Boxing is full of hard luck stories, however Yonnhy Perez 20-0-1(14) isn’t such a case. The Columbian, is the current IBF Bantamweight champion of the World and has been for nearly a year. He broke away from the pack when he stunned Joseph Agbeko in late 2009. It was an eye opening performance that catapulted him from the fringes to amongst the best Bantamweight division has to offer. Perez 31, has never had anything easy in life. He first moved to America and was guided by Abner Mares father, though they don’t work together anymore. Today Perez is one of the most disciplined fighters around living with his trainer Danny Zamora, off a meagre $400 a month which is for food and rent when in training in Los Angeles, the rest he sends home for his family. While at home in Cartagena, Columbia he lives in the same area he’s always lived in, his home is made of Cinderblock with no windows just spaces with curtains hanging to separate each room. His first defence was ironically against one time friend Abner Mares in chief support to Vazquez-Marquez 4 at the Staples Center in May of this year. It was a hotly contested battle between the more battle hardened, harder puncher Perez and the quicker, better boxer Mares. Depending who’s work would depend on who you though edged it. In the end the 3 judges couldn’t be split and awarded a draw. It appears as though Perez will next be in action on 6 November in a rematch with Agbeko, as part of a mooted Bantamweight tournament that has been mentioned.

Hello Yonnhy, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly, i believe you returned home to Colombia after your fight, how are things?

Yonnhy Perez – I returned to Colombia right after the fight so i can go be with my two sons Yonnhy, Mateo and my wife because its very difficult being without them.

Anson Wainwright – Your back in America now, when do you start light training? You will fight Joseph Agbeko in a rematch, any idea when or where it will be?

Yonnhy Perez – I already started my light training when i got here. When i come to the us it is to train and get ready. About the Agbeko fight or my next opponent i don’t know what’s next for me i just get ready and let my promoters take care of that.

Anson Wainwright – In May you fought your Abner Mares. You seemed the stronger guy and he seemed to box well. How did you see the fight?

Yonnhy Perez – It was a tough fight i fought the fight i had to fight and Abner fought his fight and it turned out to be a great fight.

Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your relationship with Abner Mares and his family, i know they had a part of your contract at the start of your career? It must of been hard for you mentally to fight Mares?

Yonnhy Perez – Abner is a great friend because of him i was able to come to the U.S. he treated me very well when i did arrive here in the U.S. His father saw me in the amateurs and was interested in bringing me and that’s how i got here. Mentally i get ready the same way for everybody because i know that there after my title, so i train hard and prepare myself to the best.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use ahead of a fight?

Yonnhy Perez – My trainer is Danny Zamora, i’m now managed by Frank Espinoza my promoters are Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw I train at the Santa Fe Springs Activity Center.

Anson Wainwright – During the build up to your fight with Mares Gary Shaw spoke very highly of you and how humble you are. He said how you live in a tough neighbourhood and that your home is made of cinderblocks. Can you tell us a bit about how life was for you as a child and how you first got into Boxing?

Yonnhy Perez – I started boxing when i was 8 years old and then was on the national team and then i turned professional. My dad introduced me to boxing. Life was very hard i come from a poor neighbourhood so i saw how hard it was for my parents to give the little that we got but one they always gave me all there love and support and that was motivated me all my career to be the best in the ring so i can give them what they need and also my immediate family. I thank god for everything he has done for me.

Anson Wainwright – Your last 3 fights have all been tough fights Silence Mabuza, Joseph Agbeko & Abner Mares. Who has been the toughest of your career to date? Who was the best boxer & who hit the hardest?

Yonnhy Perez – Silence Mabuza was the hardest hitter and hardest fight Abner was the best boxer.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are you hobbies and Interests?

Yonnhy Perez – Listen to music and eat.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have in Boxing? Maybe move up to Super Bantamweight or defend your title in Colombia?

Yonnhy Perez – Continue being a world champion and be a good example to fellow boxers and especially the young kids in my country and to the kids in my community. I would love to fight in my home country it would be a great honour

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in Colombia? Are you recognised in the streets by fans?

Yonnhy Perez – It seems like everybody knows me in Cartagena when i return from my fights they wait for me at the airport. When i won the title they picked me up in a fire truck and paraded me through the streets.

Anson Wainwright – What would you be doing if it wasn’t for Boxing? What do you intend to do when you retire from Boxing?

Yonnhy Perez – I would still be in the military. Go home and live with my family and spend as much time with them as i can because its been very hard on my family being away from them.

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

Yonnhy Perez – I would like to thank everybody who has supported me in my career and especially the community of Santa Fe Springs and My home country Colombia and all my fans. Thanks

Thanks for your time Yonnhy, keep entertaining us.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

A one-time Next Big Thing in professional boxing, Michael Grant has been to the top of the hill, but only to look. His stay wasn’t long, and he did not descend as its king. Instead, like Jack in the nursery rhyme, he tumbled down—repeatedly— at the point of Lennox Lewis’ right hand. Canvassed three times in the first round, he failed to rise by the count of 10 in the second. That championship bout, all two rounds of it, took place in April, 2000.

In fights to follow, Grant (46-3, 34 KOs) was knocked down and out by both Jameel McCline and the once promising Dominic Guinn. At 6’ 7” Michael Grant has a long way to fall. Against McCline he broke his ankle on the way down (first round, very first punch). Against Guinn he was knocked down four times in 7 rounds, the last from a clean left hook that landed Grant almost motionless in a big hulking mass on the floor.

He tasted canvas nine times in a total of 10 rounds in these three losses. He is now 37 years old.
A gifted athlete, Grant played football prior to boxing. But football is not boxing. And given the helmets, a propensity to fall when punched in the head does not pose a particular hindrance to a football player. For a boxer, it is fatal.

Michael Anthony Grant has an Achilles Chin. Training can’t change that.

But power and hope are the last things to go on a heavyweight, and there is no reason to believe that he does not have a puncher’s chance. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad is Grant’s latest trainer. Michael Grant has told anyone who would listen that he’ll win.

Since losing to Guinn in 2003, Grant has fought and won a total of eight times. Beating the likes of Wallace McDaniel (8-21-1, 4 KOs), Billy Zumbrun (23-12-1, 13 KOs) and Demetrice King (15-18, 13 KOs). He did not fight in the calendar years of 2006 or 2009. If nothing else, he is well rested. In May of this year Grant scored a technical knockout in the first round over Kevin Burnett (13-4-1, 8 KOs). Grant weighed in at 257 pounds for that fight, only 7 pounds more than the weight at which he fought Lewis.

On Aug. 21 Michael Grant will face former WBC light heavyweight and IBF and IBO cruiserweight champion of the world, Tomasz Adamek. The two men will square off in a scheduled 12 rounder in Newark New Jersey’s Prudential Center. The fight will be available on Pay Per View. Adamek (41-1, 27 KOs) is relatively new at heavyweight, but coming off an impressive victory earlier this year over the powerful 250-plus pound brawler, Cristobol Arreola (28-2, 25 KOs).

Before that, Adamek scored wins at heavyweight over Jason Estrada (16-3, 4 KOs) and the old Polish workhorse, Andrew Golota (41-8-1, 33 KOs). In his fight against Arreola, Adamek weighed in at 217 pounds and proved that he could fight against Big.

Against Michael Grant, Adamek looks now to show the world that he can fight, and win, against Tall.
The two-headed heavyweight champion of the world, brothers Wladamir and Vitali Klitschko, is tall. Wladamir is 6’6 ½” and Vitali is an inch taller at 6’7 ½”. They have a reach of 81” and 80” respectively. Michael Grant is 6’7” with a freakishly long reach of 86”. Adamek is 6’1 ½” with a reach of 75”.

When David Haye stepped out of his scheduled fight with Vitali Klitschko in the Fall of 2009, Adamek got the short notice call. His team declined at the time (wisely I think), with Arreola instead taking the fight against Vitali—and the loss. But having got the notice, Adamek has worked. He had weighed in at 199 pounds against Bobby Gunn back in July of 2009, and weighed in at 214 in his win against Golota in October that same year—and picked up something called the IBF International Heavyweight Championship belt for his troubles. On the scale in Newark against the former Olympian Jason Estrada in February of 2010 he weighed 220; against Arreola in April, he weighed a quick 217. The addition of Ronnie Shields as trainer has paid big dividends. Adamek wears his new weight well. Ask Arreola.
Adamek has stated in no uncertain terms that he wants a shot at a heavyweight title. Any Klitschko or David Haye—any time, any place.

Consider this fight against Grant a test run, or maybe even a dress rehearsal. But consider it. Adamek can bang, and he can box. He’s got heart and he can also take a punch. On Aug. 21 we’ll see if he can fight tall. My guess is he can. And Michael Grant? This may well be his last chance to fetch a pail of water in the heavyweight division.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, hot shot Welterweight prospect Saul Alvarez will take on former undisputed Welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir on September 18th as part of the Shane Mosley – Sergio Mora Pay per View at Staples Center in Los Angeles

“When Alvarez recently fought in Mexico, there was an average between six and eight people per home watching this fight,” said Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, referring to statistics he said he received from Mexican network Televisa. “The fight got a 17.8 rating, which is equivalent to 600,000 homes watched by 60 million people.

“Canelo has reached superstar status in Mexico. The ratings he gets on the national Mexican broadcaster, Televisa, are unheard off and in line with what the national soccer team gets.”

“I’m glad to be on such an important card with such good fighters,” Alvarez said. “It’s business as usual when I step into the ring. I fight with desire. I hope everyone comes out that night to watch because this is a really exciting night of boxing.”

Said Jose Reynoso, Alvarez’s manager and trainer: “This is a very important date. As Mexicans, we are celebrating the bicentennial of Mexican Independence. [Alvarez] is No. 1 in Mexico and now we want to conquer the world. A big part of that is being successful in L.A.”

“Carlos Baldomir is a fighter with an iron will and iron chin. He will come to Los Angeles and try to derail the fast rise of Canelo Alvarez,” Schaefer said. “He is on a mission to come and capture the American market and display his talent and excitement at Staples Center on Sept. 18. He realizes that Los Angeles is the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico and wants to come and show what he is all about.”

Said Golden Boy president Oscar De La Hoya: “I walked the streets myself the other day in Mexico where I watched Alvarez fight [on July 10]. I was asking people from all walks of life, ‘Have you heard of Canelo Alvarez?’ And everyone answers with a glowing face [and said], ‘He’s our next promise. He’s our next guy.’”

There are over half a million Polish immigrants living in New Jersey, most of them residing somewhere in the northern half of the state.

When Tomasz “Goral” Adamek (41-1, 27 KO), North Jersey’s adopted son, prizefights at Newark’s Prudential Center, thousands of them flock to Mulberry St. to cheer on their fellow Pole, each fight attracting more fans than the last.

In February, Adamek’s last fight at “The Rock”, 10,017 fans were present — virtually all of them there to see “Goral”. Adamek’s North Jersey fans are some of the loudest fistic fans on the continent. They come to Newark decked out in red and white with “POLSKA” scarves draped across their shoulders. They bring the red and white flag of Poland, waving the White Eagle high in the air. They sing Adamek’s entrance song, “Pamietaj” by Funky Polak, and they chant in their native language throughout his bouts.

But perhaps more impressive than the frenzied fans that flock to the Prudential Center every time their horse is in the race is Adamek’s one-two punch of his management team — Main Events (Adamek’s promoter) and Ziggy Rozalski (Adamek’s manager).

After a stint with Don King that guided Adamek to a WBC light heavyweight title, but left him without a true home-base, Rozalski and Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, struck a deal that resulted in Adamek fighting under the Main Events banner.

In an attempt to appeal to the millions of Poles in the Windy City — a market that was exploited by fellow Pole Andrew Golota some fifteen years earlier — Adamek was first brought to Chicago to see if it would become his home away from home. However, after just one fight with Main Events in Illinois’ largest city, Main Events decided it best to bring their most prized fighter home. Not to “Goral’s” home of Gilowice, Poland, but to Main Events’ home in North Jersey. Main Events, based in Totowa, New Jersey — only twenty minutes or so from downtown Newark — is surrounded by vibrant Polish communities, where handmade pierogis are consumed by the ton and Zywiec flows freely from the taps.

To quote the now much-despised Lebron James, after fighting most of his career in Europe and after a brief stint of fighting in Chicago, Main Events, Rozalksi, and Adamek decided “to take Adamek’s talents to North Jersey.”

And so it is in Newark, New Jersey that Adamek claims home-ring advantage against his opposition.

Main Events and Rozalski’s more-than-impressive management of Adamek does not end at their ability to turn out over 10,000 Polish fans at “The Rock”, however. Their navigation of Adamek through his foray into the heavyweight division has been just as stellar.

After cleaning out the Cruiserweight division, claiming the IBF Cruiserweight title, as well as the Ring Magazine belt, Adamek turned his attention the heavyweight division in late 2009.

Adamek has stated his goal is a simple one: become heavyweight champion of the world. His first three fights at his new division have all served as mini tests for Adamek and so far he has passed with flying colors.

In October, “Goral” first dipped his toes into the heavyweight waters by taking on veteran boxer and fellow Polish hero, Andrew Golota.
In a fight that had more Poles tune in to watch than when Pope John Paul II returned back to his homeland, Adamek made quick work of his aged counterpart. Through five rounds, Adamek twice made Golota one with the canvas — once in the bout’s opening round and again in round 5. The fight was stopped shortly after Golota climbed back to his feet only to be greeted by more vicious blows courtesy of “Goral”.

From there, Main Events brought Adamek back to his adopted home in Newark and put him to the test against former U.S. Olympian, Jason Estrada (16-3, 4 KO). While Main Events and Rozalski knew the feather-fisted Estrada wouldn’t be a threat to knock out Adamek, this fight served as a test to see if Adamek can deal with a quick-fisted heavyweight. Although Estrada is a big man with a big frame, he possess uncharacteristically fast hands for a man his size.

Adamek was able to carry his new weight well and avoid most of what Estrada threw at him, ultimately defeating the Rhode Island native by Unanimous Decision.

After the Estrada fight, Adamek and his team agreed to fly out to Ontario, California to take on Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (28-2, 25 KO) in Arreola’s backyard in a bout that was televised on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark.”

The fight, which took place on April 26, was a test of chin for Adamek, as Arreola is known not for his boxing skill, but his punching power.

Going into the Arreola fight, many experts questioned whether or not Adamek had the discipline to not stay in the pocket and bang punch for punch with Arreola — a risk that would likely not pay off. Conversely, the same experts that questioned Adamek’s discipline in the ring, questioned Arreola’s discipline outside of the ring with regards to his weight.

Arreola once again came into the fight out of shape, while Adamek, fighting at his heaviest weight, was able to carry it well — proving to be elusive for his Mexican-American counterpart.

When the final bell rang after thirty-six hard-fought minutes in “The Ring of Fire,” Adamek earned a Majority Decision victory. For the first time in his career — the fan-friendly Adamek put on a clinic in defense and rolling. And with that, along with fiery combinations that left Arreola’s face looking like “Shrek,” Adamek had passed his third test.

Now, “Goral”, along with his loyal fans, await their next opponent, “Big” Michael Grant, in a bout that will take place on August 21 at the fore-mentioned Prudential Center. This will be Adamek’s “tallest” order yet, as Grant stands at 6’7”, a clear set up to see if Adamek can find ways to defeat a much taller opponent.

Grant, who hasn’t lost since 2003, but has only fought since 2008 — is a shell of a Klitschko. He has the height, but not the skill nor the hardware that either Ukrainian possesses. Regardless, this will not be an easy fourth test for Adamek, as he continues to fight purposeful bouts all in an attempt to claim a world heavyweight title.

With a win over Grant, Adamek will have passed one more test and cleared one more hurdle on his quest to become a world heavyweight champion.

Main Events and Rozalski should both be applauded for the way they have handled Adamek since coming to the Totowa-based promotions company in 2008. Together they have built one of the best fan bases in all of North America and they have pitted their fighter against meaningful opponents time and time again — all well-calculated maneuvers in an attempt give Adamek the best shot at winning a title..

If, or as many believe — when, Adamek does fight for a heavyweight title, Main Events and Rozalski have made sure that “Goral” will be fully equipped and prepared to bring heavyweight hardware to New Jersey. For that, they should be applauded.

The WBC visited Cardiff, Wales for The Night of the Champions. It took place over three days, opening on Thursday headlined by the movie premier of “Risen” about Howard Winstone’s unlikely road to the World Featherweight title. Many of the top amateur’s in the world met on Friday evening with many much anticipated fights. The finale took place on the Saturday evening when many of the greats gathered together at the C.I.A for a Gala awards banquet.

The first day opened up with everyone who had arrived heading to Cardiff Castle. First built in 1091, it’s ideally located in the City centre. It has also been the venue for many concerts and even a World title defence by Joe Calzaghe in 2002, it was also the scene of Joan Guzman’s first world title win. Many of the fighters walked around the grounds and enjoyed the sunshine before posing for a photograph together then heading to the top of The Norman Keep for more photo’s. The always energetic former WBC Lightweight champion Miguel Angel Gonzalez happily wandered around taking photo’s of the Castle. Shannon Briggs spoke with reporters telling anyone who would listen he was fighting Vitali Klitschko on 16 October in Hamburg. Another interested observer was Junior Witter who spoke with 15rounds.com at length about many things including a possible clash between Tim Bradley & Devon Alexander. When pushed for his opinion on who would win. Witter who lost to both in WBC title fights, Bradley via split decision in May 08 and Alexander stopped him in 8 last August, opinioned that he believed Bradley’s greater experience and ability to mix things up would lead to him winning the fight.

Afterward former female fighter Jane Couch MBE who won world titles at Lightweight & Light Welterweight took this reporter to Ronnie Rush gym in a suburb of Cardiff called Ely. The gym had previously been the home to former Welsh World Champions Steve Robinson, Barrie Jones & Robbie Regan. Couch spoke with several of the children who were in the gym giving them advice. All the while Rush told of his favourite moments with some of his fighters, one particular moment being when Robinson who won the WBO Featherweight crown in the early 1990’s at 48 hours notice complained of cramp during one of his bouts. Rush a man no bigger than 5 foot of West Indian descent stamped on Robinson’s feet and said “Welshman don’t quit” Robinson dually carried on and won the title in a modern day version of Cinderella Man.

It was then time to head back to the C.I.A for the movie premier of “Risen” 15 former fighters including Erik Morales, John H Stracey, Leon Spinks & Alan Minter were in the movie. Lasting approximately 2 hours and was generally well received with everyone enjoying it.

After a fantastic start the standard had been set. The second day started off with two buses touring the streets of Cardiff with all the fighters and dignitaries aboard. Approximately and hour later during which time Roberto Duran with two of his son’s in toe joined one of the buses. We arrived in Cardiff Bay at the Five star St David’s Hotel and Spa for lunch. Everyone sat inside overlooking the water of Cardiff Bay. Many old rivalries were relived including Iran Barkley & Roberto Duran exchanged a hug and a chat up.

Several fighters including John Mugabi, John H Stracey & Shannon Briggs visited The Mayor at his home. We were later joined by the Chinese Boxing team, who will be based in Cardiff ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Whilst awaiting the Chinese team Stracey told jokes and entertained everyone showing off his skills that now see him tour the country providing cabaret. Stracey told of his special relationship with the WBC which saw him become the first new champion under Jose Suliaman’s leadership the day after Suliaman was elected in December 1975. Mugabi was a joy to be around making people laugh constantly with a warm smile and handshake for everyone he saw. All three fighters were later presented with awards as a mark of respect of coming to visit the mayor in the form of a pennant.

Upon arriving back the C.I.A it was all hands to the pump setting things up ahead of the evenings 12 amateur fights between A British Team & a rest of the World team which included fighters from America, Swedon, China & Ireland. Just in time for the Boxing Vitali Klitschko arrived for his part in proceedings.

51kg Nicola Adams -V- Shipra Nilsson (Sweden) RSC4 1:48 (Nilsson’s right shoulder dislocated)
54kg Jaiwei Zhang (China) -V- Andrew Selby Pts 16-11
57kg Luke Campbell -V- Jun Tan (China) Pts 11-5
60kg Helena Falk (Sweden) -V- Amanda Coulson Pts 10-6
60kg Tom Stalker -V- Duran Cafferro (USA) Pts 16-11
64kg Scott Cardle -V- Ross Hickey (Ireland) Pts 20-12
69kg Savannah Marshall -V- Love Holgersson (Sweden) Pts 10-1
69kg Errol Spence (USA) -V- Fred Evans Pts 15-9 (Evans took standing-8 in first from body shots)
75kg Anthony Agogo -V- Jason Quigley (Ireland) Pts 7-4
81kg Fanlong Meng (China) -V- Obed Mbwakongo Pts. 10-3
91 kg Babacar Camara (Sweden) -V- Warren Baister Pts 8-4
91kg+ Sean Turner (Ireland) -V- Amin Isa Pts 18-14 raw score after original score of 7-7.

When all was said it all ended all square 6-6.

The final day saw everyone gather at the Town Hall for lunch, all the fighters once again took the stage for a group photo. After leaving several fighters agreed to take the stage outside at the music festival “Big Weekend”. One notable moment during the introductions that’s worthy of mentioning was when Former IBF Light Welterweight champion Terry Marsh was introduced he tripped as he entered sprawling across the stage. Fortunately Marsh was fine and later joked about the moment, even signing a picture one lucky photographer had taken of the incident.

The Champions were then given the afternoon off whilst the finishing touches were put to the main auditorium at the C.I.A for the Gala awards which took place that evening. It turned out to be a who’s who of World Boxing with many of the great fighters past and present attending including Vitali Klitschko, Roberto Duran, Joe Calzaghe, Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch, Carlos Zarate, Alfonso Zamora, Jesse James Leija, Chiquita Gonzalez, Zab Judah, Yuri Arbachakov, Sergio Martinez, Vitali Tajbert, Javier Castillejo, Alan Minter, John H Stracey, Iran Barkley, Earnie Shavers, James Bonecrusher Smith & Tim Witherspoon plus many others.

The main awards were given to

Fighters of the Year: Vitali Klitschko & Sergio Martinez
Female fighter of the year: Ina Menzer
Knockout of the year: Toshiaki Nishioka TKO3 Jhonny Gonzalez
(honourable mention): Carl Froch TKO12 Jermain taylor
Fight of the Year: Giacobbe Fragomeni D12 Krzysztof Wlodarczyk I

Many of the fighters had there pictures taken & signed autograph’s for fans who had attended. It was also notable that Calzaghe & Froch met on the stage and appeared to get on well. Also on stage Rendall Munroe met WBC Super Bantamweight holder Toshiaki Nishioka for the first time ahead of there much anticipated fight in Tokyo Japan on 24 October.

The whole event was well recieved by the Welsh public with many people travelling from all over Britain to be apart of such a fantastic event. It is hoped that Cardiff will host the event again possible 2013.

Undefeated New York prospect, Christian Martinez talks about his fight in Yankee Stadium as well as his fight in Brooklyn, New York that will take place on August 7.

Watch Christian Martinez in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

CLICK TO ORDER THIS MEMORABLE FIGHT
In a fight that more than lived up to the billing, Derek “Pooh” Ennis retained the USBA Jr. Middleweight championship over “King” Gabriel Rosado via majority decision in the All Philly War at the Arena in Philadelphia.

The two waged a back and forth battle with Ennis landing various right hands that seemed to keep Rosado at the distance that Ennis wanted the fight. Rosado tried to and at times made the fight a toe to toe slugfest which thrilled the sold out crowd in the Arena.

Each man had a rabid cheering section as deafening chants of “GABBY GABBY GABBY” and “POOH POOH POOH” was belted out through the fight.

With the outcome in the balance the last two rounds were classic Philadelphia frames as the two left nothing in the ring as they battled it out to the very end.

Ennis will rise in the rankings of the IBF and now should be very close to fighting for the Jr. Middleweight championship of the world.

Ennis is now 22-2-1. Rosado is 14-5.

That fight plus seven big undercard fights can now be seen on demand on www.gofightlive.yv for just $9.99 by clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=709

In a six round Jr. Lightweight bout, Anthony Flores (9-1-1, 6 KO’s) scored a six round stoppage over Gustavo Dailey (4-9)

In a six round Super Middleweight bout, Farah Ennis remained undefeated (15-0, 9 KO’s) with a third round stoppage over Demetrius Davis (20-24-5)

In a six round Super Middleweight bout, Dennis Hasson (10-0) remained undefeated with unanimous decision over Alberto Mercedes (14-16-1)

In a six round Light Heavyweight bout, Andre Hemphill (9-16-2) scored a unanimous decision over Tony Pietrantonio (6-6-1)

Heavyweight Bryant Jennings (4-0) remained undefeated as scored a four round unanimous decision over Bernell Stewart (1-2)

Angel Ocasio (3-0, 1 KO) scored a one punch knockout over Sidell Blocker (0-3) in a scheduled four round Lightweight bout.

Garrett Wilson (8-5, 3 KO’s) scored a one punch body punch knockout over Reshawn Scott (2-5) in a Cruiserweight bout

Note-When this card is ordered on demand it is available forever

Cestus Management’s 140-to-147 pound world contender Ashley Theophane scored an impressive decision victory over IBF number 3 ranked welterweight Delvin Rodriguez. Theophane displayed superb boxing skills as he constantly kept Rodriguez off balance by stepping around the Dominican’s offense and landing sharp combination’s to clearly win a close action packed fight. Rodriguez, who is a former 3 time world title challenger, worked hard but in the end, Theophane just proved to be the better fighter. The fight was the main event and took place at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma and was televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

The “Tresure” had this to say right after the fight; I’ll fight any top fighter in the world, I’m ready for any of them. I finally found myself and anyone who wants to step up and fight lets do it tomorrow. I “hit Delvin (Rodriguez) with some real hard shots and he still kept coming and never quit. I was ready to do anything to win this fight and i did. Me and my team (CESTUS) worked too hard for this and I knew I couldn’t let anyone of them down. This win is special and i can’t explain how good i feel inside. I promise whoever wants to listen that there is a lot more to come from me in the future. Like i said I’ll fight any top fighter in the world. I want a shot at a world title.”

Mike Michael, who is Cestus Management’s Chief Adviser, said, We are all very proud of “Ashley, he just beat the IBF World # 3 and he just proved that he is world class and is ready to fight the best. Ashley is one of the most consummate professional that i know and he showed how competitive and how much drive he has. Rodriguez is a tough kid but Ashley’s all round boxing ability and will to win was to much for him. This was a great win for Ashley and i am looking to fights him with any world ranked fighter that is willing to step up and fight us.

In closing, Michael said, “I would like to thank my good friend Jimmy “ZEKE” Hartofilis for his undeniable support, Warriors Boxing, Starboxing and Mr Tony Holden and his team at the fabulous Buffalo Run Casino and most of all the fans for all of their support.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (August 2, 2010)—On Saturday night, August 28th, Spartan Fight Promotions will present Battle I at the beautiful Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City with a terrific main event that will pit Heavyweight contender Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon battling rough veteran Livin Castillo in a tough heavyweight bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Witherpsoon has a record of 26-2 with eighteen knockouts and is regarded as one of the top American Heavyweights.

When asked about fighting Castillo, Witherspoon responded “I am excited about getting back in the ring. It’s going to be an entertaining action packed affair because I know he comes to fight and I know I am coming to fight and I look forward to fighting back in Atlantic City.”

Witherspoon, twenty-eight years old of Philadelphia, PA, won his first twenty-three bouts with fifteen knockouts as he defeated the likes of Michael Alexander (11-0); Talmadge Giffis (24-6-3); Jonathan Haggler (18-1); which set up a big showdown with fellow undefeated and rising star Chris Arreola (23-0)

On June 21, 2008 Arreola scored a third round disqualification win in a fight that Witherspoon boxed well but decided “To bring out the Philly in him” and slug with the heavy handed Arreola.

Witherspoon went on to win three consecutive starts which included an eighth round stoppage over Adam “Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-1) on the undercard of the Jermain Taylor – Jeff Lacy battle in Memphis, Tennessee.

In his last bout, Witherspoon engaged in a slugfest with former world title challenger Tony Thompson on the Paul Williams – Sergio Martinez undercard on December 5th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

It was an entertaining bout as both got in good shots until Witherspoon was stopped in round nine of the scheduled ten round affair.

Witherspoon is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and has a degree in Pharmaceutical Sales and he is very involved in the community as he is a mentor in many youth groups in the tri-state area.

Castillo of Borbon, Ecudor is known as a crafty veteran who will take on all comers.

Castillo has a record of 16-8 with ten knockouts.

Castillo won his first seven bouts with five coming by knockout. In just his eighth bout, Castillo was stopped by future undisputed Cruiserweight champion, Jean Marc-Mormeck who had twenty-two pro bouts.

After five wins, once again Castillo fought a world champion with world’s more experience than he had. This time it was 135 fight Jorge Castro (122-10-3) who stopped Castillo.

Castillo scored a six round unanimous decision over veteran Robert Hawkins (18-2) before being stopped in three by future WBC Heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev.

Castillo scored a victory over Osborne Machimana (10-2) then lost to currant IBF #1 ranked contender Alexander Povetkin in Hanover, Germany.

After a victory, the murder’s row of opponents continued as Castillo lost three in a row to former WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon (37-6); former World title challenger Eddie Chambers (31-1) and rising prospect Travis Kauffman (16-0).

In his last bout, the thirty-four year old southpaw scored an eight round unanimous decision over Jamie Quinonez in Quito, Ecuador on October 16th, 2009.

An exciting undercard is being put together that will feature Lightweight contender Jose Reyes (23-7, 8 KO’s) of Vineland, NJ; Super Middleweight Joel De La Paz (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Atlantic City; Light Heavyweight Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City ; Bantamweight Qa’id “Kid Dynamite” Muhammad (5-0, 5 KO’s); Super Middleweight Eugene Soto (2-0, 1 KO) of Atlantic City .

“This is going to be an action packed evening of boxing”, said Mike Brestle, President & CEO of Spartan Fight Promotions.

“When you have a well rounded card that features one of the best American heavyweights in Chazz Witherspoon plus a guy like Jose Reyes who is looking to get back in the mix at lightweight and then add a handful of undefeated prospects we are proud to present what will surely be a great night of boxing. As we said in our mission statement, we are looking to bring back boxing to Atlantic City much like it was in the golden era down here some years ago , I think this card is a good start. We are showcasing a combination of world class contenders and bright prospects. The action is sure to explosive!”

Ticket Prices for this great night of boxing are priced at $90 / $65 / $40 and are available at the Trump Taj Mahal Box Office or by calling Ticketmaster 1-800-736-1420 or GNP Fitness 609-348-4999 VIP Tables are also available, for more information call 609-348-4999.

Doors to the Trump Taj Mahal, Grand Ballroom open at 7pm and the first bout is scheduled for 8pm.

LAS VEGAS – Juan Manuel Marquez might not be the man in this world you least wish to see in a dark alley. For at 135 pounds, he is slighter of frame than an average Homo sapiens. But if you’ve ever seen him pause in the frenzy of combat to study another man’s weakness, Marquez is the last man you’d ever want to see in a dark alley if you were hurt.

“Predatory” is the word that comes quickest to mind. It sure came to mind Saturday night. And chances are good, it came to mind every day of Juan Diaz’s last training camp, too.

That was the time of solitude, rigor and starvation Diaz put himself through before his rematch with Marquez at Mandalay Bay’s Events Center on Saturday before a goodish crowd of 8,383, a rematch Marquez won convincingly: 116-112, 118-110 and 117-111. “The Rematch” to determine the lineal lightweight world champion was not good as its predecessor, but that didn’t make it bad.

I, too, scored it 118-110 for Marquez. I gave Diaz rounds 2 and 3. Did he perhaps deserve the 11th or 12th? Sure. But by then, it was easy to be mesmerized by Marquez.

Here’s what was clearest: Diaz was not to allow the weight of his upper body to fall over his front knee. Naturally aggressive, if not heavy fisted, Diaz has long shown the habit every volume puncher must overcome; he lets too much of his upper body bend too far forward. Against some fighters, it does not matter so long as Diaz keeps whacking them. Against a fighter of Marquez’s caliber, though, it will always matter.

There was not an instant Saturday, in 36 minutes of those two men trying to hurt one another, that Marquez did not look for Diaz’s weight to tilt forward. Capable of throwing an uppercut with either hand from any position, Marquez wanted one more chance to catch Diaz with his head down and his arms wide and cocked – exactly as he had in 2009’s Fight of the Year.

Diaz did not take his weight too far forward too often all night. And so, Marquez took him directly out of the match.

The Diaz strategy went like this: I’m going to stay on my back foot, be careful this time, and hope that at 36 years-old Marquez is not prepared to go 12 rounds with a 26 year-old like me. It was a good plan for remaining upright. But there was no chance Diaz was going to outbox Marquez and no chance he was going to wear him down, either.

If anything, Marquez was the aggressor in “The Rematch,” and that made you sympathize with Diaz. When the man across from you is a better puncher with better balance and better combinations from which to choose, you’d be crazy to rush him and crazy to think you can win if you don’t.

Which brings us to Marquez’s studying regimen, perhaps his most frightful trait. After every exchange – that won’t end till he’s punched you one more time – Marquez bulges his eyes and examines you, looking for any hint of breakage. Woe is you if he finds it.

Sort of makes you long for an in-game camera like they have in team sports, doesn’t it? Would that we could connect sensors to Marquez’s eyes in a prizefight. The images from those cameras might reveal that Marquez looks in the exact right spot at every moment; those images would make a marvelous tutorial for aspiring prizefighters.

Then we’d just have to teach them how to throw an uppercut-cross-uppercut combination, switch the order of their hands, and throw the same combination again. See, there are things you don’t do in a championship prizefight if you want to remain conscious, and one of those is lead with an uppercut of any kind. Yet Marquez does it all the time.

He bets on his balance and your inexperience. He knows he’ll be in position even if that lead uppercut misses. And he knows no sparring partner has thrown uppercut-cross-uppercut at you in camp. There’s only one way to solve that sort of arsenal, and Floyd Mayweather showed it to us 15 months ago: Come to your fight 15 pounds bigger than Marquez, and keep your distance.

Diaz was no larger than Marquez and had no choice but to close distance, Saturday. And they don’t call him “Baby Bull” for nothing. In the championship rounds, when a decision victory was entirely out of reach, Diaz took chances. He engaged Marquez much as his well-being could abide.

How gorgeous was that final round? The Mexican template for bringing fans to their feet in the closing three minutes: You touch gloves, express mutual admiration, and then fight with utter contempt for the man across from you. Such spite is one more detail that marks the great ones. Look at the last 10 seconds. Marquez kept punching till the referee was collecting blows more than Diaz, and then he turned away from Diaz’s embrace. The blood was still too hot for hugging: Give me a few minutes, kid, and I’ll come visit; right now I still hate you too much for that.

Ah, contempt. It brings us to the opponent who consumes Juan Manuel Marquez’s legacy, the Filipino whale to Marquez’s Ahab, the man Marquez would likely fight to the death if those were the terms for a rubber match: Manny Pacquiao.

“I am ready right now for Pacquiao,” Marquez said in this post-fight press conference, as he said after his last fight with Diaz. “The priority is Pacquiao, more.”

That last word – more – made no more sense in Spanish than it does in English. It was an emphasis imprecise as it was meaningful.

If you were Pacquiao, though, would you give Marquez one more chance to find your weaknesses? Me neither.

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

Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff, Wales

So it was on a Summer’s day that myself and Frank Warren corner man and good friend Lennie Lee, made the two hundred or so miles journey to Cardiff, in Wales in my trusty old scrap heap from my home in Colchester in Essex.

Driving down to the Welsh capital, we passed the green belt by the motorway, but where we were going there were going to be plenty more green belt’s of the W.B.C variety, so getting there we made how way in and was greeted by Alex Payne, Len however informed me he’d been here many times before, working the corner with the likes of Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe amongst a hundred others etc….etc….

The place was rather plush to look at, a boxing ring was erected in the main hall used just as a background piece and nothing more as all boxers past and present were in tuxedo on this evening in celebrating the World Boxing Council’s annual awards, on a huge screen and a few smaller ones the guests were treat to various fight film excerpts of fights involving W.B.C title fights from yesteryear as the likes of Carlos Monzon, Oscar De la hoya etc….played out in front of the diners who’d paid good dollar for the honor of being present at this most prestigious of award nights, you could call it the boxing oscar’s almost.

Sitting there at the press table, I remembered my manners despite one or two who hadn’t, {to think they call us guy’s the gentlemen of the press, a joke surely}, I enthused as did Len on the various pieces of fine memorabilia on offer in this a silent auction, did I bid? no, and has it was a silent auction I didn’t say a word either!

Muhammad Ali’s dressing gown, shorts and boots all signed were framed nicely, has were Carmen Basilio’s and Jake Lamotta’s Ring championship belts replicated in respective frames and were an affordable £2,200 each and for such a cheap price weren’t bought, as were some of the organization’s green and gold bauble’s, the revered W.B.C’s trophy the championship belt framed and mounted professionally.

While waiting for the awards to get underway, an old face Alan Minter came over and greeted Len, and it was Len who traveled much further than he had done today with yours truly, way back in March 1980 as he flew to Vegas to see Alan lift the undisputed World middleweight championship when he outpointed the rugged bull like Vito Antuofermo over the championship course of fifteen rounds {they were the days}.

I had a few words with Minter myself, asking the former champ where his old nemesis Antuofermo was today has Vito had been expected to attend this event, “he missed the plane” Minter told me, to which I joked “maybe he didn’t fancy the trilogy!” in reference to Minter’s two championship fights with Antuofermo.

Before things got underway, the paying public got to mingle with the fighters, getting autographs and chatting away to the ringmasters was an awesome experience to behold, I myself had a chin wag with the likes of Robin Reid, John H Stracey, Alan Minter, Jeff Harding and Enzo Maccarinelli all former W.B.C champions with the exception of Maccarinelli who was a W.B.O king at cruiser, still though the likeable Welshman told me he hopes to be getting a crack at the W.B.C crown sometime soon if all goes well in his next fight on September 18th.

Also in attendance were former World heavyweight champions, James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith and Tim Witherspoon, they knew each other pretty good though and even more so as fighters as they shared a ring twice and a version of the World crown as recognized by the W.B.A when Smith relieved ‘Terrible’ Tim inside of a round back in December 1986 for the title.

And talking of heavyweights, possibly the hardest puncher ever was here in attendance, the Acorn himself Earnie Shavers who hit so hard he split his glove against James ‘Quick’ Tillis back in 82 on the Holmes-Cooney card, but please don’t tell that to some big hairy curly haired Texan ‘with a gap in his grin, but plenty of iron in his chin’ the Texan being Tex Cobb the affable quick witted colorful heavyweight contender from the 80’s who defied logic and gravity against Larry Holmes in a title try in 1982 when he took a pasting over fifteen rounds which was severely inhumane, but Tex being Tex asked Holmes at the final bell ‘Let’s party’

Okay enough of a history lesson and back to the convention, so here goes the list of champions in attendance, now not all were of the W.B.C’s affiliation, like for example James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith who was a W.B.A champ, but hey he was here, also was former W.B.C kings Paul Hodkinson, Witherspoon, John H Stracey, Robin Reid, Carl Froch, Calzaghe, Humberto ‘chiquita’ Gonzalez, John Mugabi, Iran Barkley and the legendary Roberto Duran, Zab Judah, Miguel Angel Gonzales and Rafael Herrera plus two fighters that had a memorable battle or two the ‘Z’ boy’s Carlos Zarate and Alfonso Zamora whose fights were billed as ‘the battle of the Z boys back in the 70’s, but there were plenty more here and far too many too mention, also amongst them were current W.B.C king’s Vitali Klitschko and Mikkel Kessler, as well as non World champions in Nicky Piper and Scott Welch, but they were champion’s at Commonwealth level, and also challengers for various versions of the W.B.C title, Piper having fought Nigel Benn for the full W.B.C World crown at super middle back in 92 and Welch up at heavy failing to dethrone the late Jame’s Oyebola for the W.B.C international bauble back in 1994, Welch gained revenge the year later and the British title but not the W.B.C international crown.

On the stage the champions were invited and they made there way as master of ceremonies Steve Holdsworth a useful pro himself and fight film collector, check out his site at www.steveholdsworth.com for his list of privately filmed fights from Britain, announced each champion as he and she made there way to the stage for the press to take there shots, each champion was presented with a single glove before leaving the stage.

Then a selected few were called to the stage to be presented with W.B.C medal’s as they were honored individually, but it wasn’t only the boys who got in on the act and the accolades, some of the ladies did also, one being Jane Couch M.B.E, a lovely lady so Len tells me, Len got a kiss from Ms Couch {lucky bloke}

However it was Brendan Ingle who was awarded a special W.B.C award from the one and only Joe Calzaghe for services to boxing, has did Frank Maloney as promoter of the year who spoke of his joy of landing his two fighters Rendall Munroe and Jason Booth World title shots, Munroe is boxing soon for the W.B.C super bantam title in October in of all places Japan, and it was Munroe who was awarded the W.B.C’s European fighter of the year also!

Fight and ko of the year belonged to Carl Froch, the kayo of Jermain Taylor proved the winning punch of the year, Vitali Klitschko was named the fighter of the year of the year 2009 a.d {please don’t tell David!}

Also receiving awards were John Mugabi and Enzo Calzaghe, Calzaghe for services to boxing, Terry Marsh was in the roll of honors also though he was I.B.F champ, and it was nice to have under one roof, Britain’s only two undefeated World champions in Marsh and Calzaghe, though Marsh was pretty upset when Joe retired undefeated after licking Roy Jones, Terry can always say he still remains as England’s only undefeated World champion, though Joe may argue as he was born in London, but has no English blood coursing through his veins, if that makes any sense, confused? don’t be!

And then here he was……..on the big screen the daddy of the W.B.C Jose Sulaiman who was too ill to attend and gave a message from his hospital bed which was very interesting to watch.

Then after all the awards were given out, the free booze was passed around the press table, not that I drank as I was driving!

So I got then the chance to interview the likes of Alan Minter, Robin Reid, Jeff Harding, John H Stracey and my mate Lennie Lee, {I have an interesting interview with Len to be put on here soon, so watch out for that one chaps} the aforementioned interviews also will be appearing fairly soon starting with Alan Minter, so keep a look out for those.

And so there it was a good evening spent in the company of many a World champion or ten, and as the night was no longer young me and Len decided to make the journey back from Wales to North London where Len lives as we left the venue, two hundred or more miles later and were home and safe, mind you its dawn as we get home, whoever she is!

A champion show full of champions, and a night that will live long in the memory, thank you Alex and Roy Payne for letting us come, it sure was a honor to be here!!!!

Michael Angelo Serra with Lennie Lee reporting from the World Boxing Council’s convention in Cardiff, Wales.

Light Heavyweight Jon Jones continued his dominance as he stopped Vladimir Matyushenko in round one of a scheduled three round bout at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, California.

Jones pounded a way at Matyushenko while holding his left arm and Matyushenko was unable to defend himself which led referee Herb Dean to stop the fight ninety-two seconds into the fight.

Yushin Okami scored a three round split decision victory over Mark Munoz in a Middleweight bout.

Scores were 29-28, 29-28 for Okami and 29-28 for Munoz

Okami, 185 lbs of Kangawa, Japan is now 26-5. Munoz, 185 lbs of Vallejo, CA is now 8-2.

Charles Olivera remained undefeated as he needed forty-one seconds to make Darren Elkins tap out from an arm bar in a lightweight bout scheduled for three rounds.

Jake Ellenberger scored a third round stoppage over John Howard when Howard could not continue due to excessive swelling around his left eye.

In a match that was back and forth, it was Ellenberger’s striking that made Howard’s eye swell grotesquely fro both over and under his eye. When the Octagonside physician asked Howard, Howard said he could not see which prompted the fight to be stopped at 2:21 of round three.

Ellenberger, 170 1/2 lbs of Omaha, NB is now 23-5. Howard, 170 1/2 lbs of Boston, MA is now 14-6.

Takanori Gomi scored a one punch knockout over Tyson Griffin in round one of a three round Lightweight bout.

Gomi landed a huge right hook that cracked Griffin to the canvas and the fight was stopped before anymore damage could be done.

The end came at 1:04 of round for Gomi, 156 lbs of Tokyo, Japan is now 32-6-1. Griffin, 154 lbs of Las Vegas was stopped for the first time and is now 14-4.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, ESPN will show the September 11 rematch between World Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and Samuel Peter

The fight will take place Live at 5pm eastern time and be shown on the network’s on-line streaming arm of espn3.com.

The championship fight will also air at 8 p.m. ET on same-day tape delay on ESPN Deportes with a Sept. 12 replay at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

“We are always looking for opportunities to deliver quality boxing matches on multiple platforms,” said Doug Loughrey, ESPN’s boxing director of programming. “We are pleased to present another world title heavyweight bout to United States-based boxing fans.”

“I had to wait a long time for the rematch,” Peter said. “Now I will finish what I missed five years ago. This time I am going straight in and take him out. It’s not going to last real long.”

“Peter was one of the toughest fights of my career,” Klitschko said. “He is an extremely hard puncher and has improved a lot in his last [few] fights. I know what to expect on Sept. 11 and I will be well prepared.”