Heavyweight Timur Ibragimov 29-2(16KO) won the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight title with a TKO win over previously undefeated Gurcharan Singh 20-1(11KO), who represented India in the 2000 Olympics. Ibragmov, who was on the 1996 Uzbekistani Olympic Team, paced himself through the beginning of the fight and then dropped Singh in the 9th round with a huge overhand right and came out to finish the fight and dropped Singh with another over hand right that nearly knocked him out of the ring, at 1:45 of the 10th and final round.

Brad Solomon 13-0(5KO) was impressive and won the WBA International and the WBC Latino welterweight titles with a TKO win over veteran Wilfredo Negron 26-15 (19). Solomon, the former 3 time national champion was very slick and fast and often rocked the old pro Negron. The very fast athletic Solomon was coming off of an impressive win on ESPN over formerly undefeated heavy handed Kenny Galarza. Sam Burgos stepped in at 2:56 of round six after Solomon overwhelmed Negron with an onslaught of punches. The very skilled Solomon has a style reminiscent of Roy Jones Junior and is on his way to being a contender in the welterweight division. This was Solomon’s’ first fight under the Heavyweight Factory promotional company.

Former Cuban amateur star Luis “Big Thing” Ortiz 3-0 (2KO) won the WBC Fecarbox heavyweight title in just his third professional fight with a unanimous decision win over Kendrick Releford 22-14 (10). Ortiz put his punches together well throughout the fight and dropped Releford with a great left uppercut in the second round. The cards read 80-72 and 79-72 twice. Heavyweight Factory fighter Ortiz, being billed as the next great Cuban heavyweight, had over 360 amateur fights.

Heavyweight Watson Pierre 1-0, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale made a successful debut with a 2nd round KO over big Ray “Hurricane” Tillman 0-1 who was fighting out of the Heavyweight Factory in Tampa. Pierre dropped Tillman with a huge overhand right in the second and Tillman was unable to beat the count. The end came at 1:30.

Heavyweights Emmanuel Augustama 2-0-1(2KO) and Robert Turner 3-2-1(2KO) fought 4 rounds to a draw with the cards reading 39-37 40-36 38-38.

In the third fight of the night former Cuban amateur star Inocente Fiss 3-0 2(KO) looked great with a win over Reynaldo Cepeda 4-1(3KO) representing Tampa’s Fight Factory. After a competitive action packed first round. Cepeda showed great slickness and boxing while fighting hard, but Fiss was the aggressor and landed the bigger shots. The official cards read 59-55 and 60-54.

In an awesome fight of undefeated Miami Cruiserweights, Pedro Rodriguez 3-0(3KO) showed great heart with a great sixth round TKO over Abdulah Dobey 4-1(4KO). Rodriguez stunned Dobey in the second round and continued with a barrage of shots up until the end of the round putting Dobey out on his feet, Dobey was so rocked he went to the wrong corner but came out to a great round three as Rodriguez noticeably slowed and appeared to have punched himself out. Dobey started gaining ground through the middle rounds however was caught with a big comeback by Rodriguez and was dropped at 1:30 of the sixth round.

Jayce Monroe 2-0(1KO) handed Heavyweight Factory’s James Bryant 3-1(3KO) his first career loss with a split decision win in a sloppy fight. Bryant got knocked down early in the first round. The scores card read 38-37 Bryant 39-37 Monroe 38-37 Monroe

Notable fighters in attendance were Shannon Briggs, Joey Hernandez, Guillermo Rigondeaux, John David Jackson, and Oliver McCall.

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It’s going to be hard to top last Saturday’s heavyweight fight between Tomasz Adamek and Michael Grant, but Trump’s Taj Mahal in Atlantic City will give it try as they play host to another heavyweight match up featuring Philadelphia’s Chazz ” The Gentleman” Witherspoon, 26-2-1 (18 KO’s), against Livin “La Maquina” Castillo 16-8 (10 KO’s).

The 5′ 11″ 34 year old Castillo, a rugged veteran southpaw from Ecuador who now resides in Atlantic City, has a reputation for taking on all comers, so don’t be fooled by his record. They have come by way of some impressive opposition including future Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion Jean Marc-Mormeck, future WBC Heavyweight Champion Oleg Maskaev, IBF #1 ranked contender Alexander Povetkin, and former WBA Champion Bruce Seldon.

The younger (28) taller (6’ 4”) Witherspoon should present yet another difficult fight for Castillo.

Witherspoon, a Paulsboro resident with a degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, started his professional career with twenty-three wins fifteen by KO before losing a controversial third round disqualification to Chris Arreola. He won his next three contests by KO before losing, in a slugfest, to former world heavyweight contender Tony Thompson on the undercard of the Jermain Taylor- Jeff Lacy bout.

With Witherspoon in need of a win to put himself back in the picture and Castillo’s reputation for always coming to fight, Spartan Fight Promotions’ first ever card should provide an entertaining night of entertainment.

The action packed undercard features lightweight contender Jose Reyes (23-7, 8 KO’s) of Vineland, super middleweights Joel De La Paz (5-0, 4 KO’s), Eugene Soto (2-0, 1 KO), light heavyweight Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (5-0, 2 KO’s), Isaiah Seldon, (1-0), bantamweight Qa’id “Kid Dynamite” Muhammad (5-0, 5 KO’s), all of Atlantic City as well as Philadelphia super middleweight Farah Ennis.
For more New Jersey boxing news, go to gardenstatefightscene.com

The Polish National Anthem — Mazurek D?browskiego — recalls a time when Polish General Jan Henryk D?browski and thousands of his Polish soldiers marched alongside the great Napoleon Bonaparte aiding in his conquests. The patriotic hymn serves as a reminder to Poles that they will always fight for their existence and for their pride.

On Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, Tomasz “Goral” Adamek played the part of General D?browski as 10,972 Polish fans flocked to the Garden State’s largest city to be by their fighter’s side. Just moments before Adamek and his opponent, “Big” Michael Grant, made their way to ring, everyone in the arena outfitted in the red and white of Adamek’s homeland partook in what was possibly the loudest rendition of Mazurek D?browskiego ever heard on this side of the Atlantic.

Saturday night did not mark my first time at the Prudential Center, nor was it my first time at an Adamek fight — or should I say, event. But as I walked around the concourse, making my way to section 128, I noticed an extra “buzz” in the building. Maybe it was because Adamek had not fought in “Brick City” since February or maybe it was because his recent victory over Chris Arreola on HBO gave his already enthusiastic fan-base a little extra excitement. But whatever the reasons were, Adamek’s Polish fans were chanting and singing louder than remembered from the moment security patted them down and the ticket scanner admitted them entrance.

Having recently attended a big fight as part of the general populous and not as a member of the media — Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz II — I immediately picked up on one essential difference in the type of crowd Adamek draws as opposed to other prizefighters (besides the obvious fact that nearly all of Adamek’s supporters are of Polish descent). What I marveled at was how many of Saturday’s fight-goers came with their families. The crowd, which banded together to create rippling sea of red and white was made up of men, women, and children of all ages. It was clear that not all of the fans were bitten by the fistic bug – not that it is a requirement to attend a fight. However, the fans Adamek attracts are proud and loyal Polish fans who have been starved of a superior athlete for quite some time and are jumping at the chance to see one of the better boxers in their countries history.

“It is not often that they [Polish fans] have an event like this,” said Max Krysztopowicz, who made the trek up from Philadelphia to watch “Goral” fight. “This is them venting.”
Call it what you will — and perhaps Krysztopowicz is right — the Poles are a deprived people when it comes to success in the world of sports. The White Eagles (Polish national soccer team) have had no worthy accomplishments of late and the country has been lacking an international superstar since Pope John Paul II. Perhaps Adamek’s fights truly are a venting of sorts for Poles, but it is a venting that I encourage all fight fans to witness and enjoy first hand.

Everything is interesting about the make-up of an Adamek event — from the diversity of the fans, with regards to age and gender, to the merchandise being sold. For the few who entered the Prudential Center without some sort of Polish scarf draped around their shoulders, Main Events was selling a half red, half white, scarf with the words “TOMASZ ‘GORAL’” on one side and “ADAMEK” on the other for twenty-five dollars.

Eventually, after taking in the sights around the concourse of “The Rock”, I rode the escalator up one level and climbed the steps to section 128.
Perched high atop “The Rock” I nestled into my seat in the last row of the arena just moments before the opening bell of the night’s first bout. Admittedly, my seat wasn’t the best to view a fight, but luckily for me, watching the crowd throughout the night was equally as entertaining as some of the bouts — and for that, I arguably had the best seat in the house. From the time the first bell rang at 7:30 pm to the time just before the national anthems were played at 11:00 pm, I watched the arena under my feet transform into Lil’ Poland.
With booze flowing from taps to Polish lips all night long, the electric crowd was up on its feet waving the flag and flying the White Eagle high in the air. As the crowd restlessly awaited the main event, the DJ at “The Rock” — knowing his audience — played “Jeste? Szalona” by Boys — a hit Polish song circa 1997 that sent the crowd into a frenzy. At times, between the bouts, it felt more like I was at a club in Warsaw as opposed to a boxing event.

After Michael Grant received a steady stream of boos from the Adamek faithful, “Pamietaj” by Funky Polak — “Goral’s” entrance song and a song about Polish immigration to the United States blared through the arena’s speakers and out emerged Adamek.

Throughout the twelve round battle, fans cheered “Adamek! Adamek!” “Goral! “Goral!” and “Polska!” “Polska!”, not once taking a round off. When the final bell rang to conclude the entertaining fight, the fans erupted once more, chanting “Dzi?kuj?! Dzi?kuj?!” Translation: “Thank You!” “Thank You!”
The appreciation that Adamek’s fans show toward their fighter stretches beyond his accomplishments inside the ring. They appreciate what he has done for their homeland and they show it by flocking to Newark every time he steps into the ring to cheer him on.

Adamek’s fights at the Prudential Center are events. They are a five hour party with endless booze, music, and dancing. All five times he has fought at “The Rock”, the party has culminated with a referee raising “Goral’s” hand to recognize the Pole as the winner. A unanimous decision victory against Grant has put Adamek in a situation to continue to advance toward his goal of facing a titleholder. There is little doubt that a bout between him and David Haye would be entertaining and it is up for debate as to whether Adamek is ready for a meeting against a Klitschko brother. But rumors have it that “Goral’s” next bout may take place on November 6th in Atlantic City — a bout that if it did happen, would not be for a title. Either way, his win over Grant has put him one step closer to realizing his dream.

Adamek, not unlike General D?browski and Bonaparte, has set out on a conquest of his own. But instead of being rewarded with the takeover of precious territories, Adamek, a former world champion at light heavyweight and cruiserweight, hopes he will one day lay claim to a world heavyweight title for his efforts. While only time will tell whether “Goral” will realize his dream, one thing is for certain: Like D?browski, Adamek has legions of Polish followers that will march in lockstep with and support their Polish brethren whomever and wherever he fights next.

You can follow Kyle Kinder at Twitter.com/KyleKinder

Photos by Claudia Bocanegra

At 5’2 118 lbs, Atlantic City, NJ’s Qa’id Muhammad is literally easy to miss. Few fighters, especially Americans, on the East Coast compete in his division, thus fans don’t typically take interest in the lower weight classes. Dubbed as “Kid Dynamite”, Muhammad believes he is the man to change that.

He had a sensational amateur career, winning numerous national tournaments en route to finishing with an 89-9 record. As a pro, Muhammad is a perfect 5-0 with all of his victories coming by way of knockout. Ringsiders have been wowed by his dynamic style, phenomenal hand speed and championship heart. In two of his victories, the twenty one year old overcame opening round knock downs en route to scoring a scintillating stoppage.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Muhammad, who will fight an opponent to be announced Saturday in AC.

Matt Yanofsky: Qa’id, you will be fighting for the first time in over a year Saturday night. What caused such a long layoff?

Qa’id Muhammad: I had a wrist injury that needed to heal. My father and I were also taking our time to work on things and perfect my game.

MY: I know you were a great amateur and are undefeated with all knockouts as a pro, but you’ve also been knocked down a few times already. Do you feel that sometimes perhaps the crowd gets to you?

QM: Yeah! Sometimes I get in the ring and (think that since) I am under the spotlight I have to impress the fans. This can lead to me trying to do too much and has caused me to get knocked down.

MY: Are there any fighters that you look up to?

QM: Yes, Meldrick Taylor, Terry Norris and Floyd Mayweather. People also tell me I fight like that bantamweight from Africa (Joseph Agbeko) so I will start watching him as well.

MY: Four of your five fights have been in Atlantic City. What does it mean to you to consistently fight in your hometown?

QM: I am trying to build a fan base and follow in the footsteps of (late former lightweight champion and Atlantic City native) Levander Johnson and Arturo Gatti since they were big here. I would like to go on the road to fight as well.

MY: You fight in a weight class where most of the good fighters aren’t from the Northeast Region and fans don’t seem to follow around here. Do you feel that you this can cause you to be overlooked?

QM: My style will make (the fans follow me) because my fights are exciting! The fact that I am the only bantamweight around here also puts me in a class of my own.

MY: Does that also make it hard to find sparring?

QM: I don’t really have many guys my weight I spar with. I spar with a lot of heavier guys, including junior middleweights and middleweights. It’s kind of fun to work with bigger guys because I can see that I can handle myself, but at the same time, my father makes sure that everything is in control.

MY: You were 89-9 as an amateur and won plenty of tournaments prior to turning pro. What do you remember most about the amateurs?

QM: Fighting in the Pan-American Games, fighting with the US Team in Morocco and winning the Olympic Trials.

MY: Being that there isn’t a ton of money and a huge following in the lower weight classes, do you blame two time US Olympian Rau’shee Warren for trying to make it to the games a third time or do you think its time for him to turn pro?

QM: If I was in his spot I’d turn pro. I am sure that as a two time Olympian the money would be coming in his direction (regardless of what weight class he fights in).

MY: What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?

QM: I want to be a champion in five weight classes from 112 to 126 pounds.

MY: Do you have to say in closing to your fans and the readers of 15rounds.com?

QM: I hope everybody comes out to support me for every fight. They are coming to see a good fighter and they will have a good time watching me.

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

When Dmitry Pirog fought in Las Vegas, Nevada it marked his American debut on the Marquez-Diaz 2 card. It wasn’t supposed to be a good night for the 30 year old Russian. It was supposed to mark the coronation of one of the top young fighters in the game. However someone forgot to tell Dmitry Pirog 17-0(14), he went with a completely different script. Right from the first bell Pirog put Jacobs on the back foot and made the New Yorker mightily uncomfortable until nearly a minute into the fifth when Pirog landed a debilitating right hook that rendered the favoured American unconscious. A star was born it just wasn’t the one many thought it would be going in. With the win Pirog firmly established himself as a player in the Middleweight division. As you’d expect of a man who’s risen from nothing to the forefront of World Boxing he’s not sitting on his laurels, he wants the other top men who campaign at 160 including Kelly Pavlik and not in a few defence’s time he wants them now.

Hello Dmitry, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your outstanding win over Daniel Jacobs in Las Vegas where you won the Vacant WBO Middleweight crown. What can you tell us about that fight from your point of view?

Dmitry Pirog – Thanks for your congratulations! As for me it was a rather interesting fight, I hope all box-loving people do like this fight. I was glad to knock out Jacobs, because, if this fight would last for 12 rounds, I wouldn’t gain the victory.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you fell now having won the World Title?

Dmitry Pirog – I’m not interesting in gaining all the titles (but it’s great and nice), my main target was to show a spectacular and entertaining fight. I hope I succeed. And now I feel, it was another step for my future results.

Anson Wainwright – I believe you are now back in Russia, what sort of reception did you get when you returned home?

Dmitry Pirog – Yes, I’m now in Gelendzhik. I was meet with great cordiality – my friends celebrates me. There were many invitations to TV and newspapers for interviews. I’m glad to make boxing more popularized in Russia.

Anson Wainwright – This win really puts you in line for further big fights. Though it is early days have you spoken to your team about what maybe next for you? Who would you like to fight if it was possible?

Dmitry Pirog – It’s not a secret anymore, that my promoters do negotiations with Sergio Martinez, Kelly Pavlik. They are also interested in this. This will be very spectacular fight, because Kelly Pavlik and I have different styles of boxing.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who your manager, trainer & promoter are? Also where do you train?

Dmitry Pirog – OK, here is my team: trainers: Vyacheslav Nepogodin and Victor Petrochenko – they are professional! promoters: Kirill Pchelnikov (Russia) and Art Pelullo (USA). I train in Gelendzhik and Samara – it’s comfortable for me, these are my favourite towns. In Gelendzhik I train in gym, named after me (Gym of Dmitry Pirog)

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro in July 2005 and you were already 25 years old how come your turned pro then and not a few years earlier?

Dmitry Pirog – At that time I was not sure, I would be a professional boxer. At that time it was only hobby. When I became a pro, first 9 fights I had taken without trainer. I trained myself. And only after that, I realized, that boxing come to first plan for me. And only after that I hire trainers.

Anson Wainwright – The Victory over Jacobs was the one that really got you attention, would you say that was the best performance of you career so far?

Dmitry Pirog – It was a really good performance. But Jacobs wasn’t the hardest rival in my career. I hope, the most interesting fights are ahead.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win, what your final record was & did you face any current pros if so what were the results?

Dmitry Pirog – Before Olympic Games-2004 I win the last amateur competition in Venezuela. And my final fight was again a Colombian (I don’t remember his name), who became a pro later (and he was rather successful). After I got know about it, I start thinking over to become pro. I don’t trace any other my previous opponents in their professional career.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years in Russia and how you got into Boxing?

Dmitry Pirog – I start training at the age of 8 in Temryuk (Russia, Krasnodar region).My trainer was Victor Serdyukov. He formed my style. At age of 17 I moved to Krasnodar and continue training there. And my trainer was Artem Lavrov. At the age of 24 I finished my amateur career and tried to start my town business in Gelendzhik. At 25 I realized, that do like Boxing more, than I thought. After that I carried out my first professional fight not for money, but for my own enjoy. And I liked IT!

Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do?

Dmitry Pirog – I like to make money! And spend them moving boxing forward! This helps to take kids from streets to gym. I started to build a gym for poor children in Gelendzhik. This prevents them from crime.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up?

Dmitry Pirog – There were no idols for me, but I really do liked Sugar Ray Leonard. You may say, he was my hero.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Middleweight division?

Dmitry Pirog – I’m ready to have a good and honest fight with any leader in this division. I’m sure, those fights would be entertaining for any show. I hope, the fight with Kelly Pavlik will be held very soon. I’m 200% sure, this would be an eye-candy fight!

Thanks for your time Dmitry, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Former world Heavyweight title contender Michael Grant talks about his decision loss to Tomasz Adamek

Watch Michael Grant post fight press conference in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Former U.S.Olympian and now undefeated Welterweight Sadam Ali talks about his fifth round knockout over the tough Lenin Arroyo

Watch Sadam Ali in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

SAN JOSE, CALIF. (Aug. 23, 2010) – The STRIKEFORCE men’s and women’s Welterweight World Champions Nick Diaz (170 pounds) and Sarah Kaufman (135 pounds) will return to the cage on Saturday, Oct. 9 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Diaz will face an opponent to be named in the coming week while Kaufman will defend her title against Dutch superstar Marloes Coenen.

Also on the explosive card, emerging star from the Strikeforce Challengers series Luke Rockhold will risk his six-fight win streak against MMA superstar and former Olympic wrestling silver medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland in a featured middleweight (185 pounds) contest.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. PT online at Ticketmaster.com, at HP Pavilion ticket office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

A special presale opportunity for “STRIKEFORCE Insider” e-newsletter subscribers begins this Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. PT. A special presale code will be sent out to all “STRIKEFORCE Insiders” tomorrow/Tuesday, August 24. Sign up to become a “STRIKEFORCE Insider” at http://www.strikeforce.com/insider.html.

The 27-year-old Diaz (22-7), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and native of Stockton, Calif., has won seven consecutive fights since his last loss in 2007. He is coming off a first round submission victory (armbar) over fellow superstar Hayato “Mach” Sakurai on May 29 at DREAM 14 in Japan. Prior to that, Diaz won the STRIKEFORCE title with a late, third-round TKO (punches) over Marius “The Whitemare” Žaromskis at STRIKEFORCE: Miami last Jan. 30.

The undefeated Kaufman (12-0), a former ballet dancer who hails from British Columbia, Canada, is fresh off the first defense of her title, an explosive third-round body slam KO over Roxanne Modafferi at STRIKEFORCE Challengers in Everett, Wash., on July 23. The 24-year-old Kaufman, who has won nine of her fights by KO, will face Coenen (17-4), a submission specialist and the No. 1 contender to the STRIKEFORCE Women’s Welterweight belt.

The 29-year-old Coenen (17-4) will fight for the first time since a third-round TKO loss to Cris Cyborg for the STRIKEFORCE Women’s Middleweight (145 pounds) Championship at STRIKEFORCE: Miami. Coenen, a member of Holland’s Team Golden Glory and mixed martial artist since the age of 14, will be moving down in weight to challenge at 135 pounds. Kaufman and Coenen have both defeated Modafferi, with Coenen avenging a 2007 loss via first round armbar in her STRIKEFORCE debut on Nov. 7, 2009.

Rockhold (7-1), who could prove to be one of STRIKEFORCE’s next great middleweight superstars, has won six of his seven fights via submission. The 25-year-old member of Team AKA is coming off a first-round TKO (knees to body) over Paul Bradley last Feb. 26 at a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event in San Jose. The impressive win was the first KO victory of the Santa Cruz, Calif., native’s professional career. Prior to that conquest, Rockhold had won five straight fights by way of submission.

Lindland (22-7), who won the silver medal in Olympic Greco Roman Wrestling at the 2000 Olympic Games, scored a third-round TKO victory over “King” Kevin Casey on May 21 at STRIKEFORCE Challengers in his hometown of Portland, Ore. A former UFC star who has been competing professionally in MMA since 1997, Lindland, 40, is also a former All-American wrestler for University of Nebraska and the 1993 NCAA Big Eight conference champion. During his stellar career, Lindland has triumphed over a number of all-time greats including former UFC champions Pat Miletich and Carlos Newton.

About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

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

Undefeated Heavyweight Amir Mansour works the mitts as he prepares for his long return to the ring after a nine year absence on August 27 in Dover, Deleware

Watch Amir Mansour Workout in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Joksan Hernandez scored a scintillating first round stoppage over Ira Terry in round one of a scheduled ten round Jr. Light bout in Tijuana, Mexico.

Hernandez hurt Terry in round one with a flurry and then followed up with a perfect right that dropped Terry and he could not beat the referee Juan Jose Ramirez’s ten count and the fight was over at 2:32 of round one.

Herandez, 129 lbs of Esenada, Mexico is now 21-2- with fourteen knockouts. Terry, 129 lbs of Memphis, TN is now 24-4.

Former two time Olympic Gold Medal winner Guillermo Rigondeaux stopped former world title challenger Jose Angel Beranza in round seven of a scheduled eight round Super Bantamweight bout.

Rigondeaux showed the class and skill that makes alot of boxing insiders call him a future star of the sport as he used quick hands and slick defense to dominate the bout.

Rigondeaux dropped Beranza twice in round four. Beranza was beaten up ans he continued to take punches and the fight was stopped ten seconds in round seven.

Rigondeaux, 122 lbs of Santiago, Cuba is now 6-0 with five stoppages. Beranza, 122 lbs of Mexico City is now 38-17-2.

There was “Trancazos” on Friday night. He waved to an Arizona crowd that didn’t much respond to his post-fight salute. He applauded his victorious opponent. He held the other man’s glove aloft and nodded. He raised his own taped fist when he thought a photographer asked for it. Then his opponent went off to celebrate, and “Trancazos” stood there, guileless as ever, awaiting his corner’s instructions.

It brought some memories that turned the nostalgia crank with old teeth I’d mistaken for nubs.

There was Mexico City’s Genaro Trazancos, whose nickname, “Trancazos,” was chosen because it means “punches” in Spanish and because, well, can you think of anything that rhymes with Trazancos? He had just lost by convincing knockout to undefeated Filipino Mercito Gesta. He’d been balanced on his stool in center-ring by a doctor. And now he was upright once more and going through an odd ritual of indulging his vanquisher.

Five years and some months ago, I sat in a Days Inn conference room in downtown Phoenix and waited for a Thursday weigh-in to happen. Chance put me in a seat beside Trazancos. A 30-minute conversation ensued, just as soon as Trazancos apologized if his breath smelled bad – as he’d not so much as sipped water in days.

He was in Arizona as an opponent for a touted prospect on Telefutura’s “Solo Boxeo” program that Friday. He had a roundtrip plane ticket he lamented. He’d wanted to stay in Phoenix for another day and buy a truck he could drive back to Mexico. But he didn’t want to waste the ticket. He wanted to know why my credential showed a large picture of Steven Luevano but no picture of him. He really wanted a drink of water. And he was sure he’d win the next night, which of course he would not.

Last Thursday afternoon in Tucson, “Trancazos” was in the same situation, five years later, though I was not, and neither was Arizona. In 2005, Grand Canyon State hosted 15 televised fight cards. In 2010, it needed eight months and 20 days to host its first. Arizona’s economy, as measured by its property values, has not deteriorated at quite that rate. But to its homeowners, you can bet it feels like it has.

And Arizona’s property values are a smart place to look for an explanation of SB 1070, the piece of immigration law that is now a national issue. The entirety of the debate is wrapped in cynicism – a mindset that makes you believe nobody means what he tells you. But Americans’ outrage at illegal immigration is ever related to the economy, not the immigration rate – which has been steadily declining in Arizona since 2007 and HB 2779.

How do Arizonans feel about their new law, which was defanged by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton in July? I can’t say. But here comes a good anecdote for how others in the Southwest feel about it.

I’d been a Texan for almost three months when SB 1070 became law in April. I had no plans to change my cell-phone number from its Phoenix area code. And then, in one week, I had three conversations like this:

“That’s not a local area code. Where is 480 from?”

“Arizona.”

“You mean where they hate Mexicans?”

How do you combat that? I chose flight over fight and changed my phone number.

Promoter Top Rank chose a similar tack in May and canceled plans to host a “Top Rank Live” show in Phoenix, citing disapproval from broadcaster TV Azteca and sponsor Tecate.

And yet, there was Tecate everywhere you looked, Friday. Ring posts, canvas, between-rounds commercials.

Apparently Judge Bolton’s injunctions meant quite a bit to the brewer. Which makes little sense. If Tecate’s refusal to sponsor boxing in Arizona was a principled stand against Arizonans, whose elected congressmen wrote and passed SB 1070, how did a judge’s temporary ruling nullify that? Seems muddled as the immigration debate itself.

So let’s offer a point of clarity for that debate then move on.

A person who enters this country illegally knows the difference between a place where work is and a place where work isn’t. If you are serious about restricting the flow of undocumented immigrants to the United States, go after their employers – yes, the sainted small-businessmen whom politicians court with their inane “lifeblood of the economy” bit. Because if criminal employers are not your first target for immigration reform, you’re a huckster or a cheerleader; you’re not a reformer.

Genaro Trazancos is not a huckster, cheerleader or reformer but a decent man who’s made a passable living in a brutal profession. Five years ago in Phoenix, he got done-in by Steven Luevano, who would go on to win and defend the WBO featherweight title five times before being done-in himself by Juan Manuel Lopez in January and announcing his retirement last week. Best of luck to you, Steven.

“Trancazos” had been promised a big fight if he beat Luevano. He got a bigger fight for losing; nine months later in Japan, he became the first of 18 men to last a full round with the late Edwin Valero.

Friday, he faced Mercito Gesta (19-0-1, 9 KOs) and did so having gone 2-9 in seven years, having been knocked-out seven times in his last 11 fights, and having lost in one round to Mike Dallas Jr. four months ago. He fought in an announced temperature of 104 degrees and lasted till the first minute of the seventh round. Gesta looked spectacular blasting him into unconsciousness. Mission accomplished.

Then “Trancazos” rose from his precautionary medical exam and clapped for Luevano. He had shown no hit-back reflex or savvy, just pride and diminished reflexes. He induced others’ sympathy because he had no idea how pitiful he looked.

If “Trancazos” is ready for his final bow in prizefighting, though, he’s also fine a reminder that goodness can outlast small-minded acrimony.

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

Undefeated Heavyweight, Amir “Hardcore” Mansour speaks about the last eight years out of the ring and how he is preparing for his long awaited return that will take place on August 27 in Dover, Delaware

Watch Amir “Hardcore” Mansour in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Northeast Ohio does not have to look any further to see a champion. We have Nick “The Stoneman” Firtha. The Akron native, who also calls Cleveland home, retained his NABA United States Heavyweight Championship and also captured the Ohio State heavyweight Championship with a 10 round majority decision over Mike Shepherd. Both fighters fought a championship level fight but it was Firtha’s non-stop aggression that brought him to victory. Firtha hurt Shepherd throughout the fight but Shepherd’s martial arts training and natural granite chin kept the West Virginia strong man on his feet. Firtha stuck to his game plan, controlled the pace, and concentrated on Shepherd’s body to wear him down. This was a true match up of boxer vs. fighter with the boxer coming out on top. This was the first defense of Firtha’s title. Following the fight both fighters acknowledged each other’s will, strength and determination. Firtha, being a gracious champion, offered words of praise for his defeated opponent. Being a champion is not always about wins and losses, it is about conduct and sportsmanship. Both Firtha & Shepherd emulated the qualities of a champion. Firtha’s future is bright with potential title fights on the horizon. Rumors of a world title shot are beginning to circulate for early 2011.

The co-feature saw Junior Middleweight Dante Moore stay undefeated but add a draw to his record as he was tested by Corey Rodriquez.

Fan favorite Wilkins “The Hispanic Hurricane” Santiago improved to 2-0 (1ko) with a second round stoppage over Matt Keglovic. Santiago fought conventional and southpaw keeping his opponent off balance and allowing Santiago to land at will. Santiago showed improvement from his first victory as he was sharp not only on his offence but on his defense as utilized his head movement and crisp counterpunching.

Jason Massie improved to 6-0 (4ko) with a 4 round unanimous decision over Mujaheed Moor.

Cleveland’s Michael Moore remained perfect 3-0 (3ko) with a 4th round tko over Eric Draper.

The fights were held at the Nautica Pavilion by Warner Promotions. In only their 3rd show they have been showcased on ESPN and are pitting the best on the world for the fans of the Sweet Science. Look for their return in late 2010 with another action packed championship card.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA (August 22, 2010)—This Thursday night’s professional boxing show at The Arena in South Philadelphia has been postponed.

All tickets can be refunded at the point of purchase

Shalyte Boxing Promotions will announce a new date shortly.

The “Snowman” Wins in the Sunshine StateMonson defeated Jason Guida at 3:04 of the second round with a guillotine choke. Monson has already fought six times this year and was the main event during a show promoted by Howard Davis Jr.’s Fight Time Promotions & Elite Promotions.

Monson (36-11), battled from his back in the first round, but he eventually got Guida’s back after taking him to the ground.

Jason Guida, the older brother of Clay Guida, gave a good show and was happy to take part in a great card. Fight Time 1 will be televised on Comcast On-Demand as well as via the internet through www.gofightlive.tv

The 7 fights in the undercard featured rising stars in the MMA world from American Top Team, Fist Factory and many other schools. The show at Club Cinema in Pompano Beach was packed with celebrities including Boxing Legend- Hector “Macho” Camacho, Kimbo Slice, Hector Lombard, Mike Brown, Rich Attonito and Clay Guida.

Another live show is planned for Saturday Oct. 23, 2010 as Fight Time Promotions continues to create exciting match-ups. www.fighttimepromotions.com

15rounds.com Matt Yanofsky talks about Tomasz Adamek’s decision win over Michael Grant
click-to-listen

Tomasz Adamek once again thrilled his fans as heung on and a twelve round unanimous decision over Michael Grant in front of 10,972 rabid boxing fans at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Adaemk dominated the first five rounds as he was much too quick for Grant, who was pawing with his jab and was looking for only one shot. At the end of round six, Grant fionally got into the fight as he landed a big right hand that not only hurt Adamek but cut him around the right eye.

Adamek recovered and picked up where he started over the first five-plus rounds as he darted in and out and landed some quick two and three punch combinations for which Grant had no answer for. Adamek sufferd a cut around his left eye in round eight from an appear ant clash of heads. Grant began to bleed from the mouth in round nine. The action picked up in round eleven as the two fighters exchanged hard right hand.

Round twelve is where Adamek, turned into his predecessor of the king of New Jersey boxing, Arturo Gatti as it became high stakes drama as Grant landed a big right that rocked Adamek and the Polish star was hurt and had to hold on in the last ninety seconds just to get out of the fight because Grant showed the fire that he did not show for the first thirty-four minutes and jumped on Adamek.

Adamek was able to hold on for the 118-110, 118-110 and 117-111 victory to raise his record to 42-1. Grant is now 46-4.

One time hot prospect Joel Julio scored a ten round unanimous decision over Jamaal Davis in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Julio was very impressive as he battered Davis yet Davis showed an excellent chin as he was never in danger in going down despite taking heavy combinations from the Colombian power puncher.

Julio Cruised down the stretch as Davis had very little offense to hold off the hard charging Julio.

Julio, 152 lbs of Miami won by scores of 97-93; 98-92 and 99-93 and is now 36-4. Davis, 153 lbs of Philadelphia is 12-7

Sadam Ali scored an impressive fifth round stoppage over granite chinned Lenin Arroyo in a scheduled eight round Welterweight bout.

Ali dominated the bout as he boxed well and wobbled Arroyo a few times over the four rounds. Ali landed a perfect left to the head/left to the body combaintion that sent Arroyo down for referee Steve Smoger’s ten count at 2:46 of round five

Ali, 145 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 9-0 with five knockouts. Arroyo, 146 lbs of Miami via Costa Rica is 20-13-1.

Jeremy Bryan scored a stoppage after Daniel Mitchell did not come out for round two of their scheduled six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Mitchell was unable to continue on the advice of the ringside doctor.

Bryan, 139 lbs of Paterson, NJ is now 14-1 with seven knockouts. Mitchell, 137 lbs of Pittsburgh is now 5-2-1.

Shemuel Pegan made a successful pro debut as he scored two knockdowns en route to a four round unanimous decision over Raul Rivera in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Pegan, 135 1/2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 40-35; 40-34 and 40-34 to start 1-0. Rivera, 135 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-3.

Osnel Charles scored a first round knockdown en route to a four round unanimous decision over Hector Colladoi.

Scores were 39-37; 38-37; 38-37 for Charles, 137 1/2 lbs of Atlantic City and is now 4-2. Collado, 139 1/2 lbs of Union City, NJ is now 0-2-1.

Tyrone Luckey needed just fifty-four seconds to dispose of Larry Yanez in a battle of debuting Lightweights.

Just seconds in, Luckey dropped Yanez with a sharp left hook. Lucky wobbled Yanez several more times before referee Steve Smoger stopped the bout.

Luckey of Middletown, NJ is 1-0 with one stoppage. Yanez, 135 lbs of Miami is 0-1.

TUCSON – No Mercy is the nickname, the message and the plan. But it would have to wait. Time was more important than a swift stoppage for Filipino prospect Mercito Gesta Friday night at Casino Del Sol.

Gesta (19-0-1, 9 KOs) put in some overtime and still walked away with a dramatic stoppage, a seventh-round knockout of Mexican Genaro Trazancos (23-12-1, 13 KOs), in his apparent ascension to stardom.

“Six-plus rounds is pretty good,’’ Gesta said of a fight he probably could have ended a couple of rounds before he dropped Trazanco with a short left at 53 seconds of the seventh.

Work today might mean more in a later day. Gesta wants a shot at Australian Michael Katsidis, who holds the World Boxing Organization’s interim title. Gesta’s management and promoter, Don Chargin, have mentioned Katsidis as a possibility early next year.

“Hopefully,’’ said Gesta, who has No Mercy stitched in gold onto the bottom of his red trunks.

No Mercy was as good as no hope for Trazancos. He was unconscious before the back of his head hit the canvas with a frightening thud in an outdoor ring on a hot desert night.

“I never felt it,’’ Trazancos said not long after the main even on a card Chargin dedicated to his late wife, Lorraine. “He hit me in the right place.’’

It took several moments for Trazancos to climb off the canvas and onto his feet. Then, he sat in folding chair for several more moments. Finally, he stood up, turned toward Gesta and applauded.

Trazancos saw a lot of stars. In the end, he applauded one that might be around for awhile. Best of the undercard: In an upset, featherweight Noe Lopez (7-5, 4 KOs), a Mexican and a late-standin for injured Michael Franco, scored an upset, taking a unanimous decision from Adolfo Landeros (924-25-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico City

Lopez agreed to the fight early Friday. Franco withdrew from the bout Thursday night because on eye injury, torn retina.

The rest: Tucson middleweight Pahoron Gastellum (4-0) won a decision, unanimous in name and one-sided in fact, over Steve Macomber (3-10-1) of Lakeside, Calif.; Phoenix super-featherweight Carlos Luque and Martin Armenta of Mexico have more defeats than victories on their respective records, yet they fought each other as if they had never lost. In tough battle, Luque (2-6) prevailed, winning a unanimous decision over Armenta (12-24-3).

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that disgraced former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito applied for a boxing license in Texas just after he was denied a license in California.

“We have received a faxed application on behalf of Margarito,” Said Susan Stanford who is the public information officer for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. “But a faxed application is an incomplete application.”

Apparently Maragrito did not include the $20 fee for the application.

“We understand there is a hard-copy application with a check in the mail,” she said.

Margarito needs a license in Texas so Top Rank promoter Bob Arum can move forward with his plans for Margarito to face Manny Pacquiao for a vacant junior middleweight title on Nov. 13 on HBO PPV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, site of Pacquiao’s dominant decision against Joshua Clottey on March 13.

The ABC issued a memo on Thursday reiterating to state commissions that Margarito had fulfilled his obligations.

“At this time Mr. Margarito has fulfilled his obligations per the ABC [which was to appear before the CSAC before applying for licensure to another state/tribal commission in the United States] and thus he is now free to pursue licensure with any ABC member commission,” the ABC’s statement read. “There is nothing under the federal law that would prohibit consideration for licensure. The ABC would hope that each ABC member commission would examine the facts that have been laid out by the CSAC and weigh those facts in determining if Mr. Margarito should indeed be licensed to compete in their jurisdiction.”

Stanford said once Margarito’s $20 check arrives, his application will be considered like any other fighter’s.

“We have licensing specialists that review it and all state laws and rules are considered,” she said. “If it meets the laws and rules, the license will be granted. But every application is taken on a case by case basis, and Margarito’s will be no different.”

“We don’t require a hearing,” she said. “We either grant it or deny. If it’s denied, the applicant has a right to a hearing if he asks for it.”

She said once full application requirements are with her department, the application would be ruled on “within 10 days.”

CLICK FOR FULL EVENT INFO
PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK, NJ
LIVE PPV – SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010

RED BLUE

4 Rounds – Junior Lightweights

Tyrone Luckey vs. Larry Yanez

Middletown, NJ Ft. Lauderdale

Pro Debut Pro Debut

WT: 133 TKS: Wht/Blk WT: 135 TKS: White

4 Rounds – Junior Lightweights

Osnel Charles vs. Hector Collado

Atlantic City, NJ Union City, NJ

3-2 0-1-1

WT: 137 ½ TKS: Red/Blue WT: 139 ½ TKS: Red/White

4 rounds – Junior Lightweights

Shemuel Pagan vs. Raul Rivera

Brooklyn, NY Philadelphia, PA

Pro Debut 0-2

WT: 135 ½ TKS: Purple/Black WT: 135 ½ TKS: Black/Gold

PPV START 9:00PM (EST)

6 Rounds – Junior Welterweights

Jeremy Bryan vs. Daniel Mitchell

Paterson, NJ Pittsburgh, PA

13-1, 6 KO’s 5-1-1, 2 KO’s

WT: 139 TKS: White WT: 137 TKS: Red/White

8 Rounds – Welterweights

Sadam Ali vs. Lenin Arroyo

Brooklyn, NY San Jose, Costa Rica

8-0, 4 KO’s 20-12-1, 4 KO’s

WT: 145 TKS: Yemen/American WT: 146 TKS: Light Blue/White

10 Rounds – Junior Middleweights

Joel Julio vs. Jamaal Davis

Monteria, Colombia Philadelphia, PA

35-4, 31 KO’s 12-6, 6 KO’s

WT: 152 TKS: Black/Silver WT: 153 TKS: Blue/Silver

12 Rounds – IBF International/NABO Heavyweight Championship

Tomasz Adamek vs. Michael Grant

Gilowice, Poland Philadelphia, PA

41-1, 27 KO’s 46-3, 34 KO’s

WT: 217 TKS: Black WT: 261 TKS: White/Blac

Nick Firtha 244 vs. Mike Sheppard 225 – Heavyweights (10 rounds)
NABA U.S. Heavyweight and vacant Ohio State Heavyweight titles

Dante Moore 152 vs. Corey Rodriguez 152.5 – Junior Middleweights (6 rounds)

Wilkins Santiago 157 vs. Matt Keglovic 152 – Middleweight (bout was at a 158
pound catchweight, 4 rounds)

Jason Massie 271 vs. Mujaheed Moor 242.5 – Heavyweight (4 rounds)

Michael Moore 155.5 vs. Eric Draper 155.5 – Junior Middleweight (bout was at
a 156 pound catchweight, 4 rounds)

LAS VEGAS (August 20, 2010)—Undefeated and world ranked cruiserweight BJ Flores is now a promotional free agent after his contract with Florida based company Square Ring Inc. has run out.

Flores of Las Vegas has been off for over a year and has a record of 24-0-1 with fifteen knockouts has not fought since scoring a fourth round stoppage over Epifanio Mendoza on August 15, 2009 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Flores now will look forward to a new beginning and remains firmly on track to winning the cruiserweight championship of the world.

“I am looking forward to dealing directly with the promoters of all the champions and top contenders. It will be a lot easier to make deals directly”, said Flores.

“Just because I have not had a fight in a year, it doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy. I have been in cam with John Ruiz, David Haye and Chad Dawson and that has kept me beyond sharp. I am chomping at the bit to get one of the champions.”

“This last year has given me a chance to focus on power and strength. Becoming more explosive and powerful is necessary to become a world champion today. People will be surprised in my next fight.”

“I want to thank my manager Jerry Guliani for all the calls and emails he has put out over the past few days. I have no doubt he will secure a big fight for me very quickly.”

Flores has been training under the watchful eye of Jacob Chavez and strength and condition coach Ray Franklin.

“We are all excited about having an opportunity to put feelers out ourselves for the next opportunity”, said Chavez.

“BJ has been training really hard and he is in great shape. He is prepared to fight anybody and we want all of the champs and legitimate undefeated contenders. We know he is the best cruiserweight in the world.”

“This is a new phase in BJ’s career. He is way stronger and more powerful than ever before and we want him in the ring immediately. We have put any problems in the past behind us and this is a new chapter for us. BJ has not taken any breaks and works out every day like he has a giant chip on his shoulder. He is on a mission right now and his next opponent will be in for a rude awakening”, said Chavez

Franklin agrees and keeps fans up to speed on how Flores is progressing.

“He has a new found level of power and when you mix in the speed and ferocity, BJ is looking like what a world champion should look like.” said Franklin.

“We are looking forward to getting it on with anybody. All we need is just a reasonable time frame and not only will BJ win but he will do so in stunning fashion. He impresses everybody more and more everyday”

Matt Yanofsky contributed to this report
This Saturday from Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, Tomasz Adamek looks to continue his quest up the heavyweight ranks when he battles once promising Michael Grant over twelve rounds on pay per view. With an arena full of Adamek’s passionate followers along with a bevy of local talent, the 12,000 plus fight fans expected to be on hand are in for an exciting night at “The Rock”.

Once dubbed as the next great American heavyweight, the 6’ 7” Grant, 46-3 (34 KO’s), fought through the heavyweight division with relative ease in the late 1990’s, until he was matched up against arguably the best heavyweight of the past 20 years in Lennox Lewis.

Lewis brought Grant back to earth, demolishing the Blue Bell, PA native in less than two rounds. Grant’s record is 15-2 since that night and the boxing world has learned plenty about him. His chin, heart and lack of toughness were all exposed, with both of his other defeats also coming by knockout. He has however reeled off 8 straight victories. Grant, who according to multiple reports had an outstanding training camp under Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, feels that it is his turn to become once again a factor in the heavyweight division. If he does pull out a victory, the 38 year old and 8 to 1 underdog would make a major statement while likely securing a title shot.

However, the man standing across the ring from him has different plans. Adamek (41-1 27 KO’s), of Secaucus, NJ by way of Poland, is coming off an impressive majority decision victory in California against title contender Cris Arreola. The fight was a battle throughout. Adamek had trouble early getting comfortable with the style of Arreola, but he fought brilliantly in the championship rounds to claim a victory.

Adamek must use his powerful jab and consistent movement, as displayed against Arreola, to defeat his taller opponent. If Grant is going to pull off the upset, expect him to do so by working from the outside and using his reach advantage to stifle Adamek. Interestingly enough, Grant’s trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad was Chad Dawson’s chief second when he handed Adamek his lone defeat.

In the co-main event of the evening, Joel Julio (35-4, 31 KO’s) of Colombia returns to the Garden State for the first time in nearly five years to battle Philadelphian Jamaal Davis (12-6, 6 KO’s). This will be the always entertaining Julio’s first matchup since being knocked out in a slugfest by rapidly rising Alfredo Angulo in April. In a back and fourth fight, Julio stood his ground into the 11th round until he was met with a hard right cross that decked him. Referee Raul Caiz put an end to the fight when Julio seemingly couldn’t stand on his own.

In what should be an exciting fight against a tougher than advertised Davis, expect to see some heavy shots landed in this one, and in Julio’s eyes, a knockout would help put him back on track.

2008 US Olympian Sadam Ali of Brooklyn, NY will take a step up in competition when he battles iron chinned Floridian Lenin Arroyo (20-12-1, 4 KO’s). Ali, (8-0, 4 KO’s) has been mentioned amongst boxing’s top up and comers following his ESPN2 televised victory last month.

In his most impressive performance to date, Ali showing precise punching and power in dismantling Julias Edmonds inside of three rounds. The Prudential Center crowd will certainly be on the edge of their seats, awaiting fireworks once again, from “The World Kid”.

Paterson native and former multi-time National Amateur champion Jeremy Bryan (13-1, 6 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ will look to erase the memory of his disappointing knockout loss to Vincent Arroyo, when he matches up against Pittsburgh, PA’s Daniel Mitchell (5-1-1, 2 KO’s) in the opening bout on the televised portion of the card. A gifted boxer who knows how to be aggressive when need be, Bryan was widely considered New Jersey’s best prospect prior to his lone defeat. The bout is scheduled for six rounds at junior welterweight.

The night will begin with the debuts of heralded prospects Shem Pagan and Tyrone Luckey. The heavily hyped Pagan is only one of two boxers, the other being Glen Ghany, to win five New York Golden Gloves titles. Many boxing observers see Shem as a future champion and cannot wait for him to get his professional career rolling. His debut comes against Philadelphia resident Raul Rivera (0-2) in a four round lightweight matchup.

Luckey, a three time New Jersey Golden Gloves Champion based out of Middletown, battles fellow debutant Larry Yanez of Florida in a four round junior lightweight matchup.

From top to bottom, “The Big Challenge” is clearly worth the price of admission.

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

It was a show trial. Antonio Margarito had to show up in a procedural step that fulfilled, if not satisfied, bureaucratic protocol. The result was almost an after-thought. Margarito had no chance in California Wednesday. It’s a good thing he wasn’t applying for a driver’s license.

The California State Athletic Commission’s predictable denial of Margarito’s application for reinstatement of a boxing license might prove to be more significant for what he said instead of the one-sided, 5-1 decision against him.

In finally saying he didn’t know but should have known about irregular hand wraps before his loss in January, 2009 to Shane Mosley at Los Angeles Staples Center, Margarito accepted some responsibility, which figures to be the centerpiece of Top Rank’s attempt to get him licensed in Texas for a proposed bout on Nov. 13 with Manny Pacquiao at Cowboys Stadium in the Dallas metroplex.

“I am here to make an apology not only to the commission, but to the entire world for not knowing what was in those wrappings,” said Margarito, who for months refused to apologize for wraps loaded with inserts applied by former trainer Javier Capitello.

There is plenty of debate about what and when Margarito did or didn’t know. There is also no evidence. There’s only reasonable doubt. On that one, Margarito, a first-time offender, deserves benefit of the doubt, which by the way was granted to Mosley after his reported use of performance-enhancers as a BALCO customer before his rematch victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2003.

His chances at reinstatement of a license revoked on Feb. 11, 2009 had been trampled beyond repair by talk seven, eight months ago that he would attempt to get licensed in Texas for a bout on the undercard of Pacquiao’s victory over Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium. Then, there were a couple of appearances before the Nevada Commission, which told Margarito to first go to California.

To the California commission, it looked as if he were executing an end-around in an attempted evasion of accountability. Margarito said the right things Wednesday, but the state’s regulators were going to make him pay anyway for trying to sidestep them. Hence, they slapped him with a denial that in at least one aspect was ridiculous. To wit:

According to state attorney Karen Chappelle, Margarito had illegally trained at Robert Garcia’s gym in Oxnard, Calif., for a victory on May 8 in Mexico. Margarito sparred without a California-issued permit mandatory for all boxers training in the state. Margarito said he didn’t know about that one, either. Other than lawyers and regulators, I’m not sure anybody else did mostly because it’s a rule seldom, if ever, enforced in any state without funding needed to enforce commission rules. To use that one as another reason for a Margarito denial is little bit like withholding a driver’s license because of jaywalking.

In Texas, however, Margarito will be one more step down protocol’s path and another step toward accepting accountability, which has been demanded repeatedly by media and fans in the court of public opinion. It’s an opinion that matters, perhaps more than any other. That was evident in questions and comments from commissioners at Wednesday’s hearing. Despite criticism of Margarito, even Chappelle seemed to like what she heard from the former welterweight champion.

“I think that Mr. Margarito came across as very sincere, which should do him well in the future,’’ Chappelle told Robert Morales of the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

The future looks a lot like Texas.

Gesta’s rise continues at Tucson’s Casino Del Sol

Lightweight Mercito Gesta (18-0-1, 8 KOs), called one of the best Filipino prospects by Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach, figures to continue on an apparent arc to stardom tonight in Tucson at Casino Del Sol on TeleFurtura card against Mexican Genaro Trazancos (22-11-1, 13 KOs).

The 22-year-old Gesta hopes for a shot at interim World Boxing Organization champion Michael Katsidis, possibly next year. Against Trazancos, the Filipino lefthander has a chance to look very good. The 35-year-old Mexican has lost six of his last seven.

The Don Chargin-promoted card was scheduled for seven fights. A super-bantamweight bout featuring unbeaten Michael Franco (16-0, 11 KOs) of Riverside, Calif., versus Mexican Adolfo Landeros (20-14-1, 9 KOs) was canceled, because of an eye injury to Franco, a Riverside, Calif., prospect who is suffering from a torn retina. First bell is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (Arizona time).

Notes, anecdotes
· According to news reports of Wednesday’ hearing in California, attorney Daniel Petrocelli told the commission that Garcia will tape Margarito’s hands in the presence of the fighter “so that Antonio can personally oversee the procedure for himself.” Huh? It would be difficult, if not very painful, for Margarito to be anywhere but present.

· And De La Hoya capitalized on the Margarito denial to lobby for a third Juan Manuel Marquez-Pacquiao fight. It makes sense. Since Pacquiao’s rise to the top of the pound-for-pound debate, nobody has tested Pacquiao more than Marquez. Marquez might be the one fighter who can beat the Filipino Congressman. For the best, there’s always somebody, which is probably the reason Pacquiao won’t agree to a third fight with Marquez any time soon.

Program Lineup Through Thursday August 26
Date Sport Event Price
Sat Aug 21 19:00PM ET MMA Chattanooga Extreme Fight Night V $FREE! More info
Sat Aug 21 19:00PM ET MMA Fight Time 1 $FREE! More info
Sat Aug 21 19:30PM ET MMA Locked in the Cage 5 $9.99 More info
Sat Aug 21 19:30PM ET Wrestling Deal with the Steel Wargames $9.99 More info
Sat Aug 21 20:00PM ET MMA IFL Fights Presents…..Vengence $9.99 More info
Sat Aug 21 21:00PM ET Boxing The Big Challenge – Adamek Vs. Grant $9.95 More info
Thu Aug 26 20:00PM ET MMA Rumble in the Cage 40 $9.99 More info

Boxing
The Big Challenge – Adamek Vs. Grant
Sat Aug 21 21:00PM ET
Click here to watch this event on GoFightLive!

Tomasz Adamek takes on Michael Grant for the first big challenge in his quest to become heavyweight champion
Live viewing is not allowed in: Poland, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada

For full fight card and more details about this event, visit GoFightLive.tv or click here

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE (August 16, 2010)—On Friday night August 27th, a big night of boxing is planned at the beautiful Dover Downs in Dover, Delaware and the night will be a long time coming for one fighter in particular.

It was in 1997 a young Heavyweight named Amir Mansour turned pro with a first round knockout over Clifton Graham in Allentown, PA. Mansour showed tremendous speed to go along with power that catapulted him to nine straight wins with five of those victories coming by knockout.

In was that ninth fight where it became apparent that Mansour was not just a flash in the pan as he stopped thirty-four fight veteran Fabian Garcia in one round in Atlantic City.

That fight took place on June 1st, 2001.

Fast forward to the night of August 27, 2010. Instead of being a multi-time world champion, Mansour will carry that same record of 9-0 with five knockouts into his six round fight with Samuel Brown.

It has been more than nine years (111 months) since this upstart has set foot in a professional boxing ring.

Mansour was incarcerated for over eight years and is now looking capture the Heavyweight championship of the world.

“I have done a lot of thinking of the last eight years”, said Mansour

“When I was away I was locked with former pro fighter Calvin Davis and that kept me focused on boxing and this night has been a long time coming”

“What people don’t realize I don’t have any wear and tear on my body and I have not been taking any punches. When people see me, they will see how I kept in shape and they will be amazed at my speed.”

“I have had some of the best sparring possible as I have worked with IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham and Chazz Witherspoon so I have worked with the best. Working with those guys, in a way kinda makes up for lost time. And when I spar against them it gives me a good idea where I am at and I feel I am not that far away.”

“August 27th has been a long time coming for me. There have been many nights where all I could do is stay up and visualize my next fight and for it to be just a week away really has my focus like I have never had it before.”

Former WBO Featherweight World Champion Steve Luevano has retired from Boxing according to his manager Cameron Dunkin who said the decision was made late last night. Luevano 29, finishes with a 37-2-1(15) record. He held the title from July 2007 when he claimed the belt on the road in England scoring an impressive eleventh round stoppage over local hero Nicky Cook. He went on to make 5 successful defence’s before losing his crown to JuanMa Lopez in February. Over the summer Luevano was let go from his contract with Top Rank who had promoted him for his entire career. It’s not known what Luevano intends to do next but on behalf of 15rounds.com congratulations on a great career Steven enjoy retirement.

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Global Boxing Gym

ADAMEK vs. GRANT

“The Big Challenge”

Fight: Aug 21st
Prudential Center, Newark

Adamek & Grant sign posters – Credits: Mike Gladysz, Millenium Photo

Press Conference Quotes

Michael Grant: “I’m blessed to have the opportunity to fight Tomasz and my man Roger over there. No doubt it’s going to be a nice night for the fight community, for the boxing world period. The heavyweight division is sad right now, so I just say, don’t lose hope. Don’t lose hope, because I know the belts are over the water right now, but they’ll be back. They will definitely be back!”

“How do I see the fight playing out? Okay let’s play with this…He’s (Adamek) probably going to try to figure out the punching power for the first 3 or 4 rounds and then make a decision; ‘Okay do I want to gamble or not’. Meanwhile, while he’s thinking about gambling I’m already gonna be putting power out, dropping hands on him. So then you’re into a ‘what should I do?’ moment. You got to make sure that those decisions don’t make you delayed so bad where you start getting caught. And sometimes when you start getting caught, and getting caught, it messes all the decision making up and that can be very hurtful.”

“I don’t take anything away from Adamek, like I said he’s a helluva light heavyweight champion. But I’m an elite fighter. I’m not like a Jason Estrada or a Chris Arreola, that’s not my level.”

Grant speaking of Golota style vs. Adamek style: “In those two different styles Golota was a puncher and slightly a boxer, where Adamek is more like a boxer. You know what I’m saying, he’s not a puncher. I’m not saying the fight’s going to be easy with that. He has the strength in that. He became light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion, correct? And so God bless him.”

“My ability is basically what it (the deciding factor) is. I’m not banking on size and strength.”

Roger Bloodworth: “You can tell its going to be a good fight. We have all the respect in the world for the Grant camp and we took this fight cause Tomasz had to be able to prove he could hang with a big man. So whoever named this ‘The Big Challenge’ may be exactly correct.” “Tomasz is ready and I expect a great fight.”

“We haven’t thought about what’s next. We’re just thinking about this fight and that’s it.”

Tomasz Adamek: “Sunday we’ll talk about what’s next, but Saturday we have a job.”

“Every fight is very important. Only when you win, you go up. In boxing you can never be second. My whole career I prepare to be the best.”

“I am very excited to be back at Prudential Center. Every fight a couple thousand more people come to see me. Everybody knows me in NJ.”

“I’m ready to fight. When I’m healthy I am very quick, I am dangerous in the ring. I’ve been training very hard for 11 weeks. Size is no bother to me. I had 2 very good sparring partners. They were tall too. Roger is a very good teacher and I am learning everyday. I am ready.”

PPV Fighters:Jeremy Bryan, Sadam Ali, Grant, Adamek & Joel Julio. Credits: Kubikfoto

The “Brick City Boxing Series” card will take place at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, and is promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with X-Cel Worldwide.

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

The fight is being distributed in North America by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9PM EST / 6PM PST on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States and Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada for a suggested retail price of only $29.95

Adamek & Grant – Credits: Mike Gladysz, Millenium Photo

To keep up to date visit the Main Events Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Totowa-NJ/Main-Events/76572871323?ref=ts&__a=16&ajaxpipe=1
and www.mainevents.com, and www.prucenter.com

This Saturday night at Newark, NJ’s Prudential Center, former light heavy and cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek will meet once promising heavyweight Michael Grant over twelve rounds with the winner likely receiving a title shot.

Dubbed as “The Big Challenge”, the 6’7 Grant, who was projected to be a world champion a number of years ago, will be Adamek’s tallest opponent to date. I had the opportunity to ask various members of the boxing world ranging from journalists, fighters and trainers for their thoughts on the bout. Here’s what they had to say.

Paul Marinaccio (Retired heavyweight who fought Grant/current boxing and MMA promoter)

“Grant only threw 5 to 8 jabs a round which gave me some opportunities during (our) fight. Adamek will need to work his way in and to keep stepping to the side. Grant hurt me three times with punches to back of the head then (landed) clean shots (but) couldn’t finish me. (He was) very tentative the whole fight. I’m the only guy to go 12 rounds with Grant and I had torn ligaments in my ankle. Adamek wins but (he can’t run).”

Chris Robinson (Journalist from Examiner.com)

“I remember running into Grant earlier this year at the IMMA gym in Las Vegas. One thing I can say is that he hasn’t let himself slip and that he is still in excellent shape. Still, I really have no idea what he would have left at this point in his career. Things just never seemed the same for him after his crushing loss to Lennox Lewis

Adamek’s rise to both the cruiserweight and heavyweight ranks has been impressive. After his loss to Chad Dawson years ago I really didn’t know what he would come up with but he has shown a lot of perseverance in continuing to succeed against bigger man. I think he will find a way to defeat Grant and it will be interesting to see where he goes after that.”

Sean Sullivan (Editor-in-Chief Boxing Digest)

“Adamek should win with a mid-rounds stoppage. After a few rounds, he’ll have figured out how to deal with Grant’s size and reach advantages then will break him down physically. Grant will wilt from Adamek’s pressure and his own inactivity.”

Gary Williams (Journalist from Fight News/Boxing Along The Beltway)

“I like Adamek in this one. I know Grant’s the (bigger man), but I like the way Adamek has progressed from cruiser to heavy. I think he will stop Grant late.”

Lem Satterfield (Editor and Lead Writer of AOL Fanhouse)

“I would have to say that Adamek wins a track meet. I believe that he should be able to get in and out and as long as he doesn’t stand and trade (he could) potentially stop Grant late, if not win a decision.”

Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillan (Middleweight Contender)

“I am going with Adamek. He’s been the busier fighter. I got him by KO.”

Alan Hopper (Director of Publicity for Don King Productions)

“I liked Tomasz Adamek best when (Don King Productions promoted) him at 175 pounds, especially when he used his jab more. I was surprised when he carried his punch to cruiserweight, and I was shocked to see him become an elite heavyweight contender. Bottom line: He’s a fighter I admire with a lot of heart that you can never count out. Adamek by decision.”

Marc Abrams (Editor of 15rounds.com)

“I like Adamek to win the fight by late stoppage. He’s been more active lately against better competition. Adamek always shows heart and desire, which is one thing that has been questioned about for years. Plus he has fallen off the radar while Adamek has been fighting top competition”

Kevin Iole (Senior Boxing Writer for Yahoo Sports)

“I think its going to be a big win by Adamek. He has really turned into an elite fighter and is as good as anybody in the heavyweight division outside of the Klitschkos. His win over Arreola proved that. I think he is a very good and talented heavyweight in a division where there aren’t many good fighters out there. Grant will have to prove something. Ten years ago he was a fighter with the world of talent but when he stepped up he didn’t perform and I don’t think it will change against Adamek. I think Adamek gives him a boxing lesson and may stop him late, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he won by decision.”

Ryan Songalia (Journalist for Boxingscene.com)

“Adamek should win this fight pretty handily. He is pretty confident and has a string of good wins. The Arreola fight gave him a lot of credibility because his boxing ability and mobility helped him overcome a larger opponent. I would be shocked if Grant was able to win since his last loss (came via) devastating knockout to a small heavyweight like Adamek in Dominick Guinn. Grant’s size alone is not enough to overcome his opponents and this will be a major disadvantage for him. Adamek should stop him any time after the eighth round.”

Ryan Coyne (World Rated Cruiserweight Contender)

“I like Adamek. He is hungry and trying to move his way up the heavyweight ranks. He always steps up when he has a stiff test. Michael Grant is a mountain of a man but I think he is past his prime. The only time he really stepped up was against Lennox Lewis and Jameel McCline and he failed the test. His brief retirements, inactivity and what not will also hurt him come fight night. Adamek is taking this one by late stoppage.”

Aroz “Terrific” Gist (Trainer)

I heard Michael Grant had a great camp. This is a fight you really have to pay attention to because Grant has the chance to pull an upset due to his height and reach. If it gets past round 6 or 7, I’d lean towards Michael Grant. With that said Adamek has been fighting high quality opponents and beating them handily. He’s a very talented fighter who always comes in shape so I am going with Adamek by seventh round stoppage, but if it goes past that, watch out for Grant!”

FINAL TALLY ADAMEK: 12 GRANT: 0