Let's Talk Boxing

PRESS RELEASE:[May 16, 08] Ricky Hatton photo ©Jane Warburton/MMG.
Healthy Hatton Puts On Tremendous Display Of Fitness

In stark contrast to the circulating stories of an illness during training camp, which turned out to be nothing more than a fleeting minor virus, IBO/Ring Light Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton extended an open invitation to the British press yesterday to witness a rigorous display of his healthful condition.

There has been no denial from Team Hatton that Ricky picked up a virus for a short period, but he was so far advanced in his training that he was already preparing to cut back.

Boxing and sports aficionados will know that super-fit athletes can easily pick up viruses and Ricky has simply followed medical advice and briefly cut back, but we can confirm that all is well and Ricky is back on course and cleared by his doctor.

This was readily apparent yesterday when Hatton held a open media training session at Billy Graham's Phoenix Camp Gym in Manchester, England.
read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 15, 08]
Cruiserweight sensation Aaron Williams headlines his first ESPN2 FNF show May 23“Ring Warriors” at Twin River Events Center, RI

PROVIDENCE - ESPN2 Friday Night Fights (ESPN2 FNF) returns May 23 to Rhode Island as unbeaten prospect “Awesome” Aaron Williams, the future of the cruiserweight division, headlines his first major show on “Ring Warriors,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), live from Twin River Events Center in Lincoln.

“Ring Warriors” features some of the hottest, most exciting prospects in the world - potential world champions such as Williams, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada and Philadelphia’s exciting super lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy - along with a grudge match and some great young boxers.

Williams (17-0-1, 12 KOs), living in Las Vegas but making North Providence his second home, was last scene registering a sensational knockout of Andre Purlette (40-3) in the second round of their April 4 fight on the ESPN2 FNF show at Twin River. Williams, 22, takes on Columbian power puncher Jose Luis “Pantera” Herrera (15-4, 15 KOs), who has knocked out each of his 15 victims.   read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 14, 08]
Munoz enters Mexican lion’s den for Super Flyweight Unification vs. Mijares headlining “Noche De Campeones” PPV Card Salado-Miranda co-feature Saturday night in Mexico

GOMEZ PALACIO, DURANGO, Mexico - WBA champion Alexander “El Explosivio” Munoz is fighting in WBC title-holder Cristian Mijares’ hometown Saturday night (May 17) in the first super flyweight unification title bout in nearly a decade, headlining the “Noche de Campeones” pay-per-view event live from the Auditorio Centenario in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.

“Noche de Campeones,” promoted by KO Entertainment in association with DiBella Entertainment, will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States (9 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and DISH Network, as well as on The Fight Network in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
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PRESS RELEASE:[May 14, 08]
JAVIER CASTILLEGO AT 40 TO CONTINUE FIGHTING
by Perake Persson

Spanish veteran and former WBC, WBA and EBU champ at jr middle and middle, Javier Castillejo, 62-8-0-1, have decided to continue his career. Castillejo lost the EBU title in April to Sebastian Sylvester after suffering a bad knockout and most thought that would be it for the Spanish alltime great. But the 40-year old wants to continue even after close to 20 years as a pro.

Heavies Dennis Bakhtov and Juha Haapoja clash for the vacant PABA title May 22 in St Petersburg on a German Titov and Alexandre Yagupov promotion. Haapoja, from Finland, is 5-1-1 and a huge underdorg against the vastly more experienced Russian.

Comebacking Swedish heavy Attila Levin is sidelined with a hand injury and need a few weeks rest. Levin was scheduled to fight big Gabe Brown May 16 in Kissimee, Florida, but that is off.    read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 13, 08]
BRIAN GORDON INTERVIEW
by Armando Cabrera

Let’s Talk Boxing had the chance to interview a rising fighter who is a champ inside and outside the ring. He is slim and tall and pack power he is currently [4-0, 4 KO‘s] his name is Brian Gordon of Bakerfield, Ca.

Hello Brian, good talking to you once again. The last time we spoke you were training for Michael Angelo Lynk.

Brian:
Hello and yes I was training for Lynk, the place we fought at was the Marriot in Irvine and event was sold out. The crowds was awesome they sure love boxing.

Tell us about that fight? How early in the fight did you felt you had control of the fight?

Brian:
I dropped him twice in the second round I wasn’t stupid and was alert of his punches. He did land some good shots but after feeling his power I knew I had control of the fight especially in the third round.

In the sixth round I cornered him and he didn’t responded to my punches and the referee step in to stop the fight.   read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 13, 08]Above: "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis
ARNAOUTIS AND VARGAS ROCK THE BOARDWALK

Atlantic City, NJ - May 12, 2008 In front of a sold out Bally's Atlantic City crowd presented by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (19-2-2 9KO) retained his USBA JR. Welterweight title with a spirited, hard fought, 12 round unanimous decsion over previously undefeated Lanardo Tyner (19-1 11KO) by scores of 118-110 twice, and 116-112.

The fight was high energy all the way and had the enthusiastic and vibrant Greek crowd on their feet throughout much of the contest cheering on the popular Arnaoutis. Tyner came out strong in rounds one and two, often backing Arnaoutis up while landing heavy rights and lefts. Arnaoutis picked up the pace in the third round and kept the fight in the center of the ring while landing crisp jabs and hard body shots. Both men traded freely as the bell sounded ending the round.

The fourth and fifth saw Arnaoutis continue to fight behind his jab often landing three and four punch combinations. Tyner picked up his pace at the end of the fourth landing a flush left-right combination to the face of Arnaoutis. Tyner was also playing to the crowd often mugging and taunting Arnaoutis. The final thirty seconds of round five saw each man have their moments landing hard, clean shots. read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 12, 08]
UNBEATEN BRADLEY UPSETS WITTER TO BECOME 25^TH SHOBOX ALUM TO WIN A WORLD TITLE FROCH DISPOSES OF RYBACKI IN FOUR ON SPECIAL SATURDAY EDITION OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
From Trent FM Arena, Nottingham, England

NEW YORK - Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley showed no signs of jetlag in his upset, split-decision victory over defending world champion Junior Witter Saturday. Bradley, a four-fight veteran of the SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation, captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Championship by scores of 115-113, 114-113 and 112-115 to become the 25^th ShoBox fighter to win a world title.

The special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented series was promoted by Hennessy Sports from the Trent FM Arena at Nottingham, England and aired on a same-day tape delay.
In the co-feature, No. 1-ranked WBC super middleweight contender Carl Froch of Nottingham dispatched late-replacement Albert Rybacki of Poland with a fourth-round stoppage.

The undefeated Bradley (22-0, 11 KOs) had never fought professionally outside his home state of California. Earlier this week, he traveled more than 5,000 miles from his hometown of Palm Springs, Calif., to the homeland of the reigning 140-pound champion for his first world title fight.

Early on, Witter controlled a sloppy fight and appeared to be on his way to his third championship defense. But Bradley, reportedly a 6-1 underdog, rocked the champion in the sixth with a devastating overhand right sending Witter down for only the second time in his career. read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 9, 08]
SAM INJURED FIGHT POSTPONED
By Perake Persson

Just hours after Arena Box Promotion had announced an interesting heavyweight fight between Konstantin Airich and British veteran Danny Williams May 30 in Istanbul where Sinan Samil Sam and Matt Skelton was all set to battle for the vacant EBU title in the main event came the news from Sports Network, Skelton´s promoter, that Sam is injured and the show is postponed.

Universum have now officially announced "die Nacht der Revanschen" or the Night of Revenges for July 5 at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle / Westfalen with the rematches between WBA heavy champ Ruslan Chagaev and Nikolai Valuev and WBA middle champ Felix Sturm and Randy Griffin on top. Griffin looked unlucky only to get a draw the first time around.

The Universum Champion´s night May 31 will go ahead but in Duesseldorf in a show headlined by WIBF and WBC feather queen Ina Menzer taking on Stacey Reile. WBA bantam champ Wladimir Sidorenko co-headlines in his mandatory defence against Panamanian Anselmo Moreno. Cruiser Aleksander Alekseev is in against Louis Azille in a scheduled ten-rounder.
read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 8, 08]
Rodriguez-Dunaway rematch on “Finally” PPV show Holm-Sanders headlines June 13 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE - IBA junior flyweight champion Wendy “Little Thunder” Rodriguez will be seeking revenge June 13 when she fights one of only four opponents to ever defeat her, Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway, in their 10-round bout for the vacant IBA strawweight belt on the “Finally” pay-per-view event, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, lost an eight-round decision March 15, 2007 to Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), the reigning WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder and NABF flyweight champion, fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas.

“I hadn’t fought in more than a year,” Wendy explained. “I thought we were fighting at 102-pounds, so I got down to that weight, but they upped it to 105, and then 107. I took the fight anyway but mentally I wasn’t into it. I was real rusty.”    read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 8, 08]
DUE TO ENORMOUS DEMAND WORLD EXTREME CAGEFIGHTING^® RELEASES MORE TICKETS FOR WEC: FABER VS. PULVER

Las Vegas, NV - After a sell out of almost 8,000 tickets in the lower bowl of the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif., World Extreme Cagefighting® (WEC™) announced today that it is opening the upper sections of the arena for WEC: Faber vs. Pulver. The additional seating will be priced at $35 (not including applicable services or taxes). On Sunday June 1, MMA pioneer Jens Pulver challenges WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber in a bout where only one of these 145-pound fighters will emerge with the victory in the most important featherweight bout of all-time.

“WEC fans bought all of the tickets so fast that we decided to open up more seats upstairs” said Peter Dropick, Vice President of Operations and Production for the WEC. “We originally planned to sell seats only in the lower sections for this event, but it’s going to be such an exciting night of fights that we want to accommodate as many fans as possible to see the live action”.
read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 8, 08]
Ruiz on call and ready to rock

LAS VEGAS- Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has announced that he’s prepared to replace WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev to fight another former WBA title-holder, Nikolay Valuev, for the WBA belt.

Chagaev pulled out of his scheduled mandatory defense against Valuev in May, reportedly due to a cold that forced him to break training, but Ruslan hasn’t made his initial mandatory defense since capturing the WBA belt on April 14, 2007 via a 12-round majority decision versus Valuev. His only title defense was a voluntary fight this past January in a 12-round decision against Matt Skelton. WBA champions are required to make a mandatory defense within a year of winning the belt and/or last mandatory defense. Chagaev is officially over the deadline and seeking further delays. read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 7, 08]
Countdown Begins For Hatton's Return Against Lazcano

Saturday, May 24 sees a record breaking show in the United Kingdom with 55,000 fans packed into the home of Manchester City Football Club to witness the homecoming of their favorite son, Ricky Hatton.

Ricky defends his IBO light welterweight crown and the most prestigious title in world boxing, the Ring Magazine belt, against Mexican-American hard man Juan Lazcano.

The eyes of the boxing world will be firmly focused on May 24 at 10PM when the first bell goes to see which Ricky Hatton steps into the ring. The big question will be has the loss to Floyd Mayweather done anything to the man's boxing ability and his belief in himself?

Very few fighters throughout history have stayed undefeated including such greats as Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard, but it is the nature of how a fighter comes back after a loss that is very important and that is what everyone will be judging Ricky Hatton upon.   read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 7, 08]
Emery-Nickel Clash Added to FSN Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period Card June 12 at Mohegan Sun

HENDERSON, Nevada - An compelling match between middleweights Jill Emery and Cristy “Code Red” Nickel has been added to the already exciting and competitive Fox Sports Net’s Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period card, headlined by a pair of International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) world championship bouts, on Thursday, June 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period, presented by Cappiello Boxing in association with Hollybrook Regency, Inc., features IFBA World junior featherweight champion Lisa “Bad News” Brown (14-3-3, 4 KOs) defending her crown against Alicia “Slick” Ashley (14-7-1, 1 KO) in the 10-round main event, plus Russian invader Anastasia Toktaulova (12-8, 2 KOs) challenging IFBA World flyweight champion Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (19-4-5, 5 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.

Emery (8-2, 3 KOs) and Nickel (7-6, 4 KOs) have a lot in common, including historic roles played in fights overseas. Both are college graduates from middle class backgrounds and physical training instructors who live in New York City. Jill works and trains at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, where Cristy often spars, yet, they’ve never met in person. read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 7, 08]
Manfredo, Sr. promoting to keep young fighters busy Rodriguez & Hinkey on “Diamonds in the Rough” May 17 in Boston

PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island - Peter Manfredo, Sr. has been a world champion kick-boxer, owns and operates New England (Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket) top gym, and trainsd talented pro fighters such as his son, world title challenger Peter Manfredo, Jr., Jessie Brinkley, Edwin Rodriguez and other promising prospects.

The question is why Manfredo, Sr. has delved into promoting? On May 17 he presents “Diamonds in the Rough,” in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions, at Freeport (I.B.E.W.) Hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 4, 08]
Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos' Commentary on De La Hoya-Forbes Fight
By Erin Niemela, Sr. Editor, MyWorldofSports.com

The California Home Depot Center filled with anxious fans awaiting the anticipated junior middleweight fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Steve Forbes this Saturday, May 3^rd, 2008, and as De La Hoya entered the ring, donning a black and orange robe, the crowd roared for their obvious favorite. This fight was the first of a farewell tour for De La Hoya, and his win will lead him to a rematch against WBC welterweight champion "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas this coming September, 2008. Interestingly, Forbes was trained by Jeff Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather's uncle, while De La Hoya has trained under Floyd Mayweather Sr, his father. MyWorldofSports.com caught up with Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos, 4 time New York Golden Gloves champion, founder and president of the Retired Boxers Foundation, and a boxer with 30 plus years of experience, for his commentary during the fight. read more

PRESS RELEASE:[May 3, 08]
UNDEFEATED TIMOTHY "DESERT STORM" BRADLEY WEIGHS IN AT 142.6lbs at WBC MANDATED 7 DAY WEIGH IN

BRADLEY WEIGHED IN AT: 142.6 LBS.

"I can't wait for the moment the bell rings and to get it on. I am in the best shape of my life and I have a winning mentality." said Bradley.

WBC Super Lightweight Championship: Junior Witter vs. Timothy Bradley

Undefeated and championship-ready Timothy Bradley will battle Junior Witter on Saturday, May 10 from Nottingham Arena in Nottingham, England. The exciting match will be televised on ShoBox: The New Generation Special Edition 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

In his last outing, Witter (36-1-2, 21 KOs), of Bradford, England, finished off Vivian Harris with a stunning, seventh-round knockout. In his outing before that, Witter again looked every bit the world champion that he is by out-boxing Arturo Morua en route to a ninth- round TKO for his first successful title defense.

Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., will make his fourth ShoBox appearance. If victorious against Witter, the promising unbeaten will become the 25th ShoBox fighter to win a world title.

Bradley, long considered one of the super lightweight division’s top prospects, has won his last two fights by lopsided unanimous decisions.

The 12-round championship fight is promoted by Hennessy Sports. .

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 7, 08]
"THE HITMAN" VS. "THE MAGIC MAN" HATTON VS. MALIGNAGGI TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW FRIDAY, AUG. 8 AT 10:00AM PT STAGE SET FOR 140-POUND WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION BOUT AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22; LIVE ON HBO'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

LOS ANGELES - Tickets officially go on sale tomorrow, Friday Aug. 8, at 10:00am PT for the Junior Welterweight World Championship unification bout between England's Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton and New York's Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.    Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 6, 08]
Godfrey offended by Calloway’s comments

PROVIDENCE - NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) had his nose bent out of shape, so to speak, by recent comments attributed to Rob “All American Prize Fighter” Calloway.

Calloway (70-7-2, 56 KOs) was quoted as saying, “I’ve never turned down any fight!” He went on to proclaim that he deserved a title fight because he’s the WBC Americas champion and proceeded to call out Rudolf Kraj, Firat Arslan and Enzo Maccaranelli. Godfrey took offense on two counts: Team Calloway passed on an opportunity to fight Godfrey for his NABF belt on August 29 in an ESPN main event; Calloway is rated No. 11, behind No. 5 Godfrey.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 6, 08]
VIRGIL HILL FOR THE HALL OF FAME ? NO WAY !
By Jim Amato

I won't vote for Virgil Hill when he finally becomes eligible for induction into the Hall Of Fame .Granted there are lesser boxers inducted but that doesn't make it right. Adding another less then " great " fighter just compounds the problem that has evolved. Over the years the International Boxing Hall Of Fame has become lax in their criteria for induction. I've been casting my vote for the last two years.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 5, 08]
TICKETS ON SALE FOR SPECTACULAR MMA EVENT FEATURING SUPERSTARS KIMBO SLICE AND GINA CARANO SATURDAY, OCT. 4, AT BANKATLANTIC CENTER IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.

LOS ANGELES - Fans seeking to participate in the highly anticipated South Florida homecoming of incredibly popular and exciting mixed martial arts superstar Kimbo Slice of Perrine, Fla., near Miami, have the opportunity to reserve their seats now.

Tickets for what will be a sensational, memorable event Saturday, Oct. 4, at the BankAtlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., start at $30 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (954) 523-3309 in Broward County, (305) 358-5885 in Dade County and (561) 966-3309 in Palm Beach County, and at the BankAtlantic Center box offices (954) 835-7825. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 5, 08]
CANADA'S DONATO PADUANO
By Jim Amato

In the late 1960's and throughout the 1970's there was a smooth Italian born boxer who fought out of Canada. He was tough and fearless. He had great moves and a fine jab. The only thing he lacked was punching power and that probably kept him from reaching the top of his sport.

Donato Paduano turned professional in 1968. He moved up the ranks quickly beating useful opponents like Dorman Crawford, Juan Ramos, Colin Fraser, Pablo Lopez and Pat Murphy. He appeared at Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum and the Garden itself where he became quite popular. A year after turning pro he outpointed Joey Durelle to win the Canadian welterweight title. He beat Durelle in a rematch. Then at the Garden he created quite a stir when he won a decision over Marcel Cerdan Jr. Young Marcel came in with a glossy 47-1-1 record but was just outboxed by the talented Paduano. Cerdan Jr. proved to be no fluke. After the loss to Paduano he beat Dario Hidalgo, drew with former junior welterweight champion Sandro Lopopolo and lost decisions to top contenders Clyde Gray and Robert Gallois. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 1, 08]
CERVEZA TECATE BRINGS DINAMITE TO THE DESERT WITH A “SOLO BOXEO TECATE” BOUT IN TUCSON, AZ FOR THE SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
Live TV Program to Feature Power-charged Bout between world ranked Jhonny Gonzalez and Leivi Brea

Cerveza Tecate presents an amazing Friday boxing night from Tucson, AZ as part of its continued efforts to bring the power of boxing to fans across the nation. This week’s edition of “Solo Boxeo Tecate” will be broadcasted as part of Telefutura’s programming   read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 1, 08] Photos on left hand side
New York boxing scene abuzz about return of junior middleweight James Moore

The extremely popular junior middleweight James Moore, 15-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights of out Queens, New York, can’t wait for his August 6th battle against veteran Lloyd Christian Joseph, 12-6-3 (5 KOS), a New Yorker by way of the Virgin Islands.

The fight, which is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment, is being held at B.B. Kings Blues Club in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Part of promoter Lou DiBella’s Broadway Boxing series, the card is being called “Hot Fights, Summer in the City.”   read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 1, 08]
Former Olympic Gold Medalist, Andrew Maynard, Knocked Down by Hurricane Dolly --Could Use a Hand Up

Andrew Maynard is a retired professional boxer who devotes all of his spare time to a tiny gym in Harlingen, Texas. Hurricane Dolly wiped it out, leaving a bunch of very poor kids without a place to go.

[Simi Valley, CA]   The Retired Boxers Foundation spoke to Andrew Maynard this afternoon at his home in Harlingen, Texas, hard hit last week by Hurricane Dolly. Andrew’s home is fine, but it’s the gym he worries about and the kids who now have no place to go.    When asked what he needs to keep the place open, Maynard said, “4 pairs of 16 ounce gloves and a half dozen jump ropes.”   His building, which is nothing to look at, flooded and everything on the ground was ruined. When asked about heavy bags or speed bags, he said, “Nope…they were hanging and they are fine.” The owner of the building has dried out the 4 inches of water that covered the entire gym, and removed the old carpeting. Both Maynard and the landlord are praying that the insurance will pay for new carpeting. If not, they will stay open without carpeting. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 29, 08]
King Kong Agbeko Ready to Make First Title Defense New IBF Bantamweight Champion to Appear on Saturday in Ponce, Puerto Rico

PONCE, Puerto Rico-Joseph King Kong Agbeko, who received a presidential parade in Ghana after winning his first world championship last year, will make the first defense of his International Boxing Federation bantamweight championship against knockout artist William “Chirizo” Gonzalez on Saturday in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

“No one is taking my title,” Agbeko said. “I’ve worked too hard for this. I’m ready for a war if Gonzalez comes to fight.” read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 29, 08]
SAM RELINQUISHED TITLE BELT
By Perake Persson

Newly crowned EBU heavy champ Sinan Samil Sam have relinquished the title rather than go through with the rematch against Italian Paolo Vidoz. It will now be Vidoz vs Brit Matt Skelton for the vacant title with September 8 at noon as deadline for purse bids or agreement.

EBU cruiser champ Jean Marc Monrose make a voluntary defence against Marco Huck in Germany September 20. A likely site for this fight is Bielefeld. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 28, 08]
COTTO v MARGARITO. “The Belter at Welter”
By Gary Todd

The bell rings, the ring is buckling with the weight of way too many well wishers, media   hopefuls trying to get a break, and the usual hanger on’s, hustling their way in to anything that might come their way.

       Cotto is oblivious, emotionless and has his eyes set on his loved ones, motioning them to the ring, lifting them up, kissing them.
It’s a tremendous sight.

       Look across to the other side of the ring, and you’ll see a much different picture. Cotto has just battered his opponent, and it shows. The other fighter looks much older now,   as he smiles to everyone in his immediate world. He’s smiling but its not a happy smile. He’s apologizing with his eyes. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 28, 08]
McGirt Upsets Joval

Middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (19-1, 9 KOs) registered the most significant win of his pro career last night in Saratoga (NY), winning an impressive 10-round decision (99-89, 99-89, 97-91) against The Ring's No. 8 rated middleweight, Raymond Joval (37-5, 16 KOs), in the main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

PRESS RELEASE:[July 25, 08]
BOOK REVIEW : MUHAMMAD ALI ; My View From The Corner by Ferdie Pacheco
By Jim Amato

I had just finished Angelo Dundee's new book, " My View From The Corner ". It was a very enjoyable book and as expected much was written about the great Ali. Since I am in the long process of unpacking after a recent move, I happened to stumble upon Dr. Ferdie Pacheco's book on Ali. I've had this book for a number of years but I had never got around to reading it. I thought to myself that the timing was great. I wanted to see how much the two books jived. So I picked it up and read it. I was not disappointed. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 24, 08]
Garcia vs Martinez Battle For IBA Jr. Bantamweight Crown Friday Unbeaten Heavyweights Battle In Semi Main! TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO’S MELEE ON THE MOUNTAIN SERIES RETURNS TO FRIANT WITH WORLD TITLE BOUT

Friant, CA, - As one of boxing’s rising young superstars, unbeaten Raul ‘The Cobra’ Martinez has dazzled fight fans throughout his four year pro career. Now he’s ready to take the next step, but standing in his way is Isidro ‘Chino’ Garcia, a veteran champion looking to regain his spot at the top of the heap. It all happens this Friday with Martinez and Garcia battling for the vacant IBA junior bantamweight world championship. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 23, 08]
KIMBO SLICE & GINA CARANO TO ATTEND ELITEXC IN STOCKTON, CA.

Mixed martial arts fans attending this Saturday’s terrific EliteXC fight card in Stockton, Calif., will have the opportunity to meet Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano when they participate in a pre-fight autograph signing just prior to the opening bell.

The undefeated EliteXC fighters, perhaps the two most popular and recognizable athletes in mixed martial arts, will sign autographs inside The Stockton Arena beginning when the doors open at 2:30 p.m. PT. They will sign until the first fight starts at 3:15.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 23, 08]
TOTAL FIGHTING ALLIANCE!

TFA 11 July 12th went off!!!!! Everyone we've talked to loves the new venue. We love it so much that we are going back in less than 8 weeks. Tickets went on sale today for TFA 12 September 13th 2008!!! Fight card and detail to follow soon.
Click here to Purchase Tickets and see the seating chart

VIDEO REVIEW: Proelite.com's "Yak and J Show" were at the pyramid to catch all the action. Thier camera were rolling. Check out thier Video review on the TFA homepage or myspace page. Go to www.Totalfighting.net.

PRESS RELEASE:[July 23, 08]
Fedor Wins WAMMA Undisputed Heavyweight Title In First-Ever Unified Title Fight in MMA, Fedor Defeats Sylvia in 31 Seconds

ANAHEIM, Cali.-The first-ever unified and undisputed heavyweight champion in MMA history was crowned Saturday, as Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko dismantled Tim (The Maine-iac” Sylvia in just 31 seconds before a capacity crowd of nearly 14,000 fans at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The heavyweight title fight headlined “Affliction Banned,” which featured four of the top-10 heavyweights in the WAMMA rankings.

“As perhaps the greatest heavyweight fighter in the history of MMA, Fedor is not only a deserving WAMMA Heavyweight Champion, but also the perfect fighter to be the first unified and undisputed world champion in the heavyweight division,” said WAMMA CEO Dave Szady. “WAMMA is an organization dedicated to making sure the best fighters in the world - regardless of promotion - get to square off against one another. Tonight’s Affliction Banned matchup lived up to that billing, and we’re excited to help present more fights that do the same in the near future.” read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 23, 08]

JULIO RETURNS TO RING ON AUGUST 13 ESPN2 “FRIDAY NIGHT TO BROADCAST”

TOTOWA, NJ - WBC/IBF #4 ranked jr. middleweight contender Joel Julio will headline an August 13, 2008, fight card from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Julio will battle Nicaraguan veteran Jose Varela in a 10 round jr. middleweight contest. Both the Julio-Varela bout and the co-feature contest between “Mean” Joe Greene and Jose Miguel Torres will be broadcast live on ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights,” beginning at 9:00 pm ET.

Julio (33-1, 30 KO’s) is ranked #4 by the WBC and the IBF, #2 by the WBO, and #6 by the WBA. The 23-year-old Monteria, Colombia native has stopped 21 opponents within the first three rounds. He has won his last six bouts, three by knockout. In his last bout on April 30, 2008, Julio defeated Ishe Smith (W 10).

Varela (23-3, 16 KO’s) has won five of his last six bouts. The 31-year-old Chinandega, Nicaragua native has stopped 11 opponents within the first three rounds. On October 13, 2006, Varela captured the WBC Continental Americas Jr. Middleweight Championship by defeating Manuel Gomez (W 12).

PRESS RELEASE:[July 21, 08]
MMA PUT ON A GREAT SHOW IN ANAHEIM
By Armando Cabrera

Affliction Banned hosted it first MMA event this past Saturday at the Home Depot Arena in Anaheim. The event was a sold out show with Megadeth playing in between fights, all fans left happy after seeing some of the best MMA fighting in months.

In the Main Event Fedor “the Last Emperor” Emelianenko of Stary Oskoi, Russia beat Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia of Bettendorf, Iowa in the first round of a WANNA Heavyweight championship bout. Fedor [28-1, 6 KO’s, 15 Submissions] came out slugging early dropping Sylvia [24-5, 16 KO’s, 2 Submissions] to the canvas and tackling him to quickly put him into submission winning in the first round.

The Co-Main Event Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski of Chicago, Illinois won a 3^rd round Knockout of “Big” Ben Rothwell of Kenosha, Wisconsin in a heavyweight bout. A great fight where both fighter were landing power shots then in the 3^rd round Arlovski [13-5, 9 KO’s, 3 Submissions] goes for the kill and landed a monster overight hand follow by uppercut to knock out Rothwell [29-6, 17 KO’s, 10 Submissions] read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 7, 08]
Ruiz challenges media critics to wager

LAS VEGAS- Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has issued a challenge to his media critics regarding his style.

Over the years, Ruiz often has been criticized for his unpopular “clutch-and-grab” style, but in his last three fights with head trainer Manny Siaca, Sr. in his corner, “The Quietman” has returned to the aggressive fighter he was when he first won the heavyweight title in 2001. The problem is Ruiz’ last four fights, including his first against Valuev, have not been televised in the United States, although that hasn’t prevented critics from continuing to unfairly bash him. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 6, 08]
SHO SPORTS PRESENTS FEATURES A SPECTACULAR AUGUST LINE UP “SHO Sports Presents” Airs Every Weeknight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME® 2

NEW YORK - SHO Sports Presents, a nightly series featuring replays of thrilling SHOWTIME Sports telecasts from the network’s vast arsenal, will feature an incredible month of fights and features in August. (see full schedule attached).

SHO Sports Presents airs every weeknight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME® 2 and includes event telecasts from the flagship franchise SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, the newest sports television phenomenon EliteXC, as well as both prospect-oriented series ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series and the acclaimed ShoBox: The New Generation. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 6, 08]
‘THE PUNISHER’ READY FOR ANY CHALLENGE FROM 147 TO 168 MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR OFFER MADE TO TOP RANK FOR REMATCH OF ‘PRIDE AND PUNISHMENT’ BETWEEN WILLIAMS AND MARGARITO

Los Angeles, CA - Could there be a “Pride and Punishment II” in the near future? That is the question promoter Bob Arum and his promotional firm Top Rank must ponder following a written offer presented to them by Goossen Tutor Promotions’ Dan Goossen last week following Antonio Margarito’s destruction of unbeaten Miguel Cotto in capturing the WBA Welterweight Title by an 11th round TKO.

Last July, the prideful Mexican hero - ignoring conventional wisdom of accepting a million dollar plus fight with then WBA Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto - risked his WBO Welterweight Title against mandatory challenger, the dangerous Paul “The Punisher” Williams (34-1, 25 KOs). In what was an epic toe-to-toe battle in front of a sold out Home Depot Center in Carson, California, the gallant Mexican lost a close but unanimous decision - and his title - to Williams, a native of Aiken, South Carolina.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 5, 08]
SOME THOUGHTS ON DE LA HOYA -VS- PACQUAIO
By Jim Amato

I just watched Pacquaio - David Diaz again. Here are some thoughts... Pac looked great. He really busted Diaz up and then put over the finisher in round nine. Now reality...Diaz is as game a fighter as I've ever seen. He was simply over matched. Yes I know David had the title but nobody really thought he was the best lightweight out there. In fact in the old days when there was ONE champion, David may have been rated the # 5 or # 6 contender. So really what Manny did was become a contender to see who the best lightweight in the world is. He has yet to do enough to be considered the # 1 guy at 135 pounds. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 5, 08]
ARSLAN VS. JONE
By Perake Persson

WBA cruiser champ Firat Arslan takes on mandatory challenger Guillermo Jones from Panama September 27 at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg. Supporting bouts will be announced later but this date have previously been mentioned for the WBC heavyweight eliminator between Vladimir Virchis and Juan Carlos Gomez as well as for the fight for the WBO interim supermiddle title between Jean Paul Mendy and Karoly Balzsay.

Swedish-based Ugandan Peter Semo didn´t just lose a NABA titlefight at jr lightweight against Jo Jo Dan Friday night in Romania; he also lost a chance to fight Patrick Malinga for the vacant WBC Int´l title at lightweight - the fight was never set but in the works for a show staged on Finnish soil by Pro Box Scandinavia. The WBC Int´l now wants Peter to get some "significant results" before he can allowed to fight for its title. Also on the bill in Romania feather prospect Viorel Simion floored Semo´s stablemate Abdu Tebazalwa in the first en route to a unanimous decision after eight.
Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 5, 08]
Young fistic stars Bryan, Vargas and Diaz shine in North Bergen!
Valenzuela, Escalara & McDermott also pound out big wins.

By Mike Indri, Retired Boxers Foundation

NORTH BERGEN, NJ - Pound for Pound Promotions showcased their growing stable of talent-laden prospects and while the youngsters proved their worth with impressive victories the real winners Wednesday night were
the boxing fans that crowded themselves into the Schuetzen Park
ballroom for the exciting eight bout fightcard.

“They are all really promising fighters,” proudly exclaimed promoter
John Lynch. “The best part about it is that they are all such nice
kids!” read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 1, 08]
CADENA TRES AND WORLD EXTREME CAGEFIGHTING ^® ENTER INTO STRATEGIC TELEVISION PARTNERSHIP THROUGH 2009 Exclusive Deal Establishes CADENA TRES as the Home of the WEC^™ in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico, - When it comes to the fight game, it is no secret that Mexico is home to some of the greatest fighters of all time. It also has the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans in the world. So it is with great excitement that Cadena Tres and the World Extreme Cagefighting ^® (WEC^™) organization are announcing their agreement to broadcast the fastest growing mixed martial arts organization in the world in Mexico.
read more

PRESS RELEASE:[Aug. 1, 08]
Joseph King Kong Agbeko vs. William Gonzalez Scuttled
Gonzalez Visa Snafu Leaves Challenger Unable to Travel to Puerto Rico

PONCE, Puerto Rico—Newly crowned International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko was to have made his first title defense against mandatory challenger William Gonzalez on Saturday in Ponce, Puerto Rico, but the match will not take place due to Gonzalez’s inability to obtain his travel visa. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 29, 08]
“Chop Chop” Corley in Crossroads Fight Wednesday Night vs. Theophane in Rochester

WASHINGTON D.C. - Former WBO light welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley is in a crossroads fight Wednesday night against Ashley “Treasure” Theophane (21-3, 7 KOs) in Rochester, New York.

Corley (31-8-1, 17 KOs) is out to snap a four-fight losing streak and go back to the future, working with a new team in hopes of getting back into title contention. “This is a great opportunity for me,” Corley said. “I had a great run with Don King, but, ask any fighter, and the only way to stay active is to be in the ring. I was fighting every 8-12 months, but I’m older now, and need to be fighting every 3-4 months. I’m fighting young guys who are fast and hungry. I need to be busier.” read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 29, 08]
MEET THE NEW BOSS O’NEIL BELL MOVES TO HEAVYWEIGHT

HOLLYWOOD, FL, - One of the biggest punchers in boxing today, as well as one of its most exciting practitioners, former undisputed cruiserweight world champion O’Neil Bell is ready to introduce some of that excitement into a new division - heavyweight.

“The heavyweight division needs a savior, and I’m applying for the job,” said Bell, 26-3-1 with 24 knockouts. “I hate to say it, but the division is a mess and it needs cleaning up by a dynamic and exciting fighter like myself.”
read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 29, 08]
Junior middleweight James Moore appears on Joey Reynolds top-rated radio show

The extremely popular junior middleweight James Moore, 15-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, is primed and ready for his August 6th battle against veteran Lloyd Christian Joseph, 12-6-3 (5 KOS), a native of the Virgin Islands who fights out of New York.

The fight, which is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment, is being held at B.B. Kings Blues Club in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Part of promoter Lou DiBella’s Broadway Boxing series, the card is being called “Hot Fights, Summer in the City.” read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 28, 08]
MARGARITO STOPS COTTO IN THE 11th ROUND OF A CLASSIC ! IF I WAS ANTONIO MARGARITO...WHAT WOULD I DO ?
By Jim Amato

WHAT A FIGHT ! Miguel Cotto outboxed a plodding Antonio Margarito early but Margarito got stronger as the fight wore on and finally battered Cotto into submission at 2:05 of round eleven. This was a classic that lived up to and even surpassed expectations.

Margarito is a monster. That is the best way I can describe him. Cotto landed many jabs and several clean shots but they just seemed to bounce off Margarito. Not once did Margarito show any sign of being hurt. Cotto's nose started bleeding early and soon there was a cut over his eye. Blood was coming from his mouth and eventually the eye got worse. Margarito really busted him up.

Although Margarito has a different style he reminds me a bit of Carlos Monzon. He is big and strong like Monzon and just seems immune to pain. This ended up just being a classic beat down.

Well Antonio Margarito is on top of the boxing world. He has earned it. Let him take a little time off to savor the flavor. Eventually though he is going to climb through those ropes again. Who should his opponent be ? Who should Margarito go after and who should he avoid ? Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 25, 08]
MURAT TO FACE CAMPBILLO
By Perake Persson

Karo Murat defends the EBU supermiddle title against Spaniard Gabriel Campbillo September 20 in Germany. This is likely to be a supporting bout to Kessler vs Haussler. Murat can already be found at # 9 in WBA ratings.

Francesco Pianeta and Scott Gammer clash for the vacant EU heavyweight title August 30 in Berlin on the undercard to Valuev vs Ruiz. The bill will also feature supermiddle Mads Larsen as well as heavies Rene Dettweiler and Cengiz Koc.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 24, 08]
CERVEZA TECATE IGNITES LAS VEGAS WITH A “SOLO BOXEO TECATE” BOUT FOR THE WELTERWEIGHT TITLE Soto-Harass vs. Estrada in an action-packed bout previous to Margarito vs. Cotto Saturday Night Encounter

Cerveza Tecate presents an amazing Friday boxing night from Las Vegas, NV as part of its continued efforts to bring the power of boxing to fans across the nation. This week’s edition of “Solo Boxeo Tecate” will be broadcasted as part of Telefutura’s programming. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 24, 08]
WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION PAUL "THE PUNISHER" WILLIAMS SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON HIS REDEMPTION VICTORY AGAINST CARLOS QUINTANA AND ON THIS WEEKEND'S UPCOMING MARGARITO-COTTO MATCH.

What do you think about your last fight against Quintana?

The last fight I knew I had something to get up for and not get caught off guard ever again… of course it was more than something I had to prove in the ring. I had to show that I had could take on a fellow who just beat me and virtually destroy him once the bell rang. I proved he didn’t have my number. The media was saying I would have no answer for Quintana’s left and I had to prove them wrong. I had something to prove to everyone and it was tough having to wait four months for me to do it.

How great a feeling was having a superstar type of performance?

It went just as I expected. Actually, I thought he would be able to last more than 2 rounds with me. I at least went the distance when he took his best shot and he couldn’t take mine for 2 minutes.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 23, 08]
Junior middleweight James Moore ready for return to the ring against Lloyd Christian Joseph at B.B. Kings on Wednesday, August 6.

The popular junior middleweight James Moore, 15-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights of Queens, New York, will face the battle-tested veteran Lloyd Christian Joseph, 12-6-3 (5 KOS), in an 8 round bout on Wednesday, August 6, at B.B. King Blues Club in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.

This will be Moore’s first fight since losing a disputed decision to Gabriel Rosado on June 4.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 23, 08]
Ruiz plans to slay Giant for 3rd world title

LAS VEGAS - Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, travels to Germany once again to fight the 7-0, 320-pound giant who took his title belt 2 ½ years ago, No. 1 contender Nikolai Valuev (48-1, 34 KOs), on August 30 in Berlin. Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 23, 08]
TONY "THE TIGER" THOMPSON
Hello fellow readers,

No one asked me to write this addition but I found it therapeutic and I am hoping it has the same affect for you because if I ever needed therapy it would be now. But since I still can’t afford it, this will have to do (see it’s working already). I’m now of course back home and have been getting a lot of positive feedback of a lot of “atta boys” and we will get him next time (why people always say “we” usually don’t have the headaches or the gash over their eye or look as if we’ve been in a car accident)…lol. I do appreciate the support and pep talks. I just can’t feel them just yet.
Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 21, 08]
Adaev, Gonzalez and Huerta remained unbeaten in Maywood’s "Rise to Glory" boxing card

Three boxers remained unbeaten after their boxing matches last Friday in Maywood’s "Rise to Glory" boxing card in which several of the best promises of Southern California and internationally boxing risked their undefeated records, last Friday at Maywood Activity Center.

In the card promoted by Crossroads Promotions, the German of Russian origin, Ramzan Adaev, improved his mark to 7-0-1, with 7 knockouts after beating Arturo Brambila technical knockout in the fifth round.

After four hard-fought rounds, referee Jack Reiss felt that Brambila, was too exhausted to keep on fighting. He called in the ring d octor, whom agreed that Brambila should not continue in the bout, calling for the technical before the opening of the fifth round.   Read more

PRESS RELEASE:[July 21, 08]
BDB TO REVOKE EBU LICENSE?
By Perake Persson

German paper Bild Zeitung wrote Friday that the German Federation, the BDB, who holds the membership to the EBU, have revoked the license from Arena Box Promotion. No exact reason is given but it´s no secret there´s been tension all along coming to a head during recent shows in Spain and Turkey (where Arena had the Latvian Federation as supervisors).

German welter Michel Trabant suffered an upset loss at the hands of Roman Seliverstov on the undercard to Alexander Povetkin´s knockout win over Taurus Sykes in Chekhv. Trabant, a pro at 16 (almost 17) back in 95 came off a loss against Andre Berto, and is fighting to pay off huge debts that stems from an expensive divorce and a year long suspension after a failed doping tests. Had he beaten Seliverstov a shot at the WBC Int´l title could have materialized. Read more