15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was on hand at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey to capture the images on Zab Judah’s split decision victory over Lucas Matthysee. Plus see photos of the undercard and press conference as well as ring legend at HBO Broadcaster Roy Jones Jr.

Juan Manuel “Juanma” Marquez is a very strong featherweight. In the ring, the Puerto Rican has the power of two men. How do we know this? Because he managed to wobble two guys, Saturday, with the force of his left hook.

Trouble was, one of those guys was Lopez himself. The other, of course, was Mexican Rafael Marquez who challenged Lopez for the WBO featherweight title at MGM Grand in the main event of a standard-setting episode of Showtime’s “Championship Boxing.” Lopez prevailed by technical knockout when Marquez was unable to continue.

As the bell rang to begin the ninth round, Marquez waited long enough for Lopez to drop to his knees at center ring in celebration, and then Marquez rose from his stool and walked across the canvas touching his right shoulder with his left glove. Afterwards, Marquez would say his shoulder was too weak to raise his right hand. Should we believe him?

Damn right we should.

Forget Marquez’s pedigree. Forget his participation in one of the greatest trilogies in boxing history with Israel Vazquez. Consider, instead, where Marquez’s prized weapon was all night. The right cross, a punch Marquez used in a reign of terror over the bantamweight division for six years, was nowhere to be found in his fight with Lopez.

At the end of the second round, in fact, I asked my notebook a rhetorical question about it: “For some reason, Marquez doesn’t see any available right hands against a southpaw?”

Then the third round happened. Lopez, a larger man than Marquez, threw a short left cross from his southpaw stance that caught Marquez on the forehead. Marquez was off-balance when the punch landed and much more so after. He stumbled backwards across the ring, found his balance, planted and threw a right cross at Lopez’s onrushing jaw.

No he didn’t. Actually, Marquez found his balance, planted, cocked his right hand in front of his shoulder and pushed the weight of his body behind it. A first occasion of what became a regular occurrence in the fight: Marquez using Lopez’s own force to supply power. Lopez obliged, running into Marquez’s pushed right glove and halting a bit. The next round was more interesting still.

Rafael Marquez, much like his older brother Juan Manuel, struggles a bit against men who fight taller than he does. Accomplished as Los Hermanos Marquez are – probably prizefighting’s best brother tandem of all time – neither ducks punches well as he does everything else. Both put their chins in predictable places.

Marquez, then, would repeatedly duck Lopez’s lead right hook and drop his head to the red and black Dodge insignia on the waistband of Lopez’s trunks. While he was down there, though, he had occasion to make a surprising discovery: Lopez’s right glove, too, was even with that Dodge insignia.

How long do you think it took a fighter of Marquez’s caliber to realize that if Lopez’s right glove was even with his waistband, Lopez’s head was completely unguarded?

Quickly Marquez began to drop his shoulders, duck Lopez’s right hand, shift his shoulders leftward and rise on the other side – making a backwards U. Once there, he countered Lopez with light left hooks – light because, remember, despite Marquez’s Mexico City upbringing, he is a Nacho Beristain fighter, not a Julio Cesar Chavez knockoff, and so the left hook is not his Sunday punch.

But Lopez had another tactical mishap to complement his low lead hand. Annoyed more than deterred by Marquez’s counter hooks, Lopez began to square his feet and fire a left hook of his own behind his missed right hook. Now, lead hand low, Lopez entered in to a left-hooking contest with one of the best Mexican prizefighters in a generation. He’s lucky he survived it.

In round four, Marquez waited for Lopez’s lead right hook, made his U and threw his left hook. Lopez supplied half the power of the punch by snapping himself leftward with a hook of his own. Marquez’s hook landed first, and Lopez wobbled, eyes wide. Then Marquez pushed a right cross that knocked him into the ropes, and a fight ensued.

That was the end of the drama, if not the suspense. Lopez returned to his corner after the round, got a hold of himself and effectively put the left hook away. He began to throw left crosses, as he should have been doing all the while. Then he closed space, walked the smaller man down and began to brutalize Marquez. Within six minutes, order was restored, and Lopez ground Marquez to dust.

Marquez would not have finished the fight even if he hadn’t canceled it himself. Lopez was too big and too good. The question was not why Marquez stopped things after the eighth round but why he entered the ring in the first place.

“It had hurt me before (in training), but I didn’t want to cancel the fight another time,” Marquez said about a match he had already postponed once because of a hand injury. “But in the fourth and the fifth rounds, I couldn’t throw punches.”

Marquez then said as soon as his shoulder was better, he would like a rematch. He’s entitled to it, but: Shoulder and hand injuries in a 35-year-old’s training camp are Life speaking in short, declarative sentences about age.

And here’s a short, interrogative sentence for Juanma Lopez: What if those Marquez left hooks had come from Yuriorkis Gamboa?

Gamboa is a natural featherweight slugger who loads up on left hooks. Marquez, meanwhile, was a natural bantamweight whose best weapon was not a left hook. And yet look what Marquez did.

Bob Arum, who promotes both Lopez and Gamboa, says we may get the answer to that interrogative sentence in June. Until Saturday, frankly, I’d have bet the house on Juanma against Gamboa. But after Saturday, I’m filled with doubt.

Bart Barry can be reached at bbarry@15rounds.com. Additionally, his book, “The Legend of Muhammad Ali,” co-written with Thomas Hauser, can be purchased here.

Former title challenger Juan Carlos Candelo continued the resurrection of his career this past Thursday night with a one-sided victory over Chase Shields at the Dallas Petroleum Club in Dallas, Texas. With the victory, Candelo (31-10-4, 20 KOs) of Baytown, Texas by way of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia claimed the WBC USNBC Light Middleweight title and now looks to move back into the title hunt at 154-pounds. Candelo spoke to 15rounds.com about the disqualification ending to the fight and his plans moving forward.


Watch Juan Carlos Candelo Interview with 15rounds.com

Alfonso Lopez III stopped veteran Romero Johnson with just seconds left in the twelfth and final round to claim the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight title at the Dallas Petroleum Club in Dallas, Texas this past Thursday night. Lopez (21-0, 16 KOs) of Cut and Shoot, Texas spoke to 15rounds.com about the victory and his plans as he continues his climb up the ranks.


Watch Alfonso Lopez III Interview with 15rounds.com

“MASSIVE TURNOUT FOR MARGARITO” — Thousands of fans turn out to meet three-time world champion Antonio Margarito in Dallas,Texas today at the Tamale Festival. Margarito takes on Superstar Manny Pacquiao on November 13, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas. Pacquiao vs Margarito is promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions and Cowboys Stadium.

In the final bout of a long night of boxing at Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, Zab “Super” Judah (40-6, 27 KO) was awarded a split decision victory over the previously unbeaten Lucas Matthysse (27-1, 25 KO) in front of a crowd of 4,172 people.

The main event was slow to start, as the first five rounds failed to provide fireworks, and thus, failed to excite the crowd — who, at times, ‘booed’ the fighters in the ring. The best punches of the bouts first few rounds were landed by Zab — a crisp right hook in round 1, a sharp left uppercut perfectly placed on Matthysse’s chin in round 3, and another vicious right hook in round 5.

From round 6 on, however, Matthysse looked like a different fighter. He started to press the action more and more and walk down Judah and cut off the ring. It was evident that Matthysse was trying to score big with a straight right, and finally, in round 10, he connected and Judah went crashing to the canvas. Matthysse, smelling blood in the water, tried to follow up, but Judah fired back and warded off any further attack.

Matthysse second-half comeback was not enough to overcome his slow start, however, as he lost a split decision. The judge who scored the bout in favor of the Argentinian saw it 114-113. While the two who scored the bout for Judah saw the fight 115-112 and 114-113.

The win marks Judah’s fourth in a row and second straight since returning to 140 lbs. Next up for Judah will likely be Kaizer Mabuza in another IBF junior welterweight eliminator

Robert Guerrero vs. Vincente Escobedo

In an entertaining and hard-fought ten round battle, Robert Guerrero (28-1, 18 KO) earned a unanimous decision victory over fellow Californian, Vincente Escobedo (22-3, 14 KO).

In the opening round, Guerrero got the better of Escobedo, with a sensational right hook serving as the opening rounds most devastating punch. It was a clash of heads however, not any punches, that caused a huge gash to open up on the side of Escobedo’s head. As the round progressed, Escobedo’s entire left side of his face was painted red.

Escobedo’s cutman did a nice job between rounds to slow the cut and reduce the blood flow from a pour to a slow leak. Both fighters continued to feel one another in the second round, with Guerrero getting the better of Escobedo. In the third round, Guerrero turned up the heat, as he dropped Escobedo with a dazzling combination of a right hook followed by a straight left.

To Escobedo’s credit and in round four found a lot of success when he threw punches in bunches. At times, Escobedo landed his punches flush on Guerrero’s face, but “The Ghost” was never in danger.

In the sixth round, Guerrero sent Escobedo crashing to the canvas once again, courtesy of a left uppercut.

While Escobedo battled, there was no way he could overcome the two knockdowns.

All three judges scored the bout in favor of Guerrero: 100-88, 98-90, and 96-93.

Bastie Samir vs. Damion Reed — 4 Rounds

In the night’s opening bout, Bastie Samir (6-0, 6 KOs) made quick work of Reidsville, North Carolina’s Damion Reed (2-4, 1 KO). Samir, who fights out of Las Vegas by way of Accra, Ghana, bombarded his defenseless opponent with a barrage of vicious left hooks. The former Ghanaian Olympian sent Reed to one knee four different times in the opening round before the referee called a halt to the bout. The time of the stoppage was 2:47 into round 1.

Mikael Zewski vs. Ardrick Butler — Welterweights — 4Rounds

In a four round bout at the welterweight division, undefeated prospect Mikael Zewski (5-0, 3 KOs) defeated Philadelphia’s Ardrick Butler (5-3, 2 KOs). The Canadian prospect, Zewski, showed off an impressive skillet over the twelve minutes spent in the ring. Zewski pounded away at Butler throughout the fight, hammering Butler’s body, and mixing in aggressive left hooks that often found a home. In the final round, Zewski kicked it into another gear, throwing a fifteen second flurry of viscious power punches, which Butler, to his credit, withstood. The resilient Butler had his own share of success sprinkled throughout the bout, but Zewski always had an answer. All three judges scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Zewski.

Mike Perez vs. Hevinson Herrera — Lightweights — 6 Rounds

Undefeated prospect Mike Perez put on an electrifying performance in front of his hometown fans. Perez (10-0-1, 5 KO’s), born and raised in Newark, shocked his opponent, Hevinson Herrera (14-7-1, 12 KO’s) when he hurt him with a straight right less than a minute into the inaugural round. Perez wisely followed up backing the injured Herrera up against the ropes before finishing him off with a three punch combination — left hook, right to the body, left hook — that sent Herrera hard to the canvas. Herrera beat the ten count, but was visibly hurt and standing on wobbly legs. Referee Randy Nuemann stopped the bout 1:02 into the opening round.

Tyrone Luckey vs. Alex Montes — Junior Lightweights — 4 Rounds

In a fight that had the Prudential Center crowd on their feet at times, Middletown, New Jersey’s Tyrone Luckey improved his record to 2-0 with a third round stoppage over Alex Montes (1-2) of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The fight started with a bang when Montes introduced Luckey to the canvas about fifteen seconds into the fight. The fighter’s continued to exchange power punches with each other throughout the first round, standing in the pocket, and wailing away. The second round saw Luckey find Montes’ chin with regularity, as he dropped Montes twice in round two, both with violent left hooks. Round three saw more fireworks, with Montes on the receiving end of most exchanges. Once again, Luckey rocked Montes, who went down for the third time in the fight. When Montes got to his feet, he was standing on unstable legs and that’s when Luckey pounded away at his injured opponent until the referee called a halt to the bout at the 2:55 mark of the round 3.

Mike Brooks vs. Kywayne Hill — Junior Lightweights — 4 Rounds

Long Island, New York’s Mike “Lefty” Brooks easily outpointed Philadelphia’s Kywayne Hill to improve his record to 3-0, 1 KO. Brooks used his superior hand speed to continuously score against Hill 1-6, 1 KO, who offered up an uninspiring effort. At times, Hill looked like he could inflict some damage on Brooks, scoring sporadically with uppercuts and straight rights. He could never string together combinations, however, and seemed content at times to cover up and let Brooks throw freely — which he did. In the end, all three judges scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Brooks.

Angel Concepcion vs. Maurice Amaro — Light Heavyweights — 4 Rounds

In a four round light heavyweight bout, Newark’s Angel Concepcion improved his record to 3-0 with a unanimous decision over Philadelphia’s Maurice Amaro, who fell to 1-3. The opening round was Concepcion’s finest, landing punches at will through Hill’s suspect defense. Concepcion pummeled HIll with left hooks that wrapped around Hill’s defense and couple them with straight rights that split Hill’s gloves. TO his credit, Hill withstood everything Concepcion threw at him, and on occasion landed some power punches of his own. Concepcion, who was never once in danger throughout the fight, imposed his will on Hill, landing punches with regularity. In the end all three judges scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Newark’s Concepcion.

Adrien Broner vs. Ilido Julio — Junior Lightweights — 8 Rounds

Undefeated prospect Adrian Broner scored a first round TKO victory over veteran journeyman Ilido Julio to improve his record to 18-0, 15 KOs. Broner, showed not only superior boxing skills, but also superior dance moves, as he came into the ring dancing, danced a little more mid-fight, and finished the show with a backflip. Broner hammered his out of shape Colombian opponent from the opening bell. Midway through the round, Broner landed a violent left hook/straight right combination that sent Julio crashing to the floor. During the 10-count, Broner walked over to where the HBO announcing trio of Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman, and Roy Jones Jr., are seated and told Roy Jones Jr. that he’s the next world champion. When the fight resumed, Broner rushed over the wobbly Julio and unleashed a continuous flow of punches until the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. The time of the stoppage was 1:34 in the first round.

Sadam Ali vs. Gary Bergeron — Welterweights — 8 Rounds 2:18

Fan favorite and former US Olympian, Brooklyn’s Sadam Ali (10-0, 6 KOs) overpowered New Orleans’ Gary Bergeron (12-7, 7 KOs) to get the TKO victory at the 2:18 mark of round 2. Ali looked as sharp as ever, creating angles with impressive footwork and landing punches at will. Bergeron seemed content to cover up his face and absorb a barrage of body punches throughout the fight. Ali hammered away at Bergeron, who was unable to create any offense whatsoever during his five-plus minutes in the ring. Towards the end of the opening round, Ali dropped Bergeron with a left hook, left uppercut combination. After beating the 10-count, Bergeron was pinned against the ropes, covering up and not firing back as Ali unleashed vicious combinations on him. The fight could have easily been stopped at the end of round 1, but Bergeron was saved by bell.

The second round was all Ali, as he once again controlled the fight. Towards the end of round 2, Ali dropped Bergeron again, this time by a right uppercut. After beating the count, Ali put pressure on, eventually rocking Bergeron again with a left hook that put the New Orleans native on unsteady legs. A straight right and one more left hook prompted the referee to call a halt to the bout at the 2:18 mark of round 2.

LAS VEGAS — It wasn’t a defining moment. For the fighter known simply as JuanMa, that will have to wait. JuanMagnifico, he wasn’t.

But JuanMature he might become after a bruising battle Saturday night at the MGM Grand that ended with Rafael Marquez unable to continue after the eighth round because of an injury to his right shoulder.

After early dominance, Juan Manuel Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs) fought through trouble, recovered and reasserted himself to stay undefeated in defense of his featherweight crown, the World Boxing Organization’s version of the 126-pound title. The 27-year-old Lopez had the crowd chanting his name – JuanMa, JuanMa — in the opening rounds and again in the end for the stinging power in his hands and the young legs that carried him into trouble, out of it and finally up the ladder to stardom. Early on, JuanMa smiled and gestured at the crow, which included boyhood idol Felix Trinidad, as though he thought he was in for an easy night. His hands were faster; his legs younger. At the end of the first round, JuanMa bounced a succession of punches off Marquez (39-6, 35 KOs) at the rate of a pinball. After the bell sounded, he turned, smiled at his corner and waved his gloved hands in front of him as if to say it would end quickly. For the next two rounds, there was nothing to change his mind.

In the third, a short left hand from the left-handed Puerto Rican sent Marquez stumbling half way across the ring and into the ropes. How tough could it be? Turns out, very tough. The experienced Marquez caught Lopez with a head-rocking counter seconds after it looked as he might be finished in the third. In the fourth, the 35-year-old Mexican began to put together punches that looked like a lesson plan. Suddenly, JuanMa’s early success began to look like a mirage. Left-handed counters left JuanMa looking dazed, yet still on his feet.

“It’s going to happen,’’ JuanMa said. “”You get hit. He gets hit. He has tremendous power.’’

Translation: JuanMa endured that part of the lesson and survived, although his youth showed for a moment. He was penalized a point by referee Tony Weeks for hitting Marquez on the back of the head. He argued with Weeks after the round ended.

But the frustration dissipated as quickly as Marquez’ chances. Marquez began to look his old. That might have been because of an unspecified injury. “I was hurt before the fight,’’ said the Mexican great, whose thumb injury in August forced the fight to be postponed from Sept. 18. Marquez said he hurt his right shoulder in the third round. After the eighth, he told his corner about the injury.

“I can’t move it,’’ Marquez said he told trainer Daniel Zaragoza. Zaragoza asked him if would have to stop the fight. Then, somebody touched Marquez shoulder. He winced. The pain was evident. “I can’t go,’’ Marquez told Zaragosa. The injury happened sometime in the third round, said Marquez, who said it limited his ability to throw punches. “I couldn’t punch the way I always do,’’ he said, “If I could have I would have won the fight.’’

Marquez seemed to be saying that he wanted a rematch. Against a JuanMature, that might be a tough sequel.

Johnson scores 8th-round TKO over Green

It took a sub to make another one look sub-par. Glen Johnson made Alan Green look like a sub sandwich in the super-middleweight’s Super Six Classic Saturday night at the MGM Grand. Green went down easily against an older and much tougher Johnson.

The 41-year-old Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs), who looked more comfortable at 168 pounds than he has at light heavyweight (175), threw right hands early, later and almost at will. The 31-year-old Green (29-3, 10 KOs) had no counter, no defense and not much else other than perhaps a quick shuffle out of the Showtime tournament. Like hammer to nail, Johnson’s right hand finished the job at 36 seconds of the eighth round when at least two rights put Green down.

“ I knew that eventually he would move into a position where I could really land those punches,’’ said Johnson, whose fight-ending blows crashed off of Green’s left temples As he tried to get up, referee Robert Byrd looked and saw shaky legs, unsteady feet and uncertain eyes. Byrd had seen enough. As Byrd waved his arms, Green there was a hint of relief in his dazed eyes, even though he was leading on two of three scorecards. Judges Jerry Roth and Dick Houck had Green leading, 67-66. Johnson led, 68-65, on Burt Clements’ card. En route to his TKO victory, Johnson delivered an early message, a wicked overhand right, in the first round that must have told Green that next time he should try to get into a different kind of tournament. Table tennis, anyone? Green, Johnson’s longtime friend, backpedaled until there was nowhere to go. There was no refuge in retreat. Only the ropes. That’s where Green found himself near the end of third. Johnson caught him once in the back of the head.

Then, he followed with the right hand that already had displayed its power. The bell ended the round. But Green was in trouble. He stumbled in search of his stool. It was only a matter of time before he would find only defeat and an exit from the Super Six.
Knockouts are early theme on JuanMa-Marquez undercard

Derrick Campos (20-10, 11 KOs), a super-featherweight from Topeka, Kan., got up, close and personal with the canvas. Unbeaten Diego Magdaleno (17-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas made sure of it a in bout that was part of Showtime’s international telecast. Magdaleno put Campos down three times in four rounds. A left-right sent Campos tumbling in the final second of the first. A right hook sent down again in the third and encore right at 15 seconds of the fourth ended it.

Knockouts were the early story. Through the first three fights, they were the only story. The biggest was delivered by Washington D.C. lightweight Daniel Attah (25-6-1, 9 KOs), whose right hook at 1:55 of the second round almost sent Mexican Marvin Quintero (20-3, 16 KOs) skipping across the canvas like a flat stone on a pond. It took several minutes before Quintero could walk under his own power. He was helped onto stool at the center of the ring where he sat, dazed, while his corner men try to tell him what had happened. He was unconscious at the moment Attah’s right landed.

Attah only took a little bit longer than Jesse Magdaleno and McWilliams Arroyo did in the first two fights of the untelevised part of a card featuring featherweights Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez.

In the night’s opener, Arroyo (5-1, 4 KOs), a Puerto Rican flyweight, won a by TKO at 2:55 of the first round over Mexican Cesar Grajeda (7-2, 1 KO,).

Magdaleno (1-0, 1 KO), a Las Vegas super-featherweight, won his debut with a TKO at 1:38 of the first over Matthew Salazar (1-3-1, 0 KOs) of Albuquerque.

The judges finally had some say-so in the night’s fourth fight, won by Las Vegas welterweight Anthony Lenk (8-1, 4 KOs), who scored a 6-round unanimous decision over formerly-unbeaten Danny Escobar (6-1, 5 KOs) of Riverside, Calif.

In the last fight before the card moved onto the Showtime stage, Cleveland lightweight Mickey Bey stayed unbeaten (16-0, 8 KOs) with a 6-round,unanimous decision over Erick Cruz (7-6-3, 7 KOS), a Puerto Rican who was on his knees in the second after he was rocked by a right-left combo.

Fairfax, VA – It was another sensational evening at George Mason University’s Patriot Center packed by fans and families in support of their local hero Jimmy Lange in his eleventh appearance at the famed venue. The event, presented by ICE Promotions, gathered many fans and local talents across the greater VA/DC/MD Metropolitan area.

However, someone forgot to inform Pittsburg, PA’s Joe Wyatt (23-2, 15KOs), as he came to the National Capital region with an intent to spoil the party.

In the main event, Jimmy Lange (34-4, 24KOs) delivered in one of the most exciting fights of the year, akin to some of the famous come-from-behind knockouts displayed by the late Arturo Gatti.

After a slow feel-out round in the first, Wyatt began to force the attack in the second, landing a hard overhand right and stalking his opponent with intent to hurt. Lange tried to keep Wyatt at bay with jabs, but Wyatt continuously closed the gap and inflicted damage with short well-timed right hands. In the fourth, Wyatt unleashed a barrage of hard unanswered uppercuts and left hooks that cornered Lange against the ropes unable to defend. Lange came back in the fifth with a short right hand to the ear and dropped Wyatt for a quick eight count. War ensued shortly after and the two fighters fiercely exchanged before the bell. Wyatt drew blood early in the sixth and continued to punish and bust up Lange, who was now cut on his swelling left eye. Lange did his best to evade the onslaught and later caught Wyatt again with leg buckling shots to the head, also causing a cut above the eye of his opponent. A straight right landed by Lange in the beginning of the eighth briefly drew crowd’s reaction to his favor, but Wyatt landed the more effective shots to take the round. Both fighters bled profusely in round nine and Wyatt seemingly held the edge once again with cleaner uppercuts. The two exchanged furiously towards the end of the tenth and final round, but it was a devastating right hand by Lange that prevailed, landing right on the button to drop Wyatt for a full ten-count. The official time of the stoppage was 2:38. With the win, Lange picks up the vacant NABA super welterweight title and sets up a potential showdown in Atlantic City against Harry Joe Yorgey in early spring.

JOPPY HELD TO A DRAW

On the co-main event, former three time middleweight champion and ring legend William Joppy ( 39-6-2, 30KOs) made his return to the ring, fighting to a tough, physical, hard fought ten round draw against the very pugnacious and durable Cory ‘Black Ice’ Cummings (17-4-1, 13KOs).

Cummings came out strong in the first two rounds, relentlessly putting pressure on the former world champ. The third round saw Joppy using his vastly superior experience to out-jab and outmaneuver the oncoming and determined foe in Cummings. Pressure was reinforced in round five by ‘Black Ice’, continuing to push Joppy against the ropes while the D.C native tried his best to counter. Rounds six and seven were closely fought. Joppy appeared to have the edge when pitted in the center of the ring as he was able to evade wild overhand rights and place well put combinations. Against the ropes, it was Cummings who did most damage, forcing hard shots to the noggin. Joppy easily controlled the round in the eighth, using his lateral movements and caught his charging opponent with several jabs and body shots. It was back-and-forth action in round nine where Cummings again, forced the action against the ropes while Joppy aimed to counter. Cummings remained a similar pace in the final round, repeatedly catching Joppy with hard hooks. Joppy weathered the storm and fired back with staggering uppercuts and right hand as the two combatants stood toe-to-toe in the final minute.

After ten very brutal rounds, majority of the crowd in attendance stood in ovation. Ultimately, one judge scored 96-94 in favor of Joppy while the others scored it even (95-95).

Joppy, now residing in Woodbridge, VA is probably one of the three or four best middleweights to have laced the gloves in the past two decades. Although his best days as a fighter are behind him, the former champion from D.C. still appears to be a popular attraction, proved by the reaction from his immense supporting crowd in attendance.

REID DAWG WINS AND SINGS

Former reality show ‘The Contender’ participant, Jonathan ‘Reid Dawg’ Reid (35-13, 19KOs) got back on the winning track, tabbing a lopsided six round decision over veteran Mike McFail (12-41-2, 4KOs) of Baltimore, MD. From the get go, Reid dictated pace with sharper technique, easily finding his target with consistent jabs and loud blows to the mid-section. McFail persistently applied pressure, but to no avail, largely due to Reid’s tight defense and savvy ring movement. Tides momentarily turned in favor of McFail in round five when he landed a hail-mary left hook to the chin that buckled Reid against the ropes. The referee credited McFail with the knockdown, but Reid re-took his command when he landed a huge hook that sent McFail’s mouthpiece flying out of the ring. Reid resumed in charge in the sixth, utilizing his superior athleticism and more accurate punches. All judges were in agreement with outcome, scoring the bout 59-55 (twice) and 58-55.

BALLARD DRILLS MULLINS!

The very popular and former Jimmy Lange foe Perry Ballard (21-2-1, 16KOs) scored a sensational first round knockout win over Booker Mullins (3-10, 2KOs) of Sparatanburg, SC in a six round scheduled welterweight contest. Mullins rocked Ballard with a well placed uppercut, but the ‘The Punisher’ retaliated with a perfectly timed right hand that dropped Mullins, prompting the referee to put a halt to a bout at 2:54. After the bout, the charismatic West Virginia native was vaunted by the responsive crowd. Ballard, who holds a Master’s degree in Safety, proceeded to interact with the crowd and even went on to call out Jimmy Lange for a rematch.

Local favorite and Fairfax resident Todd ‘White Lightning’ Wilson punished Columbia, SC’s Cory ‘Bad Boy’ Goodwin (7-6, 4KOs) to improve his unblemished record to 9-0, 3KOs. Wilson, an energetic lefty welterweight, was simply too fast, too powerful and just too relentless to overwhelm Cummings, who was haplessly getting pounded against the ropes in the third stanza. Official time of the stoppage was 2:24.

In the opening bout of the night, Alexandria, VA’s Brandon Quarles won an entertaining four round unanimous decision over Reston, VA’s Lawrence Jones. It was a closely contested bout throughout between two junior middleweights, but Quarles was awarded with the razor thin score of 38-37 across all three judges’ cards.

It was only the second fight of the night, but fans in attendance were convincingly pleased when middleweights Zain ‘Tiger’ Shah (4-0, 2KOs) and Omar Sims (5-3, 3KOs) gave their best efforts in the ring.

Annandale, VA’s Shah appeared to have won the first round, using his superior reach and connecting with jabs and occasional right hands to the head. Action increased towards the end of the round two when Sims pressed attack, landing crisp hooks to the head. Sims, who hails from Baltimore, MD, began to find his mark in round three, landing early with right hands. Shah seemed a bit fatigued as Sims progressively applied pressure and inflict damage on the inside. Sims resumed his attack in round four, but Shah was able to stun Sims just before the bell. Fifth round was close, with Shah continuing to create distance to land his counter right hand while Sims pursued to the body and doubling up with the hook. Both fighters let their hands going in the sixth and final round, but it heavily favored Sims, who was able to relentlessly land clean hooks to the head and hard shots to the body. Most ringside observers appeared to have Sims winning, but the judges disagreed, scoring 58-56 (twice) and 59-55 in favor of Shah.

In other interesting notes, Jonathan Reid, who was coming off his hard-fought win earlier in the night, displayed talent beyond pugilistic arts, singing a happy birthday tribute to Jimmy Lange’s sister in front of the audience. Other notables at ringside included the very high regarded Paul Williams, former junior welterweight champion DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop Corley’, and junior middleweight contender Harry Joe Yorgey.

Zab Judah has experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in a career filled with unpredictability.

Blessed with elite talent from the get-go, Judah’s speed, power, boxing ability and defense helped him win titles in two weight classes. The Brooklyn, NY bred southpaw was making his way up the pound for pound list after knocking out Cory Spinks to become the undisputed welterweight champion, but well documented miscues have at times overshadowed his success.

Judah has twice been suspended and fined after mental breakdowns caused him to spark riots in his bouts against Kostya Tszyu and Floyd Mayweather. He also suffered an embarrassing setback in what was supposed to be a hometown showcase against 16 to 1 underdog Carlos Baldomir in an uninspiring performance. In addition, the former three time New York Golden Gloves champion was involved in scuffles outside of the squared circle; but that was then and this is now.

A self defined born-again Christian, Judah is presently based out of Las Vegas, NV where he resides with his fiancé and son Zab Jr. Surprisingly, the 33 year old seems to have hit the jackpot in the same city where many have thrown away their life savings in a manner of hours.

Gone are Judah’s gold teeth, overzealous attitude and lavish lifestyle. Replacing them is a mature approach to his future in boxing and the realization of his mistakes. Accompanying his fresh outlook was the decision to move down to 140 pounds, where he’ll attempt to become the king of boxing’s hottest division.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Judah, 37-6- (27 KO’s), who takes on unbeaten power puncher Lucas Matthysse (27-0, 25 KO’s) tonight at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ in the main event of an HBO double header.

Matt Yanofsky: Tonight you are going to face an unbeaten opponent who is a huge puncher, but is a bit untested. What are you expecting?

Zab Judah: First I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity. Matthysse is a great fighter he has an unbeaten record of 27 wins with 25 knockouts. It’s not easy to knock somebody out, so he (is a threat). I have seen him he has good speed and he is looking to make an impression in America so I am sure he is going to try and do what he has to do.

MY: This is going to be your second fight at the Prudential Center, which is one of the hottest new venues in boxing, and you had a decent crowd last time around against Jose Armando Santa Cruz in July. What do you like about the Prudential Center and do you hope to keep fighting there?

ZJ: Yeah definitely! The Prudential Center has been great to us. Super Judah Promotions and Main Events have a great plan in place. There is no reason we can’t make this into the new Madison Square Garden!

MY: There are a lot of great fighters at 140 pounds such as Devon Alexander, who you called out in March, Timothy Bradley, Marcos Maidana and Amir Khan amongst others. Who would you like to fight if you are victorious and why?

ZJ: Right now my eyes are set on Matthysse. After the fight we will figure everything out but.

MY: A lot of fighters don’t move down in weight, especially as they get older. How were you able to effectively cut weight after fighting at 147 for so many years?

ZJ: (Mentions Jesus Christ’s great influence on his life) anything is possible. I think Zab Judah’s career is still blossoming and this is a lesson that nobody can say (I can’t do something) except God.

MY: Being that Matthysse is a straight forward fighter, are you planning to box and move or are you going to look to get him out of there?

ZJ: I am moving at God’s speed! I’m going to go in there and do (what Zab Judah does). I will see what he has and (determine the pace from there).

MY: What can the fans expect from you?

ZB: Explosiveness, lightning (speed) and dynamite boxing. It’s going to be a great event!

MY: Zab, thanks for the interview. What do you have to say in closing to your fans worldwide?

ZB: I love you all, (stay focused on what is in front of you and) keep God first in your life.

DALLAS, TEXAS — Former light middleweight title challenger Juan Carlos Candelo and rising super middleweight prospect Alfonso Lopez III each took home WBC-affiliated titles with victories in the co-featured bouts of a private event held at the Dallas Petroleum Club on Thursday night.

In a rematch, Candelo (31-10-4, 20 KOs) of Baytown, Texas by way of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia notched his second victory over Chase Shields (30-4-1, 14 KOs) of Houston, Texas and claimed his WBC USNBC Light Middleweight title in the process.

Candelo, 154, appeared to have turned back the clock to about 2003 when he was a perennial top contender, as he outboxed and outclassed Shields, 154, from the outset. Without much trouble, Candelo picked his shots from the outside, as all Shields could do was cover up and flick out a jab.

Having boxed Shields silly from the outside, Candelo pressed the fight in the sixth, and forced his counterpart to the ropes with a hammering series of blows. Frustrated with the way the fight was progressing, Shields grabbed Candelo in a headlock and dragged him to the mat at the end of the round.

Just seconds into the seventh, Candelo, upset by the headlock that had closed the previous round, and Shields began jawing at each other. Referee Jesse Reyes called for a timeout, which did not stop the argument. In the midst of the break, Shields flagrantly headbutted Candelo, who fell to the mat. After being forced away from Candelo, who was still lying on the canvas, Shields broke from the referee’s restraint to land another cheap shot.

Both camps ran into the ring to separate the fighters before things got any further out of hand. With no other option, Reyes disqualified Shields, who had been escorted out of the ring, officially 38 seconds into the seventh round.

“He want to headbutt me and then hit me on the floor,” explained Candelo after the fight. “That is the only way he can hit me. So I guess he got a free shot because I was down.” The reasons behind Shields’ actions were clear to his opponent. “I think out of frustration, and he knows that he was down in the fight, and to me what I saw was that he didn’t want nothing anymore, so he just found a way out,” said Candelo. “And the easy way out was to do something unsportsmanlike in the ring.”

Candelo scored a stoppage victory in their first meeting last December when Shields failed to answer the bell for round eight. Candelo, known for stirring up pre-fight emotions with his words, explained how this feud may have started. “The first time around there was bad blood, but it was more just trash talking,” said Candelo. “But I got him out of there, because I told him ‘I am gonna whoop your ass and you are not going to finish the fight.’ And that is exactly what I did.”

Candelo, who saw a potential springboard fight fall through when Sergio Mora opted out of their scheduled July clash to fight Shane Mosley in September, hopes his title-winning effort will help alter the course of his resurgent career. “The doors were closed to me, but now I am pretty sure we can go and knock on some doors and the doors will open. To my fans, I am back.”

In the co-main event, Alfonso Lopez III (21-0, 16 KOs) of Cut and Shoot, Texas claimed the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight title with a twelfth-round stoppage of Romero Johnson (11-3-1, 6 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio.

It took Lopez, 168, a few rounds to warm-up, but Johnson, 168, began the fight swinging freely for the fences with hooks that began from out of range and only occasionally hit the target. Lopez did however catch Johnson a couple times with short counter shots as the Cleveland resident came forward in the early rounds.

Johnson had one of his better rounds in the third, as he most notably caught Lopez with a clean left hook in the first half. As the round progressed, Lopez appeared to be getting his timing down for a counter against the forward-moving Johnson.

After a fourth round that consisted mainly of infighting, action began to heat up near the end of the fifth. In the last minute, Johnson tagged Lopez with a short punch on the inside, which seemed to inspire Lopez to open up and land a successful three-punch combination of his own.

Lopez kept the pressure on in the sixth, and began to take over the fight offensively. After a dominate three minutes, Lopez returned to his corner shaking his right hand and wincing. With the apparent injury, Lopez went left hand happy in the seventh. Despite the disadvantage, Johnson failed to capitalize on the situation and allowed himself to get outworked in the round.

In the eighth Lopez was still taking it easy with the right, even turning southpaw for a short stretch, but remained the busier fighter. Johnson continued to look for one wild punch at a time, but did land a sweeping hook late in the round that got the crowd’s attention.

Lopez continued to keep Johnson off guard with his output in the ninth, closing the round with a clean right-left combination. Though he punctuated the round, Lopez immediately looked over to his corner after shaking his right again. Lopez continued to dominate in the tenth and eleventh, landing more than one punch that snapped Johnson’s head back like a speed bag, but it appeared his injured hand may prevent him from going for the knockout.

With Johnson fading in the twelfth, Lopez refused to allow his injured right to stop him from scoring the knockout. Lopez opened up and scored with Johnson failing to defend. With Johnson forced against the ropes, and taking a series of unanswered punches, referee Laurence Cole leaped in to stop the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 2:45 of the final round.

For Lopez Thursday’s fight marked a move down to the 168-pound super middleweight class from seven pounds north, but the Cut and Shoot native seemed to adjust just fine. “Going into the fight, we knew Romero was tough, but I felt pretty good coming down to super middleweight,” said Lopez. “Overall I thought I did a lot of things right. I was getting better as the rounds were going on. I just took my time, got a little sloppy sometimes with some power punches, but once I settled down and started putting my punches together, I got him out of there.”

The injury to Lopez’ right hand, which occurred in the middle rounds just as he seemed to be warming up, gave the young pro an opportunity to prove he could overcome adversity during the course of a twelve-round fight. “It was pretty painful,” admitted Lopez afterward. “It’s in pretty bad shape. I just had to bite down, bear down on it, and try to use my left hand more and just grin it on the right hands I landed.”

Having claimed the regional WBC title over a solid veteran, Lopez now looks forward to bigger things. “We are looking for another good name, someone who’s got some credibility, someone who has maybe been on TV,” said Lopez. “Maybe we can look for a TV fight.”

Karim Martinez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Houston scored three knockdowns en route to a second-round technical stoppage of debuting Randolph Cole (0-1) of Gulfport, Mississippi. Martinez, 138, downed Cole, 138, in the early going of round one with a stiff jab and continued to work over the tentative new pro when the action resumed, forcing him to each corner with combinations. With Cole covering up in a corner, Martinez unleashed a right hook, left hand combination to down him again near the close of the round.

Cole came out more offensive-minded in round two, but eventually two light-looking body shots downed him again a minute in, which prompted referee Jesse Reyes to stop the contest. The official time was 1:05 of round two.

In a somewhat mauling lightweight affair, Alicio Castaneda (11-1, 5 KOs) of Cut and Shoot scored a four-round majority decision over Robert Lewis Hill (2-7) of Gulfport. Hill boxed well in spots during the first round, but ended up with a high on his forehead. From the second round on, the fight was fought almost entirely on the inside, as Hill’s southpaw style led to constant tangling with the onrushing Castaneda. With not much for the judges to differentiate between the fighters, scores read 40-36 and 39-37 for Castaneda, with one card tabulated evenly at 38-38.

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

Jose Miguel Cotto scored a fourth round stoppage over veteran Christopher Henry in a scheduled eight round Welterweight bout.

Cotto dropped Henry in the second and battered him in round’s three and four before the referee stopped the bout at 1:19 of round four.

Cotto, 145 lbs of Caguas, PR is now 32-2-1 with twenty two knockouts. Henry, 150 lbs of Barbados is now 22-21

Jesus Rojas scored a six round split decision over Reynaldo Lopez in a Featherweight bout.

Rojas scored a knockdown in the second round which proved to be the difference.

Rojas, 123 3/4 lbs of Caguas, PR is now 16-1. Lopez, 123 1/2 lbs of Colombia is now 30-10-2.

Angel Fret remained undefeated by scoring a second round stoppage over Sigfredo Medina in a scheduled six round Super Bantamweight bout.

Fret dominated the action and the bout was stopped just after Fret landed a three punch combination that was highlighted by a wicked left uppercut from the southpaw stance.

Fret, 121 lbs of Vega Alta, PR is now 9-0 with eight knockouts. Medina, 122 3/4 lbs of Aquadilla, PR is now 3-3.

Edwin Rodriguez remained undefeated as he stopped James McGirt Jr. in round nine of a scheduled ten round Super Middleweight bout at the Scheels Arena in Fargo, North Dakota.

Rodriguez had little problems as he imposed his will very early in the fight as he came out aggressively and started backing McGirt Jr. up from the opening frame. McGirt did show short spurts of countering some of Rodriguez’ misses as Rodriguez would load up and be a bit off balance.

Rodriguez dominance began to take prominence in round eight as he pounded McGirt against the ropes throughoutthe whole round. McGirt’s father/trainer, former world champion James “Buddy” McGirt threatened to stop the fight in between the eighth and ninth frame but the younger McGirt asked for and received one more opportunity to tiltthe fight in his direction.

That would not be the case as Rodriguez pounded McGirt on the ropes some more until referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout at 1:57 of round nine.

Rodriguez, 166.2 lbs of Worcester, MA is now 17-0 with thirteen knockouts. McGirt Jr., 167.8 lbs of Vero Beach, FL is now 22-2-1-1.

Aaron Pryor Jr. extracted some sort of revenge as he beat up Dyah Davis over eight rounds to score a dominationg unanimous decision.

Pryor Jr. Continued to exploit his 80 inch reach by landing some hard one-two combinations that were flush against the head and face of Davis. Pryor Jr. hurt Davis on several occasions and seemed to be one or two punches away from having Davis in serious trouble a few times throughout the bout. Pryor Jr.’s work was evident in round six as Davis began to bleed from the mouth and around the right. The outcome was never in doubt as Pryor Jr. cruised to the unanimous decision by scores of 79-73; 79-73 and 78-74

It was Davis’ dad, Howard Davis Jr. that kept legendary former Jr. Welterweight champion Aaron Pryor off the 1976 U.S. Olympic team.

Pryor Jr., 167 1/4 lbd of Cincinnati, OH is now 15-2. Davis, 168.6 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is now 18-2.

Marcus Johnson remained undefeated by stopping Kevin Engel after round three of a scheduled eight round Super Middleweight bout.

In the first two rounds, Johnson got the better of the action that was highlighted by some nice body shots. Johnson dropped Engel early in round three with a big right hand. Johnson was all over Engel by landing a flurry of punches which was culminated by a big body shot which precipitated referee Mark Nelson to administer a standing wight count. Johnson landed a few more big shots but Engel seemed to be steadied before Nelson stopped the bout in the corner after round three.

Johnson, 172 lbs of Houston, TX is now 20-0 with fifteen knockouts. Engel, 167.8 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 18-4.

LAS VEGAS – In a gambling Mecca full of whispered tips and inside information, there’s talk that Juan Manuel Lopez is worried. Only a fool wouldn’t be.

Lopez’ advertised potential as the face of boxing’s next generation of stars is about to be tested as it never has Saturday night at the MGM Grand in a dangerous encounter with one of the masters of the reigning generation. Rafael Marquez stands in his way, perhaps as formidable as ever and still feared by many.

There was no sign of fear in JuanMa at the weigh-in Friday or the final news conference Thursday. His charisma is as powerful as his punch. It knocks out everything else, including any hints of self-doubt.

He and Marquez left no doubt they were ready for the Showtime-televised clash Friday when stepping onto the official scale, both at 125.5 pounds, a half-pound under the featherweight division’s limit. They posed. They stared. The weigh-in ritual didn’t include a single blink or smile. Only potential fury waits in a fight that will result in more punches and fewer headlines than anything produced by jockeys Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano Friday in a Breeders Cup brawl at Churchill Downs.

But there were a couple of words Thursday, mostly from Lopez, who is defending his World Boxing Organization title. Marquez has seen film of Lopez, down in the opening round against Bernabe Concepcion, who will never be confused with Marquez. For the deliberate Marquez, that moment represents a weakness that has seen and exploited often. He mentioned it and Lopez countered.

“I read that the team of Rafael Marquez said that I have no chin,’’ said Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs), a 27-year-old Puerto Rican. “But the one who is undefeated is me. I know he has won a few fights by knockout, but on Saturday night you’ll see who really can take a punch and who can’t.’’

Lopez suggested that Marquez promoter Gary Shaw annoyed him by saying he had to prove himself against the 35-year-old Mexican (39-5, 35 KOs), who is the brother of better-known Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Shaw told me: ‘If you’re so good how come you don’t fight Rafael,’ ‘’ Lopez said. “I’m so good I’m going to beat Rafael Marquez on Saturday.”

The 35-year-old Marquez sounded as if he has experienced enough, learned more than enough, to withstand any storm.

“I will show that I can beat anyone at any point in their career,’’ said Marquez, whose bruising series with Israel Vazquez has left some wondering if he there is anything left of the brilliant bantamweight he was in his prime. “Experience and talent will beat youth. …Hard work and preparation will beat youth anytime.’’

Although there were no surprises on the scale from either Lopez or Marquez, there were a couple from super-middleweights Allan Green and Glen Johnson, tournament subs who will fight for a chance to advance to the semifinals of the shuffled Super Six.

Glen Johnson, who has been campaigning at light-heavyweight (175) for years, easily made the weight at 167, one pound under the 168 limit.

“I thought making the weight would be more difficult,’’ Johnson said. “I was at weight two weeks ago, so that was surprising.’’

In making weight, trainer Orlando Cuellar said Johnson might have learned something that could have worked a few years ago.

“I know a lot of people were concerned if he could make ‘68, much less be effective at ’68,’’ Cuellar said. “I guess you all get to find out Saturday. But if it is any indication what he has done at the gym I think he is faster, lighter on his feet. I think we discovered that maybe he should have been at this weight a few fights back.’’

For Green, the weigh-in wasn’t so easy. He was a half-pound too heavy in his first trip to the scale. In a quick strip-tease, Green stepped behind a blanket, took off his shorts and made the mandatory 168.

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

NABO Jr. Welterweight Title/IBF Eliminator — 12 Rounds

Zab Judah (39-6, 27 KO) — 139 lbs.

vs.

Lucas Matthysse (27-0, 25 KO) — 140 lbs.

Vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds

Robert Guerrero (27-1-1, 18 KO) — 133 lbs.

vs.

Vincente Escobedo (22-2, 14 KO) — 134 lbs.

Welterweights — 8 Rounds

Sadam Ali (8-0, 5 KO) — 145.5 lbs.

vs.

Gary Bergeron (12-6, 7 KO) — 143 lbs.

Heavyweights — 8 Rounds

Mariusz Wach (22-0, 10 KO) — 263 lbs.

vs.

TBA

Light Heavyweights — 4 Rounds

Angel Concepcion (2-0) — 179 lbs.

vs.

Maurice Amaro (1-2) — 173 lbs.

Junior Welterweights — 4 Rounds

Mike Brooks (2-0, 1 KO) — 140.5 lbs.

vs.

Kywayne Hill (1-5, 1 KO) — 139 lbs.

Junior Lightweights — 4 Rounds

Tyrone Luckey (1-0, 1 KO) — 130 lbs.

vs.

Alex Montes (1-1) — 126 lbs.

Lightweights — 6 Rounds

Mike Perez (9-0, 4 KO) — 136 lbs.

vs.

Hevinson Herrera (14-6-1, 12 KO) — 135 lbs.

Junior Lightweights — 8 Rounds

Adrien Broner (17-0, 14 KO) — 134.5 lbs.

vs.

Ilido Julio (40-19-1, 35 KO) — 136.5 lbs.

Welterweights — 4 Rounds

Mikael Zewski (4-0, 3 KO) — 151 lbs.

vs.

Ardrick Butler (5-2, 2 KO)

Junior Middleweight — 4 Rounds

Bastie Samir (5-0, 5 KO) — 162 lbs.

vs.

Damion Reed (2-3, 1 KO) — 163 lbs.

Judah vs. Matthysse, a twelve round NABO junior welterweight championship bout, is part of an exciting night of boxing at Newark’s Prudential Center on Saturday, November 6. The show is presented by Main Events, Super Judah Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions. Doors open at 6:00pm, first bout to follow immediately. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 11:15pm ET / PT.

Tickets are still available: 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.

This Saturday, Las Vegas, Nevada will be host to yet another installment in the long line of Puerto Rican versus Mexican fights. For long, the two countries have battled it out in the lower weight classes and the rivalry has given us plenty of classic and exciting fights. True, there have been some duds in the process (everyone would have liked to see Camacho fight more against Chávez instead of simply surviving) but the upcoming bout for Lopez’s WBO featherweight strap should be explosive while it lasts.

Both fighters carry more than enough pop to really hurt each other and both have a tendency to slug it out even when their boxing would fare better. Going into the first of his four fight extravaganza against Israel Vázquez, Márquez was deemed slightly better in terms of technique; still he would not back down from any exchanges throughout the four bouts that ended in two wins a piece. Against Silence Mabuza, Marquez also got in brawls where his boxing could have carried him to a victory without receiving as much leather. For a boxer of his pedigree, the fact that he has been stopped four out of the five times he has lost is proof enough that he is susceptible to getting knocked out.

Similarly, López tends to leave his chin out in the open and trade at times when there’s no need for it unless you call getting the crowd to their feet a “need”. Against journeyman Rogers Mtagwa, López easily dominated the first rounds but gradually fell into Mtagwa’s fight and had to survive the final two rounds out on his feet. Not only was he tired and hurt, he appeared unable to throw punches and stay up on his feet at the same time. Still, Juan-Ma would only clinch in the final round, a round that was correctly scored by many as a 10-8 round despite there being no knockdowns. In his latest outing, López had to get off the canvas in round one against to stop his out powered Bernabé Concepción in round two.

But enough about each fighter’s weaknesses. Their fortes are what will make for a spectacular bout. Both fighters bring an 89 percent knockout ratio into the fight. And these knockouts haven’t come against tomato cans and have beens. López’s (29-0, 26KO’s) resume includes stoppage victories over Daniel Ponce de Leon, Gerry Peñalosa and Steven Luevano. Ponce de León hasn’t lost since, and Peñalosa and Luevano both retired having only been stopped by López. Failing to hear the final bell against Márquez (39-5, 35KO’s) are Mark Johnson in their second fight, Israel Vázquez in their first and fourth matches and Tim Austin among others. Johnson wouldn’t get knocked out again for over two years and Austin would only get stopped in his last fight, three years after and way past his prime.

Both fighters are sound technicians and have great form in their boxing. Márquez may have an edge in the stamina department as he has proven he can fight twelve hard rounds while López has a tendency to loose power and form as the fight progresses. The Puerto Rican southpaw likes to punch first and can put two and three punches together very well while the two division Mexican champion is an excellent counter puncher who can land combos impressively well while staying in the pocket.
Although boxrec.com lists López with advantages in height and reach, these are minimal and when face to face, Márquez seemed the taller of the two. Still, at 126 lbs., López seems like the bigger man going into the fight.

Márquez has only fought twice at the featherweight limit. First against José Francisco Mendoza and then his fourth fight against Vázquez. He stopped both of them in the third round but Mendoza wasn’t on his level and too little of Vázquez was left for that fight to properly judge his performance at an elite level in the division. The Puerto Rican’s record at the weight consists of having stopped Luevano for the belt and a defense against Concepción. Against both men, López seemed the much stronger fighter and Luevano specifically was almost unable to hurt him.

Had this fight taken place a few years back, in a lower weight division or before Márquez had taken so much punishment, odds makers wouldn’t have López close to the three to one favorite he is right now. But the time is now, the weight is 126 lbs. and Márquez has fought 28 rounds with Israel Vázquez. If the Mexican veteran can’t hurt Juan-Ma or falls behind during the first half of the fight, he will most likely get stopped. If he can keep the fight even going into the final four rounds he’ll add another name to his already Hall of Fame worthy career.

For López, it remains to be seen if he can keep this fight in familiar territory. As a friend of mine wisely noted, the young champion has yet to enter the seventh round of a fight behind on the score cards or worse yet, loosing the physical aspect of the fight. Still, a superb straight left combined with a short tight right hook give López very good odds at hurting Márquez early on and a cut or swollen Márquez going into the seventh probably won’t make it to the final bell. Juan-Ma has to keep his composure and work off his jab if he wants to keep the “o” at the end of his record.

After much thought, I’ll say López wins by late TKO.

Matt Yanofsky goes 1 on 1 with unbeaten Glen Tapia. Tapia, who is 8-0 with 5 KO’s, recently served as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao and is fresh off a grueling six round decision victory last weekend in Atlantic City.

LAS VEGAS – After a dark month that didn’t include much more than the sad spectacle of watching Shannon Briggs endure a terrible beating from Vitali Klitschko, November dawns with fighters and a fight, Juan Manuel Lopez-versus-Rafael Marquez, with all of the elements that have been missing in action.

Lopez, a Puerto Rican, and Marquez, a Mexican, haven’t said much. They haven’t had to.

A Fight-of-the- Year possibility is real in a featherweight bout at the MGM Grand on Showtime Saturday night in a classic confrontation at the crossroads. There’s the 35-year-old old Marquez in a battle to extend his career before turning toward a retirement that is destined to take him into the Hall of Fame. In the opposite corner, there is the 27-year-old Lopez, who is eager to just move into a position that one day might allow him to be where Marquez is now.

“Without a doubt, I know he’s coming to prove that he’s still at the same level,’’ the fighter best known as JuanMa said on a conference call. “I’m out to prove that I’m at the same level he’s at. …I can’t see how it will not be a good fight. We both have a lot to prove. We’re willing to give up everything in the ring.”

Like any good fight, plenty of intrigue is offered by a collection of subplots. Lopez-Marquez looks as if it will be another chapter in a rivalry, Puerto Rico-versus-Mexico, as rich in tradition as any. Flags will fly. So, too, will the fists, some of which promise to result in knockdowns. Playing-it-safe is Chad Dawson’s game, which has never been played by JuanMa.

The unbeaten lefthander (29-0, 26 KOs) has been down, off his feet in the first round against Bernabe Concepcion and victorious in the second. Lopez courts trouble, which is part of the attraction. If the danger isn’t there and always imminent, there’s no reason to watch.

“I see how strong and powerful he is,’’ Marquez (39-5, 35 KOs) said. “But I also see his weaknesses. I see that he has a weak chin. So we have to take advantage of that and put our punches together and use a lot of combinations. I have to use all of my experience and all of my power and all my intelligence in the ring to get to him. It’s a winnable fight, no question.’’

From this seat, Lopez-Marquez looms as the best of a loaded Holiday card, which includes Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tex., the Paul Williams-Sergio Martinez rematch on Nov. 20 in Atlantic City, Juan Manuel Marquez-Michael Katsidis on Nov. 27 and Amir Kahn-Marcos Maidana on Dec. 11.

There’s plenty on the plate, almost too much. Pacquiao’s crossover celebrity – he’s an intercontinental star – takes away some of the attention on Lopez-Marquez, which would have captured more of the headlines if it had happened on Sept. 18. But a postponement was forced by an inadvertent injury suffered by Marquez, who hurt his thumb in a car door. But it’s the first in a revival after a recession, an Octoberflop. After it’s all over, I suspect first will rank as the best.

It’s a lot easier to pick Lopez-Marquez as a Fight-of-the-Year contender than it is to pick a winner. Lopez has never encountered anybody with Marquez experience, smarts and instincts. Like his brother Juan Manuel, Rafael has a predatory eye for weaknesses and there are many in Lopez’ aggressive pursuit.

But there also are haunting questions about Marquez. How much is left? His battles with Israel Vazquez were as bruising as they are memorable. There had to be price. It was evident in May that Vazquez had paid in full when he fell within four rounds against Marquez. The bout hinted at two possibilities:

A) — With the victory, Marquez proved he has a lot more left than some thought.

B) — He looked so good simply because Vazquez is beyond his prime.

If it’s B, JuanMa moves forward on a path to the kind of Puerto Rican stardom enjoyed by his idol, Felix Trinidad.

If it’s A, expect a rematch.

The hunch here is that Lopez will temper some of his aggressiveness and win a late-round stoppage against an aging Marquez in a contender for Fight of the Year, which is the best pick of all.

NOTES, QUOTES
· It looks as if Filipino Congressman Pacquiao’s political punch is also potent. Five days after endorsing Nevada Senator Harry Reid at a Las Vegas campaign stop, Reid knocked out Republican challenger and tea-party darling Sharron Angle. Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao’s appearance with Reid energized the Filipino and Hispanic vote. Vegas’ Filipino population is about 30,000. The city’s Hispanic community numbers about 130,000. Reid, a Democrat and the Senate’s majority leader, won by about 40,000 votes.

· An order-of-protection filed by Hall of Fame junior-flyweight Michael Carbajal and girlfriend Laura Hall against neighbors Josephine Carbajal, Michael’s niece, and Jose Espinal was upheld Tuesday at a Phoenix hearing. Josephine played a recording in an attempt to show a pattern of domestic abuse at Michael Carbajal’s home. But the recording was discredited in testimony from Hall. The voice of Michael’s son and the barking of his dog were heard on the tape. Neither was in the house at the time Josephine said the recording was made. Michael Carbajal is battling to gain ownership of 12 properties he says were purchased by brother and ex-trainer Danny Carbajal with money he earned in the ring. Danny is in prison for a conviction on charges he stole an estimated $2 million.

· And keep your day job, which is either in the ring, or the Filipino Congress, or both. Wherever it is, it’s not in music. At least, Margarito doesn’t think so. Margarito said he didn’t see Pacquiao join Will Ferrell in a rendition of the Beatles song, Imagine, the other night on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show. Apparently, he didn’t have to. “All I can tell you is that he is a better boxer than he is a singer,’’ Margarito said. “I think maybe he should dedicate himself more to boxing.’’

Twenty seven year old Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is already something many great fighters never will be; a champion outside of the ring. Unlike numerous boxers who have failed to serve as a positive role model, Guerrero, a three time titleholder, isn’t just fighting for money, he’s fighting for a cause.

Guerrero’s wife Casey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2007 and has been undergoing treatment to help her overcome the dangerous disease that affects more than 250,000 Americans. The Gilroy, CA native is actively involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and is an integral part of a fundraising project to help combat the illness.

I had the chance to catch up with Guerrero, who battles fellow California Vicente Escobedo Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ as part of an HBO doubleheader.

Matt Yanofsky: This Saturday you will be taking on 2000 Olympian Vicente Escobedo. Many would agree that a poor performance by him will spell his days as a noteworthy fighter. Do you think that perhaps he will be tougher than you anticipate?

Robert Guerrero: I don’t know what the critics think of him, all I know is I’m preparing for a tough fight. Escobedo is an Olympian and you don’t get there by being an average fighter. He does a lot of good things in the ring and I expect him to be the best he’s ever been in any fight. He has a new trainer and he’s confident. He’s ready to go as am I.

MY: Escobedo definitely wasn’t the people’s choice for this fight, especially considering he was clearly out pointed in his last fight against Michael Katsidis and doesn’t really have a marquee win. Who else did they offer and why do you think those fights weren’t made?

RG: That question is for my management team. My job is to get in the ring and fight the person they put in front of me. I don’t look at an opponent, that’s my manager’s job. I never turn down a fight. Vicente is ranked #2 by the WBO so he’s a worthy opponent in my opinion.

MY: Your wife Casey has battled Leukemia during the last few years and I know her condition has been up and down. Has her condition made it harder for you to focus on training?

RG: It was very difficult juggling my career, her battle and taking care of the kids. Now that she is doing better, I can focus more on my boxing career and training. She’s doing great right now.

MY: You have been jumping around in weight a bit during the last few years. Are you planning to stay at 135 or also fight at 140?

RG: My goal is to win a championship at 135 then move up to 140. If a big fight presents itself at 140 then I’ll take it.

MY: Some critics would argue that you haven’t battled the top fighters at 126-135 and your best win is against an over the hill Joel Casamayor. Although you have had some decent showcases, what do you think the reason is that you haven’t fought an elite opponent that is in their prime, especially considering who Golden Boy has in their stable?

RG: Everything happens for a reason. I’ve had to go through some trials and tribulations in and out of the ring. I’m a big believer in Jesus Christ and I know God has a plan from me to do something special in boxing. I’m happy with Golden Boy, they treat my team and I very well. I’m just going to keep on trucking and do my best to keep winning. The big fight will be there as long as I continue to win.

MY: There has been some recent press about your documentary. What can you tell us about it?

RG: The documentary can be seen at www.theghostdocumentary.com. The film is being directed by Andrew Johnston who also films for the NY Jets. He’s a great talent and he’s telling my story about my comeback from vacating my title earlier this year. It’s coming along great.

MY: What is your game plan come Saturday night?

RG: I’m going to come with everything. I’m leaving everything in the ring on fight night.

MY: Who is on your radar if you are victorious?

RG: My only focus is Escobedo. But I have to say it would be an honor to fight the great Mexican champion, Juan Manuel Marquez if he can get past Katsidis.

MY: Thanks for your time and best of luck Saturday. Our prayers are with you’re family for Casey to regain full health. What do you have to say in closing to your fans all around the world and the readers of 15rounds.com?

RG: I want to thank all the fans of boxing, not just my fans. Like the late Chuck Bodak used to say, if it wasn’t for the fans there would be no boxing. Also, tune in this Saturday for a great night of boxing. Escobedo and I are going to war.

After a quiet fall so far things finally kick off in a big way with the Featherweight clash of Juanma Lopez against Rafael Marquez this Saturday. It presents us with a young up and coming fighter, who’s a two weight world champion against a older guy who’s place in the history books is already assured and looking to become a three weight world champion. Throw in the Puerto Rican, Mexico rivalry and this has all the makings a tremendous fight. It could be a changing of the guard if Lopez wins or it could be a reminder of just how good Marquez is if he wins. For his part Juanma has done all that has been asked of him so far going a perfect 29-0(26) which is a kayo ratio of nearly 90%. While Marquez boasts a 39-5(35) ledger with an almost equal kayo ratio. Showing both guys can clearly punch. Lopez has been down against Bernabe Concepcion & close to being stopped with Rogers Mtagwa while Marquez has been stopped in 4 of his 5 loses showing a chink in there armour. Of course you don’t go as far as these two guys if you can’t box, but a stoppage must be favoured in this battle of gunslingers. Here’s what Lopez had to say ahead of arguably his biggest fight to date.

Hello Juanma, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You have a big fight coming up with Rafael Marquez, what are your thoughts on this fight?

Juanma Lopez – This is the greatest fight for me in my career. I think that I have to go in the best shape for this fight because I’m going to face a good fighter who’s also training hard for the bout. Marquez is a good champion and an experienced fighter.

Anson Wainwright – The fight was originally scheduled for 18 September but has been put back 6 weeks how has that effected you?

Juanma Lopez – The change had no effect for me because I came from a fight in July 10 and with the postposition I rested a little bit and continued my training as always. But with my family did affect a little because I would take my children to Disney World and now I have to take them after the fight.

Anson Wainwright – You gave your 30 day pre-weigh in how did that go? What do you normally weigh between fights?

Juanma Lopez – In the first pre-weigh in I made 136 pounds of a 144.9 maximum, I’m in a good way in this moment with this weight. Normally, when I don’t have fights, I’m in 144 or 145 pounds.

Anson Wainwright – This will be your third fight at Featherweight since moving up from Super Bantamweight, how much easier is it for you to make weight? Do you think you’ll stay at 126 for long?

Juanma Lopez – I’m very comfortable in this weight, it’s more easy to make the weight of 126. When I was in 122 for my latest fights I was dehydrated as the Rogers Mtagwa fight, my last in 122. I think that I’m going to fight in 126 for a year, always looking for the good offers.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Juanma Lopez – My manager is Orlando Piñero, who has been with me from amateur and is like a father, my trainer is Alex Caraballo and my promoters Top Rank and PR Best Boxing Promotions. I train in the Jose “Cheo” Aponte Gym in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Anson Wainwright – Much has been made of your rivalry with Yuriorkis Gamboa, what are your feelings on him and that potential fight?

Juanma Lopez – That is a fight it must be given, promoters have been talking about that for a long time. Both of us want the fight and if all goes well, it’s going to make in the summer of 2011. We are both hard punchers and there will be a good fight between Gamboa and me.

Anson Wainwright – The Featherweight is pretty strong at the moment along with Marquez & yourself you have Celestino Caballero, Elio Rojas & Chris John along with up and comers like Mikey Garcia & Juan Carlos Burgos. What are your thoughts on those guys & how strong the Featherweight division is?

Juanma Lopez – In this moment the division is one of the best. I want to face the best fighter and I’m ready for all of them, Chris John, Celestino Caballero, Gamboa, Rojas. There are a lot of talent in this 126 division right now.

Anson Wainwright – So far what fight do you think was your best performance & why? Also which KO of yours do you consider the best?

Juanma Lopez – I had good fights in my career, but one of my best performances was the Daniel Ponce de Leon KO. It was in my first title bout and I knocked out him in the very first round. He was downed three times, it was a great fight for me.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Rafael Marquez ahead of your fight?

Juanma Lopez – The message is that he will be well trained for this fight because I’m training to do the best. I know he is a good boxer and I’m training for that, to box, to brawl, to everything will happen in that ring.

Thanks for your time Juanma keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

“Team Pacquiao bus ready to roll” — Superstar Manny Pacquiao’s custom Team Pacquiao bus rolls into Las Vegas Wednesday for its first preview before heading to Texas. Pacquiao takes on three-time world champion Antonio Margarito on November 13, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas. Pacquiao vs Margarito is promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions and Cowboys Stadium. The Pacquiao vs Margarito telecast will be available live on HBO Pay Per View

Photos bu Chris Farina / Top Rank

ATLANTIC CITY (November 3, 2010)— Spartan Fight Promotions has announced that tickets are now on sale for SPARTAN FIGHT PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: BATTLE II, The Battle For The Belt, Farah Ennis versus Victor Lares for the NABF Super Middleweight Title, which will take place on Friday night November 19th at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City.

The show is promoted by Mike Brestle’s Spartan Fight Promotions and the fight card will kick off the biggest boxing weekend of 2010 in Atlantic City.

The co-feature will be a ten round heavyweight fight featuring top heavyweight contender Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon, 27-2.

The undercard featuring several of the sport’s top undefeated prospects will be announced shortly.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $125; $90; $60; & $40 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (1 800 736 1420); The Harrahs Box Office or GNP Fitness (609 348 4999)

Just less than a year and a half ago, a hard-hitting Argentinian made his United States debut on HBO. He was introduced to American audiences as a “knockout artist,” having won all but one of his twenty-four victories by way of knockout. The boxer: Marcos Maidana. The result: a sixth round TKO victory over then-unbeaten Victor Ortiz.

On Saturday night at Newark’s Prudential Center, another hard-hitting Argentinian “knockout artist” will make his American debut on HBO. The boxer: Lucas Matthysse. The task: derail the ‘comeback’ of Zab Judah, whose last three fights have led the boxing world to believe he has recaptured his championship form.

Matthysse will try to mirror the winning efforts of Maidana in his American and HBO debut, and if successful, will help avenge his brother, Walter Matthysse’s, HBO debut loss, which marked the beginning to the end of his career.

In late 2005, an undefeated Walter Matthysse easily won his first fight on American soil with a first round knockout against Xavier Tolliver. Less than a year later, the heavy-handed Argentinian found himself on HBO trading blows with fellow undefeated contender, Paul Williams.

In a spirited effort, Matthysse hung in with the “Punisher” for nine-plus rounds before the fight was stopped by referee Jack Reiss in the tenth. Matthysse never recovered from his loss to Williams, losing four out his next five bouts, three of them by knockout.

Having had two Argentinian “knockout artists” in their HBO debut’s blaze two very different trails before him, the importance of this fight with regards to the direction of Matthysse’s career is clear.

In preparation for Saturday night’s showdown with Judah, Matthysse set up camp at the World Crown Sports gym in Oxnard, California, where he trained alongside fellow Argentinian and middleweight champion, Sergio Martinez.

Matthysse, who sports both a ponytail, as well as a tattoo of his mother, is primarily trained by Luis Dionicio “Cuty” Barrera; but while in Oxnard, also worked with Martinez’s trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento.

Undoubtedly, with Martinez and Sarmiento will benefit the hungry Argentinian. A win over Judah would simultaneously propel Matthysse into title contention and all-but end Judah’s ‘comeback’ campaign.

There is little chance Matthysse outboxes “Super” Judah and an even slimmer chance he’d be awarded a close decision in Newark if he did.

It is for this reason that the Argentinian “knockout artist” will need to win in his usual fashion and do so by landing power punches with the precision of a da Vinci portrait.

With regards to his ponytail, Matthysse told AOL Fanhouse’s Elie Sechback through a translator, “It is a promise to myself that when I win a world a world title, I will cut it off.”

A win will put Matthysse’s hat in the ring of 140 lb. contenders, while a loss would sabotage any plans for a haircut.

For more on Argentinian boxing, I urge you to read Anson Wainwright’s comprehensive piece titled “State of the Game,” that first ran on 15Rounds.com on Oct. 27.

Three-time world champion Antonio Margarito(R) and trainer Robert Garcia(L) hit the mitts in preparation for Margarito’s upcoming mega fight against superstar Manny Pacquiao on November 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas. Pacquiao vs Margarito is promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions and Cowboys Stadium. The Pacquiao vs Margarito telecast will be available live on HBO Pay Per View

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

It’s been a tough year for Elio “The Kid” Rojas 22-1(13) it started well enough when he went to Mexico and soundly outpointed local Guty Espades Jnr over tweleve rounds in his first defence of his WBC Featherweight title. He was then scheduled to unify with the WBA Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in July when that was postponed until September only for a troublesome shoulder injury to force Rojas out of the fight with the Cuban sensation. He has been on the shelf ever since, now thankfully he seems to be on the road to recovery and hopes to be back in action in early 2011 when he will be looking to make up for lost time. Here’s what the highly skilled Dominican Republic fighter had to say.

Hello Elio, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You are currently injured what can you tell us about the injury? How is your shoulder now & how long much longer do you think it will keep you out?

Elio Rojas – It started with stiffness on my left shoulder during camp training for the Sept. 11, 2010 Gamboa fight but the real concern was the constant swelling on my right hand when I was hitting the punching bag. As far as my shoulder it’s at 100% and the hand is healing nicely should be at 100% capacity by December and should be ready to defend my title by February 2011.

Anson Wainwright – How did the injury first happen?

Elio Rojas – The Guty Espadas, Jr. Fight, February 20, 2010 in Yucatan, Mexico.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Elio Rojas – Team Rojas is comprised of people I look up to & respect for what they have done for me & who believe in me unconditionally namely: Manager- Antonio “Tony” Tineo, Trainer-Calvin Morgan, Corner & Cut Man-Manny Seaca, & Promoter-Don King/Don King Promotions.

Rojas manager Tony Tineo also wished to add “Elio “The Kid” Rojas has teamed up with the Reading Inner-City Boxing Club, Reading, PA. The popular Dominican WBC champion has committed to serving as a role model for the youth of the boxing club. Since being introduced to the gym Rojas is impressed with this citywide year round after school program at Baer Park, West Douglass and George Sts in Reading which follows an approach that has proven to work in cities around the nation in attracting at risk youth; in particular youth involved in gang behaviors. Rojas believes that the success of the program reflects the continual need to provide meaningful recreational opportunities delivered by volunteers who assist youth in their growth as healthy and productive individuals. He is excited about serving in a leadership capacity for these kids. Rojas will announce that he will schedule exhibition matches and future press conferences at the Reading Inner-City Boxing Club; which will also provide the facility opportunity for his own training needs”

Anson Wainwright – You won the WBC Featherweight title when you went to Japan and beat Takahiro Aoh in July 2009. What are your thoughts looking back on that fight and what it meant to you to win a world title?

Elio Rojas – In one word “Incredible”, but in many more “A Dream Come True.” Beating a champion or opponents, like I did with Guty Espadas, Jr. also, at their own backyard is always a great feeling because you have to earn the respect of the crowd and your opponent and that’s the encouragement and motivation I feed off on to even want to win the bout even more. Plus that fight was dedicated to my inspiration, my dad, may he rest in peace, who always wanted it just as much as I did. That’s why when I won the WBC Featherweight Championship Title Belt I lifted the belt in the sky to tell him “it was for you, because of you and for believing in me no matter what.” I saw the best way to honor him was by winning the championship.

Anson Wainwright – You then fought in Mexico and beat Guty Espades on points. What can you tell us about that fight & how happy were you with that performance?

Elio Rojas – It was my first title defense but now I was being respected, recognized and taken seriously among the boxing world as a true boxer, competitor and champion. And, to be forward with you I thrive off beating good competitors on their own playing field. It’s like when MJ use to beat the Knicks in MSG. If someone out there hasn’t seen me in action-follow me on You Tube and see that my conditioning and discipline is so at point that I can beat the best of them by my punching ability or go the distance without tiring out like a true champion. It wasn’t by a split decision it was by a unanimous decision that I won my first defense.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first get into Boxing in The Dominican Republic?

Elio Rojas – My father was the motivator. He was a Physical Education Instructor and Personal Trainer in the Dominican Republic and always stressed the importance of good and healthy physical conditioning and discipline in sports. That was instilled in me since the age of seven and since I always admired as a child the sport of boxing I embraced it as a means to a way to make my family, especially my dad proud of me.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career, what tournaments did you fight at & what was your final record?

Elio Rojas – My amateur career consists of 195 fights; 193 wins & 2 losses. 2001 World Championship Bronze Medallist in Belfast & 2002 Central American & Caribbean Games Gold Medallist. And, currently Professionally 22 wins, 1 lost & 0 draws.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing to relax? What are you hobbies & Interests? What other sports do you enjoy watching and what teams do you support?

Elio Rojas – My relaxation consists of listening to Tropical Music; Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton. My hobbies & interest is watching Baseball / Basketball & watching Boxing of course especially my future opponents. My favorite teams are the New York Yankees & the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anson Wainwright – If you weren’t a boxer what do you think you would be doing?

Elio Rojas – I would be a lawyer like my uncle or be playing baseball 2nd baseman next to Jeter & A-Rod.

Anson Wainwright – You were scheduled to fight Yuriorkis Gamboa before your injury, what do you think of him as a fighter? What about the other champions WBA Chris John & WBO Juanma Lopez?

Elio Rojas – Oh man that’s the fight the world wanted to see and that’s the fight I wanted so bad. He’s a good fighter but I’m better!!! But, I’m a smart fighter I have to look at my long term existence but because of the injuries I had to listen to my advisors recommendations and view it as a sound decision on my future in boxing. As far as Chris John & Juanma Lopez they are two good boxers but again I’m a better fighter and look forward to being in the ring with them one day but that’s left up to the promoters. My job is to be ready when the moment presents itself. But the fight I have my eye on is a Rojas vs. Lopez showdown in New York City, preferable in Madison Square Garden or better yet Yankee Stadium, because that’s what the public and the boxing world yearns for two islanders; the Dominican Republic Champion vs. Puerto Rican Champion united in the biggest Island of all NEW YORK CITY-Isla De Los Campeons it definitely would be a SRO event and a boxing classic for the books.

Anson Wainwright – What Boxer was your hero growing up & who do you enjoy watching today?

Elio Rojas – Growing up I loved watching film clip classics of the Legendary Boxers like; Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, and Bernard Hopkins. The boxers I really enjoy watching today are Roy Jones, Jr., Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Jhonny Gonzalez.

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

Elio Rojas – First of all I want to thank my biggest fan God, then you of course and to all my supporters who have embraced me as there champion in and out of the ring. I appreciate your unconditional continued support and rest a sure I will be back in the ring soon. And, that I miss them as much as they miss me. Watch out I will fight to become the next undisputed featherweight champion for 2011 and going forward.

Thanks for your time Elio, hopefully the shoulder recovers and we see you back in action soon.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

NEW YORK (Nov. 1, 2010) – Two fights have been added to an exciting STRIKEFORCE Challengers event Friday, Nov. 19, at Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Miss., live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

STRIKEFORCE formally announced today that power-punching Jan “Cuddles’’ Finney (8-8) of Springfield, Ohio, will be opposed by unbeaten Liz “Girl-Rilla’’ Carmouche (4-0) of San Diego, Calif., in a key women’s match at 135 pounds (welterweight) and Caros “The Future” Fodor (6-2) of Seattle, Wash., will throw down with Derek “The Pretzel’’ Getzel (2-1) of Andover, Minn., at lightweight (155 pounds).

In the main event, lightweight star and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro (20-4) will take on Justin “The Silverback” Wilcox (9-3) of Cincinnati. Another televised fight will feature former University of Tennessee linebacker Ovince St. Preux (7-4), of Knoxville, Tenn., who will be seeking his fifth consecutive conquest inside the distance when he faces Antwain “The Juggernaut’’ Britt’’ (11-4) of Virginia Beach, Va., in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) scrap.

The MMA fight card is presented by Rockstar Energy Drink and will mark STRIKEFORCE’s initial foray into the state of Mississippi.

Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Coliseum box office and Be-Bop Record Shops, by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com and www.STRIKEFORCE.com.

The winner in what will be an excellent women’s fight stays alive for a world title shot in STRIKEFORCE’s wide-open, contentious 135-pound division. The STRIKEFORCE champion, Marloes Coenen, is scheduled to make her first defense against No. 1 contender Miesha Tate in 2011.

Finney’s nickname belies her attitude and fighting style. “I’m far from cuddly. I’m more like a bull in a china shop,’’ she said.

This will mark Finney’s return to her natural weight of 135 pounds. In her last start, the strong striker and one of MMA’s most determined practitioners lost a toe-to-toe-slugfest with STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (145 pounds) World Champion and the No. 1 female fighter in MMA, Cris Cyborg, last June 26.

Finney’s record belies her abilities. Aside from Cyborg, her losses have come against top fighters such as Tate, Julie Kedzie and Erin Toughill. All the fights went to the judges’ scorecards. The Cyborg defeat was only the second time she’d been stopped on strikes.

Finney’s most noteworthy victory came on a decision over Adrienna Jenkins (17-2 going in) on March 27, 2010.

Carmouche is coming off a second-round TKO over Valentina Shevchenko on Sept. 30. In her outing before last on Aug. 13, Carmouche went the distance for the only time in her career, scoring a unanimous decision over Colleen Schneider in a “reserve bout” in the STRIKEFORCE single-elimination women’s 135-pound tournament, which was won by Tate.

In the 5-foot-5 Carmouche’s other fights, she won by second-round TKO in her pro debut last May 29 and by second-round submission (armbar) over Margarita de la Cruz the following June 26.

A 25-year-old of Lebanese descent, Carmouche was born in Okinawa, Japan, and currently resides in San Diego. She spent seven years in the Marines during which she toured The Middle East.

Carmouche trains at Undisputed Fitness and Training in San Diego with Manolo Hernandez and Baret Yoshida, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion.

Fodor, a 5-foot-9, 26-year-old who is trained by Matt Hume and fights out of AMC Kickboxing and Pankration, is a well-rounded fighter known for his mental toughness and ability to finish.

A winner in six of his last seven fights, Fodor won via decision for the first time when he earned a unanimous points victory over Thomas Diagne in his last outing last July 23 on STRIKEFORCE Challengers. Afterward, he apologized for letting the fight go to the judges’ scorecards.

“I really don’t have an excuse, I was a little bit off,” said Fodor, who dominated and had Diagne in serious trouble on a few occasions. “I apologize for that. I don’t like decisions. I want to end all my fights.’’

Fodor, whose brother, Ben, also fights MMA, wrestled in high school but entered the Marines six days after graduation. While he was in boot camp, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 occurred and he was sent to Kuwait for the Iraq invasion. He returned home in 2003 after one tour.

After an extensive, successful amateur career in which he was the Genesis Fights MMA and Muay Thai champion and Revolution submission champion., Fodor turned pro in September 2005.

Outside the cage, Fodor, who once had his sights set on becoming a homicide director, is a trainer at a health club and works with mentally challenged kids while remaining active in the reserves.

Getzel is a 5-foot-7, 23-year-old Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu specialist. He’ll be making his STRIKEFORCE debut and first start since defeating Johnny Case on a career-best first-round TKO last Feb 26.

“I’ve very excited about finally getting this opportunity for STRIKEFORCE,’’ said Getzel, who registered a 4:11, first-round TKO (punches) over Dustin Petron on Nov. 25, 2009.

Getzel turned pro on Sept. 12, 2009.

Doors at Jackson Convention Complex will open at 6:45 p.m. CT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 7:30 p.m. The first fight on SHOWTIME will begin at 10 p.m.

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.