OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA — Andre Ward continued to prove why he is the class of the super middleweight division as he completely schooled Allan Green over twelve rounds before 8,797 at the Oracle Arena in the most one-sided fight of the Super Six World Boxing Classic thus far.

Green (29-2, 20 KOs) of Tulsa, Oklahoma claimed in the build-up to their fight that he understood jive, and that was the reason why he would do what Mikkel Kessler could not – defeat Andre Ward. That statement proved to be completely false as Green had no answers for anything Ward did inside the ring on Saturday night.

Ward (21-0, 13 KOs) of Oakland began to exact his dominance in the third, as he pressed Green to the ropes and kept him there. Ward remained in Green’s face, as he found success with his uppercut with the Tulsa native’s back against the ropes. Ward, 167 ¾, continued to do excellent work as the third round continued. Green, refusing to move away from the ropes, was hit by everything in Ward’s varied attack, including a clean right hook, body shots and the uppercut.

The fourth round looked like much the third, as Ward continued to prove to be an adept inside fighter. Ward began the fifth fighting at long range seemingly to just show that he could dominate at that distance just as much as he had done at close quarters the previous stanza. A brief exchange late in the round would give great insight to Ward’s superiority over Green. A right landed for Ward, he then blocked Green’s retort and landed a clean counter to close the round. If Green, 166, could not compete effectively on the outside, he had no shot in the fight.

Green resorted to holding for much of the sixth, especially after Ward got him in trouble early in the frame. Ward opened up a bit with Green against the ropes again, landing a clean left hook to close the round. Green was clearly a beaten and dejected fighter as he sat down on his stool before the seventh.

By the seventh round, the lead right hand thrown at long range had become a lethal weapon for Ward. The Oakland native began to utilize feints to find openings for clean blows throughout the middle rounds. Green looked completely lost, with his will to make the fight apparently depleted. With Green in survival mode, Ward picked his shots as the fight progressed.

As the fight wound down, Green would get caught clean at times, often while he looked to tie up Ward. The only question that remained was whether or not Ward would rally to score the knockout, or if Green would hang on until the final bell. To Green’s credit, he did not take the easy way out, and made it to the final bell. As the fight concluded, Oakland celebrated as their fighting son soaked in the adulation. Scores revealed the fight to be a shutout, as judges Glenn Feldman, Marty Sammon and Alfredo Polanco unanimously scored the bout 120-108 for Ward.

Somewhat expectedly Green gave Ward credit for the win, but found an excuse to justify the one-sided defeat. “Ward fought a hell of a fight,” said Green in the immediate aftermath. “I came in at 166, which was a little lower than I expected, and I feel it sapped me. I felt extremely weak. I trained hard, but I don’t feel I did it effectively.”

Despite failing to win a single round against Ward tonight, Green will fight Mikkel Kessler for his WBC Super Middleweight title later this year in Group Stage 3 of the Super Six tournament. At a press conference last month, Ward’s trainer Virgil Hunter had stated his belief that Green would go on to defeat Kessler in the next stage, but tonight’s fight seemed to curb those feelings.

“If he can make the adjustments, he’s got a style that can be successful for him against Kessler,” Hunter said. “But if he comes in like he did tonight, I think Kessler is going to cut right through him. Because of the type of fighter Kessler is. But Kessler will put himself at risk, so Allan Green does have a puncher’s chance.”

Ward had a conversation with Green after the fight that offers some insight on that Group Stage 3 match-up. “Before this fight, I liked Allan Green [to beat Kessler,]” said Ward. “But he revealed some things to me after the fight, about his weight, how he needs to go up to 175- and how he felt flat. I told him, ‘if you train smart and get the weight off smart I think you can beat Kessler and go get the belt.’ But he kind of seemed out of it, and he was like ‘yeah, well, I don’t know.’ So if that weight is that big of a deal, I would have to lean towards Kessler.”

“But if he can regroup and get the weight off the right way and still be strong, I think he has a bit more than Kessler,” said Ward, who could have a bright career has an analyst later on in life. “But he has got to prove it. You have got to stop the talk and you have got to be able to prove you can compete at this level. Kessler has proved it, he has not yet.”

Perhaps the most anticipated Group Stage 3 pairing will be Ward’s title defense against his former 2004 U.S. Olympic teammate and close friend Andre Dirrell. No fight to take place in the tournament thus far has a deeper back-story. If you have been following the Fight Camp 360° documentary series on Showtime, then you have seen them root for one another every step of the way. It was apparent at the post-fight press conference that Ward does have mixed feelings about the bout.

“It will be difficult to fight Andre Dirrell in the upcoming fight, but I am going to put that aside for now,” said Ward. “We have got to find a way to get it done. But I have never experienced it before, so I can’t really say how I am going to feel. We have just got to find a way to get it done.”

Many fight pundits have expressed concerns regarding the unnerving end to Dirrell’s disqualification victory over Arthur Abraham in Group Stage 2 in March. Dirrell, who was defenseless after having slipped to a knee, was hit by a devastating blow from Abraham. In the moments that immediately followed, Dirrell was incoherent and inconsolable. Ward believes that his good friend is in fine health, and that scary scene will have no bearing on their fight.

“I think he is ok,” stated Ward. “I think it looked bad, but I think a lot of people are a little too worried about it. It was a concussive kind of shot, but I don’t think it was a career-ending shot or anything like that. I think he is fine, he is still silly as ever. He is still Andre to me, so I don’t think it is a problem.”

Win or lose against Dirrell later this year, Andre Ward has clinched his place in the semi-finals of the Super Six with the four points he has earned after two fights. Having scored the tournament’s only knockout, Abraham is sitting pretty with three points, while the rest of the field will be fighting for their tournament existence in the third stage. What is most clear after tonight, Andre Ward is the man to beat.

Junior welterweight Steve Upsher Chambers (22-1-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania remained undefeated as he boxed his way to a unanimous eight-round decision over Hector Alatorre (16-10, 5 KOs) of Tulare, California in the last fight before the main event.

Chambers, 144, was cut in the third round by what was ruled an accidental head clash, but failed to allow that to bother him at anytime in the bout. Alatorre, 142 ½, hit the canvas in the fourth, possibly from a left hand, however referee Dan Stell ruled that it was slip. It was not clear from ringside what caused Alatorre to go down, but soon after the Tulare resident was clearly stunned. Chambers pressed Alatorre the rest of the round, but was unable to fully capitalize on the moment.

As the fourth round came to a close, it looked as though Chambers may score his seventh stoppage, but the Philly fighter let off the gas pedal and cruised to the decision the rest of the way. Alatorre failed to threaten at any point and was unable to solve the puzzle of the smooth-boxing Chambers. Judge Kermit Bayless scored the fight a shutout, 80-72, while Marshall Walker and Jon Schorle both had it 79-73.

Tough luck light heavyweight Billy Bailey (10-8, 4 KOs) of Bakersfield, California rocked unbeaten prospect Mark Tucker (14-0, 7 KOs) of Eldersburg, Maryland several times over eight rounds, but failed to win over the judges who scored the fight unanimously for his DiBella Entertainment-promoted opponent.

Bailey, 175, got off to a great start, as he rocked Tucker, 175, with a couple clubbing overhand rights to close round one. As the fight progressed, Bailey would get outworked by the jab-and-move style of Tucker for stretches, but then clearly land the harder shots. Tucker found his rhythm in round four, the one round that was clearly his. The pace slowed in the next two rounds which favored the boxer Tucker.

Bailey regained control of the fight in the seventh as he landed a solid combination that buckled Tucker’s knees late in the round. Tucker resulted to clutching the onrushing Bailey and even ducked his head out of the top rope to avoid shots in several instances. The eighth looked much like the final minute of the seventh, as Bailey chased down a wobbly Tucker looking to land the one punch he needed to score a knockdown. Unfortunately for Bailey, Tucker managed to grapple and move enough to avoid a potentially fight-ending blow.

Judges Marshall Walker and Jon Schorle both scored the bout 77-75, while Judge Kermit Bayless had the fight a puzzling 78-74 for Tucker. The official scores read by the ring announcer were vehemently booed by the crowd on hand. With the victory, Tucker claimed the inaugural WBO NABO Youth Light Heavyweight title.

Fight fans that made their way to the arena promptly at the five o’clock start time were treated to an entertaining four-round slugfest as Alexander Podrezov (2-0) of Los Angeles, California by way of Sukhumi, Abkhazi scored a four-round majority decision over game journeyman John Dunham (1-6-1) of Stockton, California. Outside of a dominant third round, Podrezov, 144, was pushed in every frame by the free-swinging Dunham, 142. In the end Judge Marshall Walker had the fight even, 38-38, but was overruled by the scores of Jon Schorle and Kermit Bayless, who had the fight 39-37 for Podrezov.

In the first of two walkout bouts, former amateur star Michael Ruiz Jr. (3-0, 1 KO) of Fresno, California survived the first scare of his professional career, coming off of the canvas to score a four-round unanimous decision over Juan Tepoz (4-3-1) of Santa Rosa, California. Pacheco, 118, came right at Ruiz, 117 ½, eventually landing a right hand to down him in the first round. Ruiz, likely a bit shaken by the blow, got up quick and made it to the bell. As the fight went on, Ruiz began to flash his superior boxing skills, landing his cleanest shots after countering the aggressive Tepoz. After a fourth round that clearly favored the Fresno native, all three judges, Kermit Bayless, Jon Schorle and Marshall Walker, had the fight for Ruiz by the score of 38-37.

In the final fight of the evening, welterweight prospect Willie Nelson (14-0-1, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio scored a first-round stoppage over faded former title challenger Jesse Feliciano (15-10-3, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada. Nelson, 148, came right at Feliciano, 149, who was all too willing to engage. Nelson, who is Paul Williams-like in size, quickly landed a left jab, straight right combination to down Feliciano. The always game Feliciano got up to his feet, but was not on sturdy legs. Nelson moved in and landed a flashy combination that prompted referee Dan Stell to stop the fight at the mark of 1:23 of the first. Nelson was a replacement for former 140-pound titlist Kendall Holt, who decided he needed more time before launching his comeback at welterweight. For Feliciano, a loser of five straight bouts against high caliber competition, it appears time to call it career.

Photo by Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor Promotions

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

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA — Light heavyweight Billy Bailey has been in this role before. In fact, he has made it a habit to find himself starring across the ring at an undefeated prospect, or a tough contender, in a situation where he is not the guy expected to win. It has not always gone his way, but sometimes it does. Two things are for sure however. That prospect will be tested, perhaps like never before, and Billy Bailey will have given the ticket buyer ringside their money’s worth when the fight is over. Tonight on the Andre Ward-Allan Green undercard at the Oracle Arena, Bailey takes on emerging light heavyweight prospect Mark Tucker.

Bailey (10-7, 4 KOs) of Bakersfield, California comes into this fight with the bitter taste of a controversial eight-round majority decision loss to Danny Santiago less than one month ago. The fight took place in Santiago’s home state of Florida. “I kind of learned to pick and choose the places that have the reputation of having a good commission, and a fair and straight-up commission,” said Bailey, who has fought in six different states or provinces in his last six fights. “Florida is one of those places, they have a good reputation. You try to do that, but sometimes it doesn’t turn out that way. That wasn’t fairness at all.”

After eight-rounds that Santiago helped make look ugly, Bailey was denied victory by two points on one card, and a head-scratching four points on another. “The ref called the guy at least twenty times for holding and there was never a point deduction, which I believe would have changed the whole course of the fight. That is all the guy did, run and hold, and I don’t know how you can win a fight that way.”

Putting the Santiago fight quickly in the rearview mirror, Bailey makes a long overdue return to California tonight against Tucker. “It is nice to fight in my home state, so much so that I realize when I see the Commission they recognize me, but so much time has gone by, there is no real recent conversation,” said Bailey Friday. “It is great to fight California. It has just been so long since I have done they hit me with the sixty dollar licensing fee. It has been so long since I have paid it.”

In Mark Tucker, Bailey will be fighting a bit of an unknown to him. “I haven’t seen too much film of him,” admitted Bailey. “There has been a few brief clips, but I think they pulled most of what there was on him off [of the internet]. He’s had some close decisions and there was some decent wins against guys kind of on their way down. I guess we will find out tomorrow night, but I feel pretty good about the fight.”

If his quote from a recent press release is accurate, Tucker watched some tape on Bailey. “Billy comes to win and has pulled off upsets in the past, so I had a terrific camp to properly prepare,” said the taller Tucker (13-0, 7 KOs) of Eldersburg, Maryland. The fight is for the vacant WBO NABO Youth Light Heavyweight title, which is an indication to Bailey that he may have not been their first choice for the fight. “It means that I am just the guy to fill the card on that slot basically,” said Bailey, 32-years-old. “You know they weren’t thinking about me. This guy just signed with DiBella, so it is all about him.” Age and experience could play a factor in the fight, and Bailey feels both favor him. “California, regardless of what anybody says, has a lot tougher circuit than most places, regardless of where you go. I think he is used to the guys out there, and I believe this is a different story, but we will find out tomorrow night.”

Over the course of his career, Bailey has earned a reputation for seeking tough fights and giving tough fights to good fighters. Tomorrow should prove no different. “When I see a guy that has the same experience level as I do, I am not intimidated about that,” states Bailey. “I don’t think so much about my reputation, I think more about wanting to go in and do my best and train hard and win the fight. And wherever that takes me I believe that is up to God.”

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

Sherzod Husanov made a successful United States debut by scoring a ten round majority decision over Jhon Berrio in a Jr. Middleweight bout in Spokane, Washington.

Husanov was more effective with consistent scoring blows that got inside the hard charging but wild Berrio.

Husanov, who made a long trek from Siberia just three days before the fight showed some signs of fatigue in the middle rounds but dug deep to win some of the later rounds to solidify the victory.

Husanov, 153 1/2 lbs is now 10-0-1. Berrio, 156 lbs of Colombia is 15-7.

Maxim Vlasov scored a third round knockout over former Olympian Jerson Ravelo in round three of a scheduled ten round Super Middleweight bout.

Vlasov was effective with the right hand in the first while Ravelo tried to work the body in the second. A minute into the third, Vlasov landed a booming right that dumped Ravelo on the canvas and could not beat referee Jeff Macaluso’s ten count at 1:12 of round three.

Vlasov, 166 1/2 lbs of Samara, Russia is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Ravelo, 167 1/2 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 20-5.

Jonte Willis scored a thirf round knockdown en route to a four round unanimous decision over Leo Bercier in a Heavyweight bout.

Willis was dominant against Bercier, who took the fight on one day notice. In round three, a series of uppercuts forced Bercier to take a knee. Willis was never threatened in the fight.

Willis, 214 1/2 lbs of Tacoma, WA won by scores of 40-35 on all cards to remain undefeated at 7-0. Bercier, 210 3/4 lbs of Lakeside, CA is 8-13-1.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA — The build-up for the final Group Stage 2 bout of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, extended by two months due to injury, has finally reached its crescendo and all that is left is the fight itself. Andre Ward, the top super middleweight regardless of where some boxing publications rank him, defends his WBA Super Middleweight title for the first time against longtime contender Allan Green tonight at the Oracle Arena. The two counterparts got one last look at each other after weighing in Friday afternoon at the Hilton Oakland Airport.

Ward (21-0, 13 KOs) of Oakland will enter the ring tonight in his new role as the betting favorite to win the entire Super Six tournament. Ward found himself in that role by knocking off the number one 168-pounder in the world, and the original favorite, Mikkel Kessler in his last fight. Tonight’s fight also marks the first time in many years that a native San Francisco Bay Area fighter will be defending his world title in the Bay Area, once a thriving boxing hotbed.

Opposing Ward is the formidable tournament newcomer, Green (29-1, 20 KOs) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, who replaced Jermain Taylor after his scary knockout loss to Arthur Abraham last year. Green has been on the cusp of title contention for several years, but never before fought for a world title. Despite the lack of a big fight victory on his ledger, Green was disgusted that he was left off the original Super Six roster and hopes to show the odds-makers why he deserved the sixth spot from the beginning.

Somewhat ironically this is a fight that could have happened two or three years ago. Ward’s promoter Dan Goossen had attempted to put his promising young star in with Green then, but for whatever reason the talks ultimately broke down. Following a Ward victory in San Jose, California, Goossen even told the media on hand that he would not revisit the Green fight because of how poorly the negotiations went. In the two years that followed, advertently or inadvertently, Ward found another way of proving his superiority over Green: by beating old Green opponents more convincingly than Green had, and by beating Green’s lone conqueror, Edison Miranda.

Earlier in the week, those two other opponents, Rubin Williams and Jerson Ravelo, went on record by picking Ward to win tonight. In any event, a fight that would have been a pick ‘em contest two years ago, is not such today, but a compelling fight nonetheless. It is also a fight that could determine much of how the rest of the Super Six tournament plays out. There are too many possible what if scenarios to play out here, but the who wins and how is crucial to every participant in the tournament. On top of everything, it matches two contrasting styles in and out of the ring which should translate to compelling entertainment for those looking on at the Oracle Arena and for those watching on Showtime. Before their final nose-to-nose meeting, Ward scaled 167 ¾-pounds, while Green came in at 166.

Heading up the off-television undercard, unbeaten Steve Upsher Chambers (21-1-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will take on venerable journeyman Hector Alatorre (16-9, 5 KOs) of Tulare, California in an eight-round welterweight fight. Chambers, who will fighting outside of his home state for the first time in his career, has fought all but one of his pro bouts at the Legendary Blue Horizon. Alatorre, who had an accomplished amateur career, is coming off of a tenth-round stoppage defeat to Victor Ortiz in February. Chambers scaled 144, while Alatorre weighed in at 142 ½-pounds.

Former amateur standout Michael Ruiz Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) of Fresno, California will see action against the pugnacious Juan Tepoz (4-2-1) of Santa Rosa, California in a four-round bantamweight fight. Ruiz, who scaled 117 ½, fought just last month and scored a devastating second-round knockout of Jose Pacheco on the Paul Williams-Kermit Cintron undercard in Carson, California. Tepoz, who weighed in at 118-pounds Friday, last fought in April, scoring a four-round decision over the same Jose Pacheco.

Making his debut under the DiBella Entertainment banner, Mark Tucker (13-0, 7 KOs) of Eldersburg, Maryland will take on the always tough Billy Bailey (10-7, 4 KOs) of Bakersfield, California for the vacant WBO NABO Youth Light Heavyweight title in an eight-rounder. Tucker has fought almost exclusively in his home state of Maryland, but has chalked up wins over a few faded, but notable names, including the aforementioned Rubin Williams. The streaky Bailey, coming in off of a controversial majority decision loss to former title challenger Danny Santiago in Florida, has fought a slew of prospects and been known to spring the occasional upset. Tucker originally scaled 175 ½-pounds, but was attempting to work off the extra one-half pound at press time. Bailey, a youthful 32-years-old, scaled 175-pounds even.

Welterweight prospect Willie Nelson (13-0-1, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio will take on former title challenger Jesse Feliciano (15-9-3, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada in an eight-round swing bout. Nelson, in the Paul Williams mold of a welterweight by standing 6’3” with a unique reach advantage over every opponent he meets, took the fight after Kendall Holt passed in order to give himself more time to prepare as he readies to launch a comeback. The well-traveled Feliciano is hoping to end a four-fight skid which has come against top notch competition. Nelson weighed in at 148-pounds, while Feliciano scaled 149.

Opening up the fight card, Alexander Podrezov (1-0) of Los Angeles, California by way of Sukhumi, Abkhazia will take on John Dunham (1-5-1) of Stockton, California in a four-round welterweight fight. Podrezov, who scaled 144-pounds, turned professional in March, posting a four-round decision over J.C. Saade. Dunham, who came in at 142-pounds, broke through to the win column for the first time in his career two weeks ago, as he bested debuting Herman Bacho after four-rounds in San Rafael, California.

Former WBC Lightweight Champion Jessica Rakoczy (31-3, 11 KOs) of Las Vegas had hoped to end a layoff of nearly a year tonight as she begins a campaign at featherweight, however her scheduled opponent inexplicably came in grossly overweight, prompting the California State Athletic Commission to cancel the bout. Ella Nunez (9-6-1, 2 KOs) of Jamestown, New York took the scales only to come in at 137 ½-pounds, some 11 ½ pounds over the contracted weight. Nunez, who has some solid wins on her resume, including a knockout of current titlist Kina Malpartida, may have thought close would be good enough. Nunez outweighed her last opponent, Melissa Hernandez, by eight pounds in February. A dejected Rakoczy weighed in at 124 ½-pounds, but will have to wait longer than she expected to return to the ring.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Antonio Leonard T&T Productions and DiBella Entertainment, are available online at Ticketmaster.com.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBA Super Middleweight Championship, 12 Rounds
Ward 167 ¾
Green 166

Welterweights, 8 Rounds
Upsher Chambers 144
Alatorre 142 ½

Bantamweights, 4 Rounds
Ruiz Jr. 117 ½
Tepoz 118

WBO NABO Youth Light Heavyweight Championship, 8 Rounds
Tucker 175 ½*
Bailey 175

Welterweights, 4 Rounds
Podrezov 144
Dunham 142

Welterweights, 8 Rounds
Nelson 148
Feliciano 149

Featherweights, 6 Rounds
Rakoczy 124 ½
Nunez 137 ½
-Fight called off due to weight disparity

*Tucker attempting to lose ½ pound at press time.

Ward-Green Photo by Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor Promotions

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

Former four-time world title challenger Omar Sheika took out journeyman Jim Strohl in three rounds in a scheduled eight round Light Heavyweight bout at Ceder Gardens in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.

It was all Sheika from the outset as he blasted away at Strohl with head and body shots that could be heard several rows back. The fight became one-sided in round two as Sheika was pounding away on a game Strohl and the underdog’s left eye became red and there were several instances where referee Lindsey Page was a punch or two away from ending things. Sheika came out to end the night in round three as he trapped Strohl on the ropes several times as he would land multi punch combinations that finally opened up at least one cut around the eyes of Strohl. One last flurry of body and head shots forced Page to jump in and halt the action in round three.

Sheika, 176 lbs of Paterson, NJ has now scored three consecutive stoppages and is now 29-9 with twenty-one knockouts. Stohl of Las Vegas is now 27-9.

Terrence Cauthen boxed his way to an eight round split decision over Cleotis Pendarvis in a welterweight bout.

Cauthen consistently beat Pendarvis to the punch by landing some solid right hooks to the head and body and garbbing before Pendarvis could gesustained offense going.

Scores were 79-73 and 77-75 for Cauthen while a third card read 77-75 for Pendarvis.

Cauthen, 148 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 35-6. pendarvis, 146 lbs of Los Angeles is now 10-3-2.

In an exciting four round Super Bantamweight bout, Benjamin Morales squeaked out a unanimous decision over Francisco Ortiz.

The bout was action packed throughout with bot guys standing toe toe and at some points did some good in-fighting on the ropes.

Morales got the better of the first two frames and maybe got the slight advantage in the final frame to win by a 39-37 tally on all three judges cards.

Morales, 122 lbs of Allentown, PA is 1-0. Ortiz, 122 lbs of Vega Baja, PR is now 1-1.

Rami Ibrahim scored a terrific one punch stoppage over Marcus Smith in a scheduled four round Lightweight bout.

Ibrahim was all over Smith in the first frame and landed a hard right that dropped Smith in the second. When Smith got to his feet he was unsteady and the referee stopped the bout at 1:02 of round two.

Ibrahim, 136 lbs of Philadelphia is now 3–1 with one knockout. Smith, 134 1/2 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 0-3.

Charles Heyward scored a systematic unanimous decision over Reshawn Scott in a four round Light Heavyweight bout

All three judges scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Heyward, 177 lbs of Philadelphia and is now 4-2. Scott. 180 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-4.

Alando Swain got into the win column with an emphatic four round unanimous decision over alil Farah in a Super Middleweight bout.

Swain buckled Farah on several occasions and won by scores of 40-36, 30-36 and 39-37.

Swain, 162 lbs of Trenton, NJ is now 1-1. Farah, 167 lbs of Philadelphia is 6-5.

Osnel Charles scored a four round unanimous decision over Ramon Ellis in a Lightweight bout.

All three judges saw the fight 39-37 for Chales, 134 lbs of Atlantic City who is now 3-2. Ellis, 137 lbs of Philadelphia is now 0-6.

The card was promoted by Nedal Boxing and can be seen this Sunday on gofightlive.tv

Thus far, the Super Six World Boxing Classic has lived up to both its hype and intentions. Every match-up has produced a solid, if not exciting, fight. Outside of a draw, just about every possible outcome of a professional bout has occurred once. Some controversy, some thrills and some upsets. Other than Arthur Abraham, who scored the only knockout in the tournament to this point, every fighter involved is still at risk of being eliminated after Group Stage 3. The idealistic concept has turned into a reality. However, surely the main purpose when this whole thing began was to create one, if not more than one, boxing megastar. If that goal does come to fruition, the Super Six could truly be deemed a success. After only five fights, if you were to pick one fighter that could turn that objective into reality, that one fighter would be Andre Ward, the pride of Oakland, California, who takes on Allan Green tonight on Showtime.

This writer came to choose Ward as the potential “breakout star” of the tournament for many reasons, some obvious and some not. Let us start with the obvious. Andre Ward (21-0, 13 KOs) is the sole remaining undefeated fighter left in the Super Six. While often times too much weight is placed on that “O,” it does seem to mean a lot to the casual fan and the casual fan is the one a breakthrough star needs to attract. The diehard fans can decipher an undefeated record that is built up and one that has been earned. Ward has earned his undefeated record, most especially by supplanting Mikkel Kessler as the WBA Super Middleweight Champion and the top gun at 168-pounds last November.

Ward’s rise to the super middleweight throne was the realization of promise, and the disproving of doubt and it is that road which enriches his back-story. As one would expect for any Olympic Gold Medalist, the highest of hopes were held for Ward when he turned professional in 2004. However, shortly after he entered the paid ranks with an HBO-televised win, whispers started circling Ward. After getting buzzed by Kenny Kost in his second pro bout, and hitting the canvas in his seventh against Darnell Boone, the pundits began questioning his chin. When injuries to his hands or his knees stalled his career, some wondered if he would ever be physically able to reach the upper levels of the sport.

Much like the skinny-legged, junior lightweight version of Oscar De La Hoya who hit the canvas in the early stages of his career only to prove to have a sturdy chin, Ward seemingly did the same when he moved up from middleweight to 168-pounds in 2007. And while injuries can creep up at anytime, the fact that Ward healed quickly enough from a recent setback with one of his knees to make this weekend’s fight against Allan Green is a good sign for his future. Nothing can endear a fighter more to his fans than the ability to overcome, and Ward has proven he can do that.

Ward has an opportunity to take another leap towards superstardom when he defends his WBA title against Allan Green before his rapidly growing fan base at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. Just as styles make fights, differing personalities can add an intriguing side story to a prizefight. Ward has been a breath of fresh air for a sport that too often showcases fighters as they turn up their braggadocio to the nth degree. A modest, deeply spiritual family man that likes to let his fists do his talking, Ward shies away from boasting about his accomplishments at nearly any cost. Allan Green in many ways is the anti-Ward, a cocky trash-talker if there ever was one. This contrast, which has been played up to some degree by the Fight Camp 360° documentary series on Showtime, adds a second layer to an already intriguing fight. Should Ward win, it could be perceived by some, unfairly perhaps, as a victory of good over evil.

The general sporting public is always a sucker for a good human interest story and over the years boxing has provided many. When a fighter allows light to be shed on an emotional personal story it can go a long way in connecting them with fight fans. In recent weeks, some in the media have pointed out that Ward will defending his title, for the first time, on Father’s Day weekend. Frank Ward, Andre’s father, a former amateur fighter himself, introduced his son to boxing before passing away suddenly in 2002.

Andre never saw his father fight, since home video cameras had not yet made their way into widespread use, but that did not stop Frank from inspiring his son to pick up the sport he loved. “Listening to my dad, he was the ultimate competitor, like I feel I am,” Ward told Comcast SportsNet Bay Area’s Greg Papa earlier this week. “And he did not like to lose. That being said, all I had to hear was some of my dad’s old war stories, and that was enough to introduce me and get me to want to start boxing. Just hearing his stories alone, and how passionate he was about preparing for fights and fighting in general, that was enough to make me want to become a boxer.”

Fighting on Father’s Day weekend does add additional motivation for Ward. “Father’s Day was [my dad’s] favorite holiday,” revealed Ward. “He never wanted me and my brother to buy him a card. He always wanted us to make him a card. Father’s Day was his day, so I am going to dedicate this fight to Nick Charles, the Showtime analyst battling cancer, but also to my father because Father’s Day was his day. Those are the type of things you use as a champion, and as a challenger, to drive you and push you to victory and I am going to use that Saturday night.”

Sports athletes are often propped up as heroes or role models, and more often than not they should not be. While no one should be held to the standard of being a role model for simply making their living in sport, Ward’s character allows you to feel comfortable tagging him in that way. It is for that reason more so than any other, that Ward has a chance to be the brightest star that emerges from the Super Six World Boxing Classic. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he can fight too.

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

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HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY (June 18, 2010)—He has long been known as one of the most exciting fighters in the world. He is a former four-time world title challenger and has shared the ring with the legendary Roy Jones Jr.

The card is promoted by Nedal Boxing

Omar Sheika is always in fan friendly fights and this Friday night it looks to be no exception as he will take on Jim Strohl to headline an eight bout card TONIGHT!! at Cedar Gardens in Hamilton, New Jersey with all the action being seen LIVE on www.gofightlive.tv

Sheika of nearby Paterson, New Jersey has a record of 29-9 with twenty knockouts.

He has challenged for the world Super Middleweight title four times, coming up short on each occasion. Sheika has long been known as one of the best action fighters around as each of his fights provides excitement, blood and knockdowns.

Since moving full-time to Light Heavyweight, Sheika is 3-1 with all wins coming via knockout with the only loss being to Jones.

Sheika has two consecutive knockouts with his previous fighting being a fourth round stoppage over Garrett Wilson on March 26th in a bout that was seen all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv

Strohlhas a very respectable record of 27-8 with twenty-one knockouts and like Sheika has faced top competiton.

Strohl, of Las Vegas won his first sixteen bouts before dropping a split decision to Calvin Lampkin (16-2).

Srohl went on to win nine straight fights before dropping seven of nine to world class opponents as he has fluctuated between Super Middleweight and Heavyweight.

Those losess have come to Heavyweight contender Cedric Boswell (20-0); former Heavyweight title challenger Calvin Brock (14-0); Rob Calloway (52-6); Currant IBF Light Heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud (14-0); Perennial contender Joey Spina (22-1-1) and his most recent effort, Strohl dropped a ten round unanimous decision to undefeated prospect, Mark Tucker (11-0).

The eight round co-feature will pit former U.S. Olympian, Terrance “The Heat” Cauthen taking on upset-minded Cleotis Pendarvis

Cauthen of nearby Trenton, NJ has a very glossy record of 34-6 with nine knockouts.

Like Sheika, Cauthen has been on the brink so many times and at age thirty-four he feels he has one last good run in him.

Cauthen is known as a slick boxer and has shown the skills that made him an Olympian in 1996.

He has some solid wins such as a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Ricky Quiles (33-5-3) and former U.S. Olympian Dante Craig (17-4) and then undefeated prospect Alexis Camacho (16-0)

Cauthen has dropped decisions to pound for pound top-10 Paul Williams (25-0); Contenders Sechew Powell (21-1) and undefeated Canadian Antonin Decarie (22-0)

In his last bout, Cauthen took an eight round unanimous decision from Isam Khalil (15-1-2) in a bout that was broadcast all over the world in www.gofightlive.tv

Although Pendarvis doesn’t have a long resume, just 10-2-2 with four knockouts, he has proven that at age twenty-three he doesn’t fear any man.

In his last two bouts, the native of Los Angeles has took on undefeated foes in Mauricio Herrera (12-0) and Hector Sanchez (18-0).

He narrowly lost a majority decision to Herrera and then stopped Sanchez in five rounds back on April 2nd in Las Vegas.

Those are just two of the eight bout scheduled for Friday; Here is the rest of the card:

Charles Heyward (3-2, 1 KO) vs Reshawn Scott (2-3)—4 Rounds Light Heavyweights
Ramon Ellis (0-5) vs Osnel Charles (2-2)—4 Rounds Lightweights
Marcus Smith (0-2) vs Rami Ibraham (2-8-1)—4 Rounds Jr. Welterweights
Khalil Farah (6-4, 1 KO) vs Alando Swain (0-1) 4 Rounds Light Heavyweights
Francisco Ortiz (1-0) vs Benjamin Morales (PD)—4 rounds Featherweights
Jose Calderon (PD) vs TBA – 4 Rounds Jr. Welterweights

ALL THE ACTION BEGINS AT 7:30 PM EASTERN/4:30 PM PACIFIC FOR JUST $9.99 BY CLICKING:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=705

It was 2004 in Athens. The city’s ancient temples and columns seemed to be a symbol of what had happened to American boxing at the Olympics. It was in ruins. But there was Andre Ward, who a few hours before closing ceremonies won a gold medal. He’d didn’t figure to win then. But he did in a dramatic surprise that also was a parting shot at anti-American sentiment that filled the Greek arena for a couple of weeks.

Not much has changed.

Six years later, U.S. Olympic boxing is still in ruins and Ward is still finding motivation in critics, doubters and trash-talkers who unwittingly become his greatest allies. There’s something else: Ward is still winning with a quiet poise that is as effective as a feint. Everybody who sees the poise and looks for weakness have instead run headlong into a stubborn streak of quicksilver skill that has kept Ward unbeaten. The last man standing in Athens is favored to be the last one standing in the Super Six Classic.

First, Ward (21-0, 13 KOs) has to win a second-round bout in the first defense of his World Boxing Association’s title Saturday night in hometown Oakland, Calif., against tough Allan Green (29-1, 20 KOs), who collects knockouts when he isn’t collecting comic books. Green, a sub for the whatever-happened-to Jermain Taylor, is dangerous. His record says that. He does too.

Green’s talk is a mystery, if not a mistake. He has called Ward “a hummingbird,’’ which apparently means he intends to knock him out with simple swat. Why arm Ward with further motivation? Hasn’t he already used it effectively throughout a career that — after all — hasn’t been a secret since he planted the American flag onto the medal stand’s top pedestal? The guess here is that Green is just talking himself into defeat.

“Bother me?’’ Ward said of comments from the Green corner during Showtime’s in-depth look at each super-middleweight in Fight Camp 360. “No. Use them? Absolutely. I don’t read a lot of press before the fight, but I get people coming up to me all the time saying, ‘Did you hear this or did you hear that?’ It’s been like that since the amateurs. For some reason I look like a lamb before the fight. I’ve heard his comments on Fight Camp 360 and you better believe I use that. It bothers me in a good way because I constantly have something to prove and that’s what not a lot of people realize.

“I think a lot of people think I’m coming in here really well rested and really enjoying the fact that I’ve got a championship. But it’s been all work. For me, I try to say as little as possible before a fight. I’m not going to stand there and get pushed down or get bullied. But at the end of the day, I just shut my mouth, work hard and take care of business.’’

Green, himself an accomplished amateur minus the Olympic gold, is considered as big a threat as any faced by Ward, America’s only gold medalist since David Reid in 1996. He is, may be because of a lethal left hook that could put an abrupt end to Ward’s unbeaten status, especially if Ward continues to let his lead hand drift down, out and away from a vigilant defense. Also, Green’s toughness was displayed in surgery to have most of his colon removed a couple of days after a victory over Darrell Woods three years ago. His colon was leaking toxins into his body. It is believed he was suffering from the condition four months earlier in his lone loss to Edison Miranda, whom Ward beat.

But Mikkel Kessler of Denmark also was thought be dangerous enough to shatter promoter Dan Goossen’s plans to turn Ward into a pay-per-view star. Ward beat Kessler thoroughly in Oakland, despite complaints from Kessler’s corner about intentional head butts and home-cooking.

Form the Kessler victory, there was a significant sign that Ward is improving all the time. There have always been questions about his durability. The powerful Kessler landed a few big shots, but Ward never buckled. A bigger question perhaps is the condition of Ward’s right knee. He underwent surgery for an injury that forced a postponement of the Green fight, originally scheduled for April. The injury’s severity has been questioned by the Green camp.

Green also has had his date of knee problems, which in the wake of gimpy Yuri Foreman’s loss to Miguel Cotto is more in focus now than perhaps it has ever been. But Green doesn’t rely on lateral movement the way Ward does.

“My right knee is fine.’’ Ward said. “We’ve had no issues with the knee throughout our entire training camp. Coming off of surgery there are certain things you need to do in rehabilitation just to keep the muscles and the hamstring and all the different muscles that wrap around the knee; just keeping them strong. The knee has really been a non-issue.’’

It will have to be, because Green promises to move forward, always forward, in pursuit of delivering an upset with his left hand. If the knee is strong and stays strong, Ward should be able to move his quick feet and quicker hands at rates that figure to leave Green confused in the later rounds and speechless in the end. In the ring, there are a lot of ways to look at Ward, who forces opponents to make adjustments that can make them change plans and commit errors.

In his second straight fight before hometown fans, Green’s representatives are upset at the appointment of referee Raul Caiz, who is from California. Through an associate, Green promoter Lou DiBella said a couple of days ago that he and Goossen had agreed on a referee from Nevada. Goossen denied there was any agreement. Goossen said he tried to contact DiBella in an attempt to get an agreement. DiBella was unable to participate in a recent conference call and did not attend a news conference Wednesday because of a family illness.

The judges will be from California, Mexican and Connecticut, Goossen said.

Ward? Yeah, he’s from Oakland. But he’s at home any where there are critics. In boxing, that’s everywhere.

Westminster, MD (June 17) – As a hero to many who regularly fights before raucous, standing room only crowds, Mark “TNT” Tucker is accustomed to performing under the bright lights.

So far so good.

The 22 year old light heavyweight sensation has impressive victories over former title contenders Rubin Williams and Ross Thompson, while decisioning grizzled veteran George Armenta.

“Fighting in Westminster has been tremendous and I’ve already accepted some tough fights to please my fans, but now it’s time to take the next step towards becoming a premier fighter,” said Tucker, who at 13-0 holds the USBO Light Heavyweight championship.

This Saturday at Oakland, CA’s Oracle Arena, Tucker faces a new challenge when he makes his promotional debut for DiBella Entertainment. Headed by globally renowned Lou DiBella, DBE has led some of the sport’s top fighters to premium cable dates, world championships and, multi-million dollar pay days.

Aside from having to impress a new promoter, Tucker has a difficult draw in opponent Billy Bailey with the NABO Youth title at stake. At 10-7-1 (4 KO’s), Bailey is far tougher than his record indicates. The rugged Californian has impressive wins over once beaten Brian Cohen and previously undefeated Kevin Hand, while dropping controversial decisions in the hometowns of well regarded fighters such as Roger Cantrell, Anthony Ferrante and Danny Santiago.

Even though Bailey, who has been stopped just once, enters Saturday night a loser in his last two bouts, Tucker is not taking the opportunity to battle for the NABO title lightly.

“Billy comes to win and has pulled off upsets in the past, so I had a terrific camp to properly prepare,” said Tucker, who spent time training at the famed Wildcard Gym under the guidance of Freddie Roach. “I am honored to be able to fight for one of boxing’s finest promoters in Lou DiBella and I am going to show him how a country boy handles business inside of the ring.”

The Tucker-Bailey match up will serve as one of the bouts leading up to the SHOWTIME Super Six: World Boxing Classic, WBA Super Middleweight fight between Andre Ward and Allan Green. Tickets are available by calling 510-569-2121.

The legacy of the late great featherweight champion Salvador Sanchez picks up with his now professionally active 24-year-old nephew of the same name, Salvador Sanchez II. Nearly identical in physical stature and looks, Sanchez hails from the same hometown as his uncle, Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico, and fights as a featherweight wearing the same trunks, robes and shoes that his uncle, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991, adorned over 30 years ago.

Sanchez turned pro in 2005 and has thus far built a record of 19-3-2 (9 KOs), losing only once in his last 22 starts. Managed by Grant Elvis Phillips, Sanchez was recently signed to a promotional contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. In his first fight for the promotional company, Sanchez thrilled a crowd of over 50,000 fans with a devastating knockout of Jaime Villa at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, on the Pacquiao-Clottey undercard.

“Salvador wanted to be a fighter since he was little,” said Phillips, of his fighter’s aspirations. “His parents wanted him to go to school, similar to the original Salvador Sanchez, whose parents didn’t want him to be a boxer, either. They wanted him to go to college.”

Sanchez is trained by the venerable Abel Sanchez, along with strength and conditioning coach Chris Tirado, and will be returning to the ring on June 26, 2010, on his biggest stage yet, live on Pay-Per-View, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, as part of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.-John Duddy undercard. His opponent will be the tough Tomas Villa, who waged a war against hard-hitting future title challenger Rogers Mtagwa, in 2008, in one of the year’s best fights.

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Star Boxing’s Heavyweight fan-favorite, Vinny Maddalone (33-6, 24KO’s), known for his warrior-like performances inside the ring, has began parlaying his popularity into a career outside the ring. Though still active; Maddalone scored a 5th round TKO over Dominique Alexander in his last bout back in March at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ; it was announced this week that he has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors to Ring 8, the Veteran Boxers Association of New York, Inc.

In addition, while he won’t be on the card at Star Boxing’s upcoming show at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, Maddalone will play a major part in night’s events, serving as the host for what is shaping up to be an exciting night, featuring pre and post parties, at the ever popular Atlantic City Casino. Lastly, Maddalone recently opened a Restaurant and Bar (Ringside Bar and Grill) in his hometown of Queens, NY.

MADDALONE W/ PROMOTER JOE DEGUARDIA

“We are very proud of Vinny’s accomplishments both inside, and now outside of the ring,” stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing and long-time promoter of Maddalone. “Wherever he goes, Vinny is just so well-respected, and being elected to serve on the board is a true testament to that.”

Following Maddalone’s recent win in Atlantic City, long-time promoter Joe DeGuardia came up with the idea to have Maddalone host the next event.

“Vinny’s such a draw and has so many fans out there, I knew that if I wasn’t going to have him on the card, I still wanted him to be part of the event,” explained DeGuardia. “We are working on something big for Vinny in the early fall, so we wanted to hold off on putting him on this show, but he will be there, greeting fans, and hosting both our pre and post fight parties, for what is expected to be a huge turn out.”

“It’s a real honor to be elected to the Board,” stated Maddalone. “I have been involved with Ring 8 for sometime now, but to officially be named one of their own, and to have a voice in the organization, really is something special to me. ”

Regarding his restaurant, Maddalone is optimistic about the future. “The restaurant is coming along well, I just brought in a new chef, and his food is unbelievable. I don’t want to just be the guy behind the scenes, I enjoy being there at night and greeting the customers and sitting down and talking with them one on one. It keeps me busy when I’m not in training, and it is something I can focus on when my boxing career one day comes to an end.”

The show at the Tropicana will take place on Saturday, July 17th and will feature top-rated heavyweight contender David Tua (51-3-1, 43KO’s), (WBO #2) taking on perennial contender Monte Barrett (34-9, 20KO’s).

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. Star Boxing is currently holding exclusive $200 VIP Packages, call for more information. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter twitter.com/TropicanaAC.

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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez will keep his Middleweight championship and vacate his WBC belt at Super Welterweight.

“Sergio didn’t like to do it, but he gave up the junior middleweight title,” Said Sampson Lewkowicz, who is Martinez advisor. “He’s fought twice at 160 pounds and he built up muscles. He thought maybe he will have to sacrifice too much to be at 154 again.”

“By keeping the middleweight title, he would also have an ability to drop down to fight a big fight at a catch weight,” Said Martinez promoter Lou DiBella. “He bulked up for Pavlik and he knows his body. He said he would have a problem going all the way down to 154 and there is no mega fight for him in that weight class. If there is an economic reason to go down as low as 155, he’d probably do it, but he’s a middleweight now.”

“What Sergio told me was that he preferred to stick at 160 because he wants to follow in the footsteps of his great idol, Monzon,” Lewkowicz said. “It means a lot to him to have the same title as Monzon and there is more prestige he believes in being middleweight champion than in the junior middleweight division.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Renato “Babalu” Sobral scored a three round unanimous decision over Robbie Lawler in a 195 lb catchweight fight at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

After a good first round by Lawler, Sobral came on strong and landed numerous strikes that broke down Lawler.

Sobral, 193 1/2 lbs of Costa Mesa, CA won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 36-8. Lawler, 195 lbs of Granite City, IL is now 17-6.

Sobral said he would like a rematch with Dan Henderson who defeated him eleven years ago.

“This is something I will have to think about,’’ said Babalu, who triumphed by the scores of 29-28 three times. “Yes, of course, I want to be a champion again but I’m old school and he is my friend and friends last longer than title belts. But we’ll see.’’

“I wasn’t hurt, I just wanted to make him think I was,’’ said Lawler, who suffered damage to his body from a multitude of front kicks. “It was a ploy, a decoy, for him to fight me so I could knock him out.

“I’m disappointed with the result, but I have no complaints. The two takedowns in the first round may have been the difference. I know that I could have done much more. I should have done more.’’

Evangelista Cyborg scored a first round stoppage over Mariusz Zaromskis in a scheduled three round Welterweight bout.

Cyborg hurt Zaromiskis early in round one with some hard strikes. Zaromskis made a desperate attempt at a running high knee that was thwarted by Cyborg and Zaromskis fell to the ground where Cyborg pounced on him with three hard shots and referee Herb Dean stopped the bout at 2:38.

Cyborg, 171 lbs of Brazil is now 18-13 with eleven knockouts. Zaromskis, 169 1/2 lbs of San Jose, CA is now 13-5.

“I am very happy with my performance and this fight,’’ the male Cyborg said. “I’ve had so many first-round knockouts. I can’t say if this was the best, but it was definitely one of the best.

“I want to fight (STRIKEFORCE world welterweight champion) Nick Diaz. He’s the fighter I want more than anybody right now.’’

Tim Kennedy scored a first round submission over Trevor Prangley in a scheduled three round Middleweight bout.

Kennedy, 185 1/2 lbs of Austin, TX won via choke at 3:35 and his record is now 12-2 with half of his wins coming by submission. Prangley, 185 1/2 lbs of South Africa is now 22-6-1.

“I don’t go the distance. In fact, I’m totally against going the distance,’’ Kennedy said. “I’m happy with the end result. He hit me with a good uppercut; that stuff’s not supposed to happen. I have some of the greatest hands in the sport. I just want to start fighting the kinds of opponents I can knock out and start a highlight reel on. I’m tired of fighting wrestlers.’’

KJ Noons scored a three round split decision of Conor Heun in a 160 lb catchweight bout.

Heun almost had Noons out in the first as he had Noons in a rear naked choke. Heun was bloodied under his left eye in the first round and fought through heavy blood flow as he ate a lot of shots by Noons, who is an accomplished boxer.

Noons, 159 1/2 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 29-28 and 29-28 while Heun, 159 1/2 lbs of Hollywood, CA took a cardc at 29-28.

“He’s a very game guy who brought it the whole fight,’’ said Noons, won by the scores of 29-28 twice and 27-30. “I definitely feel I won the fight and I really wanted to please the fans, but I had to work for it. I haven’t used my legs in a while so if felt good to get in some leg kicks.’’

A bloodied Heun felt he’d done enough to get the nod. “I wanted to fight one of the top guys to prove to everybody that I could compete with the top ones, and I think I did that tonight,” he said. “But I’m very disappointed with the decision. Only one judge scored the fight.

“I feel I did more than enough to win although the cuts were definitely a factor. By the third round, I was aiming my punches at the guy in the middle.’’

Noons is now 8-1. Heun is now 8-4.

It will be a battle of former world champions according to Dan Rafael of espn.com when Joel Casamayor battles Robert Guerrero on July 31st as part of the Juan Manuel Marquez – Juan Diaz rematch undercard.

Casamayor-Guerrero, a scheduled 10-rounder at a maximum contract weight of 139 pounds, rounds out the four-fight telecast that will include Marquez-Diaz II, 2009 ESPN.com prospect of the year Daniel Jacobs facing Russia’s Dmitry Pirog for a vacant middleweight title and a lightweight bout between former two-division titlist Jorge Linares and perennial contender Rocky Juarez.

“I made a promise to the ‘Fight Freaks’ that this would be a freak card and I think I’ve delivered that,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “I love Casamayor against Guerrero. It’s a big step up for Guerrero and a big opportunity for Casamayor. It’s one of those true crossroads fights. We have Linares-Juarez done and we have Jacobs fighting an undefeated fighter for a world title. I think the rematch of the fight of the year has become more than just that. I think it’s going to be the night of the year.”

“We are finalizing the contract, but we have an agreement by e-mail and have agreed on all the deal points,” Schaefer said.

“Joel is a veteran and he wanted a bigger fight. He wanted Khan,” manager Luis DeCubas Jr. told ESPN.com. “But if it’s not Khan, he’ll fight Guerrero. I think we’re in a different league than Guerrero. Robert is a great young fighter, but he’s never been in there with anyone like Joel. He’s real green. We’ll go through Guerrero first and then we’ll go get Khan or (junior welterweight titleholder Timothy) Bradley, or anyone else.”

“I think to have Linares back [fighting in the U.S.] and fighting a credible opponent like Rocky, I think it’s a big test for Linares, and it’s high noon for Rocky,” Schaefer said. “It’s a very interesting matchup.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Cruiserweight champion Marco Huck will make the fourth defense of his title against Matt Godfrey in Erfurt, Germany.

“Godfrey is a tough fighter, but he will not get my title,” Huck, 25, said. “I want to keep impressing the fans all over the world and I am determined to put on a spectacular performance against Godfrey.”

“I hope we (Huck and IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham) will meet again at some point down the road,” Huck said. “There is still something that needs to be settled between the two of us.”

The Newtown Athletic Club (NAC), of Newtown, PA., (209 Penns Trail) has proclaimed June 28 “Mike Jones Day.” Jones, the undefeated 21-0 (17 KOs) welterweight fighter, who is ranked #3 in the world behind superstar Manny Pacquiao, uses the NAC as his home-training base for weeks immediately prior to his fights.

“We are thrilled that the next great welterweight champion uses our world-class facilities at the NAC for his fights and we wanted to honor him for our great association,” said Jim Worthington, owner of NAC.

Newtown Athletic Club/ 209 Penns Trail/ Newtown/PA/18940/215-968-0600

“The NAC is my home-away-from-home for training and the facilities and people there are outstanding,” said Jones, whose next fight vs. Irving Garcia is on July 9 at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall. “I feel great coming into this fight, possibly my toughest one to date, and on July 9 I want to treat my fans to an extended fireworks show in the ring.”

Jones will hold a sparring and training session from 1-2 p.m on June 28 which is open to the media and public. The workout will be held in the ring at Big League Academy, adjacent to the NAC.
From 6-7 p.m at the NAC, Jones will be on-hand for “Pizza Night at the Café,” a meet-and-greet session featuring free pizza. Jones will be available for autographs and photos and will talk about his July 9 bout. A raffle for free tickets and autographed gloves will be held. Tickets for the Jones-Garcia fight can also be purchased at the meet and greet or at Peltz Boxing Promotions at 215-765-0922 and all Ticketmaster outlets at 800-736-1420.

Catch the replay of the Sunday Sizzler with Mark “TNT” Tucker Live the USBO Light Heavyweight Champion who is fighting Billy Bailey June 19 in Oakland, CA as part of the Ward-Green title fight.! AND Super Middleweight Contender Dyah “Ali” Davis Live.. Plus the weekends Fight recaps and upcoming fight previews! 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD. And joined by Billy from Philly – A weekly Sunday boxing show covering Boxing from all angles.

Hollywood Florida–The Heavyweight Factory Promotions in association with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood Florida once again put together a magnanimous show for all those in attendance. The average boxing fan will appreciate a middleweight fight but even the casual fan appreciates the biggest of the big, banging it out for prowess amongst the biggest of men. Tonight was filled with brain shattering blows and the crowd loved the smorgasbord of pugilism it was served up.

In the main event of the night former world champion Oliver McCall 54-10 (37KO) stepped in against the game and ready to get it on, Timor Ibragimov 28-2(15KO). The ring savvy veteran McCall started off with a game plan of jabbing on his way in and trying to set up an overhand right, the same of which garnered him his boxing namesake and knocked a then world champ, Lennox Lewis to the canvas for good. As the fight progressed the younger, slicker Ibragimov used his youth and boxing skills to pepper his elder but respected opponent. McCall’s celebrated right hand opened a cut above the left eye of Ibragimov in the 5th but a culmination of ring savvy and a good cut man got Ibragimov through the fire and ultimately his good boxing and youthful exuberance gave him a majority decision.

In the Co-Feature, Haitian Dieuly “The Untamed Beast” Aristilde 7-3(1KO) faced Cuban born Henry Fuentes 11-1(7KO) in rematch of the heavily contested initial bout they had back in 2008. Aristilde had won the initial confrontation giving Fuentes his first and only loss in the square circle. This contest was one that was not the same outcome of the initial bout. Aristilde, coming off one of the most crowd pleasing fights in this writers history over the main event Oliver McCalls son, Elijah McCall; did not look like the same fighter of yore. The Untamed Beast was in an epic war with the younger McCall some time back and may have not recovered just yet as his legs were not as fresh as they once were and his oft tested chin not as granitesque as well. Fuentes had control from the get go and made a very concerted effort to show that his artillery has expanded since we last saw him. Fuentes put away Aristilde at 2:58 of the third round. Fuentes who improved his record to 11-1 as a heavyweight may need to get a bit more aggressive in order to challenge the upper echelon of boxing heavyweights.

The night began with possibly the fight of the night with Eisa Al Dah from Bristol, UK squaring off against the game Anthony Woods of Nassau, Bahamas who has been a cornerstone of South Florida boxing for some time. Both men exchanged valiantly with the Englishman ultimately rattling off a majority decision in a closely contested, crowd pleasing majority decision.

In the second fight of the night, heavyweight prodigy Clive Lowe, making his debut, of heavyweight factory lineage squared off against Tampa native Michael Greeson. Both heavyweights exchanged valiantly and often the first round with heavy blows much to the appreciation of the crowd. As the round came to a close both fighters threw heavy left hooks with Lowe getting the first and the worst of the exchange. Lowe was knocked down as the referee deemed Lowe unable to continue while administering the count.

In the third bout of the night Miami native Yasnay Consuegra 3-0 took it to Michigan journeyman Harvey Jolly 11-15(6KO). In a less then crowd pleasing bout Consuegra improved his record to 3- 0.

In a much anticipated bout with the Heavyweight Factory James Bryant 3-0(3KO), the crowd did not get their money’s worth and did not see the chiseled, former Miami Hurricanes alumna James Bryant strut his stuff. In a fight that echoed opponent versus winner Bryant came out to the inaugural bell with bad intentions but did not get to display them. His opponent fighter, Lujan Henderson was there to smell the daisy and collect a check as without being hit with so much a solid jab took a knee and was “knocked down” twice to give Bryant the TKO win. Not taking anything away from Bryant who looked the epitome of a young, hungry and ready heavyweight.

All in all another win for South Florida boxing its fans and what the Heavyweight factory is manifesting.

Dan Stasiukiewicz Contributed to this report

Memphis, TN- Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith(21-4) will keep his streak of challenging the best opposition alive when he goes toe to toe with middleweight prospect and NABO champion Fernando Guerrero(18-0) at the DeSoto Civic Center In Memphis, TN on July 16 on Showtime. Smith will again move up to middleweight to meet the hard hitting Guerrero.

Smith will be fighting above his primary weight of 154 lbs, but the Former Contender star has put forth exceptional performances in the middleweight class. Smith will be making his fifth appearance on Showtime, a network which he has compiled a 4-0 record on, the last appearance being a dominating performance over then undefeated Pawel Wolak in 2008.

“It’s a network I call home, I’m 4-0 there and excited to head back” said Smith.

Guerrero is 18-0 with 15 knockouts, but faces his toughest test in Smith, who has never touched the canvas, much less been stopped in his professional or amateur career. Smith’s last bout at middleweight came with a gutsy effort against undefeated Danny Jacobs in 2009, while Guerrero picked up a knockout win over Mike Walker earlier this year. Although inactive in 2010 thus far, Smith served as Floyd Mayweather’s primary sparring partner in preparation for Shane Mosley this Spring, and says he feels prepared to take on the big stage once again, whatever the weight may be.

“160 will not be a problem this time around, It’s going to be a beautiful thing. Fernando Guerrero is all we are focused on right now.” Smith noted.

Also on the card will be undefeated Shawn Porter, and Olympian Gary Russell Jr. Tickets go on sale Saturday June 5 and can be purchased at the DeSoto Civic Center ticket office or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Ishe Smith turned professional in 2000, and has captured NABO, WBC Continental, and USBA welterweight titles. Becoming a household name by participating in NBC’s The Contender in 2005, Smith has since appeared on national television numerous times.

Along with holding several marquee victories Smith has also shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather, Fernando Vargas, Shane Mosley, and Oscar De La Hoya as a sparring partner. Smith is based out of boxing’s capital city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

PROVIDENCE (June 15, 2010) – Red-hot lightweight prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy, rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Association, makes his first title defense against challenger John John “The Hammer” Molina (20-1, 16 KOs) in the 12-round main event July 9 on “Let Freedom Ring,” presented live on ESPN Friday Night Fights by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

The always entertaining, fan-favorite Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs), fighting out of Philadelphia, has made the Providence area his second home with this being his fifth fight in that market. The 26-year-old has defeated Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1), Richard Abril (12-1-1), Jason Cintron (10-0), Esteban Alveraz (7-0) and fought Darnell Giles, Jr. (8-0) to a controversial draw.

“I’m ready to go and I think my first ESPN main event is overdue,” Lundy commented. “It feels real good. I’ve fought on ESPN three or four times. They liked what they saw and that’s why I’m back fighting on national television, but this time I’m in the main event. I put on a show for fans every time I’m in the ring.”

The NABO No. 9 rated Molina will be fighting east of the Mississippi River for the first time when he steps into the ring. He has beaten Efren Hinojosa (30-6-1), Frankie Achuleta (25-6-1) and Fernando Omar Lizarraga (16-1-1).

“He doesn’t impress me, not one bit,” the often outspoken Lundy said about his opponent. “He hasn’t fought the quality of opponent like me. Molina’s credentials are fraudulent. He has a beefed-up record. I can box but, most of the time, I just go in and blast away. Fans are going to see better boxing skills from me in this fight. John Molina is done. He may be 5-10 but he gives-up his height. He’s dumb.

“This nationally televised fight is going to prove I’m the top lightweight prospect in boxing. I’m going to be looking to get him out of there and, if it goes the distance, he’s going to get a real butt whooping. I’m ‘Hammerin’ Hank, he calls himself ‘The Hammer.’ I’m the real ‘Hammer’ and when I hit him with my hammer, he’s going to sleep.”

New England and EBA super middleweight champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-4-2, 6 KOs), trained by “Irish” Micky Ward and fighting out of Lowell (MA), makes his middleweight debut in the 8-round co-feature against an opponent to be determined.

In a rare battle of college graduates, undefeated Cape Verdean boxer Vladine Biosse (6-0, 4 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player living in Providence, steps-up in class Quincy (MA) light heavyweight Chris Traietti (8-2, 5 KOs), an Iraq War veteran, in the 6-round ESPN swing bout.

Quincy (MA) welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (2-1, 1 KO) plans to avenge her only loss against Providence’s Kali Reis (2-0 1 KO), who won a hotly-contested 4-round decision in their first meeting, in a 6-round rematch.

Providence firefighter Eric Estrada makes his long-awaited pro debut as a cruiserweight in a 4-round match against Antonio Robertson (0-1). Estrada, whose brother is 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, was perfect as an amateur with a 6-0 record, including victories in the New England Golden Gloves Tournament and Rocky Marciano Tournament.

Roxbury (MA) super middleweight Maceo Crowder (2-0, 1 KO), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, takes on Worcester (MA) mixed martial arts fighter Ralph Johnson in his pro boxing debut.

Also slated to fight in 4-round bouts against opponents soon to be announced are Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (5-1, 3 KOs), Woonsocket (RI) super middleweight Joe Gardner (4-1-1, 1 KO), Lincoln light welterweight Diego Pereira (4-0, 2 KOs), and Fall River (MA) middleweight Dustin Reinhold (1-1, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Let Freedom Ring,” priced at $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Let Freedom Ring.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

Photo by Emily Harney

A month ago one of Boxing’s least known World Champions Omar “El Huracan” Narvaez 32-0-2(19) moved up to Super Flyweight and added the WBO title to his WBO Flyweight crown which he has held for nearly 8 years making 16 defences. Normally when a fighter has a achieved that sort of notoriety he’s zeroing in on a place at Canastota in the Hall of Fame. However for Narvaez who’s been a pro for 10 years that’s probably not the case as he continues look for his defining fight that will prove that the longevity and number’s he’s wracked up aren’t merely against also rans. It’s something Pongsaklek Wongjongkam achieved when he beat Koki Kameda while Joe Calzaghe finally got his respect when he beat Jeff Lacy others such as Sven Ottke were never able to achieve it though. Now into his 30’s which is old for the lighter weights Narvaez contacted 15rounds.com with the hope that people would see his name and he may get the attention his skills deserve thus garnering the Boxing publics interest, ultimately helping him get one of the bigger names around his weight class into the ring.

Hello Omar, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on becoming a two weight world champion. What can you tell us about your fight with Everth Briceno? What did it mean to you and how did it feel when they announced you had won?

Omar Narvaez – About the fight with Briceño I felt very comfortable and thought that I would need to require a little more and that he was more dangerous. At times I felt that I could have won before the limit but he stopped me with his infringements (Briceno was deducted three points during the fight). When I devoted super flyweight champion, I felt very happy and very proud. I never imagined in my life that would be able to achieve so much as a boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Though it is still early days what would you like to do next? When would you like to be back in action and who would you like to fight?

Omar Narvaez – I’d like to fight as soon as possible that because I am in good shape and a desire to do it. I’d like to fight with the best to show the world I’m the best.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?

Omar Narvaez – My team is made by my brothers as coaches and physical coach named Roperto Riz and my manager is Osvaldo Rivera.

Anson Wainwright – You had a very good amateur career that saw you fight at the Olympics. Can you tell us what titles and tournaments you fought in as an amateur? What fighters who are now pro’s did you fight? Also what was your amateur record?

Omar Narvaez – I made 103 amateur fights of which I lost 25. I achieved four gold medals in national tournaments. 1998 ODESUR Games win gold in Ecuador. I won the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg in Canada, participate in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics beating Joan Guzman and lost the second match. I won gold in Cordoba Cardin, Cuba 1998, a bronze medal in world championship of Hungary, Budapest in 1997 and World Silver medal in Houston, Texas 1999, participated in the Goodwill Games in New York in 1998, participate in the World Cup bronze medal in Beijing, China 1998. I participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in which I lost in the second round with Wladimir Sidorenko. I beat several boxers who today are world champions in different categories. Joan Guzman, José Navarro, and several that at this moment I can’t remember their names.

Anson Wainwright – Your not very well known outside of your home country of Argentina what can you tell us about yourself? What do you like to do when your not Boxing?

Omar Narvaez – During the free time I like to ride motorcycles.

Anson Wainwright – You have been a world champion since 2002. Have you ever received offers to fight any of the other top guys at 112 or even up at 115? A few years ago in the press it said you had turned down a fight with Vic Darchinyan? Can you tell us what happened and why you didn’t fight him?

Omar Narvaez – About Darchinyan I never received a serious proposal, all it was a supposed fight but it never came up to nothing .

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Trelew and how you first became involved in Boxing?

Omar Narvaez – As a child I loved playing football and I always played for clubs in my area and started boxing at age 17. My love for boxing began at 16, but never before I imagined I would become a fighter and less world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Some people don’t think you have tested yourself against the best fighters around and that you have fought several guys who weren’t a challenge to you. What are your thoughts on that and why you haven’t been able to as yet fight one of the big names?

Omar Narvaez – I never received offers to fight with the best and I hope I will fight with them one day.

Anson Wainwright – You will be 35 in July, which is thought of as old in the lower weights for a Boxer, however you still seem to close to your prime. How do you feel about that?

Omar Narvaez – Today at 34 years I feel very well and very eager. I feel I get increasingly better, and that the experience I have managed to get gives me a big edge over my rivals.

Anson Wainwright – What do you still hope to achieve in Boxing?

Omar Narvaez – Now I would like to continue in Super Flyweight and have tougher fights and fight the best in the category because I think I can beat them.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing world and the Super Flyweight division?

Omar Narvaez – My message is that I want to fight with the best, because I feel capable, and I feel that with my boxing and my experience I am better than most. I know that they are not easy to beat, but I can solve many problems because I have a very intelligent Boxing, and when I have to, I can fight to, and be dangerous doing it.

Thanks for taking time to speak with us Omar.

Best Wishes

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was ringside this past Saturday night in Madison Square Garden where Ivan Calderon defended the world Jr. Flyweight championship with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jesus Iribe. Check out her retro-style ringside photos

After recently losing a 12 round competitive decision to top ranked contender Karo Murat (22-0) in Germany, WBA#14 light heavy Tommy Karpency (19-2-1) returns to the ring on Friday at the Wheeling Island Casino & Racetrack in the main event. Promoted by Jerry Thomas’ West Virginia Sports Promotions, the undercard will begin at 7:30PM and highlight several local prospects. Lightweight Ronell Green (4-0) and heavyweights Lee McGinnis (1-0) and Jeremiah Karpency (1-0) will appear in separate bouts with all opponents being announced shortly. Tickets for the event are $20 (General Admission), $30 (Reserved) and $50 (Ringside) and may be obtained by calling (800) 296-3897

World Jr. Flyweight champion, Ivan Calderon talks about his tough title defense over Jesus Iribe and talks about his future plans

Watch Ivan Calderon Post Fight Press Conference in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA — Boxing returned to the City by the Bay for the first time in several years, as local welterweight prospect Karim Mayfield kayoed Sergio De La Torre in the main attraction before nearly 2,000 of his vocal supporters at the Kezar Pavilion on Saturday night.

Mayfield (13-0-1, 7 KOs) of nearby Daly City, California brought his home crowd to their feet early and often in five rounds of one-sided action. De La Torre (11-14-3, 1 KO) of Escondido, California had been stopped just three times prior to Saturday night, but he was clearly feeling Mayfield’s punches beginning with the first overhand right that was landed early in the first round. Mayfield jumped on his opponent right away, landing a flurry of clean punches with De La Torre leaning against the ropes. Clubbing overhand rights were the weapon of choice for Mayfield, 146.5, as he closed out a dominant first round.

De La Torre, 147, continued to show off his durable chin in the second round as a vicious right, left hook combination landed for Mayfield early on. However, it appeared a Mayfield overhand right forced a knockdown late in the round, but referee Jon Schorle ruled it was a push. Finally in the third, De La Torre began to crack, as a looping left scored the first official knockdown in the fight for Mayfield. De La Torre was downed again, this time by a three-punch combination, just before the end of the third.

To his credit, De La Torre kept coming forward, proving his gameness as the fight continued. Another overhand right stunned De La Torre in the fourth. Mayfield followed up with a left and right that forced the Escondido native to fall into the corner. While it was clear the turnbuckles kept De La Torre off of the mat, a knockdown was not ruled.

The knockdown count would prove to be academic, as a solid right would get De La Torre in trouble again late in the fifth. With the crowd anticipating the stoppage, Mayfield landed an overhand right and a left hook to prompt Schorle to call a halt to the bout at the 3:00 mark of the fifth. As Mayfield found himself hoisted on the shoulders of his team, much of the crowd rushed the ring to celebrate with their emerging boxing star.

Despite competing with San Francisco Giants-Oakland A’s interleague game taking place simultaneously down the highway at AT&T Park and the Andre Ward-Allan Green WBA Super Middleweight title fight which takes place across the Bay next weekend, Mayfield showed he could become the first boxing draw San Francisco has had in many years. That fact, coupled with his exciting style and flair for entertainment, could go along way in making him attractive to a major promoter – something he has been seeking since he turned professional in 2006.

In the co-feature, Tony Hirsch (12-3-1, 5 KOs) of Oakland, California scored a second-round knockout over pudgy journeyman Jovanni Rubio (6-12, 5 KOs) of Santa Rosa, California. Hirsch, 163, controlled the fight from the outset, continually finding a home for his thudding overhand right. Rubio, 167.5, was roughly a foot shorter than his opponent, and was never able to get inside Hirsch’s long reach to do any damage.

After dominating the action with his right hand in the first round, Hirsch turned up the aggression in the second, unleashing flurries with both fists. Finally late in the round, with Rubio retreating from corner to corner, Hirsch unloaded his arsenal with referee Dan Stell standing in close looking for a reason to stop the fight. Hirsch gave the referee the reason he was looking for by landing a big right to stagger Rubio and force the stoppage. Time of the bout was 2:34 of the second round.

In the most competitive bout on the card, former National PAL Champion Bruno Escalante Jr. (1-0-1) of Waimanalo, Hawaii moved up in weight to score his first professional victory over Jonathan Alcantara (4-2-1) of Novato, California in an exciting four-rounder. Alcantara, 120.5, started out well, as he found a home for his straight right against his southpaw opponent in the first round. Escalante, 118.4, turned the fight in the following round with quick flurries and lateral movement.

Fast-paced, high quality fight action continued through the final two rounds and until the final bell. In a fight that could have gone either way, one judge scored the fight 39-37 for Alcantara. That tally was overruled by the scores of the other two judges who had the fight for Escalante, 39-37. Escalante turned pro at 112-pounds, fighting to a draw against Takashi Okada in February. Okada upset the highly touted McWilliams Arroyo in New York on Saturday night.

In the curtain raiser, Benjamin Rivera (1-3) of Fresno, California moved into the win column for the first time in his pro career with a unanimous four-round decision over the still winless Shawn Wate (0-5) of Los Angeles, California. Wate, 138, may have been slowed down by the large afro he sported in the ring, since he was consistently outworked by Rivera, 138.5, for much of the four rounds. In the end, all three judges scored the bout for Rivera by the scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice.

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

“Now is my time. I have to show and prove.” – Allan Green, June 8, 2010

“The non-resistible, non-competible – no, no, I’m not sayin’ I’m the best! . . . I’m just sayin’ I’m f–kin’ incredible.” – Big Daddy Kane, “Show & Prove,” 1994

There’s something witty and even charming about Allan “Sweetness” Green. Whether it’s his Sooner upbringing, his zigzagging career path or his willingness to say unpopular things, Green is the sort of self-scripted character American athletics needs more of. He’s also an American athlete who has come, somewhat suddenly, to a dream opportunity.

We’ll see what he does with it.

Saturday, in the third and final fight of Group Stage Two of Showtime’s “Super Six” tournament, Oklahoma’s Allan Green will battle California’s Andre “S.O.G.” Ward in Oakland. Oracle Arena, a 20-minute drive from Ward’s home, will play host to a match for both the WBA super middleweight belt and an almost certain advancement to the semifinal round for Ward.

For Green, things will be more complicated. Green is, after all, a replacement. After a violent knockout loss to Arthur Abraham, Jermain Taylor withdrew. Green inherited Taylor’s spot in the tourney and Taylor’s accumulated points – zero.

“No offense against Jermain,” Green said last Tuesday about an April 2009 Showtime telecast. “But we fought on the same show, and I won my fight, and he lost his fight. I got pushed back to ‘ShoBox,’ and he got put into the tournament.”

But Green’s here now, and he bears something of a grudge. So does Andre Ward – whose nickname is an abbreviated “Son of God.” Neither man feels properly respected in his profession.

Ward is America’s last Olympic Gold Medalist boxer, a title he’s held for six years and might well hold for six more. He has been handled judiciously, building a strong hometown following in Oakland without challenging for a world title until his last match. He is a humble and likable man. Accusations of coddled treatment, though, have followed him, with many observers mistakenly using “coddled” as a synonym for “soft.” It isn’t. And it sure wasn’t on Nov. 21.

That day, Ward manhandled Mikkel Kessler, whom most considered the tournament favorite. Ward took the “Viking Warrior,” roughed him up, and reduced him to blaming dirty tactics and bad refereeing for his second career loss. It was a more conclusive performance than anyone expected.

But then a recurrent knee injury led Ward to postpone his match with Green, and Green was unhesitant in speculating about the seriousness of Ward’s next opponent, if not his injury. Green said, had that opponent still been Jermain Taylor, there would be no delay. Ward took the comments personally – as they were intended. Asked Tuesday if the comments bothered him, Ward responded with typical seriousness and grace.

“Bother me? No,” Ward said. “Use them? Yes.”

There’s no telling how much Green intended to rile Ward. Frankly, there’s no telling lots of things about Green. If you’re just now tuning in to the Allan Green show, you’ll quickly learn: Green is a little off his rocker.

But he has a sense of timing and self-deprecation, and a powerful punch, so you want to watch. Things like that fantastic stare-down picture with Carlos De Leon Jr. last April, one in which Green looked like a lunatic frightened by De Leon’s fist, the day before he went through De Leon in about five minutes. And then there was that memorable speech Green gave on Nov. 4, 2005.

That day Green fought on “ShoBox” against New York City’s Jaidon Codrington, one half of a posse calling itself the “Chin Checkers.” Codrington, in keeping with his blossoming professional identity, gave Green little respect in pre-fight comments. Green caught him with a left hook in the opening 10 seconds and then beat him to stiffened unconsciousness in the eight that followed. Mayhem ensued, as doctors and officials tried to get through Codrington’s people to the unconscious fighter.

And while this happened a few feet away, Green did his post-fight interview. Having just scored Ring magazine’s 2005 Knockout of the Year, Green – in lieu of showing concern for Codrington – began a radio-style advertisement for a local car dealership.

It was a bizarre gesture that made Green look oblivious. But he wasn’t oblivious. More like ironical. Green’s post-fight interview, in retrospect, was the work of a person who stood beside himself and noted life’s absurdity.

Still, it wasn’t until Green used “show and prove” last week that any sort of a line could be drawn to another unlikely American ironist: Big Daddy Kane, a Brooklyn rapper, who despite recording hits in the late 1980s and launching a number of other stars’ careers, never quite achieved the acclaim he deserved. He was another man with a touch of self-deprecation, and a mock-epic style.

“I won’t say I’m the baddest or portray that role,” Kane wrote in 1990. “But I’m up to Top 2, and my father’s gettin’ old!”

You can almost hear Green saying something like that.

Something Green actually did say in the last episode of Showtime’s “Fight Camp 360,” last week caused the conference-call equivalent of what Kane derisively labeled “half-steppin’.” It was Green’s use of the word “jive” to describe Ward’s style. A few people wanted to know what Green meant, but no one wanted to talk about race.

Let’s deal in good faith, folks. Allan Green was saying that, as a black-American prizefighter, he will not be confounded by Andre Ward’s black-American-prizefighting style, the way that Green believes Kessler was. Green was saying that, where Ward’s reflexes, athleticism and slipperiness disarmed Kessler, they will have no effect on him because he comes from the same tradition as Ward. Green considers himself a native “jive” speaker. Big Daddy Kane would approve.

So now, Mr. Green, it’s time to show and prove.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

PHILADELPHIA (June 13, 2010)—On Sunday it was a special afternoon of boxing as Aaron Pryor Jr. highlighted a four bout card with a sixth round stoppage over gritty Willis Lockett at the Hyatt Regency on the Philadelphia Waterfront.

The show was promoted by Joey Eye Boxing in association with Gulfstream Sports and Entertainment.

Pryor Jr. of Cincinnati used his six inch height advantage to keep Lockett at range but Lockett was able to get through with some winging shots over the first three rounds. Pryor Jr. got things rolling in round four as he began to find the range with his right hand startled Lockett on several occasions.

Lockett started to hold and was deducted a point for that continued infraction by referee Benjy Esteves in round six as he began to eat more hard shots.

The accumulation of punches had taken their toll on Lockett and his corner agreed as they stopped the bout before the seventh round had started.

In a entertaining brawl, Julio Cesar Matthews escaped with a razor thin unanimous decision over tough Philadelphia banger, Garrett Wilson in a six round Cruiserweight bout.

Matthews controlled the action over the first part of the fight as he bloodied the nose and mouth of Wilson. Wilson started to come on like gangbusters and if the fight was scheduled for more rounds, there is no telling what the outcome would have been as Matthews with stood a late onslaught of Wilson.

Andreas Gustaffson of Sweden took out Pedro Martinez in round two of a scheduled six round Heavyweight bout. Gustafsson dropped Martinez from a good looking counter left. Later in the round, Gustafsson landed a nice four punch combination that was capped off by a right hand that sent Martinez to the canvas and the fight was called off at 1:05 of round two.

In the opening bout, Kamarah Pasley scored an upset as he scored a first round knockdown en route to a four round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Patrick Farrell in a cruiserweight bout.

Pasley dropped Farrell in round one from a counter left. Farrell started pressing the action in round’s two and three but Pasley had a solid round four as he continuously created space and was efficient with some solid left uppercuts.

FULL RESULTS

8 Rounds Super Middleweights—Aaron Pryor Jr. (13-2, 11 KO’s) 166 lbs of Cincinnati, OH (13-2, 11 KO’s) TKO END OF 6 over Willis Lockett (12-10-5)162 ½ lbs of Takoma Park, MD

6 Rounds Cruiserweights—Julio Cesar Matthews (10-0) 185 ½ lbs of Reading, PA U DEC (58-55, 57-56 & 57-56) over Garrett Wilson (7-5) 190 lbs of Philadelphia, PA

6 Rounds Heavyweights—Andreas Gustafsson (5-0, 3 KO’s) 234 lbs of Norkopping, Sweden TKO 2 (1:05) over Pedro Martinez (5-3) 233 lbs of Philadelphia, PA

4 Rounds Cruiserweights – Kamarah Pasley (5-4) 198 lbs of Philadelphia U DEC (39-36, 38-37 & 38-37) over Patrick Farrell (5-1) 198 ½ lbs of Jersey City, NJ