Old News
Mijares Adds WBA Super Flyweight Title with SD over Munoz!
May 17th, Auditorio Centenario, Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico WBC super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares 35-3-2, 14 Ko’s won a twelve round split decision over Alexander "El Explosivio" Munoz 32-3, 27 Ko’s adding the title WBA title to his collection. The slick Mijares a southpaw used his jab and tight defense to and quickness to land regularly and make power-punching Munoz miss. Munoz started on the attack crouching low applying the pressure but as the fight wore on Mijares lateral movement frustrated the heavier handed fighter. Munoz never seemed to get on track as Mijares slipped in and out leaving Munoz looking bewildered. Munoz never could get past Mijares rose petal attack and land one of the heavy shots that scored him one of his 27 Ko’s. Mijares landed squarely in the eight and the eleventh but the Mexican registered .002 on the Richter scale although the person that needed to get hit the most was judge Gustavo Padilla who scored the fight 115- 113 Munoz when Mijares clearly won at least eight rounds. Here at SBB we scored it 116-112 Mijares.
In the semi-main event Julio Cesar "Pingo" Miranda 26-3-1, 19 Ko’s dropped undefeated Omar Salado 19-1-2, 11 Ko’s in the opening round with a solid left then landed three lefts that sounded like a bullet striking sheet metal in round five causing the referee the halt the WBC flyweight elimination awarding Miranda a 5th round TKO. Super featherweight Enrique "Kikillo" Lopez 5-0-1, 2 Ko’s earned a unanimous decision over Vicente Hernandez 3-5 (record in question)in their scheduled four rounder. Super featherweight Abraham “Marvin” Rodriguez 13-4-2, 7 Ko’s beat winlessThomas Sierra 0-4 in their four rounder. Welterweight Iván Pereyra 2-0 won his prelim bout beating Jairo Castañeda 1-1. Lightweight Ricardo "Camaleon" Mijares 10-0, 9 Ko’s stopped Arnoldo Pacheco in the third round of their scheduled four rounder.
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Brundage Dogs One Out!
March 28th, Salamanca, N.Y.: Cornelius “K9” Bundrage 28-3, 18 Ko’s scored the biggest win of his career since landing a spot on “The Contender”. Bundrage upset former IBF junior middleweight champion Kassim Ouma 25-5-1, 15 Ko’s winning a ten round unanimous decision on ESPN Friday Night Fight’s. K9 used his strength and punch then clinch and hold style to frustrate and outpoint the usually highly active Ouma. Bundradge used his strength to his advantage and landed everal low blows until in round four a clash of heads left a cut near K9’s left eye. Ouma appeared inspired by the blood and turned it on as Brundage went into a shell but the dog held on. Ouma continued to press inside and Brundage continued to hold while the crowd booed. Ouma pressing hard while Brundage held and referee Steve Smoger finally took a point. Brundage was finding a home for the right hand while in retreat and caught the game Ouma several times. Brundage let it all go in the final round rocking the charging Ouma with counter right hands. Brundage did just enough to grab a close decision in a fight difficult to score. The judges scores were announced judge: Julie Lederman 96-93, judge Don Ackerman 96-93 and judge Ed Scunzio -9495 Brundage.
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VELASQUEZ TWINS TRIUMPH
JUAN CARLOS SCHEDULED TO FIGHT APRIL 4th
AT THE MORONGO CASINO IN CABAZON CA
March 24, 2008
The Velasquez Twins, Carlos Ivan and Juan Carlos, continued they're winning ways as they both recorded victories this past weekend on the Casamayor vs Katsidis card at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon CA. Carlos Ivan improved to (7-0, 6 KO's) with a battle tested six round unanimous decision win over Manuel Sarabia, a veteran of 48 fights. Carlos used his speed and accuracy in rout to victory as the judges score cards read 60-54 twice and 59-55. Having knocked out his previous six opponents, Carlos Ivan went the distance for the first time showing he has the ability to go rounds if need be. "I'm happy with my performance. "I believe I dominated the entire fight from the opening bell. Sarabia is a tough fighter, and I did what I had to do to come out victorious." ~ Carlos Ivan Velasquez.
Juan Carlos cruised to a unanimous decision over Thomas Bernal improving to (7-0, 4 KO's). Juan chose to keep the fight inside as he landed powerful body blows while applying pressure. The score cards read 40-36 across the board. "With every win I'm getting more comfortable in the ring. I'm learning a lot in each fight. I can't wait to get back in the gym and work hard for the next fight." ~ Juan Carlos Velasquez
Goldenboy Promotions rising stars are set to get back in the ring in the near future. Juan Carlos is scheduled to fight April 4 at the Morongo Casino against an opponent TBA. Carlos Ivan will fight on a later date.
Mario Serrano Publicist mailto:boxingpublicist@aol.com 408-607-5756
On the undercard: Welterweight Mike Jones 13-0, 12 Ko’s, 146.5 lbs. stepped up in competition and beat veteran Germaine Sanders 27-6, 17 Ko’s winning and eight round unanimous decision.
Lightweight Darnell Jiles 8-0-1, 3 Ko’s and Henry Lundy 10-0-1, 6 Ko’s, fought to a very competitive draw as both fighters stepped up and displayed their strengths in a classic match up of Jiles being the quick, slick boxer and Ludy the Philly aggressive puncher.
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Phillips Splits the Judges
Slipping the IBF Junior Middleweight Belt from Spinks!
By: Mike Rivers
March 27th, Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri: Verno Phillips 42-10-1, 21 Ko’s slipped the IBF junior middleweight title from Cory “Next Generation” Spinks 36-5, 11 Ko’s in front of his hometown fans and his world champion father Leon and his world champion uncle Micheal. This was Spinks second straight loss having come into the fight off a split decision loss to Jermaine Taylor giving up the WBC and WBO middleweight titles. Philips and Spinks fought a tight strategy fight with Spinks the busier fighter for a change. Spinks used his jab and straight left from the southpaw for most of his attack while Phillips was happy to counterpunch and landed solid on the inside. Spinks was clearly the faster of the two but Phillips appeared to land the heavier shots. Spinks controlled the action early with the best of the fight in the middle rounds and Phillips closing strong. The judges scoring was announced as 116-112, 115-113 Phillips and one judge seeing it 115-113 Spinks. In the semi main event Saint Louis resident Super lightweight Devon "The Great" Alexander 15-0, 8 Ko’s scored a one sided shutout decision over mismatched Miguel “Miguelito” Callist 24-7-1, 17 K0’s winning the WBC Continental Americas and WBA Fedelatin titles. After winning the first six rounds Alexander turned it up the second half of the fight pressuring Callist and punching in combination. Alexander caught the running Callist flooring him in the final round of their scheduled twelve rounder leaving no doubt on the judges cards 120-106 times three.
On the undercard: Super lightweight Rasool Shakoor 1-3, 1 KO was snake bitten by Angelo "La Cobra" Santana 2-0, 2 Ko’s in 28 seconds of the scheduled four rounder. Super lightweight John Jackson 11-1, 11 Ko’s dropped Leroy Newton 6-11-1, 4 Ko’s twice ending their scheduled eight rounder in at 2:10 of the opening stanza. Undefeated super middleweight Marcus Johnson 13-0, 10 Ko’s was "Too Much" for Jose Medina 14-11, 10 Ko’s stopping him with a body shot at 1:57 of the opening round. Cruiserweight Francisco "The Wizard" Palacios 14-0, 7 Ko’s used his magic earning an eight round unanimous decision over Zack Page 14-19-1, 5 Ko’s by the scores of 79-72 twice and 78-73. Heavyweight Bermane "B-Ware" Stiverne 14-1, 14 Ko’s stormed Jimmy "Hurricane" Haynes 18-15-2, 8 Ko’s decking him three times ending their scheduled eight rounder at 2:08 of round one. Heavyweight Kertson "The Majii" Manswell 15-0, 13 Ko’s remained undefeated demolishing Cerrone Fox 8-8, 8 Ko’s causing the referee to halt the bout at 1:33 of round one.
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Casamayor Starts Hot and Heavy but
Has to Come from Behind to Stop Katsidis! 
By: Bill Ethan March 22nd, Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, California: Joel Casamayor 36-3-1, 22 Ko’s 36 years old put to bed his lack luster controversial win over Jose Armando Santa Cruz in November when he started hot and heavy but had to come from behind to beat young lion 27 year old Michael Katsidis 23-1, 20 Ko’s. Casamayor came out fast looking to intimidate the younger Katsidis right from the referees instructions Casamayor dropped the Australian twice to set the tone. It was a hooking left hand the southpaw champion used to catch Katsidis coming in. On the first knockdown Casamayor hit Katsidis while he was down infuriating the young WBO champion who had to hold on to survive the round. Casamayor continued to outbox and land the left through the second round developing a small mouse under Katsidas right eye. In the third round Katsidis targeted Casamayor’s body and turned up the pressure. In round four Katsidas kept up the pressure looked to brawl. Katsidis landed a good hook to the body and hurt Casamayor closing the round. Round five resembled round four with the young lion on the attack looking to scoring to the body and some tight left hooks inside. In round six Casamayor was hurt again to the body and the following combination to the head drove Casamayor through the ropes and out of the ring. The tide had turned. Katsidis had taken four rounds in a row. In round seven the Katsidas looked to continue his pressure but the cagy champion kept out of trouble. In the eighth Casamayor used his skills from over 400 hundred amateur fights and moved and countered the young lion as he came in, the pendulum was swinging back as the swelling began under Katsidas left eye. In round nine Casamayor continued to box and hit Katsidis with a low blow an uppercut he threw with his head down both fighters having been warned twice Casamayor was deducted a point. In round ten Katsidis came charging out, throwing heavy shots without the jab when he ran into another hooking Casamayor left dropping the young man from Australia like a bog of potatoes. The slick champion would not let this opportunity pass as he unloaded a heavy combination that would close the show.
Andrade Pressures then Breaks Stieglitz in 8!
Librado Andrade 27-1, 21 Ko’s took on Robert Stieglitz 31-2, 19 Ko’s in the semi-main event for the mandatory number challenger position for a IBF super middleweight title bout. As usual Andrade came out punching and on the attack, throwing from all angles. Andrade scored to the head and body with both hands and found a parking spot for the uppercut from both sides. Andrade bloodied Stieglitz nose and it bothered him throughout the fight. Stieglitz at times would try to box and punch in combination but the pressing Andrade was too much. Andrade who always appears to take a lot of shots took his share but used some timely head movement to go with the punches. I saw it a shut out and round six proved that their would be no come back as Andrade backed the Russian to the ropes and landed 27 of thirty four shots to close the round. In round eight, Andrade backed Stieglitz up again landing a long right hand then followed with a barrage of power shots from all angles causing referee Ray Corona to call it at 1:53 of the eighth. Andrade prevails as the IBF mandatory challenger at super middleweight, a title held by Lucian Bute 22-0, 18 Ko’s.
On the undercard: Middleweight Danny Jacobs of Brookl;yn New York 4-0, 4Ko’s finished Matt Palmer 2-2, in one flooring him twice before the referee called the bout. Entertaining junior lightweight Billy "The Kid" Dib 18-0, 9Ko’s scored a controversial split-decision win over Edgar Vargas 11-4, 1KO by the scores of 95-94 and 95-94 after clearly out boxing and outclassing Vargas. Featherweight Carlos Velasquez 7-0, 6Ko’s won his first by decision winning a six-round unanimous decision over Manuel Sarabia 16-23-9, 9Ko’s. The scores were announced 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55. Featherweight Juan Velasquez 7-0, 4Ko’s shut out Tomas Bernal 3-6, 2Ko’s.
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Macklin Looking to Duddy!
March 22nd, Dublin’s National Stadium: Matthew Macklin 21-2, 16 Ko’s got one step closer to a match with John Duddy beating Luis Ramon ‘Yori Boy’ Campas 91-12, 73 Ko’s who lost a closer than the scores read twelve round decision to Duddy(111-117 112-116 and 113-115) in September 2006. Macklin switched trainers moving from Billy “The Preacher” Graham to “Buddy” McGirt. Campas used his usual pressure style attempting to get Macklin to brawl but the change in trainers clearly added an edge to Macklin’s game with a sharp jab keeping his distance and landing in combination. The Irishman clearly landed the cleaner and heavier punches. Macklin mixed it up going to the body and the head keeping the cagey veteran off balance early. Macklin looked patient and went back to some of those boxing skills he gained in his extensive amateur career. The middle rounds saw Campas close the range and even hurt Macklin in the fourth but “Matt” resisted trading and went back to boxing regaining control, keeping Campas at long range with the jab. Macklin started looking for the right hand in the ninth and even looked to trade in the final round with the Mexican warrior enough to grab a 98-95 decision. Campas was upset with the scoring but it clearly was Macklin’s night. Duddy having received a serious gash over both eyes in his last outing was “cut”of a Pavlik match. Pavlik will be meeting Gary Lockett 30-1, 21 Ko’s on June 7th in Atlantic City and it will give Duddy a chance to heal and the powers to be putting together the two or a fight with the winner of Sergio Mora and Vernon Forest or even an up and coming Joe Greene.
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Ward Passes Toughest Test to Date!
March 20th, HP Pavillion, San Jose, California: Andre S.O.G. Ward took his toughest test to date since winning the light heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece and passed. Ward now 15-0, 10 Ko’s beat Rubin "Mr. Hollywood" Williams 29-4-1, 16 Ko’s stopping him in the seventh round by Tko. Ward a former US National Amateur Champion used his boxing skills to pound Williams body early then switched stances between orthodox and southpaw confusing Williams who always looked to be catching up. In the third round a cut was opened over Williams left eye after a clash of heads which drew the attention of the Olympic Champion who targeted the eye and the fight was stopped in the 7th round, with Williams bleeding profusely. Ward training out of Oakland Cal. claims he will pick up his attack on the title and will fight more frequent.
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A Pacquiao \ Marquez Would Have Given Us III!
By: Mike Towers March 15th, Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas: In the long awaited rematch of their May 5, 2004 draw before about 12,000 wild boxing fans Manny Pacquiao 46-3-2, 34 Ko’s won a narrow split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez 48-4-1, 35 Ko’s taking care of his unfinished business. Pacquiao won the tightly contested 12-round split decision with the deciding factor a third round knockdown of Marquez. The fight started with the slick boxer-counter puncher Marquez beating Pacquiao to the punch in the first two rounds as “The Pac Man” appeared willing to box. The third round started the same until Pacquiao landed ripping left hand to “Dinamita’s” chin dropping the proud Mexican on his back. Marquez gained his feet and survived the Filipino’s onslaught. In round four Pacquiao went back on the attack Marquez used his boxing skills to settle in and scored with a sharp right cutting Pacquiao over his right eye. Rounds five and six saw excellent see saw action leading us into the seventh round when a clash of heads opened up a gash outside Marquez right eye. The Mexican fueled by the site of his own blood turned it up. Marquez returned the favor in round eight with a right hand opening a cut over Pacquiao’s eye. In comparison Marquez turned it up when cut but the “The Pac Man” seemed distracted and Marquez used his sharp skills and began to land in combination. In round nine Pacquiao added another cut to the galant Mexicans right eye. Round ten saw Pac Man rock Marquez with a wide left and on the attack. In the championship rounds Marquez turned back to his superior boxing skills and used Pacquiao’s aggressiveness against him. The fight was action packed and as close bout as a rematch to a draw could be. Judge Duane Ford scored the fight 115-112 for Pacquiao, Jerry Roth scored it 115-112 Marquez, and judge, Tom Miller scored the bout 114-113 Pacquiao. Marquez scored more frequently and skilled as “the Pac Man” landed the heavier shots and when you add in the bravado, courage, determination of both fighters we clearly could have had the first trilogy instigated by to deserving draws. _________________________________________________________________________________
Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez II
By Phil Kane
Will Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez II meet the expectations I? It will be tough, Marquez has almost been as busy as “The Pac Man” but Pacquiao having fought eight times, a trilogy with Erik Morales, beating Marco Antonio Barrera and Oscar Larios in the group. The only loss coming against Morales the first time out, he then stopped "El Terrible" twice. Marquez has fought seven times but after decisioning Orlando Salido and Victor Polo he lost a WBA title match with Chris John in 2006. he returned to his winning ways winning four straight, the last two over Barrera and Rocky Juarez. Most boxing aficionados feel Pacquiao has improved under the tutelage of trainer Freddie Roach with Roach making “The Pac Man” a more complete fighter. This should keep “Dinamita” down this time. The first time out Pacquiao floored Marquez three times in the opening round then was outboxed by the slick counter punching Mexican allowing him to comeback and earn a draw. Marquez has the speed and skills to pull an off upset but he must stay smart and use his counter-punching to make Pacquiao pay when he leaves himself open as he does at times when he loads up. Pacquiao is faster and stronger and always comes in great shape and Marquez must play it smart and stick to the game plan to redeem himself. Pacquiao should finish the job this time but a Marquez win would give us the avenue to another great trilogy.
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Vera’s Right Hand Stops Lee Quickly in the Seventh!
March 21st, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut: Southpaw, Irish Andy Lee 15-1, 12 Ko’s trained by Emanuel Stewart dropped Brian Vera 16 -1, 10 Ko’s of 'The Contender' fame with a sharp left hand in the first round. Lee controlled the early action with his jab until the end of the fourth round when Vera opened up with a barrage of punches found a home for his right hand cutting Lee over his right eye. The absence of Lee’s jab started the tide turning and Vera picked up the attack in the fifth and the two eager combatants brawled in the sixth. In round seven Lee appeared to be tiring and losing the power on his shots. Vera was on the attack and Lee ate another solid right hand countered back with a a straight left just before referee Tony Chiarantano quickly called the bout at 2 minutes, 17 seconds of the seventh round. Lee stunned, was cut, bleeding and collecting right hands but ahead on the official scorecards 58-55, 59-54, 58-55 when the action was halted and the boo birds began to sing.
The undercard featured Aaron Pryor Jr. 9-0, 6 Ko’s against Alphonso Williams 10-3, 8 Ko’s in a light middleweight battle. Pryor appeared to be in the feeling out stage when Williams landed a big right hand wobbling the son of the “Hawk” who held on and began to fight back as the round closed. Pryor 6’4” took control of the fight with his reaching jab until the 5’8” Williams scored with a heavy right hand left hook combo in round seven rocking Pryor who again held on to close the round. Pryor looked refreshed as the eight round began and he boxed his way to a eight round unanimous decision with judge Frank Lombardi scoring it 79-73, judge Glenn Feldman 77-74 and judge John McKaie 76-75 all for Pryor.
Hometown favorite Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard 13-0, 7 Ko’s won a unanimous decision over Jesus Perez 25-19-3, 14 Ko’s. Remillard started quickly dropping Perez in the first round and boxed his way to a unanimous decision with the judges scores reading judge Frank Lombardi 40-35, judge Clark Sammartino 40-35 and judge Glenn Feldman 39-36 for “the Sharp Shooter”. 19 year old super featherweight Guillermo Sanchez won a unanimous decision over Harvey Murray in their six rounder and lightweight Francisco Palacios won a majority decision over Vineash Rungea 39-37, |39-37, 38-38. Local favorite super middleweight Brian Macy "dealt" Rafael Jastrzebski a loss 39-36, 38-37, 38-37 dropping Jastrezbski in the 2nd round.
For Mohegun Sun Fun Contact: Greg Romeyn Mohegan Sun 860.862.8493 Gromeyn@mohegunsun.com
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Former Champion Reggie Johnson Indicted over Grant Money!
March 18th, Texas news reports that according to prosecutors former world middleweight and light heavyweight boxing champion Reggie Johnson was indicted on accusations of theft stemming from boxing camps scheduled to open last summer which Johnson received more than $120,000 in grant money from the Urban League of the Red Cross to aid children displaced by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Johnson, represented as "Pugilistic Drama, Inc." was scheduled to open boxing camps helping children. The fact the camps never opened Johnson was indicted on the charge of second-degree felony theft. If convicted, Johnson could face a sentence ranging from probation to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Also indicted were police Officers Tracie Denise Bell and Kirshondra Richardson accused of billing the Urban League of the Red Cross more than $166,000 last summer for running a two-week basketball camp for Hurricane Katrina evacuees which ran only two days.
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Shoulder Injury Temporarily Sidelines Mesi!
PROVIDENCE (March 13, 2008) – A shoulder muscle tear has forced “Baby” Joe Mesi to withdraw from his April 4th fight against Terry “Hurricane” Smith, headlining an ESPN2 Friday Night Fights pro boxing show, at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Mesi is under doctor’s orders to rest his injured shoulder for three to four weeks. Joe suffered a posterior and interior labral tear. The labrum is a cuff of cartilage, or thick tissue, in the shoulder joint that forms a cup for the end of the arm bone (humerus) to move within, allowing for a very wide range of movements. An injury like this restricts a boxer from throwing an effective punch with proper movement or without pain. “Joe is terribly disappointed,” Mesi’s father/advisor Jack Mesi reported. “His promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, positioned Joe back on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, which is the plateau we hoped Joe would reach at this stage. This is just a temporary setback, that’s all. Joe will continue training to stay in good shape and keep his weight down, but he can’t do anything that involves using his shoulder. He’s still running and exercising. In three weeks he’ll be reevaluated and once the doctor clears him, Joe wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible.” Buffalo sports icon Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), former NABF heavyweight champion, currently rated No. 17 by the WBC and the WBC No. 1 contender in 2004, has beaten the likes of Vassiliy Jirov, Monte Barrett, DaVarryl Williamson, and David Izon. “Joe’s shoulder injury isn’t too serious, but it’s a situation where he just couldn’t train because of it, and still be ready in time to fight April 4,” Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., explained. “We’re thankful for the support and understanding at ESPN2 and Twin River. Next week, we’ll announce who’ll be fighting on the April 4th ESPN2 show. 2004 US Olympian Jason ‘Big Six’ Estrada is still fighting 6-foot, 8-inch ‘Mount’ Whitaker in a 10-round heavyweight bout. Joe’s worked so hard in his comeback and it’s a shame that he can’t fight April 4. His time will come, though. Joe Mesi is going to be heavyweight champion of the world.”
CONTACT: Bob Trieger Full Court Press, 978.664.4482 (office), 978.590.0470(mobile) bobtfcp@hotmail
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John David Jackson Makes Out of Matador of Cambell!
By: David Colon
March 8th, Plaza de Toros, CANCUN, MEXICO: 36 year old Nate Campbell “The Galaxxy Warrior” 32-5-1, 25 Ko’s played “Matador” with the tough 24 year old Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz 33-1, 17 Ko’s winning the IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight titles. Campbell trained by former middleweight champion John David Jackson who fought in 1994’s Ring Magazines Fight of the Year with Jorge Fernando Castro was well prepared and had a terrific fight plan. Jackson had Campbell come out hard to the body and meet “The Baby Bull’s” pace which had the 7,000 fight fans thrilled. Campbell out punched the usually ferocious Diaz in almost every round. Diaz won the early rounds but Campbell had things going the way he wanted. Campbell was scoring well with his jab and uppercut. He seemed to alternate from aggressor to effective counter puncher at time in each round. In the sixth round Campbell landed a tight left hand cutting Diaz over his left eye that referee Jesús Salcedo scored a head butt deducting a point from Campbell. The fight continued in close quarters where Campbell found a home for his uppercuts and Diaz seemed off balance and his usually effective jab was absent. Campbell turned it up in the closing rounds landing power shots as the rugged Diaz uncharacteristically was looking to hold on. The difference in the fight was Campbell’s conditioning and early body attack allowing him to out punch Diaz throwing about a hundred punches a round and landing about a hundred more power shots. The judges scored the bout Ric Bays 114-113 Diaz , while judge Bill Clancy 111-116 and judge: Joe Garcia 112-115 scored it for Campbell.
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Peter Stops Maskaev in Six!
March 8th, Cancun, Mexico: Nigeria’s Samuel Peter 30-1, 23 Ko’s stopped Oleg Maskaev 34-6, 26 Ko’s solidifying theWBC belt. The fight started with a feeling out pace not what the 7,000 fans ere looking for, but in the third round a fight started. Peter unloaded a right driving Maskaev back to the ropes. Peter moved in a the tactful Maskaev turtled up the exploded with a left right left combination stunning the bulling Peter.In rounds four and five the chess match began as the two combatants appeared to be looking for the big counter shot. In round six Peter duplicated the third round with a sharp right driving the Russsian to the ropes except this time Peter played it smart taking his time landing heavy right hands until referee Guadalupe Garcia stopped the onslaught and the bout. In a heavyweight undercard attraction sold as a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator John “The Quiet Man” Ruiz 43-7-1, 29 Ko’s outscored and out wrestled Jameel “Big Time” McCline 38-9-3, 23 Ko’s winning by the judges scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111.
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Haye Stops Maccarinelli in Two!
March 8th, Millenium Dome, Greenwich, London: David Haye beat Enzo Maccarinelli by TKO in round 2 of their scheduled 12 rounder. Haye caught Maccarinelli with a looping right hand to the head driving him to the ropes where Haye opened up a barrage of punches landing another right hand flooring the cruiser from Whales. When Maccarinelli got upright he weaved on rubber legs causing referee John Keane to stop the fight leaving Haye with the WBC, WBA and WBO Cruiserweight Titles.
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Cruz Outworks Mashaba Grabbing IBO Featherweight Title!
March 7th, the last fight card at Fox’s Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut featured featherweight Cristobal Cruz 36-11-1, 23 Ko’s grabbing the IBO title spoiling Thomas “The Rock” Mashaba’s U.S. debut. Cruz was awarded a controversial majority decision over Mashaba 20-2-4, 12 Ko’s who entered the bout with the IBO Title he won from Vuyani Bungu in 2005. Mashaba making the sixth defense hadn’t lost since February 2003 when he lost a WBO Super Bantamweight title fight to the tough Sod Looknongyangtoy. Cruz out worked the champion throwing over 1,500 punches but Mashaba landed the cleaner harder shots. Referee: Steve Smoger did a fine job allowing the two combatants to go at it but when it was done the judges scores were announced judge Glenn Feldman 114-114, judge Tom Miller 113-115 and judge Michael Pernick 113-115, Cruz. Super welterweight Jason "The Hammer" Le Houllier 21-0-1, 8 Ko’s and Jose "El Cuervo" Gonzalez 11-2-1, 9 Ko’s fought to another to a controversial decision a ten round draw. Gonzalez appeared to outscore Le Houllier and he definitely outworked him. To the surprise of the jeering crowd, Le Houllier stole a draw 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95. Foxwood’s next boxing card will be held in the new 4,000 seat MGM Grand Performing Arts Theater on a date to be announced soon.
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Vasquez vs Marquez III, a War for Four!
By: Peter Falcone
March 1st, Vasquez vs Marquez III, Home Depot Center, Carson, California: In the first meeting Marquez entered as the WBC Champ and after six pier one brawling rounds he had Vasquez retaining with a severely broken nose. About six months later the six brawling rounds brought us a rematch in which Vasquez stopped Marquez by TKO in the same distance, six. WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Israel Vasquez 43-4, 32 KO’s met and defended his WBC title in a close exciting war with boxer puncher Rafael Marquez 37-5, 33 KO’s in what will go down as one of boxing history’s greatest trilogy’s. It clearly has the potential for fight and round of the year honors. The two combatants appeared in shape, confident and ready for battle as the fight drew close.
Round by Round
In the opening round established his jab early picking his spots for a sharp right looking to use his hook to nullify Vasquez heavy right hand. Vasquez found a home for some power shots in the middle of the round but Marquez jab controlled the action.
In round two both fighters used the jab Marquez attempting to fight from the outside and Vasquez using his to close the gap. Vasquez applied the pressure landing a double right one from outside the underneath shaking Marquez. The traded as the round closed with Vasquez landing a heavy right on the bell.
Round three had Marquez back with his jab that landed with precision setting up the right. Vasquez would attempt to change the tide with a triple jab but Marquez jab kept control until a Marquez low blow warning by referee Pat Russell broke the tempo.
In round four Vasquez quickly established the tempo using his constant pressure and landing his right hand from different angles. The action followed the swinging pendulum until an accidental head butt. Vasquez used his jab to set up a striking right that seemed to stun Vasquez. Marquez jumped the turtling Vasquez unleashing a volley of shots dropping Vasquez for a quick count. Vasquez immediately returned the favor scoring with a heavy combination and Marquez was on the run. Eager to close the show Vasquez chased Marquez only to run into a counter left hook, right uppercut stopping him in his tracks. The war was in full gear now.
Round five’s action saw Marquez back establishing the space using his jab and then pounding the body. Vasquez always applying pressure and landed a heavy right but Marquez jab was the defining punch.
In round six the fight was developing as Marquez jab versus Vasquez’s right hand. Marquez would dominate with his jab then Vasquez would explode with heavy right hands sometimes doubles from all angles. Vasquez pressure caught Marquez on the ropes where landed some heavy shots to the body and head of Marquez. Marquez fighting back landed another low blow receiving his second official warning. The returned to battle exchanging shots as the bell rang out.
Round seven saw Vasquez on attack cutting off the ring looking to land a big right hand. The momentum would take short changes back and forth as both warriors wouldn’t give in. again they trade till the bell. Best shot of the round a Marquez uppercut.
Round eight’s action had both fighters looking to gain the edge. Vasquez launching power shots and Marquez jab and right doing his work. Vasquez pressure attack was becoming a factor as he again caught Marquez on the ropes and the two traded.
Round nine saw Marquez pick up the tempo sticking and moving from outside but Vasquez continued his relentless attack. Vasquez would use his jab or eat a shot to get inside. Marquez used his jab to set u a couple of solid right hands and an uppercut catching Vasquez flush coming in his best shot of the fight so far.
Round ten the pattern continued Vasquez pressing Marquez with both hands. Defense was at a premium with Vasquez was taking one to give one. Marquez landed with a sharp right hand followed by a couple of low shots that one eventually caught referee Russell’s attention causing a point deduction for Marquez. Vasquez at full bore is walking into clean shots from Marquez as bell sounds.
In round eleven Vasquez who now had cuts over both eyes and significant swelling didn’t seem inhibited as Marquez was on defense. The two continued to battle with Marquez scoring well with his jab and an occasional right hand as Vasquez continued to land the bigger shots. Marquez explodes to close the round.
In round twelve appeared refreshed and on the prowl. Cutting off the ring in hot pursuit of Marquez Vasquez landed a heavy right. Vasquez pressed forward as Marquez appeared to fade and began to clinch. Vasquez backs Marquez to the corner and lands a barrage of punches as Marquez attempts to escape. Vasquez jumps on Marquez landing an uppercut and has Marquez falling into the adjacent corner. Marquez grabs the ropes with his right glove keeping him from reaching the deck as Vasquez adds a punctuating right and referee Pat Russel correctly calls a knockdown. Marquez obviously dazed rebuffed the call as he was counted, only to hear the closing bell. The judges scores were announced judge, Max DeLuca 114-111 Vasquez, judge Tom Kaczmarek 114-111 Marquez and judge James Jen-Kin 113-112 Vasquez allowing Vasquez to retain his WBC super bantamweight title by split decision. Marquez who was upset with the decision wanted another bout.
We all would love to see War #4 if Vasquez doesn’t get pulled up to featherweight where some big money fights await against the likes of Robert Guerrero, Jorge Linares, Chris John and Steve Luevano all who hold a form of the featherweight championship.
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“The Ghost” Stops “The All American Boy” in Eight!
By: John Sardelis
Feb. 29th, Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California: Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero 22-1-1, 15 ko’s under the direction of his father\trainer Ruben in front of his wife Casey defended his IBF Featherweight Title blasting out “The All American Boy” Jason Litzau 23-2, 19 Ko’s. Guerrero who came in after a 52 second destruction of Martin Honorio had faced the better opposition. Guerrero started fast, systematically broke down and out worked the “All American Boy”. “The Ghost” controlled the first three rounds attacking behind a double jab and left to the body using excellent vision and slick defense. In round three Litzau was cut over his left eye, it was ruled a head butt we saw a punch. Rounds four and five were a little closer. In round five Litzau hit Guerrero on the break then offered to touch gloves which the mean fighting “Ghost” refused. The two traded but again Guerrero out punched and out scored his challenger from Minnesota. Round six saw Guerrero get inside scoring to the body with both hands. In round seven Guerrero threw and landed with hard combinations to the body and head as Litzau attempted to load up the lead right hand. Guerrero continues to get off first and lands a solid left uppercut. In round eight “The Ghost” landed a left uppercut, straight left combination to Litzau’s chin dropping him to the deck. Guerrero stalking the recovered Litzau slipped a lead right and landed a solid counter left uppercut followed up by a left right to the head dropping Litzau for the second time. At about count five Lizau attemting to get vertical stumbles back down and referee David Mendoza called the bout at the 2:25 mark of the round. Guerrero was ahead on all three cards 70-63, 70-63 and 69-64 at the time the bout was stopped. Here at SBB we had the fight a shutout.
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Quintana Upsets “The Punisher”!
By David Colon
Feb. 9th, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA : In 2008’s first real upset Carlos Quintana 25-1, 19 Ko’s moved one step closer to a return match with Miguel Cotto taking Paul “The Punisher” Williams’s WBO welterweight belt. Since beating Antonio Margarito last July Williams 33-1, 24 Ko’s began a campaign as the “Most Feared” and Most Avoided” looking for that big pay day. He would have been better served avoiding Quintana’s left. Quintana a 6-1 underdog entered with a solid fight plan and stuck to it all night cutting both Williams eyes, earning a clear unanimous decision. Quintana continually landed the cleaner, sharper punches of the two southpaws taking control the first half of the fight. Williams turned it up in rounds seven thru nine but then Quintana a new health facility owner re-established himself winning rounds ten and eleven. Quintana scored frequently with the left through Williams “swiss cheese” defense and his movement seemed to frustrate “The Punisher”. Williams needing a knockout landed well in the final stanza but the proverbial “too little too late” certainly fit here. The judges scored the bout 116-112 twice and 115-113 Quintana.
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Holt Slides Past Tackie Looking for Torres!
Feb. 7th, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas: Twenty six year old junior welterweight Kendall "Rated R" Holt 23-2, 12Ko’s met thirty four year old battle veteran Ben “The Wonder” Tackie, 29-9-1, 17Ko’s hoping for a rematch with Ricardo Torres. Back in Sept. 2007, down in Columbia Torres came from behind to stop Holt in the eleventh round of their twelve rounder. After the bout Holts management filed a protest. Holt never took any chances or one to put it on the line against the rugged Tackie to the displeasure of the knowledable Vegas boxing fans. Holt played it safe winning a ten round majority decision as the warrior from Ghana was a second behind with Holt using his quickness both hand and foot not allowing “The Wonder” to get going. Tackie landed only 58 of 393 punches; his over hand right his best punch. Holt scored with 133 of 357 and never allowed the veteran to put anything together. The ongoing difference in judges scoring was evident again. The judge’s scores were announced 95-95 and 98-92 twice for Holt with one judge looking at Tackie aggressiveness. The crowd cheered Tackie’s effort at the bouts end coming to their feet. SBB scored it 98-92 Holt, Tackie never did get going. Holt didn't do anything "Rated R" or anything to build his stock as a top junior welter.
Upcoming junior middleweight Vanes Martirosyan 19-0, 13Ko’s a 2004 olympian dropped Jorge “EL Matador” Munoz 20-2, 13Ko’s in round one, then beat-up “EL Matador.” Munoz who looked like he had a broken nose went down again after a ripping uppercut and referee Kenny Bayless stopped the bout 2:20 of the third round.
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Angulo and Meza-Clay Score Big!
Feb. 1st, Expo Mart, Monroeville, Pennsylvania: Monte Meza-Clay 27-1, 18 Ko’s, scored an TKO of former IBF featherweight champion, Erik Aiken 16-7-1, 12 Ko’s at 39 seconds of round seven. Clay outworked Aiken throwing 709 total punches landing 271 with Aiken throwing 530 landing 138. Clay finally landing at will in round seven launched a heavy barrage prompting the referee to call the bout. Aiken hasn’t been the same since being stopped by Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in September 2006.
Feb. 1st, Grand Casino, Hinckley, Minnesota: Alfredo Angulo 12-0, 9 Ko’s, scored his eighth straight knockout dropping Ricardo Torres 22-1-1, 15 Ko’s twice in round one ending the action when referee Mark Nelson counted him out at 2:58 of the round. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rossy Out-Points Mercer In China!
By: Bill Ethan
Jan. 26th, Venetian Arena, Macau,China: Derric Rossy 18-1-10 Ko’s, New York States heavyweight champion out worked and outscored former WBO heavyweight champion “Merciless” Ray Mercer 35-7-1, 26 Ko’s for most of their twelve round bout. Rossy appearing in excellent shape used his jab and beat Mercer to the punch only to have his finest victory clouded when he was caught off balance and hit the deck in the final stanza. The judges scored the bout 177-111 twice and 115-113 all for the former Boston College football standout. Overall it was a very successful trip for Rossy and Sal Musumeci President and CEO of Final Forum Boxing winning the WBO and NABO Heavyweight intertim titles, the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Heavyweight Title, making his first defense of the WBF International Heavyweight Title and introducing big time pro boxing to China.
Final Forum and Sal Musemeci a success in China for highlights click here
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"The Pow in Macau."
Derric Rossy vs Ray Mercer
Sal Musumeci President and CEO of Final Forum Boxing has taken heavyweight boxing to Macau, China for the first time. The show at Venetian Arena will feature American Ray Mercer taking on another American heavyweight Long Island’s Derric Rossy. Rossy 17-1, 10 Ko’s the New York State Heavyweight Champion weighed in at 232lbs and Mercer 35-6-1, 26 Ko’s the 1988 Olympic Gold Medal winner weighed in at 258lbs. This fight is a pivotal bout for both fighters. A loss would be a serious set back for Rossy and the end for Mercer. The undercard will consist of five preliminary bouts featuring Asian fighters with the Venetian Arena is set for a big night of world class boxing action. Fight time is 7:30pm China time and 9am Saturday morning US time.
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Mora Stops Ruvalcaba in Six!
By: Roger Winds
Jan 11th, Cabazon, Calif. - Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora 20-0-1, 5Ko’s stopped Rito Ruvalcaba 31-9, 27K0’s in the sixth round of their scheduled 10-round middleweight fight last night at the Morongo Casino. Mora coming in off an unimpressive draw with Elvin Ayala failed to impress again. The “Contender” series one champion was behind on our cards and two of the three judges had Mora behind entering the sixth round. Mora caught Ruvalcaba with a hard shot backing him to the ropes. "The Snake" then landed a clean left hook when referee Ray Corona jumped Mora from behind attempting to stop the bout. He became tangled and fell. When Corona regained his feet Ruvalcaba was punching back but Corona still put a halt to the fight. Here at SBB we felt it was a little premature. If the “Snake" doesn’t stay active this year he will certainly lose his draw and any fights where he takes on an equal opponent.
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Miranda Banks One for 08 Ko of the Year!