Real Old News
"Velasquez Twins" Triumph!
2008 Photo by Tom Barnes
January 27, Miami FL: The hard hitting "Velasquez Twins", super featherweight Carlos Ivan (6-0, 6 KO's) and featherweight Juan Carlos (6-0, 4 KO's) extended on their wining streaks while looking impressive in their TV debuts. Goldenboy Promotions rising stars, dazzled the Chicago fans at Cicero Stadium in a Co-promotion with 8 count Productions.
In the first fight of the evening, Juan Carlos displayed a combination of speed and power knocking out Noe Inunza of Southern California. Early on, Inunza got awarded a knock down, but as the replay showed, it was clearly a slip. As the rounds went on, Velasquez overwhelmed Inunza, landing power punches from various angles. Smelling blood, Juan Carlos applied pressure landing a violent flurry that sent Inunza to the canvas in which he never recovered. Referee Gerald Scott ended the bout at 1:56 of the forth round. When asked about his performance and ecstatic Juan Carlos stated,"I feel good I got the knock out. Once I knew he was hurt I had to jump on him and take him out. I'm now looking forward to my next bout. My brother and I will continue to work hard"
Heavy handed Carlos Ivan has knocked out every opponent he's faced as a pro. This time his sixth victim was Ever Perez as he landed a calculated left hook that reminded you of a young Trinidad. The punch landed flush on the face of Perez sending him to his back. A wobbly Perez some how got back to his feet, but went back to the canvas as his equilibrium was off ending the contest at 1:58 mark of round one. Carlos Ivan commented on his performance as he went on to say, "I'm excited that the boxing community got to see me fight. The fans love knock outs and I'm happy to have delivered in all my fights. I'm ready to get back in the gym."
On February 8, 2008, the "Velasquez Twins" will be back in action at "The Castle" in Boston, Massachusetts. Opponents will be announced shortly as these two warriors are eager to get back in the ring.
Mario Serrano Publicist boxingpublicist@aol.com 408-607-5756 Direct
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Cazares Beats Guardia, Velazquez Twins by Ko and Jacobs Easy!
Jan. 25th. Cisero, Ill. Former flyweight champion Hugo “El Increible” Cazares 26-4-1, 19 Ko’s beat 38 year old Columbian Kermin Guardia 37-7, 20 Ko’s in a tough ten round main event. Cazares the quicker sharper fighter consistently beat the Guardia to the punch giving him a unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 97-93, 97-93, 98-92 Cazares. The Fighting Velazquez twins remained undefeated 12 wins, 10 Ko’s. Featherweight Juan Carlos Velazquez 6-0, 4 Ko’s picked himself up from what most thought was a slip to out box, out punch and knock out California’s Noe Inunza 7-13-1, 3 Ko’s at 1:56 of round four. Super featherweight Carlos Ivan Velazquez 6-0, 6 Ko’s blasted out Ever Perez 10-13, 7 Ko’s with a heavy hook causing referee John O’Brien to call the fight at 1:58 of the first round. Brooklyn New York’s middleweight Daniel “Golden Child” Jacobs 2-0, 2 Ko’s put Hector Lopez 1-3, 1 Ko to rest sixty five seconds into the bout with a well placed liver shot. Jacobs next scheduled bout will be Feb. 16th on the Pavlik \ Taylor undercard.
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Chambers Eliminated, Povetkin Works His Way to Mandatory!
By Roger Winds
Jan 26, Tempodrom, Kreuzberg, BE, Germany : 2004 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist Alexander Povetkin 15-0, 11 Ko’s won a title shot at Wladimir Klitschko with a unanimous decision in a 12 round IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator over undefeated “Fast” Eddie Chambers 30-1, 16 Ko’s. The industious Povetkin 125-7 as an amateur kept it simple and landed some solid shots while outworking the usually slick, quick handed defensive minded Chambers. Chambers started well but lacked the power to keep the talented at bay. The pressing Russian continually picked up the pace and out punched and out scored the sluggish Chambers who showed flashes had to be prodded on by his father and trainer Buddy McGirt to throw combinations. Povetkin threw in numbers rarley throwing less than three. He continued to finish with his left hand and took away Chambers rapid right. The middle rounds saw the young Russian attack the body and it paid off when the lethargic Chambers could not answer his corners verbal barrage calling for a Ko. Povetkin steamrolled on and had his best rounds in 11 and 12. Povetkin is now the the mandatory challenger for the winner of the IBF heavyweight championship bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Sultan Ibragimov on Feb. 23rd at Madison Square Garden in New York. The scoring was announced judge Deon Dwarte 117-111, Alejandro Lopez 119-109 and Phil Edwards 116-112 all for Povetkin. Punchstats: Povetkin 929 thrown, 201 landed at 22%. Chambers 398 thrown, 197 landed at 49%. "Fast Eddie" needs to retool and with Derric Rossy beating Mercer in China a rematch could be in order. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jones \Trinidad, Gulota\Mollo, Bunema\Karmazin
By: David Colon
January 19th, Madison square Garden, New York: Roy Jones Jr. 52-4, 38 Ko’s entered the world’s greatest arena to face 35 years old Felix “Tito’ Trinidad 42-3, 35 Ko’s. Jones the clear favorite to win a one-sided contest joined many calling for a fourth round Ko. Trinidad started fast pressing the action behind a concentrated body attack. The Puerto Rican star boxed smartly and outworked Jones for the first three rounds. Jones again appeared to be playing it safe. Jones who called for a fourth round Ko picked it up and gave us a glimpse of what his size and speed could do. The fifth and sixth rounds saw Jones gaining confidence banking the glove controversy that seemed to have him distracted. The sixth round had Jones landing cleanly with the right hand while Trinidad continued to move left looking for the big hook that had served him so well at the lighter weights. The seventh round saw Jones confident now that Trinidad had left his power back at 147. Jones became the aggressor and caught “Tito” with an overhand right high on the head causing a delayed knockdown. “Tito” dropped to his knees but was not seriously hurt. In typical Jones fashion Roy played it safe and did not follow up and finish the job. He allowed Trinidad to finish the round but his taunting and showcasing was in full effect. Jones was now in control and took the eight and ninth rounds easily dropping the former world champion with a flash knockdown landing a glancing 1-2 as “Tito” walked out from under himself. The last two rounds saw Jones again playing it safe while Trinidad surprisingly never went for broke. The scores were announced 117-109 and 116-110 twice and it didn’t take long for jones the showman to call out the winner of the Bernard Hopkins \ Joe Calzaghe bout. When asked Trinidad was unsure as to what he would do next stating, “they would look at the tapes and go from there”. The semi-main event featured a heavyweight bout pitting 40 year old Andrew Golota 43-6-1, 34 Ko’s against 27-year-old Mike Mollo 19-1, 12 Ko’s. The first round saw an even contest with Mollo starting quickly in an amateuristic fashion and Golota closing strong picking his shots. Rounds two and three had Golota using his experience and superior jab to keep Mollo off balance. The young hard charging Mollo rallied back in rounds four and five jumping in with heavy straight rights eventually closing the Golota's left eye. Mollo appeared to be checking Gulota’s self control by continually hitting low, hitting on the break and punching after the bell. In rounds six through eight Golota focused on Mollo’s body hurting him causing him to continuously hold on. The young Mollo always seemed to suck it up and close with some aggression. In round nine Golota who now was blinded out of his closed left eye attacked Mollo’s body. Gulota somehow still continued to catch the young Chicago fighter to the head as he continued to move to his left instead to Gulota’s blind side. There also was a mysterious absence of the right hand that originally closed Gulota’s left eye and Mollo was hurt by a Gulota combo that appeared to have him out on his feet. Round ten last and final round saw Mollo hurt early hanging on looking to survive, waiting for the final bell. Gulota unsuccessful in finishing mollo off was awarded a 116-110, 116-112 and 118-109 unanimous decision by the judges. Alex Bunema 27-9-2, 15 Ko’s scored a surprising 10th-round knockout over former junior middleweight champion Roman Karmazin 36-3-1, 23 Ko’s when Bunema began to establish his right hand in rounds seven and eight. In round nine Bunema rocked Karmazin with solid right hands. In round ten Bunema dropped Karmazin with a potent left hook and put him back down for good with heavy rights causing referee Johnny Callas to call the bout. Undefeated junior welterweight prospect Devon Alexander "The Great" 14-0, 8 Ko’s cruised to a 12-round unanimous decision over worn down Demarcus "Chop Chop" Corley 31-8-1, 17 Ko’s. Alexander took his time but consistently out worked and out punched Corley winning on the judges cards 116-111, 118-109 and 118-109. Here at Sbb we called it 11 rounds one even Alexander. Brooklyn’s Luis Collazo 28-3, 13 Ko’s, a former welterweight champion dominated Edvan Dos Santos Barros 9-5-1, 7 Ko’s. The judges scores were announced 99-91, 100-90 and 100-90.
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Steve Cunningham vs. Marco Huck
By: Ian Webb
2007-12-29, Seidensticker Halle, Bielefeld, NW, Germany USS Steve Cunningham 20-1, 11Ko’s took on Marco Huck 19-0, 14 ko’s making his first defense of his IBF Cruiserweight Title. The hometwon Huck pressed the action for the first two stanza’s until the quicker champion began to move and box. Cunningham was succesful in the center of the ring but the deterined challenger pressured the champion to the ropes several times. Cunningham landed a heavyright in the fifth but the challenger was back on the prowl in the sixth. The challenger who appeared to be slowing just a bit began throwing all bombs. The two exchanged heavy shots in the seventh and Cunningham used his jab in round eight to get control. Cunningham out boxed the slowing Huck and entering the 11th round Huck appeared to be going for the knockout. Huck poured it on in round eleven punching, pushing and leaning on Cunningham taking him to the ropes. Round twelve started the same and at about 1:00 of the round the two had wrestled each other to the floor and at 1:30 of the round Cunningham landed a solid left uppercut hurting the hometown challenger. Cunningham opened up and Huck’s corner threw in the towel stopping the bout at 1:56 of the final round. The scorecards read scores were 108-101, 106-103 for Cunningham and 105-104 for Huck at the time of the stoppage.
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Clottey Outclasses Alvarez! “Big Sky” Ko’s Special K in One! “Nightmare” Exposes Wallaces Flaws!
By: Micheal Barnes
Thursday, December 20 2007, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas Joshua Clottey 33-2, 20 Ko’s met Shamone Alvarez 19-1, 11 Ko’s in an IBF welterweight eliminator bout. Clottey came into the bout off a unanimous decision over Felix Flores in August and Alvarez defended his NABO and WBO title over Germaine Sanders also in August. The bigger stronger Clottey won the finely contested contest by unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112, 118-110. This victory should earn him a title shot early next year.
Heavyweight Tye “Big Sky” Fields 39-1, 35 Ko’s destroyed Chris “Special K” Koval 24-4, 18 Ko’s dropping him twice and referee Toby Gibson stopped the action at 43 seconds of the first round.
Super welterweight Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan 17-0, 12 Ko’s bull rushed and overwhelmed Dan “Flawless” Wallace 9-3, 3 Ko’s stopping him with a heavy right hand at 1:34 of the first round of their scheduled eight rounder. Wallace came into the fight off a fourth round Ko loss to Pawel “The Raging Bull” Wolak in September.
Middleweight prospect Donnie “Daniel” Orr 11-0, 4 KOs won a strong six round unanimous decision over Enrique “Ricky” Gallegos 6-3, 1 KO. Judges scored the bout were 59-55, 60-54, 59-54.
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The Truth is Teron Stole the Show!
By: Phil Kane December 13, 2007 – “Holiday Hits” The Roseland Ballroom. New York City: Ring Promotions and Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, matchmaker Bob Duffy put together an entertaining action packed boxing show featuring some of New Yorks “Rising Stars”. The action began in the super featherweight division with Joe “Iron Boy”Arroyo of Queens taking on Albany’s Rafael Lunaboth making their pro debuts. Arroyo a fine amateur and 2007 Golden Glove finalist controlled the action for the first three rounds with his movement and hand speed. The “Iron Boy” displayed some fine ring generalship confusing Luna by switching back and forth between an orthodox and southpaw stance. Luna who did appear to be heavier handed made a late fight charge as Arroyo seemed to tire. The judges scored the bout a majority draw 39-37 Arroyo, 38-38, 38-38. SBB scored it 40 –37 Arroyo.
The second bout of the evening featured heavyweights Darryl “King David” Madison 7-1, 1 Ko facing 266lb Sam Comming 4-4, 3 Kos, of Lansing, MI. in a six rounder. Madison a southpaw and three time Gold Glove winner went right to work with his jab setting up his straight left. Commings the bigger man lacked mobility and had to set to punch. The mobile Madison used little movements and beat Coming’s to the punch all night. Madison worked off his jab scoring with lead lefts to the head and body of the stalking Michigander. Madison appeared to hurt his left hand in round four and closed the show behind a stinging jab. The judges scored the bout 60-54, 60-54, 59-55 Madison.
The third bout featured female bantamweights Noriko Kariya 7-2-1, 1 Ko’s, of Jersey City, NJ against Salina Jordan 2-3,1 Ko, from Denver, CO. in a six rounder. Kariya the younger sister of National Hockey League star Paul Kariya opened up fast pounding the overmatched Jordan with a stiff jab and heavy straight rights. The second round continued the same with Kjariya landing at will. The bout was stopped at 0:28 of round three with Kariya landing heavy unaswered shots on a defensless outclassed Jordan.
Next in line was a four rounder in the light welterweight division matching Jeremy Bryan 2-0, 0 Ko’s, of Paterson, NJ against Broderick Antoine 2-4, 1 Ko, of Troy, NY. Antoine came into the fight losing his last three. His last being a decision loss to Ashante Hendrickson of Medford Long Island just twelve days ago. Bryan the bigger stronger fighter chased the slick, defensive minded counter punching Antoine for most of the bout with the Albany fighter only firing back when cornered. The Paterson, NJ pugilist shut out the slickster from Albany 40-36 on all cards. Bout number five brought the crowd alive when Lou Savarese trained Nagy Aguilera 4-0, 2 Ko’s, from Newburgh, NY met Darryl Holey 6-5, 1 K0, of Brigatine, NJ. Aguilera used a two-handed pressure attack methodically breaking down Holley to the head and body. Aguilera began to open Holley up with thunderous body shots and catching him with solid right uppercuts. Aguilera caught the game Holley leaping in with a solid uppercut convincing the referee to call the fight as Holley’s corner threw in the towel stopping the action at 2:13 of the third round giving Aguilera a TKO victory and raising his record to 5-0, 3 Ko’s.
Bout number six saw Brooklyn's Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillen 15-0, 12 K0’s, drop an akward clinging Troy Lowry 27-7, 16 Ko’s, of St. Paul, MN with a righthand as the first round came to an end. The “Kid” barley broke a sweat when he stopped the stumbling veteran at 0:32 of round two. Fight number seven featured Jorge “The Truth” Teron 18-01, 11 ko’s from Jamaica N.Y. against tough Adrian “Cañón” Navarette 16-4-1, 13 KOs of Durango, Mexico in an eight rounder for the vacant New York State Lightweight Championship. The “Truth” is Teron stole the show. Jorge used his movement and superb hand speed to pick apart the tough Mexican who came to fight. Teron displayed a solid defense and a multi faceted offense with a wide variety of punches. Teron kept the stalking Mexican at the end of his punches the first four rounds. In the fifth round the well-conditioned Teron turned up the heat and began to sit down on his punches. “The Truth” buckled the body punching Mexicans legs several times with heavy overhand rights and was in complete control. In rounds six and seven Teron opened up using his jab to set up four and five punch combinations while the uppercut began to find a home. The sharp boxer puncher was scoring from all angles. Navarette charged out in round eight looking for that one big shot and he got it, when the Mark Breland trained Teron rolled under a wild left hook and countered with a powerful overhand right planting the tough Mexican on the canvas in his corner stopping the action at 2:26 of the eighth round.
The final bout of the evening was a tough fought contest between middleweights “Mean” Joe Greene 16-0, 12 Ko’s, of S. Jamaica, NY and journeyman Patrick Thompson 12-11-1, 5 Ko’s, of Lincoln, NE. Eight Thompson’s loses were to the likes of Vanes Martirosyan, Alfonso Gomez, Matt Vanda, John Duddy, Giovanni Lorenzo, Sechew Powell, Ishe Smith and Pawel Wolak in December last year. Greene a southpaw and 2004 National Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion came out dry but was methodical winning round won scoring with his right hook. In round two the cute Thompson began to smother Greene using some old school tricks clutching, grabbing spinning Greene landing short right uppercuts inside. Thompson jabbed or just stepped in initiating a clinch but then go to work with the right uppercut as Greene grabbed on. As the fight moved forward Greene appeared to be loading up his shots but the swarming Thompson was the busier fighter. As the fight progressed Greene appeared to become more and more frustrated and looked confused as he kept looking to his corner for help. Thompson was now using his shoulders and outworking Greene with sneaky short shots on the inside. Thompson landed the right uppercut every time they clinched. It was a tight short jabbing shot and numerous times Thompson would land as Greene complained. “Mean” Joe’s success came when he threw in combination. Greene landed the cleaner heavier shots but here at SBB we called it closer than the generous 80-71, 79-73, 78-74 scoring of the judges. Greene is tentatively scheduled to fight again Feb. 23rd on the Klitscho \ Ibragamov undercard at Madison Square Garden.
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Mayweather Beats Hatton at His Own Game!
Round 1: The bell sounds and Hatton rushes out. Mayweather circles and Hatton chases. Hatton gets to Mayweather the wrestle. The crowd is alive as Hatton pursuses the champion. Mayweather lands a left but hatton lands a wide hook driving Mayweather to the ropes which keep him vertical. Hatton chases Mayweather to the corner the two grapple. Mayweather ties up Hattons left as he pounds with his right. Mayweather lands a good right and the two trade. Hatton’s round.
Round 2: Hatton races out firing right hands as the large british contingent roars. Hatton backs Mayweather to the ropes but Mayweather uses his agility to escape. The two come together and grapple again Cortez warns both fighters. Mayweather moves as Hatton stalks. The Hitman lands a right followed by a couple of hooks. Mayweather answers scoring with a left and the two grapple. Mayweather has his elbows up.
Referee Cortez gives another warning to both fighters. Hatton chases Mayweather around the ring throwing wide hooks. Hatton’s round.
Round 3: The round starts with Hatton on the attack. He lands a left hook, right hand combo out of the clinch. Hatton pressures Mayweather to the ropes Mayweather holds on and as Hatton looks to Cortez Mayweather lands a straight right. The champion lands a left right opening a small cut over the “Hitman’s” right eye. Hatton looks anxious. Mayweather’s round.
Round 4: Hatton starts hard again chasing Mayweather. Forcing Mayweather to the corner and lands to the body. Mayweather is looking to keep some space and scores with the left attacking the cut. Mayweather's round.
Round 5: Hatton backs Mayweather into the corner and the champion uses his shoulder rolling defense. Hattonfires with both hands. The two clinch, Mayweather has his elobow up opens some space and lands a counter as referee Cortez warns both. Mayweather lands a good right then ties up Hatton cuffing him on the cut. Close round Hatton’s aggression gets him the round. Hatton’s round.
Round 6: Mayweather begins to jab to Hattons body but the challenger gets him to the ropes missing Mayweather with a right hand as he turned his back. Referee Cortez deducts a point from Hatton for hitting to the back of the head.
The blow didn’t land. When the action resumes Hatton turns bending shaking his butt demonstrating that Mayweather had turned his back. The crowd laughs as Hatton appears confused. Hatton lands a light combination and Mayweather counters with a straight right. Mayweather lands to the back of Hattons head and the crowd erupts as Cortez doesn’t react. Hatton drives Mayweather to the corner and plays to the crowd. Even round.
Round 7: Mayweather begins to use the ring and ties Hatton up when he closes the gap. It gets rough inside Mayweather has his elbow in Hatton’s throat. Mayweather lands some sharp punches after he creates some space with his elbow. Hatton cannot penetrate Mayweather’s defense with a heavy body attack. Mayweather lands n uppercut and Hatton picks up the attack. Mayweather's round.
Round 8: Mayweather moves as Hatton stalks. The two clinch and Mayweather uses his elbow to open some space and landing a good right uppercut. Hatton fires back and the champion scores with a sharp right counter. Mayweather rocks Hatton with a straight right buckling his knees Mayweather goes on the attack. The two clinch and Ricky mistakenly goes on the attack after the break and eats another heavy right. Mayweather's round.
Round 9: Hatton continues to stalk still rushing forward but now with little defense. Hatton backs Mayweather to the ropes only to get caught with another Mayweather counter right. Mayweather again uses his shoulder roll defense and uses his elbow to open up and land another right. Hatton catches Mayweather out of a clinch and goess back on the hunt. Mayweather goes to the jab landing cleanly Hatton isn’t moving his head. The champ lands a lead hook and a left right that Hatton cannot answer. Mayweather's round.
Round 10: Hatton had been rocked but comes back to the chase. At about one minute of the round Hatton pressures the champion to the corner loads up with a left hook but his right is low and Mayweather beats him to the punch with a heavy counter hook dropping the challenger. Hatton gets up and takes referee Cortez’s count but he’s hurt. Mayweather recognizes it and jumps the Britt flooring him with a hook and a couple of rights. Referee Cortez jumped in to stop the bout at 1:35 of the round as a towel flew out of the challengers corner. Judge Paul Smith scored it 88-82, and judges Dave Moretti and Burt Clements 89-81 all for Mayweather at the time of stoppage s round.
Summary: Hatton came to fight and had his moments but the skilled technician beat him at his own game. Mayweather pot shot Hatton coming in and when the Britt employed his clutch and punch style the champ held on. Mayweather tied up Hatton’s left hand his best punch and kept his elbow high using it to ceate space when wanted and it frustrated Hatton who didn’t respond with his usual eye for an eye strategy that helped him in the Kosta Tyszu fight when it got rough. He seemed to be looking for referee Cortez instead. When Mayweather tied up Hatton’s left and used his shoulder roll defense Hatton never took advantage of his right hand to pound Mayweather’s exposed left side he uncharacteristically went head hunting. Mayweather followed his corners advice to the T but did seem confused early. Mayweather was just too fast, too slick and definitely too big. Hatton was a gallant challenger but his reign must be at the lower weight class where his style will be more effective. Hatton is an action fighter who is followed by a loyal fan base and he can find some good money fights with the likes of light welter Junior Witter at home or Paulie Malignaggi, Vivian Harris at the garden. You have Juan and Juio Diaz or Joel Casamayor who could move up. Mayweather of coarse is in the driving seat and after a year of will probably take on the winner of the Cotto, paul Williams, Antonio Margarito and Kermit Cintron round robin.
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Nurse Mooney Wins WBE Welterweight Title!
By Phil Kane
Saturday Dec. 1st, Albany's SEFCU Arena, Sweeney Boxing Promotions: Delmar's Elizabeth Mooney 4-3, 2 Ko's met Bonnie Mann 11-7, 4 Ko’s of Raleigh, North Carolina in a ten round championship bout for the vacant WBE welterweight title. Mann started the fight moving to her left using a quick double jab that the bigger stronger Mooney timed and countered with thudding overhand rights. Mann would have her moments when she could get Mooney going backwards and land her jab and hook. In the second round Mooney used her jab and lead rights to catch the jabbing Mann. In the third round Mann picked up her movement but continued to move left and Mooney began to land the right with increasing frequency that started the chant of “All Biz Liz”. “All Biz Liz” stood between rounds opened her body attack in round four and it would pay off in the later rounds. 
In the middle rounds Mooney again responded to the chants of “ALL Biz Liz” and picked up the pressure landing combinations behind a stiff jab. Mann was wincing after each Mooney right. In the eighth round the hometown 38 year-old nurse, wife and mother of two put it all together walking Mann into a heavy over hand right dropping her to her knees. Mann appeared hurt regained her feet, took the count and was quickly saved by the bell. Mooney displayed her growing confidence switching between conventional and southpaw picking her spots. Mann made a valiant attempt to finish hard as the two traded as the closing bell sounded. Mooney was awarded the WBE welterweight championship belt when after the judges scores of 100-89, 100-89 and 99-89 were announced to the “Mooney” chanting arena.
In the semi main event Philadelphia’s Dhafir “ No Fear” Smith 19-16, 4 Ko’s
out-boxed and held on to heavy handed John “VooDoo Man” Johnson 11-2, 10 Ko’s to win a one sided unanimous decision 74-78, 75-77 and 73-78.
In other action: Chris "The Mechanic" Smith 20-4-1, 13 Ko's returned to the ring winning a tightly contested split decion overJohnathan Tubbs 10-3-1, 3 Ko’s with a relentless body attack. Judges scores were announced Don Ackerman 58-56, Jim Pierce 59-55 Smith and judge Bill Costello 56-58 Tubbs.
Ashante Hendrickson an amateur star from Medford Long Island made his pro debut with a shutout victory over Troy N.Y.’s Broderick Antoine 2-2, 1Ko. Hendrickson appeared a little tight but controlled the fight from the opening bell. He cut off the ring catching the retreating southpaw with heavy right hands to the body and the head.
Brian Miller 0-0-1 won a close majority decision over Dan Morales who was making his pro debut. Morales began quickly as Miller seemed content on stalking the moving Morales. Morales smartly tied up Miller when he closed the distance. Then in the third round Miller landed a left to the body that seemed to take the edge out of Morales. In the third and fourth rounds Millers pressure caught Morales on the ropes where he was pounded to the head and body. The judges scored the bout 39-37, 38-38, 39-37.
The card opened with Bronx New York’s Troy Artis 0-0-1 using his jab to set up Berlin N.Y.’s Joe Yerdon (pro debut) for a right hand to the body stopping him in his tracks driving him to the ropes where he ate a five punch combo causing referee Ken Zimmer to call the bout at 2:13 of the first round.
Great show by Sweeney's Boxing and Promotions, 160 Delaware Ave. Delmar, N.Y. 12054 518-439-5656.
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Tarver/ Forrest / Donaire All Victorious!
By: David Colon
Saturday, Dec. 1st, Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut: Antonio Tarver 25-4, 18 Ko’s successfully defended his IBF light heavyweight title. Tarver fighting a lesser class opponent waiting for the Hopkins, Calzaghe or Dawson won every round before knocking out Danny Santiago 29-3-1, 19 Ko’s at 2:53 of the fourth round. The money jingle sounds like it will be the winner of the Jeff Lacy-Peter Manfredo bout Dec. 8th on the undercard of Hatton / Mayweather bout. Vernon Forrest 39-2-0, 28 Ko’s shut out Michele Piccirillo 48-3, 30 Ko’s before stopping him the eleventh round. Forrest used his height and reach advantage well setting up his combinations with the jab. Forrest stayed tight with a solid defense and went to Piccirillo’s body when he got inside. The “Viper out-boxed Piccirillo into the sixth round when he pounded the Italian behind the ear with a solid right as he was reaching in. In the ninth round Forrest countered the Italian’s lazy jab catching him pulling out and dropped him to the canvas. Forrest continued to box measuring with slick combinations. In the eleventh round “The Viper” drove Piccirillo to the ropes where landed his last heavy right buckling the Italians legs causing referee Arthur Mercante Jr. to call the bout at 2:21 of the round. The judges had the bout scored 98-90 x 3 when the bout was called.
Nonito Donaire 18-1,11Ko’s defended his IBF 112 lb. title against Luis Maldonado 37-1-1, 28 Ko’s. Maldonado from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico came in as the mandatory challenger after winning a unanimous decision victory over Sergio Espinoza. In round one Donaire started with a good left hook. The champion then used a sticking jab setting up sharp combinations. In round two the champion slid a solid right behind a jab cutting Maldonado’s left eye. The “Filipino Flash” outworked and out scored Maldonado punctuating round three with a left hook cutting the Mexicans right eye. The fourth round was Maldonado’s best as he switched to south paw and landed several lefts. Donaire came forward throwing hooks and straight rights but Maldonado landed his best punch of the fight a straight left stopping Donaire in his tracks. The two traded as the round closed and Donaire finished hard to the body. In round five Donaire slowed a bit catching a few straight lefts but countered with his hook. In round six, bloodied around both eyes the proud Mexican kept coming looking to trade. Donaire answered with a thunderous right but Maldanado fired back. The seventh round saw Donaire land a solid left hook followed by a couple of rights dropping the bloodied, beaten Mexican near the end of the round only to be saved by the bell. In the eighth round the champion scored with a right cross driving Maldonado into the ropes where he opened up but the tough challenger survived the barrage. Donaire followed Maldanado across the ring firing from all angles catching the challenger on the chin from underneath prompting referee Charles Dwyer to put a stop to the action at 1:16 mark of the round.
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Moore Grabs Vacant NY State Middleweight Title!
By: Bill Ethan 
Wednesday, Nov. 21st, Plattduetsche Park Restaurant, Franklin Square, Long Island: Queens, N.Y. junior middleweight James Moore now 14-0, 10 Ko’s grabbed the vacant New York State junior middleweight title stopping Thomas Davis 11-5, 2Ko’s in Mike O'Sullivan’s Celtic Gloves main event. Davis who lost to Luis Collazzo by decision then stopped Kendell Holt back in 2004 catching eveyone’s eye came in losing three straight.
In the first round Moore used his jab to open up his body attack. Moore began to mix it up scoring to the head and the body. Round two saw much of the same when Moore sustained a small cut over his left eye after an accidental clash of heads. Moore then went on the attack backing Davis up landing a heavy right putting him on queer street. Moore left nothing to the judges launching a volley of heavy blows causing referee Eddie Claudio to call the bout at 1:23 of round two.
On the undercard:
Junior welter Daniel Sostre 5-3, 2Ko’s stopped Jaime Morales 4-5, 2 Ko’s at 1:54 of round one. Kamel Al-Olabi beat Carl Desravines by a unanimous decision in a four rounder.
Earl Joshua won by Tko round 1 of 4 over Kenyata Bryant.
Vannessa Greco won a 4 round unanimous decision over Kimberly Tomes.
Eylon Kedem scored a 4th round Tko over Joe Rosa.
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Cagey Guzman Slips Past Soto!
By: Bill Ward
Nov. 17th, Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, undefeated WBO world junior lightweight title holder Joan Guzman 28-0, 17 Ko’s made his second winning a 12 round unanimous decision over the tough Humberto Soto 43-6-2, 27 Ko’s.
The opening bell sounded and Guzman quickly made it clear he was the quicker of the two. The Dominican fighter now fighting out of the New York used his hand and foot speed to keep Soto off balance.
The second round saw the two come out looking to end it early. Guzman met the aggressive Soto in the middle of the ring and the two traded. Guzman landed the cleaner heavier shots scoring with both hands and Soto fired back using his pressure to some do some scoring of his own pressing Guzman to the ropes.
The third round saw Soto pressing again trading with Guzman. The two banged heads early but didn’t slow either fighter. Soto used his jab and kept the pressure on landing a straight right catching Guzman moving knocking him off balance. Soto pressured the champion to the ropes where he displayed that comfortable defense he learned from new trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. Guzman made Soto miss then used his speed to get of the ropes moving to the center of the ring where he landed low putting Soto down for a short rest. Referee Harvey Dock gave Guzman a stern warning.
The fourth round saw Soto applying the pressure and again catching the champion on the ropes. Soto began to bang to Guzman’s body only to warned by referee Dock to keep them up.
In the fifth round Soto again went to the champions body attempting to slow him down only to be warned again by referee Dock to keep them up. Soto openly displayed his frustration with Dock gesturing he wasn’t low.
In the middle rounds Guzman began moving more dominating with his hand and foot speed. The champion punched his way in quickly moving out before Soto could counter with any consistency. Guzman used quick movements to different angles that had Soto reaching.
Going into the championship rounds Guzman used his athleticism moving, pivoting and turning the pressing challenger keeping him off balance and then landing with sharp combinations. Soto had his moments chasing the slipping, ducking Guzman scoring to the body but never enough to slow the champion down.
The fight was the typical boxer puncher contest with the champion being a little too cagey for the challenging Soto. The judges scores were announced with judges Lynne Carter and Jean Williams both calling it 117-111 and Don Trella 118-110 for Guzman, earning him his second defense and putting him squarley in the middle of the Manny Pacquiano sweepstakes.
On the under card: NABO Bantamweight Champion, Abner Mares 15-0, 0 Ko’s took on Damian Marchiano 14-3-1, 5 Ko’s. Mares who represented Mexico at the 2004 Olympics in Athens as a Bantamweight out boxed and outscored the tough Marchiano for the duration of their 12 round fight.
Marchiano bloodied Mares nose but was never in the fight. The judges scoring went Robert Grasso 118-109, judge Tony Perez 117-109 and judge George Hill 118-109 all for Mares.
Philadelphia’s junior-welterweight Demtrius Hopkins 27-0-1, 11 ko’s dominated Mexican, Enrique Colon 23-3-3, 19 ko’s, in a 10-round, unanimous decision. Junior welterweight Danny Garcia made his pro debut scoring a first-round knockout over Michael Denby 0-1. Philadelphia’s junior welterweight Rock Allen 11-0, 7 Ko’s won an eight round unanimous decision over Braulio Lopez 6-5-1, 2ko’s. Heavyweight Darrel Madison 6-1, 3 Ko’s out boxed Cleveland's Ryan Thompson 3-1, 3 Ko’s shutting him out 40 –36 times three. Middleweight Diferson LeGrand 3-0, 2 Ko’s won a four-round unanimous decision over James Denson 2-0, 1 Ko.
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Two True Contenders as Bika Out Punches Codrington!
By: Bill Ethan
Nov. 10th, TD Banknorth Garden in the Contender Finale, Australia’s Sakio Bika 25-3-2, 15 Ko’s took on New York’s Jaidon Codrington 18-1,14 Kos. 32 year-old Bika a 2000 Olympian and 23 years old Codrington a National Golden Glove champion fought their way through the Contender tournament setting up this face off for the Contender Belt and a $750,000 purse. The fight began with the fireworks that would make any boxing fan want more. And they got it. It began with both fighters on the offense. The two traded with Bika coming forward behind a reaching jab and Codrington surprisingly standing his ground willing to trade. The two took their turn opening up until “The Scorpion” landed two wide heavy shots dropping Codrington. Bika then added a heavy shot while Codrington was down which referee Dick Flaherty missed as he was screened from seeing which could have disqualified Bika. “The Don” who appeared in great shape made it to his feet, when the action continued he caught Bika coming in with a short hook buckling and dropping the Aussie. Bika on rubbery legs made to his feet and the two gallant pugilists traded to the bell. The fight continued with the ebb and flow that had hometown Mickey Ward in attendance, smiling ear to ear. The second round started like a feeling out round as both fighters were finding their legs. The with about a minute to go Bika pressed the action throwing some heavy wild shots catching Codrington who closed with a quick combo. The third round saw the stronger Bika continuing to throw bombs while Codrington stayed in range. The fourth continued with the two swapping bombs as Bika pressed Codrington to the ropes where “The Don” landed some hard shots inside. Bika was pressing and out working Codrington although he was hurt in every round.The fifth round mirrored the previous four with Codrington landing a sharp left hook rocking Bika and Bika scoring with a thunderous uppercut which Codrington ducked into. The two looked fatigued but Codrington looked ready to go.In the sixth round both warriors slowed the pace and Cordington began to move until Bika landed two heavy body shots then finished with a hook upstairs. Codrington showed the heart of a champion and closed the round with a wild four puch combo of his own. The seventh round continued the action with the fight looking like it could end on any one shot. The eighth round started without any movement from Codrington and he began taking some heavy shots. Bika pressured Codrington to the ropes where he started throwing for the fences. Codrington absorbed some more heavy shots. Codrington turning his back appeared defenseless and not throwing back referee Flaherty stepped in and stopped the fight at 2:18 of the eighth round. Contender Three closed as a great success thanks to the warrior hearts of Sakio Bika and Jaidon Codrington. Flashing back to Contender one where Sergio Mora fought a rematch with Peter Manfredo Jr. this fight not only qualifies for round and fight of the year but certainly calls for a rematch which we should see more off Codrington the complete boxer moving fighting from angles.
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Fast / Furious and Close!
By: James Patrick
Nov. 10th Madison Square Garden: In front of a partisan Cotto crowd of 17,135 27 year old Miguel Cotto 31-0, 25 Ko’s retained his WBA Welterweight title with a unanimous decision over 36 year old "Sugar" Shane Mosley 44-5, 37 Ko’s. The fight was a close tactical boxing match not the slugfest we allexpected. It started during the undercard when periodically the two combatants were flashed on the overhead screen and Mosley was greeted with a spattering of cheers drowned by boos from the Cotto faithful and a Cotto sighting turned the garden into a raucous chant of “Cotto, Cotto”. Mosley must have felt like an Islander at a Ranger Game.
The first round was a feeling out process for both, with the two being cautious, no heavy shots landed and neither getting a real edge.
In the second round Mosley used a flicking jab and Cotto was slipping effectively, until Mosley caught Cotto with a looping right and the action jumped up a bit. The two began to trade with Mosley backing Cotto up but the champ countered well.
In the third round Cotto started attacking Mosley’s body. The challenger answered with some heavy hooks of his own and landed with a sharp right rocking Cotto to the dismay of the “garden” crowd. Cotto closed strong landing a solid uppercut.
In the fourth round Cotto found his range as his shots got heavier. Mosley landed a few chopping right hands and continued the flicking jab.
In the fifth round Cotto pressed mixing it up going to the body and the head causing Mosley to move then fall in and hold. Mosley did score with a couple of uppercuts inside. Mosley appeared to be looking for a particular shot when Cotto landed a clean heavy shot to the belly when the “Sugarman” scored with a couple of right hands which Cotto took in stride.
In the sixth Cotto turned it up a gear but was picking his shots. Mosley moved but appeared to take the round off.
In round seventh Mosley began boxing more moving changing his angles popping a short jab. Cotto seemed a step slow making the adjustment.
The eighth round saw Mosley’s movement slowed while Cotto’s defense was evident in a close round with Cotto’s shots appearing more effective. At times in tight Cotto appeared much stronger. Cotto began picking up the action at the end of the rounds. Cotto turned it up on all the ten second warnings and the crowd would respond. I began wondering how much it was effecting the scoring.
In the ninth round the two appeared to be looking for that second wind. Mosley caught Cotto with a combination and showed signs of opening it up. Cotto began to move and at times Mosley flat backed him up. The Cotto faithful not familiar with their warrior going in reverse became uncomfortable.
In the 10th round Mosley came out with a sense of urgency backing Cotto to the ropes with a few strong right hands clearly changing the momentum. Mosley showed his great conditioning and landed what may have been the best shot of the fight hurting Cotto, waking the outnumbered Mosley fans who picked up the rally cry.
In the 11th round Mosley pressed using the jab and attacking Cotto’s the body. Cotto who was retreating didn’t respond until the ten second warning where he caught Mosley clean bringing the garden to its feet.
In the final round Mosley backed Cotto up who clearly thought he was ahead on the cards. The two clash heads in the middle of the ring opening a cut over Cotto’s right eye, it would not become a factor. Mosley stalking Cotto loaded up and slipped on water in Cotto’s corner hitting the deck becoming an the omen for the scoring to come. When the final bell sounded ending the bout both fighters immediately raised their arms in victory but the crowd was overwhelmingly calling for Cotto. The judges scores of 115-113, 115-113, 116-113 Cotto was announced and pandemonium broke. The final punch count was as the fight, Cotto landing 248 of 675 punches and Mosley landed 248 of 774. Power punches Cotto throwing 387 landing 150 with Mosley throwing 335 landing 177. Cotto used his powerful right hand and a stiff jab to win most of his rounds and Mosley attacked the body with hooks and the uppercut all behind a flicking jab to win his. Mosley nullified Cotto's notorius left hook to the body and took on the role of the body puncher and Cotto showcased his defensive skills. The first third of the fight was even with Cotto taking the middle rounds. Mosley took the last third of the fight closing the championship rounds. SBB called the fight a draw 114-114.
UNDERCARD
Joel Casamayor 35-3-1, 21 Ko’s who was knocked down in the opening round, beaten to the punch and pressured all night was awarded the WBC's interim lightweight title with a spilt decision over Jose Armando Santa Cruz 24-3. 14 Ko’s. Judges Ron McNair and Frank Lombardi, scored it 114-113 Casamayor, and Tony Paolillo scored it 114-113 Santa Cruz. Not sure what they saw but here at SBB we scored it a walkover for Santa Cruz.
Antonio Margarito 35-5, 25 Ko’s quickly blasted out a reluctant Golden Johnson 25-9-3, 18 K0’s at 2:38 of the first round. Victor Ortiz 20-1-1, 15 Ko’s blew out Carlos Maussa 19-5, 17 Ko’s at 1:47 of the first round. Billy Dib 16-0, 9 Ko’s gave Roger Mtagwa a boxing leson winning 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73, on the judges cards. Ronnie Vargas 3-0, 2 Ko’s stopped tough Bryan Mullis 4-1-1, 2 Ko’s. Golden Boy upstart Micheal Faragon made his pro debut taking the action to Javier Garcia 2-1, 0 Ko’s. Faragon out scored Garcia on the judges cards 39-37 times three.
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Joe Calzaghe Presses Kessler and Impresses All!