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Isaac “Golden Boy: Chilemba- Ready to take the bite out of Pantera February 3rd!
By: Daxx Kahn - BillyCBoxing.com
On February 3rd at the Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel located in Las Vegas Nevada DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Boxing and Sampson Boxing promotions will be co-promoting an event titled “SuperBrawls” featuring what should be a stacked card of bouts. The Main Event features hard punching Edison “Pantera” Miranda against Malawi born South African based light heavyweight contender Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba in a contest that is almost certain to propel the winner into world title contention. As most reading this already know ANY bout involving the popular hard hitting Columbian native Miranda is guaranteed to have fireworks, when he has an opponent who is willing to fight toe to toe it can only be that much more exciting.
Edison’s opponent Isaac Chilemba is one of those opponents. The 24 year old Chilemba who originates from South Africa is not a fighter to be overlooked and certainly isn’t coming into this bout as an “Opponent” for Miranda, in fact you can switch that around because should Chilemba win he will be exactly where he wants and that is title contention. Miranda has been a dangerous foe for all those he has faced thus far win or lose his losses have come by the hands of boxing’s elite anyone shy of the top tier level has not faired all too well, Chilemba currently teeters on that status.
On paper Chilemba’s professional record reads 18-1-1 (9) not a bad start when you think about it but while building that resume his accomplishments back up the numbers game that is often misled by thrifty match making. In 2008 he won the African Boxing Union Super Middleweight title, in 2009 he claimed the WBO African Light Heavyweight title, African Boxing Union Light Heavyweight title and WBC International Light Heavyweight title. In 2010 Isaac’s streak continued when he dropped back to Super Middleweight and claimed the divisions vacant IBO World Championship besting then unbeaten Michael Bolling. Those events led up to this February’s faceoff with Miranda.
I was able to catch a few moments of Isaac’s time today and discuss the upcoming Miranda bout and more, here are some highlights of that conversation.
CLICK HERE to read DAXX's Interview!
MOVIE SHOOT IN ALBANY!
BOXING ATTENDEES ON FEBRUARY 4TH TO BE PART OF FILMING
BRONX NEW YORK: - Star Boxing and Times Union Center officials are pleased to announce that Wishing Well Pictures has chosen the arena to film scenes for their upcoming boxing film "The Challenger". Filming will begin on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the KO at the TU Boxing event. Boxing fans in attendance for the event, whose main event features Joe "The Future" Hanks (18-0, 12KO's) vs. Rafeal "The Cuban-Cajun Giant" Pedro (21-9-1, 15KO's), will be asked to stay for filming to be extra's in the movie.
Times Union Center General Manager Bob Belber is thrilled to not only have the ability to offer the venue for filming, but to be able to tie it in to the return of championship boxing at the arena. "Now that the Times Union Center has become a New York State Qualified Film Production Facility, we're thrilled to start utilizing the arena for movie productions. In addition to benefiting the arena, adding this dimension to our event calendar will also have a positive effect on the downtown Albany economy. Since filming is being tied into the KO at the TU, we will not only be bringing championship boxing back as a live event, but on the silver screen as well."
Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing is "pleased that his fights on February 4th will be a part of this movie." DeGuardia has had previous experience with other movie companies. "...our fighter, Anthony Tarver was Rocky's nemesis Mason Dixon in the last Rocky movie (Rocky Balboa), and I remember when they filmed the fight scenes in Las Vegas. The fans loved the experience and many were ecstatic when they saw themselves in the movie. Fans in Albany can now have that same experience February 4th at the Times Union Center."
"We are excited that Albany County will once again be the site of filming. This activity generates economic vibrancy and literally puts Albany on the map and in the spotlight for many film companies for future projects," said Michele Vennard, President/CEO of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc.
"The Challenger" is an inspirational boxing drama about family and fate. In order to save the life that he knows, "Bronx Boy" Jaden Miller must turn to the one thing he's always run from, fighting. In every fight on his way to the title, Jaden Miller is "The Challenger."
Smallville's JUSTIN HARTLEY and Listen to Your Heart's KENT MORAN star as the boxers and will be filming part of the film's final fight for the Light Heavyweight Title directly following Star Boxing's bouts that night.
Writer/Director and lead actor KENT MORAN says "Everyone in Albany has been a pleasure to work with and we are very excited to film at the Times Union Center. It should be a fun filled and exciting night. We hope to put on a good show after the real show. A big thanks to the Times Union Center, SMG, and Star Boxing.
"The Challenger" is still casting, more news and updates to come. The film production can be followed on Facebook.com/TheChallengerMovie
Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive says, "I am extremely pleased that writer/director Kent Moran has chosen to film key scenes from his movie "The Challenger" at the Times Union Center. This is a great opportunity to showcase what I believe to be one of the finest venues for sports and entertainment in the Northeast. What is doubly exciting is that the filming will be done the same evening as boxing returns to the TU with defending IBA heavyweight Champion Joe Hanks fighting Rafeal Pedro. This is the beginning of a great year of sports and entertainment at the Times Union Center, and we certainly welcome the actors, producers and crew of "The Challenger" to Albany County".
Tickets for the KO at the TU are on sale now at the Times Union Center Box Office, select Wal Mart Music Centers, 1-800-745-3000 and www.timesunioncenter-albany.com and www.starboxing.com or by calling Star Boxing at 718 823-2000. Tickets, priced at $75, $50, $40 and $30, are available through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000) Tickets for the KO at the TU will guarantee you a seat for the fights and the filming.
The Times Union Center is location at 51 South Pearl Street in Albany, New York, 12207.
For more information call Star Boxing 718 823-2000 or email to:
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STAR BOXING SIGNS CLETUS SELDIN
BRONX, NEW YORK - Former amateur standout and current hot welterweight prospect Cletus "The Hebrew Hammer" Seldin has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Star Boxing, it was announced today by Joe DeGuardia, founder and CEO of Star Boxing.
Fighting out of Dix Hills in Long Island, New York, the hard hitting 25 year old will be featured on Star Boxing's undercard at ROCKIN' FIGHTS this Saturday night, January 28th at the Paramount Theater in Huntington, Long Island.
"We're very proud to bring Cletus aboard to the Star Boxing team. I've watched his exciting, fan pleasing style as an amateur and pro. Most recently he electrified the crowds at Madison Square Garden in October and on our last show at the Paramount Theatre in November" said DeGuardia.
"His aggressive, all-action style has made Cletus among the most popular fighters in the New York City area and we plan on keeping him very busy this year."
In his last outing, the undefeated Seldin, 5-0 with three knockouts, brutally stopped Rashad Bogar from a barrage of power shots in the third round on November 19th at the Paramount Theatre.
On October 22nd at Madison Square Garden, Seldin drilled Jose Torres to the canvas three times enroute to a second round stoppage in front of a packed house of New York City boxing fans.
This Saturday night Seldin will face off against Colorado Springs native, Tyler Pogline, 5-9 (4KO's) in a six round scheduled bout.
As an amateur, Seldin was a finalist in the New York City Golden Gloves and a Long Island Amateur Boxing Champion. He is also a Certified Fitness Trainer through the International Sports Science Association.
ROCKIN' FIGHTS is headlined by a junior welterweight showdown between Huntington, Long Island fan favorite Chris Algieri and Curtis Smith of Atlanta, Georgia.
Advance tickets, priced at $35, $50 and $100 can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000, or by visiting the Star Boxing website, www.StarBoxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com, Phone 1-800-745-3000) and The Paramount Theater Box Office by calling (631) 673-7300.
Doors will open on the night of the event at 7pm with the first bell scheduled for 7:30pm.
The Paramount Theater is located at 370 New York Avenue, Huntington, New York, 11743. For directions and more information, please visit their website at www.paramountny.com
DEMETRIUS ANDRADE FOLLOWING PLAN
BRONX, NY - Undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade believes his February 10 main-event fight against former USBA junior middleweight champion Derek "Pooh" Ennis, for the vacant North American Boxing Organization ("NABO") junior middleweight title, is a continuation of a well designed plan, eventually landing him a world title fight later this year or in early 2013.
With world title belt implications for the winner, Andrade-Ennis headlines the Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing show on ESPN Friday Night Fights at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Andrade (15-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of nearby Providence, was a much decorated amateur who in 2007 became the first American since 1999 to capture a gold medal at the World Amateur Championships. The talented 23-year-old from Providence is ranked in the top 15 of all four major governing bodies: No. 9 by the World Boxing Organization ("WBO"), No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation ("IBF") and World Boxing Council ("WBC") and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association ("WBA"). He is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.
"This fight will put me in a good position and let people know that I'm coming hard," Andrade said. "I will be there soon (world champion) but I'm in no rush. I've been handled the right way. We're following the game plan and picking the right fights. Once I get up to 20-0 or so, I'll be ready to call out the big guys like (Canelo) Alvarez.
"I've improved a lot since I turned pro, mentally and physically. I've kept my head on straight, remained focused and have had no distractions at all - in or out of the ring. Physically, I'm in tip-top shape, able to handle whatever comes my way."
IBF No. 9-rated Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs) is carrying on the rich tradition of other tough Philadelphia fighters before him such as Joey Giardello, Jeff Chandler, Bernie Briscoe and so many others from the City of Brotherly Love.
"I don't know too much about Ennis other than his record and that he has a good style," Demetrius remarked. "We're looking to step-up and fight guys like him. We're going to make this show rock. I'm going for a big win."
Like Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Roy Jones, Jr. before him, Andrade is a exceptionally gifted boxer who has been unfairly tabbed a "safety-first fighter" because he makes fights look so easy and effortless. Boxing, though, is about hitting your opponent without getting hit. Andrade has done just that and much more during his perfect pro career to this point. The slick southpaw has been thoroughly dominant in his 15 pro fights, knocking out 10 opponents, and winning all but four of 59 rounds on the judges' scorecards.
"Sometimes, it's funny to me that, when I win by a decision, some people get mad because I didn't knockout my opponent," Andrade explained. "But they still get mad when I win by knockout. Whenever I fight, I bring a different look and nobody can say I don't. I beat (Grady) Brewer with my jab and I went to (Saul) Duran's body with power punches until he quit.
"Each and every fight, I'm better, stronger - stepping-up against better competition - and I'm still winning."
Tickets are $75.00, $40.00 and $30.00 (plus $5.00 facility fee for all tickets) and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster's national toll free Charge By Phone number 1.800.745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability, or by calling Star Boxing at 1.718.823.2000 and online via www.StarBoxing.com.
For more information go online to www.starboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com.
IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY
By: Austin Killeen - BillyCBoxing.com
It is four thirty in the afternoon at the LA East gym 4520 Alexander Boulevard in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over the course of the next 15 minutes three men will enter the structure with one purpose in mind. Like clockwork they meet five days a week, always with the same mission. The two younger men are professional boxers and the older gentleman their mentor whose job is to maximize their full potential.
They operate under the umbrella of a local manager whose job is to provide them with opportunities to fulfill their mission. Although the quartet lack a formal name there is no doubt this is a team; a team whose sum is greater than its individual parts.
The young pugilists are bantamweight Leonardo Sanchez, undefeated in two fights and welterweight Joshua Gomez with a three and one record, two coming by way of TKO. Both sport big smiles and winning personalities but clearly know when it is time to get down to business. The older gentleman is their trainer and cut man Sergio Chavez, who starts each session not with verbal commands but with the emergence of a stop watch; a time piece that seemingly appears out of thin air. There is no confusion as to what this watch indicates.
While in another part of city their manager Jacob Maes is working the phones seeking competitive matches for Sanchez and Gomez. He is looking for bouts that will provide the boxers with valuable experience while maximizing their financial reward.
Leonardo Sanchez is a transplanted Cuban who arrived in Albuquerque at the age of eleven. It did not take long for him to realize there were a lot more Mexicans than Cubans residing in the Duke City. A street dispute confirmed this when he realized he was out numbered twelve to one. Not wanting to embarrass a dozen people he suggested settling things mano a mano in the gym. No one recorded the result that day but Albuquerque’s newest resident fell in love with boxing. This lead to an amateur career resulting in a 60 and 8 record including runner-up in the National Junior Olympics and New Mexico GG’s Championship.
I witnessed his pro debut at the Santa Ana Star Casino in Bernalillo, NM. Waiting in his corner for the bell, the eighteen year old Leonardo looked more like a cherub who had escaped from a water fountain than a professional boxer. His opponent would soon find out that looks can be deceiving. After four hard fought rounds Sanchez had captured a majority decision. Eight months later I was blown away by the improvement in his second bout. Employing a bob-n-weave style, Leonardo was unhittable to the frustration of his menacing opponent. He was rewarded with a unanimous decision to the delight of the hometown fans. At the risk of being guilty of hyperbola, he reminds me of another teenage sensation of the early fifties; New Orleans’ Ralph Dupas.
I first met the muscular Joshua Gomez when I went to the LA East Gym two weeks ago. At 5’ 10”, he is quite tall for someone fighting in the low 140’s. At the age of 27 he would appear to be on the older side for someone seeking a career in the sport. However he is a six year veteran the Air Force including a nine month deployment to Iraq. While in the service Josh joined the boxing team compiling an 89 and 5 record. Among his honors Texas GG’s Title and a finalist in the National AAUs. It is because of his background that he feels his age will not a barrier to his success. Watching Josh train he has a pulverizing left jab, like a telephone pole on a rope. He also throws nice combinations off his jab. Because of his impressive strength, shorter, stocker boxers will have a difficult time trying to push him around.
Sergio Chavez treats time like there will be a heavy fine is he wastes any of it. It is like a Pavlovian reflex when his stop watch appears; both boxers spring into action. A veteran of over 160 amateur fights himself; he knows that a round is three minutes. Amazingly he thinks the rest period is somewhere between ten to twenty seconds. The early part of each training session is aerobic, including polymeric drills.
Once the boxers enter the ring, training is individualized to each person’s needs. For Leonardo this means working on the bob-n-weave to be more offensive. If he can learn to slip and counter, then KO’s should start to add up. For Gomez it is to maximize the opportunities that will result from his powerful jab. One thing is for sure, neither boxer will ever lose a match because they run out of gas. In addition to training Sanchez and Gomez, Chavez has been associated with such standout boxing performers as Johnny Tapia, Joaquin Zamora, Danny Romero, Jackie Chavez, and David Martinez. This explains why Sergio was flown to Cancun, Mexico in November to work the corner of James Kirkland for his fight with Alfredo Angulo.
The picture would not be complete without the aforementioned Jacob Maes, a childhood friend of Sergio Chavez. They grew up in Grants, New Mexico where their friendship was molded while working out at the local gym. Jacob has been in the business for the past twenty years. In addition to Sanchez and Gomez he is responsible for negotiating contracts for Archie Ray Marquez, Elco Garcia and Eric Henson.
Anybody can get fights for their fighter, but Maes seeks the right fight to insure his boxer’s development and continued growth.
Jimmy Cannon once wrote that "boxing is the red light district of sports." If he knew Jacob, Chavez, Gomez and Sanchez he might have wrote that boxing is all about family.
Frank Maloney Discusses David Price, Tyson Fury Battle
Frank Maloney, promoter for British heavyweight prospect David Price (12-0, 10KOs), saw a new star emerge on Saturday night in Liverpool, when Price knocked out veteran John McDermott in one round. Price is now the mandatory challenger to British/Commonwealth champion Tyson Fury (17-0, 12KOs).
If Maloney wins the purse bid, he could see the fight taking place as early as March. The fight is mandated to take place before the money of May.
"I believe David will dominate the heavyweight division. Lennox Lewis dominated it in the 90s, David will dominate it now. We need a heavyweight who can dominate the division. He passed his A-level test. We now move to the next level. We saw a real heavyweight star born," Maloney said.
"Obviously we'll have one more fight before the Tyson Fury fight, unless we can get that made quick. The purse bid is set in a couple of weeks. [The fight] has to happen before May. If we win it, David will fight him in March, as soon as that, or someone in that period."
Rigondeaux and Diaz victorious as ShoBox deliver’s another quality card!
By: Daxx Kahn - BillyCBoxing.com
On paper the card looked impressive the event itself certainly did not disappoint. Three unbeaten prospects in two separate bouts were enticing enough let alone the Main Event that would be for the WBA Super Bantamweight World title. Matthew Villanueva 6-0-1 (6) record remained perfect in both being unbeaten and in having himself a 100% KO ratio when improving to 7-0-1 (7) taking out Michael Ruiz JR 8-1-1 (3). Villanueva had little resistance throughout walking away victorious via TKO 1:04 in round 7th.
Matthew Villanueva will be a SuperFlyweight whose name becomes heard often among boxing fans by 2014 should his winning ways continue.
Super Featherweight prospects Guy Robb and Joel Diaz also met to see whose “0” shall go. Robb entered 7-0 (3) while Diaz a knockout artist with top level boxing ability entered 6-0 (5). The pace started swiftly and continued to stay that way throughout; in just the first 4 rounds alone the fighter’s traded knockdowns. The longer distance that followed favored Diaz who just wore Robb out, Guy never gave up but could not keep pace with his 19 year old foe. In round 7 Diaz began to pour it on and after over-coming his first moment of adversity when he was knocked down in round 2 gained himself a TKO win at 2:20 of the round. Diaz performance showed the benefits training at Freddie Roach’s “Wild Card Gym” can bring as stated in an interview published last week on BillyCBoxing.com.
The Main Feature was a battle between undefeated WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Rico Ramos 20-0 making his first defense of that belt against Cuban Amateur Sensation and two time Olympic Gold Medal winner Guillermo Rigondeaux 8-0 (6). Right from the opening bell it was obvious Ramos would not get into a rhythm that would benefit him as he appeared tight and threw punches sporadically. Rigondeaux who looked slightly reckless swinging wide at times outworked the champion coming forward constantly. The pressure was such that Ramos could not come up with a “Plan B”, which caused him to be knocked out at 1:29 of round 6 and cost him his title. Rigondeaux is now a top name in the Super Bantamweight division with a World title while still yet to reach professional bout #10. Rico Ramos should bounce back after this loss and with a 20-1 record is still a top contender for another title soon.
In off camera action 2 welterweight matches took place, 9-1 (4) Javier Molina gained victory #10 UD 6 over 9-4-1 Alberto Herrera and Marcus Robinson dropped to 5-1 when Yosmani Abreu 2-2 was awarded the UD 4. Heavyweight Razvan Cojanu 2-1 gained a decision win over Rodney Hernandez 1-1.
Showtime put on another great evening of well-matched bouts for fans reminding us why they are questionably the top network in broadcasting fight cards.
“On Freddie Roach”
By: Amy Green - BillyCBoxing.com
In the decade or so I've been following Freddie Roach, he has emerged as one of the most respected figures in the boxing industry, receiving countless accolades as a trainer- earning more acclaim and financial reward than he did in his 53 fight career under the guidance of Eddie Futch. From Olympian Virgil Hill to current day pound for pound superstar Manny Pacquiao, 26 years of training have seen Freddie produce 27 world champions. A Who's Who list of actors, celebrities and personalities make their way to Freddie's Wild Card Gym, to take in its steamy confines, located above a Chinese laundry in Hollywood, to watch the master at work with his fighters or absorb some of his wisdom.
Continued - Click Here To Enter The Green Room!
GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX KNOCKS OUT RICO RAMOS TO CAPTURE WBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
Joel Diaz Jr. Scores Seventh-Round TKO in “Mini Classic” Slugfest
Matthew Villanueva Stops Mike Ruiz, Jr. in Seventh
LAS VEGAS – In a night of knockdowns and stoppages on ShoBox: The New Generation, Guillermo Rigondeaux won a world title in only his ninth professional fight by knocking out the defending World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion Rico Ramos at 1:29 of the sixth round. The co-feature resulted in a multiple knockdown thriller live on SHOWTIME® before Joel Diaz Jr. ended the contest by scoring a TKO over Guy Robb at 2:20 of round seven. In the opening bout of the night, super flyweight Matthew Villanueva TKOed Mike Ruiz Jr. at 1:04 in the seventh round from Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
In his first title defense, Ramos never found his rhythm.
“Rico Ramos is a very good fighter,” Rigondeaux said after his world championship-capturing fight. “But I train very hard and when I train, no one can beat me.”
The quick and slick Rigondeaux scored a knockdown in the first session and threw a slew of rapid-fire power shots to end the affair but Ramos pulled through the early adversity. From there, Rigondeaux methodically controlled the pace, although both fighters seemed a bit tentative and unwilling to engage from the second through the fifth rounds.
In the sixth, Rigondeaux (9-0, 7 KOs) bothered Ramos by holding and hitting. Joe Cortez warned Rigondeaux as Ramos (20-1, 11 KOs) recovered but Rigondeaux smelled blood in the water. The Cuban burst from his corner and belted Ramos with power shots to the head and a solid left hook to the midsection that sent Ramos to the canvas for a count of ten.
“He hit me in the back of the head and I got dizzy,” said Ramos. “The referee told us to fight and I wanted to take my time. That’s when he caught me with the body shot and I fell. I’m going to bounce back harder. I’ll be up in that gym next week.”
Diaz Jr. (7-0, 6 KOs) and Robb (7-1, 3 KOs) produced a shootout with its share of knockdowns and blood in a fight that both young boxers took on short notice. From the opening bell, power punches flew – and landed. As Diaz Jr., of Los Angeles, began to come on strong in the second, Sacramento-based Robb dropped him with a big right hand. Diaz Jr. retaliated with two knockdowns of his own in the third round.
Refusing to back down, the fight enjoyed several swings of momentum. The fighters loaded up on the majority of their shots with Diaz Jr. landing 148 power shots to Robb’s 120. In the seventh, Diaz Jr. rocked Robb and began a barrage of punches that caused referee Vic Drakulich to call the fight.
“It was much harder than I thought,” said Diaz Jr. of the scheduled eight-round super featherweight attraction. “I was expecting it to be more like my previous fights, but not everybody’s the same. I can’t hit everybody with one punch and knock them down.”
Impressed by the action and torrid pace, SHOWTIME boxing analyst Steve Farhood called the fight a “mini classic.”
Villanueva (7-0-1, 7 KOs), of Burbank, Calif., came into this evening with six stoppages in his six wins and tonight’s victory was no different. The five-foot-seven Villanueva overwhelmed his opponent with his superior power. By round two, it looked like Ruiz Jr. (8-2-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, Calif., might not survive as Villanueva dropped him, however the determined fighter made it back to his corner. Villanueva opened the third round by pummeling his opponent but again Ruiz. Jr. showed heart and resolve to keep the bout alive. Through the middle rounds, Villanueva showed great composure for a young fighter to not force the knockout. His patience paid off in the seventh when Villanueva began to tee off on Ruiz Jr. before referee Russell Mora stepped in to end the fight.
By the end of the scheduled eight-round super flyweight affair, Villanueva had landed 211 punches; Ruiz 62.
Mayweather takes the low road, again!
By: Keith Terceira - BillyCBoxing.com
Floyd Mayweather may be the WBC undefeated welterweight champion in the boxing ring but his is also the undefeated champion of media manipulation and hogwash.
Just when you think he has gained the high road in pulling off this mega bout, his greed shines thru and he hits the low road again, causing doubt that it will ever occur.
After his alleged call to Manny Pacquiao, yesterday, promoting to the 8 time world champion his May 5th fight date, Mayweather also reported that he refuses to agree to a 50/50 split of the proceeds.
Appearing on “Sportscenter”, Mayweather was quoted as saying the following.
“He asked about a 50/50 split and I told him no, that can’t happen, but what can happen is you can make more money fighting me than you have made in your career. I also let him know I’m in control on my side but he needs to get on the same page as his promoter so we can make this fight happen.”
So folks, here we go again back to the beginning, back to the gamesmanship that has plagued this mega-fight, which is slowly turning into a pugilistic version of “Jersey Shore”.
“Take the test” ,”Mayweather is Scared”, “Manny is afraid”, “PED’s” or “Choreographed Win” and all these other lines thrown around the media basically boil down to the fact that Mayweather Jr. has an elevated opinion of himself and refuses to realize that Manny Pacquiao will sell more actual tickets than Mayweather.
A 17,000 seat venue is not the stage for the “Fight of the Century”, this bout belongs a stadium like the Dallas Cowboy facility.
Floyd’s victory over Victor Ortiz did not increase his popularity to the point that he holds a larger than 50/50 split with Manny Pacquiao. Neither did Pac-Man’s win over Marquez assure him of the leverage to ask for more against Mayweather Jr.
This latest, wrench in the cogs of negotiations by Mayweather follow the same track as previous attempts to pull off this event, leading one to believe that forever Mayweather will attempt to win the war of publicity and skirt around the actual fight by overpricing himself, using the bailout of medical testing, or God know what else.
The problem with this strategy is that while he dances around signing a contract, other fighters are gaining support to replace the need for a Pacquiao - Mayweather bout ever taking place.
Sergio Martinez, Julio Caesar Chavez Jr., and Canelo Alvarez continue to grow in interest for a shot at Pacquiao.
Once labeled the “Mexecutioner”, Pacquiao facing off with any Mexican champion in a Stadium in San Diego, would be jammed packed with Mexican and Philippine supporters from California and Mexico.
Amir Khan’s loss to Peterson also makes it attractive for Pacquiao to avenge his friends loss and face Peterson if a Khan rematch can’t be negotiated or perhaps Khan decides after the loss to replace Roach and that would open the doors for a Pacquiao / Khan mega European match in England.
Whatever the case may be Mayweather continues to throw roadblocks into the fight happening, and then manipulates the press into reporting that it’s all Bob Arum’s or Manny Pacquiao’s fault it is not a done deal.
One barrier after the other has fallen to the wayside, with Pacquiao giving ground to Mayweather demands but the demand that Pacquiao is not worth a 50/50 split is absurd.
While the Mosley and Marquez III fight has caused Pacquiao to take a hit in the legacy department recently, Mayweather’s consistent decision to face boxers on the downside of their career or past their prime may appeal to his already established fan base but does little to encourage new fans or the casual fan.
His outside the ring antics and criminal behavior has driven more fans from boxing than increase his base, much like Mike Tyson who attracted more people who desired to see him lose than fans that wished him success after his rape conviction.
What makes Mayweather Jr. feel that he has the upper hand in this continuing saga, his undefeated record of facing ready to retire fighters like Shamba Mitchell, Ricky Hatton, Arturo Gatti, Oscar De La Hoya, or Carlos Baldimir displays the magic of manipulating numbers and records to meet the needs of promotion.
Mayweather’s allegations that Pacquiao fights is retreads is a valid argument as Pacquiao has faced Mayweather defeated fighters often like Hatton, De La Hoya, etc etc
In defense of both fighters , there are few fighters on the planet that either boxer can face that meet the needs, money wise, to fill the expanding vault that both these men require to fill to maintain their lifestyles and entourage.
My personal thoughts on the matter is that after Mayweather’s behavior in and out of the ring, I will never purchase a PPV event that the fighter is in, I’ll wait until the video is posted somewhere ,moments later, to view the results. I did not support Tyson after his raising his hands to harm a woman and I won’t support Mayweather’s behavior either.
I’m not the moral police, as Pacquiao has had marital issues of his own creation but I am the sheriff of my own values, and those values include the detesting of the assault on women.
CONTRACT FINALIZED FOR WBC BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
Photo by Bret "The Threat" Newton
New Jersey - Seeking the best possible fights on the planed, former multiple world champion, Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan (37-4-1, 27 KOs) has finalized his negotiations to challenge Japan's undefeated WBC bantamweight titlist, Shinsuke Yamanaka (15-0-2, 11 KOs).
Promoter Gary Shaw stated, "Contracts have been signed, sealed and delivered. The fight is finalized and will take place in Tokyo, Japan sometime in April. Nothing makes me more proud than having a throwback fighter like Darchinyan, who will take risks and step in the ring with anyone, anywhere. Yamanaka will be defending his belt in his native land so Vic's got to go in there and put it on him. I believe Darchinyan's power punching style will lead him to victory."
Darchinyan, an elite fighter in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions went on to say, "I'm extremely pleased with the WBC's decision to give me another title shot. I've fought and defended the WBC title with honor and pride. I love everything the WBC stands for because I believe they know I'm a true warrior and will leave everything in the ring when I go to battle. My gratitude to José Sulaimán is everlasting because he's always been there for me throughout my career. Capturing a world championship in three divisions has been a goal of mine since I won my first belt. I know I have what it takes to be champion at bantamweight."
Having traveled the globe from Australia to America and now Japan, Darchinyan must be recognized as one of boxing's most respected fighters. A Hall of Fame career is fast approaching should he continue his march toward a treasured third world title in as many divisions.
Shaw went on to say, "There's no doubt about it, Vic is a future Hall of Famer. In his era, he fought the best that was out there. He's never been in a boring fight. His style has always been crowd pleasing and you'll never see any quit in him, ever. He'll get my vote for the Hall of Fame when that time comes. Vic's got plenty of fight left in him and come April, you'll know why he's one of the best prize fighters of his time."
In a quest to capture a world championship on foreign land, Darchinyan has a difficult task in front of him. Most fighters at the elite level would never take that gamble.
Shaw continued, "You have to give Darchinyan a ton of credit for taking this fight in Japan. Not many fighters will travel overseas to fight for a world title. He's given his heart and soul to this sport and I applaud the WBC for recognizing his soldier spirit."
Chris Algieri CAMP NOTES
Huntington, New York - Star Boxing's light welterweight sensation, Chris Algieri (12-0, 6 KO's) looks to remain undefeated when he returns to the ring, January 28, 2010 against Atlanta's Curtis Smith (10-5, 5 KO's). The fight takes place in Algieri's hometown at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York.
When asked about his training camp Algieri stated, "Training camp has been fantastic. I've been sparring with Ajose Olusegun (30-0, 14 KO's) who's one of the best fighters in the world. He's a southpaw just like Smith so I couldn't ask for a better sparring partner. My trainer Keith Trimble has come up with a few different game plans being that we don't know too much about Smith. Come fight night I'm going to listen to my corner and execute those game plans. We are about two weeks away from fight night and I'm feeling great."
A sellout crowd is expected when Algieri faces Smith in his hometown of Huntington, New York. The rising star Algieri continued, "The Paramount Theater is right in my back yard and it was a great success when I fought there last time. Joe DeGuardia is a great promoter and I'm please with his decision to bring me back to Huntington. I'm looking to put on a great show for my fans who'll be there supporting me."
For more information on Chris Algieri please visit his website at www.chirsalgieri.com.
Advance tickets, priced at $35, $50 and $100 can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000, or by visiting the Star Boxing website, www.StarBoxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com, Phone 1-800-745-3000) and The Paramount Theater Box Office by calling (631) 673-7300.
The Paramount Theater is located at 370 New York Avenue, Huntington, New York, 11743. For directions and more information, please visit their website at www.paramountny.com.
Old-time boxing geared for new Ontario boxing fans
Vargas-Plaitis headlines Feb. 11 show in Mississauga
TORONTO - Old-time boxing returns Saturday night, February 11 to the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario as unbeaten welterweight Samuel Vargas and dangerous Manolis Plaitis headline a competitive, entertaining card presented by United Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports.
The Feb. 11 show kicks-off the third season of boxing at Hershey Centre for United Promotions, which is comprised of three Ontario boxing promoters - Don MacDonald, Adam Harris (Hennessy Sports) and Tyler Buxton (Buxton Promotions).
"We are promoting boxing in Mississauga, only a 10-minute drive from Toronto, as a united team rather than individuals and it's been a perfect business relationship," MacDonald explained. "We have more professional boxers and fans than ever before in Ontario. What we've accomplished in two years, well, give us two more and Ontario will exceed boxing in Montreal. We're changing attitudes and building a new fan base. We're building our product by real promoting. You'll never see an 8-0 guy fighting somebody 5-10.
"We're also building an awareness of our fighters and shows in the community. Kids are coming to our shows and leaving saying they want to fight. That's how Logan Cotton McGuinness got interested. Our last show had 5260 people including 78 tables of corporations, groups and individuals, 10 to a table, who paid anywhere from $2000 to $8000. We've been grinding it out and now ticket sales offset our costs. We have four more shows scheduled there this year. The Ontario boxing scene is exploding."
Vargas (8-0-1, 2 KOs), a native of Colombia living in Mississauga, is coming off of the 2011 Canadian Fight of the Year, in which he battled last October at home with Quebec arch-rival Ahmad Cheikho, who was unable to continue fighting after five of the scheduled 10 rounds. Samuel's opponent Feb. 11 in the 10-round main event will be Quebec welterweight Manolis Plaitis (17-1-1, 8 KOs), a former Canadian light welterweight champion, extending the Ontario-Quebec provincial boxing rivalry.
"Vargas got our respect in his last fight," Plaitis' manager Camille Estephan admitted, "but we're very confident of spoiling the party. The atmosphere there the last show was incredible and it was a real war. I expect nothing less this time except the Quebec fighter is going to win. Plaitis has a heart of a lion."
The six-round co-feature will showcase fan favorite Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook (4-0, 2 KOs), a dangerous middleweight from Ajax, Ontario, against upset specialist Chris Aucoin (4-5-1). "This is a step up for Brandon because two years ago Aucoin beat (former IBO Inter-Continental champion) Ian MacKillop (25-11-3)," noted Buxton who co-promotes Cook with Hennessy Sports. "Both of these fighters come forward and it's going to be an absolute war right in the center of the ring."
Undefeated Kitchener, Ontario cruiserweight prospect Denton Daley (4-0, 2 KOs) meets former Mexican National Boxing Team invader Benito "El Asesino" Quiroz (6-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout. Denton graduated from Sheridan College as a business major. "Daley is a knockout artist with power in both hands," MacDonald remarked. "He's very well put together at 198 pounds. He loves to fight and is capable of making devastating knockouts. He regularly spars with world cruiserweight contender Troy Ross. Fighting Quiroz is a huge step up for Denton. Quiroz is no slouch. He's a tough Mexican fighter whose real record is 13-1 but seven of his fights weren't officially reported."
Making his pro debut is 21-year-old Steve Wilcox, a lightweight from Hamilton, Ontario who is the oldest of five fighting Wilcox brothers and the first to turn pro. All of the boys are trained by their father at his gym in Hamilton, Steeltown Boxing Club. Steve will take on an opponent to be determined in a four-rounder.
Also fighting on the undercard in a pair of six-round bouts are Whitby super middleweight Phil "The Assassin" Rose (3-1-1, 3 KOs) vs. Coteau-du-Lac's cagey Francis Lafreniere (1-2-1, 1 KOs), along with undefeated Toronto prospect Ibrahim "Firearm" Kamal (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Danish lightweight Tommi Schmidt (6-4, 3 KOs).
Tickets, priced at $30.00 and $50.00, are available at the Hersey Centre Box Office, or through Ticketmaster at 855.985.5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
STACKED UNDERCARD FOR "KO AT THE TU", SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH IN ALBANY, NY
BRONX, NEW YORK - A sensational undercard is being compiled by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing for their upcoming event, "KO AT THE TU" on Saturday, February 4th at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York.
World class prospects in the bantamweight division will clash in a scheduled ten rounder as undefeated Russian standout Sahib Usarov challenges Yan Barthelemy of Cuba.
The 28-year-old Usarov, sporting a record of 17-0 (6KO's) is currently world ranked #10 by the World Boxing Organization and is the reigning WBO European Bantamweight Champion.
Making his debut in the United States at "KO AT THE TU", the southpaw Usarov is coming off a dominant unanimous decision win over Yuriy Voronin on December 17th in Kiev, Ukraine.
Barthelemey, a Gold Medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, currently resides in Miami, Florida. In his last outing, broadcast on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights, the southpaw improved to 12-2 (4KO's) with a brilliant performance winning a ten round decision over Francis Ruiz on March 18, 2011 in Hollywood, Florida.
Also added to the undercard of "KO AT THE TU" is a scheduled eight round super middleweight battle featuring undefeated Jason "Monstruo" Escalera of Union City, New Jersey and Marcus Brooks of Atlanta, Georgia.
The heavy-handed Escalera has become one of the New York/New Jersey area's most popular fighters since turning professional four years ago. Known for his show-stopping knockouts, Escalera carries a record of 12-0 (11KO's), his last five fights ending by knockout within the first three rounds.
In his last start on October 22, 2011, Escalera scored a second round stoppage of Mickey Scarborough at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The knockout, coming from a barrage of power shots, was shown LIVE across North America on Azteca Television's "Boxeo Azteca".
Brooks, a native of the boxing rich country of Puerto Rico, now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, carries a record of 7-8 (3KO's), and has battled numerous undefeated prospects including Vanes Martirosyan, Brad Solomon and Andy Mejias. Brooks has never been stopped in his career
Already announced in the main event at "KO AT THE TU" is a heavyweight showdown between defending IBA Champion Joe "The Future" Hanks of Newark, New Jersey and monstrous Cuban Rafael Pedro.
The previously announced cruiserweight bout between David Telesco and Vincent Miranda has been postponed due to a training injury suffered by Miranda.
Additional bouts and much more information on "KO AT THE TU" will be announced in the coming days.
Tickets, priced at $30, $40, $50 and $75, are available through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com) 800-745-3000 or at the Times Union Center Box Office, (www.timesunioncenter-albany.com) and at all local Wal-Mart Music Centers. Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or on (www.starboxing.com)
Mexico City vs. Beijing
Foro Polanco, Mexico City ● Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 - Live on Pay Per View - 10:00 PM/ET 7:00PM/PT
Integrated Sports Media, the pound-for-pound king of sports distribution in North America, will broadcast a World Series of Boxing ("WSB") event Friday night, February 3 between the host team, talent rich Mexico City Guerreros, and the dangerous Beijing Dragons in what most likely will be sneak peek at possible 2012 Olympic Match-ups.
Mexico City vs. Beijing will being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 10:00 PM/ET - 7:00 PM/PT on satellite pay-per-view via DirecTV, DISH Network, iN DEMAND and Avail-TVN, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. It will also be available via on-line PPV on Ustream.tv.
Outstanding boxers being featured on the Feb. 3 two pay-per-view special include: Mexico City - 2011 Mexican National Olympiad gold medalist Elias Emigdio (bantamweight), 2011 Mexican National champions (heavyweight) Horacheta Matinez, (middleweight) Juan Antonio Mercado and (bantamweight) Almeda Lopez, 2010 European middleweight champion Mladen Manev (Bulgaria), 2007 Asian Youth Championships gold medalist Hurshid Tojibaev (Uzebekistan) and Croatian National light heavyweight champion Bojan Miskovic; Beijing - 2011 WSB World lightweight champion Zhimin Wang, 2008 CISM World Championships gold medalist Sardor Abdullaev (Uzebekistan heavyweight), 2011 China National Boxing Classic winner Tian Huang (heavyweight.
Integrated Sports Media will also broadcast the Feb. 17 PPV event between host Mexico City and Baku.
For more information about the World Series of Boxing PPV events go to www.integratedsportsnet.com.
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