April 24th, UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois: Super bantamweight prospect Antonio Escalante 20-2, 13Ko’s won his sixth straight, fourth inside the distance since his loss to Mauricio Pastrana January 2007 stopping Gary “Kid” Stark 22-3, 8Ko’s in the third round of their scheduled twelve rounder. Stark entered the fight on the rebound himself tying four decision victories together since his back to back losses to Mike Oliver and being stopped by Andres Ledesma early 2007.

When the action started, the light handed Starks was surprisingly the aggressor moving forward behind a good jab rather than stick and move a decision that would prove detrimental.

In the second Escalante became the aggressor and forced Starks to fight. Starks showed signs of movement and slick boxing skills that projected him as a top super featherweight prospect but Escalante was controlling the action, landing the heavier punches.

                                  

In the third round Starks continued to trade with Escalante rather than box when Escalante jumped in with a wide amateurish but heavy left hook catching Stark with his guns in his holster, dropping him to the deck. Referee Gerald Scott moved Escalante to a neutral corner giving Starks a few extra desperately needed seconds but it was obvious the end was coming soon. When action resumed Escalante seeing the Brooklyn fighter was hurt took full advantage pressing Stark to the ropes catching him with another wide left hook pausing the him for a follow up right flooring him again, causing referee Scott to call the fight at 1:31 of the third ending the “Kid’s” win streak at four. Stark finds himself with his career in need or serious resucitaion while Escalante feeling the jubilation of his victory asked for “Juan Manuel Lopez.”

                 

On the undercard: Golden Boy’s supermiddleweight Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs stepped up in class of opposition taking on Jose “Terrible” Varela 23-6, 16Ko’s who had fought Edison Miranda and Richard Gutierrez the only problem Varela had been riding a three fight losing streak and came into the fight on eleven days notice. Jacobs measured and felt out Varela early in the first round demonstrating his superior hand speed throwing and landing combinations and attacking the Nicaraguan’s body. In the second round Jacobs walked Varela around the ring the opened up with double jab, right to the body then brought his right upstairs flattening Varela at 1:29 of round two.

While learning on the job Olympic Bronze Medalist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder remained undefeated winning his fourth straight by Ko. Wilder dropped the listless Joseph Rabotte, 3-6, 1Ko three times with clubbing rights the final forcing referee Celestino Ruiz to stop the pounding at 2:33 of round three.

The swing bout brought us hometown featherweight Noe Perez 1-0, 1Ko stopped Ohio’s Ronnie Howell 1-2. Howell took a Perez right thought about it then hit the deck just over a minute into the round. The Illinois Boxing Authority thought about it and although they didn’t withhold Howell’s purse, he is no longer eligible to fight in Illinois. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

                              Duddy / Ouma Upset in Jersey!

April 24th, Prudential Centre, Newark, New Jersey: A little late to cry April fools but popular Irish middleweight John Duddy’s dream to meet middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik was upset for the second time.

In a major upset Ireland's John Duddy suffered his first loss, a split-decision to Ohio journeyman middleweight Billy Lyell, trained by non other than Jack Loew the trainer of WBC/ WBO middleweight Kelly Pavlik. Lyell out hustled a lethargic looking Duddy who was hit by numerous Lyell right hands causing a small cut around his left eye causing a flash back to the Irishman’s fight with Walid Smichet in February 2008 when Duddy took a lot of punishment and suffered numerous deep cuts ending any talks of Duddy meeting Pavlik that June.

The judges scores of the Lyell fight were read 96-94 and 98-92 for Lyell with one judge giving it to Duddy 97-93. Whether it was his managerial problems outside the ring seeping in or just a lack luster performance the Lyell fight went from a possible half step up to two giant steps back.

In a night crying upset Philadelphia’s tough and rugged Gabriel "King" Rosado 11-3, 6 Ko’s earned a split decision win over former IBF middleweight champion Kassim “The Dream” Ouma, 26-6-1, 16Ko’s. the young raw talented Rosado jumped into the scene upsetting James Moore in June 2008 has now won two straight since losing a tough close decision loss to undefeated Fernando Guerrero in February. Ouma on the other hand has now lost four of his last five putting him inline for a match with Duddy. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Donaire Defends Title, Hooks Martinez in 4!

April 19th, Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines: Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire successfully defended his IBF and IBO Flyweight Titles dropping previously undefeated Raul “The Cobra” Martinez 24-0, 14Ko’s four times enroute to a fourth round Tko victory.

“The Flash” floored Martinez the first time in the opening round with a left hook then went on to deck him again with a left uppercut wide right earning him a second eight count. In the second round Donaire Martinez with another good left hook but this time the now leery challenger remained upright. In the third round Martinez wasn’t so lucky when he was planted by another left at 1:10 of the round but did show some heart landing a few straight rights as the round closed. The fourth round would only differ when referee Pete Podgorski called the fight at 2:42 of the fourth round after watching Martinez eat a left uppercut and bounce off the canvas for the fourth time. 
 
Donaire 21-1, 14 ko’s won the title from Vic Darchinyan 32-1-1, 26Ko’s by way of a fifth-round Ko back in 2007. Donaire seemed ready willing and able for a rematch with the “Raging Bull” but promoter blew off talk of a return fight with Darchinyan and seemed to push an upcoming bout with Madison, Wisconsin bantamweight”The Little Hands of Steel" Eric Morel 41-2-0, 21 Ko’s later this year. __________________________________________________________________________

Gamboa Wins Questionable Title!

April 18th: Last night at Buffalo Bill's Star Arena, Primm, Nevada, undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa ripped a “part” of the interim WBA featherweight championship from southpaw Jose “Cheo” Rojas. Gamboa 15-0 13 Ko’s dropped Rojas 25-7-1, 17 Ko’s with a solid straight right in the fifth round then proceeded to use his speed and bang the game Venezuelan who mistakenly decided to make a stand and trade. The 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist used a variety angles and punches through the middle rounds setting up a lead right driving “Cheo” to the corner where he stayed on the receiving end of a Gamboa volley forcing referee Russell Mora to stop the pummeling at 1:31 of round ten. Gamboa was in total control of the fight as well as the score cards which read 90-80, 90-81, 89-81 at the time of the stoppage.

The only thing left to question was how the WBA shuffled the deck calling the bout an interim title fight when undefeated Chris John is the present title holder. John won the title from Oscar Leon in 2004. John fought Rojas December 2004 when a clash of heads caused a technical draw. John went on to win a one sided unanimous decision rematch in 2007. John still undefeated remains active and is scheduled to defend the title against Rocky Juarez in June after fighting Juarez to a questionable draw in February.

On the undercard: Germany’s undefeated welterweight Selcuk “Mini Tyson” Aydin won a 12-round, split decision over “Prince” Said Ouali grabbing the World Boxing Council International welterweight title 113-114 115-112 and 116-111.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

            Williams Sacks Wright! They Both Sack the House!

By: Jason Sardelis
April 11th, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas: Paul “The Punisher” William’s tagged as boxing’s newlest “most avoided fighter” moniker faced off with former “Most Avoided Champion” Ronald “Winky” Wright before a less than half filled 12,000 seat Mandalay Bay event center. Whether it was William’s reputation, the economic times or the fact that Wright had been absent from the ring for two and a half years with the exception of “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Oscar DeLaHoya and Ricky Hatton at times there didn’t appear to be much interest in the house either.

Williams 37-1, 27Ko’s used his 10 year and 10-inch reach advantage to out work out punch and out land the veteran former champion at a rate that at times made the fight totally boring.

Much of the time Wright, 51-5-1, 25Ko’s known as a defensive “master” looked like a heavy bag just corralling the blows.. Both Williams and Wright reinforced they a big punch at the middleweight division but you could only pray “Winky” could some how muster one up to make it a fight. This was a fight a computer was definitely needed to compute the score with Williams out punching Wright 1086 to 667while out scoring him 247 to 116. Williams punch total was a little misleading because many were absorbed by the “Winky” defense but this was no “Rope a Dope” by any means. The judges scores read judge Adalaide Byrd 120-108, judge Robert Hoyle 119-109 and judge Jerry Roth 119-109 all for Williams. I scored it 119-109 giving Winky the fourth round. Wright was sacked like a quarterback whose offensive line was blitzed on every down while the Mandalay Bay was sacked by thousands of empty seats.

Williams deserved the win for his effort, one not to be taken lightly but his choice of his next opponent will probably tell the tale of what we will see in the “Punishers” future. Will it be fill in fights or how about James Kirkland in about a year. I think Kirkland’s demeanor, aggressiveness and power could give the “Punisher” and us a show and would certainly fill the seats. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 
                      Arreola Over McCline Big Time!
Saturday, April 11th on the undecard of the Paul Williams / Winky Wright fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Mexican /American heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola 39-10-3, 23Ko’s defended his WBC Continental Americas and NABF heavyweight titles stopping Jameel “Big Time” McCline in the fourth round of their semi main event.

In the first round Arreola went right to work to the body “Big Time” whileMcCline attempted to establish his jab. The second round saw McCline back with the jab but his mouth is open and Arreola lands a big right. The two take turns but Arreola ‘s body attck gets him the round. In the third round McCline appeared tired but still pushing his jab. Arreola fires a few combinations concentrating to the body and McCline lands a clean heavy left hook wobbling “Nightmare” keeping it close. In the third round McCline staggered Arreola with a left hook, but Arreola clearly rocked stayed composed and went right back to work landing test zinging uppercut. The fourth round started with McCline looking exhausted the two began to exchange and a nightmare left uppercut right hand combination drops McCline “Big Time” causing referee Tony Weeks to call it at 2:01 of the fourth round.

McCline was quick to credit Arreola who stated he will follow his camps lead to Klitschko or to whomever they put in front of him. Arreola who stated his goal is to fight and be the best would be the first Mexican heavyweight champion.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Lacy by Majority over Griffin! Wants Jones Jr!

April 10th,USF Sun Dome Tampa, Florida: Former super middleweight champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy took on Otis Griffin on a fight card promoted as "Homecoming" an attempt to draw Pensacola’s Roy Jones Jr. into a “Hometown” brawl.

In the opener Lacy appeared to be feeling out Griffin early on then became the aggressor plodding in looking to take the fight inside. In the second round the former champion began head hunting opening a cut over Griffin’s left eye with an overhand right. In the third round and fourth rounds Griffin hands high became the aggressor. In the fifth the two traded body shots which seemed to reignite Lacy who came out hot in the sixth but Griffin would not back down. In the seventh the two took turns picking their shots, neither giving an inch. In the eight Lacy went back upstairs drawing a rise from his hometown fans. In the ninth it was Griffin’s turn head hunting Lacy who had some swelling over his left eye. In the 10th and final round they both traded power shots but Lacy closed with a body attack to the roar ‘Lacy, Lacy, Lacy.” Lacy did just enough to win a close and sometimes sloppy 97-93, 96-94, 95-95 majority decision. In true WWF fashion after the fight Lacy grabbed the microphone and called out Roy Jones Jr. who was at ringside. Jones won a fifth round Tko stoppage of Omar Shieka March 21st.

On the undercard: Unbeaten Jr. lightweights Kermit Gonzalez 6-0-2, 3 Ko’s and Derrick Wilson 4-0-1, 1 Ko called it even after four 38-38 times three. Heavyweight Lenroy Thomas 11-2, 8 Ko’s floored Wes Taylor 7-13-1, 7 Ko’s round one then and put to pasture at 1:16 of round two. Light heavyweight Roberto Failey 2-0-1, 1 Ko barley kept the crowd awake winning a split decision over Adam Jaco 5-3-1, 1 Ko, 38-37, 38-37, 37-38. Jaco missed a draw losing a point in round four for hitting on the break. _________________________________________________________________________________________

David Lopez Jabs Past Ossie Duran
“Chop Chop” gets “Chopped on the Cards!

April 10th, Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Arizona: Middleweight David “The Destroyer” Lopez won his fourteenth straight since losing to Fulgencio Zuniga January 2005. Taking on Ossie Duran 23-7-2, 9Ko’s in bout number fifty, his twelfth at the Desert Diamond the “Destroyer” used his four inch height and six inch reach advantage together with some movement and a reciprocating jab to work his way to a 97-93, 96-94, 96-94 unanimous decision. 

                   

Lopez a southpaw maneuvered the ring using a measuring jab to keep Duran on the outsideoutside firing combinations mixing it up to the body and head working his way in and out. Duran kept his hands high and tight but it kept his offense to a minimum and he was easily outworked. Duran showed moments of polish but nothing sustained enough to put him even close.

               

In a scheduled eight rounder Light welterweight DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley 33-11-1, 19Ko’s faced off with seven inch taller Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez 18-0, 8Ko’s. “Chop Chop” cut under the right eye in round one dropped Sanchez with a right cross in round third but Sanchez beat the count and wore a charging Corley who couldn’t finish the job. Corley appeared to outwork and outscore Sanchez but all three judges called it 77-74 Sanchez. I agreed with the crowd calling it 76-75 Corley the knockdown being the difference.

On the undercard: Rock Allen remained undefeated at 15-0, 7Ko’s outclassing opponent Adan Hernandez 14-7, 5Ko’s winning a one sided unanimous decision 54-60, 56-58, 54-60.

Philadelphia’s light welterweight Karl Dargan outboxed Rudy Valdez 2-4, 1Ko then scored with a rocking right hand causing referee Wes Melton to call it at 2:16 of the fourth round.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Lightning Strikes Thrice in Golden Boy Lightweight Showdown!
By: Ruben Miranda
April 4th, Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Texas: Living up to its promotion Golden Boy Promotions “Lightweight Lightning” brought a night of heavyweight action.

The first lightning strike came when Casamayor replacement Rolando Reyes     31-4-2, 20 Ko’s scored a shocking fifth round knockout of former champion     Julio “The Kidd” Diaz 36-4, 26 Ko’s. Reyes who put four straight wins together since losing to Jose Luis Castillo in 2006 started slow looking to land a big right hand. Diaz also started slowly but gained traction tacking the fight to his substitute opponent. Then in the fifth round Reyes caught Diaz with a lightning bolt right hand stopping him in his tracks long enough to collect a thunderous uppercut dropping him to the deck. Diaz beat the count but “The Kidd” walked into a Reyes volley climaxing with a striking uppercut forcing referee Gregorio Alvarez to call the fight at 2:17 of round five.

The thunder kept pounding when Vicente Escobedo 20-1, 12 Ko’s stepped in for Argentinean Jorge "La Hiena" Barrios taking on the rough and ready former super featherweight champion Carlos "Famoso" Hernandez 43-7-1, 24 Ko’s.

Escobedo came in with only one blemish on his record a split decision loss to Daniel Jimenez in 2006. The young former Olympian went to work fast, using his speed and combination punching to drop Hernandez in the first and second rounds. Hernandez determined to battle on got inside and made it a war. "Famoso" kept coming banging away with both hands at times taking shots to get inside.

In round six Hernandez sent Escobedo flying to the deck with a glancing blow that was scored a knockdown but "Famoso" was clearly standing on Escobedo’s foot. Escobedo began to move and box more using his superior hand speed but in round seven Hernandez stayed tough landing some heavy shots that appeared to wobble the former US Amateur Champion. Escobedo went to work in rounds eight through ten at times peppering the gallant Mexican/ American who battled to the final bell banging Escobedo top and bottom. When the bell sounded Hernandez face wore the pains of a tough solid battle. The judges scores were announced 96-91, 94-93 and 95-91 Escobedo but it was a tougher fight than the scores represent.

The second strike came when former lightweight champion and hometown favorite son, Jesus “El Matador” Chavez 44-5, 30 Ko’s was retired in the corner round seven by Michael “The Great” Katsidis 25-2, 21Ko’s. Following a slow start Katsidis seemed inspired after seeing blood from the head of Chavez kept coming from an accidental clash of heads in round four. “The Great One” turned it up coming full steam ahead finally getting through to the tough cagey veteran landing some clean upper cuts and right hands. Whether it was the cut or Kastsidis constant pressure the “El Matador’s” corner had seen enough, calling it when the doctor came to examine the cut after round seven.

The main event feature relatively unknown undefeated Venezuelan “Knockout King” Edwin “Dinamita” Valero 24-0, 24 Ko’s taking on heavy handed Colombian, Antonio Pitalua 46-3, 40 Ko’s in a 12-round championship bout for the vacant WBC Interim World Lightweight title.

Valero who fought all but one of his fights outside the US entered the fight with a 100% KO record. Pitalua entered the battle with similar credentials having knocked out 44 of his 46 victories all his fights having taken place in Mexico.

Round one was virtually uneventful with the exception of Valero a southpaw being warned in for pushing down on Pitalua’s head. In the second round Pitalua still appeared tight while Valero charged out taking full advantage of his twelve year age advantage dropping a short right hook to jaw of the rugged Columbian, decking him at 0:10 of the round. Pitalua somehow got vertical only to find himself horizontal again at 0:27 after a barrage of “Dinamita.” Valero went right back on the assault backing the wobbly Columbian to the corner where referee Laurence Cole stepped in putting a stop to the slaughter at :49 of round two. Strike three.

Valero made it clear he will take on all comers as his promoter Bob Arum joined in stating they want to build his audience before taking on the likes of a Jorge Linares, Ricky Hatton or Manny Pacquiao. "This is the beginning of big things," Valero said. "No man can take my punch."

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Bradley Beats Holt Looks to Pacquiao or Hatton!

Dirrell Carries “Superman” for Six!

March 28th, Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Oklahoma: 2004 Olympic Bronze medal winner super middleweight Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell, 18-0, 13 Ko’s recorded his sixth straight stoppage. It came with sixth round TKO over the tough but severely overmatched Derrick “Superman” Findley. Findley 13-3, 8 Ko’s a last minute replacement came in with only two losses, the most notable a six round decision loss to another former Olympian, Andre Ward in 2006.

The 6’1” “Matrix” proved too much for “Superman.” Findley giving away six inches in height was beaten early when Dirrell a natural southpaw landed a lead left hook out of an orthodox stance driving Findley to the ropes where he was pounded with ripping left uppercuts. “Superman” couldn’t find a phone booth and the “Matrix” continued the clinic until the corner had seen enough after six. Dirrell slowly building the quality of opponents after his track meet with Curtis “Showtime” Stevens June 2006 has demonstrated he has the skills and potential to reach the top of the 168lb division but did add some questions with his inability to finish Findley. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

                       Yorgey Gives Hearns First Loss!

Junior middleweight Harry Joe Yorgey, 22-0-1, 10 Ko’s took the fight to previously undefeated Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns, 21-0, 17 Ko’s winning the International Boxing Association Intercontinental light middleweight title. Yorgey had Hearns down in the fourth down but went down himself after backing “The Chosen One” to the ropes and landing a clean right Yorgey ended up on the working end of a Hearns right and winging left hook which appeared to catch the Bridgeport, Pennsylvania middleweight with his feet tangled deposting him on the deck. Yorgey put Hearns back on the deck in the fifth and again in the ninth. Yorgey fired combinations to the body finishing upstairs both times answering a solid shot from Hearns. The final combination and the pace put Hearns on one knee taking the ten count forcing referee Steve Smoger to call the action at 2:59 of round nine. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

“Fast” Eddie Chambers Too Quick for Peter!

March 27th Nokia Theater, Los Angeles, California: “Fast Eddie Chambers jab was a “nightmare” for former WBC Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter earning Chambers a ten round majority decision.

Eddie Chambers 33-1 18 Ko’s used a high hands defense and just enough movement to establish his stinging jab controlling most of the action. Peter        30-2 23 Ko’s who lost the WBC title to Vitali Klitschko last October entered the fight at 265lbs the heaviest weight of his career. The weight appeared to affect Peter’s stamina and power. The Peter pressure attack was missing never allowing “The Nigerian Nightmare” to make his 42 pound weight advantage an issue. Chambers used a stinging jab to kept Peter just out of range. He always seemed to be lunging in trying to get his shots off. Chambers landed cleanly with his right and at times sometimes jabbed with it out of a southpaw stance. In a fight seen here at SBB as a one sided event it was mysteriously scored a majority decision.
The disparaging scorecards were announced judge Ray Corona scoring it one sided 99-91 Chambers and judge Max DeLuca somehow seeing it even 95-95. Judge Marty Denkin brought us back to reality scoring it 96-94 Chambers. I scored it  97-93 “Fast” Eddie.

Super middleweight Shawn Estrada 3-0, 3 Ko’s dropped Ray Craig 5-5, 2Ko’s, (stopped in his last two) three times in the opening round causing referee James Jen-Kin to call at 1:41 of the round.

Former amateur standout nineteen-year-old Javier Molina used his quick hands and a solid upper cut to stop mismatched 36 year old Jaime Cabrera also making his pro debut. The bout was called at 1:50 of the second round when Molina softened Cabrera with a solid body shot finishing him with a left uppercut. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Jones Stops Sheika in 5 Rounds
Flores Decisions Herrera for NABO Title
Monson, Lashley, Thomas and Hallman MMA Winners!

PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 21, 2009) -- Fighting at home for the first time in a decade, 8-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) fought before a packed house of loyal fans and gave them exactly what they came for with a dazzling display of superior quickness and athleticism en route to a fifth-round stoppage of 4-time world title challenger Omar Sheika for the vacant NABO championship last night in Pensacola, Florida.

Jones-Sheika (27-8) headlined tonight’s hybrid pro boxing/mixed-martial-arts show, presented by Jones’ Square Ring Promotions in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing, on pay-per-view live from the Pensacola Civic Center. 
 
The rejuvenated Jones put on another boxing clinic, firing a wide assortment of head and body punches that consistently landed from every conceivable angle from start to finish on the rugged but overmatched Sheika, who simply had no answers for the test given by the future Hall of Fame-bound Jones. 
 
“I want to give thanks to Pensacola in the house,” Jones announced from the center of the ring after the fight. I felt really good. I’m ready. With my father, Coach Merk and my team I’m more comfortable. Do you want me back? (Roy asked the crowd that responded with a thunderous yes). I’ll be coming back.” 
 
In the featured MMA fight of the night, Jeff Monson won a close three-round decision, 29-28 on three cards, in an evenly matched battle between two of the best grapplers in the world. The fight was even going into the final round, in which, Monson’s more effective striking – three clear punches – was the eventual difference. 
 
“I wanted to go on the ground,” Monson commented. “I kept right with him. It was a big win. Roy’s a tough guy.” 
 
Nelson didn’t agree with the final decision. “I got robbed,” he claimed. “It was a boring fight on the ground, but I was controlling the fight and that usually determines the winner. Only in Florida does Roy get robbed (referring to his controversial loss to Andrei Arlovski).” 
 
Unbeaten world-rated B.J. Flores, improving his record to 23-0, captured the vacant NABO junior heavyweight title by a one-sided, unanimous 10-round decision in a workmanlike effort against Colombian knockout artist Jose Luis Herrera (16-6, 16 KOs). 
 
“He’s a veteran with 16 knockouts,” Flores said of Herrera. “By the third or fourth round I knew I could hurt him with some big shots, but I hit him with a left (hurting his hand) in the forehead. I used it early but not later. In the 10th I started to put it together. I went the distance with Herrera and next I want Victor Ramirez (WBO Interim junior heavyweight champion).” 
 
“He was a little faster than me and he moved better,” Herrera agreed with the decision. “I was a little frustrated by him throughout the fight.” 
 
Going into the match with only one round of MMA experience, former WWE star Bobby Lashley was able to win all three rounds against tough veteran Jason Guida, a replacement who took the fight on 1-½ week notice. Guida nearly pulled-off a major upset early in the third round with a guillotine choke, but the powerfully built Lashley was able to pop his head out of the hold. 
 
“I thought I had him,” Guida noted as he shook his head in frustration when the scores were announced. 
 
“He had it on tight and deep,” Lashley remarked. “But I held on and got out. I didn’t use all of my wrestling skills. This is a sport where we’re gentleman and fighters. His talk got to me a little but my corner helped me keep my mind strong. I’m going right back to the training room.” 
 
Featherweight Din Thomas’ experience and striking advantages resulted in a first-round technical knockout of Gabe Lemley at 4:13 of the first round. Thomas’ series of powerful strikes led Lemley to try and shoot underneath Thomas (23-8), who countered with a picture perfect Muay Thai-knee, sending Lemley down, face first, as the referee immediately halted the action due to the force of the impact. 
 
“Yeah,” Thomas explained, “I set him up with my punches. I had a lot of fun here; I love Pensacola. Boxing is a major part of MMA and was glad to be part of this (boxing/MA event). I took advantage of my experience. I can fight in a cage, ring or parking lot – I don’t care.” 
 
Sixty-three fight MMA veteran Dennis “Superman” Hallman (49-12-2) didn’t miss a beat despite having his first fight in 16 months as he locked-in a rear naked choke from the back, forcing welterweight Danny Ruiz to tap-out at 1:50 of the opening round. 
 
“I guess the layoff didn’t hurt,” Hallman said after the fight. “It took a few seconds for me to get going, but once he hit me I knew I was in a fight and got going.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Speed, Blood, Roach Give Khan Five Round Technical Decision! Afolabi Over Maccarinelli, Cook Loses Title to Martinez!
Hall Surprises Pryce!

By: Ian Webb
March 14th, M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom: Amir Khan 20-1, 15Ko’s used his new defense and speed of hand together with some flowing blood to blind and beat Marco Antonio Barrera 65-7, 43Ko’s winning a five round unanimous technical decision.

Barrera entered to the roar of the majority of the sold out event taking away Khan’s hometown advantage. Khan entered to a spattering of boos but did not let it affect his performance. Answering the bell Khan opened fast using his superior hand speed beating Barrera to the punch. Khan continued the pressure when early in the round a clash of heads opened a small nick to Khans left eye lid and a large deep gash on the left side of Barrera’s forehead. Inspired by the blood Khan peppered Barrera with both hands. Barrera was virtually ineffective.

In the second round after an ineffective attempt by Barrera’s corner to control the cut Khan went right back to work. He used his jab and quick combination punching to back up the blinking former champion. Barrera appeared off balance and was taking a beating. The former champ closed the round with a solid hook that Khan answered with a three punch combination.

The third round saw Khan pushing Barrera back with speedy combinations and at times had the tough Mexican on total defense. The fourth round continued the beating until a heavy Khan left convinced referee Parris to call for the doctor to check the cut. Barrera did not complain about his vision and appeared to want the fight to continue, a mistake that would cost him a no decision.

On the undercard:
In the fifth Khan was punching and moving, the usually cagey Mexican could not catch the defensive Brit. Khan then sat down on his shots banging away at the seven time champion prompting referee Parris to call the doctor again. The doctor called the action at 2:36 round five and the fight then went to the score cards. The scores were announced judge John Coyle 50-44, judge, Jose Ignacio Martinez 50-45 and judge, Terry O'Connor 50-45, all for Khan giving him his first WBA International lightweight title defense and the vacant WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title.

The one sided victory should put Khan right where he and his promoter Frank Warren strategically calculated. The presence of trainer Freddie Roach was evident in Khans confidence and new found defense.

Matthew “Little Bull” Hall 22-1, 15Ko’s dropped Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Bradley “Sweet Sugar” Pryce 27-7, 17Ko’s three times in the second round forcing referee Ian John-Lewis to stop the fight at 2:59 of the second round.

Hall dropped Pryce the first time with a short hammering right. Appearing bewildered Pryce beat the count only to be introduced to the canvas for the second time by a tight Hall left hook. Hall jumped the wobbly legged champion driving him to the corner finishing him with a thunderous overhand right. Referee Ian-John Lewis called the bout just beating the bell at 2:59 round two.

In cruiserweight action Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi 14-1-3, 6Ko’s upset Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli 29-3, 22Ko’s stopping him in the ninth round claiming the interim-WBO cruiserweight title. Afolabi who’s only loss came to Allen Green in 2003 started confident using his jab going to Maccarinelli’s body and head.

In the second the heavier punching Welshman pressed early but “Kryptonite” the former Klitschko brother sparing partner answered back closing the round. In the third Maccarinelli would crowd Afolabi smothering his own punching power when Afolabi scored with a heavy looping right rocking the Welshman causing him to grab on waiting for the bell.

In the fourth Maccarinelli still worn from the “Kryptonite” right ate some shots as the two traded body shots closing the round and Afolabi began to clown. In rounds five Through eight Maccarinelli backed Afolabi to the ropes continuing to smother him banging away to the body and the head. Both fighters took turns countering and at times Afolabi appeared just to be happy finishing the fight.

In round nine Afolabi surprised a tired Maccarinelli with a dynamite dose of “Kryptonite” in a looping right hand dropping the Welshman flat on his back. The former cruiserweight champion made it upright but referee Terry O'Connor decided the big Welshman had enough calling it at 1:50 of round nine. Afolabi backed up his win over Eric Fields in superb fashion giving Maccarinelli his third loss his first since losing theWBO title to David Haye last March.

In his first defense Britain's super featherweight Nicky “Cookie” Cook 29-2, 16Ko’s lost his WBO super-featherweight title by a fourth round Tko to Roman “Rocky” Martinez 22-01, 13Ko’s. Cook started well behind a stiff jab controlling the action looking much stronger than his undefeated Puerto Rican opponent. Cook rocked Martinez in the second round with a well timed left hook. Cook landed well with his right in rounds three and four adding some solid body shots while grabbing behind the head. About mid way through round four Cook’s hands began to come down then after circling to his left he stepped right when out of no where Martinez landed two lead left uppercuts dropping the Brit to the canvas. After beating the count instead of holding on the game Brit went back on the attack only to be countered by a solid left hook dropping him for the second time. Cook who barely beat the count the first time would have referee Dave Parris call the action at 2:20 of round four.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Lucian Bute Bangs Out Fulgencio Zuniga in Four!       

March 13th, Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada: Before a soldout hometown crowd and Librado Andrade who lost a controversial decision to Bute last October in attendance Lucian “Le Tombeur” Bute 24-0, 19 Ko’s successfully defended his IBF Super Middleweight title for the third time stopping Fulgenci Zuniga 22-4-1, 19Ko’s at 2:25 of round four.

Starting slowly but progressively picking up the pace Bute opened up in round 4. Using his jab to set up his punches the champion slowly began to walk the challenger down. About one minute into the round Bute began to land his left uppercut to the body as the challenger leaned in. About mid point of the round Bute ripped a left a left hook to the body dropping Zuniga to the canvas grimacing in pain. The overmatched Columbian beats the count only to be backed to the corner where he ends up on the working end of a barrage of Bute punches forcing referee Lindsey Page to call the bout at 2:23 of round four. Zuniga never posed Bute a threat and was dominated until the point of the stoppage.

On the undercard: Southpaw middleweight Renan St-Juste, 20-1-1, 13Ko’s made the second defense of his WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Title and claimed the Vacant NABA Middleweight Title rocking, dropping and stopping Roberto Hernan Reuque, 30-3, 19Ko’s in the eight round of their ten round rounder. St-Juste rocked Reuque in rounds 3 and 4 dropped him in the 5th then played possum catching him with a heavy left counter dropping him again causing referee Michael Griffin to call the bout at 2:27 round 8.

In lightweight action Benoit Gaudet, 20-1, 7Ko’s shutout Genaro Trazancos,         21-10-1, 12Ko’s winning a unanimous decision. The scores were announced judge Sylvain Leblanc 80-72, judge Benoit Roussel 80-72 and judge Jack Woodburn     80-71.  

________________________________________________________________________________________________

A No Decision for the “Ghost,” Ortiz Blasts Out Arnaoutis,
Kirkland Breaks Down Julio!                        

By: Robert Ward                                                                                            March 7th, San Jose, California: Before a sold out HP Pavilion, Gilroy's California’s favorite son southpaw Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, 23-1-1, 16Ko’s was looking to put on a special hometown performance taking on Daud "Chino Latino" Yordan, 23-0, 17Ko’s for the NABO junior lightweight title. The fight started fast with the “Ghost” coming in behind a quick right jab targeting Yordan’s body with straight lefts. As the round progressed the 130 pounder from Indonesia landed several good lead rights with Guerrero answering with combinations to Yordan’s body.

The second round started with the “Ghost” the aggressor and Yordan landing a solid right to the body left hook to Guerrero’s head. About a minute into the round Yordan fighting out of an orthodox stance ate a Guerrero right jab then leaped in reaching around Guerrero’s head with his right arm pulling him in causing an accidental collision of heads leaving the “Ghost” with a deep wave like gash through his right eyebrow. Referee Jon Schorle called the accidental head but and the fight continued. About 15 seconds later the two collided heads again and Guerrero appeared to be having problems seeing with the blood dripping through his right eye. The action was halted and after a brief conference with the ringside doctor the fight declared a no decision at 1:47 into the second round. Guerrero is expected to see a plastic surgeon and be out of action possibly three to four months.

            

The semi main event featured a battle of southpaws with Oxnard's California’s Victor “Viscious” Ortiz, 24-1-1, 19 Ko’s overwhelming Star Boxing’s “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis, 21-3-1, 10 Ko’s blasting him out in two. Arnaoutis started slow backing away landing only two shots in the opening round. The second round started with “Mighty” Mike circling right away from Ortiz left when after a change of direction walked the tough Greek fighter into a rocking lead left driving him into the corner where he remained on the working end of a variety of uppercuts and hooks without throwing a punch in defense forcing referee Ray Balewicz to call the bout at 1:27 round two.

In the shows main event undefeated junior middleweight James "Mandingo Warrior"Kirkland, 25-0, 22 Ko’s faced off with Colombia’s heavy handed Joel "Love Child" Julio, 34-3, 31 Ko’s. Kirkland a southpaw pressure fighter came out fast firing with both hands putting Julio on the defensive right from the start.

In the second round Julio began to move with the "Mandingo Warrior" in hot pursuit. Julio would move stopping to punch usually a wide right but Kirkland would charge straight in throwing power shots pounding the “Love Childs” body then opening a small cut over Julio’s right eye. Neither fighter was demonstrating any defensive finesse.                           

Round three started fast and furious with both fighters throwing and landing clean shots. Kirkland owned the middle of the ring as Julio used the perimeter. In the middle of the round Kirkland backed Julio to the corner only to eat a vicious combination. The two traded places with Julio against the ropes and Kirkland pounding away.

                

Round four started with Julio on the move stopping and picking his shots. Kirkland caught up with Julio landing a clean shot on a indistinguishable referee Raul Caiz Jr. break. Julio appeared to be to tiring punching on the move with Kirkland coming straight forward banging away marking up the right side of the “Love Child’s” face.                       
                

In the fifth Kirkland used his jab and attacked Julio’s body when he grabbed on. Julio landed some clean shots without any apparent effect as the "Mandingo Warrior" walked right through. The sixth round started with Kirkland coming forward like a runaway train out punching the rugged Columbian. Although Julio was the more accurate his punches seemed to have little effect on the Ann Wolfe trained fighter. Kirkland closed the round banging away with both hands initiating Julio’s corner to stop the fight after round six. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Marquez Stops “The Bull” in Nine!
Do the Math Boxing, Could Be Losing It’s Draw!

By: Jason Sardelis                                                                                      February 28th Toyota Center, Houston, Texas: In a match-up of the number one and two lightweights in the world “Dinamita” Juan Manuel Marquez. 50-4-1, 37Ko’s stopped hometown Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz 34-02, 17Ko’s in the ninth round of their twelve round championship fight claiming the vacant WBA and WBO lightweight titles.

The fight started at a fast pace and the usually slow starting Marquez looked to be having a problem with Diaz ten years his junior. Diaz hurt Marquez with a left hook in the second round and had the 35 year old Mexican backing up. Marquez stayed tight and attempted to answering all “Baby Bulls” attacks but was cut above the right eye in the fifth round by a nasty Diaz left hook. Diaz continued to charge forward landing clean power shots but the durable Mexican who had picked himself up three times against Pacquiao always fired back.

Marquez began to get in sync in the sixth round zeroing in his jab and scoring underneath. Marquez cut Diaz over his right eye in the eighth with an uppercut and crashing left hook. In the ninth round Marquez opened up landing a three-punch combination ending with a solid right hand dropping Diaz to the canvas. After beating the count “The Bull” ran into a ripping right uppercut putting him flat on his back where the fight was stopped immediately by referee Rafael Ramos at 2:40 round nine. At the time of the knockout, Marquez was ahead 77-75 on one card while Diaz led 77-75 on another with the third judges card calling it even 76-76.

Chris John / Rocky Juarez
In the co-featured event Chris John made his first US appearance and eleventh title defense fighting to a controversial draw with Rocky Juarez retaining his WBA featherweight title and unblemished record. Fighting in Juarez back yard the fight started with John boxing and Juarez the aggressor coming straight ahead applying the pressure. The usually slow starting Juarez fired up by his hometown crowd charging out at the opening bell. The 2000 Olympic silver medalist came straight ahead behind a pumping jab rocking side to side looking to land his patented left hook to the body. John boxed staying behind a flicking jab throwing a wide variety of punches boxing beating Juarez to the punch.

Whenever Juarez would close the gap John held on neutralizing Juarez who never could establish any real infighting. The slick moving John cut Juarez in the fifth continuing to use angles keeping the challenger off balance unable to land any one real big punch. Juarez turned up the pressure in the sixth and John again held on to the dislike of the vocal hometown fans. The fight continued with Juarez pressing the fight and John boxing and moving. John was in command closing the seventh but Juarez pressed the attack in the eighth round cutting John who answered back in the ninth landing in combination, banging away with both hands. The closing rounds saw John take the beginning minute but Juarez closed hard taking 11 and 12.

All three judges scored the fight 114-114 awarding Juarez rounds 11 and 12 but the punch stats tell the story. John controlled the tempo out punching Juarez 1,190 to 797 landing more 344 to 206 with a 187 to 122 advantage in power punches. You do the math!_________________________________________________________________________________________________