It didn’t bode well when last Christmas the entire Boxing world’s focus was on whether or not Floyd Mayweather Jr & Manny Pacquiao could work things out for them to fight in May. As we know it didn’t turn out well with arbitrations and law suits being thrown around ever since not to mention relations between the lead promoters of both fighter Golden Boy (Mayweather) & Top Rank (Pacquiao) are at an all time low.

We hoped that after both Pacquiao took care of business with Joshua Clottey in Texas & Mayweather put on a clinic against Shane Mosley that the two best practioners on the planet at the moment would settle there difference’s in the ring and not the court room this fall.

Unfortunately once again Mayweather-Pacquiao hasn’t come to fruition with all sorts of rumours spread. We can only hope things finally work out for next spring…don’t hold your breath though, if we’ve learnt one thing in the last year or so it’s that if one thing can stop two superstars meeting for around $40M apiece it’s ego’s.

Another unfortunate casualty of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is that the two promoters are one again engaging in a bitter battle that has some in the media dubbing it “The Cold War”. Of coarse the one’s who really suffer is the fans who don’t get to see both promoters pit there other best fighters together which they had done for a couple of years prior to the latest setback.

As if the break downs in negotiations that has marred 2010 between Mayweather & Pacquiao aren’t enough and believe me there pretty bad. Things have steadily gotten worse as the years gone on. Though it was completely understandable after the tragic lives of many in Haiti were lost (Including 8 relatives of Andre Berto) the first big fight of the year Mosley-Berto was cancelled a week out.

At Middleweight Paul Williams priced himself out of a Championship fight with number then one Kelly Pavlik. On the back of several impressive performance’s Sergio Martinez fought and beat Pavlik. While you would think a good looking, talented personable guy would find acquiring future dates relatively easy, however the dearth in contenders at 160 made that difficult and then neigh on impossible when Williams initially baulked at a rematch, thankfully he has since come to his senses and looks like accepting parity for the 20 November clash.

The Middleweight division isn’t likely to make anyone forget the Golden years of the 60’s and 80’s which is all the more reason the few top fights that can be made need to be made.

When one of the possible future stars Edwin Valero lost his life in a tragic turn of events back in April it taught us once again how you should cherish every moment of your life because you never know quite what is around the corner. It was reported that Valero had battled both drink & drug addiction, it was to see him completely unravel almost in front of our very eyes with various pictures and reports coming from South America. Many in Boxing believed Valero was the man to not only take down Pacquiao & Mayweather but also earn legendary status. Sadly that wasn’t to be the case and even more tragically Valero & his also deceased wife left behind two young children who will have to deal with the loss of there mother & father for there whole lives.

The Featherweight class is on the cusp of a Golden era like it has in the mid to late 90’s into the 2000’s. With any combination of Chris John, Celestino Caballero, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Elio Rojas, JuanMa Lopez & Rafael Marquez highly entertaining fights. As the fall calendar fills out it doesn’t look like any of them will of fought each other. John hasn’t fought in 2010 as yet, nobody wants to fight Caballero who is the most avoided fighter in Boxing. Cuban Gamboa has won two fights and looks to unify with tough Orlando Salido. Elio Rojas recently picked up and injury that will keep him out for several months meaning his one appearance so far in 2010 is likely to be his only fight in this year. It looked as if Lopez & Marquez would clash in a much anticipated fight on 18 September, however that was postponed when Marquez injured a thumb.

A couple of weeks back we heard that not only was Mikkel Kessler pulling out of his fight with Allen Green which was scheduled for the end of September but he was withdrawing completely from the Super 6 which has been beset by postponements in the past year since Ken Hershman’s brain child started. The sad news came through that Kessler would be on the sidelines due to an eye injury for 9 months.

We’ve also had talented fighters spend time on the sidelines in the prime of there career’s for no apparent reason. One of the names that springs to mind is Tim Bradley who had done so well in fights at 140 last year that he ended up waiting until July for a fight and then he had to head to Welterweight for a fight with the stronger but not as versatile Luis Abregu. Another who had to wait around was Chad Dawson who went without a fight until the middle of August when he lost to Jean Pascal.

Over the past 2 years we’ve all watched David Haye talk the talk but fail to back it up with a fight with either of the Klitschko brothers. Even when he cleared the way beating mandatory challenger John Ruiz in April rather than seek out a Klitschko it appears as though he fight Audley Harrison.

After the doom and gloom that has been 2010 a year that has no clear candidate for fight of the year that honour would probably go to Mikkel Kessler & Carl Froch who took part in a scintillating battle in April. What can we expect from the remaining part of the year or even 2011.

Just to prove I’m a half glass full type of guy here’s a few things that may light up the Boxing calendar over the next few months.

While the Klitschko brothers look light years ahead of the completion any combination of David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, Tomasz Adamek & Chris Arreola would prove entertainment.

It looks as though we could have a Super 6 at Cruiserweight which if word is true will kick off with Steve Cunningham fighting Marco Huck in a rematch from 2007.

Jean Pascal changed the Light Heavyweight landscape when he beat Chad Dawson it now looks like he will not satisfy himself by just staying busy and enjoying his new found fame as he will take on Bernard Hopkins on 18 December.

The fall will hopefully see the two Andre’s Ward & Dirrell square off and Carl Froch & Arthur Abraham meet in what could be a fight of the year type of fight with neither guy taking a backward step. The two winners then meeting in a huge fight which will also unify the WBC & WBA titles. It was agreed when Kessler pulled doubt that he would fight the winner of the Super 6 in late 2011.

Finally Martinez-Williams will rematch on 22 November. Dmitry Pirog came out of the shadows when he stunned Daniel Jacobs hopefully he’ll be kept in the spotlight and let us not forget a come backing Kelly Pavlik.

Any time Manny Pacquiao fights it’s cant miss TV and he’ll be looking to become a 7 weight world champion fighting Antonio Margarito on November 13. Miguel Cotto reinvigorated the Light Middleweight division when he moved up 7 pounds stopping Yuri Foreman looks like he many face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on 4 December. The winner of that could face Pacquiao-Margarito next year. Alfredo Angulo & a come backing James Kirkland also make there home at 154.

Traditionally one of Boxing stronghold division’s is Welterweight and that shows no signs of slowing down. We can all hope that Pacquiao-Mayweather can come together finally next year. Shane Mosley may not be getting any younger but he’s still more than capable. Andre Berto looks the future at 147.

Seems like Amir Khan may face Marcos Maidana on 11 December and six weeks later Tim Bradley could face Devon Alexander. Cross everything that the two winners clash by next summer.

Wisely Juan Manuel Marquez decided not to move up from Lightweight for a fall clash with Khan instead it looks as though he’ll face Michael Katsidis in a fight that could be a fight of the year candidate.

Scotland’s Ricky Burns became his countries twelfth ever world champion following in the footsteps of Benny Lynch, Ken Buchanan & Jim Watt when as a 3-1 underdog he showed considerable resolve to take the title from Roman Martinez in a thrilling fight.

JuanMa Lopez will square off with Rafael Marquez on 6 November in what could be a changing of the guard fight or further enhance Marquez stature as one of the best lighter weight fighters of his generation. Cuban whirlwind Gamboa fights Saturday, one thing with Gamboa is that he’s always in exciting fights.

Since Israel Vazquez, Marquez & Caballero moved up to 126 the Super Bantamweight division hasn’t been as strong as in bygone years Thailand’s pocket dynamo Poonsawat Kratchingdaeng always provides entertaining fights as does Toshiaki Nishioka who meets Rendall Munroe in what has the makings of a brilliant fight. Coming through in the next six months or so will be legendary Cuban amateur Guillermo Rigondeaux who has signed with Top Rank who are sure to give him the opportunities to show his considerable talent.

There is talent galore at 118, we hope to see Fernando Montiel meet Nonito Donaire in the next half year or so. It’s a fight that would likely see the winner move into the top 5 on many pound for pound lists. Showtime is putting up the money for an exciting clash between Vic Darchinyan-Abner Mares & Yonnhy Perez-Joseph Agbeko on 4 December with the winners meeting further down the line.

As you can see while 2010 hasn’t quite been the year we had hoped it maybe there are still plenty of things going on and in the works for this fall and early next year.

Another bad month in a dreadful year. Dudgeon is high, patience low. Civil disagreements between smart folks deteriorate into fights. Even high-minded dialogue shows a tincture of personal pettiness. And still no one actually fights. A barren calendar for a month forwards and a month back. Promises for a great November that no one truly believes.

Let’s see if we can stretch the tether just a bit more, then. Make the leash taut.

I had come to defend Money May, not to bury him. Then he complemented his racist diatribe against Filipino Manny Pacquiao, the world’s best fighter, with a lame apology. That was the hardest part for reasons worth exploring.

Nothing else is going on. What, that phenomenal scrap in Glasgow on Saturday? Nah, it wasn’t televised in the U.S.

It was available on the internet. Puerto Rican super featherweight Roman Martinez against Scotsman Ricky Burns for the WBO belt. That “trinket”? Yes, but don’t tell the Scots; they derived a good bit of pride from their new world champion.

You know what else was on the internet last week, don’t you? Floyd Mayweather Jr – the great annoyance calling itself “Money May.” For reasons unclear to anyone, he was checking in with his myriad fans, answering his cell phone and stuttering about Filipinos’ skin color, culinary tastes and average height. He insulted a national icon of the Philippines because that’s what he does. Trainer Nassim Richardson knew it better than any; he didn’t talk about Islam in front of HBO’s camera – Money May’s great enabler – because he knew where Mayweather’s small brain would go with it, and he knew that could cause real trouble.

But let’s talk about racism for a moment. Actually, let’s let Mickey Sabbath, the protagonist of novelist Philip Roth’s masterwork “Sabbath’s Theater,” have a shot at it:

“I’m proud to say I still have all my marbles as far as racial hatred is concerned. Despite all my many troubles, I continue to know what matters in life: profound hatred. One of the few remaining things I take seriously.”

Sabbath was speaking the unspeakable, then, expressing a deep contempt for an entire country’s worth of citizens. Much of Roth’s point was satirical, though: Don’t demand “real” if hatred, in whatever form it expresses itself, makes you uneasy.

It’s doubtful Mayweather hates Pacquiao; he lacks that much focus. But Mayweather’s rage is genuine, rage about something, the American system, perhaps, whose name even he dare not speak for fear of losing revenue. Mayweather is unworthy of comparison to Muhammad Ali in any context, of course, but we’ll make one anyway, and be done with it: Ali would not have apologized two days later. Ali espoused things far more offensive – to his own countrymen – in his time, and he lost a lot more than a Reebok sponsorship, too.

But see, Ali had character.

Here’s one more bit of bad news about Mayweather. Last week’s antics did not cost him a single fan. Not one. As time washes the miasma of dudgeon away, we think a lot more like Mickey Sabbath than we confess; we don’t take racism a fraction as seriously as we tell others to. Besides, an American who’s black, rich and powerless insulting a Filipino congressman is about a ‘1’ on the racial-grievance meter.

But, but, that’s a double standard! Of course it is.

Writing of not losing fans, though, how about that Tony Margarito? He was out and touring the country last week. He’ll be one half of a pair that breaks the domestic attendance record in November. For if Pacquiao was able to approach that mark with a Ghanaian sharing the marquee, he’ll surpass it easily by fighting a Mexican in Texas.

There’s the promotional calculus: Pacquiao vs. Mexican in Cowboys Stadium sells tickets. Margarito was the only notable Mexican in the Top Rank stable Pacquiao had not beaten. “If it makes dollars, it makes sense,” right?

That brings us to a Labor Day thought or two. What Mayweather and Margarito have in common is an exploitation of Americans’ belief in the free-market system. There was a time not long ago Americans saw the market for what it was: an amoral means for setting prices imperfectly. Then out of a combination of laziness and cowardice, we made the market our country’s moral arbiter.

A free market could not have handled that burden, and our market was far from free. After President Nixon floated the world’s reserve currency in 1971, Americans began playing an economic game different from any the world had seen. Those that tell you today that a national debt of $10 trillion will bankrupt our country said it about $10 billion years ago and $10 million before that.

We haven’t handled the world’s printing press all that badly, but we haven’t handled it too well either. We allowed the market an authority it did not deserve, and it took us down a long road towards collective misery. Americans’ wages are deplorable, given the reported values of the corporations for which they work. And while the market cannibalizes itself and its participants, we still pay it homage.

On this first Monday of September, we might ask, Where did labor go? The market took care of it; a generation ago, a man could support his entire family writing columns like these.

So we come to a moment of disgust, whether with Floyd Mayweather’s speech or Antonio Margarito’s hand wraps, and devoid of a moral compass, we look to the market to fix it for us. We ask a corporation to cancel a contract or a stadium to cancel a show. We demand the market do our job of punishing Floyd and Tony. Goodness, that’s rich.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

Jorge Solis scored two knockdowns en route to a six round stoppage over previously undefeated Francisco Cordero to retain the interim WBA Interim Super Featherweight championship in Solis’ hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Solis dominated the bout as he dropped Cordero in round one from a hard flurry in the corner. In round four he landed a booming right that sent Cordero to his knees and got up at the count of nine. Cordero barely continued in the contest. In round six, Solis landed approximately ten unanswered blows for which there were a handful of hard uppercuts that forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:45 of round six.

Solis of Guadalajara is now 40-2-2 with twenty-nine knockouts. Cordero of Colombia is now 23-1.

Omar Nino retained the WBC Light Flyweight title when challenger Ronald Berrera did not answer the bell for round seven of their scheduled twelve round round title bout.

Nino clashed heads on several occasions but landed the more telling blows and Barrera started to have a look of resignation on his face and called it quits before round seven began.

Nino of Guadalajara, Mexico is now 30-3-2 with twelve knockouts. Barrera of Colombia is now 27-8-2.

Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. remained undefeated as he scored a four round unanimous decision over Victor Orosco.

Gonzalez Jr. is now 3-0-1. Orosoco is now 8-7-3.

Felix Sturm returned after an almost fourteen month layoff to retain the WBA Middleweight championship with a unanimous decision over Giovanni Lorenzo in Cologne, Germany

Sturm dominated the action with with a stiff jab that was followed up by occasional right hands while Lorenzo never mounted more then a solid body attack.

Scores were 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 for Sturm who is now 34-2-1 and made the ninth total defense over three title reigns. Lorenzo is now 29-3 and was making his second attempt at a world title.

Former German amateur star Erkan Teper made a successful pro debut with a third round stoppage over veteran Marcel Zeller in a scheduled six round bout.

Teper dropped Zeller with a left hand in round three and bloodied a battered Zeller until the fight was stopped in that same round.

Teper is 1-0 with one knockout. Zeller is now 22-8.

Mike Keta scored a six round unanimous decision over Atila Kiss.

Keta is now 6-1. Kiss is 9-58-3.

According to wire service reports, John Arum, the forty-nine year old son of Hall of Fame Promoter Bob Arum was found dead on Friday evening after a five day search found his body on the mountain.

Arum, a avid outdoorsman, was looking the climb the Storm King mountain outside of Seattle when he failed to come home on Sunday evening after a weekend climbing expedition.

According to reports, It wasn’t immediately possible to retrieve the body but it was clear to searchers in the helicopter that the 49-year-old Seattle environmental attorney was dead, Olson said. Those involved in the search said Arum likely died in a fall, Said Kerry Olson who is a spokesperson for the North Cascades Park

The search for Arum began Monday after he failed to return from a weekend trip to climb the mountain, which is about 85 miles northeast of Seattle.

15rounds.com sends out heartfelt condolences to Arum and his family.

CLICK TO WATCH THE FIGHTS
NEW YORK / MANAGUA (September 3, 2010)—Tonight the man some boxing insiders say is the best little fighter in the world, WBA Straweight champion Roman “El Chocolito” Gonzalez makes his debut of 108 lbs with an eye of fighting new world champion Giovanni Segura.

The entire fight card is sponsored by Boxeo Prodesa and will feature a former world champion on the card and can be seen LIVE on www.gofightlive.tv for free at 9pm eastern by simply clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Lluvia+de+Estrellas%26%23047%3BIt%26%23039%3Bs+Raining+Stars/785

Gonzalez has a perfect record of 25-0 with twenty-one knockouts and has a crowd pleasing, seek and destroy style.

He won the title on September 15th, 2008 with a pummeling of longtime champion Yutaka Niida in front of Niida’s fans in Japan. He has since made four defenses and now looks to move up in weight to capture a 2nd world title.

Gonzalez will be taking on Jesus Limones (9-1-1, 4 KO’s) in a scheduled ten round bout.

The co-feature will pit former WBA Lightweight champion, Jose Alfaro (23-6, 20 KO’s) taking on power puncher Joel Juarez (25-10-1, 23 KO’s) in a Jr. Welterweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Alfaro won the WBA Lightweight title on December 29, 2007 with a twelve round split decision over Prawet Singwangcha in Bielfeld, Germany. He dropped the belt in his first defense as he was stopped by Yusuki Kobori.

Alfaro won three in a row that set up a big fight that was seen all over America against Antonio DeMarco on Showtime.

Alfaro fought well before being stopped in a fight that catapulted DeMarco to a world title against the late Edwin Valero.

In Alfaro’s last fight, he dropped a tight twelve round unanimous decision to Mexican legend Erik Morales in an exciting bout that will be on the short list for fight of the year.

Juarez is a former WBC Continental America’s and Mexican Welterweight champion and the Mexican native is coming off a knockout loss to undefeated Roberto Ortiz

FULL CARD

10 Rounds—Jr. Flyweights—Roman Gonzalez (25-0, 21 KO’s) vs. Jesus Limones (9-1-1, 4 KO’s)
10 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Jose Alfaro (23-6, 20 KO’s) vs. Joel Juarez (25-10-1, 23 KO’s)
10 Rounds—Welterweights—Moises Solis (18-1, 13 KO’s) vs. Felipe Gonzalez (6-6-1, 3 KO’s)
8 Rounds—Super Bantamweights—Alvaro Perez (18-2-1, 12 KO’s) vs. Bismarck Alfaro (11-11, 5 KO’s)
8 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Walter Castillo (9-1, 8 KO’s) vs. Carlos Roman Mariena (20-14-2, 17 KO’s)
4 Rounds—Jr. Flyweights—Camillio Mendoza (3-0) vs. Jose Aguilar (5-2, 3 KO’s)
4 Rounds—Bantamweights—Jean Sampson (6-0, 5 KO’s) vs. Marlon Bendana (0-3)
4 Rounds—Flyweights—Arnoldo Solano (4-0) vs. Oscar Lopez (3-4-1, 2 KO’s)
4 Rounds—Jr. Flyweights—Carlos Manzanares (1-0-2, 1 KO) vs. Alcides Martinez (2-0-2, 2 KO’s)

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
Quotes of Note
Eric Morales: “I’m very happy to interact with the people once again, something I have not done since 2002 when I was promoting fights in the United States. I thought it was beautiful that they played “Las Mañanitas” for me. Winning a world title in my fourth division is my objective. I work hard to be able to do it, but everything is little by little to get to the fourth world title. There have been talks with the people from Golden Boy Promotions about a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez.”

Edgar Sosa: “I am bound step by step towards the flyweight title. I feel great physically and energetically. It is always great to interact up close with the fans that support us. Each day I feel like I am in better physical condition for the great Bicentennial Gala. I have not abandoned my dream of fighting for the WBC World Flyweight title, currently held by Pongsakiek Wonjongkam of Thailand, but what is important right now is to only think about his battle with Ryan Bito.”

MORALES-LIMOND PPV FACT SHEET

WBC INTERCONTINENTAL WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS
ERIK “Terrible” MORALES WILLIE “Hands of Steel” LIMOND
Former 3-Division World Champion WBU Lightweight Champion
WBC #2 & WBA #6 Former British Empire Champion
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
49-6 (34 KOs) 33-2 (8 KOs)
WBA INTERNATIONAL FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
CO-FEATURE – 12 ROUNDS
EDGAR SOSA RYAN BITO
Former WBC Flyweight Champion/IBF #6 WBC International Flyweight Champion
Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Metro Manila, Philippines
39-6 (23 KOs) 18-6-3 (6 KOs)
WBC SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 ROUNDS
ANN MARIE “La Guerrera” TORRES ALESIA “The Tigress” GRAF
WBC Female Super Flyweight Champion WIBF & GBU Super Flyweight Champion
Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
21-3-2, 13 KOs 24-1 (9 KOs)

Plus other exciting fights pending time availability…..

(all fights and fighters subject to change)

WHAT: “Mexican Fiesta” PPV

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010 – 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT

WHERE: Mexico City, Mexico

PROMOTER: Grupo Empresarial Matiz

PAY-PER-VIEW INFORMATION: Distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

PAY-PER-VIEW ANNOUNCERS: World Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Col. Bob Sheridan (blow-by-blow) and former NFL player and veteran boxing announcer Benny Ricardo (color analyst).

INFORMATION: www.integratedsportsnet.com

Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Erik Morales, Vitali Klitschko, Ricky Hatton, Cristian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Tomasz Adamek, Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Khan, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Real Madrid, Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com .

Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito two day Dallas excursion is captured by Top Rank’s Chris Farina starting with a visit to a Dallas Cowboys pre season game that was followed up by the press conference to announced their November 13 fight

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
If having some of the best most hyped fights on Saturday, Sept 11 at Wild Bill’s Fight Night wasn’t enough, Nate Diaz will also be in attendance for a special meet and greet and private dinner before the fights!

Nate Diaz is coming off a war against Marcus Davis which earned him Fight of the Night honors last week on PPV. He’ll be at Wild Bill’s Fight Night on Saturday, Sept 11 to host Feast With the Beast “Dinner with Nate Diaz”.

Feast With the Beast with Nate Diaz is limited to only the first 50 people. For only $100 you can have all you can eat Hooters wings with Nate Diaz at Wild Bill’s from 7 pm – 8:30 and soft drinks, get a ringside ticket for the fights that night, a Wild Bill’s Fight Night tshirt and get photos with Nate and anything you’d like signed by him. To signup, CLICK HERE .

The main event of the night features an extremely competitive fight between Atlanta’s Tex Johnson (Alpha/Knuckle Up, 7-3) and North Carolina’s Roger Carroll (Team Superior, 7-5). Both fighters have fought in Atlanta for years against the toughest competition and now it’s time for both to fight each other at 185 lbs.

Roger said about Tex, “I feel that my biggest threat to Tex is that I am a well-rounded fighter. I can wrestle, punch, utilize elbows and I have a ground game, so I bring the whole package. I see the fight ending explosively with a KO and my hand being raised. Unfortunately, Tex has the cooler haircut and the ladies probably think he is better looking.”

The co-main event between Sonny South (X3 Sports and In The Ring) and Jonny Buck (Team Husky) has received much attention as both fighters not only dislike each other, they simply hate each other! The two fought each other at Wild Bill’s more than a year ago with Buck stopping South in the second round. South says he came into that fight sick and says Buck landed several illegal elbows to the back of the head that the referee missed. Buck has said he plans on damaging South much more in this fight than he did the last one.

Sonny South will be featured on Rock 100.5’s The Regular Guys on Wednesday morning at 8:30 am to play Bitch Slap Trivia with Southside Steve.

In what could be an all out war, Clint Hester of X3 Sports has sent every fighter he’s beaten either to the hospital or to get stitches afterwards. He looks to continue that streak as he faces Tony Sousa from American Top Team Saturday night.

In other pro fights, Marietta fighters Andrew Higgins of Fusion MMA and Scott Farhat of Striker Fight Center both come with similar records as Higgins is 2-2 and Farhat is 2-1.

And in another local pro MMA matchup, X3 Sports’ Steve Hall makes his pro MMA debut against MOAB Fighting Concepts’ standout Mark Inge.

For fight tickets CLICK HERE for ticketmaster or call the Fight Hotline at 678-TKO-0115 or visit the promoters’ websites at Full Throttle Entertainment or Undisputed Productions .

Full lineup for Saturday, Sept 11 Wild Bill’s Fight Night is below. All the fights are MMA fights:

***Tex Johnson (Alpha / Knuckle Up) vs Roger Carroll (Team Superior): 187 lbs
***Sonny South (X3 Sports / In The Ring) vs Johnny Buck (Team Husky): 187 lbs
***Steve Hall (X3 Sports) vs Mark Inge (MOAB Fighting Concepts): 187 lbs
***Clint Hester (X3 Sports) vs Tony Sousa (American Top Team): 185 lbs
***Andrew Higgins (Fusion MMA) vs Scott Farhat (Striker Fight Center): 137 lbs
***Jabril Muhammed (Iron Clutch Fitness) vs Gabe Leatherman (Legacy Fight Club): 180 lbs
***Mike Poling (Highland Fight Systems) vs TJ Harris (Full Throttle Fitness): 140 lbs
***Kenyon Wilson (X3 Sports) vs Joe Moorehead (Full Throttle Fitness): 157 lbs
***Mike Castillo (American Top Team) vs Demarques Jackson (X3 Sports): 172 lbs
***Brad Cole (Legacy Fight Club) vs Napoleon Etienne (Rodriguez MMA): 163 lbs
***Dillan Bates (Legacy Fight Club) vs Pedro Gaime (Rodriguez MMA): 138 lbs
***Vick Muntyan (Absoloot Boxing) vs Charles Lyons (Thunderhouse MMA): 180 lbs

If all the great heavyweights aren’t NFL linebackers these days, they’re fighting in Germany.

That means there aren’t many in the dinosaur division, perhaps just a Wladimir Klitschko defeat away from extinction.

Klitschko might be at a crossroads that determines whether he will ever have a chance to move on and into consideration for greatness.

If he can’t dispel lingering questions left by a difficult victory five years ago over powerful Samuel Peter in a rematch on Sept. 11 in Frankfurt, he is in danger of being an oddity in a division that has become a museum piece since Mike Tyson’s self-destructive era.

Klitschko’s trainer, Emanuel Steward, thinks he will ensure further opportunity at securing his place in history with a knockout of Peter, a Nigerian who knocked down Klitschko three times in 2005 before the Ukrainian survived the dramatic for decision.

The technically-proficient Klitschko, likeable and philosophical, has never fulfilled his potential. That’s not exactly his fault. Steward remembers Lennox Lewis.

For years, Lewis was the frustrating face of the could-be, wannabe until he beat Evander Holyfield 1999 and then Tyson in 2002.

Boxing wouldn’t be what it is without bitter rivals, business partners who exchange insults, then punches while enriching each other and ultimately defining one another. What would Ali have been without Joe Frazier and George Foreman?

Klitschko never has had a Frazier or Foreman or Holyfield or even a Tyson. In time, Steward believes he will. In part, there is longevity as the very best in a division with few rivals, much less contenders.

“If you keep winning, something is going to come up,’’ Steward said Wednesday from Klitschko’s training camp in Austria.

Steward looks at David Haye and sees an emerging rival, a potential business partner who can unlock Klitschko’s designs on history.

“Wlad just needs to get some big-name opponents, and I think that will happen,” said Steward., who is nervous about the Peter rematch. “You can only be judged by your performances against the best, and unfortunately, Wlad hasn’t had anything to that degree.

“But the heavyweight division will always spring up a situation. I think if a fight with David Haye takes place, which Wladimir has said he thinks it will, he’ll be considered a great fighter. If you’re the heavyweight champion and you keep winning, eventually something is going to come up.”

So far, I’m not sure I’ve seen much about Haye that says great. Haye is a good talker, which is good for business, In the ring, however, little has yet to emerge that says he can shake Klitschko’s singular hold on the heavyweight division. That said, I hope Haye’s is all that Steward say he is.

At 34, Klitschko has a few years – four or five — left in which to finally fulfill all that he might have in a different era. For the here-and-now, however, there is the immediate task at hand. Beat Samuel Peter, or the heavyweights are one step closer to a spot in a glass case next to that Tyrannosaurus rex exhibition.

A couple of jabs
· Newly-minted Filipino Congressman Manny Pacquiao must be learning how to play politics. After Antonio Margarito was licensed last week for the Nov. 13 fight at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Pacquiao was quoted as saying he doesn’t believe Margarito’s repeated claim that he didn’t know former trainer Javier Capetillo tried to load up his gloves during Tapegate before his loss to Shane Mosley in 2009. No matter what Pacquiao believes, the controversy could plant some doubt in Margarito, who might begin to wonder at his ability to punch regardless of whether he knew about the tape job. Pacquiao is trying to plant that seed of doubt

· There is plenty of moral chest-thumping about whether Margarito should have been licensed in Texas after California stood by its revocation of his license. Like so many others, I also believe that Margarito knew that Capitello was trying to turn hands into a loaded weapon. I’ll say it again: If you’ve got a rock in your shoe, you know it. But there has yet to be any evidence that Margarito is lying. There is just a lot of preaching from a very crowded pulpit.

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Roman Gonzalez – 109 libras vs. Jesus Limones – 108.5 libras

Jose Alfaro – 141 libras vs. Joel Juárez – 140 libras

Moisés Solis – 139 libras vs. Felipe Gonzalez – 147 libras – DICHA PELEA NO VA

Álvaro Perez – 123 libras vs. Bismark Alfaro – 122 libras

Walter Castillo – 140.5 libras vs. Carlos Mairena – 140 libras

Carlos Manzanares – 106 libras vs. Alcides Casco – 104 libras

Camilo Mendoza – 104 libras vs. Jose Aguilar – 106 libras

Arnoldo Solano – 109 libras vrs. Oscar Lopez – 109 libras

Jean Sampson – 119 libras vrs. Marlon Bendana – 119 libras

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former Jr. Welterweight and Welterweight champion Zab Judah may fight undefeated Argentinian Lucas Matthysse on November6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

“HBO likes the match,” Said Richard Schaefer. “So we are trying to work it out.”

Said Main Events chief Kathy Duva, “We are trying very hard to make it happen, but Zab is definitely interested. I’m all for it, but it’s a complicated thing to do. But I think if it’s going to happen, we’ll have it worked out in the next couple of days.”

Schaefer said former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist Robert Guerrero is slated for the televised co-feature. Schaefer said he could challenge lightweight titlist Miguel Vazquez.

“We’ve discussed that fight and HBO is interested. We’re talking to the Vazquez camp,” Schaefer said.

During a recent HBO broadcast, an onscreen graphic depicted the top welterweights in the world according to the network. One name likely unfamiliar to the American boxing public was that of Jan Zaveck, the reigning IBF Welterweight Champion. The Slovenian-born, Germany-based title holder is currently wrapping up preparations for his second defense of the title he won last December. Opposing him Saturday will be his mandatory challenger and lone career conqueror, Rafal Jackiewicz. A win would go a long way in improving Zaveck’s standing among the 147-pound elite, and perhaps give him the valuable bargaining chip needed to entice one of the big names in the division into the ring.

Zaveck (29-1, 17 KOs) of Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany by way of Ptuj, Slovenia burst onto the international scene with his title-winning three-round destruction of Isaac Hlatshwayo in South Africa late last year. Shortly after touching gloves with the champion, Zaveck seemed to hurt Hlatshwayo with the first left hook he landed, and would go on to control entire bout. The two boxed to close the first and open the second, but a right hook that landed high on Hlatshwayo’s temple prompted a delayed knockdown late in the round.

Zaveck patiently stalked the South African to begin the third, before landing two more right hooks that again downed the champion. Hlatshwayo made it up on wobbly legs and took a few more shots before falling into the ropes, which prompted referee Kenny Chevalier to end the fight and declare Zaveck the new champion. When asked when he knew he had his opponent hurt, “I knew right away, after the first punch, a left hook off his chin, and I saw his eyes a little bit confused,” Zaveck told South African broadcaster SABC Sport. “I cannot really believe that this happened, because Isaac Hlatshwayo is a great fighter.”

After claiming the title, Zaveck returned to Slovenia, receiving a hero’s welcome and has since become a celebrity in his native land. “Everybody in Slovenia knows me since I got the title in South Africa,” Zaveck told 15rounds.com. “People in the street all the time stop me to have a talk and ask for a picture. I get lots of invitations for TV, radio and other shows and I can not deny that I go everywhere with pleasure. I am happy that people want to know more about me and my sport.”

While his convincing defeat of Hlatshwayo was considered a major upset by many in boxing, it did not surprise his longtime promoter Ulf Steinforth of Sport Event Steinforth Boxing. “When Jan came to us in Magdeburg we immediately realized he had a lot of potential,” said Steinforth through his executive assistant Nadine Rasche. “I didn’t need to think it over. He continuously improved his performance in lots of fights. Jan is a natural winner who went only straight ahead on his way to the championship.”

The rematch with Jackiewicz (36-8-1, 18 KOs) provides Zaveck with another opportunity to show his improvement as a fighter. Their first fight, which took place in November of 2008, was a split decision scored narrowly for Jackiewicz. It is a result that Zaveck disputes vehemently. “I am sure I was the winner in the first fight,” claims Zaveck. “The decision of the judges was [scandalous].”

There is one major change that may have an effect on the upcoming bout. When they first met, Zaveck made the trip to Jackiewicz’ home country of Poland for the fight. This time around, Zaveck will have his loyal supporters cheering for him ringside at the Sportpark Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia. “I will come off as a winner in this title bout far more clearly,” said Zaveck. “This time I box where my fans are and it makes me unbeatable. It is something very special when I box in my homeland Slovenia. Here reside most of my fans who give me unbelievable enthusiasm. I feel incredibly inspired by this atmosphere.”

With a successful title defense this weekend, many options will loom for Zaveck and his promoter. One fight that would seem logical would be a unification bout with WBA Welterweight kingpin Vyacheslav Senchenko (31-0, 20 KOs) of Donetsk, Ukraine. Considering Senchenko has failed to leave Donetsk for a fight in nearly four years that may be a difficult fight to put together.

Over the years, we have seen several champions emerge from European countries and come over to the United States for either one major fight, or to make an extended campaign. While Steinforth has no outlined plan for such a venture, he is ready to listen to the right offer. “Jan Zaveck is well known throughout Europe and surely will dispute most of his fights here,” explains Steinforth. “This is where his roots are and everybody knows him. Of course if spectacular fights could be staged in USA, we will consider certain offers. Nothing is in store for us in the moment, but we are open for all kind of challenges in the sport.”

Zaveck himself is proud to be considered a world champion, and sounds willing to travel the globe for the right fight. “I am ready to defend my title all over the world,” said Zaveck. “What counts is how attractive are the offers that I receive and which [major] fights are possible.” Should Zaveck turn back the challenge of Jackiewicz, the possibilities at 147-pounds could prove endless.

Photo by Crtomir Goznik/DejanZavec.com

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

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HOBOKEN, N.J. (Sept. 1, 2010) – Scotsman Willie “Hands of Steel” Limond, WBU Lightweight Champion, will be a plaid matador to Mexican bull — 5-time world champion in three different weight classes, Erik “Terrible” Morales — in their September 11 showdown that headlines the “Mexican Fiesta” Pay-Per-View show live from Mexico City.

“”I know this is going to be a hard fight,” Limond said, “but I’m hoping to take the bull by the horns and put on a great performance for the fans in Mexico, USA and my Scottish fans back home.”

Limond (33-2, 8 KOs) will be fighting for the first time outside of the United Kingdom against living legend Morales (49-6, 34 KOs), rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council, in an outdoor bull ring, Plazo de Toros, which is being set-up to seat 54,000 for “Mexican Fiesta.” Morales, who is the last to defeat the great Manny Pacquiao, will be shooting for his 50th career win in the 12-round main event.

“Fighting Morales anywhere is a hard fight but to fight him on Mexican Independence Day makes it even harder,” Limond noted. “The man is one of my heroes. It will be an honor to share the ring with him and I’m hoping I can spoil the party.

“He has tons of experience, more knockouts than I have fights, and he is still a very dangerous fighter. If I were to win this fight it would be the highlight of my career and I think it could open major doors for big fights.”

“Mexican Fiesta,” presented by Grupo Empresarial Matiz, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Limond nearly had his breakthrough fight in 2007, when he floored Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan, but Willie was unable to continue the fight after eight rounds, in which Khan took Limond’s British Empire belt. Limond has won his last five fights since losing to Khan.

“I have quite a fan-base in Scotland,” he added, “so a victory would be a massive thing for the Scots. I think it would go down in Scottish history as a great win for a Scottish fighter.”

Former WBC Light Flyweight Champion Edgar Sosa (39-6, 23 KOs) challenges WBC International Flyweight Champion Ryan Bito (18-6-3, 6 KOs), representing the Philapines, in the 12-round co-feature on the “Mexican Fiesta” PPV card..

In a female super flyweight battle of champions, WBC titlist Ann Marie “La Guerrera” Torres (21-3-2, 13 KOs), of Mexico, defends her belt against WIBF and GBU champion Alesia “The Tigress” Graf (25-1, 9 KOs), of Germany, in a 10-round title bout.

Other exciting bouts will be shown, pending time availability, on the “Mexican Fiesta” PPV show.

For more information about the Morales-Limond PPV event go to www.integratedsportsnet.com.

Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Erik Morales, Vitali Klitschko, Ricky Hatton, Cristian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Tomasz Adamek, Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Khan, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Real Madrid, Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

With all due apologies to T.S. Eliot and Carlos Acevedo, boxing is the cruelest art. But it is also, strictly speaking, a series of assaults and batteries— with the law suspended for the moment between two consenting adults who wish to prove a point.

As Antonio Margarito, suspended from boxing by the California State Athletic Commission, prepares now to face Manny Pacquiao in Texas, it seems worthwhile to spend a minute or two considering the law as it relates to boxing, and how it didn’t relate to Margarito and his trainer, Javier Capetillo. I say this because I’m still not entirely sure why at least Capetillo has not faced criminal charges. More specifically, assault with a deadly weapon.

Before his fight with “Sugar” Shane Mosley for the Welterweight Championship in California, Mosley’s trainer discovered what was later found by the California State Athletic Commission to be a “plaster-like substance” on the knuckle pads of both of Margarito’s hand wraps. The knuckle pads were seized by the Commission and Margarito’s hands were re-wrapped in time for him to be beaten to a pulp by Shane Mosley. No harm, no foul? Not at criminal law. If you shoot at someone and miss, the law doesn’t reward you with a free ride for bad aim. Attempt is a crime.

As a disclaimer, although I’ve passed the New York Bar I have not taken the California Bar and have no intention of doing so. But much of law reduces to Common Law, and despite some terminology differences and statute interpretation particular to each state, a general analysis is possible. So here we go.

The Law

Assault and battery are both tortious offenses (i.e., you can be sued for doing it if the other party experiences damages) and criminal offenses (i.e., the state can press charges against you for doing it). In some instances it can be both.

Within the consent of the boxers to not file suit, and the consent of the state to not press charges, are the agreed upon rules. Between the boxers this is contract, between the state and the boxers this is law. Which is to say, all that stands between boxers and lawsuits and jail time and fines are their contracts with each other and the rules of boxing. One contracts to fight another man under certain conditions (e.g., at a certain weight, in a certain size ring, wearing certain size gloves and under a certain set of rules). To go outside the contract in a big way (“a material breach”), is to lose the protection of the contract and, perhaps, the protection (or the suspension of the suspension) of the law.

Notable examples of boxers who have gone outside the rules and have been criminally punished are Luis Resto and his trainer, Panama Lewis, who both saw the inside of a prison for taking the stuffing out of Resto’s gloves in a bout with the once promising, but that night beaten and virtually blinded Billy Collins, Jr. ; and James “The Harlem Hammer” Butler, who, after losing a decision in 2001 punched his then celebrating opponent with a taped but gloveless fist. Occurring after the final bell, Butler was led out of the arena in handcuffs and charged in New York with felony assault to the second degree.

In both of these instances, the parties went outside both the contract and the rules in a manner sufficient to trigger both the ability of the injured party to sue and the state to press charges. Collins had agreed to fight Resto with certain ounce gloves. In ripping the stuffing out of the gloves, Lewis and Resto voided the contract and, in violating the rules in so egregious a way, lost the protection of the law and committed assault and battery, which in New York was charged as a type of “Assault” as well as possession of a deadly weapon—the gloves. “The Harlem Hammer” punched without gloves and outside the allotted time of the bout, no longer protected by contract or rules.

Both offenders in these cases caused damage to their opponents; generally, one must have damages capable of redress to sue. Because no one was struck or threatened with the “plaster-like” hardened fists and Mosley ultimately won the bout, there are no damages (except perhaps to Margarito’s reputation and a generalized damage to the sport of boxing) —thus no lawsuit.

But some further explanation of just what assault and battery means in a criminal context might be in order. Different states use the words differently, but California essentially follows the old Common Law form. Without getting into degrees and “aggravated” status, according to the California Penal Code Sect. 240. “An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another.” (emphasis added).

According to CPC Sect. 242. “A battery is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.”

The classic definition of battery is “the use of force against another, resulting in harmful or offensive contact.”

Which is to say, generally, that assault is the attempt and battery is the actual contact. Or, germane to this discussion: you can assault someone without actually hitting him. And unlike in the lawsuit context, you need not have inflicted damage on another.

The last weapon in our legal arsenal for the moment regards just that, weapons and/or dangerous instrumentalities:

CPC 245. (a) (1) Any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm or by any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not exceeding one year, or by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both the fine and imprisonment.

Arguably, outside of the protection of the law in the ring, a boxer’s fists alone might qualify under this statute for the increased penalty. But certainly, a set of brass knuckles would qualify under the statute as either/or. Having said that, I do not see much legal distinction as to impact between brass knuckles and plaster of paris knuckle pads in a boxing match. And remember, you don’t actually have to hit someone to have “assaulted” him.

And there it is—call it what you will, attempted battery or “assault with a deadly weapon.” Loading boxing gloves with “a plaster-like substance” in anticipation of their use in a boxing match would seem to qualify. The only thing that seemingly stood in the way of a criminal beating that night was Sugar Shane Mosley’s observant trainer and the time it would have taken to walk into the ring.

Proof

But of course, in the criminal context one must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Not any doubt, but a reasonable doubt. The Commission revocation hearing used the “clear and convincing evidence to a reasonable certainty” standard— which is more than preponderance of the evidence (i.e., 51%), and less than beyond a reasonable doubt (i.e., beyond the reasonable doubt of a reasonable man).

In addition, however, in the criminal context, generally, one must show intent (sometimes “recklessness” or “negligence” will do, but in “attempt crimes” intent is generally the touchstone). Intent in this matter would essentially mean that Margarito and/or his trainer knew that the hand wraps had been exposed to a hardening agent, or as the CSAS found, “a plaster-like substance,” and proceeded to go forward to fight.

The Defense

Not knowing is a defense. But just saying you “didn’t know” is not enough to dispense with intent—it is a question for the jury (or judge, if there is no jury) to decide. It is what is called “a question of fact.” The answer or decision is based upon the credibility of the accused and the surrounding evidence. In the case of Panama Lewis and Luis Resto the court found that despite their assertions—they had to have known. And again, they both went to prison in addition to being banned from boxing.

Hardened knuckle pads, however, are not the same as gloves with the stuffing ripped out. And more than a few reputable boxing trainers, including Freddie Roach, Emanuel Steward, and Nazeem Richardson—the trainer who actually discovered the hardened knuckle pads—have publicly stated that it would be possible for a trainer to place hardened pads within a boxer’s hand wraps without the boxer knowing it. It is also possible, because the knuckle pads aren’t necessarily prepared in front of the boxer (according to the CSAS Capetillo told conflicting stories about where he prepared the knuckle pads) that any treatment of the pads could not seen by the boxer.

That sound you just heard was reasonable doubt creeping in as to Margarito.

But having said that, the CSAS found Margarito to not be a credible witness. According to the Commission :
“…the Commission found Mr. Margarito’s claims that he was unaware of the foreign and illegal substance found in his fist wraps and that it was entirely the fault of his trainer, to not be credible. In short, by assuming no responsibility or knowledge of wrongdoing, Petitioner’s testimony at the hearing was evasive, inherently improbable, in most respects, and, in certain specific instances, disingenuous in the extreme.”
They may also have mocked his shoes.

But part of the Commission’s finding was based on their belief that an experienced professional boxer could not have not known that his hand wraps contained knuckle pads with a plaster-like substance on them. At least that part of the finding would seemingly become suspect when subjected to the expert trainer’s views.
Capetillo is, perhaps, another story. The Commission characterized his testimony as follows:

“Respondent testified that he was nervous and that he used the wrong knuckle pads in both of Margarito’s hand wraps. Respondent testified that the adulterated gauze pads must have been thrown into his trainer’s bag by another boxer during a training session at Respondent’s gym.”

“Respondent testified inconsistently as to when he prepared the knuckle pads used in wrapping Margarito’s hands stating both that the pads had been prepared in advance and also that they were prepared at Staples Center.”

The Commission then stated:
“Respondent testified that he made an innocent mistake and did not cheat but instead twice reached into his trainer’s bag and twice grabbed the wrong knuckle pad. Although the Commission does not find Respondent’s testimony on this issue to be credible even if Respondent’s acts were the result of a mistake such a mistake would still violate Commission Rule 323 and would still bring discredit to boxing pursuant to Rule 390.

Because of the serious physical consequences which could have resulted to the other boxer from the use of boxing gloves loaded with illegal knuckle pads, the appropriate penalty is revocation.”

The Commission is not alone in finding Capetillo less than credible. Manuel Steward stated:

“When I get in the dressing room before a fight, one of the first things I do is make two knuckle pads and put them on the table. I don’t put them in my bag. I leave them out on the table, and so does every other trainer I know of.

So, I have a hard time believing that Capetillo took the wrong knuckle pads out of his bag by mistake.”
The Evidence

And what did the California Commission find as to the knuckle pads? Upon physical examination:

“The thin gauze pads were determined, after examination by the Commission, to have been adulterated with a white plaster-like substance.”

And by laboratory analysis? The Commission states:

“One adulterated pad was sent to the California Department of Justice Forensic Laboratory in Sacramento where it was examined and would be processed for testing. The pad was photographed under 6x magnification. The photographs show a white flaky substance on the pad and within the interstices of the gauze itself.” (See photo above and think about what gauze looks like—white squares with nothing in them).

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE BUREAU OF FORENSIC SERVICES
SACRAMENTO CRIMINALISTICS LABORATORY
4949 Broadway, Room F-201 Sacramento, CA 95820
Phone No. (916) 227-3777 FAX No.• (916) 227-3776

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE EXAMINATION REPORT
Suspect: Margarita, Antonio; Capetillo, Javier Offense: None
Victim: State of California Offense Date: January 24, 2009

March 19,2009

SUMMARY
Calcium and sulfur, two elements found in plaster of Paris, were found on the submitted gauze pad
EVIDENCE
The following evidence was submitted to this laboratory by Athletic Inspector Che Guevara of the
California Department of Consumer Affairs on January 17,2009:
Item # 1 Description
gauze pad
EXAMINATION
The submitted gauze pad was examined using a stereomioroscope. A white solid material was seen
adhering to and between the gauze fibers. Calcium and sulfur were detected in samples of the white solid using an X-ray fluorescence [XRF] spectrometer. The elements calcium, sulfur and oxygen are found in plaster of Paris [calcium sulfate -CaS04J. These three elements are also found in substances’ other than plaster. Oxygen is not detectable by XRF. (CSAS, P.27-28, PDF)
Conclusion
So why again is at least Capetillo not being charged?
The California State Athletic Commission report, findings and briefs can be found here.
http://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/about_us/meetings/20100818_agenda.pdf

One of the fights dubbed the “The Magnificent Seven” will see one of Britain’s top prospects “Funtime” Frankie Gavin 7-0(6) bid for his first first title in the paid ranks when he fights Michael Kelly for the Irish Light Welterweight crown. In this fight Gavin will look to add another victory that he hopes will see him go one step closer to becoming the British Champion which he hopes to challenge for in the near future. The 24 year old achieved something no English fighter ever had in the amateur’s when he won the World Championships stunning two time Olympic Gold medallist Aleksei Tishchenko on route to the final. He then headed to Beijing with high hopes of completing the double, unfortunately he was unable to make the weight and couldn’t compete. He then opted to turn pro under the stewardship of Frank Warren and is currently trained by Anthony Farnell. Here’s what Gavin had to say.

Hello Frankie, welcome back to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly it’s been awhile since we spoke you have started off your pro career very impressively going 7-0(6) what are your thoughts on how things have gone so far in your career?

Frankie Gavin – Everything has gone to plan. I’ve stayed undefeated. I haven’t lost or drawn a round as a pro. So far everything has gone to plan.

Anson Wainwright – You will be looking to win your first title when you fight for the Vacant Irish Title against Michael Kelly, what do you know about Kelly & what do you expect him to bring to the fight?

Frankie Gavin – I think he’s a decent fighter. He was a really good amateur but it’s a completely different game now (In the pro’s). He’s very strong, he looks like he can fight a bit, but I’ve seen he makes quite a few mistakes so I’ll take advantage of that.

Anson Wainwright – This fight will be scheduled for 10 rounds, so far you haven’t been beyond 6. What are your thoughts on that?

Frankie Gavin – I do it in the gym fine. I spar Light Middle’s, I spar 8-10 with Mattie Hall (Hall is the former Commonwealth Light Middleweight champion who is 23-2(16) as a pro. So to do that with Mattie Hall I can easily do it with Michael Kelly.

Anson Wainwright – What are your feelings on the September 18 show in general, it must be a tremendous honour to be from the host City of such a big event?

Frankie Gavin – Yeah it’s brilliant. Obviously Macklin’s on, he’s going to knock Barker out. I don’t really like to comment on Brook & Jennings because I know them both. Then I think Maccarinelli & Cleverly are going to be fine. Degale is going to smash Dilks in four rounds. I think I’ll do Kelly easily enough. Chisora-Sexton is another one like Brook & Jennings. Such a good show. Don Broadhurst whoever he fights I think he’ll be fine. I think it’s such a good show. Ronnie Heffron & Joe Selkirk have just been added.

Editors Note: This interview took place on the 31 August, since then Darren Barker has pulled out with a hip injury.

Anson Wainwright – You were originally scheduled to fight Curtis Woodhouse. He played Football for your beloved Birmingham City F.C would that of been strange for you beating up a guy you had once cheered from the stands?

Frankie Gavin – No not one bit. He gets carried away, he thinks he’s the next big think thing, in all honesty he’s nothing more than an area fighter in my opinion.

Anson Wainwright – Without getting ahead of ourselves you obviously hope to achieve big things in Boxing, all being well after the 18 September what would you like to do next? What are your plans for say the next 6 months to a year?

Frankie Gavin – I want to be British Champion at least. I want to be challenging. In my opinion I’m ready for Lenny Daws, I want Lenny Daws. I want Nigel Wright, Lenny Daws anybody ahead of me in the rankings. In some people’s eyes Woodhouse is ahead of me but he’s not, people who know Boxing know he’s not ahead of me in the rankings. I want people who are genuinely ahead of me there the people i really want to fight.

Anson Wainwright – You have been cut a few times so far, you’ve dealt with the adversity well. Do you think this could be a problem for you? Have you looked into it?

Frankie Gavin – It’s one of those things. They’ve been head clashes. It hasn’t really bothered me. Just really one of those things, I’m not bothered about it. If it really bothered me you’d of seen me fold and go on the back foot and get worried but if anything it spurs me on. So far nothings really bothered me. I’ve been hit a few times with 8 ounce gloves and I’ve taken it. I haven’t been shaken as yet obviously it’s going to happen one day but I’ll deal with that when it happens. Once I’ve been punched and cut I’ll thing something must be wrong, but it’s always been with the head really hard. Anyone who gets hit with the heads going to cut.

Anson Wainwright – You were obviously part of the 2008 British Olympic team though you didn’t fight. With the exception of two who stayed in the amateur’s the rest have gone pro. How do you feel they have all done so far? Do you stay in contact with them all?

Frankie Gavin – Yeah I still speak to them all Price, Jeffries, Degale, Billy Joe Saunders & Joe Murray. We’re all friends, the good thing is we’re all still undefeated, none of us have been beat. As long as none of us can not get beat we’ll all be champions.

Anson Wainwright – From a British point of view the Light Welterweight division is stacked with talent. Amir Khan is a World Champion, Paul McCloskey is the European Champion plus British champ Lenny Daws, English holder Nigel Wright. What are your thoughts on those guys?

Frankie Gavin – I’ll beat in my opinion Nigel Wright now. I’m a better southpaw than him, I’m a better boxer than him. He thinks he’s a big puncher, but he’s not one of those guys I’m going to have to go looking for. Same with Lenny Daws. When I first went pro it would of been over 4 rounds, now I’m doing 6 I know I’d beat him over 6. I’ve done 8 and if I get my 10 & 12’s sorted I’ll beat him of that then. As long as I can do 10 rounds they can’t beat me. I’m a better boxing, they haven’t got variation like me they haven’t got the elusiveness like me.

Anson Wainwright – A fight with McCloskey would be huge in Ireland as would a fight with Khan in Britain. What are your thoughts on those guys?

Frankie Gavin – They’re at the very back of my mind. I’ve got a lot of things to prove and achieve before I can look to those guys. There doing things I can only dream about at the moment. When the time comes we’ll see. At the moment those two are well ahead of me so I’m not even looking at them.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans and anyone who maybe thinking of coming to the “Magnificent Seven” show on the 18 September?

Frankie Gavin – Just come, it’s going to be a great night. Your going to see some of Britain’s finest and it wont disappoint i’m sure of that.

Thanks for your time Frankie, keep up the good work

Anson Wainwright
15rounds

Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito talks about about his November 13 showdown with Manny Pacquiao

Watch Antonio Margarito Media roundtable in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

World renowned trainer Freddie Roach discusses the big November 13 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito

Watch Freddie Roach Media roundtable in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Pound for Pound king Manny Pacquiao talks to the media about his November 13 fight with Antonio Margarito

Watch Manny Pacquiao media Roundtable in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito meet the media in New New York city to announce their November 13th fight

Watch Pacquiao – Margarito New York Press Conference Part 1 in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
PART 2

Watch Pacquiao – Margarito Press Conference Part 2 in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
PART 3

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He’s undefeated, hungry, and a young professional athlete with talent and today Fresno native and bantamweight prospect Michael Ruiz Jr. signed with Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Ruiz (5-0, 2 KOs), who made his pro-debut on a Goossen Tutor fight card at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino earlier this year, has an impressive amateur background, most recently having earned a Silver medal at the 2009 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze medal in the U.S. Men’s Open National Championship.

”I have laid a solid foundation for my professional career by putting in my time as an amateur and have made the transition into a pro fighter. Now that I made that move, I felt it was necessary to take the next step by signing with a top promotional company. I believe as dedicated as I am to my career and with Dan Goossen’s “know how” they will lead me to title contention. I know it’s early in my professional career but anybody who is successful has a goal from the get-go and that is my goal.”

Added Dan Goossen, “I’ve seen Michael fight and I like his style. He’s a promising young fighter willing to fight his way to the top with an aggressive, entertaining style.”

Ruiz is scheduled to fight at Tachi Palace in Lemoore, a few short miles from his hometown of Fresno on October 7th.

About Goossen Tutor Promotions

After more than a quarter-century Goossen Tutor Promotions is universally recognized as one of the preeminent companies in the sports world and continues to achieve success developing young fighters into world-class stars. Dan Goossen heads Goossen Tutor Promotions with his partner and childhood friend, construction mogul Ron Tutor.

In the decades of the 1980s and 1990s, Goossen operated Ten Goose Boxing, named after Dan and his nine siblings. Ten Goose quickly became a mainstay in the Southern California boxing scene developing future stars who went on to become well-known and respected World Champions. Most notable of these were Michael Nunn, Terry Norris and Gabriel and Rafael Ruelas.

Goossen also discovered and managed the career of bouncer-turned-actor Mr. T in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.

Through the years prior to Goossen Tutor Promotions, Goossen promoted the likes of Bernard Hopkins, 1996 Olympic Gold medalist and World Champion David Reid, and in 1998, Goossen signed the then biggest act in show business, “Iron” Mike Tyson to a 5-fight deal.

The list of fighters promoted by Goossen Tutor has included James Toney, Vernon Forrest, Wayne McCullough, Robert Guerrero, and the consensus best boxer in the world, “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather. Goossen Tutor also promotes 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and WBA World Champion, Andre “SOG” Ward; 2-time World Champion and “The Most Feared Fighter in the World” Paul “The Punisher” Williams; WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Beibut Shumenov, Heavyweight contenders Cristobal Arreola, Eddie Chambers and Tony Thompson; along with fast rising stars in 2008 U.S. Olympians Shawn Estrada and Javier Molina; lightweight World contender John Molina, undefeated Mike Dallas, Jr. and Featherweight World contender Rico Ramos.

Building fighters from the ground up to signing and promoting World Champions, Goossen Tutor Promotions has proven through the years they make superstars of their fighters in an honorable and rewarding relationship for them — a fact no one will equal in the promotional business.

Photo by Michael Ruiz Sr.

Superstar Manny Pacquiao and three-time world champion Antonio Margarito pose during a press conference in New York for their national press tour Wednesday. Pacquiao and Margarito will do battle, November 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas. Pacquiao vs Margarito is promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions and Cowboys Stadium. This telecast will be available live on HBO Pay Per View.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
JASON BOOTH reckons he knows what it is like to be whacked by Steve Molitor
even though he has never faced him.

Booth (35-5) faces the toughest test of his career when he challenges for
Molitor¹s (32-1) IBF world super-bantamweight title at Houghton-le-Spring¹s
Rainton Meadows Arena on Saturday September 11.

The Nottingham boxer got a close up of the slick Canadian, when Molitor
outpointed his younger brother, Nicky in a Commonwealth bantamweight title
fight almost eight years go.

Jason, 32, said: ³It was tough to see my brother lose to Molitor. I used to
get so wrapped up in Nicky’s fights it was like I was in there taking
punches.

³Back then Molitor was unbeaten, but unknown despite his amateur pedigree
and most people reckoned Nicky would win.

³Although Nicky did well, Molitor¹s qualities were obvious and it is no
shock to me what he has achieved since then. He is a credit to boxing.

³I have done some daft things in life, but I am no fool when it comes to
spotting top boxers and Molitor is better than anybody I have faced.²

In the chief supporting bout to, British featherweight champion Martin
Lindsay (16-0) boxes a non-title eight rounder Kenyan southpaw David Kiilu
(33-10-2)

Local stars in action include Jon Lewis Dickinson (8-1), Travis Dickinson
(6-0), Trevor Crewe (2-2), Gary Fox (2-0), Kirk Goodings (4-0), Martin Ward
(8-0), George Watson (8-1-2), and debutant Glen Foot.

Tickets for the massive night of action are available from 0871 226 1508,
0191 564 0202 or www.frankmaloney.com. VIP Ringside are £95 with the rest a
bargain £35. Get yours in advance for a show that looks certain to sell out.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC/Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight champion Jean Pascal will take on former Middleweight and Light Heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins on December 18th in Quebec City, Canada

“We agreed on everything,” Hopkins said. “There is no issue. There is no problem with my side or Pascal’s side. The contracts have been drafted. It’s a done deal. All I gotta do is sign.”

Hopkins said he is reviewing the contract, but “I’ll probably sign it before Friday because the [Labor Day] holiday is coming up and I’m going away for a few days.”

Said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, Hopkins’ promoter, “The fact is that both sides have agreed to the terms. Now we have to get it signed, but I don’t anticipate any problems.

“Both fighters really wanted the fight. If you have two fighters who really want to fight each other then I think the promoters just have to cross the T’s and dot the I’s. I am excited to work with [Pascal promoter] Yvon Michel. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“It’s a big fight for Pascal and a big fight in Quebec,” Said Don Majeski who is the agent for Pascal. “Hopkins is one of the biggest stars in boxing and those are the kind of fights Pascal wants.”

“It could be live on Showtime. We’re having discussions,” Schaefer said. “Or it could be pay-per-view.”

“It’s a crossroads fight. It doesn’t get more crossroads than this one,” Schaefer said. “You have the young guy coming off the biggest win of his career and he’s at an all-time high. Can he beat another star like he did with Dawson? Then you have Hopkins, the experienced veteran wanting to again turn back the clock. Can he do it again and beat an emerging star like he’s done before? It’s a fascinating fight.”

Hopkins, who made a record 20 middleweight title defenses, won the lineal light heavyweight title against Tarver and lost it on a split decision to Joe Calzaghe in 2008. Regaining it is important to Hopkins.

“I need it around my waist,” Hopkins said. “This fight will prove to the world that I am not done.

“I hold no malice or bad feelings to those who are concerned about me, but I’ve always been a son of a bitch when it comes to rising up to the occasion. This for me is the type of fight where I have to top what I’ve done before. I want to keep giving them something where they can’t understand how I’m doing it.”

“I was going through my memory and I had a conversation with [trainer] Naazim [Richardson] and we got stuck on just [two] guys,” Hopkins said of heavyweight George Foreman and light heavyweight Archie Moore.

“It’s a very short list of the guys who’ve done that, so that’s one of my motivations,” Hopkins said. “To make that happen and to add it on top of all the other unusual things I have done in my career, it’s very motivating to me.”

“I have no problem going to Canada,” he said. “I suggested we go to Canada based on the fans that Pascal has up there. And the Canadians have been making a lot of noise lately with [super middleweight titlist Lucian] Bute and Pascal.”

Hopkins, of Philadelphia, has not fought outside the United States since 1994, when he received a draw against hometown fighter Segundo Mercado in a vacant middleweight title bout in Quito, Ecuador.

“I’d rather be fighting in Canada than Ecuador,” Hopkins said.

As ESPN readies to turn thirty-one later this week, the boxing industry should feel free to join in any celebrations the world wide leader plans on having. Since Chris Berman, Bob Ley, & co. emerged on television screens across the nation in September ’79, ESPN has televised boxing on a regular basis — both professional and amateur bouts. The relationship between ESPN and boxing is a crucial one that must be maintained and through the use of the internet, hopefully expanded.

This past Saturday, ironically, the network’s Friday Night Fights season series wrapped up in Montreal, Canada — marking the end to yet another entertaining and successful year of fights for the Disney-owned network. While both HBO and Showtime’s fistic budget dwarfs that of ESPN’s, Doug Loughrey, ESPN’s boxing director of programming, has done an admirable job putting together intriguing and exciting fights.

This past season, specifically, while HBO and Showtime created storylines and built-up fighters (Chris Arreola & Chad Dawson to name two whose scripts were rewritten), ESPN seized on opportunities for create and air fights that already had intriguing storylines built-in.

For instance, back in February, Antonio Escalante (24-2, 15 KO) took on Mickey Roman (30-7, 22 KO). Built-in storyline: Escalante and Roman were childhood rivals, both having grown up in Juarez, Mexico. They scrapped once some thirteen years previous to this bout on the streets of the city and had a chance to run it back once more inside the ropes in El Paso, Texas — Escalante’s adopted hometown. After ten hellacious rounds in front of the pro-Escalante crowd, the judge’s awarded the fan-favorite the unanimous decision victory.

Then in June, Zab Judah (39-6, 27 KO) returned to the ring in front of five thousand fans in Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center. Built-in storyline: Judah returned back to 140 lbs. and claims he is refreshed. This interested 625,000 people enough to tune into Friday Night Fights to watch “Super” Judah stop Jose Armando Santa Cruz (28-5, 17 KO) within three rounds — landing a crisp, beautifully thrown uppercut to drop his opponent in the third.

I could continue to rattle of a laundry-list of built-in storylines that were flushed out during this past Friday Night Fights season, but that would be silly. Point is, Loughrey’s vision in what to invest in and create for his Friday Night Fights series is admirable. What is even more exciting for boxing fans is that it seems Loughrey has a vision for boxing on ESPN that stretches beyond the television set — which could lead to endless possibilities.

A few months ago, ESPN announced that it had struck a deal with the English Premier League, Italy’s Seria A, the German Bundesliga, and Spain’s La Liga — among others — to air select soccer games on ESPN3.com. The stream, which pending one’s bandwidth has the potential to come in clearer than on a television set, is offered for free, even if the game is not shown on ESPN or ESPN2.

On July 31, ESPN announced that, only after HBO and Showtime passed up the opportunity to televise the fight, it will be showing the September 11 Wladimir Klitschko-Samuel Peter IBF & WBO title fight live on ESPN3.com and replay the bout the following day on ESPN.

On the following Friday, the 17th of September, ESPN3.com will air the live flyweight bout between Edin Dapudong vs. Wilbur Uicab, live from Cancun, Mexico and replay it the next day on ESPN Deportes.

If ESPN’s budget grows next year — like it did with soccer this year — ESPN3.com can serve as a crucial player in how boxing fans will be able to watch intriguing fights in high quality for no cost.

The relationship that boxing has with ESPN is vital — regardless of the talent they are able to book for Friday Night Fight cards. When ESPN has a financial investment in a sport, they are more willing to support it and promote it. If their financial investment grows, there is little doubt that the coverage will mimic that.

ESPN has the potential to drive and push sports. When it increased it’s stake in NASCAR at the expense of hockey, ESPN created the NASCAR Now television show, while axing National Hockey Night. Once ESPN shut the door on the NHL completely, hockey turned Versus to air their national games, including playoffs. This led to a columnist at the spoof-newspaper The Onion to pen an article titled “NHL Signs Broadcast Deal with Food Network” — an obvious jab at being forced to televise their sport on deep cable.

None of us want boxing to end up on the proverbial Food Network and the opportunity with ESPN3.com emerging as a serious outlet for major sports to be televised live on is great news for boxing. Hopefully the Klitschko-Peter fight draws enough traffic to the site that it will catch the attention of the big wigs at the world wide leader. If that’s the case, then like soccer, maybe the people running the show at ESPN can kick a little more cash boxing’s way. And with an expanded boxing budget for ESPN, we’d all reap the rewards.

On Friday September 10th at the mecca of East End boxing, at the York Hall in London’s East End, Mick Hennessy makes a welcome return to boxing has he promotes a eight fight card.

Topping the bill is talented former Commonwealth welterweight champ, John O’Donnell a transplanted Irishman who bases himself out of West London taking on over twelve experienced American Terrance Cauthen, a former Olympian in an interesting international match up, O’Donnell is hoping that victory here could propel him into a British title challenge by the end of the year providing he comes through this.

Also booked for action is Lee Purdy, the first ever professional boxing champion from Colchester, England’s oldest recorded town!

Purdy last time out fought beyond the call of duty in possibly the fight of the year against Manchester’s Denton Vassell for the then vacant Commonwealth title, Purdy is scheduled to defend his Southern Area bauble against an opponent to yet be announced.

Further up the scales is gigantic Tyson Fury who at 6’9 has lofty ambitions himself has he hopes for a showdown with British champion Derek Chisora, last time out Fury disposed of one time nemesis John Mcdermott in crushing fashion in a much eagerly awaited rematch due to controversial scoring in there first meeting, Tyson showed there was no need for mathematics this time around, only for the ref to be able to count to ten!
Fury however takes on American Donnell Holmes over 8×3 minute rounds, and is the first time Tyson has met an American during his professional career.

Also featured is Greek hero Chris Evangelou from Enfield at light welter, has is Tyler Goodjohn who also debuts at 10st in his first pro outing, as does middleweight John Ryder whom is trained by ex pro Colin Lake, all face selected opposition.
Plus two more added to the card see’s improving Bradley Evan’s and Phill Fury, cousin of heavyweight Tyson who are appearing against select opposition.
For tickets please visit www.hennessysports.com

On Saturday September 11th at London’s York Hall, Goodwin promotions put on a interesting show, featuring no fewer than eleven fights in an almost marathon show, however topping the bill are two title fights featuring Pat McAleese who takes on over ten at light middle, Lee Noble.

Also another title fight between Ryan Barrett and Hackney’s Mark Alexander look’s like it could be rather interesting if the pre fight insults have been anything to go by, has Barrett has promised to humiliate and stop Alexander in there clash for the international masters super featherweight title.
“I will destroy and knock Alexander out to win the title!” the former Amir Khan opponent has promised, has both have hurled insults at eachother, even Barrett called Alexander ‘Minnie Mouse’!

But hey talking of cartoon charachter’s, or in true Warner Bros idiom ‘that’s not all folks’, there’s more…..

Also featured on the undercard is big punching Tony Conquest at cruiser who takes on much travelled Hastings Rasani, also booked for action is Erick Ochieng at middle against Alex Spitko, a true warrior.
Also featured are Darryl Setterfield against solid journeyman Matt Scriven, plus exciting light welter sensation Phil ‘the Phil Gill experience’ Gill against Damien Turner, in Gill’s sixth outing in the pro ranks, Gill is hoping sometime in the near future for a title chance.

At super middle Eder Kurti meets Danny Goode over four, while feather George Jupp takes on oft beaten Pavels Senkovs again over four while at middle Michael Norgrove takes on one time prospect Ian Eldridge.

Also making there professional debuts are Jamie Arlain at light welter and also Joel Mcintyre at light heavy.

For ticket information please visit www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk or alternatively phone 01525 851150.

Superstar Manny Pacquiao and three-time world champion Antonio Margarito pose during the press conference to kick off their national press tour with stops in New York and Dallas. Pacquiao and Margarito will do battle, November 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas. Pacquiao vs Margarito is promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions and Cowboys Stadium. This telecast will be available live on HBO Pay Per View.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank