Video credit: Fight Hub TV.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Video credit: Fight Hub TV.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Philadelphia, PA—The boxing reputation in the City of Brotherly Love was built on being brought up the hard way, whether against a neighborhood rival or a tough guy from out of town. It was the attitude of being ready to fight anyone, anywhere and at any time.
Philly Fight Night returns Friday, March 10, at the 2300 Arena, and it appears that all 22 fighters in the 11 scheduled fights carry that tradition with them. They believe in themselves and are ready to prove it.
Even though fighters from the same city have grown to dislike each other, often fighting for bragging rights, there still appears to plenty of love, support and respect to go around.
Let’s look at what some of the locals say about their neighbors who are fighting March 10:
Junior lightweight Tevin Farmer on Anthony Burgin:
"Ant is ready. I think he's more ready than ever. I haven't seen him this focused in a long time. It's crazy because I'm the one who usually pushes all the guys. But lately it seems as Ant has been pushing me. The best Ant has yet to come; March 10 he will open a lot of eyes back up. I will be flying back in to Philly from Puerto Rico to see my li’l brother go to work!" (Burgin meets local rival Avery Sparrow in the eight-round lightweight main event).
Lightweight Damon Allen on Avery Sparrow:
“Avery has been my boy since the amateurs and we have a mutual respect for one another. He's looking sharp from what I’ve seen and I think he's going to show it in this fight.”
Super middleweight Jesse Hart on Fred Jenkins Jr.:
"Fred Jr. is working very hard in the gym. He wants bigger fights and knows this is just one step towards getting them." (Jenkins boxes Roque Zapata, of Culpeper, VA, in a six-round junior middleweight contest).
Junior middleweight Julian Williams on Isaiah Wise:
"He's a super nice guy extremely hard worker there's never a time when I'm in the gym and he's not there working. He kinda reminds me of Gabe Rosado when he was coming up not his fighting style but his blue collar hardworking mentality.” (Wise boxes Jeffrey Wrightof Milwaukee, WI in a six-round junior middleweight fight).
Flyweight Miguel Cartagena on Crystian Peguero:
"I would say he is a young hungry kid with not much experience but is willing to learn daily and has the heart of a lion. He is always in the gym and always watches out for his trainer or my reaction to anything he does. He was born in the struggles but in his mind he has it all, which makes him more fascinating to watch become a better fighter each day." (Peguero boxes Alonzo Davis in a four-round super bantamweight fight).
Super middleweight Christopher Brooker on Ernesto 'Pete' Almodovar:
"I would say he is just like me no amateur experience but has the will and the skill of a true fighter. I've seen him spar top level guys and look just as good even better on some occasions. I think his first fight he will make a statement." (Almodovar boxes Steven Lopez, of Northeast Philadelphia, in a four-round super flyweight fight).
Hart on Marcel Rivers:
"Marcel is running and always working, going the extra mile. He works for PGW and comes right to gym after work and grinds like he doesn’t have a day job. His work ethic is phenomenal. What people don't know is that he came down from like 190 pounds. He's for real! When I saw how he works, it showed me he was for real." (Rivers boxes Brandon Bey, of New York, in a four-round welterweight fight.)
Junior lightweight Jason Sosa on Victor Padilla:
"It's an honor for me to watch a young man like Victor Padilla grow. I have a special love for that young man because we have similarity we come from nothing. I'm excited to see the future of Victor Padilla, it's a bright one." (Padilla boxes Carlos Castillo, of Lindsay, CA, in a four-round lightweight fight).
Ex-welterweight Ronald Cruz on Joseph Adorno:
"I remember the Adornos coming into the Bethlehem Boxing Club where I first began training with his brother, Jeremy Adorno, and his father, Anibal. He was a little kid, around 8 years old, and he already had around 80 fights in Puerto Rico. His father was an outstanding amateur who beat Miguel Cotto in the amateurs, but then retired from fighting after an injury and became a great trainer. Joseph has "next Puerto Rican star" written all over him. A future world champion if he can keep himself focused and man that kid has a vicious left hook!"
Philly Fight Night returns Friday, March 10, at the 2300 Arena, and it appears that all 22 fighters in the 11 scheduled fights carry that tradition with them. They believe in themselves and are ready to prove it.
Even though fighters from the same city have grown to dislike each other, often fighting for bragging rights, there still appears to plenty of love, support and respect to go around.
Let’s look at what some of the locals say about their neighbors who are fighting March 10:
Junior lightweight Tevin Farmer on Anthony Burgin:
"Ant is ready. I think he's more ready than ever. I haven't seen him this focused in a long time. It's crazy because I'm the one who usually pushes all the guys. But lately it seems as Ant has been pushing me. The best Ant has yet to come; March 10 he will open a lot of eyes back up. I will be flying back in to Philly from Puerto Rico to see my li’l brother go to work!" (Burgin meets local rival Avery Sparrow in the eight-round lightweight main event).
Lightweight Damon Allen on Avery Sparrow:
“Avery has been my boy since the amateurs and we have a mutual respect for one another. He's looking sharp from what I’ve seen and I think he's going to show it in this fight.”
Super middleweight Jesse Hart on Fred Jenkins Jr.:
"Fred Jr. is working very hard in the gym. He wants bigger fights and knows this is just one step towards getting them." (Jenkins boxes Roque Zapata, of Culpeper, VA, in a six-round junior middleweight contest).
Junior middleweight Julian Williams on Isaiah Wise:
"He's a super nice guy extremely hard worker there's never a time when I'm in the gym and he's not there working. He kinda reminds me of Gabe Rosado when he was coming up not his fighting style but his blue collar hardworking mentality.” (Wise boxes Jeffrey Wrightof Milwaukee, WI in a six-round junior middleweight fight).
Flyweight Miguel Cartagena on Crystian Peguero:
"I would say he is a young hungry kid with not much experience but is willing to learn daily and has the heart of a lion. He is always in the gym and always watches out for his trainer or my reaction to anything he does. He was born in the struggles but in his mind he has it all, which makes him more fascinating to watch become a better fighter each day." (Peguero boxes Alonzo Davis in a four-round super bantamweight fight).
Super middleweight Christopher Brooker on Ernesto 'Pete' Almodovar:
"I would say he is just like me no amateur experience but has the will and the skill of a true fighter. I've seen him spar top level guys and look just as good even better on some occasions. I think his first fight he will make a statement." (Almodovar boxes Steven Lopez, of Northeast Philadelphia, in a four-round super flyweight fight).
Hart on Marcel Rivers:
"Marcel is running and always working, going the extra mile. He works for PGW and comes right to gym after work and grinds like he doesn’t have a day job. His work ethic is phenomenal. What people don't know is that he came down from like 190 pounds. He's for real! When I saw how he works, it showed me he was for real." (Rivers boxes Brandon Bey, of New York, in a four-round welterweight fight.)
Junior lightweight Jason Sosa on Victor Padilla:
"It's an honor for me to watch a young man like Victor Padilla grow. I have a special love for that young man because we have similarity we come from nothing. I'm excited to see the future of Victor Padilla, it's a bright one." (Padilla boxes Carlos Castillo, of Lindsay, CA, in a four-round lightweight fight).
Ex-welterweight Ronald Cruz on Joseph Adorno:
"I remember the Adornos coming into the Bethlehem Boxing Club where I first began training with his brother, Jeremy Adorno, and his father, Anibal. He was a little kid, around 8 years old, and he already had around 80 fights in Puerto Rico. His father was an outstanding amateur who beat Miguel Cotto in the amateurs, but then retired from fighting after an injury and became a great trainer. Joseph has "next Puerto Rican star" written all over him. A future world champion if he can keep himself focused and man that kid has a vicious left hook!"
Thursday, February 23, 2017
On Pacquiao's latest post on twitter, he mentioned that "my team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight" and "further announcement coming soon."
It was earlier reported that Pacquiao will face Jeff Horn in Australia. But it seemed that Pacquiao was not happy with the guaranteed purse and shifted his attention to Amir Khan. Of course, Khan is far more bankable compared to Horn. Reports also floating around that the potential fight could be held in Dubai.
In the past, every time Pacquiao planned for next fight, a lucrative Dubai offer keeps floating but nothing materializes so far.
In my earlier post, I've written about this possible Dubai fight with Amir Khan that can be found here.
Being an OFW in the Middle East, I really support this fight to happen in Dubai. I think Manny should fight in Dubai before retiring in boxing. He has lots of OFW supporters in the Middle East and besides, Khan also has a strong fan base there.
Earlier, Pacquiao was reported talking about another rematch with another rival Juan Manual Marquez for a fight in the Philippines before retiring. He's hoping for a Philippine government backing for a Marquez fight to materialize. Pacquiao's plans to fight again in front of his countrymen. Pacquiao last fought in the Philippines in 2006, beating Oscar Larios.
But Marquez is not interested to share a boxing ring with Pacquiao anymore. Well, a Dubai fight, which is home also of many Filipinos is a good alternative venue.
Meanwhile, Amir Khan has long been pushing for big time fight. He was challenging both Mayweather and Pacquiao in the past but was ditch twice and ended up fighting Saul Canelo Alvarez to the surprise of the boxing world. Khan lost to Canelo in a brutal one-punch knockout.
Pacquiao won his last two fights after losing to his rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015.
It was earlier reported that Pacquiao will face Jeff Horn in Australia. But it seemed that Pacquiao was not happy with the guaranteed purse and shifted his attention to Amir Khan. Of course, Khan is far more bankable compared to Horn. Reports also floating around that the potential fight could be held in Dubai.
In the past, every time Pacquiao planned for next fight, a lucrative Dubai offer keeps floating but nothing materializes so far.
In my earlier post, I've written about this possible Dubai fight with Amir Khan that can be found here.
My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight. Further announcement coming soon. #TeamPacquiao pic.twitter.com/nW5jpmwVJs
— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) February 23, 2017
Being an OFW in the Middle East, I really support this fight to happen in Dubai. I think Manny should fight in Dubai before retiring in boxing. He has lots of OFW supporters in the Middle East and besides, Khan also has a strong fan base there.
Earlier, Pacquiao was reported talking about another rematch with another rival Juan Manual Marquez for a fight in the Philippines before retiring. He's hoping for a Philippine government backing for a Marquez fight to materialize. Pacquiao's plans to fight again in front of his countrymen. Pacquiao last fought in the Philippines in 2006, beating Oscar Larios.
But Marquez is not interested to share a boxing ring with Pacquiao anymore. Well, a Dubai fight, which is home also of many Filipinos is a good alternative venue.
Meanwhile, Amir Khan has long been pushing for big time fight. He was challenging both Mayweather and Pacquiao in the past but was ditch twice and ended up fighting Saul Canelo Alvarez to the surprise of the boxing world. Khan lost to Canelo in a brutal one-punch knockout.
Pacquiao won his last two fights after losing to his rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Mikey Garcia was sharp and sensational inside in the ring on Saturday night as he demolished bull-strong Dejan Zlanticanin in three rounds of their lightweight clash at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada. There's no sign of ring rust! Although, he just came back in July after a 2.5 year hiatus.
The long lay-off didn't make his blade dull. Instead, he used those years that he's not able to fight to sharpen his skills, enhance his talent. A saying attributed to Abraham Lincoln that says: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe". Garcia utilized those 2.5 years wisely and it paid off.
Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) was very focused. It seemed he never blink his eyes the entire fight. He landed jabs from the as Zlaticanin tried to find his range. His textbook 1-2 combination was very effective.
Zlaticanin (22-1, 15 KOs) tried his level best to close the gap. But the 5' 4" champion was greeted with stiff jabs every time he comes in. The 5' 7" challenger used height and reach advantage to fire accurate shots from the distance. Zlaticanin never won a round on my scorecards.
In the third, Garcia surprised Zlaticanin with a right uppercut then a left hand that got him in real trouble before Garcia landed the home run, a big right hand that knocked Zlaticanin out unconscious. He was motionless for few minutes. I was worried, he might not be able to get up. But thanks that in a few more minutes he was able to move and sit on a stool. The crowd felt relief as they cheered for Zlaticanin.
"I'm very happy he's okay and I'm glad he was able to recover from that. The natural response is to be celebrating and to be cheerful, but then concern does kick in when I saw he was still laying there for a few minutes. I'm glad he's okay, Garcia said.
Zlantican said that he was getting ready pick up a little bit in Round 3. But of course he gave credit to the new champion.
"I was just getting ready to pick it up a little bit and I got between the ropes and then he hit me with a good, hard punch. Mikey is a good fighter without a doubt. I never was able to get into the fight" he said.
Highlights:
The long lay-off didn't make his blade dull. Instead, he used those years that he's not able to fight to sharpen his skills, enhance his talent. A saying attributed to Abraham Lincoln that says: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe". Garcia utilized those 2.5 years wisely and it paid off.
Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) was very focused. It seemed he never blink his eyes the entire fight. He landed jabs from the as Zlaticanin tried to find his range. His textbook 1-2 combination was very effective.
Zlaticanin (22-1, 15 KOs) tried his level best to close the gap. But the 5' 4" champion was greeted with stiff jabs every time he comes in. The 5' 7" challenger used height and reach advantage to fire accurate shots from the distance. Zlaticanin never won a round on my scorecards.
In the third, Garcia surprised Zlaticanin with a right uppercut then a left hand that got him in real trouble before Garcia landed the home run, a big right hand that knocked Zlaticanin out unconscious. He was motionless for few minutes. I was worried, he might not be able to get up. But thanks that in a few more minutes he was able to move and sit on a stool. The crowd felt relief as they cheered for Zlaticanin.
"I'm very happy he's okay and I'm glad he was able to recover from that. The natural response is to be celebrating and to be cheerful, but then concern does kick in when I saw he was still laying there for a few minutes. I'm glad he's okay, Garcia said.
Zlantican said that he was getting ready pick up a little bit in Round 3. But of course he gave credit to the new champion.
"I was just getting ready to pick it up a little bit and I got between the ropes and then he hit me with a good, hard punch. Mikey is a good fighter without a doubt. I never was able to get into the fight" he said.
Highlights:
Saturday, January 28, 2017
In an 8-round fight, Ivan Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs) out-boxed and outclass Demond Brock (13-4-1, 4 KOs) in the Carl Frampton vs Leo Sta Cruz rematch at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday.
Redkach, 30, of Shostka, Ukraine by way of Los Angeles, California, was fighting from the outside from the get-go all the way to what it looks like the final bell. But the fight end up with a stoppage to Redkach's credit. He's been tagging Brock with uppercuts and hooks while maintaining distance.
Brock, 35, of Kenner, Louisiana, tried to close the gap stalking Redkach with body shots that landed few times but produced little effect.
In round 8, Redkach landed series of unanswered shots, starting from a left hand then a right hand that sent Brock down. Brock managed to get up but was again tagged with shots that opted the referee to stop the fight at 2:30.
Redkach, 30, of Shostka, Ukraine by way of Los Angeles, California, was fighting from the outside from the get-go all the way to what it looks like the final bell. But the fight end up with a stoppage to Redkach's credit. He's been tagging Brock with uppercuts and hooks while maintaining distance.
Brock, 35, of Kenner, Louisiana, tried to close the gap stalking Redkach with body shots that landed few times but produced little effect.
In round 8, Redkach landed series of unanswered shots, starting from a left hand then a right hand that sent Brock down. Brock managed to get up but was again tagged with shots that opted the referee to stop the fight at 2:30.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Carl Frampton vs Leo Sta Cruz II is one of the most anticipated rematch in boxing. On Saturday, Jan 28 Frampton and Sta Cruz will do it again. In 2016, they fought a fight that was among the Fight of the Year candidate. In the above short preview clip Showtime discusses about last year's fight and the fighters preparation for this rematch.
Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz II will be on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
Monday, January 23, 2017
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 23, 2017) - Building on its record of signing and promoting the best of the best, Golden Boy Promotions - in association with ZR Entertainment -- today announced a multi-fight deal with former three-division world champion and Olympic Gold medalist Yuriokis "El Ciclón de Guantánamo" Gamboa (25-1, 17 KOs).
The Cuban standout, who has defeated a who's who of champions and contenders throughout his 10-year professional career, will look to add to the title belts he has held in the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight divisions as he makes another run at championship glory.
"I am looking forward to winning yet another world title, and I know Golden Boy Promotions is the perfect place to help guide me," Gamboa said. "Though I have recently had some long stretches of inactivity, that stops today, and I will take on anyone, anytime, to achieve my goal of recapturing a championship belt."
Gamboa will come out of the gate facing a tall order on March 11 when he squares off with Rene "Gemelo" Alvarado (24-7, 16 KOs) who was last seen defeating contender Jason "Star" Velez. The fight will serve as chief support for the highly anticipated HBO Boxing After Dark card featuring middleweight knockout artist David Lemieux taking on the heavy-handed Curtis "Cerebral Assassin " Stevens at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Gamboa has been a force in multiple divisions for many years, defeating big names along the way including former world champions Orlando "Siri" Salido, Daniel Ponce De León and the contender Jorge "Coloradito" SolÃs. Gamboa also handed Darleys Pérez and Jonathan "Yoni" Victor Barros their first professional defeats.
"When he is on his game, there are few better than Gamboa in the 126, 130, or 135 weight classes," said Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions CEO and Chairman. "We are going to get him in the ring in a quality match as soon as possible, and then work with him to start his path back to championship glory."
Gamboa's accomplishments in both the amateur and professional ranks are numerous, but a select list includes:
The Cuban standout, who has defeated a who's who of champions and contenders throughout his 10-year professional career, will look to add to the title belts he has held in the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight divisions as he makes another run at championship glory.
"I am looking forward to winning yet another world title, and I know Golden Boy Promotions is the perfect place to help guide me," Gamboa said. "Though I have recently had some long stretches of inactivity, that stops today, and I will take on anyone, anytime, to achieve my goal of recapturing a championship belt."
Gamboa will come out of the gate facing a tall order on March 11 when he squares off with Rene "Gemelo" Alvarado (24-7, 16 KOs) who was last seen defeating contender Jason "Star" Velez. The fight will serve as chief support for the highly anticipated HBO Boxing After Dark card featuring middleweight knockout artist David Lemieux taking on the heavy-handed Curtis "Cerebral Assassin " Stevens at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Gamboa has been a force in multiple divisions for many years, defeating big names along the way including former world champions Orlando "Siri" Salido, Daniel Ponce De León and the contender Jorge "Coloradito" SolÃs. Gamboa also handed Darleys Pérez and Jonathan "Yoni" Victor Barros their first professional defeats.
"When he is on his game, there are few better than Gamboa in the 126, 130, or 135 weight classes," said Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions CEO and Chairman. "We are going to get him in the ring in a quality match as soon as possible, and then work with him to start his path back to championship glory."
Gamboa's accomplishments in both the amateur and professional ranks are numerous, but a select list includes:
- Former Unified WBA and IBF Featherweight Champion
- Former Interim WBA World Super Featherweight Champion
- Former Interim WBA World Lightweight Champion
- First Cuban IBF World Champion in the history of the organization
- 2004 Olympic gold medalist in the flyweight division.
- 2006 World Cup gold medalist in the featherweight division
- 2003 Pan American games gold medalist in the flyweight division
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Philadelphia, PA—It will be another old fashioned all-Philly rumble when lightweights Anthony Burgin and Avery Sparrow collide over eight rounds or less on Friday evening, March 10, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. First fight is 7.30 p.m.
“It may not be Bennie Briscoe vs. Cyclone Hart or Joey Giardello vs. George Benton, but it’s a start and Philly vs. Philly is what put our city on the boxing map years and years ago,” said promoter J Russell Peltz.
Burgin , 24, a pro for more than four years, is 10-2, 2 K0s, and comes into this fight after having beaten another Philadelphian, Gerald Smith, in his last fight Oct. 14 in the same ring. He also has beaten Philadelphians Frankie Trader, Ramon Ellis (twice) and Kenneth Brown.
In his only other fight in 2016, Burgin lost a four-round split decision to unbeaten DiVante Jones, of Augusta, GA, in a fight most of the crowd at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT, thought he won clearly. Jones, now 9-0, has not boxed since.
“I am ecstatic to be headlining the fight card on March 10 and excited to be fighting Avery Sparrow,” Burgin said. “When two Philly guys face each other, a spectacular show is guaranteed and this fight will be no exception. I am going to make a statement.
“I’m only getting started and what you’re going to see from me in the future starts March 10. I haven’t been as active as I would like to be but I have fought great fights and tough opponents and it has only made me better. It’s only the beginning and 2017 is my year and nothing is going to stop me from grabbing what is already mine.”
Burgin is managed and trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas, whose excellent stable of fighters includes WBA junior lightweight champ Jason Sosa, junior lightweight contender Tevin Farmer, undefeated lightweight Stevie Ortiz and promising lightweight newcomer Victor Padilla.
Sparrow (right), 23, has had a rough career marked by long periods of inactivity. He will have been a pro for 32 months by fight time, but has only a 5-1 record (3 K0s) to show for it.
His only loss came late in 2015 in the same ring when he was disqualified after five rounds for low blows against lefty Jerome Rodriguez, of Allentown, PA. Sparrow was getting the better of it during the fight, but too many punches strayed low and referee Hurley McCall waved it off after numerous warnings and point deductions.
Sparrow has not boxed since March 26 when he knocked out hometowner Brandon Ruffin in one round in Charlotte, NC. Sparrow also has beaten Jesus Lule, a frequent rival of Philadelphia fighters.
“I’m down now, but after I win this fight, I should be on my way up,” Sparrow said. “I am grateful for this fight and a wonderful opportunity to showcase my talent. No one knows what this chance means to me. It’s much appreciated and it’s a blessing. This will help me get my career back on track. I want good fights to happen. It’s what Philly and boxing needs. I understand completely.”
Eight additional fights complete the card.
“It may not be Bennie Briscoe vs. Cyclone Hart or Joey Giardello vs. George Benton, but it’s a start and Philly vs. Philly is what put our city on the boxing map years and years ago,” said promoter J Russell Peltz.
Burgin , 24, a pro for more than four years, is 10-2, 2 K0s, and comes into this fight after having beaten another Philadelphian, Gerald Smith, in his last fight Oct. 14 in the same ring. He also has beaten Philadelphians Frankie Trader, Ramon Ellis (twice) and Kenneth Brown.
In his only other fight in 2016, Burgin lost a four-round split decision to unbeaten DiVante Jones, of Augusta, GA, in a fight most of the crowd at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT, thought he won clearly. Jones, now 9-0, has not boxed since.
“I am ecstatic to be headlining the fight card on March 10 and excited to be fighting Avery Sparrow,” Burgin said. “When two Philly guys face each other, a spectacular show is guaranteed and this fight will be no exception. I am going to make a statement.
“I’m only getting started and what you’re going to see from me in the future starts March 10. I haven’t been as active as I would like to be but I have fought great fights and tough opponents and it has only made me better. It’s only the beginning and 2017 is my year and nothing is going to stop me from grabbing what is already mine.”
Burgin is managed and trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas, whose excellent stable of fighters includes WBA junior lightweight champ Jason Sosa, junior lightweight contender Tevin Farmer, undefeated lightweight Stevie Ortiz and promising lightweight newcomer Victor Padilla.
Sparrow (right), 23, has had a rough career marked by long periods of inactivity. He will have been a pro for 32 months by fight time, but has only a 5-1 record (3 K0s) to show for it.
His only loss came late in 2015 in the same ring when he was disqualified after five rounds for low blows against lefty Jerome Rodriguez, of Allentown, PA. Sparrow was getting the better of it during the fight, but too many punches strayed low and referee Hurley McCall waved it off after numerous warnings and point deductions.
Sparrow has not boxed since March 26 when he knocked out hometowner Brandon Ruffin in one round in Charlotte, NC. Sparrow also has beaten Jesus Lule, a frequent rival of Philadelphia fighters.
“I’m down now, but after I win this fight, I should be on my way up,” Sparrow said. “I am grateful for this fight and a wonderful opportunity to showcase my talent. No one knows what this chance means to me. It’s much appreciated and it’s a blessing. This will help me get my career back on track. I want good fights to happen. It’s what Philly and boxing needs. I understand completely.”
Eight additional fights complete the card.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
David Lemieux vs Curtis Stevens will headline HBO Boxing After Dark on March 11 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York for a 12-round middleweight fight.
Well, many showed disappointment for a Lemieux-Stevens fight. Mostly were boxing fans who waited for a non-ppv boxing match on HBO. For them Lemieux-Stevens is a undercardesque match-up. They're looking for better, free fight on TV. Fed up of high PPV subscriptions to star fighter match-ups and at times not delivering the goods.
But make no mistake, if you look at it, Lemieux-Stevens is a guaranteed all-action match. Both men don't like to step back, hard hitters and looking for knockout victories. Lemieux has 82% knockout ratio while Stevens has 62% knockout rate on his ledger. Put them together and it's gonna be a hell of a fight.
As a boxing fan, I don't care who were the fighters shared a ring. As long as you I will see a good, competitive and action-packed fight, I'm good.
The worst thing about watching boxing is when you see a one-sided beat-down because of bad match-making. These were results of so-called tune-up fights, stay busy fights. Whatever you called it. Just to match an A level fighter to like C level fighter to boost the A level fighter's activity, stock and or record.
Lemieux-Stevens is not at all what I mentioned above. Both men are strong middleweights contenders. What's interesting is that both men lost to Gennady Golovkin. I'm sure they want to prove that they're just one level below Golovkin at the middleweight division.
Lemieux had set his eyes for another shot at the world title.
"I've told everyone my goal is to once again become middleweight champion of the world. Curtis is in the way, and I'm going to go right through him," said Lemieux.
If other boxing fans feel that this is a lousy match-up HBO can give on TV, well, for me, this is a must-see fight.
Well, many showed disappointment for a Lemieux-Stevens fight. Mostly were boxing fans who waited for a non-ppv boxing match on HBO. For them Lemieux-Stevens is a undercardesque match-up. They're looking for better, free fight on TV. Fed up of high PPV subscriptions to star fighter match-ups and at times not delivering the goods.
But make no mistake, if you look at it, Lemieux-Stevens is a guaranteed all-action match. Both men don't like to step back, hard hitters and looking for knockout victories. Lemieux has 82% knockout ratio while Stevens has 62% knockout rate on his ledger. Put them together and it's gonna be a hell of a fight.
As a boxing fan, I don't care who were the fighters shared a ring. As long as you I will see a good, competitive and action-packed fight, I'm good.
The worst thing about watching boxing is when you see a one-sided beat-down because of bad match-making. These were results of so-called tune-up fights, stay busy fights. Whatever you called it. Just to match an A level fighter to like C level fighter to boost the A level fighter's activity, stock and or record.
Lemieux-Stevens is not at all what I mentioned above. Both men are strong middleweights contenders. What's interesting is that both men lost to Gennady Golovkin. I'm sure they want to prove that they're just one level below Golovkin at the middleweight division.
Lemieux had set his eyes for another shot at the world title.
"I've told everyone my goal is to once again become middleweight champion of the world. Curtis is in the way, and I'm going to go right through him," said Lemieux.
If other boxing fans feel that this is a lousy match-up HBO can give on TV, well, for me, this is a must-see fight.
Monday, January 9, 2017
LOWELL, Mass. (January 9, 2017) - The 71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship kicks-off this Friday night (Jan. 13) featuring Central New England (Greater Lowell) preliminary-round action at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium. See the complete 2017 schedule below.
Last year, Peter Welch's Gym (South Boston) dominated the Central New England tournament, capturing seven individual titles, followed in team scoring by the Lowell West End Gym and Grealish Boxing (Dorchester).
One of the boxers to watch this year is North Chelmsford's Brandon Higgins, who represents the Lowell West End Gym.
Tickets are reasonably priced at $70.00 season ticket in the balcony. To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.LowellMemorialAuditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $13.00, only $7.00 for students.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (2017 in Lafayette, Louisiana), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
"This is the continuation of a great Lowell boxing tradition," Tournament Executive Director Bobby Russo said. "We're all excited about this year's 71st edition of the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship. I'm very proud to be part of this tradition. So many outstanding boxers have fought in the Greater Lowell Golden Gloves over the many years such as hometown hero 'Irish' Micky Ward, two-time world heavyweight champion John 'The Quietman' Ruiz, Dicky Eklund, Beau Jaynes, Manny Freitas, Nate James, Danny O'Connor and so many others.
"In addition to sending a complete Team New England to The Golden Gloves Nationals, proceeds go towards so many worthy charities ranging from soup kitchens to cancer funds, the Boys and Girls Club, scholarships and many other needed community-based causes."
Last year, Peter Welch's Gym (South Boston) dominated the Central New England tournament, capturing seven individual titles, followed in team scoring by the Lowell West End Gym and Grealish Boxing (Dorchester).
One of the boxers to watch this year is North Chelmsford's Brandon Higgins, who represents the Lowell West End Gym.
Tickets are reasonably priced at $70.00 season ticket in the balcony. To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.LowellMemorialAuditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $13.00, only $7.00 for students.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (2017 in Lafayette, Louisiana), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
"This is the continuation of a great Lowell boxing tradition," Tournament Executive Director Bobby Russo said. "We're all excited about this year's 71st edition of the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship. I'm very proud to be part of this tradition. So many outstanding boxers have fought in the Greater Lowell Golden Gloves over the many years such as hometown hero 'Irish' Micky Ward, two-time world heavyweight champion John 'The Quietman' Ruiz, Dicky Eklund, Beau Jaynes, Manny Freitas, Nate James, Danny O'Connor and so many others.
"In addition to sending a complete Team New England to The Golden Gloves Nationals, proceeds go towards so many worthy charities ranging from soup kitchens to cancer funds, the Boys and Girls Club, scholarships and many other needed community-based causes."
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Hilongos, Leyte -- Two improvised explosive devices (IED) reportedly exploded at a boxing event in Hilongos, Leyte on Wednesday night, 28 Dec in a plaza.
The victims were treated at a local hospital according to Dennis Maliwanag of Inquirer on his Twitter post.
The authorities were still investigating the blast site.
The victims were treated at a local hospital according to Dennis Maliwanag of Inquirer on his Twitter post.
The authorities were still investigating the blast site.
Blast victims are being treated at a local hospital in Hilongos, Leyte. pic.twitter.com/3GiryXnhPg
— Dennis Maliwanag (@DMaliwanagINQ) December 28, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
NEW YORK (December 26, 2016) - The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), sponsored by Ring 8, has announced its 15-member Class of 2017. The sixth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 30, at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
"Once again, "said NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy, "we're honoring New York's finest in our sport. This is all about recognizing great fighters, as well as others involved in boxing, from the state of New York. We're expecting another knockout night."
Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include Manhattan welterweight Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega (131-39-6, 69 KOs), Yonkers' world heavyweight title challenger Renaldo "Mr." Snipes (39-8-1, 22 KOs), Yonkers middleweight Doug "Cobra' Dewitt (33-8-5, 19 KOs), and "The Bronx Bomber," world middleweight title challenger Alex Ramos (39-10-2, 24 KOs)
Posthumous participants being inducted are Queens' former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Dick Tiger (60-19-3, 27 KOs), Brooklyn/Manhattan light heavyeight world champion Jose "Chegui" Torres (41-3-1, 29 KOs), and "The Nonpareil", Williamsburg middleweight world champion Jack Dempsey (51-4-11, 23 KOs).
Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Queens' International agent Don Majeski, Long Island matchmaker Ron Katz, Manhattan manager Stan Hoffman and past Ring 8 president/NYSAC judge Bobby Bartels.
Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Long Island cut-man Al Gavin, Bronx referee Arthur Donovan and New York City columnist Dan Parker.
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.
The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
In the 2:28 minute mark of Round 8, Bernard Hopkins fell out of the ring after a series of punches landed coming from Joe Smith.
It was a bizarre scene to end an extraordinary 28 years boxing career that began in 1988. He was stopped for the first time during the final fight of his incredible career.
The 51-year-old Hopkins (55-8-2 32 KOs) was knocked out of the ring.
This happens to boxers who hang around a little bit too long. The sport will push you out of retirement. Well for me the best time for Bernard to actually retire was when he beat Beibut Shumenov. He got a title at that time, he was 49. But well, it was really tempting to have another shot at age 50. I think that was a record also in boxing. He lost to Sergey Kovalev when he was 50.
Well, for Hopkins it may look like a "controversial" loss because of what had happened. If he did not fell out of the ring, he could have got up before the count of ten and manage to continue. In fairness, he wasn't unconscious when he landed outside the ring.
But anyway, I hope this result will convince Hopkins not to fight again any more and sticks to retiring. He should not wait to be knockout cold out there. Just like what happened to Roy Jones Jr. in one of his recent fights.
It was a bizarre scene to end an extraordinary 28 years boxing career that began in 1988. He was stopped for the first time during the final fight of his incredible career.
The 51-year-old Hopkins (55-8-2 32 KOs) was knocked out of the ring.
This happens to boxers who hang around a little bit too long. The sport will push you out of retirement. Well for me the best time for Bernard to actually retire was when he beat Beibut Shumenov. He got a title at that time, he was 49. But well, it was really tempting to have another shot at age 50. I think that was a record also in boxing. He lost to Sergey Kovalev when he was 50.
Watch: @beastsmithjr knocks @THEREALBHOP out of the ring 53 seconds into round 8, ending the fight. #Final1 https://t.co/Pj2svLUlC9
— HBOboxing (@HBOboxing) December 18, 2016
Well, for Hopkins it may look like a "controversial" loss because of what had happened. If he did not fell out of the ring, he could have got up before the count of ten and manage to continue. In fairness, he wasn't unconscious when he landed outside the ring.
But anyway, I hope this result will convince Hopkins not to fight again any more and sticks to retiring. He should not wait to be knockout cold out there. Just like what happened to Roy Jones Jr. in one of his recent fights.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
During the build-up a fight you can trash talk to the highest level you want, but after all the punches thrown and done, it's time to show what the word sportsmanship is all about.
Jermall Charlo (25-0, 19 KOs) was booed by the California boxing fans present at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, Saturday night after he knockout Julian Williams in Round 5 of their junior middleweight title clash live on Showtime.
Julian Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs) went to Charlo's corner to show sportsmanship. But Charlo and his corner refused to accept it. It was too late then when they realized that it wasn't the right reaction. Then Charlo went to Williams' corner to extend his gesture of sportsmanship, but this time it was Williams and his team declined. There was a little commotion going on, but it was obvious that Charlo was in the negative end as the California fans booed in unison.
Charlo remained undefeated and successfully defended the junior middleweight title for the fourth time since capturing it in September last year.
It was a chess match early in the fight. Both fighters were too cautious to open up for offense. They were ready to unload heavy counters that could end the fight early. Both men has power to knock each other out. In Round 2, Charlo scored a knockdown. He connected with a solid jab that put down Williams.
In between the fourth and fifth round, Charlo's trainer Ronnie Shields instructed Charlo to double it up.
"Back him up, back him up with the jab don't let him rest. Double it up with the right hand and hook right back," said Shields.
Williams fired a textbook one-two combination from outside that connected to the head of Charlo. But as Williams retracted back his punches, Charlo came back with a huge right uppercut. Williams did not even saw it coming. And boom! Down went Williams.
He managed to get back on his feet, but Charlo was ready to finish him. After the referee signaled to resume the fight, Charlo was all over Williams firing combination at close range and got one clear punch in and that's it. Williams went down again and the referee did not even bother to count. The referee waived the fight off. The official time: 2:06 in Round 5.
"Sorry my emotions took over me at that time. You know what that's not me," Charlo said when Jim Gray ask about his refusal to accept Williams' handshake.
Jermall Charlo (25-0, 19 KOs) was booed by the California boxing fans present at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, Saturday night after he knockout Julian Williams in Round 5 of their junior middleweight title clash live on Showtime.
Julian Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs) went to Charlo's corner to show sportsmanship. But Charlo and his corner refused to accept it. It was too late then when they realized that it wasn't the right reaction. Then Charlo went to Williams' corner to extend his gesture of sportsmanship, but this time it was Williams and his team declined. There was a little commotion going on, but it was obvious that Charlo was in the negative end as the California fans booed in unison.
Charlo remained undefeated and successfully defended the junior middleweight title for the fourth time since capturing it in September last year.
It was a chess match early in the fight. Both fighters were too cautious to open up for offense. They were ready to unload heavy counters that could end the fight early. Both men has power to knock each other out. In Round 2, Charlo scored a knockdown. He connected with a solid jab that put down Williams.
In between the fourth and fifth round, Charlo's trainer Ronnie Shields instructed Charlo to double it up.
"Back him up, back him up with the jab don't let him rest. Double it up with the right hand and hook right back," said Shields.
Williams fired a textbook one-two combination from outside that connected to the head of Charlo. But as Williams retracted back his punches, Charlo came back with a huge right uppercut. Williams did not even saw it coming. And boom! Down went Williams.
He managed to get back on his feet, but Charlo was ready to finish him. After the referee signaled to resume the fight, Charlo was all over Williams firing combination at close range and got one clear punch in and that's it. Williams went down again and the referee did not even bother to count. The referee waived the fight off. The official time: 2:06 in Round 5.
"Sorry my emotions took over me at that time. You know what that's not me," Charlo said when Jim Gray ask about his refusal to accept Williams' handshake.
Friday, December 9, 2016
LAS VEGAS (December 8, 2016) - The 10-round main event on December 17 of the final 2016 installment of the popular "Knockout Night at the D" series, featuring undefeated Oscar Cantu and Aston Palcite, is a classic match-up of styles between a boxer and puncher.
"Knockout Night at the D" will air live (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world-famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.), and FloBoxing.tv will live stream the Dec. 17th undercard worldwide, starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET), in addition to three main card TV bouts - excluding North America - beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET).
The "Knockout Night at the D" series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Jim "J.R." Ross and Joey Varner will call all the action live from ringside, while Jeff Huston will be the ring announcer and fight-week master of ceremonies.
Cantu vs. Palicte will be contested for two belts as Cantu defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight championship, in addition to the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental super flyweight title.
Rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a flyweight, the 25-year-old Cantu (14-0, 1 KO) will face the toughest test of his 4+-years professional career in the heavy-handed Palcite, but he's excited to be headlining this nationally televised show from Las Vegas.
"I feel honored to be headlining a card in Las Vegas," the Texan said. "The opportunity is what every boxer wants because Vegas is the biggest boxing hum in the United States and it has produced great champions in the past. I want to thank Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions for this opportunity.
"A victory can help me open doors to the world title and allow me the show everybody what I stand for, which is being God's humble champion. The outcome of this fight will come down to who wants to win more. I'm sure that adjustments will need to be made throughout the fight. Either way, I am well prepared to get this victory."
Palicte (21-2, 18 KOs) is a dangerous Filipino fighter who is world rated at No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the WBO. Now training in Los Angeles, Palicte is looking forward to making his American debut Dec. 17.
"I'm really excited," he remarked. "I've been training o hard, pushing myself to the limit, because I also want to excel as much as the other Filipino fighters. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight in the main event. Knowing he is undefeated, this is going to be an exciting, challenging fight.
"I've always dreamed of fighting for the world title and I'm taking things one step at a time. Through my promoter, RJJ, it was mentioned that there's a big possibility for a world title challenge in 2017 if I win this fight. I've fought some quality fighters and I think I can do what I want in the ring, though I won't say it's going to be easy to control the fight."
Styles made fights and a classic match-up between a consummate boxer (Cantu) and powerful puncher (Palicte) guarantees an intriguing fight that should be highly entertaining and incredibly competitive. Both fighters also respect each other.
"Palicte brings an impressive record and a lot of experience," Cantu noted. "The road to a world title is a tough one, which means no easy opponents. I am really excited about this challenge. This is a classic fight because of our styles and I am sure we won't let the viewing public down. I am ready to become the next great American champion in this weight class."
"Cantu is a smart boxer," Palicte added. "I'd compare him to Ismael Garnica, who I fought in our Showdown at Sands in Macau. (Palicte won by way of a seventh-round TKO.) He (Cantu) is kind of a runner, too, always moving around the ring, but we can never tell one's ability until we've fought.
"This is going to be an exciting fight. I'm really looking forward to getting a hold of those belts. Cantu is also a good boxer but with my experience and power, I think I have much more advantages than him. I know he's also doing his best training, so, it's going to be a really good fight come December 17th."
Unbeaten Chilean junior middleweight champion Angelo Baez (15-0-1, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Jamaica-native Nathaniel Gallimore (15-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, in the eight-round co-feature.
Los Angeles' Flavio Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) meets Mexican invader Dilan "El Terrible" Loza (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round battle of undefeated welterweight prospects to open the televised segment of the evening.
The Las Vegas Big 3 - 21-year-old junior lightweight Randy "El Matador" Moreno (7-0, 6 KOs), 26-year-old welterweight Jeremy "J-Flash" Nichols (7-0, 2 KOs) and 18-year-old bantamweight Max "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Ornelas (6-0, 3 KOs) - will be showcased Dec. 17th.
"Knockout Night at the D" will air live (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world-famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.), and FloBoxing.tv will live stream the Dec. 17th undercard worldwide, starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET), in addition to three main card TV bouts - excluding North America - beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET).
The "Knockout Night at the D" series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Jim "J.R." Ross and Joey Varner will call all the action live from ringside, while Jeff Huston will be the ring announcer and fight-week master of ceremonies.
Cantu vs. Palicte will be contested for two belts as Cantu defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight championship, in addition to the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental super flyweight title.
Rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a flyweight, the 25-year-old Cantu (14-0, 1 KO) will face the toughest test of his 4+-years professional career in the heavy-handed Palcite, but he's excited to be headlining this nationally televised show from Las Vegas.
"I feel honored to be headlining a card in Las Vegas," the Texan said. "The opportunity is what every boxer wants because Vegas is the biggest boxing hum in the United States and it has produced great champions in the past. I want to thank Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions for this opportunity.
"A victory can help me open doors to the world title and allow me the show everybody what I stand for, which is being God's humble champion. The outcome of this fight will come down to who wants to win more. I'm sure that adjustments will need to be made throughout the fight. Either way, I am well prepared to get this victory."
Palicte (21-2, 18 KOs) is a dangerous Filipino fighter who is world rated at No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the WBO. Now training in Los Angeles, Palicte is looking forward to making his American debut Dec. 17.
"I'm really excited," he remarked. "I've been training o hard, pushing myself to the limit, because I also want to excel as much as the other Filipino fighters. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight in the main event. Knowing he is undefeated, this is going to be an exciting, challenging fight.
"I've always dreamed of fighting for the world title and I'm taking things one step at a time. Through my promoter, RJJ, it was mentioned that there's a big possibility for a world title challenge in 2017 if I win this fight. I've fought some quality fighters and I think I can do what I want in the ring, though I won't say it's going to be easy to control the fight."
Styles made fights and a classic match-up between a consummate boxer (Cantu) and powerful puncher (Palicte) guarantees an intriguing fight that should be highly entertaining and incredibly competitive. Both fighters also respect each other.
"Palicte brings an impressive record and a lot of experience," Cantu noted. "The road to a world title is a tough one, which means no easy opponents. I am really excited about this challenge. This is a classic fight because of our styles and I am sure we won't let the viewing public down. I am ready to become the next great American champion in this weight class."
"Cantu is a smart boxer," Palicte added. "I'd compare him to Ismael Garnica, who I fought in our Showdown at Sands in Macau. (Palicte won by way of a seventh-round TKO.) He (Cantu) is kind of a runner, too, always moving around the ring, but we can never tell one's ability until we've fought.
"This is going to be an exciting fight. I'm really looking forward to getting a hold of those belts. Cantu is also a good boxer but with my experience and power, I think I have much more advantages than him. I know he's also doing his best training, so, it's going to be a really good fight come December 17th."
Unbeaten Chilean junior middleweight champion Angelo Baez (15-0-1, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Jamaica-native Nathaniel Gallimore (15-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, in the eight-round co-feature.
Los Angeles' Flavio Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) meets Mexican invader Dilan "El Terrible" Loza (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round battle of undefeated welterweight prospects to open the televised segment of the evening.
The Las Vegas Big 3 - 21-year-old junior lightweight Randy "El Matador" Moreno (7-0, 6 KOs), 26-year-old welterweight Jeremy "J-Flash" Nichols (7-0, 2 KOs) and 18-year-old bantamweight Max "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Ornelas (6-0, 3 KOs) - will be showcased Dec. 17th.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
No mas!
Vasyl Lomachenco (7-1, 5 KOs) retained his 130-pound world title, after Nicholas Walters (26-1-1, 21 KOs) not able to continue after Round 6 of their super featherweight title fight, Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas Nevada.
Vasl Lomachenko just getting started to really dominate in the sixth round. But Nicholas Walters don't want Lomachenco to do just that to him in the succeeding rounds. Instead, Walters decided to pull his own plug and told the referee that he will not continue.
Well it seemed to me that Nicholas Walters really don't wanted to risk a little longer. I mean he lost hope right after the end of Round 6. I don't know if he had an empty tank after the sixth round either. Well, it was clear that Lomachenko won almost every round. But not to the point that Walters really was in the verge of getting stopped.
I mean, Walters was just simply out-boxed, but he landed some too!. It was not like a one-sided beat down. But it seemed Walters had a conclusion in his mind that the fight really go that way at the end -- he will be brutally bruised and battered and might be stopped.
So, instead of thinking to continue and keep swinging for a home-run punch in the next succeeding rounds -- he thought the other way around. He decided to quit and fight another day, which is a valid decision also. well, if he think that he really doesn't have the chance. Then what to do?
But you know, if you are in the hurt business, you are presumed to have that warriors code.
Walters is a big puncher, his record shows. There were some boxing observers think that Walters had no heart of a champion and or a quitter. But well, who are we to judge. We are not the one who absorbed those punches.
Well, of course, it will hurt his stocks. But at least he avoided more damage. But lost also chance to turn the tide if he landed a home-run punch.
But yeah a fighter will always be a fighter. And if you are not. You are not.
On a side note, let me say: Get well soon Nick Blackwell! It was reported earlier that he was rushed to a hospital after he collapse doing sparring eight months after a head surgery for the injury he suffered during his last fight.
The guy really just loves to fight. Get will soon Nick!
Vasyl Lomachenco (7-1, 5 KOs) retained his 130-pound world title, after Nicholas Walters (26-1-1, 21 KOs) not able to continue after Round 6 of their super featherweight title fight, Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas Nevada.
Vasl Lomachenko just getting started to really dominate in the sixth round. But Nicholas Walters don't want Lomachenco to do just that to him in the succeeding rounds. Instead, Walters decided to pull his own plug and told the referee that he will not continue.
Well it seemed to me that Nicholas Walters really don't wanted to risk a little longer. I mean he lost hope right after the end of Round 6. I don't know if he had an empty tank after the sixth round either. Well, it was clear that Lomachenko won almost every round. But not to the point that Walters really was in the verge of getting stopped.
I mean, Walters was just simply out-boxed, but he landed some too!. It was not like a one-sided beat down. But it seemed Walters had a conclusion in his mind that the fight really go that way at the end -- he will be brutally bruised and battered and might be stopped.
So, instead of thinking to continue and keep swinging for a home-run punch in the next succeeding rounds -- he thought the other way around. He decided to quit and fight another day, which is a valid decision also. well, if he think that he really doesn't have the chance. Then what to do?
But you know, if you are in the hurt business, you are presumed to have that warriors code.
Walters is a big puncher, his record shows. There were some boxing observers think that Walters had no heart of a champion and or a quitter. But well, who are we to judge. We are not the one who absorbed those punches.
Well, of course, it will hurt his stocks. But at least he avoided more damage. But lost also chance to turn the tide if he landed a home-run punch.
But yeah a fighter will always be a fighter. And if you are not. You are not.
On a side note, let me say: Get well soon Nick Blackwell! It was reported earlier that he was rushed to a hospital after he collapse doing sparring eight months after a head surgery for the injury he suffered during his last fight.
The guy really just loves to fight. Get will soon Nick!
Sunday, November 20, 2016
It was tough second round for Andre Ward, as he was floored by a powerful right hand from the Krusher. He got up, solidify more of his defense and balance it with effective and accurate offense that saw him winning on all three judges scorecards.
The official scores were 114-113 on all three judges for Ward winning most of the alphabet titles at light heavyweight.
In the first half of the fight, Ward (31-0, 15KOs) was on the receiving end of Sergey Kovalev's powerful jabs and right hand. Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KO) dropped Ward with right hand during the second round of their light heavyweight championship, Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ward got up from the knockdown and held for the rest of round. He clinched as Kovalev rushed in to finish him up early.
Ward slowly but surely adjusted the power and attacks of Kovalev every round after the knockdown. He was maintaining safe distance from Kovalev and tied the Russian champion when he gets closer. He fired counter mostly to the body that got a toll on Kovalev as the fight wore on.
In the second half of the fight, Ward was able to land sneaky jabs that snapped Kovalev's head back and he continued his body work. The fight become more competitive as Ward already adjusted to the style and was able to dictate each engagement in the ring. He fired at angles where Kovalev not in position to counter and force held when Kovalev came close.
However, it's not the usual punch-and-clinch routine for Ward as Kovalev either wrestle to punch in or wrestle to rough up Ward. They employ brilliant techniques every time they tangle up. The referee had an awesome job controlling the fight mostly by his mouth as the fighters were listening to his commands each time they tangle.
It was a controversial close decision, but I don't see it as bad decision either. I have it a draw and I like to see a rematch. But Kovalev had a hard time accepting his first defeat, and believed he clearly won the fight, seven to three rounds on his favor.
"He got maybe few rounds. You know, I agree but not the full fight. I keep control all the fight all rounds. I lost like three rounds of all [entire] fight, says Kovalev.
Kovalev said that he wanted a rematch and he will "kick his ass" referring to Ward.
"Of course I want a rematch and I will kick his ass like that. I just wanted to show boxing not short round you know," answers Kovalev.
What do you think of the decision? Would you want to see an immediate rematch?
The official scores were 114-113 on all three judges for Ward winning most of the alphabet titles at light heavyweight.
In the first half of the fight, Ward (31-0, 15KOs) was on the receiving end of Sergey Kovalev's powerful jabs and right hand. Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KO) dropped Ward with right hand during the second round of their light heavyweight championship, Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ward got up from the knockdown and held for the rest of round. He clinched as Kovalev rushed in to finish him up early.
Ward slowly but surely adjusted the power and attacks of Kovalev every round after the knockdown. He was maintaining safe distance from Kovalev and tied the Russian champion when he gets closer. He fired counter mostly to the body that got a toll on Kovalev as the fight wore on.
In the second half of the fight, Ward was able to land sneaky jabs that snapped Kovalev's head back and he continued his body work. The fight become more competitive as Ward already adjusted to the style and was able to dictate each engagement in the ring. He fired at angles where Kovalev not in position to counter and force held when Kovalev came close.
However, it's not the usual punch-and-clinch routine for Ward as Kovalev either wrestle to punch in or wrestle to rough up Ward. They employ brilliant techniques every time they tangle up. The referee had an awesome job controlling the fight mostly by his mouth as the fighters were listening to his commands each time they tangle.
It was a controversial close decision, but I don't see it as bad decision either. I have it a draw and I like to see a rematch. But Kovalev had a hard time accepting his first defeat, and believed he clearly won the fight, seven to three rounds on his favor.
"He got maybe few rounds. You know, I agree but not the full fight. I keep control all the fight all rounds. I lost like three rounds of all [entire] fight, says Kovalev.
Kovalev said that he wanted a rematch and he will "kick his ass" referring to Ward.
"Of course I want a rematch and I will kick his ass like that. I just wanted to show boxing not short round you know," answers Kovalev.
What do you think of the decision? Would you want to see an immediate rematch?
Sunday, November 13, 2016
It's been ages since I last updated this blog. Wheww... 8-5 job really hampers me from doing the thing I love most. But what to do? At the end of the day, we need to pay the bills. Our day job does that. So at times, I sacrificed my love of writing boxing updates of any sort.
Well, it was a good boxing weekend. We saw Manny Pacquiao became world champion again. He did not just get out of that short retirement but came back and wrote another fate in boxing history books. The first fighting senator of the sport of boxing! What an achievement to add Pacman's unbelievable boxing career.
Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KO's) won a unanimous decision over 10 years junior Jessie Vargas (27-2, 10 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight championship bout at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It was an entertaining fight yet lack of explosiveness towards the end.
Although in the second round scored a knockdown, it is obvious that the 37-year-old former congressman and now senator Pacquiao was too cautious. According to Juan Manuel Marquez, in an interview, Pacquiao fought too cautious against Vargas who mastered a counter right hand.
It was a counter right hand from Marquez that put to sleep Pacquaio during their fourth encounter. According to Marquez, Vargas is not a hard puncher. But when Vargas hit Pacquiao with a right hand, the Pacman staggers. The knockout changed the style of Pacquiao who is known to fight relentlessly especially to a less powerful opponents. Vargas came in with only 10 TKO/KO wins on his ledger.
Well, I couldn't agree more with Marquez. Vargas really just missed several powerful counter-right hands. A counter punch that Vargas for sure practiced during training camp hoping to land a Marquez-alike counter that would stop the Pacman.
Well, Pacquiao was very much looking too much attention to that counter right hand. Even during the Bradley fight, I noticed that Pacquiao was very conscious of the right hand throughout the fight. It's not Vargas fired with less accuracy but it was Pacquiao too mindful about the right hand and avoided them effectively.
Apart from Pacquiao being too cautious, I noticed that Pacquiao is still the same vintage Pacquiao. He still has that speed at age 37, still has power with the left hand. He still has that quickness in both hands, fast footwork, and impressive stamina. Pacquiao was able to maintain those even reporting to his day job as senator and training in the evening in the early days of training camp.
In another interview also, Marquez predicted that a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch will have the same result as the first time. He said that "it would be more of the same," referring to the outcome of the first fight.
"Mayweather boxing, and you saw Manny was more eager, had more power but did nothing, said Marquez.
The scorecards: Glenn Feldman 118-109, Glenn Trowbridge 118-109, Dave Moretti 114-113
I watched the replay of the fight. I was not able to watch it live because I woke up late. Just woke up just in time with the main event that Sunday morning Kuwait time. Well, I had no doubt that of course Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) won the fight. I thought Magdaleno controlled the fight, dictated the tempo, he chose when to engage and not to engage Donaire. He did make use of the entire ring to find advantage position and angle to fire offense without worrying that the vaunted Donaire counter left hook lands a home run.
But what I don't agree with or am not convinced about is the scoring. I thought that was a close fight than what the official scorecards appeared. I mean, two things you have to weigh-in in that fight; the telling effects of the Donaire's punches or Magdaleno's jab, bodywork, and generalship. Well, I'll give those rounds to Donaire where he was able to connect more than two clean telling punches. Remember that Donaire was the champion and he was the aggressor the whole night. That for me would negate Magdaleno's ring generalship.
But of course, what was the problem with Donaire's performance was his tendency to wait for an opponent's move for so long... looking for counter opportunities. In the process of waiting he was hit first, then reset... then he will be hit again... then reset... till he lands one. But the opponent got him twice or thrice already.
The scorecards: Steve Weisfeld 116-112, Burt A. Clements 116-112, Adalaide Byrd 118-110.
That 118-110 was way too wide a margin for me.
I found the below video on Youtube and embedded it here:
Well, it was a good boxing weekend. We saw Manny Pacquiao became world champion again. He did not just get out of that short retirement but came back and wrote another fate in boxing history books. The first fighting senator of the sport of boxing! What an achievement to add Pacman's unbelievable boxing career.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas
Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KO's) won a unanimous decision over 10 years junior Jessie Vargas (27-2, 10 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight championship bout at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It was an entertaining fight yet lack of explosiveness towards the end.
Although in the second round scored a knockdown, it is obvious that the 37-year-old former congressman and now senator Pacquiao was too cautious. According to Juan Manuel Marquez, in an interview, Pacquiao fought too cautious against Vargas who mastered a counter right hand.
It was a counter right hand from Marquez that put to sleep Pacquaio during their fourth encounter. According to Marquez, Vargas is not a hard puncher. But when Vargas hit Pacquiao with a right hand, the Pacman staggers. The knockout changed the style of Pacquiao who is known to fight relentlessly especially to a less powerful opponents. Vargas came in with only 10 TKO/KO wins on his ledger.
Well, I couldn't agree more with Marquez. Vargas really just missed several powerful counter-right hands. A counter punch that Vargas for sure practiced during training camp hoping to land a Marquez-alike counter that would stop the Pacman.
Well, Pacquiao was very much looking too much attention to that counter right hand. Even during the Bradley fight, I noticed that Pacquiao was very conscious of the right hand throughout the fight. It's not Vargas fired with less accuracy but it was Pacquiao too mindful about the right hand and avoided them effectively.
Apart from Pacquiao being too cautious, I noticed that Pacquiao is still the same vintage Pacquiao. He still has that speed at age 37, still has power with the left hand. He still has that quickness in both hands, fast footwork, and impressive stamina. Pacquiao was able to maintain those even reporting to his day job as senator and training in the evening in the early days of training camp.
In another interview also, Marquez predicted that a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch will have the same result as the first time. He said that "it would be more of the same," referring to the outcome of the first fight.
"Mayweather boxing, and you saw Manny was more eager, had more power but did nothing, said Marquez.
The scorecards: Glenn Feldman 118-109, Glenn Trowbridge 118-109, Dave Moretti 114-113
Nonito Donaire Jr. vs Jessie Magdaleno
I watched the replay of the fight. I was not able to watch it live because I woke up late. Just woke up just in time with the main event that Sunday morning Kuwait time. Well, I had no doubt that of course Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) won the fight. I thought Magdaleno controlled the fight, dictated the tempo, he chose when to engage and not to engage Donaire. He did make use of the entire ring to find advantage position and angle to fire offense without worrying that the vaunted Donaire counter left hook lands a home run.
But what I don't agree with or am not convinced about is the scoring. I thought that was a close fight than what the official scorecards appeared. I mean, two things you have to weigh-in in that fight; the telling effects of the Donaire's punches or Magdaleno's jab, bodywork, and generalship. Well, I'll give those rounds to Donaire where he was able to connect more than two clean telling punches. Remember that Donaire was the champion and he was the aggressor the whole night. That for me would negate Magdaleno's ring generalship.
But of course, what was the problem with Donaire's performance was his tendency to wait for an opponent's move for so long... looking for counter opportunities. In the process of waiting he was hit first, then reset... then he will be hit again... then reset... till he lands one. But the opponent got him twice or thrice already.
The scorecards: Steve Weisfeld 116-112, Burt A. Clements 116-112, Adalaide Byrd 118-110.
That 118-110 was way too wide a margin for me.
I found the below video on Youtube and embedded it here:
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will come out from a short retirement to fight American Jessie Vargas, Saturday night, 5th Nov. at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) announced retirement after his victory over Timothy Bradley Jr. in 9th April to focus his bid for a Philippine senatorial seat, which he successfully won in May elections.
The fighting senator confirmed on 9th Aug. that he will come out of retirement and fight Vargas for the WBO world welterweight title.
"Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a Nov. 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas," Pacquiao said in an interview with ESPN.com.
Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) won his last fight against top young welterweight Sadam Ali in 5th Mar. via knockout in the 9th round, but lost to Bradley, prior to the Ali fight, in a controversial 12-round decision.
The referee mistakenly held Vargas to stop throwing punches to a wobbling Bradley thinking the 12th round was over. Bradley regained footing and was able to finish the fight and won by decision.
The Las Vegas-based Vargas, 27, was the clear underdog against the experienced former congressman who is 10 years senior, but Vargas is confident he can do it.
“A lot of you guys do wish me luck, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking: ‘I don’t think he can do it.’ But I’m here to tell you I can,” said Vargas quoted by telegraph.co.uk.
Pacquiao stands at 5’ 5.5” while Vargas stands 4.5 inches taller at 5’10”. Vargas has a significant height advantage against the former 8-division champion. He also enjoys a 4-inch reach advantage measure from armpit to the fist.
In the undercard, Filipino American Nonito Donaire Jr. faces Jessie Magdaleno for the WBO super bantamweight title.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas is available live on HBO via pay-per-view.
Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) announced retirement after his victory over Timothy Bradley Jr. in 9th April to focus his bid for a Philippine senatorial seat, which he successfully won in May elections.
The fighting senator confirmed on 9th Aug. that he will come out of retirement and fight Vargas for the WBO world welterweight title.
"Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a Nov. 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas," Pacquiao said in an interview with ESPN.com.
Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) won his last fight against top young welterweight Sadam Ali in 5th Mar. via knockout in the 9th round, but lost to Bradley, prior to the Ali fight, in a controversial 12-round decision.
The referee mistakenly held Vargas to stop throwing punches to a wobbling Bradley thinking the 12th round was over. Bradley regained footing and was able to finish the fight and won by decision.
The Las Vegas-based Vargas, 27, was the clear underdog against the experienced former congressman who is 10 years senior, but Vargas is confident he can do it.
“A lot of you guys do wish me luck, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking: ‘I don’t think he can do it.’ But I’m here to tell you I can,” said Vargas quoted by telegraph.co.uk.
Pacquiao stands at 5’ 5.5” while Vargas stands 4.5 inches taller at 5’10”. Vargas has a significant height advantage against the former 8-division champion. He also enjoys a 4-inch reach advantage measure from armpit to the fist.
In the undercard, Filipino American Nonito Donaire Jr. faces Jessie Magdaleno for the WBO super bantamweight title.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas is available live on HBO via pay-per-view.
Philadelphia, PA—A pair of cruiserweights hoping to make some noise in the division—Lamont Capers and Garrett Wilson—collide in a six-round fight Friday evening, Dec. 2, at the 2300 Arena in South Philly.
Topping the eight-fight card is a 10-round junior lightweight fight with Tevin Farmer, of North Philadelphia, defending his NABF junior lightweight title against Dardan Zenunaj, of Albania. First fight is 7 pm.
Capers (left), 25, of Hawley, PA, turned more than a few heads earlier this year when he upset Nick Kisner, of Baltimore, MD, over eight rounds in Atlantic City, NJ. Kisner’s record was 16-2-1 at the time, Capers was 5-8.
After following the win over Kisner with another victory, this time in Philadelphia against Pedro Martinez, Hawley goes after the big one when he takes on Wilson, a former top contender and a man considered to be the “policeman” of the cruiserweight division.
“Fighting a big name (like Wilson) is exciting” Capers said. “I am looking forward to testing my skills against someone who has been through it already. I am ready and there is nothing to be afraid of, whether it’s in my backyard, his backyard or anyone else’s backyard. It’s all a mind game to me and if I can overcome it then I will be comfortable.
“A win over Garrett Wilson will boost my career and lead to greater fights. I am not intimidated. I have God on my side and I have not been intimidated by any fighter. Most of the guys I fought had winning records. Those I lost to wouldn’t fight me a second time now that my mindset has changed for the better. I’m getting hyped for this fight just by talking about it. We’ll see who is better, me or him. Not taking anything away from anyone but we will see who has been training the hardest.”
Wilson (right), 34, of South Philadelphia, is an eight-year pro with a 16-11-1 record, 9 K0s. He is a former USBA and NABF cruiserweight champion and is known for fighting the best cruiserweights and, on occasion, heavyweights in the world. Only twice in his 28-fight career has he faced an opponent with a losing record.
Among his victims are Omar Sheika, Andres Taylor and Chuck Mussachio and he gave heavyweight title challenger Czar Glazkov all he could handle in 2013, losing a 10-round decision in a fight Wilson took on 72 hours’ notice.
The only foe common to Capers and Wilson is Pedro Martinez, whom Wilson twice beat, once by decision, once by knockout.
Capers could be catching Wilson at the right time since the Philadelphian is coming off a pair of losses to Keith Tapia and Guillermo Jones.
“Not sure I really lost to Keith Tapia,” Wilson said. “It could have been a draw. I definitely beat Guillermo Jones. Everyone there (Pittsburgh, PA) knew I won the fight and they booed the decision but Jones was with Don King so what can you do.
“That’s all behind me. My goal now is to simply hurt people. I have nothing left to prove; I just want to hurt people. That’s my goal!”
Topping the eight-fight card is a 10-round junior lightweight fight with Tevin Farmer, of North Philadelphia, defending his NABF junior lightweight title against Dardan Zenunaj, of Albania. First fight is 7 pm.
Capers (left), 25, of Hawley, PA, turned more than a few heads earlier this year when he upset Nick Kisner, of Baltimore, MD, over eight rounds in Atlantic City, NJ. Kisner’s record was 16-2-1 at the time, Capers was 5-8.
After following the win over Kisner with another victory, this time in Philadelphia against Pedro Martinez, Hawley goes after the big one when he takes on Wilson, a former top contender and a man considered to be the “policeman” of the cruiserweight division.
“Fighting a big name (like Wilson) is exciting” Capers said. “I am looking forward to testing my skills against someone who has been through it already. I am ready and there is nothing to be afraid of, whether it’s in my backyard, his backyard or anyone else’s backyard. It’s all a mind game to me and if I can overcome it then I will be comfortable.
“A win over Garrett Wilson will boost my career and lead to greater fights. I am not intimidated. I have God on my side and I have not been intimidated by any fighter. Most of the guys I fought had winning records. Those I lost to wouldn’t fight me a second time now that my mindset has changed for the better. I’m getting hyped for this fight just by talking about it. We’ll see who is better, me or him. Not taking anything away from anyone but we will see who has been training the hardest.”
Wilson (right), 34, of South Philadelphia, is an eight-year pro with a 16-11-1 record, 9 K0s. He is a former USBA and NABF cruiserweight champion and is known for fighting the best cruiserweights and, on occasion, heavyweights in the world. Only twice in his 28-fight career has he faced an opponent with a losing record.
Among his victims are Omar Sheika, Andres Taylor and Chuck Mussachio and he gave heavyweight title challenger Czar Glazkov all he could handle in 2013, losing a 10-round decision in a fight Wilson took on 72 hours’ notice.
The only foe common to Capers and Wilson is Pedro Martinez, whom Wilson twice beat, once by decision, once by knockout.
Capers could be catching Wilson at the right time since the Philadelphian is coming off a pair of losses to Keith Tapia and Guillermo Jones.
“Not sure I really lost to Keith Tapia,” Wilson said. “It could have been a draw. I definitely beat Guillermo Jones. Everyone there (Pittsburgh, PA) knew I won the fight and they booed the decision but Jones was with Don King so what can you do.
“That’s all behind me. My goal now is to simply hurt people. I have nothing left to prove; I just want to hurt people. That’s my goal!”