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| Writers & Contributors: Phil Santos Jim Amato John Martinez Ted Sares Bill Calogero Barry Chew Photographers: Barry Arpin Barry Chew Stacey Santos |
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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. |
| BOXING VIDEOS Some of our favorite boxing videos from all over the web. Click Here |
| Mesi off Aug. 18 Utah PPV show Jeremy Williams-Gary Gomez upgraded to PPV fight Tua-Montana & Greenberg-Reed headline Pinnacle FiteNite SALT LAKE CITY (August 10, 2007) – Unbeaten heavyweight “Baby” Joe Mesi has pulled out of his August 18 fight against Sherman “Tank” Williams due to a back injury he suffered this week in training camp. The eight-round cruiserweight battle between former WBO heavyweight title challenger Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams (41-5-1, 35 KOs) and Salt Lake City favorite Gary “Pit Bill” Gomez (18-8-1, 7 KOs) has been upgraded to a pay-per-view fight. Read the Full Story..... |
| Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey gives his take following a tough, and somewhat controversial, win over Derrick Brown. |
| Exciting Cruiserweight Prospect Aaron Williams talks to Overhandright.com after another impressive KO victory. Williams made quick work of Jeff Brownfield kayoing him in round one. |
| Sacramento Fury: Bautista vs. Ponce de Leon - Part One Article By: Ted Sares When undefeated Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista (23 -0 -with 17KOs) and Daniel Ponce De Leon (31-1-with 28 KOs), the WBO Super Bantamweight Champion, face off this coming Saturday in Sacramento, you just know there is a good possibility of it being another Meza-Garza, Benn-Barkley or Marquez-Vazquez type shootout. De Leon hopes to add the rising Filipino star to his list of victims. Bautista, on the other hand, wants to become the next boxing icon and to bring home a world title to his home province, Bohol, in the Philippines. There will be no surprises here. These two will be like Old West gunfighters eager to engage in a shootout. Another “Boom Boom” by the name Ray Mancini engaged in one of these cock fights with Arturo Frias in 1982 and there was more action in 2:54 of the first and only round in that one than in most 10-round fights. Read the Full Story..... |
| A Few Comparisons... Article By: Jim Amato I was recently entertained by a very good fight between Antonio Margarito and Paul Williams. The tall, quick southpaw Williams dominated the early rounds with his speed and work rate and held off a late charge by a game Margarito to earn the decision. Just a few post fight views... First off, Williams has a load of talent. Anyone can see that and he took his share of punishment in a very game fashion against the strong willed Margarito. His heart is not to be questioned. BUT...What I envision in a future contest is him being tagged by a big hitter like Cotto and just folding up. My comparison here is Williams to Alvin " Too Sweet " Hayes against Jimmy Paul. OUCH !!! Then there was Margarito... He thought he won and I guess a case can be made for him but his whining in his interview with Larry Merchant was rather disgusting. It reminded me of former middleweight champion Nino Benvenuti after some of his losses. The comments, the facial expressions, wah, wah, wah... Benvenuti was a great Italian fighter. He is in the Hall Of Fame but I could never warm up to him. Why ??? Because he always whined about everything. Even during his bouts he was always pleading to the referee about this or that. It just rubbed me the wrong way. |
| Photo: By Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor Promotions |
| RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER (Lincoln, RI) August 10, 2007 – “Takin’ It To The River” CRUISERWEIGHTS Matt Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO10( 96-94, 96-94, 97-93) Derrick Brown (13-3-3, 11 KOs), New York, NY (Godfrey retains NABF Cruiserweight Title) Aaron Williams (14-0-1, 10 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WTKO1 (1:15) Jeff Brownfield (9-7, 4 KOs), Omaha, NE Rich Gingras (3-0, 3 KOs), Claremont, NH WTKO2 (0:39) Derrick Holsinger (3- 9-2, 0 KOs), Portsmouth, OH LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS Manuel Antonio Lopes (3-0, 1 KO), Brockton, MA WDEC4 (40-34- 40-34, 40-33) More Results..... |
| Photo By: Barry Arpin - Property of Overhandright.com |
| Godfrey and Williams emerge victorious - Godfrey inches closer to major title shot, Williams stock rising quickly |
| WILL SHANE SEE THE FORREST THROUGH THE TREES ? Article By: Jim Amato There is a line in an old Phil Collins song. It goes ; " Just when I thought I had made it, you walked back into my life. " Shane Mosley is one of my favorite fighters. How could you not like him ? He was a very under rated lightweight champion. Maybe an all time great at 135. He's defeated " Golden Boy " De La Hoya twice and he also has two wins over Fernando Vargas at higher weights. BUT two men seem to have his number. Winky Wright was just too big for Shane. Then there was Vernon " The Vipor " Forrest who defeated Mosley on two occasions. Well guess what Shane...The Vipor's back and he's lookin' good. Mosley appears to be set to meet the highly regarded Miguel Cotto in his next fight for a portion of the welterweight title. Recently Vernon Forrest stepped back into the limelight with a win over rugged Carlos Baldomir to capture a piece of the junior middleweight title. Is there a chance that down the road we may see Forrest - Mosley III ? This is a fight that Shane should avoid at all costs. Read the Full Story..... |
| Sacramento Fury: Bautista vs. Ponce de Leon - Part Two Article By: Ted Sares Sudden fury it was as Daniel Ponce De Leon (31-1-with 28 KOs), took out undefeated Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista (23 -0 -with 17 KOs) with a brutal left handed attack in the first round saving the night for Mexican fans. Daniel wanted to add the rising Filipino star to his list of victims and he did just that with his first round assault. I had hoped this might have the potential of being another Meza-Garza, Benn-Barkley or Marquez-Vazquez type shootout, but there was no shootout here. Just a show of violence and malice aforethought on the part of Ponce de Leon. It was more like a Brewster-Golata or Lewis -Ruddock type fight and it was a shocker in its one-sided and quick ending. Ponce de Leon affirmed the fact he is a rugged power puncher (88% KO ratio) known for his incredible work rate and great stamina, but he did not need to show it tonight, as his physical strength allowed him to swarm Boom Boom and take him out in decisive manner. The De Leon camp took the very capable and new champion Gerry Penalosa, too lightly in their last outing, but they were ready on this night of sudden fury in Sacramento. |
| WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS August 10, 2007 – Mexico City From the office of WBC President Jose Sulaiman: The winner of the purse offer for WBC light heavyweight world champion Chad Dawson’s mandatory title defense against Adrian Diaconu was Don King Productions with a bid of $1,385,000. The other promoters who bid were: Gary Shaw Promotions with $1,300,000, Gankor Promotions with $1,100,000, and Interbox with $454,000. |
| WBO HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION, SULTAN IBRAGIMOV PRESENTS HIS WORLD TITLE BELT TO MITCHELL CYPRESS, CHAIRMAN OF THE SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA HOLLYWOOD, FL, AUGUST 10th - WBO Heavyweight World Champion, Sultan Ibragimov presents his world title belt to Mitchell Cypress, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida at the Rough, Rugged and Raw event on ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights which was broadcast live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood , Florida . Ibragimov is back in the United States preparing for his world title battle with Evander Holyfield. This higly anticipated match will take place in Moscow , Russia on October 13th. |
| With only five days advance notice, Francisco "The Wizard" Palacios made a decision to take a risk instead of wallow in the uncertainty of boxing politics. His gamble paid off in the most explosive of manners, as Palacios knocked out the favored Louis Azille in six rounds at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL. Palacios had been filling in for the MIA O'Neil Bell, while competing in his first scheduled 8-round bout. Palacios raises his record to 12-0 (6 KO) in his ESPN2 debut. Read the Full Story..... |
| Francisco Palacios Flying High After Azille Knockout By Knockout Publicity |
| King's Triumphant Return Demetrice King returns August 24 in Jackson, MI |
| On August 24, respected Michigan promoter Gerald Evans of 1 World Productions, in association with Murack Corporation, will host a night of boxing at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, Banquet Hall in Jackson, Michigan. "The Battle to be King" will feature in its main event a "much better than his record" heavyweight returning from the biggest victory of his career. Jackson's own hard-punching Demetrice "The Next Big Thing" King (12-15, 10 KOs) is coming off a sensational upset victory over formerly undefeated and highly touted Read the Full Story..... |
| Big-time boxing returns to Utah Saturday night in Sandy Tua-Montana, Greenberg-Reed & Williams-Gomez headline Pinnacle FiteNite PPV Show SALT LAKE CITY (August 13, 2007) – Heavy-handed punchers set the stage many years ago for David Tua, Roman Greenberg, Jeremy Williams and Co., continuing the strong Utah pro boxing tradition Saturday night in the Pinnacle FiteNite pay-per-view show at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy. World heavyweight champions “Gentleman” Jim Corbett and Jack “The Manassa Mauler” Dempsey both had their first pro wins in Salt Lake City. Corbett made his pro debut in Salt Lake City way back on July 14, 1886, fighting a draw with Duncan McDonald, but in his next fight, also in Salt Lake City, Corbett registered his first win, stopping Frank Smith in the second round. Read the Full Story..... |
| A FIGHT I REALLY WISH WOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE: KEN NORTON -VS- RON LYLE Article By: Jim Amato It should have happened. It could have happened. Ken Norton and Ron Lyle, two have the best heavyweights of the " Glorious 70's " era could have created quite a stir if they would have met. By 1973 Ron was an upcoming, undefeated prospect while Norton was already a contender due to his win over clever Henry Clark. In February of 1973 Lyle made his Madison Square Garden debut and was taken to school by veteran tough guy Jerry Quarry. One month later Norton shocked the world when he broke Muhammad Ali's jaw and scored a well deserved upset decision. Norton was now a star and a close decision loss to Ali in a rematch established Kenny as a major player. The two bouts with Ali garnered Norton a title shot against George Foreman. This fight was a disaster for Kenny as he was halted in the second round. In the meantime Lyle would fight his back into contention. Only the slick Jimmy Young would sidetrack Ron. In 1975 Lyle would meet new champion Muhammad Ali for the title. Ron did well in a slow, strategic fight but in the eleventh Ali hurt Lyle. The champ opened up and the referee stopped the contest. In 1976 Norton would get his rubber match with Ali with the title on the line at Yankee Stadium. Ali got the verdict but I along with Read the Full Story..... |
| On Friday August 10, Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey improved his professional record to 16-0 when he defeated Derrick “D-Train” Brown in a Cruiser weight clash at Twin River Casino in Lincoln Rhode Island. The surprisingly unanimous decision in favor of Godfrey may have confirmed the belief that fighting in ones hometown is worth 2 or 3 rounds on the scorecard, or perhaps the old adage “You must knock out the Champ to beat the Champ” still holds a bit of weight amongst some Judges. The 10 rounds of fighting consisted not of the excitement, hard punching, and knock downs that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from Godfrey, but of a boring game of low contact hide and go seek. In round 1, both fighters decided to hold a “feeling out party”, barely throwing anything more than slow ineffective jabs here and there just to keep the distance. Round 2 held only slightly more excitement. Brown appeared to be a bit more active than Godfrey, but Godfrey defended well, making Brown miss more often than not. Although Matt didn’t light up the compubox punch count numbers, he seemed to land a few more quality punches than Brown. Read the Full Ringside Report..... |
| Matt Godfrey vs. Derrick Brown Article By: Barry Chew – Overhandright.com |
| Photos By: Barry Arpin - Property of Overhandright.com |
| “El Gato” Figueroa All In & On Track MIAMI (August 14, 2007) – Newly crowned NABF light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa, in a reality short time period, has gone from counseling rebellious teens to tormenting opponents in the ring. The Spanish Harlem-born, Bronx-raised Figueroa (17-2, 13 KOs), now fighting out of Miami, captured his NABF title belt on July 28, stopping former NABA champion Ubaldo Hernandez in the 12th round. Hernandez’ portfolio includes a win against former IBF title challenger Moses Pedroza, as well as going the distance with current WBA lightweight champion Juan Diaz, WBC title challenger Vivian Harris and hot junior welterweight prospect Demetrius Hopkins. Figueroa, a 2-time New York City high school champion wrestler who was 14-0 his senior year, didn’t get off of the mat and into the ring until seven years ago, when he took a friend’s suggestion and walked into the nearby Morris Park Gym in the Bronx. Read the Full Story..... |
| EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RONNIE SHIELDS ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM JUAN DIAZ’S CAMP John Martinez - Boxingrealm.com (14Aug07) Moments ago, I spoke with renowned trainer Ronnie Shields about an news flash that was published on Fightnews.com by Karl Freitag. The news brief referenced Shield’s decision to work the corner of the only four-time heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield for his fight against WBO heavyweight belt holder Sultan Ibragimov instead of being present when WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Diaz battles IBF titlist Julio Diaz on October 13 in their unification bout. He gave a very honest assessment of what went into his decision to work Holyfield’s corner and how the situation came about. JM: Ronnie talk about reports that have surfaced regarding your future with Juan Diaz? RS: Yes. The reports are true. I was approached by Juan’s manager, Willie Savannah and he told me that I had to make a choice, train Evander or train Juan. Just like that. Read the Full Interview..... |
| Escalera ducking Aaron Williams PROVIDENCE (August 14, 2007) – Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) president Jimmy Burchfield reports that Team Escalera has turned down an opportunity for undefeated cruiserweight prospect Alfredo Escalera, Jr. (14-0-1, 11KOs) to fight CES’ unbeaten nine-time U.S. amateur champion Aaron Williams (14-0-1, 10 KOs) in the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights opening 8-round bout on August 24 in New York City. “I got a call over the weekend from Star Boxing asking if Aaron would fight Alfredo Escalera, Jr. on August 24,” Burchfield explained. “We accepted without hesitation. When I didn’t hear back, I called and was told Escalera’s people turned down the fight. Why? I want somebody to give a DNA test to that kid. How can he be the son of the great Alfredo Escalera (world super featherweight champion (1975-78) and not take this fight? It’s what fight fans want to see, two unbeaten cruiserweight prospects, and you know ESPN would like to have Aaron on the show. When he knocked out (DeLeon) Tingsley (June 20) on ESPN, they kept showing his knockout over and over for 24 hours. The problem in boxing today is fighters picking and choosing opponents instead of taking chances. We’re very disappointed.” |
| World Welterweight Championship MIGUEL COTTO vs. SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY “FAST & FURIOUS!” November 10, 2007 MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Live on Pay-Per-View MIGUEL COTTO and SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY TO PLAY IT “FAST & FURIOUS” AT THE MECCA OF BOXING! WORLD WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT SET FOR NOVEMBER 10 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN NEW YORK, NY (August 15, 2007) – “Fast & Furious” is the only way to describe this epic rumble between two of boxing’s top pound for pound superstars -- undefeated WBA world welterweight champion MIGUEL COTTO and four-time world champion SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, “Fast & Furious” will take place Saturday, November 10, at the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden. The 12-round world welterweight title fight will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. "I am very excited to be returning to Madison Square Garden and I will be completely prepared for the biggest fight of my career," said Cotto. “Shane is a great fighter but he will not be the better fighter on November 10. I will be leaving the ring the same way I will be entering it – undefeated and still world champion.” Read the Full Story..... |
| GLEN JOHNSON: ARE THERE ANY REAL FIGHTERS LEFT? HOLLYWOOD , FL , August 14 – With two spectacular wins in 2007 over Montell Griffin and Fred Moore, former World Light Heavyweight Champion Glen Johnson has proven that, like a fine wine, he is only getting better with time. And if his performances in the ring didn’t speak loud enough, the refusal of any of the big names at 175 pounds to fight him shouts to the world that just as in the time leading up to his breakout year in 2004, Johnson is the most feared man in boxing. “I guess I should wear this as a badge of honor, but truthfully, it disgusts me that fighters who call themselves World Champions won’t give me a shot,” said Johnson (46-11-2, 31 KOs). “I’ve earned my way here, I always put on exciting fights, and I give the fans their monies’ worth. Shouldn’t that be worth anything?” Apparently not according to WBC titlist Chad Dawson, IBF belt holder Clinton Woods, and old rivals Antonio Tarver, Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins, who won’t even mention a fight with Johnson. “They all have amnesia when it comes to my name, and it’s a disgrace,” said Johnson. “Each one of them could have accepted a fight with me but either refused or ignored me. They give their titles a bad name.” So what is Johnson to do? What he always does – fight. And eventually, someone, somewhere will have to fight him. It’s the way of ‘The Road Warrior’. |
| Godfrey relinquishes 3 title belts PROVIDENCE (August 15, 2007) – Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) president Jimmy Burchfield announced today that Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey and his manager, Brett Hallenbeck, have agreed to relinquish his NABA, USNBC and WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight title belts. Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs) will retain his NABF cruiserweight championship. He is rated No. 2 by the WBC, as well as No. 4 and No. 6, respectively, by the IBF and WBA. “Matt has his sights set on a world title,” Burchfield explained. “He wants to give young fighters an opportunity to fight for these three title belts he’s been so proud to wear.” |
| CABALLERO CRAVES UNIFICATION VAZQUEZ AND DE LEON DONT' WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT HOLLYWOOD , FL , August 14 – Following the third successful defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Championship over Jorge Lacierva on August 4th, Celestino Caballero wants to make one thing clear – he wants to unify the 122- pound title and if his fellow champions aren’t ready to do so, they need to vacate their belts. “For boxing to get back to where it used to be, we need one world champion in each weight class,” said Caballero (27-2, 18 KOs ). “The only way to do that is for all the title holders to fight each other, but unfortunately, it seems like I’m the only champion who feels this way.” The 31-year old Caballero, a proud native of Colon , Panama , feels that champions Israel Vazquez and Daniel Ponce Dve Leon are freezing him out of a possible unification. “Vazquez just wants to fight Rafael Marquez over and over, and Ponce De Leon knows what I did to him the last time we fought, so he’s content to avoid me as well,” said Caballero, who handed WBO champion Ponce De Leon his only pro loss via a lopsided decision in 2005. “I have to take my case to the people and have them demand a unification fight.” At five foot eleven, Caballero is one of the tallest super bantamweight champions ever, yet he excels in putting on exciting fights for boxing fans every time out. A world champion since 2005, the nine-year pro has won eight fights in a row, four by knockout. Now all he wants is a chance to prove himself to be the best 122-pound fighter in the world. Will Vazquez or De Leon step up to the plate? |
| My Pound for Pound Dozen Right Now: Calzaghe, Mayweather, Pacquiao, Hatton, Marquez, Klitschko, Taylor, Vazquez, Cotto and others |
| 15.08.07 - By Ted Sares: These lists are extremely difficult to compile; they are subject to subjective analysis and to continual change. In fact, I have a top 100 list in my forthcoming book and it was pure torture to finally hit the send button. However, like many other on-line writers, I cannot resist the compulsion to do them. With this as my initial benchmark, my next will be posted on January 1, 2008 and then quarterly thereafter: 1. Manny Pacquiao (Jr. Lightweight)- This popular champion from the Philippines, at 44-3-2, has destroyed Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales with his in and out whirlwind style and heavy hands. Under Freddy Roach, he continues to improve adding new dimensions to his already formidable arsenal. I expect him to beat (and retire) Barrera on October 6, 2000 and to do it in brutal fashion. Why Manny over Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Because he has engaged in brawls that truly test a fighter’s warrior heart--- and he has passed those tests with flying colors. Read Ted Sares Pound for Pound List..... |
| CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES: KERMIT CINTRON AND JESSE FELICIANO ROMAN KARMAZIN AND LUCA MESSA, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15, 2007 Kermit Cintron will defend his IBF welterweight title against Jesse Feliciano in one of three 12-round fights Saturday, Sept. 8, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles , Calif. , on SHOWTIME PPV. In another, Roman Karmazin faces Luca Messi for the WBA super welterweight Intercontinental crown. In the highly anticipated Sept. 8 main event, two-time world champion Fernando Vargas faces three-time world champion Ricardo Mayorga at a catch weight of 162 pounds. Cintron: I just had a ruptured tendon. Took cartilage and had no blood flow going to my middle knuckle so my bone was dying. I had to get that fixed, and finally they got it fixed and it's been 100 percent since. Feliciano: I was very excited. I didn't think I would get this shot so soon. I thought maybe next year. But I'll take it however I can get it. I'm ready. I've got nothing to lose. I am going all out. Read the Full Story..... |
| DISH NETWORK PPV WILL BE SHOWN CALDERON VS CAZARES IN THE UNITED STATES The awaited showdown between WBO straweight champion Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon (28-0, 6 KO’s) and mini flyweight Hugo Cazares (25-3-1, 19 KO’s) will be shown live on “Pay Per View” for the United States, exclusively on Dish Network in August 25 at Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in a presentation of the Puerto Rico best Boxing Promotions.. All the Dish Network customers in the United States should call 1-800-DISH PPV (1-800-347-4778) or visit www.dishnetwork.com/ppv for more information of the card “Champion vs. Champion/Calderon vs. Cazares”. Read the Full Story..... |
| SALT LAKE CITY (August 16, 2007) – Compelling storylines will unfold, often punctuated by knockouts, as a cast of professional boxers reach the crossroads of their respective careers on Saturday night in the Pinnacle FiteNite pay-per-view show at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah. “Pinnacle FiteNite” is a pro boxing pay-per-view series emanating for a wide variety of venues. The Aug. 18th edition is promoted by C.A.M. Boxing, Inc. in association with Sports and Entertainment Media, Inc. and Gotham Boxing. Read the Full Story..... |
| Pinnacle FiteNite PPV Saturday night in Utah Tua-Montana, Greenberg-Reed & Williams-Gomez |
