Oscar De La Hoya is shortsighted, misguided or just naive, but – please – he isn’t an enemy of the free-market system in comments this week about wanting to sign all of the talented fighters and secure the best television dates.

De La Monopolist, he is not.

In telling Broadcast & Cable that boxing needs to be run more like baseball or the National Basketball Association, De La Hoya is being as American as the New York Yankees. Since when haven’t the major leagues been able to sidestep anti-trust laws? Baseball has an anti-trust exemption.

In 2007, economist Andrew Zimbalist, a professor at Smith College and author of books on the sports business, told The New York Times:

“Each league is a monopoly and exercises significant market power by, (among other things), extracting significant public subsidies for the construction of facilities.

“The players in each league share in the monopoly booty.”

Enough said.

Unfortunately, De La Hoya said a lot more, too much more in the Q-and-A format. First, the Golden Boy Promotions president said he did not want to take over boxing. Then, he said, “in a way, yes, we do want to take over.’’ He wasn’t finished. In the next sentence, he said, “Well, we don’t want to take control of boxing, but we want to do the right thing for the sport.’’

De La Hoya is more of a politician than Congressman Manny Pacquiao. More than annoying, the yes-no-maybe spin is a unifying call for promotional rivals, who are having a tea party of their own in an overreaction to De La Hoya’s comments.

Not to worry. Boxing is the Balkans. Allies are temporary and always an imminent enemy. If it sounds like anarchy, it is and has been. Leave it to somebody else to decide whether that’s good or bad for business.

This week, at least, Paulie Malignaggi will probably says it’s very, very good after Golden Boy signed him to a contract in the wake of his last fight, a loss to Amir Khan, that prompted even him to concede that retirement was a consideration. In an attempt to expand the Golden Boy brand from west-to-east, from Los Angeles-to-New York, De La Hoya needed a well-known New York name to sell a deal to promote at the new Brooklyn arena, the Barclays Center, starting in 2012. There are questions about whether Malignaggi can still fight, but absolutely no doubt about whether he can talk through 2012 and beyond.

Above all, Malignaggi’s signing exposed – all over again – the game’s defining characteristic. He wasted little time and no apologies in a rip of his former promoter, Lou DiBella, whom he said did not market him enough. It was as unfair as it was embarrassing. But it was boxing. It illustrates a business guided more by bitter rivalries that unity.

For three decades, it was Bob Arum-versus-Don King. Now, Arum and King talk like old friends and loom as business partners if an agreement for a Pacquiao fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. can ever be reached.

For Arum, however, the rivalry – a little bit like oxygen – is still there.

In De La Hoya, Arum has another one, which makes some fights tough to make and makes all those worries about a monopoly just look foolish.

Carbajal’s legal fight continues
Hall of Famer Michael Carbajal, a retired junior-flyweight from Phoenix, appeared Thursday in court with companion Laura Hall for a hearing to retain an order of protection against his neighbors, Carbajal niece Josephine and Jose Espinal.

Carbajal alleges that he and Hall were assaulted by Espinal and a couple of unidentified assailants on the night of Sept. 6. Through an interpreter who translated his Spanish, Espinal called the allegation a lie. He said he was not there. No charges have been filed. A criminal investigation is underway.

At the hearing in downtown Phoenix, Hall wore a cast on her left arm. She said two fingers had been crushed in the alleged incident. A bruise from a black eye was still evident. Photos of her injury and cuts to Carbajal’s face and head were provided as evidence.

Josephine alleged that Michael Carbajal had been drinking. Police officers, who answered the 911 call, said that they smelled alcohol. The hearing was continued. It will resume on Oct. 20.

It is just the latest battle in Carbajal’s star-crossed life. Brother and former trainer Danny Carbajal, Josephine’s father, is still in prison for stealing an estimated $2 million from his brother, who earned about $8 million over 49 fights. Danny Carbajal is scheduled for release in October 2011. Danny Carbajal’s wife, Sally, was murdered in Feb. 25, 2005, three days before they were scheduled to be in divorce court. The murder has never been solved. More than five years after Sally after was found dead from a gunshot, the murder is still a cold case.

Josephine entered a guilty plea for her role in the theft from Michael, who is trying to recover what was stolen from him in civil court. She was sentenced to probation. In April, she and Espinal moved into Danny’s former residence next to Michael’s boyhood home. Michael Carbajal said they moved into the house in an attempt to provoke him.

“They’re trying to make me to do something that will put me in jail,’’ said Carbajal, who continues to battle a drinking problem. “That’s what they want. It’s about greed. That’s what it goes back to. That’s what this is all about.’’

Notes, quotes and a couple of counters
· Golden Boy is suing Top Rank for allegedly trying to hide money that De La Hoya’s company says it is owed from three Pacquiao fights. Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz reacted to the lawsuit suit, telling AOL: “I guess since Golden Boy doesn’t have any boxers to promote that are of any high quality, they have to find a fight somewhere, so they have chosen to fight in the courts through frivolous litigation.” Say what? Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach might disagree. Roach trains the Golden Boy promoted Amir Kahn.

· And the International Boxing Federation is threatening to strip Devon Alexander of its junior-welterweight title if he fights Timothy Bradley instead of South African Kaiser Mabuza, the No. 1 contender. Where is the trash can that Riddick Bowe made so in famous in 1992? That’s where Bowe deposited the World Boxing Council’s heavyweight belt. That’s where the IBF’s 140-bout belt belongs right now.

LOS ANGELES — SHOWTIME® Sports hosted a press conference Thursday at The Conga Room , L.A. Live, to formally introduce and discuss “BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT: WINNER TAKES ALL” that begins Saturday, Dec. 11, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Irapuato, Mexico.

In attendance was Ken Hershman, SHOWTIME Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager, the four world class boxers who will participate in the two-round, single-elimination tournament to determine the best fighter at 118 pounds – International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Yonnhy Perez (20-0-1, 14 KOs), former world champions Joseph Agbeko (27-2, 22 KOs) and Vic Darchinyan (35-2-1, 27 KOs) and world-ranked rising star Abner Mares (29-0-1) – and their promoters

The semifinal matchups: Perez defends his title against Agbeko and Darchinyan and Mares vie for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Belt The bouts are scheduled for 12 rounds. The winners of each semifinal will clash in the final in 2011 with the losing fighters competing in a consolation fight.

Each of the participants in the bantamweight tournament has previously fought at least one of the other fighters in competitive bouts, all on SHOWTIME.

The bantamweight tournament is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions for Darchinyan and, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions, for Perez, Golden Boy Promotions for Mares, and Don King Productions for Agbeko.

What the fighters, Hershman and the promoters said Thursday:

KEN HERSHMAN (SHOWTIME)

“I want to thank the press for coming out and the fighters and promoters for participating in this amazing series of fights. Our promise to our subscribers has always been very simple and that’s to put on the best fights as possible and let the fans enjoy it. I think we have four of the top 118-pounders in the world and I don’t think there’s a bad matchup in the bunch.

When we looked at the various configurations, we couldn’t figure out where we wanted to go and that to me is exactly what you want. You don’t go into the fight knowing who’s going to win, who’s not going to win, everyone gets two shots and I think we’ll be able to claim who’s the undisputed champion in this weight category.

“I believe the sport of boxing is a tremendous sport by itself, but I think when you overlay tournament style rules to this sport it becomes that much more thrilling. Obviously, for our subscribers, keeping it new, keeping it fresh is what we’re after. I want to thank the promoters. This was really a very cooperative effort.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER (Golden Boy Promotions, Mares’ promoter)

“This really is an amazing lineup. It’s natural for Mexico to host the opening round of this tournament. As we all know, Mexico has a rich and deep history with bantamweights.

“These four fighters will deliver what I know will be the best four fights.’’

ABNER MARES

“The four-man tournament is great. Tournament boxing is great. It helps not only fighters but boxing because in this tournament you have four of the best fighters facing each other. There’s no ducking any fighters here. You’re fighting the best no matter what. You don’t pick fighters in a tournament and this is what people want and I want that. I am here for the fans.

“I want to take the time to thank SHOWTIME for putting this show together and not forgetting about the little guys because there are a lot of people that don’t even look at the little guys. It’s a great opportunity for all four of us. It’s tremendous for the weight class and I love it.

“It’s a privilege to fight Vic Darchinyan. He’s a well-known fighter, a big name. He’s beaten a lot of good fighters. All around I think he’s a good fighter but I don’t think of myself as a bad fighter. I think I’ve got the perfect style for him. I think it’s going to be a tough fight for both of us.

“I’ve got to take it fight by fight. But this fight is really big. I’ve got to take full advantage of my opportunity.

It will be my first time fighting in Mexico so that is exciting.’’

(On fighting Yonnhy Perez to a draw on SHOWTIME)

“I was ready. I said I was ready for that fight and I proved it going the 12 rounds. I still haven’t got over it because I have people telling me, ‘you won the fight.’ (But) it is what it is.’’

KEN THOMPSON (Thompson Boxing, Perez’ promoter)

“I think we’re going to have the most fabulous tournament ever. We’ve got four of the best fighters in the bantamweight division and they’re from all over the world: Ghana, Mexico, Armenia and Colombia. We’ve got a mix like never before — future champions, former champions and current champions. With this mix, you’ll never see fights like this again. But in the end we think the IBF Champion of the World, Yonnhy Perez, will be standing there right in the middle of the ring as the world champion. We’re looking for everything that could possibly happen to happen in this tournament. This is the greatest collection of bantamweights ever.’’

“You’ve got the best of the best with SHOWTIME putting this on. You’ve got the best promoters. SHOWTIME is one of the finest groups of people you could work with and they have a vision like no one else. I can’t wait for this to start.’’

YONNHY PEREZ

“I’m very happy that SHOWTIME is putting this tournament on. In the end it’s going to show who the best bantamweight in the world is. For SHOWTIME to get all these promoters together is great because you don’t have to get fights. It’s set. Whoever wins goes on; whoever loses, there is still a fight. My goal is to win it all. I’m very happy about the tournament because basically everyone included has a title.

“I can’t express how thankful I am to SHOWTIME for putting on this tournament and even putting me on Shobox when I first came up from Colombia. I’m very thankful. After everything is done I hope I continue to have their support and I’ll always be ready to fight and will always give a great fight for SHOWTIME.

“I’m concentrating on my fight. I don’t consider myself the favorite. I know I’m the world champion but I go into every fight thinking I’m the underdog. I’m going to prepare for this fight and come out victorious.’’

GARY SHAW (Gary Shaw Productions, Darchinyan’s promoter)

“Let me thank Ken Hershman. Ken, even with the problems we’ve had with the Super Six, saw the value in tournaments. I think tournaments is the way boxing is going to have to go. It has the interest of the fans. It has the interest of the fighters and once and for all you’ll know who the best really is.

“This is a great tournament. There are four great fighters. I have a lot of respect for all of them. Agbeko fought a great fight and Darchinyan had concrete between his ears, didn’t listen to his corner and I believe cost himself the fight, but Yonnhy finished the unfinished work of Vic by finishing Agbeko off.

“Abner Mares, who I have a tremendous amount of respect for, is the youngest fighter and was in an absolute war with Yonnhy. I thought Yonnhy won by one round but I thought Mares showed a huge amount of heart and courage, stayed in that fight and took it to a draw. Darchinyan is the oldest fighter on the stage, the one with the most experience. Everybody at SHOWTIME knows Darchinyan and they know how he thinks and they know when he fight, he comes to fight. He’s never in a dull fight.

“I want to tell you how you confident I am in Vic Darchinyan. This fight is in Mexico, but I told Vic ‘don’t worry, you are the best in the tournament.’ He said, “You really believe that?’ I said, ‘I believe it so much I called up Jose Sulaiman and we’re going to have a Mexican referee, we’re going to have three Mexican judges, a Mexican timekeeper and I know you’ll win.”

VIC DARCHINYAN

I want to thank Gary Shaw , Ken Hershman and everyone at SHOWTIME for putting on this show. Now, the whole world can see at bantamweight who’s the best. I am very happy for this tournament. I’m physically prepared all the time.

“I’m happy I’m fighting in Mexico. My style is a Mexican style, guys are coming to fight, coming for a show, so that’s what I’m going to do. Mexicans love my style. I am not against them, I am not against anyone. I’m just against my opponent. It just happens Mexicans have been my opponents, which is good. Mexicans are good fighters.

“The two other guys (Francisco Montiel, Nonito Donaire) that didn’t want to be in the tournament know they cannot be at the same level. Some of them think they are good, but if you’re good, get in the tournament. If you’re one of the best at bantamweight, come and fight. Mares is a good fighter.

“I’m going to be prepared for anything. No fear. I moved up to challenge other champions. The super tournament connects all the dots. I don’t want to defend my titles and fight No. 10, No. 15. If I fight, I collect all belts. The point is not who you can beat, it’s what champions you can beat. I want to prove myself and I want to prove to everyone I’m the best. Why worry?

ALAN HOPPER (Don King Productions)

“I happened to be at ARCO Arena in Sacramento in 2007 when pretty much an unknown guy came in to face a tough as nails Nicaraguan name Luis Perez. He had been the ideal bantamweight champion since 2003 Joseph knocked him out and sent him to the hospital. That’s how he catapulted himself to this stage. Later, in his career-defining fight, he met Darchinyan.

“It’s always going to be a good promotion with Vic, a lot of back and forth talking. The Florida commission used SHOWTIME’s clock and there was an extra minute in a round and in that round Vic knocked Joseph down. It was a wonderful fight and Joseph was fortunate enough to come out with a victory. Then, there was the “Halloween Thrilla” at Treasure Island on SHOWTIME where Yonnhy met Joseph. Yonnhy had a great game plan and I give him everything. In the 10th round there was a terrible head butt and Joseph got knocked down. The referee didn’t see it, and called it a knock down. Joseph feels like he has some unfinished business.’’

JOSEPH AGBEKO

“This is going to be a very nice tournament. The opportunity to meet the best bantamweights in the world is going to give me a very good platform. This tournament is the return of “King Kong.’’ It’s giving me the opportunity to get back in the ring. My trainer and I are coming together to make me the best bantamweight.

“Perez is a great fighter. He’s got a brave heart. I’m going to come very well prepared. I’m not thinking about Vic, I’m not thinking about Mares, I’m thinking about Perez. The winner will meet me.

“I think it’s going to be a very nice opportunity for me to fight in Mexico. They’ve produced a lot of great fighters and it’s going to be an honor to fight in Mexico.

“I’m very motivated to get back the belt because Ghana has no champion right now. They all have supported me and want me to win the title.’’

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Newly crowned NABA Middleweight Champion Kassim Ouma spoke to 15rounds.com shortly after his title-winning sixth-round stoppage of Joey Gilbert at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada on Saturday night. With the win, Ouma (27-7-1, 17 KOs) likely earned a world ranking with WBA, which could eventually lead to a fight against their champion Felix Sturm.


Watch Kassim Ouma Interview with 15rounds.com

He wont be fighting Miguel Cotto, but popular Middleweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will be in the ring on December 4 as he will take on former world title challenger Alfonso Gomez as part of a Top Rank Pay Per View card in Anaheim, Californina, that according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

• Former flyweight titlist Nonito Donaire (24-1, 16 KOs), a top-10 pound-for-pound fighter, will move up from junior bantamweight to face former bantamweight titlist Wladimir Sidorenko (22-2-2, 7 KOs) for a vacant interim belt.

• Lightweight titlist Humberto Soto (53-7-2, 32 KOs) will make his third defense against Urbano Antillon (28-1, 20 KOs) in a bout that had been slated to take place in May but was called off when Soto elected to take a different fight.

• Lightweight contender Brandon Rios (25-0-1, 18 KOs), coming off a breakout performance in which stormed past favored Anthony Peterson for a dominant seventh-round disqualification win on Sept. 11 in his HBO debut, will face an opponent to be determined.

“I think it’s a nice card. I like that card. It should be a fun show.” Said Top Rank boss Bob Arum , adding that the Honda Center will be configured for a crowd of about 10,000. “We have priced the tickets very reasonably — $200, $100, $50 and $30 — so we’re expecting a good crowd.”

“I’m excited to fight someone who has a good resume like Sidorenko, who’s been champion,” Donaire said. “I’m excited to fight somebody at this level rather than the guys I’ve been fighting. It’s good to be challenged and it makes me better. I’m facing a guy who knows how to win and is experienced. The challenge is there for me. Sidorenko is not a joke.”

Should Donaire prove victorious he would be in line to fight Fernando Montiel in early 2011

If Soto and Rios each win their bouts, Arum said he plans to match them in the first quarter of next year.

“That’s the idea, and maybe we could do Rios and Antillon, too, if Antillon wins,” Arum said. “We’ll try to make the fight for HBO or Showtime.”

“Rios is a lovely kid and now he’s a hard-working guy,” Arum said. “I think he’s going to go far and I’d love to give him a chance to fight for a world title on one of the premium networks.”

“Chavez is taking the fight seriously,” Arum said. “He’s going to spar with Manny and it’s perfect. Chavez is bigger than Manny, but Chavez is getting ready for a smaller guy [Gomez] and Manny is getting ready for a bigger guy [Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13]. Chavez being in the Philippines sparring with Manny will help sell both fights.”

One of the fighters who did not make the cut for the pay-per-view, junior middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan, will still get a televised opportunity. Arum said he plans to have Martirosyan fight in his hometown of Glendale, Calif., in the headline fight on a Fox Sports “Top Rank Live” card Dec. 18, possibly against Pawel Wolak — who had been in the running to face Chavez.

“We’ll save people from having to watch Bernard Hopkins’ fight that same night,” Arum cracked, taking a dig at Hopkins’ light heavyweight title challenge to Jean Pascal, which is scheduled the same day on Showtime PPV.

Newark, NJ (September 29) – Unbeaten lightweight sensation Michael Angelo “The Artist” Perez will appear in a six round special attraction bout as part of the Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse undercard Saturday, November 6 at the Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, NJ.

Perez, a skilled pugilist with an intriguing style, is regarded amongst the top prospects on the East Coast. Unbeaten at 9-0 with 4 wins by knockout, the 20 year old phenom is coming off a devastating first round stoppage of veteran Jorge Ruiz. Prior to that, Perez made a name for himself on a national level, dominating previously unbeaten Francisco Reyes on TeleFutura.

Although he’s already built up a solid fan base and a few of his bouts have taken place within driving distance, Perez knows that his inaugural appearance in the Brick City will be something special.

“Fighting in Newark means so much to me,” said Perez, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion at lightweight. “Everybody has been dying to see me fight at the Prudential Center and I expect a huge crowd to come out and support me.”

Perez opponent will be announced shortly.

The highly anticipated bout featuring Perez against an opponent to be announced will come beneath the HBO “Boxing After Dark” doubleheader featuring Judah-Matthysse and Robert Guerrero against Vicente Escobedo.

The card is being promoted by Main Events, Golden Boy Promotions and Super Judah Promotions.

Tickets priced at $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside) can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling TicketMaster at 800-745-3000 or www.Prucenter.com.

Earlier this year Leva Kirakosyan came to Britain in a bid to become a two time European Super Featherweight champion it ended up being a successful trip for him. This Saturday Kirakosyan 36, will be looking to retain that title for the second time when he fights former world title challenger Stephen Foster Jr 27-2-1(17) in Bolton, England. Fighting away from home has never been a problem for the battle tested Armenian who is the ultimate road warrior fighting on enemy soil in 32 of his 38 contests posting an impressive 33-5(23) record. He’s currently ranked WBC 3, IBF 4 & WBO 3.

Hello Leva, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hello Anson

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you have a fight with Stephen Foster Jr coming up, what can you tell us about this fight and what are your thoughts on Foster?

Leva Kirakosyan – I’m looking forward to a tough fight; he has good pedigree and is a very slick boxer.

Anson Wainwright – The fight will take place in Britain you have been there 4 times going 3-1 and fought all over Europe in your career, presumably it doesn’t bother you fighting as the away fighter? What can you tell us about how you feel fighting away from home?

Leva Kirakosyan – I get inspiration from being the away fighter.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team? who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at ahead of this fight?

Leva Kirakosyan – I’m self managed Hatton’s will be promoting me from now on i’ve been training in Toulon at the punch group gym with Danny Bischerey i also have a training base at Wodensborough ABC England with Varuch Davyatan and Steve O’Rourke.

Anson Wainwright – Your ranked WBC 3, IBF 4 & WBO 3 if all goes well against Foster Jr presumably you will be looking for a World title fight what would it mean to you to finally get that opportunity?

Leva Kirakosyan – That would be a dream come true but i would leave that to Richard Poxon and Philippe Fondu at Hatton Promotions.

Anson Wainwright – Are you targeting anyone as your rated in the top 5 of three of the sanctioning organisations?

Leva Kirakosyan – Not really all i’m focused on at the moment is beating Steve Foster Junior and retaining my European title.

Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current World champions at 130 WBC Tajbert, WBA Uchiyama, IBF Fana & WBO Burns?

Leva Kirakosyan – Everyone of them are world class fighters.

Anson Wainwright – What fight would you say was your best performance so far?

Leva Kirakosyan – When i beat Onik Archakyan for the Russian title a few years ago the rivalry was immense but i came good on the night.
(Editors Note it was Kirokosyan’s fifth fight and he beat then unbeaten Archakyan via split decision over twelve rounds)

Anson Wainwright – Who is the best fighter you have fought so far?

Leva Kirakosyan – Urango who Ricky Hatton beat.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Gyumri, Armenia? How did you first become interested in Boxing?

Leva Kirakosyan – We were very poor Boxing was way out of the poverty my brothers were both Russian champions they took me to the gym when i was 8 years old and i never looked back.

Anson Wainwright – Your homeland has several fighters on the world stage currently including Arthur Abraham, Vic Darchinyan & Vanes Martirosyan. How proud does it make you to see others from your country doing well? Do you know any of those guys?

Leva Kirakosyan – I know all of them very well it makes me very proud that a country like Armenia constantly produces world class Boxers at amateur and professional levels.

Anson Wainwright – What interests and hobbies do you have away from Boxing?

Leva Kirakosyan – I like to relax to music i also like to dance a lot i cant believe i told you that! Haha

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Stephen Foster Jr ahead of your fight?

Leva Kirakosyan – God bless and may the best man win on Saturday the 2nd of October.

Thanks for your time Leva and good luck with your fight with Foster.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Photographer Holger Keiffel has chronicled the living face of boxing in lush black and white portraits which glare off the page, offering a stark but heroic glimpse into the heart of the cruelest sport through the men who have learned its cruelest lesson:

Boxing, ultimately, is Tragedy. Only the how and the when of it remain to be seen.

It shows in their faces, and it is faces that Keiffel focuses on: “I don’t style,” he says. “I document. I want an honest face.”

Keiffel got what he wanted. Boxers fresh from the fight, and many long retired— managers, trainers, promoters, writers, refs and TV announcers— all assembled in close to 200 pages and over 300 photographs accompanied by well chosen quotes from the ringmen themselves.

The younger boxers, often covered in tattooed talismans of one sort or another, gaze defiant, but show a tempered promise born of loss and perhaps the toll of the boxing “business” itself. The course not fully run, many seem to be whistling in the graveyards of their own pyrrhic sacrifice.

The older boxers, many of them former champions, show an unapologetic splayed nose pride in having fought the fight—despite knowing the answer to the tragic questions—their own how and whens already a part of boxing’s well documented history.

And maybe therein lay the quiet dignity in the faces of men like Jake LaMotta, Joe Frazier and Jose Torres. The notion that marked as they may be, they have also left their mark.

Boxer Vito Antuofermo quips in the quote which accompanies his rugged but handsome mug: “Someone counted them all up and told me that I had 345 stitches in my face. That’s a record or something.” But it is not the only record he holds. Antuofermo is the former Middleweight Champion of the World. A pedigree shared with the likes of Billy Conn, the Sugar Rays— Leonard and Robinson— Jake LaMotta, Marvin Hagler, the great Stanley Ketchel, and elite boxers who answered the 160 pound question all the way back to the late 1800’s Jack “The Nonpareil” Dempsey, and beyond. Antuofermo beat the man who beat the man….

With each of us given a lifetime to do what we will, few can boast of such accomplishments.
In the quote which accompanies an alarmingly older but fashionably clad Joe Frazier, he says
“That night at Madison Square Garden; fifteenth round when I put Ali down. I stood where no one else ever stood.”

You can see it in his face.

The photos were taken at times in studio, but most often on the fly at “press conferences, weigh-ins, and fights, using a Mamiya RZ camera with no computer gimmickry.” The book is described by Thomas Hauser, the award winning boxing writer who penned Muhammad Ali’s official biography and contributed text to Keifel’s handsome volume (Chronicle Books, 29.95), as “the most important collection of boxing portraits ever assembled.” I’d have to agree. For the boxing fan, the book is an indispensible nugget of almost voyeuristic eye candy. But more than that, like all great portraiture, Keifel’s work is an intimate study in what it means to be human.

But if boxing is, as Joyce Carol Oates has noted, “a celebration of the lost religion of masculinity, all the more trenchant for its being lost,” this is what it looks like.

Roy Jones Jr. cruiserweight debut scheduled for October 7th against Danny Santiago has been postponed due to a hand injury according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Roy’s manager, McGee Wright, informed me [Wednesday] that Roy injured his left hand while sparring on Saturday and that on Monday, he went to the doctor and X-rays were taken,” said John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring Promotions. “While the X-rays do not show a fracture, his hand is swollen and continues to bother him to such an extent that we have no choice but to postpone the fight.”

“At this point, we are planning on rescheduling the fight and will make an announcement regarding the new date as soon as possible,” Wirt said.

It’s possibly no surprise that your wondering why I’m interviewing a guy whose boxed only once in the professional ranks, a points win against Welshman Adam Wilcox, but I felt it needed to be done, what with Margate having few names boxing wise, other than Sven Hamer and Takaloo many years ago, {I know hardly a couple of English men}, however we now have some home reared talent from the famous seaside resort, has there’s Jack “13” Morris who like Woodgate is a super middle, and also you have the Woolford brother’s Scott and Vinnie, who seemingly are more often than not in the role of journeyman status nowadays!
So on a Summer’s evening from home I made the call to Daniel Woodgate, the latest offering from Margate, the interview went good and I liked the way he answered my question’s with truthful answer’s, this guy comes across as down to Earth and is obviously a realist in his view’s on how he hopes his career to pan out, answering my question’s in a direct and positive tone Dan sure seemed a no nonsense type but at the same time a nice chap, with a voice that sounds a little like former W.B.C 168lb king Carl Froch’s and a build more like that of a scaled down Frank Bruno with a similar muscle definition to that of big Frank, obviously Dan would one day like to emulate both in the ring and become a World champion, especially that of fellow super middle Froch, he certainly does’nt seem to be a fancy Dan, but in time Dan could well be the man!!!!!!!

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Mike Serra: So Dan, how did you get started in boxing and why?
Daniel Woodgate: I boxed a little bit here and there as a kid like most kids do and stuff like that and I never got seriously into it until I started playing football, and then I broke my foot and put on load’s of weight and went up to like seventeen stone, I had a friend whom carried on boxing from when I first went with him and I knew I did the training well and he invited me back to the club, I went back there and my coach soon has I got in the gym said I ‘got something, and to get some weight off of you’ and then I got carded and within three months I had my first fight that I lost, but that’s how I got into it really just too lose a bit of weight and I was enjoying it after the first few weeks and {thinking} I’m going to do it properly though I used to smoke, but I gave up smoking and stopped going out drinking and stuff like that.

M S: So how old was you when you had your first competitive fight?
D W: twenty one, twenty two.

M S: Was there any inspiration from anyone in particular?
D W: My all time hero of boxing was Chris Eubank and I used to love Naseem Hamed also, I used to love the way they put on a show, obviously you’ve got all the greats but I was really only into the British scene really, I wasn’t massively into boxing as I only knew only the big stars but I couldn’t tell you anyone who was on the undercard, I liked the Benn, Collins, Eubank era.

M S: Are you a bit of a show man yourself?
D W: I wouldn’t say I put on a show and I don’t want to come across as arrogant, I’m not flash but I’d say I’m a gentleman as a boxer, I always wish a fighter good luck before I fight him and I’m a big fan of people that respect each other in and out of the ring and I know people do the old war of words, but I would do it to sell a fight, but I’d like the guy I’m having the war of words with to know it was part of the business if you know what I mean.

M S: So where was you born?, and what was it like there growing up?
D W: I was born in Sidcup, Queen Mary’s hospital Sidcup and I lived in a area called St Paul’s way, and it was quite a nice area when we first moved there but from then on it went slowly downhill and basically from a kid I was always a fighter and was always out street fighting and stuff like that, I would’nt say I was a tough kid but I never got beat up and could look after myself although I was’nt the type of kid who acted tough, no one ever messed with me and I was quite a tough kid really but I was’nt a bully it was just the way it was around there, I always wanted to be the toughest in school but looking back on it now I’m grown up it seems a bit strange but has a kid that was the main thing with the kids I hung around with, if you wanted to be someone you wanted to be tough and I got thrown out of school when I was fourteen and got moved to four different primary schools, I was a bit naughty and a bit of a rebel and it was mostly because of fighting, {but} I was a frustrated child but I’m really lucky my parents stuck by me, a good family behind me and I turned out to be not a bad person I think. {laughs}

M S: Though you’ve boxed once as a pro, you had a pretty decent amateur career, please could you tell me more about that?
D W: Like I said I lost my first fight but I can’t remember the guy’s name, I fought over in Maidstone {Kent}, and the only thing I remember about the fight that will stay with me forever was when I stood in the corner and went out all confident {walking to the ring} and was joking in the changing room, and I always have a laugh in the changing room’s as I’m not someone who get’s uptight about fighting, and then I got in the ring and the ring announcer went ‘and in the blue corner, Daniel Woodgate’ and I remember thinking ‘oh crap, that’s me! what have I got to do now?’ and I completely forgot everything I learned in training, I mean I got the fight on video and I watch it every now and then and I think I did’nt do has bad as I thought I had on the day, I completely blanked everything out {during the fight} and I did’nt remember anything and that’s all I remember from my first fight and then I went on to have two fight’s with the same guy Tony Barret, a bit of an arch enemy and I beat him twice it was all good fun and we was good friend’s afterwords and then I had my under ten novices and I was fighting at super heavyweight like sixteen stone and I went out to Las Vegas and I met Steve Foster {Commonwealth light middle champ 96}, and a friend who introduced me told Steve I wanted to be a boxer so he {Foster} said ‘lift up your shirt son’ I lifted up my shirt and he told me ‘your too fat, your going to go nowhere’, and I was like ‘oh nice one, thanks’ and that was the changing point in my amateur career and my boxing career as a whole, I went back home and lost two stone and got under fourteen stone within a month and had my under ten championship where I burnt so much weight off, I was so weak on the day but I only lost by one point and still gave it my all but it just was’nt there that day, then after that I went on and had two more fights with that club which was Canterbury, my first club and then I decided I wanted to turn pro so I left and went to a better club that I thought was at the time, but later I found out most clubs are the same you just get out what you put in really, I moved to another club had a few fights with them, did okay then onto another club and when I got stale and thought I were’nt going to learn anymore I decided to make a move because I want to get somewhere and I want to get there quickly because I’m old has I started out boxing at twenty two, and then I ended up training at Sittingbourne but because of commuting back and forth it was too much really, and by this time I’d had seventeen or eighteen fights and I won nine and then went into the championship’s the A.B.A’s a second time, the first time I got into the Southern Counties final on a bye {walkover} and I boxed a guy who had twenty fights, knocked out three hundred {laughs}, he was amazing he was supposed to be this really great fighter and he had a few pro fights as well and I went in there and I’d only had ten fights and I did really well against him, I took him the full three rounds and did myself really proud and everyone was really happy and could’nt expect anymore from them really and then I went in the A.B.A’s not last year but the year before and got to the quarter finals, my hardest fight was in the Southern counties final against a guy called Simon Hopkins, who’d also had a few pro fights and he was the toughest fighter to date I ever fought, he was like only 5″2 but he was an animal, a really tough fight and after that it was the combined services where I boxed Mick Mcgarry who was ranked in the top ten, obviously when I saw his ranking I was a bit wary so I trained even harder and made sure I was on the ball and I stopped him in the first minute of the first round, and I’d never ever stopped anyone like that before, I mean I stopped people but never with a single punch and I was buzzing after that and then I went onto the quarter finals and met a guy called Rob Evans and he beat me on points and went onto win the whole competition, so I did myself proud and I was boxing at 86 kgs and I’m only 5″10, this Rob Evans was 6″3 and built like a brick crap house, he was massive and after that I decided that was enough in the amatuer game for me, so I started searching around for promoters, managers and then I found Mike Aldis on Facebook and I got chatting to him and basically what he said to me was what I wanted to hear ‘if you want to make money out of the game, then find someone else, but if you want to get your head down and go for titles, then I’m the man for you’ so I decided to go with him.

M S: So winning the gold medal, it must have been a proud moment for yourself, on that podium, flag flying and a medal around your neck representing your country, please could you tell me more about what it felt like?
D W: What it was, was it was an international competition over in Denmark representing England but what it was you had to put your self into it, I was’nt picked by an England squad, I boxed a guy from Finland and a guy from Denmark, and when I got there I was a 86 kg and weighed in on the mark but found out in Europe they don’t do a 86kg, it’s under 91kg or under 81 kg so I boxed two guys at 91kg, about a stone heavier than me, the first one I remember looking at this man and thinking ‘this man is an absolute tank, he was huge, so I went on the back foot and outboxed him and I did really well against him, then the next was a tall, spindly boxer and I knew I had to take it to him and I stopped him in the second round, the ref stopped the count and I remember thinking I’d never done anything like that before an international competition and it was massive for me, I know I was’nt picked but to go out there to another country with my six or seven people plus my club as well, it was an amazing feeling to win the competition, it was a gold medal and I’m very proud of it and it hang’s on my wardrobe every day.

M S: Did you actually get onto a podium to receive the medal?
D W: No it was presented in the ring and it was done all in weight classes and skill classes so there was six fighters in each class, two got a bye to the next round and I was’nt expected to do anything has they were a weight class above, I was expected to get beat but it’s were’nt going to happen!.

M S: You mentioned earlier about your age, I don’t consider you being too old as I think you have turned pro at the right age, Jack you know, I won’t keep going on about Jack {laughs} I mentioned him enough in the emails {laughs}, his like twenty eight, and his only had six fights and you have years ahead of you, Jack has’nt done much lately, what with injury’s etc…and sadly he missed the prizefighter but you have both boxed in your last fight’s Adam Wilcox, I mean Wilcox is a good guy to have your first fight against has his been around, and fought everyone, and you comprehensively beat him 40-36 and Jack beat him 40-37, so you went one better than Jack. {laughs}
D W: The thing is I don’t want to wait around, I don’t want to waste no time, I saw a video of him {Wilcox} and me and my dad sat down and watched it together and my dad looked at me afterwards and said ‘you sure son?’ {laughs} and I turned around and said ‘if he comes out fighting like that, I promise you I’ll beat him’ because he fought a guy under Hatton promotions and watching the fight Adam Wilcox definitely won but did’nt get the decision and pretty much won every round I think, but I knew with his style {I’d win} I have always said I’ll beat anyone my height or smaller than me, because I think I got an excellent jab and I use it really well and effectively, I don’t waste shots so someone like that who comes forward is perfect for me really and I went out there and he was a tough guy, I don’t want to take anything away from him but I think I did a really good job on him and I was really pleased afterwards, obviously it was my first pro fight and I did a few little thing’s wrong but it ain’t going to be perfection in the first fight, but we will get there.

M S: How many fights did you box as amatuer and what were your honors?.
D W: I only had twenty one has an amatuer, I was Southern Counties finalist twice, A.B.A quarter finalist, I won a gold medal out in Denmark in the H.S.K box cup, the Danish cup.

M S: Your sweetest victory?
D W: Obviously the feeling of getting my arm raised in my first pro fight because that’s what I’d been aiming for, basically since I met Steve Foster I actually thought it was a possibility that’s what I been aiming at, being a pro just to get my hand raised in that ring, that was the most amazing feeling, my best victory as an amatuer would possibly be a loss actually, it was a Monday night I travelled up to Northampton and boxed a guy ranked number twelve and I’d had eleven or twelve fights and I went up there and I remember the first round he absolutely boxed my head off and I went back to the corner and my trainer turned around and said ‘what are you doing Dan?, what are you doing?’ so I said ‘I ain’t got a clue, I were’nt expecting this!’ {laughs} I were’nt expecting him to be this good so he said ‘get out there and take it to him’ and I had two more rounds of me basically beating him up for two rounds, I mean he’d had seventy fights and he was so awkward and tricky and he knew every time I had him in trouble he just tied me up and he knew all the little tricks but I boxed really well and I thought I might have nicked a decision on an home show but I would’nt take anything away from him, he was a brilliant fighter and that was at another point that a change come across me as well, where I thought I’m getting somewhere again against someone much better than me and I’ve done okay!.

M S: So have you found the switch over okay from amatuer to pro?
D W: Yeah I always think I was set better as a pro anyway, I’m not a quick in and out puncher, I’m an agressive counter puncher, I punch hard, like I say I don’t waste punches and every punch I throw I try and knock them out with it, whether it’s a jab or a right hook, I’m always trying to hurt someone with my shots!.

M S: Who are your favourite boxer or boxers?
D W: Yeah Eubank, obviously I travelled about to watch Ricky Hatton because I liked the crack, there was always a great atmosphere at a Hatton fight and he’s a genuinely nice guy and someone you don’t mind paying good money to go and watch, but I always say there’s two type of boxing fan, you either like Mayweather or Pacquio! I’m a Mayweather {fan} I like a classy stylish boxer but some people like Pacquio who goe’s out and throw’s has many punche’s as he can and put’s his heart on the line for every single fight really, some people find Mayweather boring but I find Pacquio quite boring because he just throw’s punches all the time, he’s an amazing fighter don’t get me wrong, but it’s Mayweather all day long.

M S: Mayweather v Marquez was just a boxing clinic?
D W: It was just amazing, I could’nt believe how he could be that good, Marquez has just beat Diaz and showed he is’nt past it and he gave Pacquio a good fight.

M S: your favourite fight?
D W: Eubank v Benn, the first one.

M S: Looking back on your amatuer career, are there any regrets?,
D W: No I would’nt change a thing, the person that beat me in the under ten’s I wanted a rematch with him because I knew I could have beat him, and then there was a little bit of bad blood between us and there was a little bit of a slanging match, not so much that I got involved in it but there was a lot of going’s {on} in between, a lot of things said about me, then a fight {rematch} was arranged and there was alway’s an excuse not to fight me, but by the time I’d had ten, fifteen fights I was way past him, I could have beaten him with one hand tied behind my back, there was just a lot of noise coming from him.
It was a bit like the professional game, where you hear one person slagging off someone all of the time, he tried to build a fight {rematch} up but never really wanted to fight me, I would have liked to have beaten him but it’s not a worry to me I’ll get to spar him one day!.

M S: Is he a professional now?
D W: No he’s still an amatuer but I keep trying to arrange a spar with him so I can beat him up!

M S: He sounds a bit like David Haye with the Klitcsko’s?
D W: it is a bit like that.

M S: So you’ve just turned 27, and you have one fight behind you a points win against Adam Wilcox, what are your future plans?
D W: I’m hoping to be fighting on October 16th at the K2 leisure centre.

M S: How far would you like to go?
D W: I think I’m good enough to go somewhere with it and I’m going to try, I don’t want to be a ‘coulda been’ man, I want to be a ‘was never good enough’ you know what I mean? people can say ‘he were’nt good enough, but he tried’ rather than ‘he could been there, but he did’nt try’ I think I’m good enough and I think I’ll win a title one day but we’ll see.

M S: Has you know, there’s also another super middle from your area called Jack Morris and strangely enough you are not only from the same place but also in the same division and you faced the same opponent last time out Wilcox, do you think you two will feature some time soon up there along the likes of the Degale’s and the Groves in the division?
D W: Jack’s a massively talented boxer, I remember the first time I saw him in the gym and I thought to myself ‘bloody hell, he’s really good’ and I know fullwell that if he keeps his head down he’ll go as far as he want’s because he is massively talented, I’m not sure what weight his going in at now, I know his talking about going up to a different weight but I think if I could make super middleweight I would’nt have any trouble in time with any of them, I mean there brilliant fighters and they’d obviously wipe the floor with me now, but I’ve not seen anything from them that’s made me think that I could’nt beat them in the future, I rate myself quite highly, Im not arrogant and cocky about it, but I believe in myself if you know what I mean, I could surpass them, will it happen? it depends whether I get the right chance’s or not, getting the right fight’s and see if I get my oppurtunity.

M S: With Jack Morris, as I know him personally has I have done a few interview’s with himself, he simply does’nt get the publicity and credit he deserves has the other names are getting, please tell me has you told me you guys once sparred a few times, what you think of him has a boxer?
D W: His a brilliant boxer, I have done sparring session’s with him, the first time I sparred him I was still an amatuer and I was surprised with his power and his speed and being the size he is, his quite a big guy and he was so fast and powerful I was just going away and I just basically covered up really and threw my jab out a couple of times, the last time I sparred him was a few months back and we had a really good sparring session, okay he probably got the better of me has his quite experienced, he’d be an excellent fighter if he could get a bit more in really {fights}

M S: And where would you like to be in say twelve months time fistically speaking?
D W: In a year’s time I’d like to have about five or six more fights, obviously all wins, and just keep safe really, keep on the straight road and all the way to the top time allowing, and see where it takes me.

M S: Although I’ve never seen your fight v Wilcox, you seem too be a rather strong robust type, has it look’s has if your continuosly backing Wilcox up, which speaks volume’s as he’s fearsomely strong at super middle, if you will please describe your style?
D W: I would say I’m an aggresive counter puncher, I come forward all the time plus I got a good jab and use my jab effectively, I like to throw powerful shots, I’d consider myself as far as professional boxing goe’s has a bit of a mix between like a Eubank, obviously he’s my hero but I don’t try and emulate him but that’s how I saw boxing as a kid and that’s just how I box now and maybe a bit like a David Haye, just sit outside and search for the right shot and throw the right shot and hopefully it connects.

M S: So what did you weigh for the Wilcox fight {Woodgate’s pro debut}
D W: It was down at thirteen stone, but I was twelve twelve.

M S: So what will you be from now on, super middle or light heavy from now on?
D W: Well it’s something I got to discuss with Mike Aldiss, whether he thinks it’ll be worth me making super middle or if light heavy will be the right weight for my style, if I can make super middle strong then I’ll be massively dangerous because I’ll be a big super middle, not tall but I’m quite big and strong if not light heavy has I’m more than capable of holding my own against light heavy’s.

Michael Angelo Serra reporting from home

NEW YORK (Sept. 29, 2010) – Two fighters who loathe decisions will collide when recent STRIKEFORCE signee Paul “Semtex’’ Daley (25-9-2) of Nottingham, England, meets power puncher Scott “Hands Of Steel’ Smith (17-7, 1 NC) of Elk Grove, Calif., in a featured welterweight (170 pounds) bout on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Mixed martial arts superstar Dan Henderson will take on former STRIKEFORCE world champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral at light heavyweight (205 pounds) in the main event. Football legend and unbeaten MMA fighter, the amazing Herschel Walker (1-0), will be opposed by an opponent to be determined in a televised heavyweight bout. Popular St. Louis native Jesse Finney will take on a foe to be announced in the top non-televised undercard scrap.

Daley is an exciting British bomber and freelance mixed martial artist whose style is a mix of striking, striking and more striking. Smith is a superb Muay Thai striker with tremendous one-punch knockout power. Neither is accustomed to putting in a full night’s work.

Combined, the fighters have 42 victories, but only five of those wins have come via decision, and all five belong to Daley. Smith, a pro since June 2001, has never been triumphant on points.

The world-ranked 5-foot-9, 27-year-old Daley scored a decision over Jorge Masvidal last Sept. 11. Prior to that, Daley’s last victory on points came on July 1, 2006.

“I am a striker – there is no secret about that,’’ said the brash-talking Daley, a winner of two in a row and six of his last seven. “I like to knock people out aggressively and quickly. That’s my game and no opponent’s going to change that. Almost all my fights are exciting and memorable with non-stop action.’’

Daley, who has compiled a highlight reel of impressive knockout victories, has competed against some of the best since turning professional in June 2003. Three of his most significant victories came against Masvidal, a 2:24, first-round KO (punches) over Dustin Hazelett on Jan. 2, 2010, and a 2:31, first-round TKO (punches) over Martin Kampmann on Sept. 19, 2009.

“Everyone knows I detest decisions,’’ said the soft-spoken six-foot-tall, 31-year-old Smith, a proven finisher known for dramatic, stirring comebacks. He’s won all his fights by knockout or technical knockout – 12 in the first round. The fight with Daley will mark Smith’s first start at 170 pounds.

“Fans want action all the time and so do I. That’s what I am all about.’’

In his most recent start last June 26, Smith lost to former STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight (185 pounds) Champion Cung Le in a rematch, one fight after Smith handed Le the first loss of the San Jose-based Vietnamese star’s fight career with an astonishing comeback third-round knockout on Dec. 19, 2009. The dynamic Le had previously amassed a perfect, combined 22-0 record in professional MMA and kickboxing.

Smith has fought some of the biggest names in MMA, including Le, Diaz, Robbie Lawler (twice) – their first fight was during the first-ever MMA primetime broadcast on the CBS Television Network) – Benji Radach, Dave Terrell, Patrick Cote, James Irvin, Jaime Jara and Pete Sell.

A special ticket pre-sale for STRIKEFORCE; Henderson vs. Babalu for “STRIKEFORCE Insiders” began yesterday and will conclude tomorrow/Thursday, September 30 at 10 p.m. CT. Fans can sign up to become an “Insider” at STRIKEFORCE.com. Anyone who purchases tickets during the pre-sale period will receive a special $5 off discount.

Tickets for the event go on sale to the public this Friday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. CT at Scottrade Center, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone (800) 745-3000.

Doors at Scottrade Center will open for the event at 6 p.m. CT. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the first SHOWTIME televised main card fight will begin at 9 p.m.

BOX: A New View On The Faces Of Boxing

Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr.? For those reluctant to let go of boxing past, perhaps Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson?

These boxing notables above all can pass as “the face of boxing” in some capacity.

But whoever or whatever comes to mind when you hear the four words, “the face of boxing,” it is unlikely that it mirrors that of Holger Keifel.

The German-born, New York based photographer has managed to capture “the face of boxing” in the literal sense in the form of over three hundred black & white photos bound together by glue and protected by a shiny gold cover.

Keifel’s new book, “BOX: The Face of Boxing,” (PQ Blackwell, $29.95) with text by the esteemed boxing scribe, Thomas Hauser, is currently available online through all major bookstore websites and is due to hit the shelves on Friday, October 1.

With regards to Keifel’s mission, Hauser quotes him as saying, “A lot of fighters start with the traditional pose, putting their fists up. I tell them, ‘No, I’m not interested in that. I’m interested in your face.’”

Once immersed in the first few pages of “BOX”, you too will be interested in the fighter’s faces. Every unnatural bump, accumulation of scar tissue, and crooked nose is revealed by Keifel and his camera lens.

The book jacket of “BOX” showcases two of Keifel’s most powerful images. The front cover features a photo of the side of Evander Holyfield’s face, exposing the remainder of his ear, while the back of the book jacket shows the injured and scarred hand of the lesser-known Tokunbo Olajide. The pictures on the 200 plus pages between Holyfield and Olajide readers an unconventional and fresh look at the sport of boxing.

“BOX” is a must-have for boxing and photography fans alike. “BOX” not only is a work of art, it is also a book that documents an era in boxing history. Over 275 hundred faces of the current boxing scene are represented in Keifel’s first book. Countless boxers, trainers, referees, and promoters were unable to escape Keifel’s lens over the past six-plus years and their photos have combined to create his work of art.

For fistic fans, “BOX” will only help you further appreciate the sacrifices fighter’s make every time they step through the ropes and into the boxing ring. Referee Randy Neumann sums it up best when he is quoted in “BOX” as saying, “Hitting other people is easy. Getting hit in the face is hard. Most athletes believe the won’t get hurt in competition. Boxers know they will.”

Every page in “BOX” is a reminder of that. From the aged, scarred face of Jake Lamotta to the relatively unmarked face of Mayweather, Jr., “BOX” forces fans to reassess what they might have perceived “the face of boxing” to be.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former IBF Jr. Welterweight champion, Paulie Malignaggi has inked a promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions.

“This is the best career move I’ve made and I’m thankful to Golden Boy Promotions for giving me this opportunity,” said Malignaggi, who intends to move up and fight at welterweight. “I know they can give me the biggest and best fights out there and that’s what I want at this point in my career. This is the start of a new stage of my career. A new promoter, a new weight class and a new opportunity to face the best, beat the best and win a world championship.”

The signing of Malignaggi, who is from Brooklyn, N.Y., makes sense for Golden Boy, which is based in Los Angeles, because the company recently announced a three-year deal to promote monthly cards at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The arena, which will be home to the NBA’s Nets, is due to open in 2012.

“That establishes me more in my hometown and helps establish them in New York,” said Malignaggi, who added he was looking forward to the promotional aspects of his deal.

“We are very excited to add Paulie to our roster of fighters,” said Golden Boy president Oscar De La Hoya, who once considered Malignaggi as one of his opponents before ultimately deciding to fight Steve Forbes in 2008. “We have worked with him on numerous fights and his flashy style is exciting to watch both in and out of the ring. We have big plans in store for him and are thrilled that he is in our corner.”

“The contract I got is a contract I am very happy with,” Malignaggi said of his new deal. “It’s a contract that makes me realize the slave contract I was in for nine years. They gave me pretty much everything I wanted. I don’t want to harp on the past. I had a nine-, 10- year relationship with Lou. I have some fond memories, but it was always business.”

“I just got back in the gym and I’m weighing about 160 pounds,” he said. “I’d like a tune-up on one their undercards, off TV, just to get back in the ring, and then I’d like to have a big fight next year.” Malignaggi first won a 140-pound title when he easily outpointed Lovemore N’Dou in 2007. He made two defenses, including beating N’Dou in a rematch, before vacating his belt in order to facilitate the fight with Hatton, the lineal champion at the time.

“I think these guys will re-establish me in the States,” Malignaggi said. “Golden Boy outlined a game plan where they could establish me in the welterweight picture. I liked the ideas they have. There’s a lot of angles they have with me.”

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
VERONA, NEW YORK (September 28, 2010)—This Saturday night at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort, undefeated r Middleweight prospect, Isaac Rodriguez will look to capture the WBC/USNBC championship when he tussles with Samuel Miller in a twelve round main event that will highlight a seven bout card.

Rodrigues of Brazil moved to the city of Belem at the age of seventeen where he took up boxing. Unlike most boys in the South American country, Rodrigues has no aspirations of being a soccer star.

Rodrigues has an uncle who was a boxer and that facilitated him, towards the sport and he amassed a amateur record of 51-4.

Rodrigues was inspired by Brazilian mega-star Acelino “Popo” Freitas and his uncle had a relationship with famed trainer Oscar Suarez, who ironically trained Freitas and the connection was made for Rodrigues to further his career in the United States.

Rodrigues won his first eight professional bouts in his native Brazil before making his American debut on April 28, 2007 on the undercard of Freitas unification showdown with Juan Diaz.

“There are not of experienced fighters in Brazil”, said Rodrigues

“I have learned a lot from every fight and fighter that I see”, continued Rodrigues, who describes his style as a fan friendly boxer/counter-puncher.

Rodrigues won three straight in the United States before heading back to Brazil

Just months after Rodrigues won the WBO Latino championship, unfortunately for Rodriguez, Suarez passed away.

Luckily Rodrigues had a strong team behind him as Suarez’ wife Marie took over reigns as the manager.

“I have been around the sport for twenty-three years doing everything in the background”, said Marie Suarez.

“I understand the business. If I were a fighter, I would be a world champion”

“I know that Isaac is world championship material and we feel that we have a very sellable product. He is a very good kid and extremely humble and we believe he has what it takes to go all the way.”

New trainer Francisco Guzman has been brought in to work with Rodrigues and the soon to be twenty-six year old continues to get better every day.

Working with Marie Suarez is long time and respected boxing man, Dave Escalet.

“This is a big fight to see where Isaac fits in the middleweight division”, Said Escalet

“With the new trainer, we are taking this one fight at a time and we think that by the end of 2011, Isaac will be ready for anybody in the top-ten”

When Rodrigues is not training, he spends his time in his adopted home of West Berlin, New Jersey where he likes to cook, play cards and watch American Football.

In the exciting co-feature, local favorite Brian Miller will take on Ikem Orji in an eight round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Miller of Schenectady, New York is undefeated with a record 8-0-4 with three knockouts and is known as a hard working customer who will fight anybody at anytime.

Miller has signature wins over Broderick Antoine and a split decision win over Danny McDermott (8-1-1). He is coming off a draw with tough Italian Floriano Pagliara (10-4) on September 11.

Orji of Laurel, Maryland via Nigeria has a record of 6-3 with two knockouts.

Like Miller, Orji is willing to fight anyone with close losses to prospects Anthony Flores (6-0); Isaac Suarez (6-0).

Orji scored a mild upset when he scored a fourth round stoppage over Andrew Farmer (13-1) this past March 6th.

Orji dropped his last bout as he lost a unanimous decision to Rod Salka (11-0).

The rest of the card features some very good local prospects.

In a six round Welterweight bout, Kenny Abril (9-3-1, 5 KO’s) of Rochester, NY takes on Francisco Ginorio (7-6-2, 2 KO’s) of Palm Bay, Florida.

In a six round ladies Featherweight attraction, Jackie Trivilino (4-2-1, 1 KO) of Pittsburgh, NY takes on Jennifer Scott (2-2, 2 KO’s) of Warren, Ohio

In a four round Middleweight bout, Stephen Scott (4-1) of New York takes on undefeated Deferson LeGrand (3-0, 2 KO’s) of New York, NY

In a battle of debuting Lightweights, Jermell Tyson will tussle with IIlyas Aksabaez of Brooklyn, NY

Rounding out the card will be Cruiserweight Brian Clookey (2-0, 1 KO) of Chase Mills, NY will take on Rayshawn Myers (2-4, 2 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH

Tickets for this great night of boxing are just $30, $45 & $60 and can be purchased at The Showroom Box office by calling 1-888-833-SHOW (7469) and all Ticketmaster outlets by calling 315-472-0700

The entire fight card can be viewed LIVE worldwide on www.gofightlive.tv

The Turning Stone Resort and Casino is located at
5218 Patrick Rd
Verona, New York 13478
(315) 361-7711

At the start of September Branco Milenkovic promoted a star studded bill in South Africa that contained two world titles fights & two world title eliminators. In one of the World title fights current IBF Flyweight champion Moruti “Babyface” Mthalane 26-2(17) made a successful first defence against compatriot Zolani Tete. Mthalane 27, hails from Johannesburg and is now a 10 year veteran of the ring. In the summer of 2008 he won an IBF title eliminator against the more experienced Hussein Hussein that win catapulted him into a title fight with Nonito Donaire. Despite putting up a good performance it wasn’t enough against Donaire who forced the stoppage on cuts in the sixth. Full credit to Mthalane after one more fight he once against challenged for the then vacant IBF title this time he wasn’t to be denied turning back Julio Cesar Miranda comfortably on points before his his recent defence against Tete. Now Mthalane wants a rematch with Miranda who since losing to Mthalane has won the WBO 112 crown. Perhaps a unification beckons.

Hello Moruti, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on your win over Zolani Tete, what can you tell us about the fight & how happy you were with the performance?

Moruti Mthalane – I was very happy with my performance. I always said, I will win the fight and although Tete is great prospect and was a puncher (13-0 11KO), he didn’t fought the same quality opponents as I did (Nonito Donaire, Julio Miranda, Hussein Hussein and ect).

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your title winning performance against Miranda? How did it feel to become World Champion?

Moruti Mthalane – Going it that fight against Miranda, I known I have to win and this is my last chance. It felt really great!! Miranda is now WBO World Champion makes me even better as the man I beat is very credible fighter.

Anson Wainwright – Thought its early days any idea when you maybe back in action?

Moruti Mthalane – I hope to fight end of the year, or early in the New Year. I would like unification.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use for training?

Moruti Mthalane – My trainer manager is Nick Durandt and the promoter of course Branco Milenkovic. The gym we using is “Durandt Boxing World”

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years in Johannesburg, were things tough? How did you first get involved in Boxing?

Moruti Mthalane – I’m originally from the cost city Durban. My older brother Innocent Mthalane was National Champion. I always had a dream to be national champion, and I never thought I would go far as IBF World Champion.

Anson Wainwright – You travelled to America and fought Nonito Donaire you lost when the fight was stopped on cuts in the sixth. What do you think of that fight looking back? How highly do you rate Donaire he’s now up at Super Flyweight and on Pound for Pound lists?

Moruti Mthalane – I was very unfortunate the way I lost first challenge for IBF Flyweight against Donaire in Las Vegas in November 2008. After losing first two rounds, I was getting on top of Donaire, but unfortunate cut at the beginning of round 6, have forced experience referee Cortez to stop the fight. I was very sad, and thought of giving up the boxing. I work hard over the years in order to challenge for Legitimate World Championship, and to lose on cut was very sad.

In the change room after Donaire fight, my promoter Branco Milenkovic promise me that he will work hard and get me another shot at the title with in one year. As always, Branco kept the promise and year later in November 2009 I challenged very experience fighter in Julio Miranda. I would love to fight Donaire again, but I don’t think he will be in hurry to give me a chance again.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Flyweight division at the moment? There are several top fighters in Asia WBC Pongsaklek WBA Daiki Kameda plus Koki Kameda, Sakata & Naito what do you think of all those guys?

Moruti Mthalane – I would be very confident to take on any of those. I would not mind to give Miranda rematch, but now for both titles IBF and WBO.

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies and interests?

Moruti Mthalane – I spend most of the time in the gym. Not only as a professional fighter, but I’m assisting executive clients in improving they health. I’m personal trainer for executives. The day is long and I don’t really go out – I spend any free time home reading, I love to read.

Anson Wainwright – If you weren’t a boxer what do you think you’d be doing?

Moruti Mthalane – I’m sure I will still be in Sport, maybe soccer player?!

Anson Wainwright – What has winning the title done for you? Has it raised your profile making you more popular in South Africa etc

Moruti Mthalane – With out doubt have changed my life! My family is very proud of me and the country as well. There weren’t many South African boxers who won Legitimate World Championships.

Anson Wainwright – What are your future goals in Boxing? Unification’s, fighting abroad move up to Super Flyweight?

Moruti Mthalane – For now I would like unification, but if opportunity comes to go division up and fight Donaire – I will take with both hands.

Thanks for your time Moruti.

Best Wishes

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT ON DEMAND
Another night of pro boxing at Bally’s Hotel Casino, another top notch Peltz Boxing card, and another packed house in Atlantic City with the North American Boxing Association
(NABA) Super Bantamweight Title up for grabs.

In the main event Philadelphia’s Teon “The Technician” Kennedy (16-0-1 6KOs) took on Alex “El Diablo” Becerra (20-9 9 KOs) out of El Paso, Texas for the vacated NABA title. The IBF #6 ranked Kennedy dominated right from the start with effective counterpunching and a defense Becerra could not find a way around. The young man from Philadelphia almost ended the bout in the second when he staggered his opponent with a right hand in round 2.

Round 5 saw The Technician taking command of the fight, he could not miss with the jab and scored effective power shots with both hands that had the gutty Texan reeling and caused notable swelling over both eyes. At the end of the tenth round, veteran referee Steve Smoger had seen enough and called it a night.

Hasson Tops Speller

The night’s co main event featured two Super Middleweight combatants from the fighting city of Philadelphia, Dennis “The Assassin “ Hasson (11-0 4 Kos) and Tommie “Big Papa” Speller (5-5 3 Kos) both fighters sported beards in the ring reminding me of a ZZ Top concert
.
After suffering a cut over the left eye in round 1, Hasson turned this into another one sided event, pounding combinations to Big Papa’s midsection. Speller’s facial expressions’ made it clear to anyone in attendance that he does not like getting hit to the body.
The Assassin scored at will in the later rounds and almost ended the fight with a right hand in round 6 before cruising to a unanimous decision win.

DeJesus draws with Hurd

Julio DeJesus (4-2-1 3 KOs) out of Franklinville, NJ and Linwood Hurd (2-2-4) of Atlantic City gave the fans a great show in a 4 round junior welterweight bout. In an action packed classic toe-to-toe battle they slugged it out in the center of the ring. One judge had it 40-36 in favor of DeJesus while the other two saw it 38-38 for the majority draw.

Wiggins stuns Sosa

In the upset of the evening Treysean Wiggins (2-0 2KOs) of Newburg, NY, stunned the crowd when the Southpaw sent Camden, NJ resident Jason Sosa (3-1-1 1 KO) to the canvas twice in the first round before sealing the deal with a crushing left hand. Referee Ricardo Vera stopped the contest at 2:02 of round 1.

Green decisions Beaton

In a clash of Jersey Shore lefthanders, Chris “Smooth Operator” Green (4-2 1 KO) sent greetings from Asbury Park to Toms River, New Jersey’s and native of Guyana Deroy Beaton in the form of a 39-37 unanimous decision on all three cards in the lightweight battle. Green used every bit of the 24 foot ring to potshot and move confounding Deroy who was unable to mount an offence.

Brown bests Hackett

In the opener, another all Philadelphia contest, Super Middleweights Gregg Hackett (0-3) won the early intimidation battle but lost the war to Rashad Brown making his professional début.

Hackett was saved by the bell as the newcomer had him laying on the ropes and looking vulnerable when time ended in the second round and seemed to save most of his aggression for between round jawing with the rookie Brown.

Rashad was unfazed by Hackett’s antics and won a 40-36 unanimous decision.

For more New Jersey boxing news, go to gardenstatefightscene.com

In an entertaining two way contest, Ramon Garcia retained the WBO Light Flyweight championship with a twelve round majority decision over Manuel Vargas in Tijuana, Mexico.

The traded some furious exchanges throughout the bout. Neither man was ever in serious trouble.

Scores were 115-113; 115-113 and 114-114.

The was some confusion as ring announcer Lupe Contreras inadvertently read the scores in favor of Vargas but he quickly caught himself and announced Garcia the winner.

Garcia, 108 lbs of La Paz, Mexico made the first defense of his crown and is now 14-1-1. Vargas, 108 lbs of Lagos De Moreno, Mexico is a former minimumweight champion and is now 28-601.

Former Jr. Lightweight champion Humberto Gutierrez scored a ten round unanimous decision over Rene Gonzalez.

Gutierrez was more effective as he pressed from the southpaw stance and won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.

Gonzalez, 135 lbs of Los Mochis, Mexico is now 28-2-1. Gonzalez, 132 lbs of Managua, Nicaragua is now 27-3-1.

PHILADELPHIA (September 27, 2010)—On Friday night October 8th, former U.S. Olympian and undefeated Jr. Welterweight Rock Allen will be making his long awaited return to the ring when he competes in a six round co-feature on a big night of boxing that will take place at The Arena (Formally The New Alhambra) in South Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Joe Hand Promotions

In the main event, that will be televised all nationwide on Telefutura, Undefeated Jr. Welterweight prospect Danny “Swift” Garcia (18-0, 12 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on former world title challenger, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (22-6-2, 10 KO’s) of Atlantic City via Athens, Greece.

Allen of Philadelphia has compiled a perfect mark of 15-0 with seven knockouts.

This will be Allen’s second pro fight in his hometown and first since he scored a six round majority decision over Arthur Brambila on March 3, 2006. Allen’s opponent will be named shortly

The rest of this exciting card is filled with the top prospects in Philadelphia.

In a eight round Super Featherweight bout, Anthony Flores (9-1-1, 6 KO’s) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named.

The always exciting Victor “The Barber” Vaszquez (11-4-1, 6 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Bryne Green (5-3, 3 KO’s) of Vineland, New Jersey in a Lightweight bout.

In a four round Lightweight bout, undefeated Wanzell Ellison (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Newark, NJ takes on an opponent to be named

In a four round Lightweight bout, Kareem Cooley (1-1) of Philadelphia battles Eilud Torres (3-1-2, 2KO’s) of Allentown, PA

In a four round Middleweight bout, Alex Sanchez (1-1, 1 KO) of Camden, NJ takes on Joe Dunn (0-1) of Philadelphia.

In a four round Lightweight bout, Angel Ocasio (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will see action against an opponent to be named.

Tickets for this memorable night of boxing are priced at $100; $65; and $45

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at:

The Arena (Formally The New Alhambra)
7 West Ritner Street
267-687-7560

Joe Hand Promotions
215-364-9000

Joe Hand Boxing Gym
215-271-4263

Eight years ago Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post’s longtime book critic, mentioned his policy about reviewing friends’ works. He doesn’t do it. He didn’t explain why, but his reasoning must reduce to a fear of losing readers, or friends. The policy struck me as too strict, then.

It still does. A disclaimer in the form of a disclosure should suffice for interested readers. To wit: Thomas Hauser is a friend and mentor of mine. He is also a colleague of sorts; next month a book we wrote together, “The Legend of Muhammad Ali,” will be published. There, now let’s get to it.

On Friday, Oct. 1, Hauser’s 2010 collection “Boxing Is . . .” (The University of Arkansas Press; $22.50) will go on sale. It is 270 pages of articles written about boxing in 2009. It comprises four self-explanatory sections – “Fights and Fighters”, “Curiosities”, “Issues and Answers” and “Non-Combatants” – and captures a year of prizefighting well as any of Hauser’s collections has.

Reading “Boxing Is . . .” subjects you to one theme more than others. Quiet validation. The articles, arranged as they are, validate one another much the way time has validated them since they were written.

After an opening biographical piece about Sugar Ray Robinson, Hauser profiles two New York prospects. The second such profile, about Danny Jacobs, bursts with confident proclamations from its subject and ends on a prophetic note from the author: “Time will tell.” It did, indeed, when Jacobs got comprehensively undone by an unknown Russian in July. But that’s not the crafty part.

Hauser’s craft comes through in the next article, the first of four dedicated to Manny Pacquiao. And that craft is juxtaposition. An American who has accomplished almost nothing while speaking brashly sits beside a Filipino who has accomplished almost everything while speaking modestly. Is that an accident?

I can’t imagine it. Hauser is meticulous – in the sense that he will never have to revisit his work and wonder what the hell he was thinking when he wrote something (or arranged it).

There are other points of subtle craft. Take this passage from an article about light-hitting Israeli Yuri Foreman:

“The English equivalent of ‘Yuri’ is ‘George.’ When it comes to punching power, George Foreman and Yuri Foreman are vastly different fighters.”

That’s a fun bit of miscellany, but it’s also worth reviewing. The more you play with those two sentences – rearranging them, eliminating surnames, trying pronouns – the more you see the author’s fingerprints; Hauser considered other deliveries before settling on the right one.

Another feature of Hauser’s writing this year, as in past years, is his exceptional access to fighters. In the prologue to a different book, due in November and for which Hauser provided text – “Box” by photographer Holger Keifel (Chronicle Books; $29.95) – Hauser shares the philosophy of access that brought him to prizefighting:

“But one can’t just walk into Yankee Stadium and talk with the New York Yankees. . . . Boxing, by contrast, is the most open of all sports. A fan can walk into virtually any gym in any city in the world and talk with the fighters who are training there.”

The boxer whose accessibility Hauser wisely makes the most of is Manny Pacquiao. Granted dressing-room passes before and after Pacquiao’s 2009 fights with Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, Hauser unfurls two of his last-word treatments of the matches. He complements these with two other articles, “Tina Meets Manny” and “Fighter of the Decade.” We now know Hauser intends to surround Pacquiao with eyewitness accounts the way he surrounded another iconic figure, Muhammad Ali. Don’t bet against him.

Especially if you’re a fellow writer. Hauser works within a different timeframe. Nowhere is this clearer than in a short tribute he does to Nathan Lee and La Mont Starks, two men who sit at a table outside MGM Grand’s media center every fight week.

That is, Hauser paused to chat with those two guys then wrote 500 words about Lee and Starks while the rest of us dashed past them to jockey for promoter-canned quotes.

But the most important contribution of “Boxing Is . . .” likely will be Hauser’s treatment of HBO. Along with offering a worthwhile thought experiment in boxing’s long-term prospects without the cable network, Hauser provides a 10-point manifesto for improving HBO’s coverage of our beloved sport.

By my count, five of those 10 recommendations have been addressed since Hauser confronted the president of HBO Sports directly. Three have been checked-off, and two have been considered.

More important, though, is the tone. In January of 2009, “Memorandum for Ross Greenburg” appeared at Hauser’s online home, SecondsOut.com. I later criticized the piece as “unnecessarily harsh and personal.” Well. I just reread the letter last week, and – to borrow Twain’s satire – I was astonished at how much Hauser had learned in 22 months.

Hauser’s ferocity in the 35 pages he devotes to HBO is one summoned from a love of boxing and well-hidden optimism. He genuinely thinks HBO can be improved if not fixed. His criticism has aged well.

Lastly are Hauser’s instructive features on two figures in the final section of “Boxing Is . . .” Seth Abraham, former president of HBO Sports, presents himself as a learned and content individual. And the late Arthur Curry, former manager of sports-talent relations at HBO, is presented as a heroic figure bringing contentment to others. An inquiry of Abrahams’ portrait – can I say this about my life? – and of Curry’s portrait – can others say this about my life? – provide two guideposts for good living.

Online, some of us don’t read Hauser’s serious pieces because they are long. Others don’t take his short pieces seriously because they’re under 5,000 words. Both problems are solved by revisiting him in book form. “Boxing Is . . .” belongs on your shelf because it encapsulates 2009, but buy it because you’ll enjoy the read.

Bart Barry can be reached at bbarry@15rounds.com

RENO, NEVADA — Former junior middleweight titleholder Kassim Ouma scored a come from behind stoppage victory over Contender alum Joey Gilbert to announce his presence as a middleweight contender at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino on Saturday night. In a must-win fight for both, Ouma overcame a knockdown to quickly turn the fight in his favor and ultimately score the technical knockout to claim the vacant NABA Middleweight title.

Ouma (27-7-1, 17 KOs) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States by way of Kampala, Uganda and Gilbert (20-3, 15 KOs) of Reno made the fight an inside fight at the outset. The style favored Gilbert, the harder puncher and bigger man. Gilbert smothered a fair amount of Ouma’s offense early on and flurried his opponent against the ropes to close a dominating opening round.

Gilbert, 160, landed a straight right counter that appeared to hurt Ouma, 158, in the second round. The former champion slowly picked up his work rate, and began to outwork Gilbert in some exchanges. There was great action late in the round, and it was Gilbert landing a few hard shots with Ouma against ropes to close the stanza.

Both fighters decided to stand and trade in the third. Ouma would land more often, but it was clearly Gilbert landing the harder shots. The fight continued to be fought on the inside through the third. By the sound of the bell, Gilbert’s face began to show the wear of Ouma’s continuous offense. Round four was the fight in microcosm. Gilbert continued to land a stiff straight right, but Ouma just kept his hands going, and was always coming forward.

In round five, Gilbert extended his apparent lead in the fight after landing with a grazing straight right that caught Ouma off balance, but counted as a knockdown. Ouma was clearly not hurt, and more or less tripped over his own feet, as Gilbert landed. Back-and-forth action closed out the round.

The fight, firmly in Gilbert’s grasp entering round six, quickly took a turn early in the round. Ouma came out of his corner on a mission, and forced Gilbert, cut and swollen, to the ropes with his aggression. With Gilbert covering up, Ouma unloaded with an unrelenting flurry until the Reno native fell to one knee. Undoubtedly ahead on the cards, despite the knockdown, Gilbert got to his feet, before signaling to referee Vic Drakulich that he could not continue. Shortly after the fight, Drakulich informed us ringside that Gilbert had told him he was seeing double.

Gilbert, who was immediately taken to a local hospital for observation, fought well, but ultimately wilted under Ouma’s pressure. Ouma, who claimed the WBA-affiliated NABA title, will likely see his name appear in that sanctioning body’s next rankings and should be in line for a meaningful fight not too far down the road. “I am going to stay at middleweight,” said the former IBF Light Middleweight Champion after the fight. “And I want that champion Felix Sturm. I am ready for it.” Felix Sturm, the reigning WBA Middleweight Champion, is a name that was mentioned by some of Ouma’s team in the aftermath of his victory last night.

Another fight on Ouma’s wish list is a shot at current IBF Light Middleweight Champion Cornelius Bundgrage. Bundrage scored a closely contested upset decision over Ouma back in 2008, before eventually taking the title from Cory Spinks. “Bundrage beat me, come on, put your belt on the line and I will fight you tomorrow,” Ouma told 15rounds.com. “I will crush him. It will not go six rounds like Gilbert.”

Super middleweight prospect Mark DeLuca returned to the ring, ending a two-year layoff with a second round knockout over Alex Rivera (2-4, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada. DeLuca (7-0, 5 KOs) of Whitman, Massachusetts joined the Marine Corps shortly after his last bout, which also took place in Reno.

Southpaw DeLuca, 167, dropped Rivera, 165, with a one-two combination early in the second round. DeLuca landed a straight left and a couple more in follow-up to drop Rivera again seconds later. Rivera gamely got up to his feet, but another straight left counter ended it in emphatic fashion. Referee immediately waved off the fight with the official time of 2:02 of the second.

In a heated battle of Reno-based pro debutants, Nelson Lopez (1-0) earned a hard-fought shutout decision over Bubba Dupree (0-1). Dupree, 180, had the better boxing skills, but he was out-slugged by the relentless Lopez, 176, for most of the fight. A wild first round featured two-way action early. Late in the round, Lopez caught Dupree with a shot that forced him to the ropes. In the last minute Lopez continued to swing away at a dodging Dupree against the ropes. Dupree threw just enough punches and held just enough to not get stopped.

After a second round that was slow by comparison to the first, Lopez continued to land the cleaner punches, eventually dropping Dupree with a straight right. Dupree slumped to his knees, but made it up before referee Vic Drakulich finished his count. The fourth heated up early, with Dupree boxing well. But as was the case anytime Dupree got into a rhythm, Lopez answered back. In the end, all three judges scored the bout for Lopez, 40-35 and 40-34 twice.

MMA

Jerel Clark (5-0, 1 KO, 3 Submissions) of Sparks, Nevada pleased his raucous supporters on hand with a second round submission over Jack Montgomery (9-9, 2 KOs, 7 Submissions) of Winnemucca, Nevada.

Montgomery, 170, was badly bloodied after taking a serious ground-and-pound beating for much of the first round. Clark, 170, maintained control of the fight in the second round, taking Montgomery to the ground. Eventually Clark forced a tapout with a rear naked choke at the time of 2:03 of the second.

Reno’s Joe Baros (3-5, 3 KOs) scored an explosive second-round knockout of Josh Rabedeaux (5-8, 1 Submission) of Phoenix, Arizona. Baros, 135, landed a swift high kick that landed clean on the head of Rabedeaux, 135, to procure the instant stoppage from referee Kim Winslow. Official time was 3:15 of the second round.

John O’Donnell (3-0, 2 KOs) of Fallon, Nevada scored a second-round knockout over John Corstorphine (6-4, 1 KO, 5 Submissions) of Sacramento, California in the night’s opener. O’Donnell, 171, punished Corstorphine, 173, with a vicious series of strikes on the ground. With Corstorphine unable to protect himself, referee Kim Winslow stopped the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 3:55 of round two.

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.

New York, NY (September 25) – Two time world champion Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman makes his triumphant return to the squared circle Friday, November 5 against rugged Christopher “Kid Kayo” Fernandez in the ten round main event of “Uptown Showdown” from the Armory Track in New York, NY.

The card will be aired all throughout the US, Mexico and Puerto Rico on TeleFutura, as well as in Guzman’s native Dominican Republic.

Guzman, who lives and fights out of Brooklyn, NY, is 30-0-1 with 17 KO’s, and will make his debut at junior welterweight. With tremendous defensive abilities, world class boxing skills and outstanding quickness, the former super bantamweight and junior lightweight titleholder is recognized amongst the most gifted pugilists on the planet. In his most recent bout, Guzman outpointed well regarded Ali Funeka over twelve rounds to avenge a previous draw.

Having shared the squared circle with elite fighters in Devon Alexander and Paulie Malignaggi, the Salt Lake City, UT based Fernandez is an experienced veteran who never backs down from a challenge. At 18-10-1 (11 KO’s), Fernandez is a respected power puncher with a never say die attitude.

“I know Chris is going to be a tough opponent but I feel very comfortable fighting at 140 lbs,” said Guzman, who has victories over world champions Humberto Soto, Jorge Barrios and Javier Jauregui among others. “There are a lot of great fighters in this weight class and I am ready to prove that I am still one of the best out there!”

In the televised co-feature, featherweight Salvador Sanchez II, 19-4-2 (9 KO’s), of Tianguistenco, Mexico will battle an opponent to be announced in a six round bout.

The nephew of the boxing great whom he shares a name with, Sanchez is quickly building a strong reputation amongst fight fans worldwide.

Slated to appear on the undercard in separate bouts are USBA Junior Lightweight titleholder Argenis Mendez, four time US Amateur champion Roberto Benitez and Shamir Reyes of Brooklyn, Queens, NY’s Jose Guzman, former women’s titlist Eileen Olszewski and debuting Armin Mrkanovic.

Tickets start at an economic friendly $25 and exclusive VIP tables are also available by calling 212-679-2461.

The Armory Track is located at 216 Ft. Washington Ave New York, NY 10032 and Doors open at 6:30 pm. The opening bell is slated for 7:00.

The card is being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

RENO, NEVADA — In an intriguing crossroads bout, Joey Gilbert will attempt to leap back into contention while defending his home turf against former titleholder Kassim Ouma at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino tonight. Their regional title clash headlines “Reno Xtreme Fights VI,” an evening of boxing and mixed martial arts. Fighters weighed in Friday at the casino’s Xtreme Sports Bar & Lounge.

Gilbert (20-2, 15 KOs) was a ranked middleweight by two of the major sanctioning organizations heading into a fight at this same venue three years ago. Despite scoring a quick knockout that evening, Gilbert would lose those rankings after his Nevada State Athletic Commission conducted post-fight drug test revealed the presence of banned substances. After a lengthy legal battle, Gilbert was cleared of all but one positive, which resulted in a one-year suspension. It has taken him three years, but Joey Gilbert finds himself one win away from making up for lost time and likely finding himself at the doorstep of a major fight.

Standing in Gilbert’s way is the most accomplished foe he has ever faced, in former IBF Light Middleweight Champion Ouma (26-7-1, 16 KOs) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States by way of Kampala, Uganda. Ouma has dropped five of his last six fights, but two were split decisions and the last was a controversial defeat suffered at the hands of rising contender Vanes Martirosyan earlier this year. Ouma will also be stepping up to the middleweight division for only the second time in his pro career.

Both of these fighters, Ouma especially, are known to have a high work rates and solid chins. Considering their styles, this fight could turn out to be a corker, especially if Gilbert decides to utilize his size and strength advantage while standing his ground. The term “must win” is an often overused expression, but it applies to tonight’s fight. The winner of the bout will claim the vacant NABA Middleweight title, which is affiliated with the WBA. The new champion will likely see their name listed among the top fifteen middleweight contenders when the next WBA rankings are released. Gilbert weighed in at 160, while Ouma came in at 158.

In undercard action, super middleweight prospect Mark DeLuca returns to the ring after having joined the Marine Corps in 2008. DeLuca (6-0, 4 KOs) of Whitman, Massachusetts has not fought since scoring a first round knockout in Reno in June of 2008. Opposing DeLuca will be Alex Rivera (2-3, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada in a four-round bout. DeLuca weighed in at 167-pounds, while Rivera came in at 165.

In a pairing of pro debutants, Bubba Dupree of Reno will take on Nelson Lopez, also of Reno, in a four-round light heavyweight fight. Dupree came in at 180-pounds, while Lopez scaled 176.

Mixed martial arts action will include a battle of locals, as Jerel Clark (4-0, 1 KO, 2 Submissions) of Reno will take on Jack Montgomery (9-8, 2 KOs, 7 Submissions) of Winnemucca, Nevada in a three-round middleweight fight. Both fighters weighed in at 170-pounds.

In the another MMA bout, Reno’s Joe Baros (2-5, 2 KOs) will take Josh Rabedeaux (5-8, 1 Submission) of Phoenix, Arizona in a three-round bantamweight fight. Baros scaled 135, as did Rabedeaux.

A late addition to the card, John O’Donnell (2-0, 1 KO) of Fallon, Nevada will take on John Corstorphine (6-3, 1 KO, 5 Submissions) of Sacramento, California in a three-round welterweight fight. O’Donnell came in at 171-pounds, while Corstorphine weighed in at 173.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Let’s Get It On Promotions, are available online at GrandSierraResort.com.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

NABA Middleweight Championship, 10 Rounds
Gilbert 160
Ouma 158

Super Middleweights, 4 Rounds
DeLuca 167
Rivera 165

Light Heavyweights, 4 Rounds
Dupree 180
Lopez 176

MMA Weigh-in Results:

Middleweights, 3 Rounds
Clark 170
Montgomery 170

Bantamweights, 3 Rounds
Baros 135
Rabedeaux 135

Welterweights, 3 Rounds
O’Donnell 171
Corstorphine 173

Photos by Mike Searson/Examiner.com

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.

The fight poster for Boxing 360’s promotional debut featured Ronson Frank, Amanda Serrano, Lennox Allen and Tommy Rainone. Frank spent the evening as a spectator. The other three weren’t on hand and had fights fall out for various reasons.

In the case of Frank, a counter punching light heavyweight, his opponent Anthony Ferrante scaled in at 180 lbs; 4 over the contracted limit. According to the Brooklyn based prospect, his attempts to make the fight happen were unsuccessful.

“Initially, we offered him the fight at 178 lbs, but he refused and wanted the fight 175 lbs,” stated Frank. “We agreed (to fight at) 176 lbs, I made the weight and he came in at 180 lbs. He refused to try and make the weight and only when I threatened to walk out he made a half a** effort (when he re weighed in) and lost two ounces. We tried to renegotiate so (Ferrante) could weigh in (on fight night) at 182 but he took off and left town.”

But as they say, the show must go on.

Although there were only four bouts last night at the upscale Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, New York, props must go out to Director Bob Duffy for salvaging the card from getting TKO’ed. In addition, this writer can claim to have seen one of the most interesting but yet embarrassing knockouts in history (more on that later).

In the evening’s main event, dynamite fisted cruiserweight Josh “The Juice” Harris overcame a slow start to defeat gritty Kamarah Pasley. Harris was making his debut under the Boxing 360 banner and struggled to let his hands go on a consistent basis during the first few rounds as Pasley was the busier fighter.

Harris picked up the pace in the fifth round, landing a number of vicious hooks to the head while Pasley picked his spots with jabs and right hands. With his confidence beginning to grow, Harris decked Pasley with an enormous right hook that looked as if it were going to end the night in the sixth. Pasley, who hit the canvas like a fighter who wasn’t going to recover, impressively made it back to his feet en route to being saved by the bell seconds later. Harris continued to throw hard hooks at his game opponent during the next two rounds en route to taking a competitive decision.

Scores were 76-75 twice and 78-73. 15rounds scored the contest 77-74 for Harris.

“I should have been a bit calmer in the ring,” said Harris, who spent most of the eight rounds working off of hard hooks. “I made a few mistakes and am going to work on putting together combinations (in future bouts).”

Harris of Providence, RI by way of Youngstown, OH, improves to 7-3-1 with 5 KO’s. Pasley, who hails from the fighting city of Philadelphia, PA, is now 5-5 (2 KO’s).

The co-featured bout of the evening pitted unbeaten welterweight Issouf Kinda against tougher than advertised Noel Garcia in an eight round affair.

Kinda, a rangy boxer with a good jab and respectable straight right hand, controlled the action and buzzed Garcia on a few occasions. Garcia had minor success in close quarters, but was unable to land the more telling blows. The Springfield, MA based fighter started to tire in the fifth round, where he lost a point for holding and hitting. Kinda dominated the next stanza and a stoppage appeared likely; this was until a grotesque headbutt in the seventh caused blood to stream from Garcia’s left eye, halting the contest one round early.

All three judges and 15rounds awarded Kinda the bout via technical decision by the score of 70-62.

Kinda, of New York via West Africa, is a perfect 9-0 with 4 wins by knockout. Garcia, who is trained by boxing lifer and former title contender John “Iceman Scully” returns to Springfield, MA 2-6-1 (1 KO).

Junior welterweight Mike Brooks of Freeport, NY upped his record to 2-0 (1 KO) following a one sided UD over Toledo, OH’s Calvin Pritchard. The crowd favorite controlled the action from bell to bell, outworking his taller opponent with a strong body attack in close range.

All three judges scored the bout 39-37.

Brooks is now 2-0 (1 KO). Pritchard slides to 0-2-2.

Newark, NJ junior middleweight Thomas Baldwin improved to 2-0-1 (1 KO) after scoring an embarrassing third round knockout of Rameil Shelton. Baldwin beat his opponent to the punch during the first two rounds, which led up to one of the most humorous endings ever.

In the third, Shelton literally turned away from Baldwin to shout an expletive at a ringside heckler. His moronic decision to let the crowd get in his head was a major no no. Before he could continue his verbal assault, Baldwin shut his lights out with a huge right hand.

Time of stoppage was 1:50.

“I was completely in shock (to see him do that),” Baldwin said after his victory. “Of course I was going to take advantage, but it was only a matter of time (until the fight ended) anyways.”

Shelton heads back to Providence, RI at 0-2 following the humiliating defeat.

Boxing 360’s next card is slated for November.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
Teon Kennedy 122…….Alex Becerra 120
(for vacant NABA super bantamweight title)
Tommie Speller 166 1/2……….Dennis Hasson 167 1/2
Dillet Frederick 143………….Ronald Cruz 145
Treysean Wiggins 142 1/2…..Jason Sosa 138 1/2
Chris Green 134 1/2…….Deroy Beaton 137 1/2
Julio DeJesus 138…..Linwood Hurd 138 1/2
Rashad Brown 163…..Greg Hackett 166 1/2

First bout 7.30
Grand Ballroom Bally’s Atlantic City, NJ
Tickets $50 & $75
Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc.

NEW YORK (Sept. 24, 2010)–The Group Stage 3 matchups in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, the unprecedented boxing tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the world’s best super middleweights, have been rescheduled for November 27, it was announced today by Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager for sports programming on the network.

The matchup between breakout American stars and friends, Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell, will headline the SHOWTIME® telecast on Saturday, Nov. 27, live at 9p.m. ET/PT. Ward vs. Dirrell, one of the most talked about matchups of the year, will be contested for Ward’s WBA championship and the newly vacated WBC belt, adding yet another dramatic layer to an already captivating fight.

Ward has already locked up his Semifinal berth, but will be protecting his title and undefeated professional record. Dirrell, conversely, needs a win to guarantee his place in the Semis. Dirrell conceivably could get in with two points but he would need help from fellow tournament competitors.

On the same night, Saturday, Nov. 27 from Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland, Arthur Abraham will meet former WBC titlist Carl Froch for their pivotal Group Stage 3 fight. Promoters Kalle Sauerland and Mick Hennessy are working with the Hartwell Areena to finalize details for the event. This bout, matching arguably the two toughest and most aggressive punchers in the Super Six, has been rescheduled from Oct. 2 due to a back injury to Froch.

Allan Green, whose Group Stage 3 bout with Mikkel Kessler was waylaid when Kessler withdrew from competition with an eye injury, has left the perennial contender without an opponent. A decision on Green’s Group Stage 3 bout is expected in the coming days.

The third and final Group Stage will complete the round-robin portion of the tournament and determine the four fighters who will advance to the single-elimination Semifinals. Through the first two Stages, the WBA world champion Ward is the only fighter to have secured a berth in the Semis. No fighter has been eliminated from contention creating a virtual win-or-go-home scenario for each of the men.

Hershman said, “We have asked these fighters to challenge themselves against the best fighters in the world; not in one mega-fight, but in a consecutive series of career defining fights. Injuries and delays are inevitable. However, each one of them has accepted the challenge and brought a level of intensity to the ring that, in my estimation, is unmatched in all of sports.

“We are still on pace to complete the tournament in 2011, at which time we will have delivered to boxing fans around the world a number of the most compelling and meaningful matches in the sport.

“So, the drama continues with all the fighters still alive heading to Group Stage 3. I couldn’t have scripted this any better.”

SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SCOREBOARD (Through Group Stage 2)

Record Fighter Points

2-0 Andre Ward 4

1-1 Arthur Abraham 3

1-1 Carl Froch 2

1-1 Andre Dirrell 2

0-1 Allan Green 0

For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive photos, fight highlights and interviews, plus to view all episodes of the acclaimed documentary series FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at www.WorldBoxingClassic.com

ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC

The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution which recently launched SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

The last month has been about Floyd Mayweather Jr,’s arrest and racist rant, Ricky Hatton’s trip to rehab after looking like a drug cartel’s favorite customer and another lawsuit in the Golden Boy-Top Rank war-without-end.

I didn’t mention Sergio Mora-Shane Mosley. I didn’t see it. I fell asleep.

When I woke up, I was tempted to look for the closest exit. Then, November appeared without a turkey on the calendar.

It begins on Nov. 6 with the rescheduled Juan Manuel Lopez-versus-Rafael Marquez bout at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, followed by Antonio Margarito-Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 13 beneath the Jerrytron at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, then Paul Williams-Sergio Martinez II on Nov. 20 at Atlantic City and Juan Manuel Marquez-Michael Katsidis, also at Vegas’ MGM.

If that’s not enough, the banquet continues on Dec. 11 with Amir Kahn-Marcos Maidana at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay.

The sudden sequence of compelling fights, a timely relief to mounting frustration, is also a timely reminder of the game’s inexhaustible quality. Resiliency defines the business, keeps it in business, a lot like the Mickey Ward or Aruro Gatti or Michael Carbajal or any of the other stubborn legends who got up from knockdowns and came back from defeat. .

Make no mistake, nothing in November will mend the damage left by the fractious and failed negotiations for Pacquiao-Mayweather. That’s the one fight that could push the sport off the fringe and back into the mainstream for a few days or maybe a week. But it wouldn’t have won over casual fans or newspaper editors who have never liked it anyway. They would have gone back to ignoring it altogether.

Pacquiao-Mayweather might still happen one day, although reasons for doubt lurk in the four felony counts facing Mayweather, who also was charged with four misdemeanors more than a week ago and within days of a racist video directed at Pacquiao. Meanwhile, an apparent political career is just beginning for Filipino Congressman Pacquiao. Elements are falling into place for a change, which was also evident Saturday in 39-year-old Mosley, whose age seemed to be as much of an opponent as Mora in a dull draw.

The good news about November is that the business can move past Pacquiao-Mayweather, which has been sucking the wind out the sport for all of this year and some of last. The new guard is there, poised to step into the vacuum with a restoration of punches and promise instead of criminal charges and lawsuits.

Martinez promoter Lou DiBella said it best Thursday during the formal announcement of the rematch with Williams.

“We’re fading as an industry,’’ DiBella said. “There are some days I wake up and wonder if the sport is going to be around five years from now. This is the kind of fight the sport needs.”

This is the kind of month it needs, a November which is an appropriate time to say thanks for resiliency that so far has always been there.

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was at the Palm West in New York City to capture the images from the press conference to announce world Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez November 20th title defense against Paul Williams in a rematch of their thrilling fight in December. The bout will take place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City

On Thursday, in the heart of New York City’s Chinatown, Dino Duva and his business partners held a press conference to promote the Oct. 1 “Empires Collide” amateur boxing fight card between Team USA and China at Capitale in Chinatown.

In attendance were Chinese Olympian’s Zhang Jianting and super heavyweight Olympic silver medalist Zhang Zhilei. The 114 lb. prospect Miguel Cartagena representative of Team USA.

15Rounds.com was present at the press conference and had an opportunity to participate in a conversation with Dino Duva in which he spoke about the upcoming event and boxing in China.

— Duva said he has traveled to China fourteen times since the Beijing Olympics in 2008, where he has developed a working relationship with the Chinese Boxing Federation.

— According to Duva, the success of the 2008 Chinese Olympic Boxing Team, who scored four medals in while competing in their home country, has inspired a new wave of Chinese interest in the sport of boxing. Further, the Chinese government has invested more money into the sport.

— With regards to the amateur boxing system in China, Duva explained that each Cinese province has their own boxing team, with a designated boxing coach. As the fighters travel to the United States, various provincial coaches have accompanied their fighters.

— Duva said the October 1st fight card will feature thirteen bouts, three of them being female matches, since women’s boxing will now be included in the Olympics, starting with London in 2012.

Tickets for “Empire Collide” are priced at $120 for ringside, $70 for reserved, and $25 for standing room/general admission. The reserved and ringside seats include two complimentary beverages. They may be ordered by calling 973-291-4529 or by email at tickets@empirescollide.com. For more information, fans can go to EmpiresCollide.com. Special VIP and sponsor packages are also available.

On Thursday, Goossen Tutor Promotions and DiBella Entertainment held a press conference in New York City to promote the Nov. 20 rematch between Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez and Paul “The Punisher” Williams. The bout will take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey at Boardwalk Hall and is hosted by Caesars Atlantic City.

15Rounds.com was there to cover the press conference. Notes & quotes below.

Sergio Martinez:

— At the beginning of the press conference, Martinez was awarded the Ring Magazine middleweight championship belt.

— Martinez said, “Nobody wants to fight Paul Williams and nobody wants to fight “Maravilla” Martinez, so we have no choice but to fight each other.”

— “What we did the first time, I want to do it again,” Martinez said with regards to the excitement the first fight brought. “I want this fight to be a reflection of my career in the ring.”

— With regards to violence against women, Martinez said, “I love my mother and I want everyone to respect women. Every time I have a camera or microphone, I will always say to stop the violence.” Martinez has clearly taken this issue to heart and it is not the first time he has spoken out about the issue. Following the Edwin Valero tragedy, Martinez immediately spoke out calling for the need to treat all women with respect.

Paul Williams:

— “Exchanges aren’t [necessarily] good for me, but they are for the fans,” Williams said.

— Williams mentioned that in the first with Martinez he wasn’t prepared for all the lateral movement and the quickness. He said all the talk was “Pavlik, Pavlik, Pavlik” and he was preparing for someone to stand right in front of him. This time around, he is sparring with boxers that mirror “Maravilla’s” style.

— With regards to his weight, Williams said the losing weight and getting to 147 lbs. in the future would not be a problem. He also noted that depending on the purse size, money is the ultimate motivator if he needs to lose weight.

— A reporter asked Williams if he were to lose this fight, would a trilogy be in the works? Williams’ answer: “Most definitely.”

George Peterson, trainer of Paul Williams:

— Peterson said the he doesn’t believe Williams will ever step into the ring with either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, but noted that Pacquiao would be the more likely of the two fighters if a fight with Williams ever comes to fruition.

Information:

Martinez enters the fight as the WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight champion and sports a record of 45-2-2, with 24 KOs. Williams enters the rematch with a 39-1 record with 27 KOs.

Tickets for the event are priced at $400, $200, $100, and $50 and go on sale Friday, September 24. Tickets can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at Ticketmaster.com

Photos by Claudia Bocanegra

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
Teon “The Technician” Kennedy (15-0-1 6 KOs) of North Philadelphia, PA looks to improve on his undefeated record while Alex “The Diablo” Becerra (20-8 9 KO’s) out of the West Texas town of El Paso will try to regain the form that propelled him to a 17-2 pro start as they headline this Saturday’s card from Bally’s Grand Ballroom in Atlantic City, NJ.

The scheduled 12 rounder for the vacant NABA title will cap a 7 bout card that begins at 7:30 and can be seen worldwide on gofightlive.tv.

Kennedy, ranked sixth in the world by The International Boxing Federation (IBF), is no stranger to Bally’s. The 2004 National Golden Gloves Champion has victories over Lucian Gonzalez and Jose Angel Berranza and drew with Lante Addy at the same venue where he will lace up Saturday evening. The scrappy Philadelphian also holds The United States Boxing Association (USBA) super bantamweight title.

The card also features two more sons of the City of Brotherly Love, Dennis Hasson (10-0 3) and Tommie Speller (5-4 3 KOs), who square in the 8 round super middle weight co-feature.
In what some people think is the best match up of the evening, Ronald Cruz (9-0 6KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Dillet Fredrick (7-3-3 4KOs) out of Fort Meyers, FL in a 6 round light welterweight matchup.

New Jerseyans Chris Green of Asbury Park and meets Toms Rivers’ Deroy Beaton in a four round lightweight contest, while Atlantic City’s very own Lindwood Hurd battles Millville’s Julio Dejesus. Camden’s Jason Sosa is also appearing on the card.

Monday, Sept. 27, at 12:30 p.m. CT at Scottrade Center in St. Louis

WHO: Football Legend/Unbeaten MMA Fighter Herschel Walker

Legendary Superstar And Former Olympian Dan Henderson

Former STRIKEFORCE World Champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral

Talented St. Louis Native Jesse Finney

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 27, 2010

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. CT

Press Conference will begin at 1 p.m. CT

WHERE: Scottrade Center (main lobby)

1401 Clark Avenue

St Louis, MO 63103

WHAT: The fighters will participate in a press conference on Monday, Sept. 27, to announce the mega-STRIKEFORCE event on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis. The press conference is open to the public. An autograph signing session for fans will take place immediately following the press conference formalities.

The 48-year-old Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner and two-time NFL Pro Bowl competitor, is undefeated at 1-0 in his latest athletic endeavor – MMA. A 1999 College Hall of Fame inductee who was selected to Sports Illustrated’s NCAA All-Century Team that year, the 6-foot-1, 220 pound Walker already holds a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and boasts additional training in the combat disciplines of Muay Thai and Kenpo.

A two-time U.S. Olympic wrestling team member (’92, ’96), Henderson is the only fighter in the sport’s history to simultaneously hold two different titles in two different weight classes (welterweight and heavyweight) for a major fight promotion (PRIDE Fighting Championships). A former UFC star, Henderson is one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history.

Sobral, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over knockout artist Robbie Lawler last June 16 at STRIKEFORCE: Los Angeles.