Mike Michael, the company founder said; “The fans in Detroit (Michigan) really loved the display of technique, power and showmanship that Donovan displayed; and the crawd went crazy when he knocked out his opponent and then did his trademark back flip. I beleive that all of the Detroit fight fans at the arena would agree with me; that Donovan looked sensational in the way he took care of business and they saw a future star.” Michael added, “I would like to personally thank our promoter, and good friend Leon Margules of the Seminole Warriors Boxing for making this fight happen and Carlos Llinas of Clip Internaional Promotions for featuring our fighter on his boxing event. For further information about Don "DA BOMB" George please visit www.warriorsboxing.com or www.cestusmanagement.com
By: Cestus Press
Seminole Warriors Boxing latest signing; Cestus Management's Super-Middleweight, Don "DA BOMB" George, sensationally returned to the ring by blasting out Mike Walthier in one minute and forty-five seconds of the first round. As soon as the bell rang George, got down to business peppering Walthier with hard jabs and a fast combination to the head and body. As the round went on, George followed up a stiff jab with a thudding right-hand shot that sent Walthier reeling into the ropes. Donovan immediately opened up on Walthier with precision and landed another combination finishing with a crushing right-hand to the side of the head, which sent Walthier crashing to the canvas and drove the sold-out live crowd into a frenzy. George then did his trademark back flip which sent the screaming fans into orbit. The rest of the fight card was very competative and entertaining and produced a fabulous night of boxing for the loyal Detroit fight fans. The event was held at the Majestic Theater in Detroit , Michigan and was promoted by one of Detroit’s premier promoters Carlos Llinas of Clip International Promotions; and The Donovan George vs Mike Walthier fight was brought to everyone by Seminole Warriors Boxing. At ringside in attendance were Detroit boxing legend Thomas Hearns and his son Ronald Hearns.
Leon Margules, Seminole Warriors Boxing Executive Director; said we are proud and excited to promote such a talented fighter as Donovan and to have the opportunity to make him one of our next world champions”
Gina Iacavou, Cestus CEO said; fight fans love knockouts and thats exactly what you get when Donovan fights“, his aggressive style and true punching power make him a fighter that's great for boxing. Our promoter Seminole Warriors Boxing have big plans for Donovan and his climb to the top of the Super-Middleweight division is now just a matter of time.
Mike Michael, the company founder said; “The fans in Detroit (Michigan) really loved the display of technique, power and showmanship that Donovan displayed; and the crawd went crazy when he knocked out his opponent and then did his trademark back flip. I beleive that all of the Detroit fight fans at the arena would agree with me; that Donovan looked sensational in the way he took care of business and they saw a future star.” Michael added, “I would like to personally thank our promoter, and good friend Leon Margules of the Seminole Warriors Boxing for making this fight happen and Carlos Llinas of Clip Internaional Promotions for featuring our fighter on his boxing event. For further information about Don "DA BOMB" George please visit www.warriorsboxing.com or www.cestusmanagement.com
Dawson aims to do it again in title rematch with Tarver
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Unbeaten Chad Dawson is ready for a repeat Saturday when he takes on Antonio Tarver in a rematch of their October bout that saw Dawson take the International Boxing Federation light heavyweight crown.
"I can't stand him," said Dawson, who notched a lopsided unanimous decision over Tarver in October but was irked by Tarver's pre-fight comments as well as his post-fight lack of respect.
"Antonio Tarver is a very ignorant person," Dawson said. "I want to punish him."
Dawson improved to 27-0 with the victory with 17 knockouts.
His victories in the class, in which he is also a former World Boxing Council champion, include the only defeat of reigning cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek.
The 40-year-0ld Tarver, whose resume includes a 2004 knockout of Roy Jones, says his October loss to Dawson was a matter of style.
"I just stayed in a defensive fashion too long. When the guy threw punches, I blocked them," said Tarver who is 3-0 in rematches. "Anybody that has a keen eye can see that most of those punches were blocked. But to his credit, he just looked a lot busier."
This time, Tarver said. "When he throws, I'm going to throw."
"When I look back at the fight, I feel I beat myself, it was nothing that Chad did," Tarver said. "We corrected our wrongs and you?ll see the difference Saturday night. When I?m determined, I?m a hard guy to beat. History proves that."
Tarver, who brings a record 27-5 with 19 knockouts to the bout, acknowledged this week that he has "something to prove" on Saturday.
"I'm a realist of where I'm at in the game, I'm a realist about my position," he said. "I know what a win will do for me and I know what a loss will do for me. I know what I have to do Saturday night. I don't have much to say, I'm ready
"I can't stand him," said Dawson, who notched a lopsided unanimous decision over Tarver in October but was irked by Tarver's pre-fight comments as well as his post-fight lack of respect.
"Antonio Tarver is a very ignorant person," Dawson said. "I want to punish him."
Dawson improved to 27-0 with the victory with 17 knockouts.
His victories in the class, in which he is also a former World Boxing Council champion, include the only defeat of reigning cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek.
The 40-year-0ld Tarver, whose resume includes a 2004 knockout of Roy Jones, says his October loss to Dawson was a matter of style.
"I just stayed in a defensive fashion too long. When the guy threw punches, I blocked them," said Tarver who is 3-0 in rematches. "Anybody that has a keen eye can see that most of those punches were blocked. But to his credit, he just looked a lot busier."
This time, Tarver said. "When he throws, I'm going to throw."
"When I look back at the fight, I feel I beat myself, it was nothing that Chad did," Tarver said. "We corrected our wrongs and you?ll see the difference Saturday night. When I?m determined, I?m a hard guy to beat. History proves that."
Tarver, who brings a record 27-5 with 19 knockouts to the bout, acknowledged this week that he has "something to prove" on Saturday.
"I'm a realist of where I'm at in the game, I'm a realist about my position," he said. "I know what a win will do for me and I know what a loss will do for me. I know what I have to do Saturday night. I don't have much to say, I'm ready
De La Hoya to feature boxing prospects in LA
LOS ANGELES (AP)—Oscar De La Hoya is keeping busy in retirement with the upcoming launch of a monthly boxing TV series featuring his top prospects.
“Fight Night Club” begins June 11 with bouts televised from the new Club Nokia across the street from Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. There will be a DJ, music and VIP room, with the boxing ring set up on the nightclub’s stage.
The four-part series is a joint venture by De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and AEG.
The fights will be televised nationally on cable channel Versus and streamed live on RingTV.com and Yahoo! Boxing.
The series will feature how champions are developed, De La Hoya said.
“Some of the best fights I’ve ever seen have taken place at small club shows and now we have the opportunity to bring those fights to the world,” he said.
Bouts for the first show will be announced later.
“Fight Night Club” begins June 11 with bouts televised from the new Club Nokia across the street from Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. There will be a DJ, music and VIP room, with the boxing ring set up on the nightclub’s stage.
The four-part series is a joint venture by De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and AEG.
The fights will be televised nationally on cable channel Versus and streamed live on RingTV.com and Yahoo! Boxing.
The series will feature how champions are developed, De La Hoya said.
“Some of the best fights I’ve ever seen have taken place at small club shows and now we have the opportunity to bring those fights to the world,” he said.
Bouts for the first show will be announced later.
Colorado teens aiming for Junior National titles
DENVER (AP)—When Hilario Ramirez-Medina was 6 years old, he used to follow his brother, Jose Figueroa, into the Longmont Boxing Club to watch him train.
Ramirez-Medina would do a little boxing, too, before getting kicked out for goofing off.
“I used to get thrown out because little kids don’t take training seriously,” Ramirez-Medina said. “I’d hit the bag and then play around and mess up other kids’ training. Then I’d come back the next day and try to find anyone to spar with. I didn’t care who it was.”
Nearly a decade later, the 15-year-old is taking the sweet science seriously — and he’s on a fast track to success. Ramirez-Medina didn’t start boxing competitively until this year, but in a few months he’s won the Colorado State Golden Gloves and the Colorado State Junior Olympics for his age group and weight class.
On May 15-16, he’ll compete in the Four Corners Combined Regional Tournament in Pueblo, and a victory there will qualify him for the USA Boxing National Championships at the Denver Coliseum June 8-13.
Moving the nationals from Colorado Springs to Denver will help increase the profile of the event, USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman said.
“They’ve been a well-kept secret in Colorado Springs,” he said. “With the help of the Daniels Fund we’ve been able to move our event to a city that deserves an event of this attention and puts us on a platform with what we’re trying to do.”
For Ramirez-Medina and Ricky Rodriguez, the Junior Olympic champion in the bantamweight class of the 15-16 age division, having the nationals in Denver means a chance at competing close to home.
“It’s kind of nerve-racking, but it’s challenging,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez has been to the national championships before, earning a silver medal in the 15-16 age division in 2008. This is all new to Ramirez-Medina.
“I started up this year and started accelerating,” he said. “I got my first fight on Jan. 1 and I just picked up fights from there.”
In that first fight, he quickly learned to be aggressive.
“The voice of my mom came into my head that if you’re getting hit then you’ve got to hit back. Don’t just stand there and be a dummy,” Ramirez-Medina said. “So I started swinging back and won my first fight.”
He lost his next two before competing in the state Golden Gloves. On March 27, Ramirez-Medina beat Carlos Santos in the featherweight title match of the 15-16 age division.
Now he’s ready for a chance to compete on the national stage.
“I don’t expect to win a championship my first year, but I didn’t expect to win Golden Gloves my first year,” he said.
Ramirez-Medina feels confident and comfortable in the ring.
“My older brother and my mom are my idols. Going against them my whole life, looking at the other person in the ring, I know there’s nothing to be afraid of it,” he said. “I decided my older brother did it so I could do it, too. I love the conditioning. I feel more at home in boxing than I do anywhere else.”
Rodriguez, like Ramirez-Medina, won the Colorado Junior Olympics title in Pueblo. A win at the Four Corners Combined Regional Tournament next weekend would give him a chance to win the bantamweight crown a year after falling one bout short.
The 16-year-old is using last year’s experience at nationals to get him ready for 2009.
“It really motivated me,” Rodriguez said. “I’m working harder, I’m running more and doing more of everything. I’m looking forward to facing the guy who beat me last year.”
Ramirez-Medina would do a little boxing, too, before getting kicked out for goofing off.
“I used to get thrown out because little kids don’t take training seriously,” Ramirez-Medina said. “I’d hit the bag and then play around and mess up other kids’ training. Then I’d come back the next day and try to find anyone to spar with. I didn’t care who it was.”
Nearly a decade later, the 15-year-old is taking the sweet science seriously — and he’s on a fast track to success. Ramirez-Medina didn’t start boxing competitively until this year, but in a few months he’s won the Colorado State Golden Gloves and the Colorado State Junior Olympics for his age group and weight class.
On May 15-16, he’ll compete in the Four Corners Combined Regional Tournament in Pueblo, and a victory there will qualify him for the USA Boxing National Championships at the Denver Coliseum June 8-13.
Moving the nationals from Colorado Springs to Denver will help increase the profile of the event, USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman said.
“They’ve been a well-kept secret in Colorado Springs,” he said. “With the help of the Daniels Fund we’ve been able to move our event to a city that deserves an event of this attention and puts us on a platform with what we’re trying to do.”
For Ramirez-Medina and Ricky Rodriguez, the Junior Olympic champion in the bantamweight class of the 15-16 age division, having the nationals in Denver means a chance at competing close to home.
“It’s kind of nerve-racking, but it’s challenging,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez has been to the national championships before, earning a silver medal in the 15-16 age division in 2008. This is all new to Ramirez-Medina.
“I started up this year and started accelerating,” he said. “I got my first fight on Jan. 1 and I just picked up fights from there.”
In that first fight, he quickly learned to be aggressive.
“The voice of my mom came into my head that if you’re getting hit then you’ve got to hit back. Don’t just stand there and be a dummy,” Ramirez-Medina said. “So I started swinging back and won my first fight.”
He lost his next two before competing in the state Golden Gloves. On March 27, Ramirez-Medina beat Carlos Santos in the featherweight title match of the 15-16 age division.
Now he’s ready for a chance to compete on the national stage.
“I don’t expect to win a championship my first year, but I didn’t expect to win Golden Gloves my first year,” he said.
Ramirez-Medina feels confident and comfortable in the ring.
“My older brother and my mom are my idols. Going against them my whole life, looking at the other person in the ring, I know there’s nothing to be afraid of it,” he said. “I decided my older brother did it so I could do it, too. I love the conditioning. I feel more at home in boxing than I do anywhere else.”
Rodriguez, like Ramirez-Medina, won the Colorado Junior Olympics title in Pueblo. A win at the Four Corners Combined Regional Tournament next weekend would give him a chance to win the bantamweight crown a year after falling one bout short.
The 16-year-old is using last year’s experience at nationals to get him ready for 2009.
“It really motivated me,” Rodriguez said. “I’m working harder, I’m running more and doing more of everything. I’m looking forward to facing the guy who beat me last year.”
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