| Photo Credit - Jc Diaz |
| WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMP RAFAEL MARQUEZ READY TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST FORMER WBC/IBF CHAMPION ISRAEL VAZQUEZ AUG. 4 AT DODGE ARENA IN HIDALGO , TEXAS HIDALGO, Texas – World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez and former WBC and International Boxing Federation (IBF) 122-lb. champ Israel Vazquez were all business at Thursday’ s press conference at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Hidalgo, Texas when they formally announced the most highly anticipated rematch in years, Marquez-Vazquez II. “I’m looking forward to a very tough fight regardless of what happened the first time around,” said Marquez, who is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Romanza Productions. “He is still a champion in my mind so it’s going to be a rough one.” In what figures to be another cinch “Fight of the Year” candidate on Saturday, Aug. 4 from the Dodge Arena, Vazquez (41-4, 31 KOs) looks to recapture the WBC 122-pound title from Rafael Marquez (37-3, 33 KOs ). “I’m focused, determined and I will be the champion again,” said Vazquez, who is co-promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. Tickets, priced at $25, $35, $50, $75, $100, $200, are on sale through all Ticketmaster outlets and on-line at ticketmaster.com. Tickets also may be purchased at the Dodge Arena box office Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. (Central) plus the day of the event, online at dodgearena.com or by phone at 956-668-7740. Click Here for More Boxing News..... |
| Photos By: Jan Sanders - HBO/Goossen Tutor |
| WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito |
| Undefeated heavyweight Cristobal Arreola |
| Antonio Margarito and Cristobal Arreola Workout Pictures and quotes from July 3 open workout |
| Unbeaten local fan favorite "Tremendous" Travis Simms participated in an open media workout Monday at Calasanz Physical Arts of Norwalk (Connecticut). Simms, of Norwalk, Conn., defends his WBA super welterweight title against fellow unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Joachim Alcine in the main event of a world championship tripleheader this Saturday, July 7, at Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn. The Simms-Alcine scheduled 12-rounder and the world title fight between IBF/IBO flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan and Nonito Donaire will be televised on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). A domestically non-televised third world title match will also be presented Saturday on “Fistic Fireworks” when former IBF super flyweight champion Luis “El Demoledor” Perez (24-1, 15 KOs), from Managua, Nicaragua, will tangle with Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia (35-5, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title. Tickets, priced at $35, $50, $100 and $200, with a limited number of ringside seats at $350, are on sale now to those age 18 and older at Arena at Harbor Yard box office (Information Line: 203-345-2400), all Ticketmaster outlets, on-line at ticketmaster.com or by charging by phone at (203) 368-1000, (203) 624-0033, (860) 525-4500 or (203) 744-8100. The event is promoted by Don King Productions with Darchinyan-Donaire being promoted in association with Gary Shaw Promotions, LLC. Simms is shown hitting the speed bag, clubbing the heavy bag, jumping rope, and holding court with the assembled local media who turned out Monday. Here is what Simms had to say after his open media workout Monday: TRAVIS SIMMS “I ran three miles in a leisurely 14 minutes earlier today, so I am ready. Seven is my lucky number and this fight is on 7-7-07 so there are seven’s all around me. I can’t wait. “Alcine’s been talking a lot, but all it shows me is a lack of maturity on his part. Here is a guy who has built up his record fighting C-level – heck, maybe D-level – fighters his whole career saying what he is going to do to me. I fought have sparring partners tougher than him. “For one of eight children raised by my mother to come from where we were to defending my world title in what virtually is my backyard is very exciting. To be part of the first world title fight in the history of Fairfield County is a great thrill. “There is no pressure on me whatsoever. I have enough faith in my ability to know that if I do what I am supposed to do, I will win Saturday and that’s what matters most. I’m not thinking I have to knock this guy out although I will not be surprised if this fight does not go the distance. “I truly believe I am the best 154-pounder in the world and one of the best fighters pound-for-pound in boxing. The 154-pound division is very deep, and some of boxing’s biggest names reside in it, but I am willing to prove I am the best. All I want is the chance. “I haven’t had a lot of fights in the last few years, but I am not concerned at all about ring rust. I may be 36, but that is just a number. Folks doubted me before my last fight and they saw what happened. I beat Jose Antonio Rivera and I was coming off a two-and-a-half year layoff. “I am a world champion but I am still as hungry as ever. I look forward to reaching many more heights in my career. I truly believe I can be a great ambassador for this sport. “Alcine is undefeated, so he doesn’t know what it is like to lose, but he will after our fight. People may still have questions about me, but I will erase them all on Saturday. “I am primed. I am excited about fighting in Bridgeport and fighting again on SHOWTIME. This will be a great show Saturday.’’ |
| Photos: Ed Keenan/EMC |
| SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS’ PAEZ JR. DOMINATES THEN WINS BY SECOND-ROUND KNOCKOUT Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ teenage super lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr. won his second straight bout by early knockout, battering and then stopping Carlos Urrea in the second round of their fight Friday, June 29, in Mexicali , Mexico . The 19-year-old Paez Jr., who now has a record of 15-1 with 10 knockouts, ended it with a right to the head mid-way through the second round. Paez Jr., who weighed 136 pounds for the scheduled six-round contest, dominated the bout, knocking down Urrea with a right to the head in the first round. Paez, who’s co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, opening a cut over Urrea’s left eye later in the first. The impressive win follows a first-round knockout of Eduardo Rosario May 12 in Nogales , Mexico . Urrea, from Aqua Prieto, Mexico , and who was coming off a win, now has a listed record of 3-3 with no knockouts. Paez Jr. is the son of former International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization featherweight champion Jorge Paez. |
| DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT'S THOROUGHBRED ANDRE BERTO FACES COSME RIVERA ON ESPN2's FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS AT SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY CENTER ON JULY 27 ***Chazz Witherspoon vs. Fernely Feliz in Co-Feature*** New York, July 2—The strength, speed, power and stamina of the thoroughbred will be on display at Saratoga throughout its upcoming summer racing meet. DiBella Entertainment's undefeated "thoroughbred" – future boxing champion Andre Berto – will showcase all of those qualities and more in Saratoga on July 27 when the welterweight star takes on Cosme Rivera on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights at the Saratoga Springs City Center . Berto (18-0, 16 KOs), the 2004 Olympian, squares off against ring veteran Rivera (30-10, 21 KOs) in the toughest test of his promising, young career in the headline bout of the annual summer boxing card. "Andre Berto is going to bring his boxing horsepower to Saratoga," said Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment. "It is a great opportunity to perform in front of the many avid sports fans assembled at Saratoga for the historic racing meet, and on national television on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights." "I am very excited to be able to perform and showcase my talent in front of a broad national audience on ESPN2," says Berto. "Saratoga is going to be fun because it is a city known for running the best thoroughbreds in the world, and I hope to bring the same kind of excitement in the ring." In the co-feature, DBE's Philadelphia heavyweight prospect Chazz Witherspoon (18-0, 12 KOs) takes on his stiffest challenge to date against Fernely Feliz (29-8, 16 KOs) in the boxing extravaganza promoted by Pugnacious Promotions and DiBella Entertainment during the first weekend of world-class thoroughbred racing meet at the city's historic race course. Local favorites Shannon Miller (14-3, 8 KOs), Wayland Willingham (11-0, 6 KOs), Brandon Mitchem (25-4, 8 KOs) and Tommy Rainone (7-0, 2 KOs) will fight challenging opponents on the swing bouts and undercard. Feature fights on the card – held on the first night of twilight racing the evening before the Breeder's Cup qualifier Whitney Stakes – will be televised on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights." Berto, from Winterhaven, FL, is one of the most highly touted youngsters in the fight game, and considered by many to be a future world champion. Berto won his last 14 pro fights by KO, six in the first round. He was also named Prospect of the Year by ESPN's Dan Rafael. Since turning pro, he has excelled against increasingly difficult competition, stopping recent opponents, Miguel Figueroa (25-5, 14 KOs) and Contender TV's Norberto Bravo (24-12, 13 KOs) impressively. Rivera, from Culiacan, Mexico, challenged Zab Judah (34-5, 25 KOs) for the undisputed welterweight championship in 2005. "At this point, I m just taking it one fight at a time and hope to see a title shot on the horizon as I continue to climb up the ranks," adds Berto. "When that opportunity presents itself, I'll face whoever is in the top spot." Witherspoon was 2004 Olympic alternate and National Golden Gloves winner. He has also impressed in his pro career, remaining undefeated in 18 fights and stopping his last five opponents. In his well-traveled, 14-year career, Feliz from Danbury, CT has faced current heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev (34-5, 26 KOs) and former champ John Ruiz (41-7, 28 KOs). "Pugnacious Promotions' annual Saratoga summer show is a great way to start the Saratoga racing season," said Lisa Elovich co-promoter of the event. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with DiBella Entertainment and bring these exciting, young, high-level fighters to Saratoga. Fans will be chomping at the bit to see these bouts live." Tickets and more information are available from Pugnacious Promotions, www.pugnaciouspromotions.com or 518-326-9756. Call or visit for more information. Tickets are $125 for Golden Ringside and $75 for Ringside. General Admission open seats are $40. |
| ALFREDO ESCALERA : A FORGOTTON CHAMPION He turned professional in 1970, fighting in the clubs of New England, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. In his eighth pro contest he was trading shots with a fella named Edwin Viruet. He suffered his first pro defeat that night. No shame in that. Nor would there be any shame in his next setback two fights later to crafty Diego Alcala. He reeled off three wins and then lost again to world rated Miguel Montilla but he was now fighting out of his home base of Puerto Rico. Five weeks later he lost a decision to Gino Febus. Three months after his loss to Febus he halted Montilla in a rematch. Five weeks later he stopped the highly respected Frankie Otero in five rounds. Alfredo Escalera was on his way. Over the next few years the wins began to pile up. Jose Luis Lopez, Antonio Amaya, Sigfredo Rodriguez, Carlos Mendoza, Ricardo Arredondo and Oscar Pitton were victims. Then came a stunning KO loss to Mario Roman to end 1974. Two months later Alfredo bounced back to halt Roman. He then drew with the talented Francisco Villegas. It was then off to Japan for a long waited for shot at the world's crown. He would meet the W.B.C. claimant Kuniaki Shibata, a pretty darn good fighter ! On July 5th, 1975 Alfredo began a very solid reign as a world champion by flattening Shibata in two rounds.For two and a half years Alfredo was to remain a champion and put together a rather impressive resume for Hall Of Fame status. During this time as champion Alfredo took on all comers. He drew with tough Lionel Hernandez. He beat Gaetan Hart, Sven-Erik Paulsen, Jose Fernandez twice, Buzzsaw Yamabe twice and the dangerous Ray Lunny. He then won a highly controversial verdict over the extremely talented Tyrone Everett. He then halted Ronnie McGarvey and Carlos Becerril. He then came from behind to squeak by Sigfredo Rodriguez. On January 28th in Puerto Rico, Alfredo was to meet the legendary Alexis Arguello. In a memorable war, a bloodbath, Arguello captured Alfredo's title in thirteen action packed rounds. Alfredo would receive a chance to regain the crown but would again lose to Alexis in another no holds barred bout. Alfredo would remain a formidible contender for a few years but eventually fade from scene. Still he should be recognized as one of the top fighters of the era. A few years back in 1998 I believe, I ran into Arguello up in Canastota, N.Y. I point blank asked him if he felt Escalera should be enshrined ? The look in his eye upon his response told me what I wanted to hear. You could see and hear that Alexis had the utmost respect for his former foe. The answer from Alexis was YES !!! Alfredo Escalera deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame ! That was good enough for me !!! |
| ALFREDO ESCALERA Boxing Article By: Jim Amato 07/9/07 |
| JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ VS. JORGE BARRIOS HEADLINES “FIREWORKS”… THE MOST EXPLOSIVE BOXING EVENT OF 2007 ON SEPTEMBER 15 FROM MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW ‘Contender’ Stars and Former World Champions Round Out The Show TICKETS ON SALE NOW LOS ANGELES (July 2, 2007) – Traditionally, July 4 is the day reserved for explosive displays of festive fireworks. This year, however, Golden Boy Promotions is reserving Saturday, September 15, the eve of Mexican Independence Day, for a dazzling array of fireworks as they present four main event caliber fights on the same show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and broadcast live on pay-per-view. The evening will be headlined by the WBC Super Featherweight Championship bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Jorge Barrios. Also on tap is a middleweight showdown between former World Champion Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma and ‘The Contender’ season one winner Sergio ‘The Latin Snake’ Mora as well as a super lightweight battle pitting former Olympian Francisco ‘Panchito’ Bojado against former World Champion and ‘The Contender’ season two runner-up Steve Forbes. A fourth world class fight will round out the show and be announced in the near future. “Fireworks”, a night of world-class professional boxing, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Productions and the Tournament of Contenders and sponsored by Tecate, Rock Star Energy Drink and Southwest Airlines. For more information please visit www. goldenboypromotions.com. “Mexican Independence Day always is a special date for fight fans and I’m proud to bring four great battles to the fans,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “This is one of my favorite days to fight, but this year I’m excited to show off some of the greatest fighters under the Golden Boy Promotions banner. I think this show will be one of the best events of the year and fans should not miss the Fireworks.” Tickets for this unforgettable night of boxing, priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, are on sale now at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Tickets are sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s stores and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. "Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the top fighters in the world today. Marquez- Barrios figures to be a showcase event for boxing fans", said HBOPPV's Mark Taffet. "And with the addition of Ouma-Mora and Bojado-Forbes, September 15 should be a very exciting night of boxing." Richard Sturm, president of Sports & Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE agreed, "We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day Weekend with Golden Boy Promotions and HBO PPV. The energy Marquez and Barrios will bring into the ring in September will create a most exciting evening for the fans. We anticipate another successful championship event." Mexico City’s Juan Manuel Marquez (47-3-1, 35 KO’s) captured his second World Championship and launched himself back into the upper echelon of the pound-for-pound list with a thrilling victory over the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera this past March. Marquez, one of the best technicians of this era, is also known for his warrior’s heart, which led him to get up off the canvas three times in the first round and battle to a 12-round draw against Manny Pacquiao in what received a nomination for ‘Fight of the Year’ in 2004. Former World Lightweight Champion Jorge Barrios (47-3-1, 34 KO’s) of Argentina, also is known for a never say die attitude as evidenced by his 2003 war with Acelino Freitas. Fresh off a third-round KO of Decho Bankluaygym in April, Barrios is eager to once again wear the 130-pound crown. Sergio Mora (19-0, 4 KO’s), of Los Angeles, has become a household name since capturing ‘The Contender’ championship in the first season of the popular reality series. Mora’s notoriety, coupled with his penchant for throwing a high volume of punches, makes him a fighter that creates exciting fights. However, when it comes to throwing a high volume of punches, few fighters do it better than former World Champion Kassim Ouma (25-3-1, 15 KO’s), who holds the Compubox record for the most punches landed in a junior middleweight title fight with 502. Ouma, a fighter who always comes forward when he fights, is well known for the hardships he suffered early in his life having to fight in his native Uganda’s civil war as a child soldier at the age of six. Given the fighters’ styles, Ouma vs. Mora figures to be an action packed fight. Francisco Bojado (17-2, 11 KO’s), of Los Angeles, another one of boxing’s most promising talents, was thrust into the boxing spotlight following his participation in the 2000 Olympics as a member of Team Mexico. Considered a “can’t miss” prospect, he is currently on the comeback trail following a split decision loss to highly experienced former World Champion “Jesse” James Leija in what was only Bojado’s 18th professional bout. With the eyes of the boxing world once again focused on him, Bojado will have to prove himself against another experienced former World Champion when he squares off against Steve Forbes (32-5, 9 KO’s), of Las Vegas. Forbes, like Mora, also is a well-known veteran of ‘The Contender’, taking second place in the series’ second season. Forbes will look to show that he has the skill to recapture a world championship in a true crossroads fight for both fighters. The “Fireworks” pay-per-view telecast featuring Marquez vs. Barrios, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 61 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your Marquez vs. Barrios fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com. |
| Undefeated Hawk flying high in "Thriller On The River" Jirov-Craven headlines July 14 at 4 Bears Casino in North Dakota "Pinnacle FiteNite" launches monthly PPV series NEW TOWN, North Dakota (July 3, 2007) - Unbeaten cruiserweight sensation Shawn "The Sioux Warrior" Hawk continues his march towards a world title July 14 in "Thriller On The River," launching the "Pinnacle FiteNite" pro boxing series, at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, North Dakota. Twenty-three-year-old Hawk (14-0-1, 12 KOs), rated No. 13 by the NABO and No. 17 by the NABA, comes from Crow Creek (SD), the poorest reservation in the United States. "I've always enjoyed boxing but it's also a tool for me to gain some recognition and get people to listen," Hawk explained. "I want to go to school and someday become a Tribal Chairman. I want to help my people. Teenage suicide, alcoholism and unemployment rates are very high on our reservation." Former IBF champion and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Vassiliy "The Tiger" Jirov puts a potential world title fight on the line -- WBA title-holder Virgil "Quicksilver" Hill will be in attendance as a broadcast commentator - against veteran Kenny "The Raven" Craven (28-18, 23 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Kazakhstan-native and Arizona resident Jirov (36-3-1, 30 KOs), 1996 Olympic gold medal winner and Outstanding Boxer, captured the IBF cruiserweight title in 1999 by seventh-round stoppage of "King" Arthur Williams. Jirov successfully defended his title belt six times against Dale Brown (KO10), Saul Montana (TKO9), Alex Gonzales (KO1), Terry McGroom (KO1), Julian Letterlough (TKO8) and Jorge Fernando Castro (DEC12). Craven has been against world champions Michael Nunn, Vaughn Bean, Oliver McCall and Henry Akinwande, as well as world title contender Calvin Brock and fabled Eric "Butterbean" Esch, against whom he won two of their four fights. Hawk will fight an opponent to be determined in the eight-round co-feature. "This fight is really important to me," Hawk said. "I'm in the co-feature under Vassiliy Jirov and I'll be fighting in front of all those Native Americans. My whole tribe (Sioux) has been behind me since the beginning, but a lot more Native Americans now know about me. I'm an aggressive fighter who pushes the action, not really much of a runner. I'm aggressive, but cautious, not reckless." "Thriller On The River," presented by 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in association with Sports and Entertainment Media, Inc., which launches the "Pinnacle FiteNite" monthly series to be broadcast from a wide variety of venues, will air worldwide on a taped delay basis for free. Providing chief support on the undercard is undefeated New Jersey light heavyweight Chuck "The Professor" Mussachio (10, 5 KOs), the former two-time National Collegiate Boxing Association boxing champion from Lock Haven University and currently a teacher, in an eight-round bout against unbeaten Pharoah "The Quiet Storm" Turner (9-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Detroit. Las Vegas high-profile defense attorney Marc Saggese (1-0, 1 KO) faces pro debuting Christian Bendickson in a four-round cruiserweight match. Also on the undercard, in four rounds bouts, is Bismarck (ND) light middleweight Nick Runningbear (1-0, 0 KOs) versus Cheyenne Ziegler (1-0, 1 KO), North Dakota (Mandan) heavyweight Archie Hopkins makes his pro debut against Bill "The Kid" Johnson (6-6, 4 KOs), cruiserweight Lyle Kruger, of Grand Forks (ND), versus Bismarck's Chris Hugh in both of their pro debuts. All bouts and fighters are subject to change. Tickets, priced at $20.00 (bleachers), $30.00 (floor) and $40.00 (VIP ringside), are on sale and available exclusively at the 4 Bears Box Office. Call 800.294.5454 or go on line at www.4bearscasino.com. Doors open at 6 PM, first bout at 7 PM. -4Bears- |
| Oliver, rated No. 8 by the IBF, honed his boxing skills during an amateur career that consisted of over 300 fights, to include a trip to the national finals in the Police Athletic League tournament. Since turning to the professional ranks in 2001, Oliver, a native of Hartford (CT), has continuously proven the worth of his amateur upbringing, daily work ethic, and unparalleled hand speed. In his last three fights alone, Oliver captured the vacant USBA title with a unanimous decision win unbeaten Adam Carrera (10-28-06), retained the title with a unanimous decision victory over undefeated Gary Stark Jr (2-16-07), and thoroughly dismantled former USBA super-flyweight titlist, Vernie Torres en route to a unanimous eight-round technical decision (5-4-07). The July 18 IBF title elimination bout with Carbajal, a native of Veracruz, Mexico, will pit Oliver against his most-seasoned opponent to date. "I believe Cruz Carbajal is the gatekeeper to all the world champions in this divisions," Cappiello states. "A lot of guys have gone around him, but we've never ducked anyone. I believe that Mike's hand speed will offset Carbajal's experience, and lead Mike to a well-deserved world title shot." A fifteen-year, forty-three fight veteran of the professional ranks, Carbajal, rated No. 10 by the IBF, has tallied-up twenty-four knockouts in his twenty-eight wins. Though he just recently turned 33 years-old, Carbajal does not appear to be losing either his punching power or boxing skill that helped him capture the WBO bantamweight crown back in 2003. Since last losing to the heralded Silence Mabuza in May 2005, Carbajal scored three consecutive knockout wins, never allowing any of his opponents to make it past the fifth stanza. And, in his most recent outing (3-16-07) Carbajal, with less than three days notice, took on former IBF featherweight champ, Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken. After 12 action-packed rounds (which likely makes the bout a candidate for Fight of the Year), Carbajal walked out of the ring with a controversial draw that left almost all in attendance chanting his name and booing the decision. The winner of the Mike Oliver - Cruz Carbajal IBF title-eliminator will earn a mandatory world title shot against the winner of the July 14th IBF super bantamweight title fight between reigning champ, Steve Molitor and challenger Takalani Ndlovu. Undefeated featherweight prospect, Dat "Dat Be Dat" Nguyen (10-0, 6 Kos) provide chief support in an eight round bout, against an opponent to be announced soon. Nguyen, who was born in Vietnam and grew up in Maui, Hawaii, is quickly becoming one of the most talked about prospects in the featherweight division. Now living and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida, where he is under the watchful eye of heralded trainer Buddy McGirt, Nguyen will be fighting for the first time in a nationally televised event. In supporting undercard attractions, all of which are slated for 4-rounds, undefeated Weymouth, Massachusetts junior welterweight prospect "Nasty" Nick Morganelli (6-0, 3 Kos) makes his much-anticipated return against New Haven, CT's William Foster (4-9-1, 1 KO), unbeaten Bostonian - Anthony LaMonica (3-0, 2 Kos) puts his unbeaten record on the line against Des Moines, Iowa's Jeff Farmer (1-6), Lowell, MA's Joe McCreedy (5-1, 4 Kos) squares off against Don Labbe (3-9, 2 Kos) in a light heavyweight affair, in featherweight action - Guatemalan-born Castulo Gonzalez (9-2, 3 Kos) faces Phoenix's Angel Gonzales (0-2-1), 19 year-old Revere, MA prospect Icender Beauchamp (1-0) and New Haven's Edwin Carmona (1-1) square off in a flyweight bout, and Phillip Miller makes his professional debut against Stamford, CT's Robert Irizarry. All bouts and fighters are subject to change. Tickets, priced at $100, $60, and $40, are available by calling 508-586-2277. Doors to the event will open at 6 PM, with the first fight slated for 7:30 PM. For more information go to www.cappielloboxing.com |
| Oliver - Carbajal Title Eliminator Headlines July 18 ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights Brocton, MA - Cappiello Promotions has announced that undefeated super-bantamweight contender Mike "Machine Gun" Oliver (19-0, 7 Kos) will take on former WBO bantamweight champion Cruz "Chucho" Carbajal (28-13-2, 24 Kos) in an IBF super bantamweight title eliminator on July 18 from The Castle at Park Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts. The 12-round affair, which pits two of the sports most action-packed fighters against one another, will headline the July 18th installment of ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights. "This is a fight of great importance for Mike," states Cappiello Promotions President - Rich Cappiello. "Once again, Mike is taking on one of the division's elite fighters, and given the fact that there is a world title shot at stake, this will be, far and away, the biggest challenge of Mike's career!" |
| BERNARD HOPKINS AND WINKY WRIGHT CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY WITH THEIR OWN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE LOS ANGELES (July 3)…As the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, two of boxing's most "independent" fighters— Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins and Winky Wright—recall their most significant personal and professional moments of independence that have led them to their July 21 "Coming to Fight" light heavyweight championship battle at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live on HBO Pay Per View. Bernard Hopkins : "Just like Sinatra, I've always done it my way." Hopkins has always made it a point to demonstrate his independence. From his humble beginnings as a trouble-causing kid on the streets of North Philadelphia, through his journey to becoming one of the most decorated champions in the sport of boxing, Hopkins rounds out his top five "independent" moments characterizing a man, a family man, and a true champion. 1. My Release from the Penal System—" Taking my first step on to the street as a free man after serving close to five years in Graterford [Penitentiary], and then nine years on parole, the freedom of being able to walk the streets without worry and free from violation, was a moment I will never forget. I felt so free and knew I was going to turn my life around and I was never going back." 2. Meeting my Wife and Becoming a Father— "When I met my wife and we got married and had our daughter Latrice, I knew I had become a real man. We've been together over 15 years now, our daughter is 10 and it's amazing to think I could do this." 3. Moving Out To the Burbs— "I moved out my family out of North Philadelphia and bought my own home in Delaware. The yard is bigger than my whole block in Philly. Moving to a private location was freedom from the hardship and disappointment from the neighborhood of my youth. It was so different at first to see trees and single family homes all over the place. But, believe me, it didn't take long to get used to living that way." 4. Becoming a Hometown Hero—"After my victory over Oscar [De La Hoya] the City of Philadelphia threw me a parade. When I started winning titles, I gave my city something to be proud of and they recognized me for it. You know you've made it when your hometown throws you a parade." 5. Standing Up For My Boxing Rights—I've stood up for myself against the most powerful promoters in the game and won. I did it to protect myself and all the other fighters in the sport. The payoff—Golden Boy Promotions saw that I was a good businessman, made me an offer to join their company and now, I am president of Golden Boy East." Winky Wright, "In or Out of the Ring, I have a fist first, talk later attitude. " Although fighters feared him and promoters left him alone, Winky Wright found a way to make fights and propel his professional career. From early on, he found the independence he needed to take charge of his career in his own way, aligning himself Wright discounts the skepticism and speaks with his fists. Wright details five monumental accounts in which he exercised his greatest level of free will. 1. The Birth of my Two Children—" When my children Raven and Roemello were born, I knew I had to have more independence and start making decisions that were the best for those kids. It's amazing to have someone else's life depended on yours, it changes your perspective immediately. My family is my life, and in the ring I am not only fighting for myself, I am fighting for them." 2. My Triumph over Shane Mosley— "The day I signed to fight Shane Mosley was the day that my life went from rags to riches. Shane was really the first real fighter who had the confidence to step up and say he'd fight me. Everyone else was a bunch of excuses. It was when I defeated Shane that I claimed my fame. Shane's biggest mistake in challenging me, gave me my biggest pay day and put me on the stage." 3. The Death of my Uncle —"My uncle and I were really tight and he was my best friend. We grew up and did everything together as he was only several years my senior. When he died so suddenly it really shook me up. A lot of who I am today is from what he taught me to be. He taught me to stand up for myself and without him here, that's exactly what I have to do." 4. Becoming My Own Promoter—"This is something I have always said I would do. Owning my own promotion company, Winky Promotions, puts me in a position of power in the boxing world. I have now claimed my independence from other boxing promoters. I do business just like I box, I'm not just talk - I act and win. 5. A Future Fight with Oscar de la Hoya— "In the future, I would like to challenge Oscar de la Hoya. After beating Hopkins, standing on my own against De La Hoya will be the next most independent moment on this list." Hopkins vs. Wright "Coming to Fight" is for Hopkins' Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight belt and will take place Saturday, July 21 st at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. "Coming to Fight" is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Winky Promotions, and sponsored by Southwest Airlines, Tecate Beer and Rockstar Energy Drink. The Hopkins vs. Wright pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per- View and will be available to more than 61 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay- per-view industry. For your Hopkins vs. Wright fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com. |
| Margarito: “I am always excited before a fight but I think I am even more excited for this one.” “People are talking about this fight and that is great. They know its going to be a great fight.” “Seeing people turn out to support me today gives me more motivation to win. And, believe me, I didn’t think I could be more motivated.” “Williams is undefeated so he doesn’t know how to lose. But he has never been in the ring with anybody like me.” “The fans know that I will give my best.” “They are talking about a lot of big fights for me in the future, but my future is July 14. I must win or I can forget about any immediate big fights for me.” “I’ve trained very hard for a tough fight and I am in great shape.” “The fight is less than two weeks away. I can’t wait, I wish it were tomorrow.” Arreola: “I am looking forward to being a part of such a great event. This is going to be a great show.” “At this stage of my career I just want to stay active and keep learning. So I’ m happy to be fighting again.” “I’ve trained hard for 10 hard rounds. There is no pressure on me to win inside the distance but if a knockout comes, it comes.” “I feel my career has been progressing nicely but I look forward to stepping it up against some of the top guys in my division in the near future.” |
| WIN FRONT ROW TICKETS TO THE AUGUST RETURN OF ‘THE SUPERNOVA’ JOIN THE SEMINOLE WARRIORS BOXING FAN CLUB TODAY AT WARRIORSBOXING.COM HOLLYWOOD, FL, July 5 – Like the fighters on their roster, Seminole Warriors Boxing has rapidly risen up the ranks and established itself as one of the best in the world at what they do. In the case of the Hollywood-based company, that means putting on the most competitive fights possible and promoting the premier fighters in the world, such as world heavyweight champion Sultan Ibragimov, former champions Glen Johnson, O’Neil Bell, Raul Marquez and Juan Urango, and rising stars like Edison Miranda, Celestino Caballero and Joe Greene. But without the support of boxing fans, the company wouldn’t be where it’s at today, so to give back to the followers of the fight game, Seminole Warriors Boxing is sponsoring a once in a lifetime contest open to all fans who sign up for our newsletter at www.warriorsboxing.com A grand prize winner will be chosen from all of the registrants, and this lucky fan will receive front row seats to the August 8th event at the Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood featuring O’Neil Bell vs Louis Azille, a night’s stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and dinner for two at the world-renowned Council Oak Steakhouse. Sign up today, and you’ll receive all the up to the minute news on Seminole Warriors Boxing and its roster of world-class athletes, and also get a chance to win a night at the fights you’ll never forget. For More information on Seminole Warriors Boxing and our fighters logon to www.warriorsboxing.com |
| "There is no such thing as a day off or a holiday for me with my big fight coming up on Saturday,'' said the undefeated local fan favorite, Simms, of Norwalk, Conn., who defends his WBA super welterweight title against fellow unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Alcine, of Montreal by way of Haiti, in the main event of a world championship tripleheader. "Today is just another day of hard work for me.'' The Simms-Alcine scheduled 12-rounder and the eagerly anticipated world title fight between IBF/IBO flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan of Sydney, Australia, via Armenia, and Filipino Nonito Donaire will be televised on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). A domestically non-televised third championship bout will also be presented Saturday when former IBF super flyweight champion Luis “El Demoledor” Perez, of Nicaragua, will collide with Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia, of Mexico, for the vacant IBF bantamweight title. Tickets, priced at $35, $50, $100 and $200, with a limited number of ringside seats at $350, are on sale now to those age 18 and older at Arena at Harbor Yard box office (Information Line: 203-345-2400), all Ticketmaster outlets, on-line at ticketmaster.com or by charging by phone at (203) 368-1000, (203) 624-0033, (860) 525-4500 or (203) 744-8100. The event is promoted by Don King Productions with Darchinyan-Donaire being promoted in association with Gary Shaw Promotions, LLC. |
Photo: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME
| Simms And Stripes Forever: "Tremendous" Travis Simms And Old Glory While many in the U.S. spent the Fourth of July celebrating the birth of our country at picnics or barbeques, etc., it was business as usual for "Tremendous" Travis Simms, who concluded serious training for his major "Fistic Fireworks'' showdown Saturday with Joachim Alcine at Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn., on SHOWTIME. |
| WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS July 5, 2007 – Mexico City From WBC President Jose Sulaiman: Floyd Mayweather, the World Boxing Council double world champion at welterweight and super welterweight, has informed the WBC of his final decision to keep the WBC welterweight championship and relinquish the super welterweight championship that he had won in a great fight against Oscar de la Hoya. Therefore, the WBC announces the vacancy of the super welterweight championship, with the challengers being announced after the voting of the WBC Board of Governors in the following days. Floyd Mayweather is one of the greatest WBC champions in the 45 years of the existence of the organization, which has had as its champions Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez , Oscar de la Hoya, himself, and many other of the greatest champions in the history of boxing in the second half of the 20th century. Floyd Mayweather is undefeated in his professional career with 38 victories and no losses. Floyd won the super featherweight WBC title against Genaro Hernandez. He moved to win the lightweight WBC championship against Jose Luis Castillo. He continued his career by winning the super lightweight WBC title against DeMarcus Corley. Later on he conquered the welterweight world championship over Carlos Baldomir. To crown his fantastic career, he won the WBC super welterweight title from the great Oscar de la Hoya on May 5 to win his fifth WBC GREEN AND GOLD belt in five different divisions. Due to Floyd Mayweather’s extraordinary career, the WBC is naming him as Emeritus Champion super welterweight, which also turns him into ambassador of the WBC for the concord and the peace into the world. |
| Andre Ward, Cristobal Arreola, Ricardo Cortes Open Workout Quotes - Thursday, July 5, 2007, from Sisley Italian Kitchen Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, California In a legitimate “Fight of the Year” candidate, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito (34-4, 1 NC, 24 KOs) will defend his title against unbeaten, No. 1 contender Paul Williams (32-0, 24 KOs) in the main event on “Pride N’ Punishment” Saturday, July 14, 2007, at the outdoor tennis stadium at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Andre Ward (12-0, seven KOs), of Oakland , Calif. , will face an opponent to be announced, while Cristobal Arreola (20-0, 18 KOs), of Riverside , Calif. , via East Los Angeles, will meet Derek Berry (12-8-1, five KOs), of Rialto , Calif. Cortes (19-1-1, 14 KOs), of San Jose , Calif. , will box a foe to be announced. The event is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions. Tickets, available for as low as $25, are on sale at TicketMaster outlets and online at www.TicketMaster.com, as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.). The first bout on July 14 will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT. ANDRE WARD “I was recognized in the amateur circles, but I wasn’t talked about in the boxing magazines. I wasn’t expected to win a gold medal.” “I don’t know if I will ever be ‘the next biggest thing.’ I know I will be respected.” “I can’t wait to get in the ring. I’m anxious and excited. I had a great training camp and it’s going to show on July 14.” “I don’t take any opponent lightly. I always come in well prepared and motivated to fight.” “It’s going to be a great fight. Boxing fans are going to see a skilled and hungry fighter that night.” “I am who I am. I don’t have to put on an act.” CRISTOBAL ARREOLA: “I get really anxious in the days leading up to a fight. If I could, I would fight tomorrow but I have to be a little more patient than that.” “Physically, I feel great. I feel like I can run through a brick wall and not get hurt, that’s how strong I feel.” “I always train for the full-length of the fight. I don’t go in expecting to knock someone out by the third round. That kind of thinking can get you in trouble.” “A fight is a fight no matter where it’s at. I’ll fight anywhere against anyone. But since this fight is in Los Angeles , my hometown area, it’s a little more special to me.” “I want to give the fans an exciting fight to watch.” RICARDO CORTES “I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time. I haven’t fought in a year so it’ s been a long time coming.” “I sparred with heavier guys for this fight. It helped a lot in my power punches and movement.” “I don’t think I’ll have any ring rust. I’m always in top shape so I don’t think its going to be a problem.” |
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| Dawson speaks to us following his victory over Jesus Ruiz. Dawson expresses an interest in facing Antonio Tarver, who was also victorious on the same card over Elvir Muriqi. |
| Mike Oliver speaks following the biggest win of his promising career, a Unanimous Decision over Cruz Carbajal on ESPN Wednesday Night Fights. |
| We caught up with Contender star Jesse Brinkley. Brinkley was ringside in support of fellow Contender Peter Manfredo Jr. |
| Peter Manfredo Jr. looks like a beaten man but he came out on top against a tough David Banks. Manfredo talks about his intense training and his need for some time away from the sport. |
| David Banks expresses frustration after being handed a decision loss to Peter Manfredo Jr. The fight took place at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Connecticut. |
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