Evander Holyfield: “I’m happy to have the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas again. Everything that’s happened to me has been here – in 1984 I had to win Saturday and Sunday to make the Olympic team. In 1990, 1993, 1996 and 2000 I won the heavyweight title here. Las Vegas has been the place that’s given me the opportunity to be the person I am. I’m thankful for Botha giving me an opportunity to fight for a title again. My goal has simply been to be undisputed heavyweight champion. I’m a person – I think my attitude is good when people tell me I can’t do something — I’m driven by what people say I can’t do to prove I can. I’m not disappointed by decisions. I felt I beat Valuev. I won’t quit seeking to do my best and Saturday night you’ll see me give my all. If not enough, I’ll make adjustments.

“To be perfect is to reach my goal. I thought I did it in 1999 against Lennox (Lewis). Here, in 2010, and it’s going to be a great fight. I’m telling you, Saturday night, I’ll look better than I used to be.”

Frans Botha: “I’m defending my title against one of the greatest legends of all-time. This will make my resume perfect. I’ve fought some of the best and Evander is one of the best. Saturday night, I’m prepared for this. Evander had talent and experience. I’m getting in there knowing it’s going to be a tough fight. ‘The White Buffalo’ is roaming the prairie. I’m going to end your career, make you retire. The Buffalo is charging.

“I’m very grateful to be here. Me and Evander would have fought 10 years ago. I was No. 1 and he was champion. It didn’t work out. You’re a legend. You’ve fought some of the greatest, but I have to stop that. Saturday night you’re going to see a helluva fight.”

Henry Namauu: “I’m going to take advantage of what has been given to me. I’m not much for words; I just show up to fight.”

Rayford Johnson: “I’m guaranteeing Saturday night that I’ll win. My losses are losses, but I’m coming to fight and win.”

Arthur Williams: “I’m honored to be on a card with Evander Holyfield and Frans Botha. It’s a big card. I’m excited and ready to fight. My last fight I had a tragedy in my family. No excuse, I thought the referee stopped the fight prematurely, and I was winning. I’m ready to get it on. When all the smoke and dust clear, I’ll be standing.”

FACT SHEET

WORLD BOXING FEDERATION HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS – PPV
EVANDER “The Real Deal” HOLYFIELD FRANS “The White Buffalo” BOTHA
4-Time World Heavyweight Champion World Boxing Federation Champion
Atlanta, GA Newport Beach, CA by way of South Africa
42-10-2 (27 KOs) 47-4-3 (28 KOs)
CO-FEATURE
10 ROUNDS – CRUISERWEIGHTS
HENRY NAMAUU RAYFORD JOHNSON
2006 National Collegiate Cruiserweight Champion Dangerous Opponent
Las Vegas, NV Austin, TX
5-3 (3 KOs) 5-4 (3 KOs)
6 ROUNDS – CRUISERWEIGHTS

“King” ARTHUR WILLIAMS VALENTE TINAJERO

Former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Unbeaten Prospect

Pensacola, FL Roy, UT

46-16-1 (30 KOs) 8-0 (4 KOs)
4 ROUNDS – FEATHERWEIGHTS
ROCCO SANTOMAURO KARL HAMMER
Las Vegas, NV Clearfield, UT
3-0 (0 KOs) 1-2 (0 KOs)
4 ROUNDS – FEMALE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
CRYSTAL HOY JENNIFER HAN
Las Vegas, NV Tucson, AZ
3-1-2 (2 KOs) 0-1-1
4 ROUNDS – LIGHTWEIGHTS
JOEL FLORES TBA
Detroit, MI
3-0 (3 KOs)
4 ROUNDS – WELTERWEIGHTS
LAWRENCE HUGHES JUAN ALCOLEA
St. Louis, MO Las Vegas, NV
3-0 (3 KOs) 2-1 (0 KOs)
4 ROUNDS — LIGHTWEIGHTS

JESUS GUTIEREZ JONATHAN GARCIA

Las Vegas, NV Watsonville, CA

1-0 (1 KO) 1-0 (1 KO)

4 ROUNDS – SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
ALEXIS SANTIAGO BRICE YENIKI
Phoenix, AZ Las Vegas, NV
2-0-1 (1 KO) 0-4

(All Fights and Fighters subject to change)

WHAT: “The Legend Returns” PPV

WHEN: Saturday, April 10, 2010 – 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

PROMOTER: Crown Boxing

York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, England
March 21st 2010

Miranda Carter put on her first show of the year, featuring a good looking card which saw the return of Leon Williams in his first start since losing his unbeaten record to Hastings Rasani.
A good card featured many devastating finishes, one not particuarly pleasing to the eye as you’ll read, other than that a good value for money show all round!

Navid Iran {Brighton} v Steve Timms {West Bromwich}
Result: Iran won KO 1

In the opening fight of the afternoon, Brighton debutant Iran exploded in devastating fashion as he detonated a huge left hook off of the unprotected jaw of poor Steve Timms to send him crashing to the canvas out for the full count, Timm’s who himself was coming back after a six year lay off might well call it a day after such a crushing loss.
To begin with both came out shaping up, both looking to land the left jab, as the two shaped up Timm’s {169lbs} a well muscled type backed off as Navid {167lbs} took the iniative, before darting in and out, shortly after the Brighton man came inside before he connected with a left hook that dumped Timm’s to the canvas, the ref dispensing with the count as the Midlander was out cold, the fight being stopped after only just thirty seconds of the opening gong by third man Ken Curtis!
With that kind of concussive power, Ronnie Davie’s {formerly Chris Eubank’s trainer} trained, Iran could be one to look out for in a year or two’s time, time will tell naturally!
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Martin Welsh {Swanley} v Ryan Clark {Waddington}
Result: Welsh won points
In an exciting action packed four rounder, Welsh found the range and pace to beat the tough, competitive Clark from Waddington, who tried to puzzle the Swanley man, {sorry for the pun, do Waddington’s still make puzzles? bung us a email}.
Welsh to begin with did most of the work, on his bike countering off the ropes proving a little too elusive for the never say die Clark, however the second saw Clark {155lbs} come into the contest moreso, asserting himself as Welsh hands high in a shell like guard did little to begin the session, Martin did however try to assume control and was met by a rampaging Clark that produced some lively exchanges, a nice right from the Waddington man landed on the bell and Welsh {154lbs}, it seemed Clark had evened the score mathematically.
However the last two rounds were basically hard fought encounters as each man took there respective turns to back the other up, Welsh did seem to nick the last two session’s with slightly the better accuracy, at the bell something strange happened as the ref could’nt seem to make his mind up whose hand to raise, before opting for Welsh’s glove, and though I had Martin the winner, I certainly did’nt agree with the land slide 40-36 in favour of the Swanley man on ref Kieran McCann’s card, again I’m not the judge but maybe when decision’s like this are announced I should be!!!!
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Laura Saperstein {Australia} v Lana Cooper {Wales}
Result: Saperstein won rsc 2

From the opening bell, it was evident that Saperstein was the boss, as she got off the better with her shots proving just that bit better and faster than her Welsh adversary, Cooper for her part tried but just seemed that bit off par for my liking.
Saperstein {135lbs} clearing taking the opener, came out relaxed looking in the second as she controlled the pace and tempo, keeping the blonde Cooper {137lbs} at bay, however Lana in one attack was cranking a left hook when all of a sudden, a terrible etch of pain crept across her face as she fell to the canvas clutching her left arm, obviously in agony she writhed on the canvas where ref had no alternative but to halt it there and then, medic’s attended to Cooper who also gave her oxygen and had to stretcher her out of the ring after she was attended to for a good several moments, aparently Lana dislocated her shoulder as she was throwing the respective shot, I wish her a speedy recovery and praise the medics who attended to her, they did a great job!
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Ryan Toms {Northolt} v John Paul Temple {Brighton}
Result: Toms won rsc 2

In a fight that was billed as Temple’s last engagement, he could’nt have picked a more tastier foe in the shape of Northolt’s Toms.
From the offset it was looking inevitable that Temple was way in over his head, as he could’nt even get near Ryan who basically hardly moved out of first gear, confident, even almost cocky Toms looked relaxed as he took his time before taking apart the hapless Brighton man.
Circling, Toms southpaw stance was proving too much for Temple, one straight left shaking John before the end of the round.
Round two proved no different, as Ryan moving up the gears, backed up Temple with a solid left hook before dropping him with a solid right, doing well to get up and showing some of the Dunkirk, Temple was backed into a corner where Toms unloaded with a blistering fusilade of leather, outpunched and outclassed Temple was rescued and rightfully so, the last shot almost reintroducing the Brighton man to the canvas a second time, luckily the third man Keiran McCann grabbing Temple saving him the embarrassment of another visit stopping it at the 1:06 mark, Tom’s celebrated wildly, he is certainly one to look out for, as he has a composure that certanly belies that of a guy having only his fourth paid fight, watch out for this guy!!!!
Temple retired from the sport, beaten yes, brave? certainly, a great competitor. both weighed 155lbs.
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Tony Conquest {Dagenham} v John Anthony {Doncaster}
Result: Conquest won points

In a fight that looked as good as over in the first couple of seconds by way of a short solid right hand from the handsome looking Conquest, it looked like disaster for the man from Doncaster {I know another pun, sorry!!!!}
Thing is Anthony did’nt read the script, he picked himself up from the uncerimoniuos heap he found himself in and battled back, Conquest seemed to keep his man at bay and got the better of things, until just before the bell it was Tony, and not Anthony {201lbs} who was on the deck himself, from a half decent shot to return the dose, a knockdown a piece in the opener, as I mentioned before this John had’nt read the script.
From the second onwards Conquest {193lbs} kept things at range, despite a scrappy second, Conquest piled up the points behind a nice left jab before managing to rock Anthony with another big right.
The fourth proved no different to the previuos session as Tony outboxed the Doncaster man, however in the fifth Anthony had more success as he started to land a little more frequently with rights but Conquest notched up another session.
The final session saw pretty much of the same, until that is Conquest tasted the canvas a second time, looking more embarrassed than hurt Tony got up and continued to outbox his man, and this despite being floored twice reflected in the score of 59-56 which I felt was an accurate assesment of the previous events from the last eighteen minutes boxing.
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Leon Williams {Streatham} v Tyrone Wright {Nottingham}
Result: Williams won ko 2

Making a return to the ring was Streatham’s Leon Williams returning to the ring after a points loss to Hastings Rasani in this very ring just before Christmas.
Opposing “solid” was Tyrone Wright {195lbs}, in the opener Williams seemed to be bufuddled a little by the tricky Wright who outboxed the plodding Williams, who could’nt seem to connect with anything of any real note, Wright easily taking the opener, however in the second Williams {194lbs} asserted himself as he continued to push back the taller Wright, then it came the punch that Williams needed a smashing right landed on the back pedalling Nottingham man who took the punch flush on the money and went down heavily on his back, there seemed no need to count and the third man waved it over, Williams was back as Wright was flat on his, several minutes in fact during some anxiuos moments while again the medics attended to Tyrone, it was a relief when he got to his feet, but still due to the nature of the stoppage had to sit on his corner stool almost ring centre where oxygen was administered to him for a good ten minutes, the medics did a great job and proved that how well protected the fighters are, more so especially at Miranda’s show’s
***************************************************************************************************************************

John Wayne Hibbert {Stanford Le Hope} v Ricky Boulter {Lincoln}
Result: Hibbert won rsc 2nd

John Wayne Hibbert showed plenty of idea as he patiently stalked down his opponent grinding out a second round stoppage.
In the opener Boulter {159lbs} looked as though he had the book on Hibbert as he countered effictively off the ropes with nice short bursts of shots, and despite taking some good shots to the body seemed too quick and busy for the Essex man, however come the second Hibbert {158lbs} upped the pace and soon showed he was the boss as Boulter’s work rate dropped significantly, moreso enabling Hibbert to tee off on his man, a series of hard shots blooded Ricky’s nose, battered literally from pillar to post, Boulter was under a lot of pressure and looked on a hiding to nothing, every now and again he tried to fight back but it was a losing battle and at the end of the second session, Boulter’s corner rightfully pulled there man out of what was becoming too one sided for my liking.
***************************************************************************************************************************

Kreshnik Qato {Wembley} v Alex Spitko {Latvia}
Result: Qato won points

It was the usual fan fare that greeted possibly the most well supported boxer in the country, when Qato fights, he ussually as back up in the form of his own army, an army of fans that make it known that our sport, the sport of boxing is far from the final count, now if only more people got behind boxers than they did footballers, we’d all be a lot happier for the experience as boxing fans and the like.
Qato got a rousing reception as he entered the ring, you could have been far away, in the far East as opposed to the East end of London.
However in the opener tough guy Spitko {166lbs} came marching in, punches flailing not taking a backward step, one right hand floored the Albanian to the shock of the Albanian and his contingent, more so to my horror if the unimaginable was to happen and he was to lose, I was preparing for a fight myself, to get out of the place alive.
Luckily Qato got up and more surprised than hurt shook off the effects, Spitko was’nt to be denied as he tried hard to catch Qato again, but Qato survived, the second was basically a carbon copy of the opener, despite there being no repeat of a knockdown, Spitko pressured and was bullying Kreshnik out of his stride and the contest and easily seemed to take the opening two sessions.
However from the third onwards Qato seemed as though he knew fighting with a guy like Spitko might not be such a good idea and so opted to box, and once he did, he seemed to have the measure of the Latvian, even as much as Spitko tried to cut the ring off Qato {163lbs} threw a series of fast accurate flurry’s that reminded me of Sugar Ray Leonard in the Hagler fight, now please for one moment don’t think I’m comparing Qato to a technical genius like Leonard, I’m not but it reminded me as such of back on that fateful night in April 1987.
Each successive flurry from Qato was met by the Latvian’s countanence and a roar of approval from the Qato faithful, the last four rounds were all fought in a similar vein from the third onwards, but outboxed as he was I tipped my hat to Spitko who did’nt stop trying to the bitter end, but the early points lead was a distant memory on the scorecard and I gave it to Qato by a similar margin to that of the official 59-57 on Ken Curtis card, Qato when the mood takes him can box nicely and with a bit more iniative could prove a hard man to beat when his on his game!

Michael Angelo Serra reporting

So it was the turn of the light middles in Barry Hearn’s Prize Fighter series.
However this particular tournament turned out to be more one for the purists, as no particular bout failed to produce a inside schedule win.
As I walked into the York Hall, I could’nt find a spare seat in the press row, so I noticed over the other side a couple of empty seats, on finding them I noticed an athletic looking chap sitting there, it was…..Anthony Small the current reigning British and Commonwealth champion, it seemed the King was here to keep an eye on his hopeful predecessors!!!!

Quarter finals….

George Hillyard {Canning Town} v Prince Arron {Manchester}
Result: Arron won points

In the first fight of the evening, George Hillyard coming back after a devastating kayo loss last time out, certainly did’nt look damaged pyschologically from that bad experience, as he came out throwing big rights as he made Arron retreat, However the second saw Prince begin to get into the contest as he began scoring as he used his natural advantages in reach, the third was no different as Arron kept Hillyard at bay with good boxing to take a fairly conclusive decison of 30-27 on all three judges scorecards, both weighed 154 lbs.
***************************************************************************
Bradley Pryce {Newbridge} v Neil Sinclair {Belfast}
Result: Pryce won points

In what many in the trade would have considered more fitting a match up for the final ended up due to the luck or should that be bad luck of the draw a one of the opening contests, Irishman Sinclair won the opener fairly easily as he did more work as Pryce {154lbs} did very little, the second saw a change in the tide as Pryce began to land with some solid shots as he began to stamp his authority, Sinclair {155lbs} for the remainder of the bout never was allowed back in the running and Pryce sealed victory with the heavier punches to take a well earned decision winning on two judges scorecards of identical scores of 29-28, however one judge leant in favour surprisingly of the Belfast man by 29-28.
****************************************************************************
Danny Butler {Bristol} v Bret Flourney {Birkenhead}
Result: Flourney won points

Bristol’s Danny Butler showed a lot of fighting spirit as he continuosly attacked Flourney, who contented himself by boxing on the back foot, Butler coming back from the loss to Darren Barker for the vacant British middle title, showed plenty of ticker as he had done against Barker on this night, though at times his tactics were a little kamikaze, both {154lbs} worked hard in the second though I did however think Flourney did enough to shade the second, but rounds one and three Butler seemed to be getting through the more but sadly the judges unbelievably voted in favour of Flourney 30-27 twice and 29-28.
*****************************************************************************
Martin Concepcion {Leicester} v Steve O’Meara {Wembley}
Result: O’Meara won points

Jim Mcdonnell trained O’Meara ticked all the boxes for me in this one as he did a paint job on the robust, mechanical looking Concepcion {155lbs} who for the best part of the nine minutes was looking to land the big shot, instead of looking to maintain a good workrate to possibly present those mathematicians, the prizefighter judges with a bit more of a sterner tally up afterwards, however it was O’Meara {154lbs} who was doing all the scoring through out and this reflected in the wide scoring at the bout’s conclusion as he was voted a unaminous winner 30-27 twice and 30-28 by the three wise men!

***************************************************************************************************************************

Semi Finals…..

Prince Arron {Manchester} v Bradley Pryce {Newbridge}
Result: Arron won points

In the opener, Arron used his obvious reach and height advantage’s over the Welshman, keeping Pryce at bay as Bradley tried to get inside but was finding the target a very elusive one.
Second round action saw Pryce desparatley try to bridge the gap, but did find the target at last as he managed to get through a couple of times with big rights, one even managing to rock the gangly Arron, who did well to survive, Pryce had pulled even on my scorecard going into the final session.
The third saw Pryce tiring badly as father time seemingly was catching up with the Welshman, mother nature too has he could’nt evade the longer arms of Prince, who throughly outboxed Bradley and took his place in the final by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28.

*******************************************************************************

Bret Flourney {Birkenhead} v Steve O’Meara {Wembley}
Result: Flourney won points

O’Meara came out looking slick, as he seemed to outbox the Birkenhead man for the first couple of rounds, and in my view there was no way O’Meara lost the first couple of rounds, that said the third was a lot closer and possibly Flourney did enough to win the session.
However it was to my surprise when Flourney was adjudged the winner as I had O’Meara one round the better man, I should be a judge perhaps I don’t know, what do you think? answers on a postcard, or better still drop me an email!!!!!!
For the record scores were 29-28 twice in favour of, and 28-29 in favour against, confused I was?

***************************************************************************************************************************

THE FINAL…..

Prince Arron {Manchester} v Bret Flourney {Birkenhead}
Result: Arron won points

In the first round Arron looked rather decidedly tired, and it was Flourney who looked fortunate to even be in the final, took the chance with both hands, looking rejuvenated he had possibly due to a lack of effort from his previous two efforts this evening, with something left in the tank as he took control, a little like Audley Harrison had done back last October in stealing the show with a workrate that was for the best part non existent in the last Prize Fighter, Flourney was’nt about to change such a trend, until now that is in the final!!!!!
The Second saw Arron make a better argument of it as he showed a big heart as he dug in and started to mount a fight back as he boxed his way back into the contest, doing enough to shade the session, in the third though, finally there was a knockdown, not that I was looking for any real drama, I’m a self confessed sad git who today’s fight fan could’nt bear to sit there and witness what I would deem a classic, Mike McCallum v Carl Jones is one, as I prefer an exhibition of boxing as opposed to the slam, bang fanfare that today’s fight fan get’s off on, hence the Prize Fighter series, sorry Baz!!!! whoops!!!! almost forgot back to the knockdown which seemed a little harsh on the Birkenhead man as it looked as if he was bundled over more than floored by a legitimate enough punch or punches, still the third man took up the count and it counted!!!!
It seemed the bow Flourney took in the form of a knockdown to the man fittingly known as Prince, proved a crowning moment for the Manchester man, as the knockdown had proved decisive in the scorecards, well after the kindness via the judges in favour of Flourney beforehand it was in true cockney idiom poetic justice, innit!!!!
Scores were 29-28 twice and 28-27 all in favour of the Prince, who could face off against the King who was ringside in a rematch for what that’s worth as Small destroyed Arron inside of two rounds back in 2006, and surely it would be a case of ‘good night sweet Prince’ again should a rematch materialise, remember there’s an old saying in boxing that goe’s ‘uneasy lie’s the head, that wears the crown’ on this night the King will sleep peacefully.

Michael Angelo Serra reporting with the King sat one seat but one, next to himself….

Any views or emails to mickyserra@aol.com if you can be bothered….????? {only kidding guys, seriously}

PHILADELPHIA (April 7, 2010)—This Saturday night, Anthony Burgin will be looking to give himself a belated birthday present.

Burgin, who turned eighteen today (April 7) will be competing in the finals of the Eastern regional’s of the 2010 Golden Gloves that will be held at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Burgin came to the Joe Hand Gym six months ago with his trainer Orlando Perez.

Burgin started boxing at age fourteen when his step mother encouraged him to take up the sport.

Burgin was a quick study as he was recognized as one of the top amateurs in the talent rich city. He has amassed an impressive record of 24-3 and was a 2008 National Jr. Olympic champion at 106 lbs. Later in the year he claimed a Mid-Atlantic championship. In 2009 he made it to the semi-finals of the National Golden Gloves at 119 lbs.

Burgin, from the Kensington section of Philadelphia attends Philadelphia Military Academy where he has learned discipline that he has instilled in his boxing career.

Burgin has aspirations of becoming a professional boxer and lists Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Bernard Hopkins as his favorite fighters.

While at the Joe Hand Boxing Gym, Burgin trains with his younger brothers Nicholas and Nathan.

There also will be a special celebrity boxing exhibition that will feature Mike Fera, who is the president of Local 592 and head of the Cement Masons taking on Liam Mulvy, who is a currant boxing documentary producer as well as a former amateur boxing champion in the United Kingdom.

The competition is sponsored by Joe Hand Promotions with all proceeds going to the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Computer Lab.

This is the fifteenth year that Joe Hand Promotions has been involved with this great event.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling Joe Hand Promotions at 1-215-364-9000.

The doors open at 6pm with the first fight beginning promptly at 6:30

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street.

ABOUT THE JOE HAND BOXING GYM

Started by Joe Hand Promotions in 1995, the Joe Hand Boxing Gym has been a community landmark for over 15 years. Joe Hand, Sr., a retired Philadelphia police detective, saw the gym as a safe place for Philly’s children and young adults to come and hone their skills in boxing or spend time learning computer skills for their futures.

A world of opportunity is right here, as kids are mentored by educators and athletes, guiding them down what can be a difficult path. The Joe Hand Boxing Gym offers regulation boxing rings, brand new equipment, and a modern computer center where children from the community can participate in the educational process.

Location:
543-547 North Third Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Phone: 215-271-4263

Twin Cities, MN- Previously undefeated lightweight Jeremy Mclaurin(7-1, 5 ko’s) suffered a shocking unanimous decision loss to underdog Hector Orozco this past weekend in Hinckley, but the St. Paul based fighter wants to make it clear he plans to return with a sharpened focus.

“I was just stuck in the mud all night, I have no excuses, I lost my drive somewhere in the last few months and stopped hitting the pavement. I was running on treadmills and waking up at 9AM instead of six. I tip my hat to Hector and I’ll take the positives from this loss, and build toward my future.”

Prior to April 2nd Mclaurin had been followed by whispers of a potential showdown with Gary Eyer (8-0, 6 ko’s) of Duluth, who stopped Brad Patraw on the same card, but plans now likely point to Mclaurin returning to 130 and taking on two or three more fights before an Eyer bout comes to fruition.

“If there is one positive from Friday I’m happy to be able to take a learning experience like this early on in my career rather than later, and on a bigger stage. I want to thank all my fans, and supporters for sticking by me, and I plan to bring you a better show next time around.”

McLaurin stopped Orozco in February, and no plans have been mentioned at this time for a third bout between the two. Also in action Friday Tyler Hultin and Tim Taggart fought to a draw, Donny Tierney edged Dan Copp, and in the main event middleweight Andy Kolle dominated Matt Vanda for a unanimous decision win.

St. Paul, MN (April 6, 2010) – Highly touted super middleweight Caleb “Golden” Truax will meet in-state rival Phil “The Drill” Williams at the St. Paul Armory Friday, April 23, in the main event of Seconds Out Promotions’ “St. Paul Brawl”.

A flawless 14-0 with 9 knockouts, Truax is amongst the top up-and-comers in the Midwest. The Osseo, MN native stopped five of his last seven opponents, most recently outpointing well regarded Kerry Hope in the World Boxing Federation’s Fight of the Year.

Williams, a dynamic power puncher, looks to get back on track following two recent setbacks. At 11-3 with 10 KO’s, Williams owns knockout victories over former title challenger Antwun Echols, underrated Marcus Upshaw, and twice decked unbeaten contender Marcus Oliveira before coming up short. A resident of Minneapolis, MN by way of Queens, NY, Williams is confident he will tarnish Truax’ perfect record.

Truax and Williams meet over ten rounds for local bragging rights, as the Minnesota State Super Middleweight title will be up for grabs.

In the eight round co-feature, cement fisted heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell battles 31 fight veteran Josh “The Griz” Gutcher of Albia, IA. A fan favorite based out of Coon Rapids, Abell sports a 25-4 record with 24 wins by knockout. Having fought in the U.S., Sweden, Canada and Saint Lucia, Abel is globally recognized as a devastating puncher.

Unbeaten featherweights Ismail Muwendo and Gustavo Espinoza meet over four rounds, while crowd favorites Jon “Iron Man” Schmidt, Charles Meier, Derek Winston and Antwon Robertson will appear in separate bouts against opponents to be announced.

With mixed martial arts’ interest at an all time high, Seconds Out added three special attraction MMA bouts to the card. Middleweight Jedidiah Jones meets Isiah Mahto in a highly anticipated three round rematch, while well regarded locals Travis Reddinger and Zach Juusola meet opponents TBA.

Tickets for the “St. Paul Brawl” are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP and are available at ticketweb.com. Doors to open at 7 pm. The first bell is slated for 8.

The St. Paul Armory is located at 600 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN 55101.

When retired professional boxer Tony Grygelko found himself unable to stay out of the gym, he realized that his passion for boxing was undeniable. At age 29, Grygelko formed Seconds Out Promotions. By utilizing the vast boxing knowledge of world-class trainer Ron Lyke, Grygelko and Seconds Out quickly became a hit.

Through determination, integrity and hard work, Seconds Out strives to become a top promotional firm by giving young fighters the ability to showcase their talents to a worldwide audience, along with offering fans the highest quality of entertainment. Seconds Out is committed to recruitment and development of the best and brightest young fighters to help achieve our mission.

Seconds Out Promotions’ current stable of pugilists includes undefeated prospects “Golden” Caleb Truax, Marcus Oliveria, Michael Faulk, Ismail Muwendo, dynamite fisted Heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell, Willshaun Boxley, Charles Meier, Jon “The Ironman” Schmidt, and Mohammed Kayongo.

For more information, go to www.soboxing.com or text “fights” to 95495

PHILADELPHIA (April 6, 2010)—THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 9th, at The Arena in South Philadelphia, one of the hottest Featherweight prospects in the United States will make his eight round debut as Coy “Pretty Boy” Evans takes on twenty-three fight veteran Morris Chule in the Main event.

The event is promoted by Greg Robinson’s Power Productions in association with Riveredge Beverage company.

Evans of Philadelphia is becoming one of the most talked about fighters in Philadelphia, has a record of 7-0-1 with one win coming by knockouts and is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Robert Daluz on February 27th in Allentown, PA.

In his last outing at The Arena, Evans scored a stunning second round stoppage over Vineash Rungea on January 15th.

Chula of Kenya, and now fights out of Pahokee, Florida has a record of 11-10-2 with eight knockouts and has fought all over the globe as he has participated in bouts in Kenya, Uganda, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Russia, The Philippines and his last three bouts in the United States.

In his last four bouts, Chule has fought former world title challenger Czar Amonsot (19-3-1); Future world title challenger Mario Santiago (20-1-1); Argenis Mendez (14-1) and Jerry Belmontes (10-0).

In the six round co-feature, Derrick Webster of Glassboro, NJ will see action in a six round Middleweight bout against Andre Espuet of Morristown, NJ.

Webster is perfect in his five bouts with four coming by knockout. In his last bout, Webster scored a fourth round stoppage over eleven fight veteran Pete Guthy on February 27th in Allentown, PA.

Espuet has a record of 2-1 and is coming off a four round unanimous decision loss to knockout specialist, Jason Escalera (6-0, 6 KO’s) on August 27th in North Bergen, NJ

The very popular Olivia “The Great” Fonseca (3-2-2, 2 KO’s) will take on Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (1-1, 1 KO) in a Ladies Jr. Middleweight bout.

Fonseca of Philadelphia has been off since her July 10 second round stoppage over Lisa Bolin at The Arena.

In a four round Light Heavyweight bout Joe McKenzie will make his pro debut against Maurice Amaro (0-2)

Fresh off his pro debut knockout, Kareem Cooley (1-0, 1 KO) will take on Puro Pairol in a four round Lightweight bout.

Coming off a successful pro debut on February 26th at The Arena, Lightweight Kareem “Cool Breeze” Cooley returns to the scene of his third round knockout when he see action in a four round bout.

Cooley, who trains out of the Joe Hand Boxing Gym had a very successful amateur career and had that impressive pro debut.

Lightweight Keenan Smith will make his pro debut when he takes on Luis Esquilin (1-3-1) of Philadelphia in a four round Featherweight fight.

Featherweight William Davies also make his pro debut against Joseliz Capeda (0-1 ) in a four round bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $100 (ringside); $75 (VIP); $65 (Super Box); and $40 (floor seating) and can be purchased by calling the following Locations:

Ticketmaster 215-336-2000
The Arena 267-687-7560
Total Car Care 267-912-8747
G’s Auto 2670784-8797
Atpro 609-871-3552
Bozy Ennis 267-237-0354

Attorney Daniel Pertocelli dismissed reports that Antonio Margarito’s gloves were loaded with a rock-like substance before he was ordered to re-wrap his hands before a loss to Shane Mosley more than a year ago in Los Angeles.

“Completely false,’’ Petrocelli said Monday in a conference call that included Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who is promoting Margarito’s return to the ring in Mexico on May 8.

Arum said he scheduled the conference call in an attempt to correct conclusions that he says were based on “misinformation” about circumstances that led to a one-year revocation of Margarito’s license by the California State Athletic Commission.

Margarito, who has been free to re-apply for a license in the United States since February, is scheduled to appear at a news conference Tuesday at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

Petrocelli said an “irregularity” was discovered in the gauze above one knuckle in the wraps when Mosley trainer Nazim Richardson asked for a closer look before opening bell of a welterweight fight on Jan 24 at Staples Center. The California commission conducted a forensic test of the wraps, said Petrocelli, who said he was not allowed to have different experts conduct a second test.

The California test turned up traces of calcium and sulfur, according to Petrocelli, who said both substances can be found in hand creams.

Pertocelli also dismissed talk that Margarito used similar wraps in the summer of 2008 in an upset of Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas. He called the speculation a “myth.”

California and Nevada rules are different, said Petrocelli, who won a wrongful death judgment in 1997 against O.J. Simpson in civil court. In California, trainers are allowed to bring their own wraps. Nevada provides the wraps. Javier Capitello, Margarito’s trainer for Mosley, also had his license revoked for 12 months. Robert Garcia of Oxnard, Calif., is Margarito’s current trainer.

Margarito has said consistently that he did not know Capetillo had wrapped his hands illegally. In an interview with 15 Rounds on March 11 in a lobby of a Dallas-area hotel before Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Joshua Clottey on March 13 at Cowboys Stadium; Margarito said; “I did nothing wrong.’’

Petrocelli said he is trying to clear Margarito’s name with an appeal in the California courts. He expects a ruling sometime this year. Meanwhile, Arum plans to apply for license in the U.S. after Margarito’s May 8 bout against Roberto Garcia in Aguascalientes.

“His next fight will be in the United States,’’ said Arum, who was unable to get Margarito licensed in Texas in time for him to fight on the Pacquiao-Clottey undercard.

This past Friday Night at The Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, Derek Ennis and Jose Gonzalez locked up in a classic bout that headlined a six bout card. 15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was there capture all the vivid images from this memorable night

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

PHILADELPHIA (April 4, 2010)—Boxing historians can now add this past Friday’s bout between USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis and Jose Gonzalez to list of classic biuts that have taken place at The Legendary Blue Horizon as they engaged in a ten round war that was won by Ennis via majority decision.

The show was promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing LLC

Ennis and Gonzalez waged a classic toe to toe war which had the near capacity crowd on the edge of their seats throughout the ten round classic.

Ennis showed amazing hand speed as he ripped up six and seven punch combination’s that rocked Gonzalez all over the ring. Gonzalez stunned Ennis in round two for which Ennis seemed like he was in big trouble as Gonzalez continuously landed hard shots to the head but Ennis showed a great chin and came back more furious then before.

It seemed that every time Ennis would have Gonzalez in serious trouble and ready to go, the visitor from Garden City, Kansas would come back as not only did he show a granite chin but heart that was unparalleled as he would come but to be more than competitive in the ebb and flow contest. Ennis himself showed heart and determination because not only beat a relentless opponent but over the final few rounds he fought with a nasty cut on his right eyebrow,

Ennis won by scores of 98-92; 98-92and 95-95 to raise his record to 21-2-1. He will now look to defend his USBA crown in June or July.

The co-feature saw Derek’s brother, Farah dominated and then scored a emphatic second round knockout over Frankie Santos in their scheduled eight round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Ennis dropped Santos at the end of the round and Santos was not able to continue at the 3:10 of the second frame.

Ennis remained undefeated at 13-0 while recording his seventh stoppage.

Heavyweight Bryant Jennings landed a perfect uppercut that laid out Jon Bolden for several minutes as Jennings scored a highlight reel third round knockout in a scheduled four round bout of undefeated heavyweights.

Other winners on the card were Clemente Bethea, Jose Ortiz and Duane King.

FULL RESULTS

10 ROUNDS JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS—Derek “Pooh” Ennis (21-2-1), 157 ½ lbs of Philadelphia MD over Jose Gonzalez (13-7-1), 155 lbs of Garden City, Kansas…Scores were 98-92, 98-92 and 95-95

8 ROUNDS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS—Farah Ennis (13-0, 7 KO’s) 169 lbs of Philadelphia KO 2 (3:10) over Frankie Santos (17-9-4) 173 lbs of Salinas, PR

4 ROUNDS HEAVYWEIGHTS— Bryant Jennings (2-0, 1 KO) 221 lbs of Philadelphia KO 3 (3:06 over Jon Bolden (1-1) 237 ½ lbs of New York, NY

4 ROUNDS JR WELTERWEIGHTS— Clemente Bethea (2-0) 139 ½ lbs of Camden, NJ U DEC over Jason Sia (0-2) 139 lbs of Philadelphia….scores were 38-36 on all cards

4 ROUNDS FEATHERWEIGHTS—Jose Ortiz (3-2) 129 lbs of Jersey City, NJ U DEC over Luis Esquilin (1-3-1) 126 lbs of Philadelphia…Scores were 40-36; 40-36 and 39-37

4 ROUNDS MIDDLEWEIGHTS—Duane King (1-1) 154 lbs of Reidsville, NC MAJDEC over Kamel Al-Olabi (0-3) 159 lbs of Saudi Arabia… Scores were 39-37; 39-37 and 38-38

Photo Credit: Claudia Bocanegra

This classic night of boxing is now available to be viewed all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv by clicking:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=576

THE NEXT EVENT AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON WILL BE FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 4TH

Sunday Sizzler SPECIAL NYD & BILLY FROM PHILLY EDITION! Fast Eddie Chambers post fight interview! 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD – A weekly Sunday boxing show covering Boxing from all angles. Alongside and boxing aficionado Danny “NYD” Stasiukiewicz.

I didn’t spend last weekend at Mandalay Bay. I couldn’t afford to. Even with the “media rate” for a room, it was too pricey – before airfare from San Antonio. Hopkins-Jones II was the main event of a $49 pay-per-view card called “The Rivals.” I couldn’t afford that either. Apparently history was made. Sorry I missed it.

Friday, May 21, though, I’ll board a flight to Los Angeles ($110). Then I’ll stay in a hotel near Staples Center Friday ($80) and Saturday ($80). Then I’ll fly home Sunday ($110 again). I can afford Vazquez-Marquez IV.

After food, “Once and Four All” should cost me eight times more than I couldn’t afford to spend on “The Rivals.” I know what you’re thinking because I’m thinking it too: “Eight times? Even at 10x, Vazquez-Marquez is a steal!”

Indeed it is, friends. On May 22 at Staples Center, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will make the fourth fight of their rivalry – the finest of my lifetime. Three Thursdays ago, Golden Boy Promotions held a kickoff press conference to announce it. Whenever the officers of that company come out of hiding for what happened last weekend, do congratulate them: Vazquez-Marquez III deserved a larger venue than Home Depot Center’s tennis stadium, every prizefight deserves a better venue than a casino, and Golden Boy Promotions is the reason “Once and Four All” is in a large stadium where real fans can purchase real tickets.

A quick note about the tagline. “Once and Four All” is very much better than “Who R U Picking?” but you’re right to fear that “four” will play too large a role in coverage of this event – as in “Fourward Four You!” or “Fourever UnFourgettable.” Here’s why. The word “trilogy” is well known, while the word “tetralogy” doesn’t come standard in the MS Word dictionary. But a tetralogy is what this fight will make. That word can be added to the custom dictionary to ensure spell check doesn’t ding it and send you careering back towards “Fourtunate Foursome!”

Now a note or two about ambivalence.

I was in the camp that didn’t want to see this fight happen. I was ringside for Vazquez-Marquez III. It was wicked. Israel Vazquez’s face was a grotesquerie in the post-fight press conference – and he was the winner. Selfishly, too, I was content with having written about the finale of a series that will be the standard by which aficionados still judge prizefighting rivalries in 2035.

Great writing chooses solely great figures for subjects. Words are elevated by their topics. Even an average writer could put together a very good piece were he present for, say, Marvin Hagler’s match with Tommy Hearns. Meanwhile, Hopkins-Jones II would hamstring a ringside report by Shakespeare on lede and Cervantes on sidebar.

We should choose carefully, then, and Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez are great as sport makes men.

But unlike in Vazquez and Marquez’s fights at super bantamweight, it’s very hard to believe that, come May 22, we’ll be looking at the world’s two best featherweights. This fourth fight will happen at 126 pounds, where neither Vazquez nor Marquez could be ranked in the Top 6. Both men are now years past their 30th birthdays, and if they can no longer be asked to make 122 they shouldn’t either be asked to make fights with Juan Manuel Lopez or Yuriorkis Gamboa.

Which brings us to this: No matter how competitive the fourth fight is, it won’t be great as the third. Fighters don’t improve after what Vazquez and Marquez did to one another two years ago. The most we can hope is that 25 consecutive rounds together eroded the men equally.

There’s evidence that suggests this. Vazquez did not look very good in his October fight with Angel Antonio Priolo, 19 months after his third fight with Marquez. He looked hittable as ever. He ground out a win by grinding Priolo into a dusty film on the Nokia Theater canvas. It took him nine rounds and more scars over his oft-damaged left eye, though.

But if you’re only exposure to Rafael Marquez’s win over Colombian Jose Francisco Mendoza in May comes from BoxRec.com – Result: TKO-3 for Marquez – you’re incompletely informed. That fight happened in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon and was available on TV Azteca 7, a channel nary an American had access to. Marquez did not look well-adjusted to his new weight. And Mendoza’s 21-2-2 (17 KOs) record was a Bogota fiction; he’d gone 0-2-1 just before Marquez stopped him, and he’d go out like a light 100 days later when Jhonny Gonzalez starched him thrice as fast as Marquez had.

Still, I think I’ll pick Marquez. He is a special talent with a special trainer in Nacho Beristain; on paper, he should have won the second fight and the third one, too. Just like I picked. That’s the insincere part. I’d hate to jinx Vazquez by picking him now.

I’ve written more words about other fighters. But there is no one – perhaps no subject – I’ve enjoyed writing about more than Israel Vazquez. By May 22 he’ll have fought once in 26 months, but I’ve still made him the subject of four columns since he beat Marquez in Carson, Calif.

So let’s end with a Vazquez anecdote.

At last year’s BWAA dinner, I sat across the table from Israel. He was with his brother-in-law, and PR ace Bernie Bahrmasel. Late in the night, Israel’s brother-in-law went to get his picture taken with some of the glamorously clad gals who’d presented awards. Vazquez nodded in his direction and said, “Look at him.”

“He tells them he’s with Vazquez, and they all want a picture,” I said.

“But I am Vazquez!” Israel said, pointing at his chest and smiling.

Three was enough. Four is too many. But if Izzy and Rafa must fight on, may the exchange rate be fair. And may they be paid properly, too. See you in Los Angeles.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

On Friday night TKO Promotions & Guilty Boxing proudly presented an evening of Boxing from the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

In the Main Event Sharif “THe Lion Warrior” Bogare moved to 15-0(9) after a clash of heads late in the first opened up a cut on the right eye of his opponent Martin Tucker 7-6(3). When Tucker got back to his corner at the end of the round he told his corner he couldn’t see, however the referee and doctor said he was ok to continue thus meaning the fight was called off at the 3.00 mark with Bogare winning by first round KO.

As usual Bogare 21, was carried to the ring in a cage decked out as Lion surrounded by singers and dancers with to load cheers by his fans. Bogare now lives in Las Vegas but originally hails from Kampala in Uganda.

Robert “Big Rob” Rodriguez 3-0(0) kept his perfect record when he scored a comprehensive four round points win over Manuel Delgado 1-4(0) when Adelaide Byrd, Lisa Giampa & Ricardo Ocasio all scored it 40-36 in a Super Bantamweight fight.

The fight of the night was between a come backing Eddie Salas 7-3-1(5) and Mike Alexander 1-4-2(0). The last time Salas fought America was still under the administration of George W Bush & Black Eyed Peas song “Where is the Love” was number one in the Music charts.

The action started right away with Salas taking the fight to the taller Alexander from the first bell though Alexander had his moments. In the second Alexander was pinned for a large part of the second round in a neutral corner where Salas threw several hard overhand rights. The action continued through the third. By the fourth it looked as though Salas was in control only to walk into a hard left that clearly hurt him, forcing him backwards. Alexander poured on the pressure but was unable to force the stoppage. When the scores came in Robert Hoyle scored it 39-37 to Salas but was over ruled by Dwayne Ford & Lisa Giampa who both had it tied at 38-38.

Las Vegas own Bradley Blankenship failed to win on his debut when he was forced to settle for a four round draw against Abram Espinoza 0-1-1(0). The first round seemed fairly close, it then appeared that Blankenship took over in the second before having a strong third round. Again in the fourth Blankenship seemed to do enough to take the round. Dwayne Ford scored it 40-36 for Blankenship however he was over ruled by Al Leferwitz & Ricardo Ocasio who couldn’t separate either man posting scores of 38-38.

In his second bout Michael Finney moved to 2-0(2) when he blasted out Jordan Washington 1-2(1) out in 2.49 of the opener. Washington was down three times. Joe Cortez presided over the action.

The opening bout of the night saw Fidel “Atrisco Kid” Maldonado keep his perfect 2-0(2) record when he proved to much for Blake “Trouble” Franklin 3-4-1(1). Maldonado started fast and quickly dropped Franklin, two more knock downs followed before Joe Cortez waved the fight off at 1.29.

The next TKO/Guilty Promotion is on 22 May at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT headlined by Peter Manfredo verses Angel Hernandez for the Vacant IBO Middleweight crown along with Matt Remillard making a defence of the NABF Featherweight title.

Cuban import, Erislandy Lara scored a ten round unanimous decision over veteran Danny Perez at the Joint at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Lara boxed very well as he mixed in some solid combinations and dived them up between two, three and four punch quick flurries to bot the body and head.

Perez had a few moments of success as he used nice nice body work in round five. Lara then coasted down the stretch as he moved very well and showed terrific hand speed and put his hand together but he didint seem to take many chances as he felt he had the felt in hand.

All three judges scored the bout 99-91 for Lara, 156 lbs of Miami and is now 11-0. Perez, 155 1/2 lbs of San Diego is now 34-7.

Lara refused to back down and was awarded the unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 99-91. After the fight he only had praise for his team and his new trainer Ronnie Shields. “I felt great. I can really feel the difference my new team has made. My preparations were strong and we executed it tonight, especially now that I have Ronnie in my corner. I know my team will guide me to my dream of a world title this year.”

Puerto Rican Super Featherweight prospect Carlos Velasquez stopped Ira Terry in four rounds of their scheduled eight round bout.

Velasquez was dominant with body work that set up some nice shots to the head. At the end of round three, Velasquez landed a hard straight right that had Terry in trouble. The momentum continued in the next round as Velasquez landed a big right hand that sent down Terry for referee Vic Drachulich’s ten count just twenty seconds into round four.

Velasquez, 127 1/2 lbs of Catao, PR is now 12-0 with ten knockouts. Terry, 128 lbs of Covington, TN is now 24-3.

Ten seconds into the fourth round Velasquez unleashed a hellacious flurry of punches that sent Terry to the canvas where Terry was counted out just 20 seconds into the round. The super featherweight bout was scheduled for eight rounds. After the fight Velasquez spoke about his victory. “I felt great in there. I worked really hard for this fight. I knew he was getting tired because I kept hitting his body with shots. This was the biggest fight of my career. It meant a lot to me because I haven’t fought in a while. But I came back strong with a big knockout.”

It took seventeen years for the rematch but when it finally occurred, Bernard Hopkins won a twelve round unanimous decision over Roy Jones Jr. in a strange at times Light Heavyweight bout at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

After walking out accompanied by his oown vocalist singing a boxing-themed version or I Did It My Way, Bernard Hopkins was in vintage regala donning his old school executioner mask perhaps in an attempt to intimidate Roy Jones Jr. Nevertheless, both fighters seemed ready to pounce but would not throw. Like two coiled snakes, the first round was a lot of fainting and posturing. The second, third, and fourth rounds were all similar to each other. Hopkins would spring in with a combo and tie up Roy at the end of his combo. Roy Jones simply was not active enough, not throwing many punches. Jones seemed to come alive in the fifth when he landed his best and perhaps only combo of the fight. Thus far, the fifth was Jones’ best round. Round six seemed to be an even round, both fighters had about the same level of effectivness but near the end of the round, Jones blantantly punched Hopkins in the back of the head, sending Hopkins to the canvas, sprawling in pain. The referee subsequently deducted a point away from Jones.

This fired up both fighters as they fought viciously for the last 10 seconds of the fight and even after the bell, causing chaos and members of Jones’ camp to run into the ring. Order was restored and the seventh round picked up where the last one ended. Towards the middle of the round, both fighters seemed to calm down and the chess match resumed. In round 8, Jones landed another illegal blow to the back of the head, sending Hopkins down for a short time, no point was deducted, but like before, this fired up Hopkins and he attacked Jones. In the ninth, both fighters seemed to tighten up and become hesistant to engage.

More controversy in the tenth round, Jones landed a blow which appeared to hit the belt line, but Hopkins dropped to the canvas wincing in pain. Hopkins sprung back up to his feet but was visibly tired as his output dropped noticeably. At the start of round 11, Jones finally wised up and gave

Hopkins a taste of his own medicine. Hopkins had been leading with his head the entire fight so Roy walked away and took a few seconds off due to the butt. The round, however, was mostly dominated by Hopkins

The 12th and final round, saw Hopkins charge out and land two body shorts before Jones threw any punches. The round may have went to Jones being that he lets his hands go, but the fight was fairly one sided. The judges had the fight 117-110, 117-110, 118-109 all to the winner Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins improves his hall of fame record to 51-5-1 with 32KO’s while Jones’ added his sixth loss to his stellar career to go along with 55 wins with 40 by KO. Jones’ better days are clearly behind him, but tonight he showed flashes of his old brilliance (by karen). Whats next for Hopkins, maybe more acting classes! But cagey veterans make cagey moves and Hopkinds used it to his advantage to ensure a victory.

In the co-main event, Jason Litzau met Texas native Rocky Juarez in the NABF Super Featherweight Title bout. Litzau showed tremendous footwork early as he danced around and picked off Rocky as he was coming in. As the fight progressed into the 6th and 7th rounds, Litzau seemed to tire which in turn made him stand and trade more, not a good idea. Juarez had a chance to land big shots and that he did. In the 7th round, Juarez came in with his head and clashed with Litzau face causing a huge gash. Between rounds, the Litzau camp decided they could not continue so the fight would be decided on the scorecards. One judge saw it 68-85 while the other two had it 67-66 all in favor of the champion Jason Litzau. He improves to 27-2 with 21KOS while Jaurez drops to 28-5-1.

Seeing his first action in nearly two years, Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, from Contender fame, met a game Calvin Green in a super middleweight battle. The first two rounds were action packed with Mora bein cut on the side of his nose by a left hook in the 1st round. Both of the fighters seemed to tire quickly which resulted in a lot of in fighting. Mora showed a different side of his skills by moving and punching WITH POWER from angles. The tactic worked and as the punches accumulated the referee saw no reason to let the fight go on. So at 1:50 in round 7, the fight was stopped. This is only Sergio’s 6 win by KO/TKO in his 24 fights, but he improves his record to 22-1-1 with 6KO’s. Green drops to 21-5-1.

The vacant NABF Light Heavyweight Title was up for grabs when undefeated Ismayl Sillakh met Daniel Judah in a scheduled 10 rounder. However the bout didn’t make it that far. Sillakh dropped Judah with a vicious hook to the body followed by a right to the head. Judah rose, only to be knocked down again by a left hook to the head. The ref Vic Drakulich stopped the fight at :49 in the second round. Sillakh improves to 12-0 with 11KO’s while Judah dropped to 23-5-1.

The next bout was for the USNBC Super Lightweight title featuring Ray Narh versus Angel Hernandez. The much taller Narh pressed Hernandez and landed huge shots which resulted in three knockdowns in the second round. Hernandez failed to get up and the referee stopped the fight at 2:59 of the second round. Taking the title and improving his record to 24-1 with 21KO’s was Narh while Hernandez dropped to 14-5.

In the pro debut of what many people feel is the next “Golden Boy”, Frankie Gomes of East Los Angeles battled Clavonne Howard in a junior welterweight battle. Gomes impressed the crowd as he stalked Howard around the ring for three rounds until referee Joe Cortez stopped the fight at 2:45 of the 3rd round after Howard was caught with some big shots. Howard drops to 2-4.

In a battle between super featherweights, Yaundale Evans kept his record clean as he dropped Juan Baltierrez at 2:08 in the second round with a right hook to the temple. Evans is now 6-0 with 4KO’s while Baltierez drops to 2-2-2 with only 1KO.

The second bout was a super middleweight battle between Buddy McGirt Jr and John Mackey. Mackey proved to be no match as he was dropped in the second round from a perfect right hook that landed on his chin at 2:58. McGirt improves to 22-2-1 with 11KO’s while Mackey dropped to 11-5-2.

In the first bout of the evening, Craig McEwan retained his undefeated middleweight record as he improved to 18-0 with 10KO’s. McEwan controlled the action from opening bell against the over matched Kris Andrews from Canada. Landing big shot after big shot, referee Joe Cortez finally stopped the fight in the 8th and final round at the time of 2:11. Andrews dropped to 15-9-2 with 4KO’s.

POST FIGHT QUOTES

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Hopkins was taken to the Southern Hills Hospital for observation immediately following the fight.

“It was a great victory for Bernard Hopkins. Seventeen years in the making. He got the win, the victory he waited for. A lot of people counted Roy out. Roy came to fight and I want to congratulate him for that.”

JOHN WIRT, CEO of Square Ring, Inc.

“Roy is going to the hospital as well. In terms of this fight, it was obviously a longstanding rivalry between two legends of our generation. It is up to Roy. I am sure he will be making that decision down the road in terms of what he wants to do with his career.”

BERNARD HOPKINS VS. ROY JONES JR.

BERNARD HOPKINS

“It was kind of rough. He’s a warrior. He’s a veteran and a good fighter. I see spots. I have been hit in the back of the head before, but in the gym with head gear on. I was toughing it out. I was seeing spots in the sixth round.

“I felt I got hit in the back of the head and my legs went and I started seeing spots. I was mad. Weeks did a helluva job. He was doing the best he could to keep us both under control.

“I wanted to keep pressing. I’m a scrappy fighter. I might not be flashy. I might not be pretty, but I am a hard core Philadelphia fighter and blue collar worker like most Americans.

“The rematch was well worth it. It was sweet revenge for me.

“I want David Haye, the heavyweight champion of the world.”

ROY JONES JR.

“Ifeel great. Even at my age I’m still in control. I want to thank god for as healthy as I am today. Pensacola in the house. Thank all I my fans for their support. I kind of got behind. I was trying to knock him out because I was behind. He is a very crafty veteran. He was hitting me behind the head.

“I was worried the first time. I knew if I was fouled too much I would have been disqualified. I wanted to give the fans what they wanted. I tried to do that tonight.”

JASON LITZAU VS. ROCKY JUAREZ

JASON LITZAU

“This is the biggest victory of my career. Rocky is a true champion. I want to thank Square Ring and Golden Boy for this opportunity. Me and Rocky gave them a helluva show. I felt like I had another 10 rounds in me. I was so calm. I was relaxed on the inside. I was going to turn it up in the later rounds. I knew Rocky was coming. I was going to turn it up in the later rounds.”

ROCKY JUAREZ

“I felt the cut was the result of a punch, not an accidental head butt. The cut was by a short left hook. By saying it was an accidental head butt, I was disappointed. I love Jason. We know each other. I am one of the best fighters in the world.

“I felt that the decision was bull. I was going to stop him at the end of the night. We never collided heads. I made sure of it. Jason knew he was going to get knocked out towards the end of the fight.

“I do not consider this losing. I did not lose this fight. I felt that this fight was taken from me. I would like a rematch. Jason should give me that rematch because he knows it was a punch. The cut was underneath his eye. Jason just backed out.”

SERGIO MORA VS. CALVIN GREEN

SERGIO MORA

“It is great to be victorious. The rust was certainly there. 19 months out of the ring took its toll. That will happen. I started really slow. By the third round I felt more like the Latin snake. By the fourth and fifth round, I got it under control. He was always trying to counter. I gave him some good body shots. He can really take a punch. I mixed it up pretty good. I am back. I am with a good promoter now, Golden Boy. I am back.

“This guy came in at the last minute. I couldn’t find any tapes on him.

I knew he was gonna be tough. I had never seen him.

“The cut didn’t bother me. I’m used to cuts. I’m used to getting lacerated.

“It took two rounds for me to get the rust off, but I was so motivated and I just want to get back in there.

“You are going to see a lot more because I am hungry. I am ready to fight the best. I am glad I got the rust off.

“I want to fight the best. Let me get another fight. I will let Richard Schaefer get me another opponent ASAP and then I will be ready.”

ISMAYL SILLAKH VS. DANIEL JUDAH

ISMAEL SILLAKH

“I respect Bernard Hopkins, but if I fought him, I would beat him.

“I am ready for a world title right now because I trained hard. I train every day twice a day. I am ready. It is my time.”

Delvin Rodriguez retained the USBA Welterweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Mike Arnaoutis in a battle of former world title challengers at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

Rodriguez used his length and would land some nice combinations throughout the affair and he himseld was hit every once in a while with some straight lefts or right hooks from Arnaoutis but those shits were only one at a time.

Arnaoutis was deducted a point in round seven for a low. One of Rodriguez right hands caused a cut over the left eye of Arnaoutis in round eleven

Rodriguez, 146 3/4 lbs of nearby Danbury, CT will look to get back in the thick of the title picture with a record of 25-4-2. Arnaoutis, 146 1/4 lbs of Queens, NT is now 22-5-1.

Former U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade scored a six round unanimous decision over Geoffrey Spruiell in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Andrade was never tested and landed the harder combination’s and was particularly effective with hard shots on the ropes. Spruiell showed plenty of courage as he stood up to Andrade’s assault and even egged on the younger on Andrade in the last round while finally getting in a a little offense of his own.

All three cards read 60-54 for Andrade, 153 1/4 lbs of Providence, RI who is now 10-0. Spruiell, 153 3/4 lbs of Pueblo, CO is now 8-9.

In his own words “Don’t call it a comeback…i’ve been here for years” However Saturday will become the maiden voyage of phase two of Sergio “The Latin Snake’s” Mora’s career. The pride of East L.A now 29, gets back to work after a 18 month hiatus when he makes his Golden Boy debut. In the opposite corner will be tough veteran Calvin Green. Mora 21-1-1(5) has fitted a lot into his career winning the Contender and then going onto win the WBC Light Middleweight title against the late Vernon Forrest. Here’s what Mora had to say.

Hello Sergio, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly how are things? Your back after an 18 month hiatus, what can you tell us about that and what have you done with your time since?

Sergio Mora – Well it’s going to be a 19 month hiatus but if it sounds familiar Floyd Mayweather Jnr did it. If he can do it i can do it. I’ve been busy with commentating on professional fights and doing appearances and just staying in the gym and staying focused. I haven’t been inactive i’ve been in the gym sparring 3 times a week. I had 3 fights cancelled last year so it’s not because you know i’m stagnant on purpose. It’s because i was forced to be inactive. I was with a promoter who didn’t fight me. But know i’m with Golden Boy who are going to fight me and keep me busy. You guys are going to see me at least 3 times this year.

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting veteran Calvin Green 21-4-1(13), what do you know about him? What are you looking for from this fight?

Sergio Mora – I know absolutely nothing about him. This is the fourth opponent they’ve replaced him with. First i was supposed to fight Daniel Edouard, then it became a Canadian Jason Naugler then a guy from Baltimore Ishmail Arvin and now this guy. I couldn’t get no youtube video’s or DVD’s in time to study him. From what i can see it looks like he’s a hard puncher and i’m expecting a tough good fight. He’s a Texan everything is big from Texas so i’m expecting him to want to win.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer and Promoter? Also what gym do you use regularly to train at?

Sergio Mora – I train at Montebello Police Athletics. My coach who used to be my manager is John Montelongo he’s a police officer in Montebello. My trainer, my long-time trainer, the only trainer i ever had is Dean Campos and my newly assigned manager is Cameron Dunkin.

Anson Wainwright – Growing up in East Los Angeles as a kid, can you tell us about your early years and how you first became involved in Boxing?

Sergio Mora – I got involved in Boxing in East L.A there’s a lot of gyms in East L.A there’s a lot of liquor stores too! I chose the former and went that route. Me and my friends used to get together like little rascals and fight in alley’s and backyards. I beat up all my friends…i was like 15-0! Haha
So from that i decided to go into sanctioned Boxing travelling to other countries and states got me hooked to Boxing and that i was good at it naturally.

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro in August 2000 what can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles you won and who you fought? Also what was your final record?

Sergio Mora – As an amateur i had about 40 wins 10 loses. I had about 50 fights i’m estimating. I won the state Golden Gloves twice. I won the Blue & Gold national. I made it to the National trials and lost in the finals to Jermain Taylor who won a bronze medal (At the 2000 Olympics). So i got very far with only 50 fights as an amateur.

Anson Wainwright – You were the winner of the inaugural Contender series back in 2004/2005 that really put you on the map. What can you tell us about how you look back at the tournament and what it did for you?

Sergio Mora – Wow i could tell you so much, one day i probably will and write a book, because that changed my life. A lot of people ask me what was bigger winning a world title or the contender but it’s just different dreams. One changed my life and one was a dream come true. The contender in my eyes opened so many doors. People around the world watched the show from England to Africa to Latin America to South East Asia. I get e-mails & fan mail. The Contender was huge in retrospect. I don’t regret anything except the inactivity.

Anson Wainwright – Obviously before you had this break away you won the WBC 154 title from the now sadly departed Vernon Forrest. Those fights must of been great learning curves for you?

Sergio Mora – Unbelievable learning experience. I can’t really put it into words. Just something i’m going to display Saturday because this is my first after i fighting Vernon Forrest. Going 24 rounds with a man of his experience and stature is just unbelievable. Like i said I can’t put it in words but i will display it this Saturday.

Anson Wainwright – Hopefully all being well Saturday you’ll get the victory and back in the win column, what are you looking to do next? Who are your targeting at 154?

Sergio Mora – I’m just looking to have a great performance Saturday. I can’t just win have to win with flying colours and i expect to do that. I expect to put on a show and if god has everything on my favour and he opens the next door. I’d love to fight Kelly Pavlik. That’s the one i want at Middleweight. But at Jnr Middleweight whatever Golden Boy presents in front of me i’m going to take down.

Anson Wainwright – Since you last fought at 154 the landscape of the division has changed quite a bit with several young guns coming through like Alfredo Angulo, Vanes Martirosyan & Erislandy Lara all breaking through. How do you see the Light Middleweight division now?

Sergio Mora – I think it’s finally picking up. I think it was really dry for a long-time. Guys like Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez umm Perro Angulo but he hasn’t really fought any big names and when he did he lost to Cintron. Cintron’s up there. Lara isn’t really experienced yet so i won’t throw his name in there. It’s a lot better more exciting. James Kirkland that’s a guy you guys missed. I sparred with him several times and he’s a beast at 54. So hopefully it can pick up and be one of the Marquee division’s.

Anson Wainwright – For you what do you think is the best part about being a boxer? And the worst?

Sergio Mora – The best part about being a boxer is the appreciation of every athlete in the world. After winning the show (Contender) i had huge Basketball stars, Baseball stars, Hockey stars. Football stars especially their the biggest Boxing fans you know. They want to talk to me, hang out with me, take pictures with me. It was real flattering because everyone respects a guy who can put his body on the line especially in a dangerous sport like Boxing and as historical Boxing that’s the good part. People also respect a fighter. The bad part about being a fighter is that your doing just that for a living. Your taking punches to the head, your denting your nose your hurting your hands your getting injury’s everywhere else. People say your shortening your health. So that’s the bad part.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Sergio Mora – I have a message for the fans, real simple and plain. This isn’t a comeback because i’ve been here a very very time like i said in the press conference. I’m finally at the peak the zenith of my maturation as a man as an athlete and professional fighter and i’m ready to show the world. It’s my time i’m 29 years old, i’m in my prime.

Thanks for your time Sergio.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Roy Jones Jr -V- Bernard Hopkins
175* 175

Rocky Juarez -V- Jason Litzau
129 130

Sergio Mora -V- Calvin Green
161 161

Ishmayl Sillakh -V- Daniel Judah
175 175

*Jones Jr was initially 0.5 over but stripped naked and weighted exactly 175.

PHILADELPHIA (April 2, 2010)- Weights for TONIGHT’S Spring Fling Boxing event at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Derek Ennis 157.5 – Jose Gonzlaez 155
Farah Ennis 169 – Frankie Santos 173
Clenete Bethea 139.5 – Jason Sia 139
John Bolden 237.5 – Bryant Jennings 221
Luis Esquilin 126 – Jose Ortiz 129
Duane King 154 – Kamel Al-Olabi 159

Promoter: Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions LLC
Start Time: 7:30 pm est
Tickets: 215-763-0500

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

The entire fight card can be seen LIVE!! On www.gofightlive.tv beginning at 7:30 pm for just $6.99 by clicking http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=576

14-0(8) Sharif Bogere -V- Martin Tucker 7-5(3)
139 143

7-3(5) Eddie Salas -V- Mike Alexander 1-4(0)
164 164

1-0(1) Fidel Maldonado Jr -V- Blake Franklin 3-3-1(1)
136 137

2-0(0) Robert Rodriguez -V- Manuel Delgado 1-3(0)
124.5 124

1-0(1) Michael Finney -V- TBA
143.5

Debut Bradley Blenkenship -V- Abraham Espinoza 0-1(0)
157 158

Advance tickets for HOMETOWN HEROES, priced at $100, $50 and $30, can be purchased through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com., 1-800-745-3000) and the Rio Casino box office www.riolasvegas.com., 1-888-746-7784).

It’s easy to be outraged. It’s easy to be sad. It’s even easy not to care at all. But nothing will be easy Saturday night for Alton Merkerson, whom Roy Jones Jr. calls “coach” with the kind of affection a kid has for mom and dad.

Other than the piece of square canvas that Jones and Bernard Hopkins will contest, no spot at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas figures to be as difficult as the corner Merkerson will occupy.

Concern for Jones, more than confidence in his chances, has been the flashing red light, the warning sign, throughout talk preceding a rematch of a 1993 fight. Merkerson has heard it, acknowledges it and repeats it.

“My concern is the same concern that everybody else has,’’ said Merkerson, whose 22-year-old friendship with Jones started when he as an assistant U.S. Olympic coach at the infamous Seoul Games in 1988 when Jones was robbed of a gold medal.

Despite acquiring a Nevada license after passing a battery of tests that included a brain scan, the 41-year-old Jones steps through the ropes against the older, yet-seemingly ageless Hopkins, 45, stamped with anecdotal evidence that he is damaged enough to be in serious peril.

The medical tests have been criticized on at least two fronts:

· Either they failed to account for three stoppages in six years that indicate Jones has lost the reflexes he needs to defend himself.

· Or, they have been diagnosed as business as usual. To wit: Las Vegas’ struggling casino industry needs the action.

Whether it’s one or both or none of the above, the controversy has shifted the focus onto whether Jones should be fighting at all in the rematch of a forgotten bout, a Jones victory that happened when Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. were teenagers.

The talk might prove to be a timely diversion for Jones, who has promised to knock out the heavily-favored Hopkins in what would be an upset and a role reversal. Instead of Jones, the worry would be for Hopkins. On a night not long after April Fools Day and a few hours before Easter, it’s hard to say what will happen. But the controversy is a certainty and it raises questions about whether it will influence Merkerson and perhaps referee Tony Weeks.

At the first sight of trouble, will Merkerson be quick to throw in the towel? Or Weeks quick to stop it?

Merkerson’s loyalty for Jones is as evident as it is admirable. Some trainers express their concern for a fighter in apparent decline by leaving the corner altogether. But Merkerson is always there for Jones, almost like a concerned parent.

“Yes, it’s getting close to the time where Bernard and Roy are going to give this thing up because you can’t do it forever,” Merkerson said in a conference call. “But right now, from a medical standpoint, he’s fine. I stick with Roy, and I’ve been with him for 20 years, and I’m going to continue to be with him.

“I’m not afraid to stop a fight. If in fact he was getting punished and didn’t get caught with one shot clean, I would stop the fight, and that’s what another young, inexperienced trainer probably wouldn’t do just to worry about their credibility and what people say about them. But it’s not going to be long before we give it up and do some other things, but Roy is fine right now.”

Right now is just one punch from forever wrong, however

That’s true for anybody who answers an opening bell, not just Jones or Hopkins or some other forty-something fighter. The repeated concern for Jones is that age has turned his reflexes into stone. He has become a stationary target for that disabling blow. For years, he fought with his hands down, yet his instincts, anticipation and unrivalled speed kept dancing in, out and always mere inches from harm. Through 12 rounds, the only sure bet is that those hands will fall and leave him defenseless.

Quickness might vanish, but habits rarely do.

Jones argues that Australian Danny Green’s hands were wrapped illegally before Jones suffered a first-round stoppage last December. Maybe, they were. But Jones’ protest misses the point the way punches missed him so long ago. Alter or unaltered, the relatively-unknown Green quickly and easily hit somebody that nobody could a decade ago.

Worried? You bet. There is no easy way out of that. In the end, Merkerson might be Jones’ only defense.

NOTES, ANECDOTES
· There was only one class act last Saturday in another stage of the super-middleweight tournament. It was delivered by Andre Dirrell, who was accused of acting when a desperate Arthur Abraham teed off with shot to the jaw with Dirrell on one knee after slipping on ice in Abraham’s corner. A disqualification of Abraham resulted in a victory for Dirrell, who was leading on the scorecards. The DQ was incomplete. Abraham should have been suspended. Now, it looks as if Dirrell will fight Andrew Ward, his 2004 Olympic teammate. Ward-Dirrell would re-ignite interest in the on-again, off-again tournament.

· Jose Benavidez Jr., a junior-welter-weight prospect from Phoenix, has an opponent for his fourth pro fight on April 10 at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas on a Top Rank card televised by Fox Sports Espanol. Expect Benavidez to go 4-0 against Scott Paul (5-4) of Ontario, Canada. The 17-year old Benavidez turns 18 on May 15.

· Is there an AARP convention scheduled for Las Vegas next week? Eight days after Jones-Hopkins, 47-year-old Evander Holyfield is scheduled to fight 41-year-old Francois Botha at Thomas & Mack Center. That adds up to two main events with an average age of 43-plus years.

On the undercard of David Haye’s WBA Heavyweight title defence against mandatory challenger John Ruiz will be the returning Jamie Moore 32-4(23). Back last October Moore then European Light Middleweight champion was close to a world title fight but like the best laid plans things didn’t quite work out and he was stopped in seven by Ryan Rhodes. Since then Moore 31, has decided enough is enough boiling down to 154 and he’ll return up at Middleweight. Here’s what one of Britain’s most exciting fighters had to say.

Hello Jamie, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Your about to embark on a comeback at Middleweight where you’ll fight Sergey Khomitski 21-7-1(8). He seems durable having only been stopped once and that to Gennady Golovkin. What do you think of this fight and how has training gone?

Jamie Moore – Yes training’s gone great, especially because i’m in a lot better shape health wise not having to drag myself down to 11st. As you say Khomitski is durable and gave my gym mate Martin Murray a tough fight over 8 rounds, and with me coming back from surgery on my shoulder again, it’s the right fight for me at this time.

Anson Wainwright – How much better do you feel now not having to make 154? When did you start to struggle to make Light Middleweight?

Jamie Moore – I feel 10 times better in the gym than i have done over the last 2-3 years because of the struggle to make 154, simply because i’m able to eat a healthier diet. I didn’t realise how bad i had been performing in the gym until i started training for this fight, i was training at 50% because of my energy levels, but it’s my own fault for being stubborn. People have been telling me to move up for the last 2 years because of my struggles, Oliver, Kerry, Frank Maloney, Steve Wood, but i was that close to fighting for a world title i didn’t want to give it up. But losing was a blessing in disguise because i could have got hurt fighting in that condition at world level.

Anson Wainwright – All being well this weekend against Khomitski, what are your plans for the rest of the year? who are you targeting?

Jamie Moore – I’m not targeting anyone in particular, i just want to be involved in big fights, give the fans what they want to see. But i also want to go and fight in America, i think they’d love my style over there and it would bring greater opportunities.

Anson Wainwright – Of course your old nemesis Matthew Macklin is now fighting and successfully at Middleweight. Is that a a fight you’d like to do again?

Jamie Moore – As i said i’m not looking for 1 particular fight but if that fight could be made then i think it would be great for british boxing, but as i’ve said in the past we’d have to be paid right for it because for the 1st fight we got peanuts, and for what we went through we deserve more.

Anson Wainwright – Your from Salford which has a reputation as been a tough place can you tell us about how things were for you as a youngster and the path it took you into Boxing?

Jamie Moore – Salford has a bad reputation but it’s a good place. The people of salford are great, down to earth people. Things growing up we’re great, we didn’t have a lot but my mam and dad worked there arses off for us and made it work. I’m the 1st person from Salford to have ever had a Lonsdale belt in his possession never mind own it outright, so for me that is a massive achievement in itself. Salford builds characters and it’s made me, along with my parents, the man i am today and i wouldn’t change that for anything.

Anson Wainwright – So far what has been your proudest moment in Boxing?

Jamie Moore – My proudest moment so far was winning the British title from Michael Jones, I came in at 5 days notice and no one gave me a chance, but i beat him in every department that night and it set me on the road to where i am today. It was a life changing moment and one i’ll never forget.

Anson Wainwright – What is the best thing about being a boxer? What about the worst?

Jamie Moore – The best thing about being a boxer is that i’m doing a job that i love and it gives me the chance to fulfil my childhood dreams, which not many people get the chance to do. I’m very grateful for that. The worst part…..F!%?£?* DIETING!!!!!!!!!

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing?

Jamie Moore – Spend time with my wife and kids, when your training you’ve gotta be very selfish and my wife is great and helps me out no end, so when i get chance i just love spending time with them. I miss my kids like crazy so love spoiling them after it’s all over.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero and why?

Jamie Moore – Nigel Benn and Arturo Gatti, both absolute warriors and just my cup of tea!

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have anything you’d like to add?

Jamie Moore – Just that i hope the fans have enjoyed my career so far and hopefully i can fulfil my dream of fighting for, and winning, a world title. After some of the up’s and down’s i’ve had so far it would be some story and a great ending to it.

Thanks for your time Jamie, good luck on Saturday

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Brad Marchetti- Charismatic Brooklyn bomber Shannon Briggs will make his return to the ring Friday April 13th against Rafael Pedro in a 10-round main event from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The 38-year old American heavyweight contender Briggs, 48-5-1, 42 KO’s, is coming off a dominating 1st round KO over journeyman Marcus McGee. Briggs’s opponent Rafael “The Cuban Giant“ Pedro, 20-8-1, 14 KO’s, is capable skyscraper 6’7” heavyweight that has only been stopped once and should provide a good litmus test for the deadly punching Briggs. Shannon has been hard at work training out of Kris Lawrence’s Heavyweight Factory and from his slimmed down physique he looks poised for another run at the heavyweight title. Tickets are on sale now for the April 13th show that will feature a strong undercard littered with promising young prospects from boxing’s glamorous heavyweight division.

Shannon Briggs was inactive for 30 months before smashing McGee in his last bout but he has shown the resiliency to bounce back from low points in his career before. Briggs revived his career in 2003 by reeling off 12 straight wins after most boxing scribes had written him off. With improved footwork and counterpunching skills Briggs reclaimed the heavyweight title in 2007 with a dramatic 12th round KO over Sergey Lyakhovich for the W.B.O strap. In his first title defense Briggs was on the losing end of a 12-round decision to Sultan Ibragimov in a fight where he was severely depleted due to a case of pneumonia shortly before the bout. Like a true warrior Briggs showed up to the job but he clearly wasn’t himself against Sultan. The 6’4” 270 Lb. Briggs at 100% health is a dangerous fighter with the power to remove any heavyweight in the world from their senses. April 13th will be Shannon’s chance to show why “The Cannon” is still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com by phone at 800-745-3000 tickets can be purchased at The Hard Rock Hotel Box Office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

After the initial introduction and proceedings both fighters took there turns at the dais. Jones Jnr now 41, vowed to repeat history and once again come out victorious. Commenting “I guess he is what they call my rival I don’t like it, but it is what it is, Saturday I am going to clear that up.”

For his part Hopkins maintained that Jones Jnr had run from him for 17 long years and now he will finally get the win over his old rival. At one point Hopkins in keeping with it being Easter weekend gave Jones an Easter bunny complete with Easter eggs playfully adding “He has been running like a rabbit for 17 years” Things ended dramatically when Hopkins said to Alton Merkerson (Jones Trainer) along the assembled media and fans “It is going to be up to Merkerson whether he lives or dies”

Tail of the tape

JONES JNR – V- HOPKINS

Hometown Pensacola, Fl Philadelphia, Pa
Record 54-6(40) 50-5-1(32)
Rounds Boxed 392 406
KO% 66.67 56.14%
Age 41 45
Height 5’11 6’1
Reach 74 75
Nickname The Terminator The Executioner
Titles IBF Middleweight IBF Middleweight
IBF S. Middleweight WBC Middleweight
WBC Lt Heavyweight WBA Middleweight
WBA Lt Heavyweight WBO Middleweight
IBF Lt Heavyweight
WBA Heavyweight
World title 23-3(15) 20-3-1(13) 1 No Contest
Record

Much has been said a made of two guys in the early 40’s with a combined age of 86 squaring off 17 years after there original fight. However there is still a certain intrigue as to what will happen between these two guys who appear destined to be linked forever in history like Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Hearns & Ward-Gatti etc

The odds with the Bookies have Hopkins a big favourite at -575 while Jones Jnr is +375.

Tickets are still available ranging from $750 down to $100. Also worth noting is that while it will be on HBO PPV live Saturday it will not be repeated the following week.

PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2010)—Wednesday morning at The Legendary Blue Horizon, some of the principals involved with Friday night’s big “Spring Fling” boxing even were on hand to talk about their bouts.

In the main event, USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will take on tough Jose Gonzalez in a non-title bout. In the co-feature, it will be Ennis’ brother, Farah Ennis risking his undefeated record when he takes on Frankie Santos in a Super Middleweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.

The card is promoted by Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions LLC

Derek “Pooh” Ennis (20-2-1, 13 KO’s—USBA Jr. Middleweight champion)–
“I am ready to fight. I was supposed to defend my title by things fell though”
“All I know he is 6 feet tall and Friday night we will get it on”

Mike Fingerman (Fingerman Promotions—Promoter of Derek & Farah Ennis)
“I am proud to have Derek and Farah on the same card”
“We will defiantly defend the title next”
“This is the first time the at the Ennis brothers will appear on the same card in Philadelphia”

Farah Ennis (12-0, 6 KO’s—Super Middleweight)
“I came from a fighting family and I am going to put on a show”

Moz Gonzalez (Co-Manager of Derek and Farah Ennis)
“When you have a team that we have, it’s worth giving 110%”
“Both of these boys will be world champions”

Luis Esquilin (1-2-1, Featherweight)
“My Nickname is Smurf. I trained real hard to be somebody and stay out of trouble”

Billy Briscoe (Trainer for Luis Esqulin)
“This is my first time being Luis head trainer. I worked cuts and was 2nd for his previous fights and I have seen great improvement from Luis”

Clement Bethea (1-0, Jr. Welterweight)
“I am thankful for the opportunity to fight again”

Vernoca L. Michael (Promoter for Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions LLC)
“Cards like this is what the Blue Horizon is a bout.”
“The venue gives these fighters an opportunity to showcase their skills”

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

The entire fight card can be seen LIVE!! On www.gofightlive.tv beginning at 7:30 pm for just $6.99 by clicking http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=576