NEWS
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QUALITY UNDERCARD MAKES SATURDAY'S FIGHTS A BARGAIN

By Steve Robinson

The Under Card for the Marquez v. Diaz rematch of last years Fight of the Year, may be the strongest grouping of under card boxers
in recent history and if successful may set a new standard for the quality of boxing cards in America. Golden Boy Promotions has matched
several outstanding contenders with credible opponents in what should produce some outstanding contests prior to the main event,

 

At today's press conference Mark Taffet of HBO PPV stated "The sport is only as good as it's future. HBO is committted to giving fans a great value. All of the fighters on the PPV broadcast have the potential to be headline boxers."

 

Prior to the main event Daniel "The Golden Child" Jacobs (20-0, 17 KO's) of Brooklyn, NY will take on Dmitry Pirog (16-0, 13 KO's) of Russia. Jacobs is going for his first title against the Russian who is making his US debut.

 

Junior Welterweights Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (26-1-1, 18 KO's) and for Olympic Gold medalist Joel Casamayor (37-4-1, 22 KO's) will battle in a scheduled ten rounder.

 

The vacant WBA Fedalatin Lightweight Title will be on the line when Jorge Linares (28-1, 18 KO's) takes on former Olympic Silver medalist Rocky Juarez.

All of these fights will be on the HBO PPV broadcast at 6:00 pm PDT. HBO will broadcast a FREE 90 minute session prior to the paid broadcast that will include an IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator between Sakio Bika (28-3-2, 19 KO's) of Australia and Frenchman Jean Paul Mendy (28-0-1, 16 KO's). Hot prospect Frankie Gomez (4-0) of East LA will also appear on the free portion of the broadcast against Ricardo Calzada (2-2, 1 KO) of Las Vegas.

 

Three other fights will be on the undercard which starts at 2:00 pm. The free broadcast starts at 4:30 pm and the PPV starts at 6:00 pm.
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Press Release

GIANT OCTOPUS AT MANDALAY BAY SHARK REEF AQUARIUM PREDICTS JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ WINNER OF SATURDAY NIGHT'S MARQUEZ VS. DIAZ LIGHTWEIGHT
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER
IN LAS VEGAS AND LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

LAS VEGAS (July 29) - It's official. The Giant Pacific Octopus at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay entered the sports predictions arena earlier this morning when he aggressively selected Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez as the winner over Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz in Saturday night's contest between the two pugilists who are fighting for Marquez's Ring Magazine, WBA and WBO Lightweight World titles at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

The unnamed, 1-year-old male octopus weighs an estimated 40 pounds, has a six-foot reach, tentacles roughly three feet long, is the second octopus to predict the outcomes of sporting events this summer, the first being the mollusk Paul in Germany, who went undefeated in correctly picking all of Germany's World Cup games as well as Spain's championship win. The intelligent animal chose between two 8" x 8" acrylic boxes placed inside his tank. Each box was labeled with one of the fighter's names.

"Let's see if the octopus that picked Marquez to win Saturday night will be as accurate as Paul was during the World Cup," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. "Either way, we are going to have a great night of boxing from top to bottom as this is one of the strongest events we have ever had for the fans watching in the arena and on pay-per-view. All of these match-ups have the potential of being fight of the year for 2010."

Marquez vs. Diaz II "Fight of the Year: The Rematch" is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Boxing Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T.The 12-round rematch of the 2009 "Fight of the Year" is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, and will be for Marquez's Ring Magazine, WBA and WBO Lightweight World titles. The fight will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

The stacked pay-per-view undercard will feature Daniel "The Golden Child" Jacobsvs. Dmitry Pirogin a 12-round bout for the vacant WBO Middleweight title, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero vs. Joel "El Cepillo" Casamayor in a 10-round junior welterweight bout and Jorge "El Niño De Oro" Linares vs. Rocky Juarez in a 10-round lightweight bout.

Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz II are priced at $350, $250, $150, $100 and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets are available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Marquez vs. Diaz II pay-per-view telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95 and will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Marquez vs. Diaz II fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

NCM Fathom will broadcast Marquez vs. Diaz II in high definition LIVE to more than 270 movie theaters nationwide at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. Tickets to see the fight on the big screen are available at theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
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Marquez vs. Diaz Rematch Saturday Night at Mandalay Bay

 

By Steve Robinson

 

Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz will meet Saturday night at the Events Center at Mandalay Bay in a rematch of the "2009 Fight of the Year". Last years match was an exciting back and forth brawl that ended in the 9th round when Marquez came back to win by a KO. If the rematch is half as exciting as the original, it will be well worth seeing.

 

Today's official odds at Mandlay Bay Sports Bokk have Marquez a -360 favorite over Diaz who is at +300. Taking a cue from World Cup Soccer, Golden Boy Promotions has arranged for a Giant Pacific Octopus to pick the winner at a ceremoney at Shark Reef Thursday at 9:30 am.

 

Tickets ranging from $50 to $350 are still available from the Events Center Box Office or Ticketmaster outlets. The event can also be seen on HBO PPV for $49.95. Closed Circuit viewing are available at 270 theatres across the country and special closed circuit events at bars and restaurants.

 

Friday's Weigh In at the Events Center is open to the public at 2:30 pm. The doors open Saturday at 2:00 pm for the Undercard. The PPV fights begin at 6:00 pm.
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Press Release dated 7/19/10

TEAM MAYWEATHER STATEMENT
Leonard Ellerbe, Advisor, Floyd Mayweather

"Here are the facts. Al Haymon, Richard Schaefer and myself speak to each other on a regular basis and the truth is no negotiations have ever taken place nor was there ever a deal agreed upon by Team Mayweather or Floyd Mayweather to fight Manny Pacquiao on November 13. Either Ross Greenburg or Bob Arum is not telling the truth, but history tells us who is lying."
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Amateur Boxing Results from 7/16/10

 

A good crowd and several tough boxers braved the blistering 110+ degree heat to fight in the outdoor ring at Dylan's Tavern on Boulder Highway Friday night presented by Richard Steele Boxing. The results were as follows:

 

Lesther Castellon (Tocco's) over Juan Garcia (Genesis) - Points

 

Jonathon Prado (Unattached) over Nicholas Cantu (Tocco's) - Points

 

Lawrance Williams (Tocco's) over Robert Scarff (Barry's) - Points

 

Cameron Krael (Unattached) over Joey Signorelli (Tocco's) - Points

 

Oswald Sanchez (Center Ring) over David Collier (Unattached) - Points

 

Aurelio Moreno (Center Ring) over William Banda (Barry's) - Points

 

Oscar Moctezuma (Tocco's) over Mario Roman (Center Ring) - Points

 

Kyron Butler (Unattached) over Ryan Picou-Armer (Unattached) - Points

 

Leroy Azubuike (Unattached) over Dalshawn Tyler (MLK Boxing) - Points
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FLOYD MAYWEATHER WINS 2010 ESPY FOR BEST FIGHTER

Las Vegas, Nev. (July 16, 2010)...Congratulations are in order to Floyd "Money" Mayweather who captured his third ESPY award Wednesday night when it was announced at the 18th Annual ESPY Awards that he won the 2010 Award for Best Fighter. Mayweather won the award previously in 2007 and 2008.

Mayweather beat out Manny Pacquiao and UFC's George St. Pierre to capture the sport honor, which is voted on exclusively by fans via online balloting. Nominees are chosen by fans, sports writers, broadcasters, sports executives and sports personalities.

"The fact that the ESPY award is based on fan votes makes it a special honor for me as I have always appreciated the fans who do recognize how hard I work to be the best in the sport," said Mayweather.
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Press Release

BOXING'S BIGGEST STAR FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER
TO HOST KIDS AGES 5-18 FOR
MAYWEATHER BOXING CLUB SUMMER CAMP IN LAS VEGAS

CAMP TO KICK OFF NEXT MONDAY, JULY 5

Las Vegas, NV (July 1, 2010)...Floyd "Money" Mayweather, the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today, will open up his Las Vegas gym to campers starting next Monday, July 5, for the start of the Mayweather Boxing Club Summer Camp. The program, with three sessions to be held over a six-week period, is being hosted free of charge by The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation (TFMJF). The camp will take place in an environment where hard work, dedication, responsibility, integrity and the importance of education are promoted in conjunction with the basic boxing skills. Sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Each of the campers, 150 boys and girls in total ages 5-18 from Las Vegas and around the country, will receive instruction on boxing skills, such as floor exercises, shadow boxing and work on speed bags and heavy bags. In addition, they will learn valuable life skills from Team Mayweather's fighters, trainers and staff, volunteers, members of the UNLV career services program and from the future hall-of-famer Mayweather himself.

"Giving back to this community and providing opportunities for youth to stay active and gain new skills is very important to me. It is also one of the goals of The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation," said Mayweather, Founder of TFMJF. "The Mayweather Boxing Club Summer Camp is a chance for these kids to learn the fundamentals of boxing, as well as the important life lessons that come with participation in sports."

In addition to support received from TFMJF and Mayweather Promotions, the Mayweather Boxing Club Summer Camp is sponsored by Reebok, Everlast and H20 Over Drive. Reebok and Everlast will provide boxing gear and equipment, and H20 Over Drive has donated energy drinks and water bottles for each camper, who will also be served a snack daily.

Founded in 2007, TFMJF has endeavored to empower and encourage community alliances, impact youth leadership and strengthen family foundations through community development, entrepreneurialism and education.

"Without boxing, I would not be where I am today," continued Mayweather. "To be able to give these kids a chance to learn about this sport is exciting for me. This camp is just another step for the Foundation to continue to make an impact on youth locally and nationally."

For more information on Mayweather Boxing Club Summer Camp please visit www.tfmjf.org.

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Press Release

 

BOXING'S BIGGEST NIGHT IS IN LAS VEGAS ON JULY 31
WITH HUGE MARQUEZ VS. DIAZ II
PAY-PER-VIEW TELEVISED UNDERCARD

DANIEL JACOBS VS. DMITRY PIROG
ROBERT GUERRERO VS. JOEL CASAMAYOR
JORGE LINARES VS. ROCKY JUAREZ

LOS ANGELES, June 30 - It's no surprise that the rematch of the 2009 Fight of the Year between Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez and Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz has made boxing fans around the world circle July 31 on their calendars. Now, Golden Boy Promotions is upping the ante, making the event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. the card of the year as the big guns of the boxing world will roll into Las Vegas to fight on one of boxing's biggest televised cards. The bouts scheduled for Saturday, July 31 will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

They are six fighters with combined records that add up to 153 wins, 12 losses, 3 draws and 108 knockouts who have won nine world titles between them. Among them is an Olympic Gold Medalist and an Olympic Silver Medalist and on July 31, they all fight on the same pay-per-view telecast.

In a 12-round bout immediately before the main event, New York phenom Daniel "The Golden Child" Jacobs looks to capture his first world championship when he takes on unbeaten Russian Dmitry Pirog for the vacant WBO Middleweight crown. Former Three-time World Champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero and future Hall of Famer/former Four-time World Champion Joel "El Cepillo" Casamayor will square off in a 10-round junior welterweight bout that will put the winner in line for a huge fight in either the lightweight or junior welterweight divisions. Opening the pay-per-view telecast, former Two-time World Champion Jorge "El Niño De Oro" Linares will face perennial contender and 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Rocky Juarez in a 10-round lightweight bout that is a must-win, crossroads fight for each boxer.

"When we were putting together this event, we knew Marquez vs. Diaz II was a sure-fire Fight of the Year candidate," said Oscar de la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. "Then we said, why not go one step further and pack this card with three more fights that have the potential to do what Marquez and Diaz did in 2009? This is without question the most stacked pay-per-view card we have ever put on and the fans will love every minute of it."

"With Marquez and Diaz, we knew we had the Fight of the Year again; now we have the Night of the Year," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "In addition to the main event, we have a world title fight between Jacobs and Pirog, and two bouts with significant title implications in Guerrero-Casamayor and Linares-Juarez. If you're a boxing fan, this is one night you can't miss."

Long seen as the future of the sport, the time for Brooklyn's Daniel Jacobs (20-0, 17 KOs) is now, and on July 31, he will challenge for his first world title. The current NABF and NABO Middleweight Champion who has defeated George Walton, Ishe Smith, Jose Berrio and Juan Astorga in successive bouts, the 23-year-old Jacobs is well-prepared for prime time and his possible ascent to the next level this summer.

A decorated boxer with a number of pro titles to his name, Temryuk, Russia's Dmitry Pirog (16-0, 13 KOs) will make his United States debut against Jacobs, and he is ready to make an impression in the fight capital of the world. After big decision wins over Kuvanych Toygonbayev and Kofi Jantuah, Pirog halted Eric Mitchell and Sergei Melis in his last two bouts, adding to his impressive 81 percent knockout rate. The Jacobs-Pirog bout is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arthur Pelullo's Banner Promotions and German Titov Promotions.

Three-time World Champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (26-1-1, 18 KOs) is one of the fight game's most popular fighters, not only for his knockout abilities and talent in the ring, but also for his devotion to his wife, Casey, during her battle with cancer. Now back on active boxing duty after an April TKO win over Roberto Arrieta, the 27-year-old is on track to regain a world title, but he must first get past veteran Joel Casamayor.

Seen by most observers as the premier Cuban fighter of this era, former Olympic Gold Medalist Joel Casamayor (37-4-1, 22 KOs) still has more goals to attain before he hangs up his gloves, and that means winning a fifth world championship in a third weight class. One of the craftiest and toughest boxers in the world, the 38-year-old "El Cepillo" has won six of his last seven bouts (with his lone loss coming against Juan Manuel Marquez) and has his sights set on adding a win over Guerrero to his resume.

A former Two-division World Champion with four title fight victories to his name, Jorge "El Niño De Oro" Linares (28-1, 18 KOs) is the latest "Golden Boy" to make his mark in the fight game. A precise puncher with an exciting style, the 24-year-old from Barinas, Venezuela is fresh off of a win over Francisco Lorenzo in March and expects nothing less than an all out battle from Rocky Juarez when they meet in a 10-round lightweight bout this July.

2000 Olympic Silver medalist Rocky Juarez (28-6-1, 20 KOs) has consistently thrilled fight fans in the nine years since his pro debut. Now the only thing the Houston native has left to achieve is winning a world title. More determined than ever to put championship gold around his waist, Juarez aims to make a statement on July 31 when he battles Linares in what is expected to be an all-action fight from start to finish.

Marquez vs. Diaz II "Fight of the Year: The Rematch" is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Tecate and AT&T.The 12-round rematch of the "2009 Fight of the Year" is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 and will be for Marquez's Ring Magazine, WBA and WBO Lightweight World titles. The championship fight will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz II are priced at $350, $250, $150, $100 and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets are available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Marquez vs. Diaz II pay-per-view telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95 and will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Marquez vs. Diaz II fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Marquez and Diaz will appear larger-than-life on the big screen presented by NCM Fathom. Marquez vs. Diaz II "Fight of the Year: The Rematch" will be broadcast in high definition LIVE to more than 270 movie theaters nationwide at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 PT. Tickets to see this fight on the big screen are available at theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

For more information on these events, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.whorupicking.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.
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June 18, 2010

 

Amateur Boxing at Dylans Tavern

 

Friday night Richard Steele Boxing organized a good night of boxing and barbeque at Dylans Tavern on Boulder Highway. The matches were staged on an outdoor ring where a good crowd of family, friends and fans showed up to watch the boxing. The results were as follows:

 

55 lbs Rashad Ivy (Barry') over Giovanni De La Torre (Steeles) - Points

 

120 lbs Nicholas Cantu (Toccos) over Xavier Mariscal (Steeles) - Points

 

120 lbs Rene Moreno (Center Ring) over Daniel Sanchez (Toccos) - Points

 

120 lbs Abel Sotelo (Steeles) over Jose Cejudo-Antelo (Toccos) - Points

 

145 lbs Aurelio Moreno (Center Ring) over William Banda (Barrys) - RSC

 

160 lbs Oscar Moctezuma (Toccos) over Rashad Burton (Barrys) - Points

 

HW Justin Romo (Genesis) over Dylan Brock (Ence-Utah) - RSCH

 

HW Leroy Azubuike (Unattached) over Hicinio Avilez (Barrys) - RSC

 

HW Leyon Azubuike (Unattached) over Jonathan Figueroa (Center Ring) - Points
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FIGHT CLUB IV CHARITY BOXING TOURNAMENT

6/16/10

 

Wednesday evening the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosted FIGHT CLUB IV CHARITY BOXING TOURNAMENT in the Joint. The tournament benefits The Smile Train, an international charity that provides lip and cleft palate surgery to children in need all over the world. Participants in the event were amatuers who worked at casinos and clubs around Las Vegas and were well supported by friends and coworkers who came out to cheer them on. The results were as follows:

 

John Paul Roberts defeated Steve Cyr - RSC

Casey Hausman defeated Nick Baldwell - Points

Ken Long over Ed Oporto - RSC

Jack Gavin over Joe Friedman - Points

Alan Olvera over Chris Hanley - Points

Leo Mancuso defeated Charlie Wetlauffer - Points

Kevin Sweet beat his brother Brian Sweet - Points

Ryan McGinnis KO's Anthony Olheiser - RSC

Mark Alums decked Ryan Langson - RSC
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Results from The Hit Factory "Night of Boxing"

 

June 12. 2010

 

Max Ornelas (Elite Boxing) over Henry Gomez (Tocco's) - Points

Juan Aguiano (High Desert) over Devan Haney (Unattached) - Points

Juwan Wesley (Unattached) over Robert Valdez (Tocco's) - Points

Luis Zarate (LA Boxing) over Jonathan Diaz (Elite) - Points

Brett Rather (UNLV) over Dalshaun Tyler (Michigan) - Points

Rene Moreno (Center Ring) over Joseph Macedo (Unattached) - Points

Alexis Gomez (LA Boxing) over Alan Lopez (Arce Boxing) - Points

Francisco Esparza (Center Ring) over Fernando Fuentes (Real Deal) - Points

Jose Rubalcava (Center Ring) over Elias Maestas (Boe Boxing) - Points

Cameron Krael (Boe Boxing) over Arek Gralnic (Real Deal) points

Oswald Sanchez (Center Ring) over Gericho Taliafero (Tocco's) - Points

Jonathan Figueroa (Center Ring) over Angel Gonzalez (Arce) - Points

Benjamin Folayon (Boe Boxing) over Bubba Dupree (Arce) - Points

 

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Workouts from Boxings Greatest Champs by Gary Todd

Book Review

By Steve Robinson

I just finished reading Gary Todds latest rendition of Workouts. Its a light read compiled from Garys research and interviews as well as ringside analysis of many prominent boxers of today and the recent past, biggest fights. Besides Garys insights into the boxers’ careers, he has questioned all of these famous fighters as to what they do in preparation for their fights and even what they eat during training.

I found it interesting to see how the best boxers of recent decades compared in their training. Many had training down to an exact science including the exact number of each type of exercise, while others took a more relaxed approach to getting and staying in shape. You can also see that diet was important to most and they watched what they ate while preparing for contests. Gary was even able to determine when they arose and went to bed as well as what they did in their spare time. All of these tidbits give the reader a fresh insight to the life style of a champion boxer that proves interesting to the casual and avid boxing fan and a must read for those hoping to advance to the same level as these champions.

I see Gary Todd at most of the championship fights in Las Vegas. Hes a native of Dundee, Scotland and now resides in Australia with his wife and family. Gary is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and has been involved with the sport for over twenty five years. Workouts is available on Amazon.com

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Results from Genesis Night of Boxing - Knucle Up Gym - Amateur Boxing
6/5/10

Jojt Butay-Fillon (Barry's) nover Henry Gomez (LA Boxing)-Points
Diego Sotello (Steele's) over Peter P. PanciPance (Wild Card) - Points

Prince PanciPanci (Wild Card) over Nicholas Cantu (Tocco's) - Points
Joey Signorello (Tocco's) over Brandon Kreilick (Genesis) - Points

Gericho Taliaferro (Tocco's) over John Christopher Umali (Wild Card) - Points
Justin Romo (Genesis) over Raymond Felix (Steele's) - Points

Tyrease Smith (Steele's) over Antonio Ramirez (Genesis) - RSC
David Collier (Unattached) over Pablo Rosales (Wild Card) - Points
J'von Wallace (Barry's) over Delshawn Tyler (Michigan) 0- Points
Jesus Magdaleno (Barry's) over Kyron Butler (Unattached) - Points
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Results from last Saurday's Amateur Boxing at Barry's Boxing Gym

1) Jericho Telerico - Tocco's Gym def. Herlan Cortez - Mesquite 141lbs.
2) Jose Cejudo - Tocco's Gym def. Eone Valoon - Barry's Box 120lbs.
3) Juwan Westly - Unattached def. Nick Cantu - Tocco's Gym 120lbs.
4) Philip Fray - Barry's Box def. Cameron Kreal - Unattached 140lbs.
5) Rydell Gipson - Barry's Box def. Josiah James - Cali Gym 201+lbs.
6) Akram Zerhouni - Barry's Box def. Jorge Ruiz - Cali Gym 60lbs.
7) Devin Haney - Unattached def. Evan Sanchez - Cali Gym 83lbs.
8) Gary Salazar - Cali Gym def. Ilyass Zerhouni - Barry's Box 118lbs.
9) Danny Villa - H-Pal def. Kevin Mendoza - Cali Gym 60lbs.
10) Chris Eubanks - Barry's Box def. Anthony Cox -T.Genesis 160lbs.
11) Antonio Ramirez - T.Genesis def. David Barragan - Barry's Box 135lbs.
12) Luis Lirio - La Boxing def. Benny Aragon Barry's Box 135lbs.
13) Jason Sandoval - La Boxing def. Tyrone Strickland - Barry's Box 120lbs.
14) Alexandra Love - Ring Sports def. Marina Ramires - Boe Boxing 112lbs. (Womens)
15) Fernando Sarabia - Barry's Box def. Rosario Green - Boe Boxing 155lbs.
16) Markus Marks - H-Pal def. George Olivas - Steels Gym 90lbs.
17) Kyron Butler - Unattached def. Steven Jones - Barry's Box 141lbs.
18)William Banda - Barry's Box def. Tyrece Smith - Steels Gym 145lbs.
19) Vincent Kirtley - Barry's Box def. Tim Whalen - Unattached 125lbs.
20) Alex Godines - Barry's Box def. Giovanni Delorre - Steels Gym 55lbs.
_
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ESPN Friday Night Fights at Primm

By Steve Robinson

5/14/10

Diaz Routs Ngoudja

Julio “Kidd” Diaz used all of his boxing skills against an unrelenting Herman Ngoudja for a ten round Unanimous Decision at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm Nevada Friday night. Guilty Boxing showcased the former Lightweight Champ in a Jr. Welterweight Main Event for ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Diaz 36-6, 26 KO in his comeback fight, is coming off of two losses in 2009 and hasn’t fought since last July. Ngoudja 18-3, 10 KO of Montreal, Canada via Cameroon, has been a contender in the Jr. Welterweight division for several years.

Diaz got off to a slow start in the first while Ngoudja began a steady attack that would continue for the entire ten round fight. Despite the intensity of Ngoudjas offense, Diaz dodged many of the punches and regularly beat his opponent to the punch as he charged in. There was unending action for three minutes of every round but neither was seriously hurt and neither went down. Ngoudja received a cut over his left eye in the ninth that was attributed to a punch but was able to continue. The fight finished in a flurry of trading punches that capped off an action packed bout and it was left up to the judges to decide.
Duane Ford and Patricia Morse Jarman scored it 97-93, while Judges Dave Moretti had it 99-91, all for Julio Diaz who pounds out the victory.

Under Card

Sanchez vs. Salcido

In the other televised feature, Guillermo Sanchez 11-0-1, 5 KO of Buffalo, NY took on Domenic Salcido 17-2, 9 KO of Rialto, CA in a Lightweight bout. Evidently the flashy Sanchez was nervous about being on TV, because besides the fourth round where he let his hands go, he rarely got untracked and allowed Salcido to get him cornered or on the ropes several times where he unleashed a barrage of punches. Sanchez best moments came when he made funny faces for the camera after he caught a face full of clean punches. After eight rounds Judges Adalaide Byrd and Lisa Giampa scored it 77-75 and Judges Duane Ford had it 78-74, all for Dominic Salcido who scores an upset Unanimous Decision.

Luna vs. Cisneros

The opener was a Welterweight match between Las Vegan Julio Luna 4-1 and Freddie Cisneros 1-2-1 of Albuquerque, NM. Luna began by landing solid body shots early in the first while Cisneros countered. Cisneros made a better fight of it in the second using his hand speed to land flurries and dance away. Heads clashed early in the third and Cisneros sustained a nasty gash over his left eye. Referee Tony Weeks had the ring doctor look him over and the fight was allowed to continue. Shortly thereafter the cut worsened as Luna went after it and Luna’s vision was clearly impaired. The ring doctor took another look and called off the fight. Under Nevada rules, the fight goes down as a No Decision, since three rounds had not been completed.

Sargyan vs. Martinez

Up next, undefeated Lightweight prospect Arman Sargyan 13-0 of Glendale, CA took on journeyman Leo Martinez 15-12 of Chicago, IL. Sargyan used a hammering left jab to rock Martinez head in the first to get off to a great start. Martinez did his job by staying in front of his opponent all night and pressuring him to act as he charged in and held on. Referee Joe Cortez was busy every round breaking the holds. In the sixth, Martinez walked right into a right cross that floored him but he was up quickly and easily beat the count. After eight rounds Judges Adalaide Byrd and Dave Moretti scored it 79-72 while Judge Giampa had it 80-71, all for Arman Sargyan who cruises to another victory and remains undefeated.

Hudaynazarov vs. Prieto

Undefeated Welterweight prospect Ravshan Hudaynazarov 11-0, 9 KO of Las Vegas via Uzbekistan made quick work of Gerardo Prieto 6-8-1 of Provo, Utah. Hudaynazarov went to work on Prietos body early in the second round and landed a big left hook to his mid-section that put Prieto on the canvas. Referee Tony Weeks waived off the count as Prieto writhed on the canvas. Hudaynazarov gets a TKO at 2:20 of the second to improve to 12-0.

Guy vs. Gayton

After the main event, Mike Guy 2-0 of Sacramento, CA took on Carlos Gayton 1-0 of Reno, NV. Guy appeared the fitter at 165 pounds while Gayton looked soft and a little flabby at 171. After a slow first, Gayton got busy and outworked Guy in the second and third rounds while Guy seemed puzzled. Gay finally got busy in the forth but was unable to put his opponent away and all three judges scored it 38-38 giving Guy the first and the last and Gayton the middle rounds for a Unanimous Draw.

Redkch vs. Delrome

In the walk-off bout, Ivan Redkch 3-0 of Los Angeles via the Ukraine took on Theron Delrome 1-0 of Reno, NV. A stronger but impatient Redkch dropped Delrome in the first from a body shot. Unfortunately the blow was about a foot below the belt, so Delrome was given a few minutes to recover. Delrome retaliated in the second with a nice shot south-of-the-border that caused Redkch to take a rest. Once the ball-busting was over, Redkch nailed Delrome with a nice body shot and a clean right-left that put Delrome on the floor. Delrome was counted out at 2:04 of the third keeping Redkch record spotless.

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ESPN Friday Night Fights in Primm

 

By Steve Robinson

 

Junior Welterweights Julio Diaz and Herman Ngoudjo will fight in the Main Event Friday night at the Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill's in Primm, NV. Guilty Boxing will present six other bouts to round out the evening with tickets starting at $10. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Star of the Desert Arena box office. The first bell rings at 5:00 pm. Check out our "Schedules" page to see a complete listing of scheduled boxers.
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Press Release

JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ VS. JUAN DIAZ II IS SET FOR
JULY 31 AT MANDALAY BAY LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

UNIFIED LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE IN REMATCH OF 2009 FIGHT OF THE YEAR

LAS VEGAS, MAY 1 - Fireworks will come at the end of July this year when boxing superstars Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez takes on Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz in a rematch of their February 28, 2009 fight which was named 2009's Fight of the Year by numerous boxing organizations and media outlets.

Marquez vs. Diaz II, scheduled for Saturday, July 31, will be for Marquez's Ring Magazine, WBA and WBO Lightweight World titles, and will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

"Juan Diaz is a true warrior and I know he's going to come at me even harder than in our first fight," said Marquez. "He deserves the rematch and I know he will come out with everything one more time, but I've got some new tricks for him and I'm going to come out fast on July 31, so I expect an even faster win than last time."

"It's no secret that my loss to Marquez is the one that I want to get back the most," said Diaz. "I was dominating the beginning rounds of the first fight, but I didn't finish. This time, that won't be the case and I promise my fans that I will get the victory on July 31."

"This fight is the perfect way for boxing fans to enjoy a hot summer night," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Marquez and Diaz gave us one of the best fights I have ever seen and with even more at stake this time, I believe they're going to surpass what happened in their first fight, if that's even possible."

"Their first fight was one of the most exciting and memorable nights of 2009," said HBO PPV's Mark Taffet. "Boxing fans will be looking forward to Marquez-Diaz II with a real sense of anticipation."

On February 28, 2009, Marquez roared back from an early deficit to defeat Diaz via ninth round TKO at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas in a heated, back and forth battle filled with furious exchanges. The action-packed war, which was referred to as "hellacious" by veteran HBO blow by blow commentator Jim Lampley, earned Fight of the Year honors from the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), ESPN.com and the Ring Magazine.

One of Mexico's greatest warriors, Mexico City's Juan Manuel Marquez (50-5-1, 37 KOs) has won world titles in the featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight divisions over the course of a 17-year pro career that will undoubtedly land him in the Hall of Fame. Winner of six of his last eight bouts, with his defeats coming to Floyd "Money" Mayweather and via controversial decision to Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, "Dinamita" is still on top of his game at the age of 36, and he's eager to remind Juan Diaz of that fact on July 31.

A pro since the age of 16, 26-year-old Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (35-3, 17 KOs) has practically grown up in the fight game and he's apparently learned his lessons well, as he held the world lightweight title for over three years from 2004 to 2007. Now, looking to regain the title on July 31, the fighting pride of Houston, Texas will be coming with all guns blazing to Las Vegas, where he is 4-0 in his career.

Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz II, which is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Boxing Promotions are priced at $350, $250, $150, $100 and $50 and are now on sale. Tickets are available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Marquez vs. Diaz II pay-per-view telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Marquez vs. Diaz II fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.
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May 1, 2010

By Steve Robinson

Mayweather Dominates Mosley

Tonight Floyd Mayweather Jr. was faster, was a better boxer and was better conditioned than Shane Mosley in a dominating performance. Two judges gave Mayweather the nod in 11 of 12 rounds and the other judge gave Mayweather ten of twelve rounds in a boxing demonstration that was nearly flawless. Mosley gave his fans a brief glimmer of hope in the second round when he landed two solid rights that rocked Mayweather and caused him to hold on to avoid further punishment. But Mayweather came right back in the third and adjusted his style to win handily. Throughout this fight Mayweather never landed more than two punches in succession, mostly landing one or two at a time. But he demonstrated tome and time again that he could hit Mosley when he wanted to and took advantage of nearly every opening that occurred. Mayweather always did more than enough to win most of the rounds but never went for the knock out and was satisfied to win the decision. Little else can be said except that there is only one opponent currently in boxing that would be a worthy opponent of Floyd Mayweather and he may have already blown the opportunity to fight him.

Undercard

Junior Welterweights Luis Ramos Jr (14-0, 7 KO’s) and Alan Litzau (13-4, 7 KO’s) lead off the evening with the opening bout. Ramos did some nice body work in the first to win that round. Early in the second Ramos landed a quick left that caused Litzau to take a knee. After the eight count the action resumed and Litzau was rocked again. Referee Russell Mora stepped min and stopped the match giving Ramos a TKO at 55 seconds into the round. Litzau objected to the stop but then briefly collapsed.

Up next was a Super Middleweight bout between Dion Savage (7-0, 5 KOs) of Flint, MI and Tommie Speller (5-3, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia. Savage took control of this fight early and maintained control throughout. To his credit Speller took Savage’s best shots and kept his feet but didn’t offer much offense. After eight rounds all three judges scored it 80-72 for Dion Savage who remains undefeated.

NABO Jr. Lightweight Champ Eloy Perez (16-0-2, 4 KOs) of Salinas, CA defended his title against Gilberto Leon (23-7-2, 7 KO’s) of Mexicali, Mexico. A taller Leon used his reach advantage to keep a pesky jab in Perez face early and keep him away from doing any damage. But Perez became more aggressive as the fight progressed, jabbing his way inside and raking Leon to the body and head. After ten rounds, Judge Dick Houck saw it 95-95, while Judge Morse Jarman had it 97-93 and Judge Ross saw it 96-94, both for Perez who retains his title by majority decision.

Up next was Mayweather protégé Jessie Vargas (9-0, 4 KO’s) in a Welterweight match against journeyman Arturo Morua (25-13-1, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico. Vargas dominated the action throughout until the fifth when he caught Morua with a clean left hook that knocked him against the ropes. Referee Tony Weeks quickly stepped in and stopped the bout giving Vargas a TKO at 1:20 of the round.

In a Welterweight bout between two Las Vegans in their pro debuts, Daniel Reece won the first three rounds and Angel Sota won the last but it wasn’t enough as Reece wins 39-37 X 3 for his first pro victory.

In perhaps the most interesting bout of the night, Argentinean sensation Hector Saldivia (31-1, 24 KO’s) took on Said Ouli (26-3, 18 KO’s) of Las Vegas. About 20 seconds into the first round, Saldivia caught Ouli with an overhand right and dropped him on his back. Ouli beat the count but Saldivia was on the attack and rocked him several more times along the ropes. Suddenly Oali caught Saldivia with a left hook that dropped the Argentinean to the canvas, Saldivia struggled to his feet and was unsteady but the referee allowed the fight to continue. Oali landed a right hook that knocked Saldivia down again and Referee Mora stepped in and waived off the count giving Said Ouli an upset comeback KO victory at 1:47 of the first.

Daniel Ponce De Leon (38-2, 32 KO’s) and Cornelius Lock (19-4-1, 12 KO’s) fought for the WBC Latino Featherweight Title. Lock is familiar to many Las Vegans as he has fought much of his professional career here and has spent most of the rest of his time as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Jr. Tonight Lock played the part of a good sparring partner for Ponce De Leon, doing enough to make the fight interesting but not doing enough to win. After ten rounds of pretty good action where neither went down nor neither was hurt, De Leon scores 96-94 twice and 97-93 victory on all three judges cards.

In a featured event of the evening, 19 year old Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez (31-0-1, 23 KOs) took on Jose Miguel Cotto (31-1-1, 23 KOs) and Miguel’s older brother of Puerto Rico. Cotto rocked the young Mexican in the first with a big left hook, but Alvarez kept his feet. Alvaraez returned the favor late in the second with a right hook that caused Cotto to stagger and his gloves to touch the mat, giving Alvarez a knock down just as the bell rang. Alvarez then had to work hard against a tough Cotto for the rest of the fight but gained the advantage in most rounds and became more dominant as the fight progressed. Late in the ninth round, Alvarez got Cotto on the ropes and repeatedly battered his face and head until Referee Tony Weeks stepped in and stopped the fight. Alvarez gets a TKO at 2:51 of the round to remain undefeated.

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Guerrero Victorious in Comeback

April 30, 2010

By Steve Robinson

Robert Guerrero took some time off from boxing last year when his wife had a relapse in her battle with leukemia. After a bone marrow transplant Mrs. G is on the comeback trail and so is Robert, who is back in the ring on the quest for another belt.

From the opening bell it was obvious that Guerrero was focused only on his opponent, Roberto Arrieta (35-15-4, 16 KOs). In a dominating performance, Guerrero (25-1-1, 17 KOs) had Arrieta on the canvas four times before Referee Jay Nady stopped the bout in the eighth round. Guerrero kept his right jab in Arrieta’s face throughout the fight keeping him off balance, while occasionally sneaking in quick right-left combinations and hard lefts. Arrieta back peddled around the ring occasionally stopping to counter, all the while eating a series of punches from every direction. Guerrero dropped him in the second and the third when he was back peddling. Both times Arrieta appeared off balance at the time and was quickly up appearing unhurt. However in the eighth Guerrero landed a sweet right-left that floored him again, and this time he struggled to his feet. Referee Jay Nady allowed the fight to continue but Guerrero pounced on his shaky opponent and pummeled him until Nady stepped in and stopped the fight. The time was 29 seconds into the round. At the time of the stoppage, Guerrero was ahead on all three scorecards by 70-61. It appears that Robert Guerrero is ready to return to elite competition and fight for a title.

Undercard

The Tropicana Hotel and Casino hosted tonight’s contests in The Pavillion, a nice venue for fights of this size before a crowd of around 3,000. There was a smattering of boxing stars in the crowd including Thomas Hearns, Mike Tyson and Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. The promoters and the Tropicana did there best to entertain the crowd with lots of extras for the crowd including free tee shirts, cheap beer, loud music and pretty ring girls and cocktail waitresses. Even though Golden Boy set up their boxers with a bunch of patsies to assure their victory, there were plenty of highlights and some good demonstrations of boxing skills and power. All this and a raucous crowd made for a fun atmosphere for a good night of boxing entertainment.

Cotto vs. Sandoval

Puerto Rican Abner Cotto (6-0, 4 KO) took on Juan Sandoval (1-2, 1 KO) in the opener. A game Sandoval gave Cotto a good target all night coming forward in an attempt to get in close, but instead walked into a series of punches that rocked his head and kept him from doing any damage. After four rounds the biggest surprise was that Sandoval was still on his feet. All three judges gave Cotto a 40-36 Unanimous Decision to remain undefeated.

Junior vs. Torres

Up next was Las Vegan Toddy Junior (2-0) in a Jr. Lightweight match against Rene Torres (0-1) of Los Angeles. Toddy appeared from my perspective to be quicker and land cleaner blows while Torres swung wildly missing often and wasting a lot of energy. However the judges saw it differently, and after four rounds one gave Torres a 39-37 edge, while two scored it 38-38 for a Majority Draw.

Gomez vs. Malfavon

2009 US National Amateur Champ Frankie Gomez (1-0, I KO) of East Los Angeles took on Ricardo Malfavon (0-1) of Santa Ana, CA for the Co-Main Event in a Welterweight matchup. Gomez showed his lightning fast speed in the first landing several big rights and right-left combos. Early in the second Gomez lands a sweet left-right that floors Malfavon for an eight count. After counting, Referee Russell Mora lets the fight continue but Gomez pummels his opponent until Mora is forced to step in and waive off the match. Frankie Gomez gets a TKO at 1:06 of the second round to remain undefeated.

Velasquez vs. Guillen

Featherweghts Juan Velasquez (9-1, 5 KOs) and Robert Guillen (5-6-3, 1 KO) were up next. A tough Guillen ate punches for four rounds without going down as Juan Velasquez cruised to a 40-36 X 3 Unanimous Decision.

Wilder vs. Morales

2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist in the Heavyweight division, Deontay Wilder (9-0, 9 KOs) took on 291 pound Las Vegan Alvaro Morales (4-7-5) in the walk off bout. At 218 pounds, Wilder was smaller in weight but towered over Morales and had a huge reach and speed advantage. Wilder tried to make quick work of the elusive Morales in the first round but Morales was able to elude his biggest blows and hold on inside voiding Wilders power. Wilder came out boxing in the second staying outside, using his jab and landing combinations when openings allowed. In the third, Wilder pushed Morales to the mat as Morales was trying to hold inside. Morales hit the back of his head when he landed and was slow to rise. Referee Jay Nady gave him time to recover, but Morales corner had seen enough and threw in the towel giving Wilder a TKO at 1:23 of the third.

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Press Release

Word-class boxing returns to Tropicana Las Vegas with a Powerful Punch

LAS VEGAS, April 28 - After a long absence boxing returns to Tropicana Las Vegas on Friday, April 30 featuring three-time World Champion, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero vs. Roberto David Arrieta.

Friday's fight is not a first for the Tropicana. The resort has hosted its share of fights dating back to 1975. Several boxing greats have entered the ring at Tropicana. The property has featured bouts with five-time World Champion in four weight classes and one of the greatest lightweights of all-time Roberto "Mano de Piedra" Duran in 1980, two-time World Champion Aaron Pryor in 1980, world-class trainer Freddie Roach in 1985, Floyd Mayweather Jr's. last opponent and six-time World Champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in 1998, and one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all-time and six-time World Champion Marco Antonio "Barreta" Barrera in 1998.

Adding to the list of famous names will be Robert Guerrero. This will be Guerrero's first bout since his world championship win over Malcolm Klassen in August of 2009. In early 2010, Guerrero vacated his IBF Junior Lightweight World title in order to care for his wife Casey, who is battling Leukemia. With Casey taking positive steps on the road to recovery, Guerrero will now begin his road back to the top of the boxing mountain.

Guerrero vs. Arrieta is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 7:00pm, the first bell rings at 7:30pm and the TeleFutura broadcast begins 11:30pm ET/PT.

Tickets, priced at $100, $50, and $35, are on sale now at the Tropicana Box Office, and by calling 702.739.3507. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.troplv.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information, please visit www.univision.net, www.goldenboypromotions.com, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

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Press Release
FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY MAKE GRAND ARRIVALS AT MGM GRAND
FOR THEIR MAY 1 MEGA-FIGHT

***OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!***

WHO: FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER, Six-Time World Champion
SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY, Current WBA Welterweight World Champion

WHAT: Mayweather and Mosley will make grand arrivals to MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in anticipation of Saturday's "Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking?" super-fight.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 27
Grand Arrivals
2:00 p.m. PT - Mosley
2:30 p.m. PT - Mayweather

WHERE: MGM Grand Lobby
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

FACTS:
Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking? is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T, DeWALT Tools and StubHub. The 12-round welterweight battle is set for Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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Special to lvboxing.com by Gary Todd

“ Money, Bragging rights, or is it, just the timing is right”
Mosley v Mayweather.

1st of May, M.G.M. Grand, Las Vegas.

When Shane Mosley stepped through the ropes to ruin Floyd Mayweather’s post fight celebrations, on the night of his comeback fight against Juan Manual Marquez, did he think he would say enough to entice Mayweather into a showdown, sometime down the track? I would say no. No doubt, Mayweather was pissed, but he would get over it. Anyways, he had come back to fight Pacquaio, not Mosley. It was all about the Filipino, the fight, his own legacy, and the millions he could make along the way.
With the Pacquaio fight on hold, who else could he fight ? Margarito, Cotto, ?
Mosley was like a mosquito, who bit in to him, which gave him, an itch he had to scratch.
At 39 years old, Mosley has done it all, with massive fights against Oscar De La Hoya, in 2000, and 2003, he has won multiple world championships in 3 weight divisions. He was a boxing superstar. Shane Mosley [ Won 46. Lost 5. with 39 wins by way of ko. ] He has had a great career.
When Mosley stepped through the ropes to sting Mayweather, he looked like a desperate man. A man with no place to go. He couldn’t fight Margarito, or Cotto.

Since 2000, after the De La Hoya fight, at welterweight, Mosley has lost in big fights to Vernon Forest, and Winky Wright, and Miguel Cotto, and he has beaten De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Luiz Collazo, Ricardo Mayorga, and Antonio Margarito in his last outing in January, 2009.
When I watched him in New York against Cotto, I thought I saw him grow old in the ring that night, and I hoped he would retire.
Cotto beat him up to the body and won the fight with his jab.
As Mosley was recuperating from the Cotto fight, Mayweather had taken Ricky Hatton to school, with an unbelievable display of power and punching perfection, knocking him from pillar to post in the 10th round.
After 39 fights, and dominating in every weight division since 1996, he announced his retirement to the stunned media, straight after the Hatton press conference. As he left the room, I asked him if he would be back. He didn’t say a word, just smiled, and winked at me.
Mayweather didn’t need to come back. “Money’s” got plenty.

With this fight just one week away, the works been done, the media and the fans have had a tremendous build up, even likening the fight to the legendary fights of Hagler v Hearns, and Leonard v Duran. Me, I wouldn’t go that far. If this fight was fought in 2006, then maybe.?

THE FIGHT.

Mosley is a slow starter, which could be a big mistake for him against Mayweather. If he does that, Mayweather is a master of slowing down the fight to his tempo, then raising it, while countering as he needs to. The double jab will be a big factor in this fight, as I see Mayweather fighting long, with the full jab coming in, followed with the left hook. Mosley drops his right hand, way too much, leaving himself open to the hook. I feel Mayweather will also go to Mosley’s body and just box and move all night.
For Mosley to win, he has to start fast, pressurize Mayweather, and throw his half jab, then straight right hand, wide left hook, then try and land the power punching over hand right. If he can do this, he could win this fight.
A lot of people are talking about the two fighters speed, and power, and how they will each react to it.

MY PREDICTION.

For me, this fight will be decided on not just speed, and power, but timing, and while I agree, both fighters have speed and power, only one of them still has timing and that’s Floyd Mayweather Jnr. This fight is about money , bragging rights, but for me, its about the timing is right. Mayweather on points.

Gary Todd is an international author with his book, “ Workouts From Boxings Greatest Champs” Look out for his follow up “Workouts from Boxings Greatest Champs VOLUME 2” Coming out across the world on May the 4th, 2010. www.pennantbooks.com . and also at www.amazonbooks.com Mayweather, Pacquaio, Tyson, Cotto, Hearns, Duran, and many more.

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Amateur Boxing Results

Richard Steele Boxing Gym
4/24/10

Plenty of friends, family and fans turned out Saturday night to watch some of Las Vegas best amateur boxers have a go at each other for the joy of the sport. The results were as follows:

Malik Walls (Steele's) over Gerardo Gaspariano (Parras) - Points

Randy Moreno (Elite Boxing) over Osmali Blanco (Boe Boxing) - Points

Leo Ordonez (Parras) over Nicholas Raffiani (Boe Boxing) - Points

Alan Garcia (Boe Boxing) over Sergio Lopez (Center Ring) - Points

Balfred Gallardo (Parras) over Diego Sotelo (Steele's) - Points

Joseph Macedo (Tocco's) over Austin Doral (Steele's) - Points

Isaac Moya (LZ Boxing) over Esteban Gon zalez (Center Ring) - Points

Tyrease Smith (Steele's) over Antonio Ramirez (Genesis) - Points

Daniel Hulcochea (LA Boxing) over Jonathan Diaz (Elite) - Points

Jeremiah Wiggins (Unattached) over Ricardo Ramirez (Steele's) - RSC

Vernon Anderson (Steele's) over Rosario Green (Boe's Boxing) - Points

Dehaven Alexander (Elite) over Kyron Butler (Unattached) - Points

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Press Release

Mayweather vs. Mosley - A Throwback to the Rich History of
American Fights and the Welterweight Division

LOS ANGELES (April 21)...Check your almanac: On the night of September 16, 1981, time stopped for one hour while welterweight champions Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns traded punches in Las Vegas. That's how big a fight it was. On May 1, welterweights Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Sugar Shane Mosley will clash in the biggest bout of 2010. The mega-matchup of multi-division champions, pound-for-pound kings and future Hall of Famers summons memories not only of Leonard-Hearns, but also of the rich history of American welterweights.

In recent years, boxing's headlines have been made largely by foreign-born fighters like Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Ricky Hatton, Manny Pacquiao, Joe Calzaghe and Juan Manuel Marquez. At welterweight or otherwise, there have been precious-few all-American matchups. In that sense, Mayweather-Mosley is a throwback fight.

In the boxing-rich 1980s, the majority of super-fights were contested between Americans. Among the memorable matchups were Leonard-Hearns, Leonard-Marvin Hagler, Hagler-Hearns, Larry Holmes-Gerry Cooney, Holmes-Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks-Holmes and Mike Tyson-Spinks.

The same can be said for many of the major fights of the 1990s, including Evander Holyfield-Riddick Bowe, Holyfield-Tyson, Holyfield-George Foreman, Michael Moorer-George Foreman Roy Jones-Bernard Hopkins, Jones-James Toney and Pernell Whitaker-Oscar De La Hoya.

The first decade of the new century has seen a shift. There have been big fights involving Americans (De La Hoya-Mayweather, De La Hoya- Hopkins, Mosley-De La Hoya I and II), but nowhere near as many as in previous years. Perhaps Mayweather-Mosley represents the beginning of a shift back to the way it used to be.

No one is quite sure of the origin of the word "welterweight," but boxing historians are certain that the 147-pound division's first world champion was Boston's Paddy Duffy, who was crowned in 1888. In the 122 years since, the division has been dominated by Americans.

Consider the following:

*In 1939, St. Louis' Henry Armstrong, who is usually ranked below only Sugar Ray Robinson on all-time pound-for-pound lists, defended his welterweight title an incredible 11 times. This feat took place only a year after Armstrong defeated Chicago's Barney Ross, an all-time great himself, to win the title.

*New York City's Sugar Ray Robinson is remembered primarily as a middleweight, but was at his fighting best as a welterweight. He defended his title five times and was beaten only once, by a middleweight...Jake LaMotta.

*A handful of the fighters who have held the mythical pound-for-pound title did so as welterweights, including Whitaker (Norfolk, Virginia), Leonard (Palmer Park, Maryland), Mayweather (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Mosley (Pomona, California), De La Hoya (Los Angeles) and Donald Curry (Fort Worth, Texas).

*Other legends who held the welterweight title before jumping to middleweight include Mickey Walker (Elizabeth, New Jersey) and Carmen Basilio (Canastota, New York).

*Four of Ring Magazine's 10 best welterweight fights of all time were all-American affairs: Basilio-Tony DeMarco II, Leonard-Hearns I, Simon Brown-Maurice Blocker and De La Hoya-Mosley I.

American athletes have historically been bigger than their foreign counterparts. Scan boxing's various divisions and you'll see that while the vast majority of heavyweight champions have been American, the United States has produced very few notable flyweights and bantamweights.

With a limit of 147 pounds, the welterweight division lies somewhere near the middle of boxing's eight original weight classes. One might say it is the average or median of all weight classes and as a result, there have been great fighters from all over the world competing in the division. Pacquiao hails from the Philippines; Miguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad, and Wilfred Benitez from Puerto Rico; Ike Quartey from Ghana; Ted "Kid" Lewis from England; Joe Walcott from Barbados; Jimmy McLarnin from Ireland; Pipino Cuevas from Mexico; Roberto Duran from Panama and Jose Napoles and Kid Gavilan from Cuba.

Still, Ring Magazine lists Americans as the four best fighters in the history of the division (Armstrong, Robinson, Leonard, and Ross). Until the recent influx of titlists from the former Soviet Union and elsewhere, Americans dominated at heavyweight, and their excellence was best explained by genetics. Not so at welterweight, where the fighters have always battled on an even playing field.

Mayweather-Mosley serves as a reminder not only that Americans remain among the world's best fighters, but also that the welterweight division is still red, white and blue.

# # #

Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking? is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T, Dewalt Tools and StubHub. The 12-round welterweight battle is set for Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150 not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Seven of the MGM MIRAGE properties will host closed circuit viewing of Mayweather vs. Mosley. Tickets for the closed circuit telecasts at all venues are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges and handling fees are on sale now. All seats will be general admission and will be available at each individual property's box office outlets and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or visit www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to 20 per person.

An all new episode of HBO®'s all-access reality series "24/7 Mayweather/Mosley" debuts Saturday, Apr. 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes one and two are available on HBO ON DEMAND®. The four-part series chronicles the back stories of the two prizefighters as they prepare for their May 1 welterweight showdown in Las Vegas.

The Mayweather vs. Mosley pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Mosley fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com
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Press Release

MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay Among Seven Resorts to Host
Closed Circuit For Mayweather vs. Mosley "Who R U Picking?"

Tickets On Sale Today, Wednesday, April 21 at 10 a.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (April 21) - Seven of the MGM MIRAGE properties on The Strip will host closed circuit viewing of the upcoming mega-fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Sugar Shane Mosley. The resorts include MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, Luxor and Circus Circus. The bout is set to take place on Saturday, May 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO-Pay-Per-View® beginning at 6 p.m. PST/9 p.m. EST.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecasts at all venues are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges and handling fees, and go on sale today, Wednesday, April 21 at 10 a.m. PST. All seats will be general admission and will be available at each individual property's box office outlets and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or visit www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to 20 per person.

Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking?, a 12-round welterweight battle, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T, DeWALT Tools and StubHub. Three other bouts will appear as part of the pay-per-view broadcast.

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Press Release

“SOLO BOXEO TECATE” IS BACK ON TELEFUTURA

THE RETURN OF ROBERT GUERRERO HIGHLIGHTS THE RETURN OF THE HIT BOXING SERIES AT TROPICANA LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS, April 3 – For years, it was one of the most beloved series for true fight fans and Golden Boy Promotions is pleased to announce that the “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” boxing series will make its much-anticipated return on Friday, April 30 from Tropicana Las Vegas. In the premiere show, which will be televised live on TeleFutura, former three-time and two-division World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero makes his return to the ring to face Roberto Arrieta in a ten round junior lightweight bout.

“After many months of hard work, we’re proud to say that the “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” boxing series is back on TeleFutura,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “We can’t wait to deliver the high-quality action that the series is known for and it all begins on April 30 at Tropicana Las Vegas, a venue with which we look forward to forging a new relationship.”

“We’re changing everything at Tropicana Las Vegas and, in doing so, we are venturing into new entertainment offerings for our hotel guests, Las Vegas visitors and residents,” said Tom McCartney, President of Tropicana Las Vegas. “We are proud to partner with Golden Boy Promotions for this fight. They provide an unmatched line-up of top ranked boxers from around the world. This broad demographic appeal fits perfectly with the new Tropicana experience, where fun, excitement and energy are at play.”

It will be Guerrero’s first bout since his world championship win over Malcolm Klassen in August of 2009. In early 2010, Guerrero vacated his IBF Junior Lightweight World title in order to care for his wife Casey, who is battling Leukemia. With Casey taking positive steps on the road to recovery, Guerrero will now begin his road back to the top of the boxing mountain.

Guerrero vs. Arrieta is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 7:00pm, the first bell rings at 7:30pm and the TeleFutura broadcast begins at 8:30pm PT/11:30pm ET.

Tickets, priced at $100, $50, and $35, are on sale now at the Tropicana Box Office, and by calling 702.739.3507. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.troplv.com.

A three-time World Champion in two weight divisions, Gilroy, California’s Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (25-1-1, 17 KO’s) is also one of boxing’s brightest young stars. An exciting warrior with fight-ending power in his fists, the 27-year-old southpaw is unbeaten since 2006 and eager to pick up where he left off in 2009 by taking out Arrieta and earning another world title shot.

One of Argentina’s toughest fighters, Santa Rosa’s Roberto David Arrieta (34-15-4, 15 KO’s) is a machine in the ring who will test the spirit of anyone brave enough to face him. A former South American and WBC Mundo Hispano champion, the 34 year-old has won four of his last five bouts and is looking to upset Guerrero’s plans to win another world title.

A hard-hitting slate of undercard bouts will be announced at a later date.


For more information, please visit www.univision.net, www.goldenboypromotions.com, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

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*******RIP - Teddy Padilla*******
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DIAZ VS. NGOUDJO HEADLINES ESPN2 “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” IN THE
STAR OF THE DESERT ARENA AT BUFFALO BILL’S MAY 14
(Salcido-Sanchez Clash in Co-Feature)



Primm, Nev. – It is now or never for two of the junior-welterweight division's most experienced contenders as former two-time lightweight champion Julio "The Kidd" Diaz meets former title challenger Hermann Ngoudjo with potential championship implications in the balance.

The ten-round main event will headline an evening of boxing action 6 p.m. Friday, May 14. Presented by Guilty Boxing in association with Vega Boxing and Thompson Boxing Promotions, the event will be held in The Star of The Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill's Casino & Resort in Primm, Nev. and will be televised by ESPN2's “Friday Night Fights”.

Diaz, (36-6, 26 KOs), is no longer a "kid" at age 30, but feels he has plenty of fight left in the tank. Diaz won the lightweight world championship in 2004 by defeating Javier Jauregui by decision. After a hard-fought defeat to Jose Luis Castillo in a unification showdown, Diaz topped Jesus Chavez to recapture the title in 2007. The Coachella, Calif. resident's never-say-die mentality makes him a viable threat to anyone in the 140 pound division.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity," said Diaz. "I know Ngoudjo is a very dangerous fighter but I'm prepared to show the fans that I still belong at the top of the sport. I lost focus for a little while but I'm back on track and ready to perform."

Like Diaz, Ngoudjo is also 30 years old but with a record of (18-3, 10 KOs), he has yet to wear the crown of champion like Diaz. The native of Cameroon now residing in Montreal, Canada has come close, losing tight decisions to former champions Jose Luis Castillo, Paul Malignaggi and Juan Urango. With those experiences in the rear-view mirror, Ngoudjo's team feels he is ready to take the next step in his career to the championship level.

“It’s a good fight for both fighters and particularly a good fight for Hermann," said Ngoudjo's promoter Yvon Michel. "He proved in his last fight he was back and I think this kind of opposition will prove it to everybody. A win could launch him right back to another world title shot."

In the co-featured bout, junior-lightweight contender Dominic Salcido of Rialto, Calif. will look to rebound from two recent defeats against the dangerous and unbeaten Guillermo Sanchez of Buffalo, NY. Salcido, (17-2, 9 KOs), was one of the sport's rising stars and is looking to get back on track. At (11-0,5 KOs), Sanchez is out to prove that Salcido has bitten off more than he can chew in his return.

Ron Sanderson, President of Vega Boxing, said he is pleased to present a night of highly-competitive boxing to the fans.

"We're very happy the way everything has come together for this show. It's been a long and drawn-out process but we were able to assemble all the pieces of the puzzle and we couldn't be happier with the end result. We look forward to providing many more events for the enjoyment of the boxing fans in the future."

"Thompson Boxing Promotions and ESPN's boxing program director Doug Loughrey have been wonderful to deal with and we would like to thank them for allowing our company the opportunity to put such a great boxing event together," said Denis Benoit, Director of Boxing for Vega Boxing.

Tickets are $10 and $50. Locals may receive 2-for-1 tickets to select upcoming concerts and sporting events. Those interested may call 1.888.FUNSTOP (1.888.386.7867) for more information and restrictions that may apply. All concerts and sporting events are in the Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino.
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TOP RANK Boxing at The Hard Rock

By Steve Robinson

Undefeated Diego Magdaleno (14-0, 3 KO’s) lead off the televised portion of the show with lots of local support in a Super Featherweight bout against Manny Perez (14-5-1, 2 KO’s) of Denver, CO. This was the first ten rounder for the Las Vegan, known for his boxing skills and speed. It’s easier to summarize this bout rather than describe round per round because there was little change throughout. Magdaleno gets off first, lands two and three punch combinations, kept a steady pace throughout, stayed focused on his opponent, landed more punches and avoided most of his opponents blows. Perez made his best effort in the last when he knew he needed a knock out to win. But Diego was never hurt and managed to dance away from any serious damage. After the fight, Magdaleno said he was energized by the local crowd that cheered him on to victory. Judge Trowbridge saw it 100-90, Judge Cheeks had it 99-91 and Al Lefkowitz saw it 97-93, all for Diego Magdaleno who remains undefeated.

In the Main Event Mark Melligan (17-2, 13 KO’s) of The Philippines took on Norberto Gonzalez (18-1, 12 KO’s) of Mexico in a Welterweight feature. For ten rounds Melligan pounded out a lopsided decision. Melligan moved in, landed punches and danced away while Gonzalez swung wildly, when he swung at all, and did little to discourage Melligans assaults. Gonzalez proved he has a good chin by staying on his feet for all ten rounds but little else. He performance was so pathetic, even his corner men were making jokes about it when he was in the ring. In the eighth, Gonzalez was cut under the right eye by what Referee Joe Cortez said was heads coming together. That was however the same side if his face that ate left hands all night long. When it was over, all three judges scored the bout 100-90 for Mark Melligan who put on a masterful boxing demonstration.

Under Card

Tonight’s boxing at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was led off by a couple of Light Heavyweights. Hiromitsu Miura of Tokyo, Japan made his professional debut tonight against Isaac Atencio (2-2-1, 2 KO’s) of Denver, CO. Miura at 28 years of age has nor amateur boxing experience either, coming to this sport from MMA. He has studied Judo since childhood and recently decided to try boxing while training to learn striking in Japan. Miura started fast landing two big rights early in the first round, and kept his opponent on the ropes. Atencio had a better round in the second moving away and countering when pinned on the ropes. Miura lands the bigger shots in the remaining two rounds and controls the action although at a slower pace. Neither was down after four rounds when Judges CJ Ross and Eric Cheeks scored it 39-37 and Judge Robert Hoyle had it 40-36 all for Hiromitsu Miura who wins his professional debut by Unanimous

Heavy weights Vladimir Tereshkin (12-0-1, 11 KO’s) of Moscow, Russia and Joseph Rabotte (7-11, 3 KO’s) of Myrtle Beach, SC were up next. The younger, sharper Tereshkin took control of the action early and maintained it for six rounds landing some nice lefts to the body early in the rounds then going upstairs later. To his credit, Rabotte absorbed the big shots and made a respectable if uneventful fight of it. All three Judges, Cheatham, Ross and Morse-Jarman scored it 60-54 for Tereshkin who remains undefeated.

Prior to the televised portion of the show, Super Lightweights Cortez Bey (8-1, 4 KO’s) of Cleveland , OH and Marcos Herrera (5-1, 1 KO) of Brighton, CO took over the ring. There was plenty of back and forth action in this fight but neither really took control. Bey landed some nice body shots with both hands and Herrera flurried with series of right-left combos. After six rounds neither was down or hurt and it went to the scorecards. Tim Cheatham scored it 58-56 for Bey, while judges Lefkowitz and Trowbridge saw it 57-57 for a Majority Draw. A review of the scorecards showed that there were no rounds where all three judges agreed on the scoring.

After the Main Event, exciting prospect Jose Benevidez, Jr. (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Phoenix, AZ took on his next victim, Scott Paul (5-4-1, 1 KO) of Niagara Falls, Canada. If his perfect pro record and admirable amateur career were not enough to intimidate his opponent, he also has famous trainer Freddie Roach in his corner. Benevidez outclassed a gutsy Paul with blazing hand speed and superior power dropping him to his knee for an eight count late in the first. Early in the second, Juan lands two body shots followed by a right to the head that drops Paul again. Referee Robert Byrd had seen enough and waived off the count at 1:30 of the second round giving Juan Benevidez Jr. another TKO victory.

Las Vegan Anthony Lenk (6-1, 3 KO’s) was up next against Wilson Rivera (3-3, 1 KO) of St. Paul, MN. Lenk took over early landing vicious lefts in the first that rocked Rivera. Early in the second, Lenk landed a couple of lefts, followed by a short right that dropped Rivera again. Rivera beat the count and was able to last out the round. Not long into the third, Anthony connects with a right followed by a left uppercut that puts Rivera down again. Referee Joe Cortez quickly moved in to stop the fight. Anthony Lenk wins by TKO at 1:19 of the third round.

The walk-off bout featured Lamont Peterson (27-1, 13 KO’s) of Washington, DC in a Super Lightweight match against Damien Fuller (30-6-1, 14 KO’s) of Detroit, MI. It was strange to see Peterson, who is a featured boxer and recently fought for the WBO title, relegated to the walk off bout that is usually fought by an up and comer new to the ranks. Never the less, Peterson put on a dominating performance, for seven rounds before Fullers corner threw in the towel and stopped the bout at 1:10 of the seventh. Peterson wins by TKO.

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Holyfield Drops the Hand of God on the White Buffalo

by Gregory Robinson

Tonight at the Thomas and Mack Center, a small but respectable crowd (abt. 2200) watched as two heavyweight legends met for the World Boxing Federation Championship. Botha came into the ring looking flabby but surly, while Holyfield came in looking like he had just finished benching 400 pounds.  When the fight started, Botha quickly set out to establish control, swinging tough-man style with hard with big lefts while Holyfield kept his cool and waited.  Botha was also decidedly less courteous – by the end of the first round, he had been warned twice for hitting behind the head and once for double-hitting on the break.   Botha continued to stay on the offensive as the rounds continued, and tied up Holyfield’s arms effectively when he started to get close.  By the six round, Botha was winning on the scorecards, but he was tired, and Holyfield started to come alive.  In the 7th, Holyfield clearly took charge, and at the start of the 8th, Holyfield landed a huge right that sent Botha to the canvas.  Botha got back up quickly, but Holyfield smartly jumped in for the kill.  After a few more clean punches, Botha’s neck went limp and Referee Russell Mora jumped in and called off the fight, giving Holyfield a TKO at 55 seconds of the 8th.  With this win, he proves that he can punch better at 47 than most boxers can at any age.

After the fight, Botha was decidedly more gentlemanly, stating that “I will never be ashamed to have lost to such a great champion”

In undercard action:

Former UNLV boxer Henry Namauu fought an exciting seven round slugfest against Rayford Johnson.  Both fighters forgot defense completely, stayed close, and traded an almost continuous flurry of punches. The fight ended in the 7th when Namauu finally got Johnson pinned in the corner and went to town until Referee Tony Weeks stepped in and stopped the fight.  

In a scheduled six rounder, ring veteran “King” Arthur Williams took on an undefeated but inexperienced Valente Tinajero  (8-0).   Tinajero was aggressive but sloppy, charging in straight and throwing wide, looping bombs, while Williams kept his cool, boxed, jabbed, and scored.  After six rounds, all three judges scored the bout 59, 59-55, 59-55

Hammer didn’t hurt ‘em when Las Vegas fighter Rocco Santomauro took on Karl Hammer for a four rounder in the featherweight division.  Santomauro out-moved and out-boxed Hammer, who earned some respect from the crowd for his determination.  After four rounds, all the judges scored the bout 40-36 in Rocco’s favor. 

Juan Alcolea and Lawrence Hughes fought a sleepy four rounder, where Hughes won on all score cards. 

Jennifer Han won a unanimous decision against Crystal Hoy and got her first win as a professional fighter.

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Top Rank Live – at the Hard Rock Saturday Night

By Steve Robinson

Top Rank Boxing brings its traveling boxing show put together for broadcast on Fox Sports Network home to Las Vegas this weekend at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Eight bouts are scheduled for The Joint, a top boxing venue where all the seats are good. The featured bout continues with the theme of Mexico against The Philippines when Norberto Gonzalez (18-1, 12 KO’s) travels from Monterrey, Mexico to take on Mighty Mark Melligan (17-2, 13 KO’s) of Bacolod City, PHI. This is Melligans first Main Event after several undercard features and he promises not to let his countrymen down.

Also featured on the first televised bout of the night is Las Vegan Diego Magdaleno. He brings his undefeated record (14-0, 3 KO’s) in against Manny Perez (14-5-1, 2 KO’s) of Denver, CO in a Super Lightweight bout scheduled for ten rounds. Besides his regular training regimen, Magdaleno has been sparring with hard hitting Marcos Maidana and training with US Olympians in Reno. At today’s press conference Diego said “Sparks are going to fly here Saturday night, not at the Thomas and Mack,”

Other pugilists of note on the card include Lamont Peterson (27-1, 13 KO’s) and Jose Benavidez Jr. (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Phoenix, AZ.

Doors open at 5:00 pm with the first bell scheduled to ring at 5:15 pm. Tickets from $20 are still available at the Hard Rock box office.

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Press Release

Holyfield-Botha PPV
Going Global
Saturday night at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Apr. 6, 2010) – Boxing fans all over the world will be watching Saturday night’s “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event, headlined by 4-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield challenging World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha, live from the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas.

“The Legend Returns,” presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

It also will be shown in more than 20 countries, including live broadcasts in Brazil, Mexico, China and the United Kingdom (channel 480 on Sky, streaming on www.primetimelive.co.uk). The card is available on www.gofightlive.tv PPV outside of the U.S., Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, China and Mexico.

Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs), coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 in Switzerland to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev, takes on Botha (47-4-3, 28 KOs) in the 12-round main event.

In the 10-round co-feature, Las Vegas cruiserweight Henry Namauu (5-3, 3 KOs), the former UNLV boxer and 2006 National Collegiate Cruiserweight Champion, faces dangerous Texan Rayford Johnson (5-4, 3 KOs). Former IBF cruiserweight champion “King” Arthur Williams (46-16-1, 30 KOs) tests unbeaten Utah prospect Valente Tinajero (8-0, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts is Las Vegas featherweight Rocco Santomauro (3-0) vs. Karl Hammer (1-2), Las Vegas super featherweight Crystal Hoy (3-1-2, 2 KOs) vs. Jennifer Han (0-1-1), Detroit lightweight Joel Flores (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, St. Louis welterweight Lawrence Hughes (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Las Vegas’ Juan Alcolea (2-1, 0 KOs), Las Vegas lightweight Jesus Gutierez (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Jonathan Garcia, and Phoenix super bantamweight Alexis Santiago (2-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Brice Yeniki (0-4). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.

Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com or www.worldboxingfederation.net for additional information

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Press Release

Holyfield-Botha PPV
Undercard Announced
Saturday Night at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Apr. 5, 2010) – A solid supporting undercard for Saturday night’s The Legend Returns pay-per-view event, headlined by 4-time world heavyweight champion Evander The Real Deal Holyfield challenging World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans The White Buffalo Botha, has been announced by Crown Boxing.

Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs), coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 in Switzerland to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev, takes on Botha (47-4-3, 28 KOs) in the 12-round main event at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The Legend Returns, presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Crown Boxing has been promoting solid shows six times a year in Las Vegas. Fans have come to expect competitive, entertaining fights at affordable prices, in an intimate atmosphere. Every fight counts on Crown Boxing’s cards and its rich tradition continues Saturday night, only headlined by the Holyfield-Botha title fight. The scaled down (9,500 seats) Thomas & Mack Center insures great seats at affordable prices. The PPV price of $29.95 is much less than charged for most pay-per-view shows.

Award-winning broadcaster Al Bernstein will be calling the action from ringside, teaming with blow-by-blow announcer Trip Mitchell. “I’ve seen many of the undercard fighters on Crown Boxing shows before in exciting fights,” Bernstein commented. “Since Frank Luca is one of the best matchmakers in boxing, I know there will be exciting fights this Saturday night. I think Holyfield-Botha will be very competitive and this is an excellent chance for people to see exciting fights at reasonable prices, on pay per view or in the arena. They will get an opportunity watch a legend in his final days in the sport and an exciting night of boxing.”

In the 10-round co-feature, Las Vegas cruiserweight Henry Namauu (5-3, 3 KOs), the former UNLV boxer and 2006 National Collegiate Cruiserweight Champion, meets dangerous Texan Rayford Johnson (5-4, 3 KOs). Former IBF cruiserweight champion “King” Arthur Williams (46-16-1, 30 KOs) tests unbeaten Utah prospect Valente Tinajero (8-0, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts is Las Vegas featherweight Rocco Santomauro (3-0) vs. Karl Hammer (1-2), Las Vegas super bantamweight Crystal Hoy (3-1-2, 2 KOs) vs. Jennifer Han (0-1-1), Detroit lightweight Joel Flores (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Jose Fernandez (1-1), St. Louis welterweight Lawrence Hughes (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Las Vegas lightweight Jesus Gutierez (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Jonathan Garcia, and Phoenix super bantamweight Alexis Santiago (2-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Brice Yeniki (0-4). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.

Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com or www.worldboxingfederation.net for additional information

-IS-
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Hopkins Defeats Jones

By Steve Robinson

Bernard Hopkins easily defeated Roy Jones Jr. in the Main Event at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino tonight before about 5,000 fans in Las Vegas. After twelve rounds of relatively slow boxing action the judge’s scores were 117-110, 117-110 and 118-109 all in favor of Bernard Hopkins.

Other than a lot of inactivity there were moments of drama where both combatants might well be nominated for academy awards. Jones fouled Hopkins in the sixth round by hitting him in the back of his head when he turned. Referee Tony Weeks penalized Jones a point appropriately but Hopkins took an extended break to recover and launched into an attack on Jones when the fight resumed that extended well beyond the round ending bell. An over zealous fan even jumped into the ring to join the melee and was quickly removed from the arena. Jones hit Hopkins in the back of the head again in the eighth but not nearly as hard but Hopkins took a knee and played it up like it was a serious blow. No penalty was assessed but Hopkins was allowed time to recover. Hopkins went down again in the tenth when he was hit by a low blow. Again no penalty was assessed by the referee because it did not appear to have been very hard but Hopkins was given time to recover and played the part to its fullest. The word emote comes to mind. Referee Tony Weeks had his hands full throughout the fight separating the fighters every few moments and keeping the crazy moments under control.

As far as boxing goes, this was not a pretty fight. Jones produced very little offense throughout the fight in a style reminiscent of Redd Foxx when he played Fred Sanford. Hopkins fought in spurts and did enough to win the majority of the rounds but never seriously hurt Jones. All in all the fans were disappointed in the fight and the long periods of inactivity and voiced their displeasure with choruses of boos throughout the fight. It would probably be better for the sport if these two continued in the sport in their roles as promoters and left boxing to the younger folk.

Undercard

The first fight was a Super Featherweight match between Yaundale Evans (7-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH and Juan Baltierrez (2-1-2, 1 KO) of Minneapolis, MN. Just looking at the physical build of these guys made me recall the old ad in the back of comic books, where Evans was the muscle bound bully and Baltierrez was the scrawny wimp who got sand kicked in his face. And when the fight started in front of the nearly fifty people in attendance, it went as expected. Evans battered a quick but ineffective Baltierrez around the ring for three minutes. Baltierrez proved he could take a punch as he absorbed Evans best shots and plenty of them. Baltierrez lost his mouthpiece late in the round. Evans continued a slower but more focused attack into the second, when he lost his mouthpiece as well. After a break to replace it, Evans landed a big right hook that floored his opponent for good. Baltierrez got to his feet but was so unsteady that Referee Russell Mora was forced to waive off the count. Evans notches a TKO at 2:08 of the second.

Next up were Middleweights Craig McEwen (17-0, 9 Ko’s) of Hollywood, CA via Scotland and Kris Andrews (15-8-2, 4 KO’s) of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. McEwen entered the arena to the sound of bagpipes accompanied by his trainer Freddie Roach. In the history of warfare, the Scottish troops always marched into battle to the sound of the pipes, and so it was tonight. For nearly eight rounds, McEwen battered Andrews around the ring in a dominating performance. Late in the final round, McEwen landed a series of blows and Andrews arms dropped to his side, so Referee Joe Cortez stepped in to protect him and waived off the fight. At the time of the stoppage, Andrews was behind on every judges card 7-0. McEwen gets a TKO at 2:11 of the eighth to remain undefeated,

Super Middleweight James Buddy McGirt Jr (21-2-1, 10 Ko’s) was pitted against John Mackey (11-4-2, 5 KO’s). McGirt pretty much controlled an uneventful first round but they both mixed it up pretty well to begin the second. Mackey was more aggressive this round and was clearly winning the round when at the 10 second, McGirt lands a sweet right hook that floors his opponent. Mackey tries to rise but falls again and Referee Vic Drakulich stopped the bout. McGirt wins by TKO at 2:58 of the second round.

Golden Boy hot prospect Frankie Gomez was up next in his pro debut against Clavonne Howard (2-4-1, 1 KO). It is only natural to think that a boxer would be a little nervous in his pro debut, but Gomez showed none of it. He took control from the opening bell battering Howard with both hands for nearly three rounds. Near the end of the third, Gomez was wailing on Howard with both hands, when Referee Joe Cortez pulled him off and stopped the bout. Frankie Gomez gets a TKO at 2:45 of the third round to start his professional career in style.

Ray Nahr (23-1, 20 KO’s) took on Angel Hernandez (14-4, 10 KO’s) for the USNBC Super Lightweight Title. Hernandez came in 4 pounds over the required weight limit at Friday’s weigh in and was therefore unable to win the title even if he won the fight. The shorter Hernandez was quick, but not fast enough to dodge the big blows from both hands by Nahr. Nahr dominated the first knocking out Hernandez mouthpiece late in the round. Hernandez landed a quick right to open the second but Nahr answered with nearly 20 blows to the body and head in return. Nahr landed a nice right to the body that caused Hernandez to take a knee. Once he was up Nahr landed a nice right to his face that put him down again. Hernandez got up again but ate another series of blows before going down for good at the end of the round. Referee Robert Byrd counted Hernandez out at 2:59 of the second round giving Ray Nahr the Championship belt.

The first PPV bout was for the Vacant NABF Light Heavyweight Title between Ismayl Sillakh (11-0, 10 KO’s) of Simi Valley, CA via the Ukraine and Daniel Judah (23-4-1, 13 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY. Sillakh found a home for his left hand early in the first and subsequently his left came home later in the round. Early in the second Sillakh landed a left to the body followed by a right to the face that dropped Judah for an eight count. Sillakh followed with another series of blows that dropped Judah again. This time Judah struggled to his feet and Referee Vic Drakulich looked him in the eyes and waived off the bout. Sillakh wins the title ay 49 seconds of the second round.

Super Middleweight Sergio Mora (21-1-1, 5 KO’s) of Contender fame returned to the ring after a 19 month lay off against Calvin Green (21-4-1, 13 KO’s). A muscular Green overpowered a rusty Mora in the first, early to the body and later to the head. In the second Green pinned Mora on the ropes and swung away but Mora countered well off the ropes and turned Green around late and lathered him with blows. The third was similar to the second with Mora gaining more accuracy and rocking Green with big shots. Mora really took control in the fourth and landed big shots for the remainder of the fight while Green began to miss more than he landed and when he landed it was without any power. Mora landed a big right in the seventh and Referee Russell Mora had seen enough and stepped between the boxers to stop the fight. Green objected to the stoppage because he was still on his feet but he was way behind on all judges cards 6-0 X 2 and 5-1.SergioMora makes his come back with a TKO at 1:15 of the Seventh round.

Jason Litzau (26-2, 21 KO’s) and Rocky Juarez (28-5, 20 KO’s) fought for the NABF Super Featherweight Title. Liitzau kept Juarez on the outside early and worked him over with a stiff jab and good combinations. When Juarez got inside Jason tied him up, Juarez got more aggressive as the fight progressed and began to get inside and score, Heads came together in the seventh round and Litzau was cut under the left eye. The ring doctor looked him over and allowed the fight to continue. Juarez continued to work on the eye until the round ended. The ring doctor looked at the cut again after the round and said the cut was too bad for the fight to continue so by rule the fight was stopped and the decision went to the judges score cards. Judge Ross had it 68-54, while Judges Hoyle and Houck saw it 67-66, all for Jason Litzau who retains his title.

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April 2, 2010

Lara and Velasquez Win – Pendvaris Upsets Sanchez

By Steve Robinson

The crowd finally seemed to fill in just before eight o’clock when the ShoBox broadcast of a Golden Boy Promotions event began. It was however measured in the hundreds rather than the thousands. Among those attending were former champions Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran.

The Main Event was a Jr. Middleweight match between Cuban sensation Erislandy Lara (10-0), now fighting out of Miami, FL, and Danny Perez (34-6, 17 KO’s) of Carlsbad, CA. In every boxer’s career, it’s smart to put him up against a very experienced opponent, even if the opponent has seen better days. Perez has fought Antonio Margarito twice among his many foes in his forty professional matches. Perez knew his role tonight and he played it well.

Perez came right at Lara for twelve rounds and did his best to keep him off balance while avoiding his best shots. Lara dominated the action with cleaner harder blows but never seemed to harm Perez and never put him down. After several rounds, it became almost monotonous to see Lara land combinations then back off to admire his work while Perez continued to come at him, unphased by the punches he ate. After twelve rounds the only surprise on press row was that each of the judges gave Perez a round somewhere along the way – possibly out of pity. All three scored it 99-91 for Erislandy Lara who remains undefeated.

The Co-Main Event featured Jr. Lightweights Carlos Velasquez (11-0, 9 KO’s) of Las Vegas via Puerto Rico and last minute replacement Ira Terry (24-2, 14 KO’s) of Memphis, TN. Velasquez is a former US Olympian whose twin brother is also a professional boxer. After a slow start, Velasquez took control of the fight half way through the first round. Terry back peddled around the ring, while a pursuing Velasquez worked the body then the head.
Velasquez dominance continued through the next two rounds and rattled Terry late in the third but couldn’t put him down. He continued his assault early in the fourth landing a nice right while Terry was backing across the ring. Terry bounced off the ropes and fell face first onto the canvas where Referee Jay Nady counted him out. Velasquez remains undefeated with a KO at 20 seconds of the fourth.

Undercard

The opener was a Lightweight match between Mike “The Artist” Perez (6-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Newark, NJ and Sergi Ganjelashvili (4-4-1 of Key West, Fl via the Republic of Georgia. A talented Perez dominated a tough, unyielding but untalented Ganjelashvili for all six rounds. Sergi was cut over the right eye in the second and over the left eye in the third as he ate everything the Perez could throw at him without going down. However Sergi never landed any punches of consequence as he attempted to push Perez to the ropes throughout the fight. Judges Dave Moretti and Jerry Roth had it 60-54, while Patricia Morse-Jarmen saw it 59-55 all for Mike Perez who paints a pretty picture on his way to a Unanimous Decision victory.

Up next were Heavyweights Deontay Wilder (8-0, 8 KO’s) of Tuscaloosa, AL and Tyson Cobb (7-1, 6 KO’s) of Amarillo, TX. Wilder was the Bronze Medalist in the 2008 Olympics at the end of an outstanding amateur career. Wilder, although lighter at 215 vs. Cobb’s 254 was a head taller and in much better shape as Cobb carried most of that weight around his belt. From the opening bell it was all Wilder who rocked Cobb’s head a few times before clobbering him with a left hook that floored the Texan. Cobb staggered to his feet just before the eight count but was so unsteady that Referee Jay Nady was forced to stop the match. Wilder remains undefeated and racks up another KO at 33 seconds into the fight.

Welterweights Hector Sanchez (18-0, 8 KO’s) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and Cleotis Pendarvis (10-2-1, 3 KO’s) of Los Angeles, CA were next in the ring. The shorter Pendarvis started fast working his way inside and working the body of Sanchez then tying him up. Then at about the two minute mark Sanchez landed a right to the body that caused Pendarvis to take a knee and an eight count. Sanchez went right back after him and dropped him again at the end of the round with a left to the head. Pendarvis did a better job getting inside in the second and staying out of the way of Sanchez blows but Pendarvis was warned twice for holding. Pendarvis stayed outside in the third allowing Sanchez to pick him apart. The fourth was action packed with plenty of back and forth clashes but Sanchez remained in control. Pendarvis uses his speed to sneak in land a blow or two and back out of range to begin the fifth. Sanchez is in control and looks like he’s ready to throw a big punch, when Pendarvis beats him to the punch and lands a clean right hook dropping the surprised Sanchez to the mat. Sanchez regains his feet but is unsteady and doesn’t respond to the Referee’s command to step forward so Russell Mora waives off the count and gives Cleotis Pendarvis a TKO victory at 2:29 of the fifth round. There’s nothing more exciting in boxing than to see a boxer get off the canvas to come back and win the bout by KO.

Las Vegas boxer Toddy Junior (1-0) was up next in a Jr. Featherweight bout against Luis Martinez (1-2-1) of Los Angeles, CA. In a hard fought bout by both, Toddy showed better defense and took control of the action in the later rounds to eke out a Majority Decision victory to remain undefeated. Judge CJ Ross saw it 38-38, while Judges Jerry Roth and Tim Cheatham had it 39-37 for Toddy Junior.

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Bogere Kills Antelope on Way into Ring!

Not really.  In the main event, it took Sharif Bogere’s singing entourage 5 minutes to carry him into the ring in a lion’s cage, and then took Bogere 3 minutes to beat Martin Tucker’s face into a bloody mess.  A cut on the top of Tucker’s nose made it impossible for him to continue, giving Bogere a quick TKO.

Some highlights of the undercard:

In the first even matchup of the night, Bradley Blankenship of Las Vegas made his pro debut against Abram Espinoza.  Blankenship, who won a bronze metal in the 2009 Golden Gloves, was clearly the crowd favorite - but Espinoza had no intension of making his first fight an easy one.  Blankenship worked best on the inside, but getting there was a problem – at mid-range, Espinonza was able to tag Blankenship at will, bouncing his head back with almost every jab.  At the end of four rounds, Judge Ford had the fight 40-36 in Blankenship’s favor, but the other two were less generous, scoring it 38-38.  The fight ends in a majority draw. 

Following Blankenship, Local favorite Edie Salas returned to the ring to take on Mike Alexander.  Salas fought in his traditional style, coming straight in like a tank and then unleashing a shock-and-awe flurry of wide punches.   This was effective for the most part, but Alexander frequently survived Salas’ barrages and returned with some of his own.  After three rounds, Salas was tired, and Alexander still had quite a bit left, allowing him to easily take the last round.  Judge Hoyle (and I) scored the fight 39-37 for Salas, but (just like the previous fight) the other two scored the bout even, again resulting in a majority draw. 

In other action:

Robert Rodriguez clobbered Manuel Delgado for four rounds, and looked impressive doing it.  All three judges score the fight 40-36.

In the first bout, Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado rejected Blake “Trouble” Franklin's challenge faster than republicans rejected health care, downing him three times in the first round.  The fight ends at 1:29 of round one.

In the second fight of the evening, Southern brawler Michael Finney came in swinging while Jordan Walker covered and waited for the fight to end.  His wish was granted quickly – after two knockdowns, Joe Cortez jumped in to wave the fight off in round one.

Fight report by Gregory Robinson

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Press Release

SHARIF BOGERE VS. MARTIN TUCKER HEADLINES
HOMETOWN HEROES
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT LAS VEGAS ’ RIO CASINO

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 1, 2010) Sharif “THE LION WARRIOR” Bogere will face off against veteran Martin Tucker in an eight round lightweight showdown in the main event of HOMETOWN HEROES, set for tomorrow night, April 2nd at the RIO CASINO in Las Vegas.

The undefeated Bogere, sporting a record of 14-0-0 (8KO’s), is coming off his career best victory, a third round stoppage over once beaten Jose Hernandez on February 26th in El Paso, Texas.

Only 21 years old, Bogere, the former captain of the Ugandan National Boxing Team, is among the most exciting prospects in boxing. With his colorful ring walk in full LION’S headdress to his all-action style of fighting, Bogere has become a must-see attraction in his adopted state of Nevada where he has fought nine of his professional bouts.

Toledo, Ohio native Tucker, 7-5-0 (3KO’s), also recently had the biggest win of his five year professional career. On October 10th, the 30 year old ventured to New York City to battle local undefeated prospect Michael Torres at Madison Square Garden. Dropping the fan favorite Torres twice, Tucker went on to win a six round unanimous decision.

The upset minded Tucker followed that up by facing undefeated prospect Lanard Lane on February 19th in Cleveland, Ohio . After eight outstanding rounds of ESPN2 televised action, Tucker would fall short in the scoring losing a unanimous decision.

Also appearing at HOMETOWN HEROES will be many of boxing’s finest prospects including undefeated lightweight sensation Terence Crawford, 10-0-0 (7KO’s), pro debuting Las Vegas native Bradley Blankenship, bantamweight Robert Rodriguez, 2-0-0, welterweight Michael Finney, 1-0-0 (1KO) and lightweight Fidel Maldonado Jr. , 1-0-0 (1KO).

Also featured at HOMETOWN HEROES is all-action junior lightweight Lonnie Smith, 9-2-2 (6KO’s) and returning super middleweight Eddie Salas, 7-3-0 (5KO’s).

Advance tickets for HOMETOWN HEROES, priced at $100, $50 and $30, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com., 1-800-745-3000) and the RIO CASINO box office (www.riolasvegas.com., 1-888-746-7784).

The RIO CASINO is located at 3700 W. Flamingo Road in Las Vegas . Doors on the night of the event will open at 6pm with the first bell scheduled for 6:30pm.

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Hopkins vs. Jones –

Why Should You See It?

Commentary By Steve Robinson

A guy saw my Credential badge as I was leaving Mandalay Bay the other day and asked me who I thought would win. My first thought was to tell him, but I said, “Why don’t you come and see it. It should be a pretty good fight.” He said – “Seems like a lot of money to see a couple of old guys box.” I got out of the elevator on the next floor without answering but he got me to thinking – “Why should I see this fight?”

I wish this fight had taken place five years ago, but since that can’t happen let’s look at what we have now. Bernard Hopkins at 45 has been boxing steadily since the year 2000. He was 25 years old at that time and just came out of a short stint in jail. His first big fight was against Roy Jones Jr. in 1993, which he lost the IBF Middleweight Title by Unanimous Decision. He worked his way back into contention over the next few years beating everyone including Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, and Oscar DeLaHoya. He lost two close decisions to Jermaine Taylor in 2005, came back to beat Antonio Tarver in 2006, and Winky Wright in 2007. In 2008 he lost a split decision to Joe Calzaghe only to decidedly wallop Kelly Pavlik later that year. In 2009 he gave 29 year old Enrique Ornelias a boxing lesson in Philade;phia showing the form, skill and stamina of a much younger man. Hopkins is a smart fighter who adopts his style to whomever he fights and usually finds a way to win. In this fight, his age should not be a factor.

Roy Jones Jr., after a brilliant amateur career that started at age 10, Jones turned pro in 1989 and has also fought steadily ever since. After his victory over Hopkins in 1993, Jones went on to win titles in four separate weight divisions. He was Ring Magazine’s “Fighter of the Year” in 1994 and voted 1990’s “Fighter of the Decade” by the Boxing Writer’s Association of America. Since 2004, boxing has not been as kind to Jones and he is coming off a first round TKO to Heavyweight Daniel Greene in December. But Roy Jones Jr. hasn’t forgotten what got him here or what he’s learned over the years in the sport that has been his whole life.

Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins are well matched and should put on a competitive show and it might just be the last big fight for both of them. They are both promoters as well as boxers so they’ll remain in the fight game but this might well be their last hurrah in the ring, so it’s worth seeing.

At two recent press conferences, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer was practically begging the press to emphasize the bargain tickets of $100 for this show. Although on PPV for $49.95 live, this fight will not be rerun in a few weeks as many are - This is your only chance to see it on TV. Although the more expensive tickets run $200, $300, $500 and $750 I looked into the Mandalay Bay Events Center and it has been reconfigured to half its normal size, so there should be no bad seats. Also the events center will be televising NCAA Final Four games in the arena and the main event will not start until basketball has concluded so you won’t miss any round ball action.

Finally, Golden Boy and Square Ring Promotions are showcasing some of their best on the undercard. The Pay per View will also show bouts between Jason Litzau and Rocky Juarez, Sergio Mora and Calvin Green and Ismayl Sillakh and Daniel Judah. Before the broadcast we’ll see Ray Narh (23-1), Craig McEwen (17-0), Buddy McGirt Jr. (21-2-1), Yaundale Evans (5-0) and Frankie Gomez (Debut).

Whether you watch it on PPV or show up and see it live – See this fight! It should be worth it.

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Press Release - 4/01/10

AL BERNSTEIN RINGSIDE FOR HOLYFIELD-BOTHA

Hall of Fame boxing announcer Al Bernstein will serve as ringside analyst on the April 10 pay per view telecast of the Evander Holyfield-Frans Botha match, live from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas . Bernstein has announced the last two Holyfield matches, world title challenges against Sultan Ibragimov and Nicolai Valuev. Joining Al on the telecast will be play by play announcer Tripp Mitchell.

Al said he is looking forward to this event for two reasons: “First, Holyfield and Botha are matched well, and this will be an interesting and competitive fight. Evander showed in his last fight with Valuev that minus the shoulder issues he had for a number of years—he can still be effective. He should have won a decision in that fight. Botha will be in front of him, which stylistically should make for a fun fight. Secondly, I have seen many Crown boxing cards and I know Crown’s matchmaker Frank Luca is one of the best matchmakers in boxing. He has created an exciting overall card for April 10 that will be entertaining to the fans in the arena and those who watch on pay per view. And I love that he’s done it while keeping the PPV and live ticket prices very reasonable, for fans to see a boxing legend for one of the last times.”

Bernstein also shares some interesting history with Holyfield. Al was the analyst for the telecast of the Holyfield-Riddick Bowe fight in 1992, when Evander last fought at Thomas and Mack. “That was a great night,” Al said, “and anytime Evander enters an arena (even now as he showed against Valuev) there is the expectation that he will rise to the occasion.”

The pay per view is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media with the telecast staring at 9 PM /ET-6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV. Tickets at the Thomas & Mack, priced from $25 to $250 can be purchased at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702-739-3267


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Big Fight Weekend for Las Vegas

By Steve Robinson

Yes there is something else to do in Las Vegas this weekend besides watch and bet on the Final Four. Four separate and very different boxing matches are scheduled here.

The biggest of the four is the rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. Saturday evening at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Seventeen years ago these two met on the undercard of undercard of a heavyweight fight at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC- Jones won by decision. Since then these fighters have both lived storied careers and will likely both end up in the Boxing Hall of Fame. We would have loved to see this rematch about five years ago when they were both in their prime but are happy to see it at all. Oddsmakers have Hopkins favored at -500 to Jones +350. The undercard features matches between Jason Litzau and Rocky Juarez, Ismayl Sillakh and Daniel Judah, and Sergio Mora and Calvin Green. Five other fights round out the early undercard. Plenty of tickets are still available at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Box Office or Ticketmaster starting at $100. The event will be televised at select Closed Circuit Theaters and is available on Pay-Per-View.
The fights are co-promoted by Golden Boy and Square Ring Promotions. Doors open at 2:00 pm with the first fight schedules to go off at 2:15 pm. The PPV Telecast begins at 6:00 pm.

On Friday night we have two competing events. First Golden Boy Promotions puts on its first show for Showbox – The Next Generation at “The Joint” in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The featured boxer is undefeated Cuban Jr. Middleweight sensation Erislandy Lara (10-0, 6 KO’s). He’ll take on California’s Danny Perez (6-0-1) in the main event. The undercard features Carlos Vasquez vs. Ira Terry, Hector Sanchez vs. Cleotis Penvaris, Deontay Wilder vs. TyCobb, Mike Perez vs. Sergi Ganjelashvili and Las Vegas Toddy Junior vs. Luis Martinez. Tickets from $30 are available from the Hard Rock Box Office and Ticketmaster.

The other Friday night boxing show is a Guilty Boxing and TKO Boxing Promotions event the Rio Suite Hotel and Casino. It’s billed at “Hometown Heroes” and features Las Vegas up and coming boxers. Sharif “The Lion Warrior” Bogere headlines the card in a Lightweight match against Carlos Claudio. UNLV’s Bradley Blankenship makes his pro debut against Abraham Easpinoza. Other featured Las Vegas boxers include Lonnie Smith, Eddie Salas, Terrance Crawford, Robert Rodriguez, Fidel Maldonado and Michael Finney. Tickets starting at $30 are available at the Rio Box Office or at Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6:00 pm with the first bell scheduled for 6:30 pm.

Amateur boxing is also featured Saturday night at the Silver Nugget Casino on North Las Vegas Blvd. Over twenty amateur contests are scheduled to go off at 6:00 pm. Tickets at $10 are available at the door.

 

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Press Release

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. FOUNDATION TO HOST FIRST ANNUAL "FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE" BENEFIT DINNER FRIDAY, APRIL 2 AT
MGM GRAND'S PREMIER BALLROOM

Las Vegas, NV. (March 30)...The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation, Inc (TFMJF) is proud to announce its first annual "Fight for our Future" benefit dinner which will take place Friday, April 2 at MGM Grand's Premier Ballroom beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT.

The evening will include entertainment, a silent auction, and appearances by special guests. Additionally, TFMJF will recognize an exemplary individual who has served the Las Vegas community through their charitable efforts.

"The purpose of this dinner is to continue to make strides toward helping our community," said Mayweather, boxing superstar and Founder of TFMJF. "We realize that we must do our part in order to make an impact. By holding this special event, we are getting one step closer to taking the necessary steps to overcome the obstacles our community is faced with everyday."

Founded in 2007, TFMJF has endeavored to empower and encourage community alliances, impact youth leadership and strengthen family foundations through community development, entrepreneurialism and education. The proceeds from the benefit dinner will be allocated among the various program funds in the areas of education, community outreach, mentoring programs and a youth summer camp.

"Boxing is my livelihood, but helping the community is my passion," Mayweather continued. "This dinner is the first of many events to highlight and support the mission of The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation. I hope that through the Foundation we can set the bar high in making an impact in the community."

For more information regarding the event please go to www.tfmjf.org.

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Press Release

Botha vows to retire
Holyfield for good
Holyfield-Botha headlines Apr. 10 PPV at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Mar. 29, 2010) – Reigning World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha was supposed to fight 4-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield 12 years ago but boxing politics eventually destroyed that match-up.

More than a decade later, though, Botha (47-4-3, 28 KOs) will finally get his crack at the living legend and future Hall of Famer when he defends his title belt April 10 against Holyfield in the 12-round main event, headlining “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event, live at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

“The Legend Returns,” presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

In 1998, Botha was the No. 1 mandatory challenger and Holyfield world champion. Instead of getting his title shot, Botha explained, he was placed in a box-off that he refused to fight in, sending him from No. 1 to No. 11 in the ratings, and Holyfield ended-up fighting Vaughn Bean.

“God works in mysterious ways,” Botha said. “(Promoter) Frank (Luca – Crown Boxing) got me Evander. We both have a lot of experience and it’s going to be a good fight. I know he’s going to be right there and he’ll be in good condition. This is a chance for me to prove I still got it. Holyfield is coming to prove himself as well. If he doesn’t beat me, he’s done, and I’m going to make sure that this is his last fight. I’m going to retire him once and for all.”

The 47-year-old Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs) is coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 in Switzerland to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev that most observers felt Holyfield really won.

“He is a legend, take nothing away from him,” Botha continued. “He’s one of the all-time best, a multiple world champion who has fought the best heavyweights in the world. I can’t ask for anything better at this stage of my career. It’s a big opportunity. I have another 2-3 good years left to do some damage in the heavyweight division. All of my losses have been to world champions (Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer and Shannon Briggs) and three of those fights never should have been losses. A win will put me right back in the picture and I’d then I’d like to fight Vitali Klitschko.”

Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.

Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com for additional information

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Press Release

BRADLEY BLANKENSHIP TURNS PRO THIS
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE RIO CASINO

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 28, 2010) This Friday night, April 2nd, former UNLV amateur boxer and standout Sierra Vista High School running back Bradley Blankenship will make his professional debut at HOMETOWN HEROES at the RIO CASINO in Las Vegas.

HOMETOWN HEROES, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing, featuring numerous terrific young prospects and Las Vegas fan favorites, is presented by Guilty Boxing in association with TKO Boxing Promotions.

The 20 year old Blankenship will battle Tucson, Arizona’s, Abraham Espinoza, 0-1, in a scheduled four round bout.

Last November, Blankenship announced his decision to turn professional, signing with Las Vegas based TKO Boxing Promotions and retaining award winning manager Cameron Dunkin to guide his career. Blankenship trains in Las Vegas with Kenny Adams who has worked with numerous world champions.

Said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions, “Bradley was a very accomplished amateur, having won the Nevada State Golden Gloves and was ranked #3 in the country by USA Boxing. We’re very excited to bring our HOMETOWN HEROES series to the Rio Casino and have the opportunity to feature Bradley at this event.”

Other sensational prospects and Las Vegas fan favorites featured at HOMETOWN HEROES include undefeated lightweight Sharif “THE LION WARRIOR” Bogere, junior lightweight Lonnie Smith, super middleweight Eddie Salas, lightweight Terence Crawford, welterweight Michael Finney, lightweight Fidel Maldonado Jr., and bantamweight Robert Rodriguez.

Advance tickets for HOMETOWN HEROES, priced at $100, $50 and $30, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com., 1-800-745-3000) and the RIO CASINO box office (www.riolasvegas.com., 1-888-746-7784).

The RIO CASINO is located at 3700 W. Flamingo Road in Las Vegas. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6pm with the first bell scheduled for 6:30pm.

ABOUT TKO BOXING PROMOTIONS
Formed in early 2008, Chet Koerner’s Las Vegas based TKO BOXING Promotions, originators of the “HOMETOWN HEROES TO WORLD CHAMPIONS” national boxing series, stable includes; heavyweight Lenroy Thomas, cruiserweight Andres Taylor, super middleweight Fedor Chudinov, middleweights Peter Manfredo Jr., Elvin Ayala, James Countryman, Dmitry Chudinov and J’Leon Love, junior middleweights Bastie Samir, welterweights Demetrius Hopkins, Bradley Blankenship, Mikael Zewski, Leti Leti and Eric Mendez, junior welterweights Francisco Contreras and Joseph Elegele, lightweights Edner Cherry, Rolando Reyes, Terence Crawford and Fidel Maldonado, featherweights Matt Remillard, Carney Bowman, Dat Nguyen, Delvin Placencia, Rafael Lora, Maxwell Awaku and Robert Rodriguez, super bantamweights Rafael Valenzuela, bantamweight Leo Santa Cruz and flyweights Rayonta Whitfield and Randy Caballero.
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Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Las Vegas, NV

March 27, 2010

By Steve Robinson

WBA Interim Super Lightweight Title

Maidana Kayo’s Cayo

In a bruiser of a fight with plenty of back and forth action, Marcos Maidana knocked out Victor Cayo in the sixth round to retain his Interim WBA Super Lightweight title. Maidana (27-1, 26 KO’s) of Argentina used power to overcome the speedier Cayo (24-0, 15 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic, in an action packed thriller where both took control of the fight at different times and in different ways.

Cayo started quickly in the first outworking Maidana and avoiding his bigger blows. Cayo continued his control of the bout for three minutes of the second round, but just after the bell rang ending the round; Maidana knocked a defenseless Cayo to the mat. Referee Joe Cortez saw it as a legitimate knockdown and gave Cayo an eight count over the boisterous objections of Cayo’s corner. After a tumultuous minute between rounds the fight resumed and Maidana resumed his attack in hopes of putting his opponent away. Cayo weathered the attack and came back to control the action, but Maidana closed with a flurry. The forth and fifth rounds were action packed and full of back and forth clashes. First Maidana would rock Cayo, then Cayo would smother Maidana with punches in a battle that made these two rounds close and elated the audience. When the sixth round began, Maidana unleashed rights and lefts to Cayo’s head that rocked him and finished him with a right to the body. Cayo lay writhing on the canvas as Referee Cortez counted him out. Marcos Maidana retains his title and makes another statement to his competition that he’s the one to beat at 140 lbs.

 

IBF Lightweight Title Fight (Kind of)

The co-main event was scheduled to be a title fight in the rematch of Ali Funeka (30-2-3, 25 KO’s) of South Africa and Joan Guzman (29-0-1, 17 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY. They fought to a draw last November in Quebec City, Canada. However Guzman weighed in at 144 pounds (nine pounds over the Lightweight limit) at the weigh-in on Friday while Funeka made weight. The fight is still a title fight, but Guzman cannot win the title even if he wins the fight and the Nevada Athletic Commission has already fined Guzman for this infraction of the rules. If Funeka wins he can get the title but it may be difficult fighting someone in another weight class. As a boxing fan I am disgusted by Guzman’s weight situation and don’t think he deserves to get any money for tonight’s efforts but the Commission doesn’t have the authority to take all his money.

Once the fight started, Joan Guzman dominated early, knocked his opponent down in the sixth, and took control late to win the fight. Judge Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 114-113 for Funeka, Duane Ford scored it 114-113 for Guzman while Robert Hoyle had it 116-111 for Guzman, breaking the tie and giving Guzman the victory – however shallow. Lvboxing.com scored it 115-112 for Guzman. Funeka was the busier boxer and never let up, even after he was down and battered, but Guzman landed the bigger blows and in spite of a lot of showboating earned the victory. Guzman lacks respect for the sport of boxing and acts like a punk in the ring. It’s too bad Funeka didn’t have a chance to fight against an opponent in his own weight class. Guzman didn’t earn any respect from the fans tonight, just another notch on his belt.

Undercard

Chavez vs. Dos Santos

The leadoff bout was a Jr. Middleweight match between Diego Chavez (13-0, 12 KO’s) of Argentina and Edvan Dos Santos (10-8-1. 7 KO’s) of Boca Raton, FL via Brazil. To his credit, Dos Santos put up a respectable offense in every round and took Chavez’ best punches but he just wasn’t in the same class as the speedy, clean hitting Argentinian. After six rounds the only surprise was that Chavez had never put Dos Santos down, Judge Richard Ocasio saw it 60-54, Paul Smith had it 59-55 and Dick Houck had it 58-56 all for Diego Chavez who earns a Unanimous Decision. Lvboxing.com had it 59-55.

Figueroa vs. Portillo

Next up were Jr. Welterweights Omar Figueroa and Edgar Portillo – both fighting out of Texas. Figueroa came in perfect with a record of 8-0,8 KO’s while Portillo was 6-3-1, 4 KO’s. Figueroa started fast landing 3 and 4 blows to every one of Portillo’s in the first. Figueroa continued his dominating performance into the second, We were later to find out that Figueroa broke his left hand on Potillo’s head in this round but continued to fight. Figueroa controlled most of the remainder of the fight except for a slow fourth and went on to win on all three judges cards 60-54, 58-56, 58-56. lvboxing.com saw it 59-55.

Charlo vs. Prieto

The third bout was a Jr. Middleweight match between Jermell “Ironman” Charlo (10-0, 5 KO’s) of Houston Texas and Gerardo Prieto (6-8-1) of Provo, Utah via Guadalajara, Mexico. After a slow start, Charlo went on to dominate Prieto for the remainder of the fight, dropping him for a knockdown in the 6th. After 8 rounds Judge Dick Houck scored it 80-71, while Judges Lefkowitz and Ocasio saw it 79-72 all for Jermell Charlo who remains undefeated. Lvboxing.com had it 80-71.

Jacobs vs. Rodriguez

The last fight before the televised portion of the night pitted Daniel “Golden Child” Jacobs (18-0, 15 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY against Jose Rodriguez (12-4-1, 6 KO’s) of Columbia. Jacobs dropped Rodriguez about two minutes in the round and again at the bell. The ring doctor examined Rodriguez and advised Referee Jay Nady that he was unable to continue. Daniel Jacobs gets a TKO victory at 3:00 of the first to remain undefeated.

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“Title Night” at The Hard Rock

By Steve Robinson
3/25/10

Saturday night Golden Boy Promotions brings two title fights to The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and HBO. And by the looks of it, there’s no sure thing in either of the co-main events.

WBA Super Lightweight Champion Marcos Maidana (27-1) of Argentina will defend his title against undefeated Victor Cayo (24-0) of the Dominican Republic. Maidana is known as a knockout artist having won 26 of his 27 victories by KO. The WBA #1 contender Victor Cayo has been busy since his pro debut in 2006, fighting 7 times in both 2006 and 2007 and five times each in 2008 and 2009 – all for victories. This is his first major title fight.

The co-main event is for the vacant IBF Lightweight Title. It’s a rematch between Joan Guzman (29-0-1) of Brooklyn, NY and South Africa’s Ali Funeka (30-2-3). The two fought to a draw on November 28, 2009 in Quebec City, Canada, so they know each other well and each promises to leave know doubt in the judges minds who the victor is this time.

The undercard features a bevy of undefeated boxers – Daniel Jacobs (18-9), Jermell Charlo (10-0), Omar Figueroa (8-0), Keith Thurman (12-0) and Diego Chavez (13-0). I don’t expect the promoters to put them up against anyone who stands a chance of blemishing their records, but I expect them to put on good demonstrations of what got them here.

The doors open at 3:00 pm with the first fight scheduled to go off shortly after 3:30 pm. The co-main events are schedule to be broadcast on HBO at 7:30 pm but there is a delayed broadcast on the west coast until 10:30 pm PDT. Tickets from $40 are available at the Hard Rock Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets. There are no bad seats in this venue so fans will have a great view from all over.

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Press Release

HOPKINS VS. JONES UNDERCARD STACKED WITH
CONTENDERS AND RISING STARS

JASON LITZAU-ROCKY JUAREZ, ISMAYL SILLAKH-DANIEL JUDAH
AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SERGIO MORA AGAINST CALVIN GREEN FEATURED ON
APRIL 3 PAY-PER-VIEW CARD LIVE FROM MANDALAY BAY

LOS ANGELES (March 24, 2010) - Three exciting televised fights will warm fans up for the long-awaited rematch between future Hall of Famers Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. "The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II" is scheduled for Saturday, April 3 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada and live on pay-per-view.

Heading up this stacked pay-per-view undercard will be a 10-round showdown between talented up and comer Jason Litzau and perennial contender Rocky Juarez for Litzau's NABF super featherweight title. Also featured is the return of former Junior Middleweight World Champion Sergio Mora against veteran Calvin Green and unbeaten Ukrainian prospect Ismayl Sillakh steps up to the big time to face 175-pound standout Daniel Judah in another NABF title bout, this time in the light heavyweight division

"The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II," set for Saturday, April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev., is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Square Ring Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and Southwest Airlines. The event will be broadcast live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale now at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

26-year old Jason Litzau (26-2, 21 KO's) first arrived on the world scene a few years ago with a series of exciting televised performances that captivated fight fans. These victories led him to a world featherweight title shot against Robert Guerrero in 2008 and though "The American Boy" fell short of victory, he refused to get discouraged. He has since won three in a row at 130 pounds, leading him to this pivotal April 3 showdown against Rocky Juarez.

One of the top contenders of recent years, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Rocky Juarez (28-5-1, 20 KO's) is returning to the 130-pound weight class after a 2009 return to featherweight and two hard-fought battles with WBA 126-pound champ Chris John. In Juarez' last bout at super featherweight, he stopped Jorge Rodrigo Barrios in 11 rounds in September of 2008 and the Houston native plans on picking up where he left off at 130 pounds when he takes on Jason Litzau.

Known to fight fans as "The Latin Snake", Sergio Mora (21-1-1, 5 KO's) became a household name to millions of fans when he won the first season of the reality series "The Contender" in 2005. Following the series, he went unbeaten in his next five fights, leading to a shot at the junior middleweight world title which he capitalized on as he won a hard-fought 12-round decision over the late Vernon Forrest. Three months later, Forrest would win his belt back in an exciting rematch, but the 29-year-old Mora has been eagerly awaiting his return since then, as he's ready to make his move towards winning a title again in 2010. Mora will face Baytown, Texas' Calvin Green (21-4-1, 13 KO's) who has won three out of his last four bouts and is looking to derail the world title track on which Mora is heading with an upset on April 3.

A gifted amateur standout who is now making huge strides towards professional gold, 25-year-old Ukraine native Ismayl Sillakh (11-0, 10 KO's) is on the fast track to the top. Unbeaten as a professional, Sillakh is currently on a seven-fight knockout streak. One fighter who won't be intimidated by this impressive record, is Brooklyn southpaw Daniel Judah (23-4-3, 10 KO's). Judah has been in with some of the best fighters in the world over the course of his career, including Glen Johnson, Yusaf Mack and Eric Harding, and he will be looking to show the young Sillakh that he has some more tricks up his sleeve on fight night.

The Hopkins vs. Jones II pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and has a suggested retail price of $49.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. The main event will begin live immediately following the college basketball semi-finals. For Hopkins vs. Jones II fight week updates, log on to www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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Press Release
3/24/10
Holyfield out to prove
he’s still a player
in heavyweight division

Holyfield-Botha headlines Apr. 10 PPV at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Mar. 18, 2010) – Four-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield plans to make a strong statement April 10 when challenges World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha in the 12-round main event, headlining “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

“I’m not finished, yet,” future Hall of Famer Holyfield emphasized the statement he plans to make against Botha. “I will be champion of the world again.”

“The Legend Returns,” presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The 47-year-old Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs) is coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 in Switzerland to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev that most observers felt Holyfield really won.

Holyfield hasn’t fought in Las Vegas in 11 years and he’s looking forward to returning to the city of his greatest accomplishments. “I’m honored to be fighting again in Las Vegas,” Evander said. “Realistically, everything good happened to me in Las Vegas, starting when I made the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team. I became the undisputed world cruiserweight champion there (WTKO8 vs. Carlos DeLeon in 1988). The first time I won the world heavyweight title was there (WKO3 vs. Buster Douglas in 1990). My second (WDEC12 vs. Riddick Bowe in 1993), third (TKO11 vs. Mike Tyson in 1996), and fourth (DEC12 vs. John Ruiz in 2000) heavyweight titles were all won in Las Vegas. It’s where I’ve done my greatest things and I’m really looking forward to fighting back in Las Vegas.”

All four of Botha’s (47-4-3, 28 KOs) losses have all been to world champions -- Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko – and three came in world championship fights.

“This guy isn’t afraid to come and fight,” Holyfield added. “All of Botha’s losses have been to world champions. He comes to fight, I come to fight; it should be a very interesting match-up.”

Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.

Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com for additional information

-IS-

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Press Release

NEWLY CROWNED DEVON ALEXANDER READY TO FIGHT ANYBODY!//PHOTO: TEAM ALEXANDER

Newly crowned WBC/IBF junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander "The Great" (20-0, 13KO) of St. Louis, MO, wants the world to know that he is willing to fight WBO junior welterweight champion Tim Bradley (25-0, 11KO) right now.

The undefeated Alexander captured his first title at the tender age of 22 when he stopped Junior Witter in August of last year.

"We want the best fights out there, period. We agree that Devon Alexander and Tim Bradley are the best junior welterweights in the world," Alexander's trainer, Kevin Cunningham, recently eloquently stated. "There is no reason they shouldn't fight each other. Tim Bradley is fighting some no name in a tune up for his HBO debut in June. Team Alexander doesn't need a tune up. Tim Bradley can be our tune up."

Alexander, who will be returning to the ring in June after recently capturing the IBF version of the title with a devastating 8th round knock out of Juan Urango, would like nothing more if his return was a unification bout against Bradley.

"Team Alexander is willing to fight anybody. We want to make the fans happy by fighting the fights they want to see," Cunningham said in closing. "We want all the titles. We are in the belt collecting business."

###

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Golden Gloves Regional Championships

South Point Hotel and Casino

3/20-21, 2010

By Steve Robinson

Semi- Finals – 3/20/10

Results

108 lbs Santos Vasquez (NV) over Jesse Ruiz (AZ) – Points

114 lbs Jesus Guerrero (AZ) over David Sandoval (WA) – Points

123 lbs Paul Romero (AZ) over Corey Hill (OR) – Points

132 lbs Nick Jefferson (WA) over Junior Zorita (OR) – Points

132 lbs Bradley Tsosie (AZ) over Rocco Espinoza (NV) – Points

141 lbs Abel Ramos (AZ) over Andre Keys (WA) – Points

141 lbs Gabriel Pineda (OR) over DeHaven Alexander (NV) – Points

152 lbs Isaac Tadeo (WA) over Virgil Green (OR) – Points

152 lbs Luis Olivares (AZ) over Livan Martinez (NV) – Points

165 lbs Davis Robles (OR) over William Maldonado (WA) – Points

165 lbs Muhammed Al-Awadhi (AZ) over Lanell Bellows (NV) – Points

178 lbs Andrew Hernandez (AZ) over Kevin Newman (NV) – Points

178 lbs Marquice Weston (WA) over Joshua Sullivan (OR) – Points

201 lbs Robert Lopez (AZ) over Miguel Palido (WA) – RSC

201 lbs Andrew Tabiti (NV) over David Romero (OR) – RSC

201+ lbs Rydell Gipson (NV) over George Thompson (WA) – RSC

Golden Gloves Regional Championships – Finals

March 21, 2010

108 lbs Santos Vasquez (NV) over Everado Lopez (WA) – Points

114 lbs Oscar Vasquez (NV) over Jesus Guerrero (AZ) – Points

123 lbs Paul Romero (AZ) over Jerrell Barbour (WA) - Points

132 lbs Nick Jefferson (WA) over Bradley Tsosie (AZ) – Points

141 lbs Abel Ramos (AZ) over Gabriel Pineda (OR) – Points

152 lbs Luis Olivares (AZ) over Isaac Tadeo (WA) – Points

165 lbs David Robles (OR) over Muhammed Al-Awadhi (AZ) – Points

178 lbs Andrew Hernandez (AZ) over Marquice Weston (WA) – Points

201 lbs Andrew Tabiti (NV) over Robert Lopez (AZ) – RSC

201+ lbs Rydell Gipson (NV) over Mario Garcia (AZ) – RSCH

Winners go on to the National Finals in Little Rock, AK.

Off Tournament Bouts

Moyses Moya (LA Boxing) over Mason Theethat (Barry’s) – Points

Michael Laberinto (Barry’s) over Jamar Beasley (Henderson PAL – Walkover

Shariff Rahman (Barry’s) over Daniel Huicochea (LA Boxing) - Point

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Press Release
Holyfield-Botha Headlines
“The Legend Returns” PPV
April 10 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Mar. 18, 2010) – Living legend and 5-time world heavyweight champion, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, challenges World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha in the 12-round main event April 10, headlining “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

“The Legend Returns,” presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The 47-year-old Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs), fighting out of Atlanta, is coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev, in which most observers felt Holyfield deserved the victory in Switzerland.

South African strongman Botha (47-4-3, 28 KOs) captured the World Boxing Federation Interim belt in 2007, outpointing Bob Mirovic, and in 2009 Frans won the belt outright with a 12-round decision against Ron Guerrero. Botha made a successful title defense on May 5, 2009, taking a 12-round decision against Timo Hoffman in Germany. During the course of his 20-year professional career, Botha’s four losses have all been to world champions -- Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.

“We’re excited to have Hall of Fame-bound Evander Holyfield fighting Frans Botha on our pay-per-view card,” Crown Boxing’s Frank Luca said. “Evander certainly showed he has a lot left in his disputed loss to Valuev. Crown Boxing has been promoting solid shows six times a year in Las Vegas. Fans have come to expect competitive, entertaining fights at affordably priced Crown Boxing shows held in an intimate atmosphere. Like in MMA, every fight counts on a Crown Boxing show. Those are our trademarks and the tradition continues April 10th but on a much larger stage. The only real differences, though, are Holyfield-Botha features a pair of worldwide name recognized fighters and it’s being held in a scaled-down 9,500 seat Thomas & Mack Center. Everybody will have a great seat for an affordable price. We’ve kept ticket prices down so people can afford to watch Holyfield fight, up close and personal, in Las Vegas for the first time in 11 years. What we’re charging viewers is much less than for most pay-per-view shows. We’re putting together strong supporting fights, too, showcasing talented boxers in order to provide fans in attendance or watching on pay per view with a great night of boxing.”

Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.

Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com for additional information

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Golden Gloves Regional Championships at South Point the Weekend

The Golden Gloves Regional Amateur Boxing Championships will be held this weekend at the South Point Casino on S Las Vegas Blvd.

State champions form Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington will vie for the Regional titles in their respective weight classes for the chance to go on the National Finals in Little Rock, Arkansas in May.

 

Saturdays bouts start at 4:00 pm and Sunday's finals start at noon.

Tickets are available at the door.
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Special to lvboxing.com from Dallas, TX by Gary Todd

Manny Pacquaio v Joshua Clottey.

“The Event”
Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Texas.

Going into this fight, there’s not a lot more you can say about Manny Pacquaio. He has done it all. Well almost.
Since debuting in 1995, he has worked harder than most to become a sporting superstar. He has fought the best fighters in multiple weight divisions and beaten ring legends to become recognized as the number one fighter in the world today. Well almost.

With the fight being billed as “The Event”, only hours away, and all the hard training over for Pacquaio and Clottey, both men will be resting, replenishing, and focusing on what lies ahead.
For Clottey, this is his biggest test to date in his 15 year career as a prizefighter. For Clottey, it’s everything. He knows, if he wins, he will become a millionaire, a national hero to his people of Ghana, but more than that he will get to fight the winner of Mosley and Mayweather.

For Pacquaio, its just another opponent. Well maybe.
When I spoke to Freddie Roach, after the Cotto fight last year, I asked what Pacquaio still had to prove, and who they wanted to fight. Freddie said Mayweather. Another guy jumps into the conversation and asks Freddie, “what about Mosley”? Freddie said, “Mosley is our toughest fight”
I smiled at him, and he said” Im serious”
I couldn’t believe it.
For me, he has to fight Mayweather, then retire. If the Mosley fight was 5 years ago, at a lighter weight, then I would have to agree with Freddie, but not in 2010.
Anyway, lets get back to Clottey.
Clottey is a strong, but limited fighter who has a good left hook, and a decent uppercut, but seems to lose focus after 6 rounds. He will be, as always, in great physical condition, and will be bigger on the night. Throw in, a height and reach advantage, for him, and really, a nothing to lose attitude, then it makes for an interesting fight. Well maybe.
Pacquaio has fought bigger guys who trained hard, and none of them could adjust or adapt to his speed or angles.
For Clottey to have any chance of beating Pacquaio, he has to get inside and go to the body, and follow up with the uppercut, left hook. [ his best punch]
At first, Pacquaio just wont be there. He will box and stay outside, counter punching Clottey as he throws his hooks. Clottey has a bad habit of dropping his hands, when he throws his hooks, and Pacquaio will catch him all night long.
Interesting to note though, Pacquaio will have to be careful , not to get sloppy, or try to exchange bombs, on the inside, as Clottey has a lethal weapon,- his head. If you look at his record, you will see that in some of his fights, his best punch was his head. In some of his biggest fights against, Miguel Cotto, Zab Judah, Steve Martinez, Carlos Baldomir, and Richard Guttierrez, he resorted to fighting with his head, which cost him dearly.

The fight and my prediction.

I see Pacquaio fighting his fight, from the outside, and in the centre of the ring. Clottey will try everything and anything to try and get to Pacquaio on the inside, and he will at some point, make contact with Pacquaio’s eyebrows, causing a bad cut. This will be a turning point in the fight, and it should force Pacquaio to go for the knockout. After another head clash, the referee will stop the fight, and the fight will go to the scorecards.

A bloodied Pacquaio wins on points.

 

Gary Todd is an international, best selling author with his book on world champions, “Workouts From Boxings Greatest Champs” Look out for his follow up at www.amazon.co.uk, or at www.pennantbooks.com VOLUME II, coming in May, 2010.

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03/12/10

Battease Falls to Martinez

By Steve Robinson

The main event at The Orleans Friday night was every boxer’s dream – to be in the featured event before your fans, friends and family for the first time in your professional career. Crown Boxing matched Brian Battease (6-1-2) boxing out of Las Vegas against Allen Martinez (5-1-1) of East LA in a bout that was designed to cap off a night featuring local boxers working their way up in the ranks. Both have similar records, both are 26 years old and they have an opponent in common having both fought Hugo Ramos in 2009. Battease battled him to a draw and Martinez won by unanimous decision. Battease, originally from Hawaii, but having waged all of his professional battles right here at The Orleans, was clearly the crowd favorite when they were announced in pre-fight ceremonies.

Brian started strong, beating Martinez to the punch in the first to keep him off balance and when Martinez offered some offense, Battease showed good defensive skills by making him miss, then making him pay with good counter punches. As the fight progressed, Martinez bigger punches began to take their toll by the fourth round even as Battease continued to flurry and dance away. Brian’s attacks seemed to have little effect on Martinez while Battease developed an ugly mouse under his right eye after eating some hard left hands to his face. When the fifth round began, it was new territory for both fighters, who had never been beyond four rounds in any previous contest. Battease clearly looked worse for wear with the eye injury but didn’t let up continuing sporadic assaults. Late in the round Martinez landed a sweet left-right combination that dropped Battease to the canvas. Battease was able to gain his feet but Boxing Hall of Fame Referee Robert Byrd looked him in the eyes and waived off the count giving Martinez a TKO victory. The time was 2:57 of the fifth. Martinez clearly deserved the victory as a survey of press row at the time of the knock down had Battease trailing by three rounds to one. Never the less, plenty of locals left disappointed - no one more than Brian Battease.

Undercard

Gutierrez vs. Montoya

The opener was a Jr. Welterweight contest between Jesus Gutierrez of Las Vegas in his pro debut and Antonio Montoya (0-3) of Salt Lake City, UT. After a sloppy first round, Gutierrez punches started to find their mark in the second. Referee Russell Mora administered an eight count about mid round when Gutierrez landed a clean punch. Montoya didn’t go down but the referee must have determined that the ropes kept him on his feet. Montoya managed to last out the second but took a beating. Early in the third, Gutierrez landed a clean right that rocked Montoya’s head. Referee Mora had seen enough and stepped in to stop the bout giving Gutierrez a TKO at 38 seconds of the third. Gutierrez,, strangely gets credit for two knock downs without ever putting Montoya down on his way to his first professional win.

Alcolea vs. Coca-Gallegos

Next up were Welterweights Juan Alcolea (1-1) of Las Vegas, NV and Michael Coca-Gallegos (0-3) of Las Vegas, NM. The power punching Alcolea dropped Coca-Gallegos in the first with an overhand right. Coca-Gallegos was able to gain his feet quickly and last out the round. Alcolea landed a few more big rights in the second that kept Coca-Gallegos on the defensive. Coca- Gallegos was more aggressive late in the fight but wasn’t able to hurt the tough Alcolea who held on to win a Unanimous Decision 38-37, and 39-36 twice on the judge’s score cards.

Santomauro vs. Herrera

Las Vegas Featherweight Rocco Santomaura (2-0) took on Thomas Herrera (2-4-1) of Tucson, AZ in the next bout. Prior to the fight Herrera danced into the ring emulating Michael Jackson’s dance steps, while the Italian American entered to an operatic aria. Santomauro dominated the action except for a short time of the third round when Herrera cornered him on the ropes and worked him over. However Santomauro shook it off and continued his assault on to a Unanimous Decision 40-36 and 39-37 twice victory.

Calzado vs. Mendias

Undefeated local Welterweight Ricardo Calzedo (2-0) of North Las Vegas fought Marcos Mendias (0-2) of Phoenix, AZ prior to the intermission. From the opening bell Calzedo lowered his head and bulled his way inside aiming to do some damage to Medias mid-section. Mendias countered with some nice uppercuts to counter the attack. Calzedo’s mouthpiece was dislodged late in the round. When Calzado’s mouthpiece came out again early in the second, Referee Robert Byrd believed it was intentional and penalized Calzedo a point. Calzedo continued to work his way inside but was ineffective and inactive when he got there giving Mendias plenty of opportunity to out punch him inside.
After four rounds all three judges scored the match 40-35 for Marcos Mendias who garners his first professional victory at Calzedo’s expense.

Santiago vs. Herrera

In the only match not to feature local boxers, Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (2-0) of Phoenix, AZ took on Sergio Herrera (3-0) of Oxnard, CA. We’re not sure if Santiago got his nickname from Ward and June Cleaver’s TV son or if he just has a bad overbite. In a hard fought close battle, Herrera was the aggressor, throwing more blows while Santiago was content to counter with a few big shots. After four close rounds, each was hoping to remain undefeated and they did as Judge Dick Houck had it 39-37 for Herrera, while Judges Tim Cheatham and Jerry Roth saw it 38-38 for a Majority Draw.

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Friday Night Fights To Feature Local Boxers

March 11, 2010

By Steve Robinson

Although most of the big fight promoters will deny it, boxing has dropped in popularity in recent years while MMA has blossomed. Oh, for the days when a boxer would fight anybody, regardless of how much money was on the table or if the guy stood a chance of beating him. Also wasn’t it great when we could watch a Championship bout on network TV without a huge Pay-Per-View charge. Today boxers are so closely managed that many, if not most of their professional fights while they are early in their careers, have a predetermined outcome. They are being groomed for big money fights in the future and are so over-managed that they rarely, if ever, have truly competitive bouts.

This will not be the case Friday night at The Orleans, when Crown Boxing promotes “Noche De Boxeo Caliente”. The six fight card features local boxers, early in their professional careers who are not the “pampered elite” of the sport. These are not the former Olympians or sons of former champions riding on their father’s coat tails – just tough guys trying to make it in a tough sport and earning their way to the top by fighting whoever is put in the ring with them.

The best thing about these fight cards is that you really never know who’s going to win. All the bouts are competitive and these guys are fighting in front of the people who mean the most to them – their family, friends and relatives. Since most of the fights feature local boxers, there should be plenty of local fans out to cheer them on – and who doesn’t want to do their best for the people who care about them.

The Main Event features Brian Battease (6-1-2) who has fought all nine of his professional fights at The Orleans. Battease is trained by Steve Boe of Boe’s Boxing and comes to us from Hawaii but now makes his home in Las Vegas. He’ll be taking on Alen Martinez (5-1-1) of Los Angeles, CA in the scheduled six round feature event.

Other locals fighting include Jesus Gutierrez, Juan Alcolea, Rocco Santomauro and Ricardo Calzeda. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the first fight is scheduled to go off at 7:00 pm. Tickets starting at $25 are still available at The Orleans box office at 702-365-7075.

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GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS MAKES SHOBOX DEBUT
FRIDAY, APRIL 2, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

UNBEATEN ERISLANDY LARA FACES DANNY PEREZ
IN MAIN EVENT; CARLOS VELASQUEZ IN CO-FEATURE AT
THE HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

Live on SHOWTME at 11 p.m. ET/PT, Tickets on Sale NOW!

LOS ANGELES - (March 8, 2010) - For years, SHOWTIMEhas featured boxing's top prospects and future World Champions on its hit series ShoBox: The New Generation giving boxing fans a glimpse of the World Champions of tomorrow today. On Friday, April 2, live on SHOWTIME, Golden Boy Promotions is proud to present its first event on the series.

Undefeated Cuban junior middleweight rising star Erislandy Lara puts his perfect record on the line against the always-dangerous Danny Perez in a 10-round main event and Puerto Rican featherweight standout Carlos Velasquez returns to dazzle fans in the co-feature on what promises to be a night to remember at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

"We're proud to present our first ShoBox event and we promise that fans will see the quality of fights they're accustomed to on the series," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Danny Perez will be Erislandy Lara's toughest test to date and a fight I'm really looking forward to. I'm also excited to see Carlos Velasquez back in the ring and if he can be impressive on April 2 on ShoBox, the sky's the limit for him."

The doubleheader will headline an exciting night of professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate which will air live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m., ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets, priced at $100, $60 and $30, plus a limited number of $125 VIP and $25 standing room tickets, are on sale now and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Also competing on April 2 will be a host of Golden Boy Promotions' undefeated rising stars, including Puerto Rico's Hector Sanchez (18-0, 8 KO's), 2008 U.S. Olympic Heavyweight Bronze medalist Deontay Wilder (8-0, 8 KO's) and New Jersey's Mike Perez (6-0-1, 3 KO's).

Southpaw sensation Lara (10-0, 6 KO's) has followed up a stellar amateur career in Cuba with the makings of a world championship run in the professional ranks. Unbeaten in 10 bouts, the 26-year-old native of Guantanamo went 7-0 with 4 knockouts in 2009, and in 2010 he's picked up where he left off, halting veteran contender Grady Brewer in 10 rounds on Jan. 29 at The Joint. On April 2, he returns to the site of his greatest pro victory to date and hopes to make it two in a row against Perez.

Carlsbad, California's Perez (34-6, 17 KO's) knows all the tricks of the trade when it comes to the sweet science. The owner of five regional titles over the course of his career, Perez has faced the likes of Antonio Margarito, Jose Luis Zertuche, Grady Brewer, David Lopez and Eric Mitchell, and is looking forward to taking Lara into deep waters this April.

A member of the 2004 Puerto Rican Olympic team, Velasquez (11-0, 9 KO's) has been tearing through the pro ranks with a mix of speed and power that has boxing insiders taking notice. The highly regarded 25-year-old Velasquez, who trains out of Las Vegas, owns wins over a series of seasoned veterans and will be put to the test once again as he looks to further cement his status of future star against an opponent to be determined.

Opponents for Sanchez, Wilder and Perez and additional undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow Golden Boy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.
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USA Boxing Senior State Championships

03/07/10

By Steve Robinson

Among a plethora of amateur boxing tournaments recently held in the Las Vegas area were the USA Boxing Nevada State Championships. Saturday contestant’s weighed in at 7:00 am and the fights began shortly after 4:00 pm at the Henderson PAL Gym on Major Ave in Henderson, NV. The results were as follows:

Unopposed Champions

132 lbs. – Bronson Stultz

141 lbs. – Dehaven Alexander

152 lbs. – Boston Salmon

165 lbs. – Linell Bellows

201 lbs. – Andrew Tabiti

201+ lbs – Rydell Gipson

Tournament Matches

108 Pounds – Diego Hurtado over Santos Vasquez - RSC

114 pounds – Oscar Vasquez over Sergio Lopez- Points

114 pounds – Alan Garcia over Tyler James - Points

Vasquez meets Garcia today at noon for the 114 pound championship match.

Off Tournament Bouts

Jamar Beasley (Henderson PAL) over Jujit Butay (Barry’s) – Points

Akran Zerhouni (Barry’s) over Danny Vella (Henderson PAL) – Points

Jason Sandoval (LA Boxing) over Nicholas Cantu – Points

Ilyass Zerhouni (Barry’s) over Luis Zarate - RSC

Cameron Krael (Boe’s Boxing) over Carlos Garcia (Unattached) - RSC

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BOXING SUPERSTARS FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND
SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY SET TO MEET IN
MAYWEATHER VS. MOSLEY: WHO R U PICKING?,
AN ELECTRIFYING WELTERWEIGHT MEGA-FIGHT
SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS
LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

NEW YORK (March 2) - "Who R U Picking?" "Who are you picking?" The buzz surrounding the biggest night of boxing this year has already started as superstar and six-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and welterweight mega-star, five-time World Champion and current WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, are set to meet in Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking?, on Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a spectacular bout which will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The bout, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T, Dewalt Tools and StubHub,promises to be a spectacular display of talent and skill with Mayweather and Mosley will meet in a 12-round welterweight battle that is already being compared to other great and historic welterweight match-ups like Sugar Ray Leonard against Tommy Hearns and Oscar de la Hoya against Felix Trinidad.

"Ever since I came back to the sport I said I only wanted to fight the best and Shane Mosley is one of the best," said Mayweather (40-0, 25 KO's). "Not only does he have the skills, but he is also fast, strong and a very tough competitor. His speed and power won't mean much that night against my will and determination to dominate him inside the square circle. When I compete against the best, I am always at my best; so on May 1 the fans will see one great performance."

"I have always wanted to fight Floyd Mayweather and now that dream is finally coming true," said Mosley, (46-5, 39 KO's). "Floyd is excellent at what he does, but my past record of beating the best competition and other great champions shows that he is just another one of my opponents I intend to beat. He has never faced anyone like me before and I think that will be a big factor on May 1 when I plan to show him just what it means to meet a true champion in the ring."

"This fight has been in the making for a long time and now Floyd has the opportunity to showcase his skills against a great champion like Shane," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO, Mayweather Promotions. "It is these kinds of opportunities that elevate and excite Floyd. The people and the polls might be wondering who is going to win this fight, but on May 1, I have no doubt that Floyd is going to give them a dominant performance and continue to prove why he is the best fighter in the world today. "

"The theme of this fight is "who are you picking?" because when two champions of this caliber meet in the ring, you can expect nothing but an extremely competitive fight and an unknown outcome that will only reveal itself on May 1," said Richard Schaefer, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions. "Shane Mosley is one of the greatest fighters of this era and so is Floyd Mayweather, so it is a true gift that the fans will have the opportunity to see a fiercely competitive and fantastic night of boxing."

"MGM Grand is thrilled to host two of the sport's superstars," said Richard Sturm, President of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. "Mayweather and Mosley bring tremendous speed and skill to the ring and will no doubt electrify the fans on May 1."

"Mayweather vs. Mosley is a showdown of superstars that fans have been talking about for years," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. "It has all the elements of a pay-per-view mega-fight."

A 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist for the United States, the undefeated Floyd Mayweather has since gone on to strike gold in the professional ranks, winning six world titles in five weight classes to firmly establish himself as one of the most elite fighters of his era. With dominating wins over the likes of World Champions Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton, Mayweather was on a meteoric rise to hall of fame greatness when he announced his retirement from the ring in 2008. But he left the door open for a return if the right challenge presented itself and after 18 months of a much needed physical and emotional break from the ring, he returned to boxing on September 19, 2009 with a dominating and spectacular victory over future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez. He now faces Mosley on May 1 in what will be one of his most challenging contests to date.

In addition to his boxing accomplishments, Mayweather has managed to become a crossover star, appearing in HBO®'s Emmy® award winning reality series "24/7" three separate times as he provided cameras with an all access look at his training and personal life. Additionally, as a competitor on ABC's Dancing With The Stars, Mayweather was introduced to a completely new audience with over 35 million viewers tuning in each week.

It would be easy for Sugar Shane Mosley to be a satisfied man, but Mosley will not be content until he feels that he has climbed every mountain the sport has to offer, including beating Floyd Mayweather on May 1. His goal is to continue to win as this future Hall of Famer always has, compiling six world titles and having ruled the lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight divisions over his storied 16-year career. Mosley has defeated them all, including the likes of Oscar de la Hoya, Fernando Vargas (twice), Luis Collazo and Ricardo Mayorga, but his most recent victory could be his most spectacular - a ninth round stoppage of Antonio Margarito in January 2009 to win the welterweight world title for the third time.

Mosley has a worldwide fan base and feels that he can continue to win, including one more world championship, his sixth, which is an amazing feat for any fighter, but seems easy when you're a given the hallowed "Sugar" nickname, shared by Mosley with the legendary "Sugars," Robinson and Leonard. He also hopes to ascend back to the number one spot on the mythical pound for pound list, which will only happen by taking on the best in the world, fight in and fight out.

Tickets priced are $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at
www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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MARCOS MAIDANA VS. VICTOR CAYO AND
ALI FUNEKA VS. JOAN GUZMAN II SET TO HEADLINE
MARCH 27, 2010 HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER TO TAKE PLACE AT
THE JOINT AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

LOS ANGELES, March 1 - There will be fireworks at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, March 27 when Golden Boy Promotions presents a world championship doubleheader featuring one of boxing's most exciting fighters in a pivotal matchup against the number one challenger to his crown, and a rematch of one of 2009's most closely-contested battles.

In the 12 round main event, interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Marcos Maidana defends his title against unbeaten Dominican Republic star Victor Cayo, and in the co-featured attraction of this compelling doubleheader, South African standout Ali Funeka and unbeaten former two division World Champion Joan Guzman and look to settle the score after their 2009 draw when they meet again in a 12 round fight for the vacant IBF lightweight championship.

"The fight fans of Las Vegas are some of the most knowledgeable in the world and when we put a show on there, it's got to be top-notch," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "We feel that delivering two exciting and competitive world title fights in one night with Maidana vs. Cayo and Funeka vs. Guzman is just the type of event that the Las Vegas boxing fans will rally around."

Tickets, priced at $200, $100 and $50 with a limited number of $250 VIP and $40 standing room tickets also available, go on sale on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10 AM PT, and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Maidana vs. Cayo and Guzman vs. Funeka are presented by Golden Boy Promotions with Maidana vs. Cayo being presented in association with Maidana´s German PromoterUniversum Box Promotions, Warriors Boxing Promotions and Sampson Boxing and Funeka vs. Guzman being presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Cedric Kushner's Gotham Boxing. The world championship doubleheader will air live on HBO's Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:30pm ET (taped delayed on the West Coast at 10:30 PM PT). Doors open at 3:00 PM with the first bell ringing at 3:30 PM.

A thrill a second fighter with dynamite in his fists, Buenos Aires' Marcos "Chino" Maidana (27-1, 26 KO's) emerged on the international scene in 2009 with a devastating display of power and intensity. In June of last year, the 26-year old stunned boxing observers with his sixth round stoppage of highly-regarded "Vicious" Victor Ortiz in a Fight of the Year candidate, winning the interim WBA junior welterweight title in the process. Five months later, he defended the crown for the first time with a third round knockout of William Gonzalez, and on March 27, he looks to add to his impressive KO percentage (96.2%) when he takes on Victor Manuel Cayo.

Santo Domingo's Victor Manuel Cayo (24-0, 16 KOs) has steadily progressed through the 140-pound ranks, building a reputation as an impressive boxer-puncher who has 'star' written all over him. Winner of three regional titles in less than four years as a pro, and owner of victories over Julio "The Kid" Diaz, Noe "Platanito" Bolanos, and Arturo "Silencioso" Morua. The 25-year-old Cayo is coming off of a third round TKO of previously unbeaten Julio Reyes last December, and he is more than ready for his chance to shine in the world championship spotlight.

A huge lightweight at 6 foot 1, Ali Funeka (30-2-3, 25 KOs) is a tough matchup for anyone he faces...just ask Nate Campbell and Joan Guzman, who Funeka took to the brink in their bouts with him. Owner of a fourth round knockout of Zahir Raheem in July of 2008, South Africa's Funeka has impressed United States observers with his busy style and poise under pressure. Now, following a November 28 draw against Guzman, all the 31-year old wants to do is win a world title to bring back home to his fans in East London. He gets that chance once again on March 27 in his highly-anticipated rematch against Guzman.

Perhaps the greatest fighter to ever come out of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo's Joan "Little Tyson" Guzman (29-0-1, 17 KOs) is also one of the premier boxers of this era. A former junior featherweight and junior lightweight world champion, the 33-year old Guzman is unbeaten in his third weight class and looking to become a three division world champion by defeating Funeka.

A full slate of exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow Golden Boy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

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PRESS RELEASE

Crown Boxing Inc.
FROM THE BOXING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
PRESENTS FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS March 12, 2010

ALONG WITH

The Orleans Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada

Mardi Gras Ballroom, Doors open 6pm / First bout 7pm.

"Al Bernstein (The Official Host of Crown Boxing) will be Ringside"
(Al will be interacting with fans, signing autographs, pictures; you may be interviewed by Al!)

Noche De Boxeo Caliente

Jr.Welterweight Bout
Jesus Gutierrez (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Antonio Montoya (Utah)

Welterweight Bout
Juan Alcolea (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Michael Gallegos (New Mexico)

Featherweight Bout
Rocco Santomauro (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Thomas Herrera (Tucson, AZ.)

Welterweight Bout
Ricardo Calzada (North Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Marcos Mendias (Phoenix, AZ.)

INTERMISSION

Jr. Featherweight Bout
Alexis Santaigao (Phoenix, AZ.) vs. Jamie Gutierrez (Las Angeles, CA.)

Main Event Bout

Brian Battease (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Alen Martinez (Las Angeles, CA.)

(Card subject to Change)

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Nevada State Championships

Additional Final Bouts - 2/28/10

 

(W indicates winner)


1) Daniel Diaz (W) (Steele Gym_ 70lbs. Finals- Kenny Towar( Mity Mites)
2) Malik Walls (Steele Gym) 95lbs. Finals (W) Humberto Guillan,Jr. (Mity Mites)

Off- Tournament

3) Whitney Withington (W)( Fortune Gym, Ca.)- female novice 130lbs.- Candy De La Torre( Boe Boxing)
4) Dylan Van Cleef( Unattached)- novice 135lbs.- (W) Keith Hunter (Steele Gym)
5) Anthony Acouisto (W) (Fortune Gym, Ca).- novice 152lbs.- Jorge De La Torre( Boe Boxing)
6) Reece Bennett( Fortune Gym, Ca.)- novice 172lbs.- (W) Kevin Newman (Steele Gym)
7) Kristinsson Gunnor( Iceland Gym)- novice 201+lbs. (W)- Leyon Azubuike (The Rock, Ca.)
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Nevada State Junior Olympic Championships

First Day Tournament Results

2/27/10

Several boxers obtained State JO Championship credentials simply by entering the tournament where no one else was in their weight class and will advance to Regional Championships.

Bantam 65 lbs - Smathy Silva – Reno Jets

Bantam 85 lbs- Jojt Butay Fillon Jr – Barry’s Boxing

Juniors 75 lbs - Devin Haney – Tocco’s Gym

Juniors 80 lbs – Jacob Strickland – Reno Jets

Juniors 106 lbs – Mario Martinez – Reno Jets

Intermediate 70 lbs – Cory Conner – Steele’s Boxing

Intermediate 80 lbs – Marcus Marks – Henderson PAL

Intermediate 90 lbs – Female- Marquela Blakey – Henderson PAL

Intermediate 119 lbs – David Beltran – Elite Boxing

Intermediate 138 lbs – Marcos Magdaleno – Barry’s Boxing

Intermediate 145 lbs – Josua Vasquez – Reno Jets

Senior JO 110 lbs – Salvador Sanchez – Steele’s Boxing

Senior JO 119 lbs – Francisco Esparza – Center Ring Boxing

Senior JO 138 lbs – Ismael Guerrero – Arce Boxing

Senor JO 176+ lbs - Deyon Christie – Barry’s Boxing

Senior JO Female 110 lbs – Bernice Hernandez – Unattached

Senior JO Female 132 lbs – Maritsa Guillen – Mitey Mites

Tournament Boxing Results – Xtreme Couture Gym – 2/27/10

Bantam 70 Semi-Finals – Daniel Diaz (Steele’s) over Damian Rainbow (Unattached – Pts

Jr 95 Semi-Finals – Humberto Guillan Jr. (Mitey Mites) over Aaron Corona (Barry’s) – Pts-

Bantam 60 – Finals – Akram Zerhouni (Barry’s) over Kamren Strickland (Reno Jets) – Pts

Int. 85 Finals – Elisio Duran (Steele’s) over Chaz Lucero (Henderson PAL) – Pts

Int 90 Finals – Andres Cortes (Elite) over Alex Rodriguez (Mitey Mites) – Pts

Int 114 Finals – Kenneth Davis (Arce Boxing) over Joseph Macedo- (Tocco’s) – Pts

Sr JO 101 Finals – Cesar Quinonez (Elite) over Alec Mcgee (Cheyenne) – Pts

Sr JO 125 Finals – Ilyass Zerhouni (Barry’s) over Brent John (War Party) – Pts

Sr JO 132 Finals – Isaac Castaneda (Center Ring) over Ramion Montes (Mity Mites) – Pts

Off Tournament Bouts

Jamal Beasley (Henderson PAL) over Jacob Strickland (Reno Jets) – RSC

Bhrayan Pena (Center Ring) over Nicholas Cantu (Tocco’s) – Points

Marco Magdaleno (Barry’s) over Josue Vasquez (Reno Jets) – Ret.

Francisco Esparza (Center Ring) over David Beltran (Elite) – Points

Aurelio Moreno (Center Ring) over Robert Valdez (Tocco’s) – Points

Ernesto Luzanilla (Steele’s) over Oswald Sanches (Center Ring) - DQ

 

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FOUR DAYS TO GO...

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR THE HOTTEST TICKET IN BOXING
AS TICKETS FOR MAYWEATHER VS. MOSLEY MEGA-BOUT GO
ON SALE TUESDAY, MARCH 2 AT 10 A.M. PT

EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTED DEMAND FOR MAY 1
WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS FORCES TICKET LIMITS

LAS VEGAS, (February 26, 2010) - The countdown is on and the hottest night in boxing is about to get hotter as tickets for the much-anticipated mega-fight between Boxing Superstar FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER and current WBA Welterweight World Champion SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY are set to go on sale Tuesday, March 2 at 10 a.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150 (not including applicable service charges) and will be limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. ;

Mayweather vs. Mosley is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T, Dewalt Tools and StubHub. The 12-round welterweight mega-bout will take place Saturday, May 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View®.

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Golden Gloves States – Final Results

By Steve Robinson

2/21/10

The finals of the Golden Glove Nevada State Championships were held today at Chaparral High School in Las Vegas. The Golden Gloves series probably is the highest regarded in our countries amateur boxing history having started in Chicago in 1923. Former National Golden Glove Champions include Joe Lewis (1934), Muhammed Ali (1973), Thomas Hearns (1977), Mike Tyson (1984), Evander Holyfield (1984), and Oscar DeLaHoya (1984), among others. Today in Las Vegas, ten boxers in their respective weight classes advanced to the Regional Tournament, many with hopes of joining the illustrious names of boxing’s past. Today’s results were as follows:

108 lbs Santos Vasquez over Diego Hurtado – Points

114 lbs Oscar Vasquez over Sergio Lopez – Points

123 lbs Diego Magdaleno advanced when his opponent failed to make weight

132 lbs Rocco Espinoza over Raul Cespedes – Points

141 lbs Javier Montes over Dehaven Alaexander – Points

152 lbs Liven Martinez over Boston Salmon – Points

165 lbs Lanell Bellows over Nicholas Kay – RSC

178 lbs Kevin Newman by Walkover

201 lbs Andrew Tabiti over Carey Dupree – RSC

201+ lbs Rydell Gipson by Walkover

The Regional Golden Gloves Championships will be held March 20-21st at South Point Hotel and Casino where the boxers from Nevada will meet opponents from Arizona, Washington and Oregon. Winners advance to the National Finals May 3-8 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Off Tournament Bouts

Akram Zerhouni (Barry’s) over Danny Vella (Henderson PAL) – Points

Devin Haney (Tocco’s) over Adrian Servin (Azteca) – Points

Osvaldo Hernandez (Azteca) over Chaz Lucero (Henderson PAL) – Points

Walter Melchor (Azrteca) over Lance Rogers (Tocco’s) – RSC

Ilyass Zerhouni (Barry’s) over Luis Zarate (LA Boxing) – Points

Luciano Stoica (Central) over Sharif Rahman (Barry’s) – DQ

Jesse Mendoza (Central) over Marco Magdaleno (Barry’s) – Points

William Banda (Barry’s) over Dave Garcia (Boe’s) - RSC

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Golden Gloves State Championships

February 20, 2010

By Steve Robinson

Preliminary bouts were held today at Chaparral High School leading up to tomorrow’s State Finals at the same location. The results were as follows:

108 lbs Santos Vasquez over Eduardo Alvarez – Points

108 lbs Diego Hurtado over Blake Fazio – RSC

114 lbs Sergio Lopez over Ivan Garcia – Points

114 lbs Oscar Vasquez over Alan Garcia – Points

123 lbs Lance Rogers over Tyler James – DQ

132 lbs Raul Cespedes over Jesus Martinez – Points

132 lbs Rocco Espinoza over Bronson Stultz – Points

141 lbs Dehaven Alexander over Kyron Butler – RSC

141 lbs Javier Montes over Ryan Picou – Points

165 lbs Nicholas Kay over Francisco Martinez – RSC

Non Tournament Bouts

Devin Haney (Tocco’s) over Alberto Valenzuela (Prescott) – Points

Marcus Marks (Henderson PAL) over Sergio Sanchez (Tocco’s) – Points

Jamar Beesley (Henderson PAL) over Jojit Butay (Barry’s) – Points

Zuley Shakespeare (Barry’s) over Edaly Hernandez (Steele’s) – Points

Francisco Esparza (Center Ring) over Ilyass Zerhouni (Barry’s) – Points

Moises Lopez (Jakes PAL) over David Barragan (Barry’s) – RSC

Cameron Krael (Boe’s) over Dylan Van Cleef (Unattached) – RSC

Rydell Gipson (Barry’s) over Andrew Gamboa (Tocco’s) - RSC

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Latin Fury vs. Pinoy Power

The room where tonight’s fights were staged was the historic Pavilion at the Las Vegas Hilton where many championship fights of yore were fought in Las Vegas. From Mohammed Ali to Mike Tyson, all the big names in boxing plied their art in this arena, entertained fans throughout the world and helped make Las Vegas the “Boxing Capitol of the World”. The large room with bleachers at the sides, pales in comparison to today’s arenas in dimension but the echos of past boxing history remain and add excitement to the contests that follow. So it was at the Las Vegas Hilton Saturday night where Top Rank Boxing pitted top Filipino boxers against top Latino talent.

Famed Ring Announcer Michael Buffer introduced the big crowd of Philippine and Hispanic boxing fans to the first of four Championship bouts that went out across the country and the world on a PPV broadcast.

In a scheduled 10 round Featherweight contest, Bernebe Concepcion (29-2-1, 17KO’s) of the Philippines took on Mario Santiago (21-1-1, 14 KO’s) of Puerto Rico. The winner of this contest is scheduled to take on Champion Juan Manuel Lopez for the title in the near future. A confident Concepcion took control of this fight early and rarely let up. In a fight that was thought would be a close contest, Concepcion dominated the action with a well planned strategy of aggression that never let Santiago get started. Concepcion never missed an opportunity to tag Santiago while avoiding any punishment himself. After dominating the first five rounds, Concepcion caught Santiago with a sweet right while he was back pedaling and dropped him for an eight count midway through the sixth. Santiago beat the count and managed to weather the ensuing attack to last out the round. That was the only knockdown in the fight and Santiago came back to go after the knockout he needed in the late rounds but was unsuccessful as when it went to the scorecards Richard Ocasio scored the match 98-91, Glen Trowbridge had it 97-92 and Jerry Roth saw it 96-93, all for Bernebe Concepcion who will go on to face the Champion for the title.

In a scheduled 12 round WBO Bantamweight Title Elimination bout, Filipino Gerry Penelosa (54-7.2, 34 KO’s) fought Eric Morel (41-2, 21 KO’s) of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This fight ended up being the closest of the night with lots of back and forth action for all twelve rounds. Morel had a three inch height advantage and longer arms but was seldom able to keep Penalosa from working his way inside to unload a barrage of punches. With all the inside action heads clashed several times causing a pesky gash over Penalosa’s left eye in the sixth that remained open for the remainder of the fight. The head butt was determined to be accidental by the referee. There was no quit in the bloodied Penalosa but all of the rounds were close and after twelve rounds where no boxer had been down and neither dominated, the decision went to the judges. Judge Dick Houck scored the match 115-113 for Penalosa, while Judge Paul Smith had it 115-113 and Judge Duane Ford had it 116-112, both for Eric Morel who becomes the WBO Champion by Split Decision. There is no doubt that this was a close fight and the decision could have gone either way, so a possible rematch could be in the future for these warriors.

Next up was a WBO Championship title fight between Fernando Montiel (39-2-2, 29 KO’s) of Los Mochis, Mexico and Ciso Morales (14-0, 8 KO’s) of the Philippines. After a minute or so of testing his opponent, Montiel landed a left hook to Morales midsection causing the Filipino to crumple to the mat, curled up in pain. Referee Robert Byrd reached the count of ten at 2:06 of the first giving Montiel at KO victory without breaking a sweat.

In the last televised match Super Flyweight Champion Nonito Donaire (22-1, 14 KO’s) fought last minute replacement Manuel Vargas (26-4-1, 11 KO’s) of Mexico. Vargas has fought most of his recent fights at the Minimum weight class of 105 pounds but took this fight on a few days notice when scheduled opponent Gerson Guerrero failed to pass a prefight physical. Donaire, who at 5’6” rarely towers over any opponent, dwarfed his smaller opponent who weighed in at 114 pounds for this contest. He must have had rocks in his pockets at the weigh in. After toying with Vargas for the first two rounds, Donaire landed a beautiful left uppercut that caused Vargas hands to drop and he stood motionless for a second before collapsing to the canvas in a delayed reaction. Referee Joe Cortez counted Vargas out at 1:33 of the third round, ending up a night where both Filipinos and Latinos had their heroes in a fine night of boxing.

 

Undercard Action

The opener was a Super Featherweight fight between Edgar Portillo (6-3, 4 KO’s) of Midland, TX and Hector Marengo (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Puerto Rico. This turned out to be a fight of contrasting styles – Portillo was a puncher who landed with authority and Marengo was a boxer who was quicker and more accurate but didn’t have much power behind his blows. There was plenty of toe to toe action and heads clashed several times causing a cut over Marengo’s left eye in the 5th. The rounds were all close and nobody went down so at the end of six rounds Judge Lisa Giampa had it 58-56 for Portillo, while Judge Ricardo Ocasio saw it 58-56 for Marengo. Judge CJ Ross saw it 57-57 so the fight was called a draw.

Next up were Welterweights Raymond Gatica (11-0, 6 KO’s) of Austin, TX and Mark Melligan (16-2, 12 KO’s) of The Philippines. Gatica had plenty of movement early and was content to stick and move while Melligan relentlessly walked him down. Gatica’s movement made Melligan miss often early but Gatica’s attacks were without effect. By the fifth round a confident Gatica was showboating his defensive moves when he ducked into a Melligan left hook that put the Texan on his ass. Gatica beat the count and appeared unhurt, lasting out the round. Melligan continued his attack into the sixth where he finally caught Gatica with a series of punches that put him down again. Gatica was able to gain his feet but Melligan’s subsequent attack caused Referee Kenny Bayless to step in and stop the fight giving Mark Melligan a TKO victory at 2: 36 of the round. At the time of the KO, Melligan was ahead on all three judges cards 5-0, 5-0 and 4-1.

Next up was promising High School Senior and former Golden Gloves Champ Jose Benevidez (1-0, 1 KO) of Phoenix, AZ who tackled John Vega (0-1) of Texas. Benevidez used lightning fast hand speed and devastating power to drop Vega early in the first. Vega got up but after Benevidez pummeled him a few him a few more times a befuddled Vega turned to his corner and begged them to stop. Referee Richard Mora waived off the fight at 1:07 of the first round keeping Benevidez record in tact at 2-0 with 2 KO’s.

Middleweights Matt Korobov (9-0, 7 KO’s) of Russia and Lamar Harris (6-4-3) of St, Louis were up next. Evidently not wanting to be outdone by Benevidez, Matt Korobov battered a hapless Harris about the ring until Referee Robert Byrd stepped in to protect the defenseless Harris at 1:05 of the first. Harris never went down, but was absorbing big shots to his head, not returning any in kind and unable to defend himself. Korobov gets his TKO early in the first and stays undefeated.

Before the televised events started, Las Vegan Diego Magdaleno (13-0. 3 KO’s) took on Italian Floriano Pagliara (10-3, 6 KO’s). Magdaleno got right down to business in the first, keeping a flicking right jab in the Italian’s face followed by straight lefts that rocked Pagliari’s head. Magdaleno’s consistent withering attack never allowed his opponent to get started and he dominated the action for the remainder of the fight. After eight rounds, neither had been down and nether appeared to have been hurt so it went to the scorecards where Judge Lisa Giampa had it 80-72, Paul Smith saw it 79-73 and Glen Trowbridge scored 78-74, all for Diego Magdaleno who remains undefeated in a dominating workmanlike performance.

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TOP RANK Boxing at Historic Las Vegas Hilton Saturday Night

By Steve Robinson

In February 1978, an unheralded boxer named Leon Spinks took on Mohammed Ali at the Las Vegas Hilton Pavilion, and won a 15 round Split Decision in the 1978 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. The same location will host Top Rank’s ten fight card Saturday night as some of the best Filipino boxers take on some of Latin America’s stars.

Headlining the four fight PPV card is the WBO World Bantamweight fight between favored Champion Fernando Montiel (39-2-2, 39 KO’s) of Los Mochis, Mexico and Ciso Morales (14-0, 8 KO’s) of The Philippines. In a twelve round WBO Eliminator Gerry Penalosa (54-7-2, 34 KO’s) will meet Eric Morel (41-2, 21 KO’s) of Puerto Rico. In what may be the most competitive fight of the featured events, Bernebe Concepcion (29-2-1, 17 KO’s) will take on Mario Santiago (21-1-1, 14 KO’s) of Puerto Rico.

WBA Interim Super Flyweight Champion Nonito Donaire (22-1, 14 KO’s) of the Philippines will now take on last minute substitute Manuel Vargas (26-4-1, 11 KO’s) of Mexico after Gerson Guerrero of Mexico failed to pass his Nevada State Athletic Commission physical where an eye injury was detected.

In a talent and action packed undercard local sensation Diego Magdaleno (13-0) will tackle Floriano Paglaria (10-3) of Italy. Also back is former Golden Gloves Champ Jose Benevidez of Phoenix, AZ in his second professional fight. Undefeated Russian Middleweight Matt Korobov (9-0) will fight Lamar Harris (6-4-3) of St. Louis and Mark Melligan (16-2) of the Philippines will fight Raymond Gatica (11-0) of Austin, TX.

Tickets starting at $50 are available at the Hilton Box Office (702-732-5755) and the PPV broadcast is priced at $39.95.

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Press Release

BERNARD HOPKINS AND ROY JONES
TO SETTLE FIERCE RIVALRY AS LEGENDS COLLIDE
IN LONG-AWAITED REMATCH SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 3
AT THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

THE RIVALS: HOPKINS VS JONES II

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 9) . . . After 17 years the wait is over as sure-fire future Hall of Famers Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins and Roy "The Terminator" Jones Jr. collide in a long awaited rematch that will finally add the final chapter to their 17-year rivalry. The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II is set for Saturday, April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The bout will be broadcast live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Hopkins (50-5-1, 32 KOs) and Jones (54-6, 40 KOs), two of boxing's most decorated and recognizable fighters, will put it all on the line and leave no doubts as to who gets the bragging rights. Both men have given fans more than two decades worth of brilliant ring memories.

"A rematch with Roy has been in the back of my mind for a long time and it's finally going to happen," said Hopkins. "I have accomplished a lot in my career since that night in Washington, DC in 1993, and I am going to end this thing between me and Roy once and for all."
"We're giving the fans what they want to see. They deserve this fight and why not supply the fans with their demands?" said Jones. "Now I can finally terminate the Executioner once and for all. My new nickname for this fight will be - The Terminator."
"As a fan, I am excited that the fight is finally happening and that we don't have to wait any longer to see this great rivalry continue," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "This fight is so exciting and intriguing because of how much is at stake for both Hopkins and Jones. They would not let anything get in the way of this fight finally getting made. They both deserve this after everything they have achieved in their respective careers."

"We're ecstatic that the fight was made and we're looking forward to a great event," said John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring. "There's been a long-standing rivalry between two of the preeminent boxers of our generation. This fight will establish once and for all who the better fighter is. This is the fight Roy always wanted."

"The Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones fight at Mandalay Bay in April will be a tremendous event," said Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. "These two great legends of the sport remain fan favorites and are sure to bring another exciting battle to the ring."

On May 22, 1993, Hopkins and Jones fought for the vacant IBF middleweight belt, the first shot at a world title for both fighters, in the HBO-televised co-feature to the Riddick Bowe vs. Jesse Ferguson heavyweight title fight at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. At the time of the bout, Jones was undefeated (21-0, 20 KOs) and a highly-touted Olympian (teammate of Bowe on the 1988 U.S. team), who received the Val Barker Trophy (for most stylistic boxer) at the Seoul games despite being robbed of a deserved Gold Medal.

On the other side of the ring stood the menacing Hopkins (22-1, 16 KOs), a Philadelphia fighter known more for his criminal history and a stay at a maximum security prison than his steadily rising ring reputation. Unveiling his "Executioner" ring name and full face mask to the fans in attendance and national television audience did nothing to help Hopkins' popularity against the effervescent Jones.

The fight, which Jones won by unanimous decision, was a hard fought contest that set the stage for both fighters' respective paths to boxing stardom. Jones went on to win titles in four weight classes, including middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and his historic heavyweight championship. Hopkins, who claimed Jones' vacated IBF middleweight title in 1995, didn't lose another fight for 12 years following his battle with Jones. While Jones ruled as pound-for-pound best for the better part of a decade, Hopkins took advantage of his middleweight crown by setting a record of 20 defenses and solidifying his place as one of the greatest middleweight fighters in the history of the sport.

At 45 years young, Bernard Hopkins is still rated among the top pound for pound best in boxing. After his victory over Segundo Mercado in 1995 for the IBF middleweight title, Hopkins' momentum began to build as he scored victories over quality contenders such as John David Jackson, Glencoffe Johnson, Simon Brown, Robert Allen and Antwun Echols to name a few. The 2000s defined Hopkins' career starting with his win over Keith Holmes in April of 2001 in the opening round of the Middleweight Unification Tournament followed by a stunning 12th round stoppage of Felix "Tito" Trinidad on September 29, 2001 at Madison Square Garden. Following four more defenses of his middleweight crown, Hopkins was brought into the mainstream spotlight when faced Oscar de la Hoya in 2004. His ninth round knockout of "The Golden Boy" allowed Hopkins to attain his 19th title defense - setting a record and making him the first fighter to hold the belt of all four major sanctioning organizations at the same time (not to mention also owning the Ring Magazine title).

In 2006, Hopkins moved up to light heavyweight for the first time in his career to defeat Antonio Tarver for The Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship. He next dominated Winky Wright at 170 pounds in continuing to prove his ring supremacy. His signature destruction of the younger and then undefeated Kelly Pavlik in October of 2008 defined the true meaning of Hopkins' career, as he took Pavlik to task as a cagey veteran who knows how to dismantle many a young fighters' championship dreams. With his most recent win, a dominant performance over Enrique Ornelas in front of a hometown Philly crowd of nearly 7,000 people, Hopkins showed the world that age is nothing but a number. Now his career will come full circle with the Jones fight with Hopkins hoping for a sweet victory and long awaited revenge.

Roy Jones Jr.'s storied career has had countless defining moments which have catapulted him to being a household name. Jones was unstoppable in the 90's as he stunned his opponents with incredible speed and relentless power. He made history on March 1, 2003 when he thwarted then-heavyweight champion John Ruiz to become the first former middleweight champion to win the heavyweight title in more than 100 years.

Jones has always taken pride in defying the critics, which is in large part why he set his sights on John Ruiz' heavyweight crown. Following the Ruiz conquest, Jones dropped down to light heavyweight in order to take on Florida rival Antonio Tarver on November 8, 2003. It was Jones' hardest fight until that point in his career. He captured a split decision victory, but it foreshadowed things to come for the proud, but suddenly vulnerable Jones, who suffered consecutive defeats to Tarver and a surprising loss to Glen Johnson.

Down, but not out, Jones came back to score wins in his next two fights, setting up a highly-anticipated dual with Felix "Tito" Trinidad at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2008. A renewed Jones looked sharp and focused, flooring an overmatched Trinidad twice, in breezing to a unanimous decision win. Jones returned to Madison Square Garden in November of that same year and after 12 hard fought rounds came up short against future Hall of Famer Joe Calzaghe. Jones defeated his next two opponents in Omar Sheika and Jeff Lacy respectively. Most recently, Jones suffered a devastating first-round knock out loss on December 2 against Australia's Danny Green. As Jones is disputing the loss, he remains confident he can overcome this recent defeat, and take on Hopkins with that same unbelievable boxing prowess that he has been known for throughout his record-setting career.

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale now at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Hopkins vs. Jones II pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and has a suggested retail price of $49.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. The main event will begin live immediately following the college basketball semi-finals. For Hopkins vs. Jones II fight week updates, log on to www.goldenboypromotions.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced shortly. For more information regarding the April 3 event, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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Press Release

Boxing's New Promotional Powerhouse:
The Dawn of a Boxing "Empire"

Although he has previously kept a lower public profile, Greg Cohen, Founder and CEO of The Empire Sports and Entertainment Inc., has long been a major player in boxing.

The former majority owner of Cedric Kushner Promotions (CKP) and partner in Duva Boxing has been promotionally involved with a number of heavyweight champions and top contenders, including former WBO Champion Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs from the very first day of his pro career.

He's also had promotional ties to such boxing luminaries as Chris Byrd, Jameel McCline, David Tua, Hasim Rahman, Samuel Peter, Ike Ibeabuchi, Kirk Johnson, Larry Donald, Jesse "Boogieman" Ferguson and Oleg Maskaev, as well as future hall of famer "Sugar" Shane Mosley and former cruiserweight champion Alfred Cole.

So why did Cohen, along with his partner, well-known South Florida-based Venture Capitalist Barry Honig, decide to come out from behind the curtain and form The Empire?

"I view the boxing game right now as similar to the real estate market," he explains, "It's a great time for someone to step in and make something happen. The only major players are Golden Boy and Top Rank."

Cohen and Honig have already begun amassing an impressive roster of fighters including two of the most compelling and memorable heavyweight champions in recent history. "Shannon Briggs and Hasim Rahman are not only fighting for us, they're also business partners of mine. And they're both very noticeable and charismatic guys. In addition to being our first two marquee names as fighters, they'll also be recruiting new talent for our stable. I'm very excited about having them both aboard."

Briggs is fighting in the main event on March 16 at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.

The Empire also has its share of young and promising talent including an undefeated (21-0, 14 KOs) 23 year old from Queens, New York, who has already proven himself a bankable television commodity. "We've signed future world champion 'Mean' Joe Greene to a promotional agreement. He'll be fighting in late march early April."

"And we're very proud to announce we've signed several fighters from the Dominican National and Olympic Team including Juan Carlos Payano, the highest decorated amateur of all time from the Dominican. He lost by one point to (current WBA Featherweight Champion) Yuriorkis Gamboa in the Pan Am Games -- his life's mission is to avenge that loss.

Plus we've signed Jennefel Vicente (16-0, 10 KOs) and several other members of the Dominican Olympic and National Team. We're doing a series of shows with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing at the Paradise Theater in the Bronx, New York, and we're going to have Payano and all the Dominican kids featured on the show."

A world-class roster needs world class trainers to put it over the top and Cohen says he's ecstatic at the two men who have agreed to join his team. Emanuel Steward of Detroit's Kronk Gym fame has signed on as The Empire's Director of Boxing and former light heavyweight champion, and now highly coveted trainer, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad will serve as Vice-President of Boxing Operations. "I can't think of two better trainers to have on staff," admitted Cohen. "In addition to their front-office jobs, they will evaluate talent and lend their formidable training skills to our fighters."

The Empire will look to do 20 to 30 shows per year and form strategic alliances with other promotional firms. Cohen says he's excited to be taking center stage and expects his company to take a top spot in the boxing promotional world. "What we're building at The Empire is very similar to what Golden Boy Promotions are doing.... only we're going to do it better!"

For more information, visit The Empire's online headquarters at:
www.theempiresportse.com.

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Press Release


PUBLIC INVITED!

NONITO DONAIRE
LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT

Tomorrow! Wednesday, February 3 at Noon PT
Top Rank Gym -- Las Vegas, Nev.


LAS VEGAS, NEV. (February 2, 2010) – World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight champion and Top-10 Pound For Pound fighter NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE, will host a Las Vegas Media Workout at the Top Rank Gym (3041 Business Lane, Las Vegas, Nev., 89103), Tomorrow! Wednesday, February 3, beginning at Noon PT. The workout will be open to the public

Managed by Cameron Dunkin, Donaire (22-1, 14 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, fighting out of San Leandro, Calif., defends his title against top-rated contender Gerson Guerrero (34-8, 26 KOs), of Mexico City, in the main event of “Latin Fury 13 / Pinoy Power 3.” Produced and distributed Live on Pay-Per-View by Top Rank, in association with PR Best Boxing, ABS-CBN and the Las Vegas Hilton, "Latin Fury 13 / Pinoy Power 13" will take place Saturday, February 13, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The four-bout pay-per-view broadcast, which will begin at 9 P.M. ET / 6 P.M. PT, will also feature World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion Fernando Montiel (39-2-2, 29 KOs), of Los Mochis, Mexico, defending his title against Top-10 contender Ciso Morales (14-0, 8 KOs), of Bohol, Philippines; former WBA flyweight champion and current No. 1 bantamweight contender Eric Morel (41-2, 21 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, taking on two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa (54-7-2, 34 KOs), of Cebu, Philippines, in a 12-round WBO bantamweight title elimination bout; and a 10-round featherweight rumble between world title challengers, Mario Santiago (21-1-1, 14 KOs), of Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Bernabe Concepcion (29-2-1, 17 KOs), of Rizal, Philippines.

TOP RANK GYM
3041 Business Lane
Las Vegas, Nev. 89103

# # #
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February 2, 2010

BATTLE FOR THE AGES or BATTLE OF THE AGED??

By Steve Robinson

Nearly seventeen years ago Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. met at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC to fight for the vacant IBF Middleweight title. On that night Roy Jones Jr. came out on top winning 116-112 on all three judges’ cards and now Bernard Hopkins wants another shot at him. Golden boy Promotions and Square Ring Promotions announced the rematch of these veterans in Light Heavyweight feature to take place on April 3, 2010 at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV.

Hopkins at 45 years old has a record of 50-5-1, 32 KO’s and is fighting as strong as ever. Last December he dominated 29 year old Enrique Ornelas in a 118-110, 119-109, 120-109 Unanimous Decision and last October he handed undefeated 26 year old Kelly Pavlik his first loss with a 117-109, 119-106, 118-108 Unanimous Decision. He lost a close split decision to Joe Calzaghe in 2008 after beating Winky Wright in 2007 and Antonio Tarver in 2006. At a time when most boxers his age have retired, Wright is fighting top name younger opponents and shows little sign of slowing down.

41 year old Jones (54-6-0. 40 KO’s) is coming of a TKO loss to Australian Danny Green on the same night Hopkins notched his last victory. Although still active, Jones hasn’t fought the same caliber of opponent as Hopkins and isn’t likely to defend his previous victory over “The Executioner”. Although they have similar records, these guys are on different paths, with the elder likely to continue on his winning ways and the younger on his way out the door.

Tickets are available at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office and Ticketmaster and the event will be broadcast on HBO PPV.

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1/31/10

“Night Of Boxing” at the Silver Nugget Casino

By Steve Robinson

Saturday night a nice crowd saw local amateur boxers take on opponents from California in contests of boxing skills in various stages of development. Kids from as young as eight years old to young adults, plied the art of boxing in fifteen contests of will to entertain friends, family and fans. The results were as follows:

Louie Miranda (High Desert, CA) over Jamar Beasley (Henderson PAL) – Points

Nathan Gonzalez (Jackie Robinson’s, CA) over Jorge Soto (Tocco’s Gym) – Points

Andres Cortes (Elite Boxing) over Chaz Lucero (Henderson PAL) – Points

Cesar Diaz (Jackie Robinson, CA) over Malik Walls (Steele’s) – Points

Alan Garcia (Boe’s Boxing) over Ivan Garcia (Henderson PAL) – RSC – 3

Osmaui Blanco (Boe’s) over Eduardo Villa (High Desert, CA) – Points

Rocco Espinosa (Center Ring Boxing) over Bronson Sturtz (UNLV) – Points

Juwan Wesley (Steele’s) over Abel Mejia (High Desert, CA) – Points

Oscar Omar Diaz (Oxnard KO,CA) over Isaac Casteneda (Center Ring) – Points

Enrique Lobates (Westminster BC, CA) over Rydell Gipson (Barry’s Boxing) – RSC – 2

Oswald Sanchez (Center Ring) over Christian Angelo (Steele’s) – Points

Eduardo Alvarez (Center Ring) over Tommy Revelez (Oxnard PAL, CA) – Points

Jose Garcia (Oxnard PAL, CA) over Isrrael Flores (Tocco’s) – Points

Sergio Lopez (Center Ring) over Rigoberto Hermasillo (High Desert, CA) – Points

Israel Zavala (Unattached) over Omar Rhoden (Boe’s) - Point

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Shumenov Takes the WBA Belt in an Impressive Twelve Rounder!

By: Gregory Robinson

What an amazing, strange, thrilling fight.

Shumenov, a former Kazakhstan Olympian, came into his 10th professional fight looking at the WBA and IBA light heavyweight belts. In the nine that preceded this, his only loss was to Campillo, who beat him the last time by a close majority decision.

This was a fight of opposing styles. Campillo, a more traditional light-heavyweight, paced himself like a professional, keeping cool and circling the ring. Shumenov, with one of the most extraordinary approaches to boxing I have seen in a while, throws punches like a karate champ, straight in and straight out, using the full weight of his body and saying ooooossss with every blow. His conviction is intense, like someone fighting for his life.

From the sound of the first bell, Shumenov started throwing bomb after bomb, like every punch was aiming for a knockout. I did not expect him to keep that kind of pace for more than a few rounds. Neither did Campillo. He waited, patiently, blocking what he could and tagging Shumenov when he managed to slip inside. But Shumenov, maintained his all-out attack for five full rounds, giving Campilo one huge straight punch after another. By the end of the 5th, Campillo was cut and growing impatient. Yet by round 6, it started to look like Campillo’s strategy paid off. Shumenov began throwing less, and Campillo moved in, connecting with short, sharp hooks and blocking Shumenov�s assaults. By round 9, Campillo was clearly dominating, and Shumenov’s face was starting to show evidence of it. He was landing one flurry after another and Shumenov was not responding effectively Amazingly, Shumenov came back in round 10, throwing even more big punches, each marked by his martial-arts style ooosss.

After twelve rounds, both fighters were still standing. As I saw it, Shumenov easily took the early rounds, but lost enough of the later ones to give the fight to Campillo. Not one judge agreed. Martinez gave the fight overwhelmingly to Campillo, with a score of 117-111. Judge Jarmin also scored the fight 117-111 – for Shumenov. The final score, from Judge Roth, scored the bout 115-113 for Shumenov, giving him the majority decision. Campillo’s corner cried foul, but the most anyone can prove is that the results were truly odd: Two judges gave the fight the same score but for different sides and one judge saw the fight as nearly even. And as crazy as it sounds, the whole strange drama reaffirmed my love of boxing.

Erislandy Lara (9-0) vs Grady Bad Boy Brewer (26-11)

 

In the co-main event, Cuban amateur phenomenon Erislandy Lara played it cool against Grady Brewer, the 2006 winner of the Contender television series. Lara controlled the ring, picked his shots, and regularly found his way in with quick straight lefts. Brewer responded with some hard blows of his own, but they mostly landed on Lara’s gloves, until the fourth round when he managed to break through and finish the round with a solid flurry of uppercuts. At the end of round 6, an accidental headbut opened a bloody gash over Brewer�s left eye, but Lara was unable to capitalize on it. The final three rounds were uneventful until Lara caught Brewer with a sharp uppercut in the final seconds of the 10th while Brewer was bent over. The blow sent Brewer tumbling to the canvas. He recovered, but Lara went in for the kill and Referee Tony Weeks mercifully stepped in to end the fight. The final time: 2:44 of the tenth round. Had it gone to the end, Lara would have taken it decisively, with the judges scoring the bout 90-81, 90-81, 88-83 all in his favor.

In Undercard Action:

Some skanky girls in leather and stockings danced between each fight to some generic dance music that made me sad for the world. When they stopped:

Rickey Kinney (3-1) vs Jessie Vargas (7-0)

Jessie Vargas and Rickey Kinney fought an energetic four-rounder. Vargas dominated, but Kinney didn�t make it easy for him. In the end, all the judges scored the fight 40-36 for Vargas.

Gayrot Ahmedov(12-1) vs. Harley Kilfian (8-3)

Much to the delight of about ten Uzbekistanis, Ahmedov first real punch was a left to Kilfian’s belly that sent him sprawling to the canvas faster than Governor Gibbons vetoes a tax increase. The fight ends at 1:05 of the first round without either fighter breaking a sweat.

Ravshan Hudaynazarov (9-0) vs Shadrack Kipruto (10-12)

Uzbekistan -2, rest of the world -0 as Hudaynazarov, a gold medalist in the 2007 World Military Games, peppered Kipruto�s body for 3 rounds and put him down in the 4th with a left uppercut.

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Press Release
BEIBUT SHUMENOV SEEKS REDEMPTION ON JANUARY 29
AGAINST GABRIEL CAMPILLO

COMPUBOX ANALYSIS

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT TO BE AIRED ON
FOX SPORTS NET FROM HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
IN LAS VEGAS

LOS ANGELES, January 21 – A comprehensive analysis by highly-regarded punch stat compiler and analyst CompuBox supports Team Shumenov’s original contention, as well as the contention of the vast majority of fans in attendance, that Beibut Shumenov deserved to win a unanimous 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in their August 15, 2009 World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Championship fight.

Campillo, however, was able to hold on to his WBA World Title by way of a controversial decision that was announced as unanimous but changed the following day to a majority decision (114-113 John Coyle, 113-113 Glenn Feldman, 115-111 Pasquale Procopio) when a scoring error was discovered. The controversy surrounding the scoring has led to their January 29 World Title rematch at The Joint at Hark Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to CompuBox’s statistical breakdown of Campillo-Shumenov I, Shumenov landed more total punches and at a higher connect percentage (213 of 651 compared to Campillo’s 199 of 672), including a dominating 193-144 edge in power punches. CompuBox’s scoring gave Shumenov the first five rounds in addition to the eighth and ninth (10-8) for a 115-112 advantage. (See full chart below)

“We always believed that Beibut won a close decision and we're happy that the analysis by an independent organization like CompuBox fully supports us,” Chingis Shumenov, Co-Owner of KZ Event Productions said. “Beibut is seeking redemption. We look forward to the rematch and are grateful that the WBA has sanctioned it.”



“Campillo vs. Shumenov II” features the 12-round WBA Light Heavyweight Championship rematch between the defending champion, Spain’s Campillo (19-2, 6 KOs), and IBA World title-holder Shumenov (8-1, 6 KOs). The evening of boxing will be presented by KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions with Campillo vs. Shumenov presented in association with Sampson Boxing LLC. The bout will be televised live on Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates beginning at 11 pm ET / 8 pm PT (check local listings). Doors will open at 6 pm and the first bell rings at 7 pm.

In the event’s opening televised fight, former Cuban amateur star Erislandy Lara (9-0, 5 KO’s) takes on veteran junior middleweight Grady Brewer (26-11, 15 KO’s), winner of hit reality television show The Contender II, in a 10-round bout.

Joining Shumenov on the January 29 show are two other KZ Event Productions fighters, unbeaten Uzbekistan prospects light heavyweight Gayrat Ahmedov (12-0-1, 8 KO’s) and Ravshan Hudaynazarov (9-0, 6 KO’s), making their United States debuts in separate bouts.

Tickets for this action-packed night of boxing, are priced at $150, $125, $100, $50 and $40 (general admission standing room tickets). Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

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Friday Night Fights at The Orleans

January 22, 2010

By Steve Robinson

It’s the first of the Crown Boxing series of Friday Night Fights of the year at The Orleans where events such as this have been hosted for years. I grew up watching the Friday Night Fights on TV with my Dad and my brothers all lined up on the couch. In those days you could watch the best boxers of the day for free and enjoy the down and dirty thrill of the contests plied by fighters who would fight anybody anytime and didn’t argue about the purse. The spirit of those days lives on in this local series that sometimes features nationally ranked boxers but mostly showcases the skills of local up and coming talent.

The Main Event tonight was a rematch between former collegiate champion Henry Namauu of Las Vegas and Erick Vega of Phoenix. AZ. Vega spoiled Namauu’s pro debut two years ago in Laughlin when he knocked him out in the first round. Tonight, revenge was sweet for Henry who after a tentative first round, took control of the fight and never looked back. During the first three rounds there were plenty of exchanges in which both were successful in their attacks. However things really turned around in the fourth when Henry was rocked with a counter right, then came back with a combination that rattled Vega knocking out his mouthpiece. From that point on, Vega appeared to run out of gas and hang on the ropes, while Namauu mustered attack after attack. Vega was rocked several more times before the final bell but kept his feet. The judges all agreed on a 59-55 X 3 score in favor of Henry Namauu who avenges the earlier loss.

Undercard

Alcolea vs, Duhart

Local Welterweights Raul Duhart (2-1) and Juan Alcolea (0-1) began the evening with a spirited, and at times sloppy, exhibition of boxing. Heads clashed early in the first setting the tone for this brawl. More punches missed than landed but Alcolea appeared to be in better shape and outmuscled Duhart for most of the fight. Neither went down but Duhart was clearly hurt several times and demonstrated a skill for holding on while Alcolea never relented in his attack. After four rounds Judge Patricia Morse Jarmin saw it 39-37 while Judges Tim Cheatham and Paul Smith had it 40-36, all for Juan Alcolea who notches his first professional win.

Battease vs. Delgado

Brian Battease (5-1-2, 1 KO) of Hawaii now residing in Las Vegas was up next in a Featherweight bout against Jairo Delgado (3-3, 3 KO’s) of Denver, CO. Plenty of Brian’s friends and fans turned out to see him administer a boxing lesson to the outclassed Delgado. Battease stuck to basics early using his jab to keep Delgado off balance while consistently getting off first and landing clean. Delgado made several wild attempts but mostly swung at air as Battease evaded his attempts. Battease landed some nice body shots on the second and continued to frustrate the overmatched Delgado. Battease retained the winning pattern for the remaining rounds as all three judges scored it 40-36 in his favor.

Santiago vs. Romero

Next up were Alexis Santiago (1-0) of Phoenix, AZ and Rodrigo Romero (1-3) of Las Vegas. After a sloppy first round, Santiago landed a sweet left clean to Romero’s chin dropping him hard to his back. Referee Joe Cortez knelt over the groggy Romero and waived off the count, giving Santiago a KO at 29 seconds of the second round.

Santomauro vs. Yanez

Rocco Santomauro (1-0) and David Yanez (0-1-1), both of Las Vegas were up next in a Jr. Lightweight bout. Both boxers had plenty of local fans behind them and they didn’t disappoint with many spirited exchanges, giving them plenty to cheer about. After four rounds of action packed exchanges, Santamauro claimed the edge with faster hands and a more aggressive approach as demonstrated in the judges scores of 40-36 X 2 and 39-37 to remain undefeated.

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Las Vegas Boxers Headline Friday Night Fights

By: Steve Robinson

January 20, 2010

Crown Boxing presents The Friday Night Fights at The Orleans Hotel and Casino this weekend and every fight features at least one and sometimes two of Las Vegas up and coming boxing prospects.

The main event has UNLV graduate and former collegiate champion Henry Namauu in a Cruiser Weight match against Erik Vega of Phoenix, AZ. Namauu fought Vega in his pro debut, lost to him in February 2008 and looks to avenge the loss this weekend. The winner of this bout will get the opportunity to take on Victor Barrigan for a title in the near future.

Other locals include Raul Duahart and Juan Alcolea who will fight in a Welterweight bout. Brian Battease of Las Vegas via Hawaii will also be on the card against Jairo Delgado of Denver, CO. Other Las Vegans on the card include Rocco Santomauro, David Yanez and Rodrigo Romero on the five fight card.

The doors open at 6:00 pm with the first bell scheduled for 7:00 pm. Tickets starting at $25 are still available at The Orleans Box Office.

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______Welterweight Championship Unification
Fight Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30 at Mandalay Bay
Between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto Cancelled

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (January 18, 2010) - WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto stated in a personal press release earlier today that due to the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti and deeply affected his family who resides there, he is physically and emotionally unable to prepare for his Saturday, Jan. 30 bout with WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley and, as a result, will withdraw from the bout. Given the close proximity to the date of the event and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Berto, the event will be cancelled entirely.

Mosley commented from his training camp in Big Bear, Calif. and said, "I'm disappointed that the fight has been called off, but I understand that Andre is going through a very difficult time. My heart goes out to him, his family and the people of Haiti during the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. I'm sorry for the losses that Andre and all of the Haitian people are suffering. I have everyone in my prayers."

All tickets previously purchased for the Mosley-Berto fight can be refunded at the original point of sale.

The thoughts and prayers of Shane Mosley, Golden Boy Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, the MGM MIRAGE family, HBO and the boxing world are all with Berto, his family and the people of Haiti as well.

Please note that all scheduled media events in connection with Mosley vs. Berto will be cancelled.
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Requiem for a Dream

1/16/10

by Gregory Robinson

THE NIGHTMARE TAKES ON THE DREAM SATURDAY NIGHT AT HARD ROCK

1/14/10

By Steve Robinson

NABO, NABF Welterweight Champ Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan will tackle Kassim “The Dream” Ouma Saturday night at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Former US Olympian Martirosyan won the titles in December on the undercard of the Pavlik card in Youngstown, Ohio, KOing William Lee in the third round.

Freddie Roach trained Martirosyan is undefeated at 26-0 with 17 wins by KO while Ouma is 26-6-1 with 16 KO’s. Four of Ouma’s losses have come in his last five fights so this fight is a must win for him if he hopes to continue to be a contender. Ouma is now trained by former boxing great Livingstone Bramble. At today’s press conference at The Hard Rock, Ouma stated “I’m no stepping stone. I’m gonna beat this boy up!” Martirosyan stated “This is my year. This is my dream. He talks big but I talk in the ring!”

The other bout that will be televised is scheduled for ten rounds between Featherweights Miguel Angel Garcia (19-0, 16 KO’s) and Joksan Hernandez (17-1, 10 KO’s). These bouts can be seen on Fox Sports Net (FSN) beginning at 8:00 pm local time.

An interesting non-televised undercard will feature locals Diego Magdaleno (12-0, 3 KO’s) and Anthony Lenk (5-1. 3 KO’s) and the pro debut of Jose Benavidez of Phoenix, AZ. Benavidez was a member of the USA National Amateur team and a National Golden Gloves Champion.

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Press Release - 1/11/10

BOXING'S STARS ARE COMING OUT ON
EXPLOSIVE JANUARY 30 MOSLEY VS. BERTO UNDERCARD

LUCAS MATTHYSSE VS.VIVIAN HARRIS,
GLEN JOHNSON VS. YUSAF MACK
SERGIO MORA VS. JASON NAUGLER
HIGHLIGHT UNDERCARD BOUTS LIVE FROM MANDALAY BAY

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK, January 11 - Boxing fans are well aware that the first big fight of 2010 will be the welterweight championship showdown between Sugar Shane Mosley and Andre Berto at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday, January 30, which will be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing. Now, they're also going to get the first big boxing event of 2010, as Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment are pleased to announce a series of intriguing undercard matchups to get the year started in an explosive fashion.

Two of the junior welterweight division's most devastating punchers - Argentina's undefeated Lucas Matthysse and Brooklyn's former World Champion Vivian Harris - collide in a bout not likely to last the scheduled 10 rounds.

An IBF Light Heavyweight World title shot will be on the line when New York's Yusaf Mack clashes with former World Champion Glen "The Road Warrior" Johnson in a 12-round elimination bout.

Adding to the number of former title holders on the card will be former 154-pound World Champion Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora, who makes his Golden Boy Promotions debut in a 10-round bout against the always tough Canadian Jason Naugler.

Mosley vs. Berto, a 12-round welterweight title unification bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. The bout will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev., beginning at 10 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. PST.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 are now on sale and available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and

Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The younger brother of former welterweight title challenger Walter Matthysse,
27-year-old Lucas Martin Matthysse (25-0, 23 KOs) has pounded out his own niche in the fight game thanks to crushing punching power that has led to knockouts 23 of his 25 wins. Born in Trelew, Argentina but now living in Buenos Aires, Matthysse tore through Florencio Castellano (KO4) and Luis Jose (KO2) in his last two bouts, setting the stage for a big showdown with Vivian Harris.

When the list of the most exciting junior welterweights is compiled, you can expect to see the name "Vicious" Vivian Harris (29-3-1, 19 KOs) to be prominently featured. The former World Champion claimed the WBA crown in 2002 with a second-round stoppage of Diosbelys Hurtado and went on to defend it three times in 2005. Since then, Harris is unbeaten in five of six fights, including wins over Stevie Johnston and Juan Lazcano. He begins his run for another shot at the championship on January 30.

29-year-old light heavyweight contender Yusaf Mack (28-2-2, 17 KOs) has received no gifts on the way up the ranks; but after making a decision to compete full-time as a light heavyweight, the former USBA Super Middleweight champ kicked things into another gear. Unbeaten in his five fights at 175 pounds since 2008, Mack has parlayed wins over Daniel Judah, Omar Pittman, Chris Henry and DeAndrey Abron into a title eliminator against his toughest foe to date, Glen Johnson.

One of boxing's most respected competitors, Glen "Road Warrior" Johnson (49-13-2, 33 KOs) earned his reputation the hard way, with 17 years of battles against the best the game has to offer. A former Light Heavyweight World Champion and the consensus Fighter of the Year in 2004, a year in which he beat Clinton Woods, Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver, the 41-year-old Johnson is eager to get his title back in 2010. This quest begins with his title eliminator bout against Mack.

Former Junior Middleweight World Champion and the winner of the first season of NBC's "The Contender," Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora (21-1-1, 5 KOs) has gone on to prove that he's more than just a reality show winner. A slick boxing native of East Los Angeles with a warrior's heart, the 29-year-old Mora struck gold in June of 2008 when he defeated the late Vernon Forrest for the WBC Junior Middleweight World title. Though Mora would lose the belt in the rematch with Forrest three months later, a move to middleweight is expected to produce big things for "The Latin Snake."

Jason Naugler (18-11-1, 11 KOs), a Halifax, Nova Scotia native, is a tough out for anyone in the fight game and he's proven his mettle over the last 10 years in bouts against Joachim Alcine, Anthony Thompson, Chad Dawson, James McGirt Jr. and Jesse Brinkley. On January 30, the upset-minded Canadian will look to spoil Mora's first bout of the New Year.

In other undercard action, five of the game's hottest prospects will put their reputations on the line in what surely will be exciting bouts.

Eloy Perez (15-0-2, 4 KOs), from Salinas, Calif., will start 2010 with a 10-round junior featherweight clash against the pride of Oxnard, Calif., "Dangerous" David Rodela (14-1-2, 6 KOs). These California standouts combined for a record of 6-0 in 2009; but on January 30, somebody's winning streak will end.

In a middleweight bout scheduled for eight rounds, New England up-and-comer Edwin Rodriguez of Worcester, Mass. risks his perfect 13-0 (9 KOs) record against Los Angeles' Byron Tyson (9-1-2, 4 KOs).

Opening the event is a four-round junior welterweight bout featuring popular Norwalk, Calif. product Carlos Molina (9-0, 5 KOs) against an opponent to be announced in the near future.

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Press Release - 1/08/10

GABRIEL CAMPILLO & BEIBUT SHUMENOV CLASH IN REMATCH
FOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ON JANUARY 29
AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS AND TELEVISED LIVE ON FOX SPORTS NET

TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 AT 12 PM PT!

LOS ANGELES, January 8 - On Friday, January 29, KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions are pleased to present an evening of world championship boxing when they present "Fight Night With De La Hoya and Hopkins: Campillo vs. Shumenov II" at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the 12-round main event, Spain's Gabriel Campillo will defend his WBA Light Heavyweight World Title against Las Vegas resident Beibut Shumenov, who will defend his IBA Light Heavyweight World Title, in a rematch of their heated 2009 title fight. In that August bout, Campillo upset the odds in an exciting 12 rounder that saw both men hit the deck before the Spaniard took the razor-thin and highly controversial majority decision.

"Fight Night With De La Hoya and Hopkins: Campillo vs. Shumenov II" is presented by KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions, with Campillo vs. Shumenov presented in association with Sampson Boxing LLC. The bout will be televised live on Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates beginning at 11 pm ET / 8 pm PT (check local listings). Doors will open at 6 pm and the first bell rings at 7 pm.

Tickets for this action-packed night of boxing, which will be hosted by and attended by future Hall of Famers Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins, are priced at $150, $125, $100, $50 and $40 (general admission standing room tickets), and go on sale this Saturday morning, January 9, at 12pm PT. Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Also in action will be undefeated Cuban star Erislandy Lara, Uzbekistani standouts Gayrat Ahmedov and Ravshan Hudaynazarov, and hot California prospect Ronny Rios.

A professional since 2002, 31-year-old Gabriel Campillo (19-2, 6 KO's) really hit his stride 2009. Formerly the holder of the Spanish light heavyweight title, Campillo kicked off last year by decisioning Lolenga Mock for the European Union belt. Just three months later on June 20, he defeated Hugo Garay in his home country of Argentina for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title before finishing off 2009 with his win over the previously unbeaten Shumenov. On January 29, he looks for a repeat against Shumenov in his United States debut.

One of boxing's most amazing stories, Beibut Shumenov (8-1, 6 KO's) represented his country of Kazakhstan in the 2004 Olympics, but didn't make his professional debut until 2007. Shumenov quickly made up for lost time, defeating veterans Donnell Wiggins and Epifanio Mendoza, as well as former World Champions Montell Griffin and Byron Mitchell, all within his first eight professional fights, an impressive feat by any standards. Although he lost to Campillo in his first world title bout last year, the 26-year-old Shumenov plans to use the defeat as a learning experience and aims to reverse that result on January 29.

Former amateur star Erislandy Lara (9-0, 5 KO's) has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks since leaving Cuba, and in nine fights has dazzled boxing insiders and fans with his speed, power and poise. Fresh off of a near-shutout win over veteran Luciano Perez in his first 10-round fight last December, Lara will face an opponent to be named in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.

Making their United States debuts on January 29 will be light heavyweight Gayrat Ahmedov (12-0-1, 8 KO's) and his fellow countryman from Uzbekistan, junior middleweight Ravshan Hudaynazarov (9-0, 7 KO's). Both fighters are known for their ring savvy and exciting styles, and with Ahmedov riding a five-fight knockout streak and Hudaynazarov winning his last three bouts by knockout, fans can expect fireworks from both of them when they compete in eight round bouts against opponents to be announced.

19-year-old featherweight phenom Ronny Rios (8-0, 4 KO's) kicks off his 2010 campaign on January 29 and if his 2009 season was any indication, fight fans should be in for something special from the Santa Ana, California native, who went 6-0 with 3 knockouts last year. Rios will see action in a six round featherweight bout.

For more information, visit www.kzeventproductions.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow Golden Boy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

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January 7, 2010

Pacquiao vs/ Mayweather Canceled?

By Steve Robinson

Although nothing official has been announced, it looks like the "Fight of the Year" is off. According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, mediation between the parties was not able to overcome the differences the parties had for a regimen of pre-fight drug testing. I thought it was a good ploy initially by the Mayweather camp to get into Pacquio's head, however the tests that they were asking for were well beyond what is normally required by the Nevada Athletic Commission. If Mayweather had backed off now he would have won the battle and left Pacquiao steaming over the implied accusations and maybe would have thrown off his concentration on prefight training. However, now it looks like Pacquiao has won, because when Mayweather failed to compromise it makes him appear to be afraid to fight Manny.

Now Mayweather loses and has to give up his "Money" nickname. and Pacquiao loses because he doesn't get the opportunity to fight the only worthy opponent in his weight range. Most of all the fans lose because we may never get to see this fight.

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Press Release

SHANE MOSLEY AND ANDRE BERTO SCHEDULED TO FIGHT
AT MANDALAY BAY SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

HBO World Championship Boxing to Televise Welterweight Bout; Tickets Now On Sale

LAS VEGAS – It began as a war of words fought on internet websites and now
welterweight superstars “Sugar” Shane Mosley and Andre Berto will take their dispute from
cyberspace to the ring Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The 12-round bout
will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing and will determine once and for all the king
of the 147-pound weight class.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 are now on sale and available for
purchase at any Mandalay Bay box office outlet and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select
Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per
person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000.
Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“Andre Berto’s a good, young fighter but he’s bitten off more than he can chew with all
the talking he’s been doing,” said WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Mosley. “I’ve
forgotten more about the fight game than he knows and the world will see that in January.”
Berto, the WBC Welterweight World Champion commented, “This is the fight I’ve
waited my whole career for and now it’s finally a reality. Shane Mosley made me chase him for
a while but he won’t be able to run when we get into the ring on January 30, and I can’t wait.”
Mosley vs. Berto, a 12-round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions
and DiBella Entertainment. The bout will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing from
the Mandalay Bay Events Center beginning at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.

President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya, said, “Mosley-Berto is the first
big fight of 2010 and it’s the perfect way to kick off the boxing year. Mosley fights his best
when the challenge in front of him is greatest. Berto is one of the most talented fighters in the
world so I expect Mosley to be at his very best in a great fight on January 30.”

Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment, said, “This is one of those can’t miss
fights in terms of action and Berto and Mosley won’t have to look too hard to find each other in
the ring. I think this fight represents the passing of the torch from the old lion in Mosley to the
young lion in Berto and I’m expecting an early Fight of the Year candidate. With respect to a
first ballot Hall of Famer, the Shane Mosley era ends on January 30.”


A future Hall of Famer with five world titles to his name, Sugar Shane Mosley (46-5, 39
KOs) seems to be getting better and better as the years pass. At 38 years of age, the Pomona,
Calif. native has ruled the lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight divisions over his
storied 16-year career. Winner of seven of his last eight fights dating back to 2005, Mosley has
defeated the likes of Fernando Vargas (twice), Luis Collazo and Ricardo Mayorga, but his most
recent victory also was one of his most spectacular – a ninth round stoppage of Antonio
Margarito in January 2009 to win the Welterweight World Title for the third time.
One of boxing’s top young stars, 26-year-old Andre Berto (25-0, 19 KOs) first made his
mark on the worldwide sports scene as a member of the 2004 Haitian Olympic team. However,
he already has surpassed those accomplishments as an unbeaten professional and world
champion. The owner of wins over Cosme Rivera, Michel Trabant, Steve Forbes, Collazo and
Juan Urango, the Winter Haven, Fla. native won the WBC Welterweight World Title in June
2008 with a seventh round stoppage of Miguel Angel Rodriguez and has since defended his
crown three times.

Richard Sturm, president of sports & entertainment for MGM MIRAGE, said, “We
welcome the return of both Shane Mosley and Andre Berto to Mandalay Bay and are thrilled to
partner with Golden Boy Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and HBO Sports for another
championship event. This will be an exciting fight for our guests inside the Events Center as
well as boxing fans watching around the country.”

Kery Davis, senior vice president of programming of HBO Sports, said, “Beginning the
new season of HBO’s World Championship Boxing with Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto is a
spectacular way to start the year. Boxing fans need to mark down January 30 right now on their
calendars.”
A full undercard will be announced in the near future. For more information visit
www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com or www.mandalaybay.com.

Press Release

PRIMM VALLEY CASINO RESORTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
ROY ENGLEBRECHT EVENTS AND FERNANDO VARGAS
PRESENT WORLDS COLLIDE CHAMPIONSHIP:
A $175,000 BOXING AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT ON JAN. 9
NO FAME – NO FORTUNE – NO FEAR – ALL FIGHT



Primm, Nev. – Primm Valley Casino Resorts, Roy Englebrecht Events and tournament host Fernando Vargas present Worlds Collide, a high octane boxing and mixed martial arts championship tournament 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 in the Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino. Tickets are $50 and $20 and can be purchased online at www.primmvalleyresorts.com or by calling 1.800.FUN.STOP.

The championship includes five bouts with five contenders coming from Las Vegas and five hailing from California. The winner from each bout will take home $5,000 and the loser will bring in $2,500.

MMA – three, five-minute rounds – 180 pounds:
Jorge Lopez, Las Vegas (8-3) taking on Danny Davis, Las Vegas (1-1-1)

Boxing – six, three-minute rounds – 162 pounds:
David Tabatadze, Reseda, Calif. (4-0, 1 KO) challenging Angel Osuna, Coachella, Calif. (3-2-1, 1 KO)

Boxing – six, three-minute rounds – 142 pounds:
Deth Marcus Hall, Las Vegas (2-0) vs. Yakub Shdaev, Northridge, Calif. (3-1, 1 KO)

MMA – three, five-minute rounds – 135 pounds:
Sidemar Honorio, Huntington Beach, Calif. (5-0) taking on John Merkle, Los Angeles (3-3)

Boxing – six, three-minute rounds – 132 pounds:
Renell Griffin, Las Vegas (6-2-1) vs. Johnny Frazier, Las Vegas (2-2-3)

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. in the Star of the Desert Arena inside Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino.

For the latest Primm Valley Casino Resort news, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

About Primm Valley Casino Resorts:
Primm Valley Casino Resorts, 25 minutes south of Las Vegas on Interstate 15 at the Southern Nevada/California state line, includes Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino, Primm Valley Resort & Casino, Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino, Primm Center and the Primm Valley Lotto Store. Combined, the three properties feature 2,644 guest rooms, 136,000 square feet of casino space, 2,900 slot machines and 98 gaming tables.

December 10, 2009

Mayweather - Athlete of the Decade Candidate

Press Release

FLOYD MAYWEATHER NOMINATED FOR ATHLETE OF THE DECADE BY YAHOO! SPORTS Winner to be announced tomorrow, Friday, December 11 LAS VEGAS, NV (December 10, 2009)...December 31 marks the end of the first decade in the new millennium. While much can be said about the last 10 years in and out of the sports world, Yahoo! Sports has chosen their candidates for "Athlete of the Decade", and representing the sport of boxing is Floyd Mayweather, heralded as one of the greatest fighters ever to compete in the sweet science. Mayweather joins fellow nominees Roger Federer, Lance Armstrong and Michael Phelps (amongst others) as those who have defined sports in the last 10 years. The winner will be revealed tomorrow, Friday, December 11 on the Yahoo! Sports homepage>

Mayweather, who is known for his boxing prowess and unbelievable athleticism, has long been recognized as an extraordinary athlete. With each fight, it becomes more and more apparent that Mayweather belongs among the ranks of top athletes in all of sports. While Mayweather's professional fights in the beginning of the decade solidified his place as the brightest rising boxing star, Mayweather had his true coming out party in 2007-shattering every boxing (and in some cases sports) record in the book-that included his must-see May 5 mega-fight against Oscar de la Hoya and his tenth round knockout against Ricky Hatton in December of that same year.

In June, 2008, the Wall Street Journal recognized Mayweather as one of the world's greatest athletes saying, "Boxers may be contained to 576 square feet, but our judges graded the sport as the most demanding. Boxers move constantly and punching is the upper-body equivalent of a sprint. Mr. Mayweather, undefeated since turning pro, combines speed, strength and the ability to endure pain."

Mayweather stepped away from the sport in the Spring of 2008, but he returned to the ring in September 2009 as if he had never left with a dominant performance over the number one Mexican fighter in the world Juan Manuel Marquez.

Win or lose, the fact that the experts at Yahoo! Sports have recognized Mayweather's status as a great athlete of this decade and have placed him alongside these other major names of recent sports history is indicative of what he has been able to achieve and what is yet to come.

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December 3, 2009

Ageless Hopkins Victorious

by: Steven Robinson

Normally we only report on prize fights that are staged in Las Vegas, but last nights Bernard Hopkins fight in Philadelphia broadcast on the VERSUS network deserves comment. I am not a fan of boxers fighting well beyond their prime and Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins will turn 45 years old on January 15th. However, Hopkins dominated 29 year old Enrique Ornelas for twelve rounds in an admirable demonstration of superior boxing skills, durability and grit. He moved around the ring with the style and agility of a boxer 10 years younger, controlling the action, occasionally taking punches but countering each in turn and always doing enough to win most of the rounds as demonstrated by the final scores of 118-110, 119-109, and 120-109. Hopkins rocked his opponent several times with nice clean rights but neither was ever in danger of going down. Hopkins last KO came in 2004 when he KO'd his Golden Boy Promotions partner Oscar DeLaHoya. Hopkins left no doubt while boxing twelve strong rounds that he is certainly not past his prime and is a viable contender in this division.

Although Ornelas (29-4)can't be considered a meaningful tier one opponent as he's never fought the top contenders in his weight class, he was certainly a viable opponent for a tune up fight leading up to a face off with Roy Jones Jr.. Unfortunately Jones was KO'd by Australian Danny Greene earlier that day in the first round probably screwing up that potential match up and bigger pay day for both.

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December 1, 2009

World's Greatest Ever Event Canceled

From their website

Due to issues with the host venue regarding the execution of key performance milestones, Greatest Ever Enterprises has regretfully decided not to stage the event and fight night scheduled in Las Vegas on December 11, 12 & 13 2009.

We would like to thank all boxing fans and stakeholders who have participated in the World's Greatest Ever Boxer and apologize for any inconvenience caused. The winners of the global vote of the World's Greatest Ever Boxer will still be announced on Sunday December 13, 2009. Voting will close Friday December 11, 2009 and the winners will be announced around the world via interactive and broadcast media. Details will be released in coming days.

The global vote has now been going since June and more than 500,000 votes have cast from all corners of the globe. Boxing fans have been voting for their favorite boxers of all time in the eight traditional weight categories and for the World's Greatest Ever Boxer.