LOS ANGELES, January 25 – A pair of unbeaten prospects from Uzbekistan, light heavyweight Gayrat Ahmedov and junior middleweight Ravshan Hudaynazarov, are set to make their United States debuts in separate bouts on January 29 on the Gabriel Campillo vs. Beibut Shumenov II card at The Joint at Hark Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ahmedov (12-0-1, 8 KOs), a four-time Uzbekistan National Amateur Champion, and Hudaynazarov (9-0, 6 KOs) a 2007 World Military Games Gold Medalist, have been training in North Carolina with veteran trainer Don Turner in preparation for their January 29 bouts. Both fighters are promoted by Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions, owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, January 29 main event challenger Beibut and Chingis.

In his last fight, Ahmedov knocked out Douglas Otieno (19-2, 9 KO’s) in the opening round on the Campillo-Shumenov I card, capturing the PABA light heavyweight belts that Shumenov relinquished prior to challenging Campillo in their WBA Light Heavyweight Championship match last August in Kazakhstan.

“I’m excited for this fight because one of my goals has always been to fight in Las Vegas,” the personable Ahmedov explained. “I have trained in Las Vegas, but this will be my first time fighting there. The Shumenov brothers are the reason I am fighting in the United States and I’m thankful to them. Beibut is a fighter himself, so he knows what it takes to be a champion and understands what a fighter goes through so he treats us like people.”

Ahmedov continued, “If everything goes as planned and I win this fight, Beibut has talked about getting me a shot at a world title in 2010. Because Beibut and I are like brothers, so even though we are in the same weight class, we will never fight each other. We want to both be world champions together, just for different organizations.”

Ravshan also fought on the Campillo-Shumenov I event, stopping veteran Joseph Miyumo (30-7-5, 17 KO’s) in the sixth round to keep his perfect pro record intact. “I’m very happy to be fighting January 29 in Las Vegas,” Ravshan said. “It’s been one of my dreams to fight there. I want to thank my promoter, KZ Event Productions, for giving me the opportunity to fight in the United States. I want to wish Beibut luck in his bout and that I hope that he wins the world title. This is a very important fight for him and all of us with KZ Event Productions and I’m very happy to be promoted by KZ and grateful for what they’ve given me. I will not let them or the fans down on January 29 as I’m going to give everybody a good fight to watch, so don’t miss it.”

Ahmedov and Hudaynazarov are scheduled to be in 6-round bouts versus opponents to be determined.

“Campillo vs. Shumenov II” features the 12-round WBA Light Heavyweight Championship rematch between the defending champion, Spain’s Gabriel Campillo (19-2, 6 KOs), and IBA World title-holder, Beibut Shumenov (8-1, 6 KOs). The evening of boxing will be presented by KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions with Campillo vs. Shumenov presented in association with Sampson Boxing LLC. The bout will be televised live on Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates beginning at 11 pm ET / 8 pm PT (check local listings). Doors will open at 6 pm and the first bell rings at 7 pm.

In the event’s opening televised fight, former Cuban amateur star Erislandy Lara (9-0, 5 KO’s) takes on veteran junior middleweight Grady Brewer (26-11, 15 KO’s), winner of hit reality television show The Contender II, in a 10-round bout.

Tickets for this action-packed night of boxing are priced at $150, $125, $100, $50 and $40 (general admission standing room tickets). Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.kzeventproductions.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow Golden Boy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, The historic heavyweight bout between former undisputed Heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and Francois Botha slated for Uganda has been postponed and may be revived in the United States.

Holyfield’s Feb. 20 fight against Francois Botha in Kampala, Uganda, is off and plans are in the works to reschedule it, the former heavyweight champion told ESPN.com on Wednesday.

Holyfield was scheduled to face South Africa’s Botha in a 12-round bout at Nelson Mandela Stadium, where organizers predicted a crowd of 80,000. However, Holyfield said the promoter failed to make a scheduled payment, forcing him to scrap the idea of going to Africa.

“I’m not going over,” Holyfield said. “We’re moving the fight to the States, but they haven’t got a site yet. But I’m still supposed to fight Botha.”

Ken Sanders, Holyfield’s manager, told ESPN.com that Miami was a possible location for the fight. He also said that besides trying to reschedule the Botha bout, Holyfield would also fight April 24 in Las Vegas.

“But the guy never did come up with the money,” Holyfield said. “They were supposed to pay us before we went over there, put the money in an escrow account. And they missed the payment. Three months we been waiting and we never did get it. So we made the decision.”

“We sat down and had a good conversation and I asked Evander if he wanted to do this and he said he did,” Sanders said. “I asked his trainer, Tommy Brooks, the same thing and he said he’ll have no problem, that Evander just needed two or three weeks after the first fight and he’ll be ready to go for the second one. He’s already in great shape.”

Between Holyfield’s age — 47 — and the number of rounds he’s boxed professionally, it could be difficult for him to get a license in Nevada, where the commission has rigorous standards. However, Sanders said he was not worried about it.

“He’ll pass all the tests,” Sanders said. “I’m not concerned.”

Holyfield said he was looking forward to fighting in Uganda.

“I was kind of excited about it when they talked about 80,000 people,” he said. “The point is to be able to go to different parts of the world. The U.S. is a great place to fight, but it’s not the world.”

“There are so many places that want to have the fight,” he said. “We’re trying to find out the best place.”

When asked about his weight and Cruiserweight vs. Heavyweight:

“This weight is natural for me, very comfortable. I am eating more, I am not hungry. For the fight maybe I will weigh what I weigh today, 222lbs. This is my natural weight. This time I am happier when I go into training.”

“Cruiserweight was more difficult for me. I always had a problem getting to the weight, especially when I was 175. I feel very good at this weight. I feel faster. The difference in training is the sparring partners are heavier, 240, 250lbs. But I feel stronger because my weight is natural.”

“My dream is to be champion in the heavyweight division. Estrada is a good boxer; but I am serious about this fight. I need to win. It is very important in order to move up for a heavyweight title.” “Estrada is a technical boxer. If I see opportunity to knock him out I will, but if not, I prepared to go 12 rounds.”

When asked who would he like to fight next:

“I will fight everybody. We have this fight on February 6th right now I concentrate on that. Maybe in April Arreola, we will see. Maybe a one more fight after that and then I will ready for a championship fight. Right now I must win against Estrada.”

“Every guy when he comes into the ring wants to win, but I believe I will win this fight. I am stronger, I am healthy. When I am healthy I am very fast. I have power. I feel good!”

Jason Estrada commented that you will have a problem with his hand speed:

Tomasz – “I’m fast too! I think I am stronger. He must know this. My jab is very strong and my right has the most power.”

Commenting about being a local favorite:

“I am so happy to be fighting at Prudential Center. I feel like this is my second home. My first home is in Poland. But now my second home in United States is Prudential Center. I won my second belt here, Cruiserweight, but I need to win 1 more belt here, Heavyweight. There are many Polish people in this area. I am happy when I come back to Prudential.”

Comments from Trainer, Andrew Gmitruk – “You know Estrada is a big guy with a very special style, but Tomasz Adamek is very quick, very comfortable. He is very strong. He is extremely well conditioned. We expect a hard fight, but we expect to win this fight.”

“Adamek has extremely good movement. It comes from the body, from the legs. His speed is like light heavyweight or middleweight division. Good left hook and right hand. He has not lost his speed or coordination (stepping up to heavyweight). Every day he is getting stronger. He is very well conditioned. I think he is a complete boxer now. Most heavyweights have lost the power, the coordination, and the speed. They are only thinking about the hard punch. Tomasz has everything together with the hard punch. That is why I think he is very dangerous for everybody in the heavyweight division.”

Tomasz Adamek and his trainer Andrew Gmitruk responded to Jason Estrada comments

Trainer Andrzej Gmitruk about the “who has fastest hands, disrespecting” issue:

“It’s not about who has fastest hands. It’s about who has the quicker mind in the ring. I have no doubts that both answers are the same: Adamek. We are not disrespecting Jason – on the contrary – we know how important this fight is if Tomek wants to be a world champion. He (Estrada) wants to play a spoiler role, but it does not work against somebody with such a strong psyche and determination like Adamek. Maybe Estrada wanted to be disrespected; maybe he was hoping we are not serious about this fight. Unfortunately for him – we are dead serious”.

Adamek:

“I just smiled when I read Jason quotes. First of all I had no idea he has so much free time on his hands to pay such close attention to what I’m saying and who I’m sparring against. I on the other hand have no idea who he is sparring with and have no desire to know it. I just don’t care. I care about my training camp, my preparation. Maybe he has to speak with one of my three sparring partners, 18-1, 15 KO, Travis Kauffman, who could not believe how fast and accurate I can be in the ring.“

THE FIGHT BETWEEN ADAMEK AND ESTRADA WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6TH AT 8PM EASTERN FOR A PRICE OF JUST $9.99 BY CLICKING:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=581

On Saturday February 6th, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will present its “Super Saturday” boxing show, on the eve of the Big Game Sunday, from the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. Headlining the card is Atlantic City’s, Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) taking on hard hitting, Lou Duva trained, Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO) in a ten round welterweight showdown. In the co-feature bout of the evening, exciting heavyweight fan favorite, Vinny Maddalone (32-6, 23KO) squares off against Dominique Alexander (19- 7-1, 9KO) in a heavyweight special attraction. The entire card will be broadcast live on GoFightLive.tv.

Fans can view the show

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=589

Fighting for the first time in 2010 will be Star Boxing’s highly touted up and coming prospect Yathomas Riley (7-0, 5KO) when he takes on Walter Foster (4-1, 4KO). The bout is scheduled for six rounds in the light heavyweight division. The 2006 National Golden Gloves, and PAL Champion, has tore through the competition since turning pro in 2008. The Florida native, now living and training in the Bronx, has gained valuable experience serving as one of the lead sparring partners for former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson on multiple occasions.

Wildwood, New Jersey’s prospect Chuck Mussachio (14-1-2, 5KO) looks to make it back to back victories in Atlantic City when he takes on Richard Dalphone (2-5-3, 2KO) in a six round light heavyweight contest. Mussachio, a Special Education Guidance Counsler at Middle Township High School, last fought in Atlantic City in November, winning an eight round decision over Bobby Rooney, in turn boasting his record to an impressive 9-0-1, when fighting in Atlantic City.

Also on the card, making his fourth straight appearance as a professional in Atlantic City, will be Cape May, New Jersey native, Josh Mercado (3-0, 1KO) taking on Millville, New Jersey’s Ismael Garcia, in Garcia’s pro-debut. Mercado-Garcia is scheduled for four rounds in the welterweight division. Mercado is a Lower Cape May Regional High School alum and former amateur National Collegiate Champion out of Lock Haven University.

Rounding out the card is Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, making his pro-debut against New York’s Fasika Bezabeh, in a four round middleweight contest. The 18-year-old LaManna, currently in his senior year at Millville High School in New Jersey, turned to boxing at just eight years of age, after previously studying martial arts.

The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling 609 340-4000. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30 with a limited number of V.I.P. packages available at $200. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at 718 823- 2000. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office.

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

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:
The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 25 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter twitter.com/TropicanaAC.

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NEW YORK (JANUARY 25, 2010)– Hot lightweight prospect “Hammerin” Hank Lundy brought a touch of his Philadelphia fighting to Boston last night, defeating former Cuban amateur standout Richard “El Tigre” Abril by a 10-round split decision, in the “Boston Pop” main event at The Roxy.

Lundy (17-0-1, 10 KOs) remained unbeaten, even though he suffered a knockdown in the midway through the fight, that appeared to be more of a slip causing his glove to briefly hit the canvas. The judges scored 98-91 and 96-94 in favor of Lundy, 95-94 for Abril (12-2-1, 6 KOs).

FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD CAN WATCH THIS GREAT FIGHT FOR $4.99 BY CLICKING:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=592

“He didn’t frustrate me but he kept moving around,” Lundy said after the fight. “Once he felt my power he ran. I clearly beat him. He didn’t do nothing but hold. That was a slip, not a knockdown. He can’t punch.”

Fans can always witness the co-feature, as power-punching Eddie “Thunder” Caminero lived up to his nickname, stopping Chris Traietti in the second round, after flooring him in the first and later hurting him with a right hand before referee Bob Benoit halted the action.

PROVIDENCE (Jan. 25, 2010) – As he prepares for his February 6 showdown in Newark against former world light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada’s nose is out of place and it doesn’t have anything to do with sparring sessions gone wrong.

Estrada (15-2, 3 KOs) feels disrespected by Team Adamek but not, surprisingly, for Adamek looking past him to a reported April 24 fight against Chris Arreola, rather their apparent belief that Adamek (39-1, 27 KOs) has faster hands than Estrada, whose lightning-like hand speed for a 240-pound heavyweight has been his calling card.

“Looking past me towards Arreola doesn’t really bother me,” Estrada said. “I think it’s silly and they’ll hear about it after the fight. I never talk too much but I’m going to talk like never before after this fight. I hope they keep thinking about fighting somebody else. I’m keeping track of everything and got names of people to talk about after I beat Adamek. I’m going to shutdown his plans.

“I’m in the gym with sparring partners that are similar to him – tough, stand-up with decent hand speed. They made a big mistake offering me this fight and an even bigger mistake thinking he has faster hands than me. I’ve heard that they’ve brought in guys to work with who are big but don’t have fast hands. That makes me laugh. How, all of a sudden is he going to have faster hands than me? I am bigger, stronger, faster, quicker and younger than him. I’m just a better all-around fighter.”

Estrada also notes that he’s never been down and Adamek was floored twice as a light heavyweight. “I know he likes to pressure his opponents but how is he going to do that against a bigger guy like me,” Estrada rhetorically asked. “I’m a heavyweight, not a light heavyweight. I’ve never taken big hits like he has. They say he has a great chin, but so do I, and we know he has been hurt at least twice….by light heavyweights! They weren’t flash knockdowns, either. I’ve never been hurt in my whole career. I don’t see him changing his come forward, tough guy style at this stage. He was a good light heavyweight, good cruiserweight, but I’m a real heavyweight.”

Providence-native Estrada was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition. He was the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row.

During his 5-year pro career, the 29-year-old Estrada has beaten solid heavyweights such as Lance Whitaker, Zuri Lawrence, Derek Bryant, Charles Sufford and Robert Hawkins. Adamek’s lone win as a heavyweight, Estrada noted, was against an over-the-hill Andrew Golota.

“Jason has had his best training camp,” his promoter Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.) remarked. “He’s never been in better shape, mentally or physically. He’s going to surprise a lot of people February 6th. Not me, though; I’ve always believed in him and I know what he’s capable of doing.”

By fight night, Estrada will have trained a full eight weeks for “Heavy Artillery,” much longer than ever before, and “Big Six” doesn’t mind fighting in Adamek’s backyard. “Training camp has been smooth,” Jason explained. “I’ve never had this much time to prepare for a fight, maybe five weeks and a couple of days, at best. There’s been plenty of time to get over little physical problems suffered in camp, not like in the past when I’d go straight from doing very little to hard training. I’m much more comfortable than I’ve ever been because of this extended time in camp. Mentally, it really helps.

“This is a big fight for me. Beating Adamek should take me to where I thought I’d be by now in the heavyweight division. Fighting in front of all his Polish fans doesn’t bother me at all. I’ve never had a problem being the villain. His fans will have nothing to do with the fight. It’s just going to be me and him in the ring. I’m half Puerto Rican with a lot of family, friends and fans coming to the fight, especially from New Jersey and New York. I know there will be a lot more Polish fans there for him, but my Hispanic fans will be loud, too.”

PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 25, 2010)–When Coy Evans went to a nearby gym in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, he was looking for a hobby. Nearly ten years later that hobby has turned serious and Evans looks to be the next in the long line of potential world champions from the “City of Brotherly Love”

Evans went to the gym at age sixteen where he was looking for a hobby. One thing led to another and Evans started his amateur career.

Evans had an outstanding record of 42-3 and won Philadelphia Novice Golden Glove tournaments between 2001-2004 and Evans decided to turn professional.

Coy Evans has established himself as one of the top prospects in boxing talent rich Philadelphia. The Featherweight turned pro on October 22nd, 2004 with a four round majority decision over Edward Valdez at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Evans then sat on the sidelines for four years as other fighters continued to get opportunities.

“It was hard to get fights with no management behind me”, said Evans.

“I quit a couple of times out of frustration but I am not a quitter so I knew if I stuck it out good things would start to happen”

Evans then hooked up with E & M management team consist ting of Eddie Woods and Moz Gonzalez.

The management duo have been managing fighters for the better part of two decades and almost instantly young Evans started getting fights.

The first fight after the hiatus, he came back to score a four round unanimous decision over Elias Castillo .

In that fight, Evans had some ring rust and showed his inexperience but was able to push through for the victory.

After a disputed draw with Jason Rorie, Evans began to regained focus and started a run of four straight wins that was culminated by a second round stoppage over the durable Vineash Rungea on January 15th, 2009 at The Arena in Philadelphia

“I knew I had power. I wasn’t sitting down on my punches and combined with my hand speed I believe that more knockouts will start to come”

Evans has quickly developed two reputations. first being that he may have the fastest hands in Philadelphia and the other being that he has become a man that nobody wants to fight.

“Finally good things are starting to happen”, said Evans

“I was sitting back and now it’s my turn”

Gonzalez agrees with his fighter.

“He deserves it. This year will be a real stay busy year for Coy and he will finally start to get recognition I know he deserves as one of the best up and coming Featherweights anywhere. He is such a good kid. He works, goes to the gym and goes home.”

Evans works as an assistant to an attorney in Center City Philadelphia. He has a six year old daughter and just recently, Evans inked his first endorsement deal as he is now is sponsored by Unleashed Beverage Company and is also promoted by Greg Robinson’s Power Productions.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com,. former three-divison world champion Erik Morales will comeback after a two and a half year retirement to take on former Lightweight beltholder Jose Alfaro on March 27 in Mexico.

“I think he’ll sell pretty good, but not like he did last time,” Said Nacho Huizar, who will co=promote the fight along with Morales, referring to Morales’ onetime position as a significant pay-per-view attraction.

“After I heard he was going to come back, he called me and begged me to be his partner,” Huizar said. “It’s an honor to me for him to pick me. If I don’t do it, somebody else will.”

Morales-Alfaro will be televised in the United States via Integrated Sports pay-per-view.

“We’ll see what happens,” said Huizar, who said he promoted Morales’ first five pro fights before Morales went on to become a major star under the guidance of co-promoters Top Rank and Fernando Beltran’s Zanfer Promotions.

“That’s it,” Morales said at the time of his loss to then WBC Lightweight champion David Diaz . “No more fighting. I am done. Too many punches, particularly to the head area.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Allan Green will replace Jermain Taylor in Showtime’s Super Six Middleweight boxing classing and will face Andre Ward on April 17th.

Green was rumored for a February 5th bout with Sakio Bika as a “Box Off” to enter the tournament but plans were scrapped.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to be in the Super Six,” Said Green’s promoter Lou DiBella. “He was ready and willing and able to do the fight with Bika. It didn’t happen, and I think there are actually a lot of people breathing a sigh of relief — Showtime and Ward’s people — because the turnaround from Feb. 5 to April 17 was very quick considering the nature of how Allan and Bika fight. The chances of them coming out of the fight without a scratch was unlikely, which would have messed up the April schedule.”

“It wasn’t like it was planned for Allan to take over for Jermain,” DiBella said. “Had we not had the tournament available for us, we were in consideration to fight [titleholder] Lucian Bute [in April]. Allan would have had other opportunities. That said, I think Allan is the right guy for the spot.

“An American had dropped out and Allan was the best American 168-pounder that wasn’t already in the tournament.”

“He has the Mighty Thor tattooed on his arm because he’s a big puncher and carries the hammer of Thor,” DiBella said. “He’s a big puncher and that’s his great equalizer. Ward is a tremendously talented boxer but if you get hit flush by Green, you’re going to have problems, and I think that will be a real issue for Andre. That will make it an interesting fight.”

“He has a disadvantage, but he has that great ability to get the three points in any fight as well as anyone in the tournament outside of Abraham,” DiBella said. “He was prepared to fight his way into the tournament by fighting Bika and the cancellation of that fight gave him the opportunity to walk in. Now it’s up to him to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Juan Manuel Lopez became a two division world champion after scoring a jaw dropping seventh round stoppage over WBO Featherweight titleholder Steven Lueveno. After a slow opening round where both men mostly took their time, Lopez took control. With upwards of 5,000 Puerto Rican supporters cheering him on at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Lopez landed a number of solid uppercuts, body shots and straight left hands in close quarters.

The counter punching Lueveno surprisingly tried to make it a dog fight and was able to land a few head shots, but ultimately ended up paying the price for not sticking to his game plan. Lopez thoroughly dominated the sixth, where Lueveno’s punch out dramatically decreased.

With a gassed opponent in front of him in round seven, Lopez badly rocked Lueveno with a hard uppercut before dropping him on his back with a left hook. Lueveno stood up on shaky legs, forcing referee Benji Esteves to stop the contest 44 seconds in.

“JuanMa looked spectacular. He did what he had to do and he beat a great champion with six title defenses”, Said Ivan Rivera, who is Lopez co-promoter with PR Boxing

“We are looking to make our first title defense in Puerto Rico in May and the Gamboa fight will happen down the line — Matt Yanofsky

Yuriorkis Gamboa retained his WBA “Regular” Featherweight title after demolishing tough Philadelphia based Tanzanian Rogers “The Tiger” Mtagwa inside of two rounds. From the opening moments of the fight, Gamboa’s advantage in speed and athleticism was evident. The 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist tagged Mtagwa with a number of clean head shots in the opening stanza en route to scoring a flash knockdown with a perfectly timed left hook.

Gamboa blitzed Mtagwa in round two, decking him hard with another left hook. The game Mtagwa did all he could to survive the rest of the round, but a combination from the rapidly improving Gamboa sent him crumbling to the canvas, forcing referee Steve Smoger to call a halt to the contest at 2:35.

Gamboa, of Miami, FL via Cuba, improves to 17-0 (15 KO’s), while Mtagwa drops to 25-14-2 (18 KO’s).–Matt Yanofsky

Popular Middleweight “Irish” John Duddy needed just 115 seconds to dismantle Juan Astorga in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Duddy dropped Astorga with what looked like a left to the top of the head on a punch that did not look like a telling blow. Duddy emphatically put Astorga down for a second and final time as he dropped Astorga with a vicious left hand to the body. Astorga was in pain and the referee stopped his count at five with Astorga riving on pain in the ground.

Duddy, 160 1/2 lbs of New York, NY is now 28-1 with eighteen knockouts. Astorga, 159 1/2 lbs of Lee’s Summitt, MO is now 14-4-1.

Junior Middleweight rising star Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak scored a one-sided eight round unanimous decision over Ishmail Arvin. Wolak pressured Arvin from bell to bell, tagging the Baltimore, MD native with crisp shots to both the body and the head. Arvin showed tremendous heart and refused to back down, but Wolak, who also showed improved head movement, simply had too much. Scores were 80-72 and 79-73 twice.

“This was a tough fight” said Wolak, a Mount Arlington, NJ native who improved to 26-1 with 18 knockouts with the victory. “He was a physical fighter and landed some good shots so I owe him all the credit in the world for coming to fight and I am ready for whoever is next.”

Arvin drops to 15-2-4 (7 KO’s) with the defeat.

Jr. Welterweight Chris Algieri was bloodied but that didint deter him from pounding out a six round unanimous decision over James Hope.

Algieri continued to come forward despite the blood leaking from his nose and landed some solid left hooks against the game Hope.

Algieri, 140 1/2 lbs of Huntington, NY won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 58-56 to stay undefeated at 10-0. Hope, 141 1/4 lbs of Rock Hill, SC is now 4-4.

Exciting featherweight prospect Jorge “Kid” Diaz, of Jersey City, NJ upped his record to 11-0 (7 KO’s) after demolishing Denver, CO’s Tommy Atencio in 87 seconds. Diaz dropped Atencio, 4-4 (2 KO’s), hard with an overhand right and again with a solid body, which ended Atencio’s night.

“I went into the fighting looking to box” said Diaz, who scored a jaw dropping knockout against 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy the last time he fought at Madison Square Garden. “I caught him hard with that right hand, so the opening was there to end it early”.

According to Diaz’ manager Pat Lynch, Diaz will return March 20 in Florida.

Queens, NY’s Will Rosinsky improved to 10-0 (6 KO’s) after scoring a workmanlike four round decision over durable Markas Gonazlez of Kansas City, KS. Rosinsky, a multi time Golden Gloves champion, landed a number of good body shots and straight right hands. To his credit, Gonzalez never gave up and pressured Rosinsky from bell to bell. Scores were 40-35 and 40-36 twice. With the defeat, Gonzalez drops to 7-3 (4 KO’s).

Local favorite Tommy Rainone used a second round knockdown to facilitate a four round unanimous decision over Gerardo Cesar Prieto.

Rainone dropped Prieto with a straight left hand and coasted down the stretch as he moved out of dodge from any of Prieto’s offense.

Scores were 40-35; 39-36; and 39-36 for Rainone, 148 lbs of Plain View, NY and is now 13-3. Prieto, 147 lbs of Provo, UT is now 6-8-1.

Former Puerto Rican Olympan, Carlos Negron scored a six round unanimous decision over Garrett Wilson in a Ccruiserweight bout.

Negron battered the game Wilson as he landed numerous body punches and when he went to the head he drew blood from the nose of Wilson as early as round three. Wilson would leap inm and try to land the one scoring blow that would turn the fight around but that didn’t happen as Negron used almost a one foot height advantage to easily avoid any of Wilson’s big shots.

Wilson, 181 lbs of San Juan, Puerto Rico won by scores of 60-54 on all cards is now 7-0. Wilosn, 178 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is now 7-3.

Photos by Chris Farina of Top Rank

After Shane Mosley and Andre Berto had their bout canceled for next Saturday night in Las Vegas, a solid undercard was also postponed but one of the main fights has found a home as Yusaf Mack will now battle Glen Johnson in an IBF Light Heavyweight elimination bout on February 5th in Miami in a bout that will be televised by ESPN 2.

Mack 25-2-2 with seventeen knockouts of Philadelphia will be looking to secure a title shot but the former champion Johnson, 49-13-2 with thirty-three knockouts will be standing in his way in front of Johnson’s adopted hometwon fans in Miami.

When reached for comment, Mack’s co-manager Rory Donadio told 15rounds.com, “Team Mack want’s to thank (ESPN Boxing Czar) Doug Loughary for pulling a rabbit out of his hat to make this fight possible”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, an exciting co-feature has been added to the potentially epic fourth bout between Israel Vasquez and Rafael Marquez as Yonnhy Perez will make the first defense of the IBF Bantamweight titlle when he takes on the undefeated and highly regarded Abner Mares on May 22nd at Staples Center in Los Angeles

“I think it’s a great opening fight for that main event and the right fight for that arena,” said Gary Shaw, Perez’s co-promoter. “I think it’s a 50-50 fight.”

“I believe if you’re going to preach and talk about doing what’s best for boxing, then you have to do what’s right,” Shaw said. “Yonnhy has an optional defense and I could have put him in easier [company], but what does that do for him or for boxing? If Yonnhy loses and it’s a great fight, which I expect it to be, he’s still very viable. If he wins, he’s bigger.”

Frank Espinoza, Mares’ manager, told ESPN.com that their side has agreed to the fight but that the 24-year-old Mares would take a tune-up fight in March. He said he’s working out the specifics of the tune-up with Golden Boy.

“We like the fight and we’ve agreed to the fight,” said Espinoza, who also manages Vazquez. “We have to finalize the contract but I don’t foresee any problems. It’s a fantastic opening fight. It’s going to be quite a doubleheader. We’re going to take a fight in March and then go ahead and fight in May. That’s what we need to do.

“Abner needs a tune-up fight to get the rust and kinks out. It’s always dangerous because you never know what will happen, but it’s more dangerous for a guy going in there with so much inactivity. We want to get him in shape, get the kinks out and prepare him to fight Perez. Abner really wants the fight. It’s his time. He’s been waiting and he wants to do it in L.A. in front of his hometown. He’s really excited and pumped up for it.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Kendall Holt will take on Kaizer Mabuza on February 27 in Atlantic City.

The bout will be part of of Top Rank’s new Fox Sports “Top Rank Live” series on but is not expected to be televised and will take place before the broadcast begins which will be headlined by Philadelphia super Prospect Mike Jones taking on Henry Bruseles.

The winner will be due a mandatory title shot against the winner of the March 6 Devon Alexander-Juan Urango 140-pound unification fight, although the match won’t necessarily be next for the Holt-Mabuza winner.

“I think this fight will re-establish Kendall because he’s fighting for the No. 1 spot [according to the IBF],” said Brandon Jacobs, the New York Giants running back who manages Holt. “I think he’ll go through this guy pretty easily and the whoever wins the Alexander-Urango fight will have to come forward and fight him. We want one of the belts.”

If Holt (25-3, 13 KOs) wins and the title fight isn’t made immediately, which is possible since the IBF mandatory won’t yet be due, Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Holt’s promoter, and Jacobs said he could next face contender Lamont Peterson on the undercard of the proposed Yuri Foreman-Miguel Cotto junior middleweight title bout.

Minneapolis, MN- One of Minnesota’s most heralded prospects, and former amateur national champion Javontae Starks(2-0 2 ko’s) is slated to box for the first time in his hometown on February 5 at First Avenue night club when he takes on Matt Ellis (1-1).

After fighting twice at Grand Casino Hinckley Starks’ third pro bout will be his first in his native Minneapolis. While his first bout in the Twin Cities is an exciting prospect Starks’ focus in the professionals is to compete at the same level he did in the amateurs, the national and world stage.

“I’m willing to fight the best in Minnesota, but my sights are on the national scene, and putting Minnesota on the boxing map”

Starks made a name for himself nationally in the amateurs, reaching a number one ranking at welterweight, and competing for team U.S.A. on numerous occasions. Two fights into his anticipated professional career Starks has been explosive, stopping Dan Copp in round two, and Andrew Kato in the first round.

Starks’ bout will serve as a co-feature to Minnesota middleweight champion Andy Kolle’s return against Pat Coleman. “Friday Night Fights at First Avenue” will be an 18+ event. Tickets are priced 25$, 35$, and 100$ and are available at www.first-avenue.com/event/4478/friday-night-fights-first-avenue

See all the photos from Tuesday’s Press conference at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas to announce the big fight that will take place between WBO Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and former IBF Joshua Clottey

PHILADELPHIA (JANURY 18TH, 2010)—On Friday night, February 5th, USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will battle Edwin Vazquez in a special eight round Jr. Middleweight bout.

The fight will highlight a night of boxing promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc. as the world’s number-one boxing venue presents the annual “Valentine’s Day Special”

This bout was originally scheduled to take place on January 15th at The Arena in Philadelphia but was pushed back due to an ankle injury suffered by Ennis.

Ennis, 19-2-1 with twelve knockouts won the USBA Jr. Middleweight title with a tremendous back and forth brawl as he won a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision over Eromosele Albert on October 16th and The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Ennis and Albert exchanged hard combinations in close and the near-sellout crowd at The Legendary Blue Horizon was entertained as the fight was one of the best in Philadelphia in the past few years.

Ennis won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in the bout for which most ringside observers thought could have gone either way.

That win catapulted Ennis into the world rankings as he is now ranked number-thirteen by the IBF.

The win over Albert was Ennis’ seventh straight victory and he holds win over Albert (22-3-1), John Mackey (11-3-2) and Troy Browning (20-2-1) in that streak.

This will be Ennis fourth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon (3-0, 2 KO’s) with his most recent bout being the classic fight with Albert.

Vazquez is a seventeen year veteran and has a record of 22-14-2 with eight knockouts.

The native of Santurce, Puerto Rico has been in with some of the biggest names in boxing as evidenced by a resume that includes fights with former world title challengers, Demetrius Hopkins, Antonio Diaz, former WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Ricardo Torres, Matthew Hatton, and former Undisputed Welterweight champion Zab Judah.

Vazquez won the WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jose Correa (13-1) on March 23, 2007 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Local fans may remember Vazquez last appearance in the area as he lost a razor thin unanimous decision to Eric Mitchell (20-4-1) on March 15, 2008 in Sewell, New Jersey in a bout that was for the IBC Continental-America’s title.

The fight was controversial as Vazquez was deducted a point in round three for a low blow. If not for that deduction the fight would have been a draw.

In an exciting eight round co-feature, Loren Myers of Fresno, California will square off against former world title challenger Israel “Pito” Cardona.

Myers quickly became a fan favorite at The Legendary Blue Horizon after his last outing on December 4th when he battled Gee Cullmer (16-1) to one of the most controversial draws in recent memory. It was a fight where most ringsiders thought Myers dominated and should have had his hand raised and the out of towner received a standing ovation from The Blue Horizon crowd.

Myers of Fresno, California has a record of 7-7-1 with two knockouts and is coming off that disputed draw on December 4th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Cardona of Hartford, Connecticut brings in a record of 36-10 with twenty-eight wins coming by knockouts.

Cardona is a seventeen year veteran and raced out to a record of 17-0 with thirteen knockouts before winning the IBO International Super Featherweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jeff Mayweather. Cardona made two title defenses over Mike Capiello (29-4) and Steve Larrimore (24-17).

Cardona lost a split decision to former world champion Charles “The Natural” Murray (39-4) before winning the USBA Lightweight championship with a stunning third round stoppage over Ivan Robinson (23-1).

Cardona made two defenses of that crown before adding the NABF championship with a twelve round split decision over Golden Johnson (15-1-2).

After scoring a seventh round stoppage over Joel Perez (24-2-2), Cardona lost in his only world title shot when he dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to Paul Spadafora.

After that title bout, Cardona went 3-3 in his next six bout before a four year hiatus.

When Cardona returned from that break he scored two quick knockouts before four consecutive losses to top guys such as Juan Buendia (13-1); Mike Jones (11-0); Antonin Decarie (17-0) and his last bout a very close unanimous decision to Hector Camacho Jr. (48-3-1) on August 29 in Cleveland.

In an eight round Featherweight bout, top prospect Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter (11-1, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named.

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Former World Jr. Amateur champion Joey Dewejko (1-0) will make his long awaited Philadelphia debut when he takes on Damon Clement (0-2) of Ohio in a four round bout.

In a four round Welterweight bout, Ronald Cruz (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Bethlehem, PA will take on an opponent to be named.

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Tim Johnson (4-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Patrick Budd (2-1, 1 KO) of Dumfries, VA

John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) of New York will battle Ricardo Johnson (1-0) of Cincinnati, OH in a four round Heavyweight affair.

In a four round Ladies Welterweight bout, Jackie Davis (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on debuting Tanya Martinez of Colorado Springs, CO

Undefeated Swedish Heavyweight, Andres Gustafson (3-0, 1 KO) of Norrkoping, Sweden will take on Levay King (0-1) in a four round bout.

Debuting Clemente Bethea of Philadelphia will take on Henry Northan (0-1) of Philadelphia in a Jr. Welterweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Tickets are going fast for this exciting boxing event. The perfect pre-Valentine gift for your boxing enthusiast.

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking here. Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, After the recent withdraw by Andre Berto for next week;s Welterweight unification bout with Shane Mosley, representatives for Floyd Mayweather have indicated that Mayweather would be ready for a fight with Mosley this Spring.

“I know everyone is rushing to make this fight with Mosley, but I want people to know that Floyd feels awful for Berto and his family for what they and their country are going through,” Said Maywethaer’s close advisor Leonard Ellerbe . “That is first and foremost. But if, in fact, Shane Mosley is available, that’s the fight that Floyd would love to make. It’s no secret that Floyd has been trying to make a fight with Shane for the last 10 years.

“Our condolences go out to Berto and his family because that is the human side of this. Everyone is talking about us making a fight with Mosley, but Floyd wants people to know that his prayers — all of ours — are with Berto. But he also wants people to know that he is ready to fight Mosley. That’s the fight he wants more than anything. And Floyd has instructed me and Al [Haymon, Mayweather’s other adviser] to make the biggest fight possible. We will be talking with [Golden Boy CEO] Richard [Schaefer]. Floyd against Shane is the biggest fight in boxing right now that can be made.”

According to Schaefer, he has the MGM Grand Garden Arena on hold for May 1 and May 8. Ellerbe said that time frame is fine with Mayweather for a fight with Mosley.

“Most definitely,” Ellerbe said. “Shane is a great fighter and if a deal could be made, Shane would be the toughest fight out there. That fight is tougher than the other fight [Pacquiao-Mayweather]. It’s a mega fight if it can be made.”

Photos of Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey arriving in Dallas, Texas for the press conference tomorrow to announce their March 13th bout

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the much anticipated Welterweight unification bout between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto scheduled for next Saturday in Las Vegas has been canceled due to Berto’s focus being on the recent tragic earthquake that took place last week’s in Haiti which is where Berto and his family are originally from.

The cancellation of the fight could lead to Mosley instead defending his title against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the spring.

“Since the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday evening, I have been focusing on my family and the Haitian people who are facing an inconceivable battle for survival while still trying to continue to prepare for an opportunity I have dreamt of since childhood,” Berto said in a statement. “I lost several family members to the earthquake and, after two days without word, was relieved to learn that my sister, Naomi, and her daughter, Jessica, survived, but were left homeless. I have seen the pain in my parents’ eyes as they attempt to understand what has happened to our homeland and recognize a place they once called home.

“As a result of this disaster, I am mentally and physically exhausted and, therefore, I have no choice but to withdraw from my bout on January 30.”

Berto lost at least eight family members in the disaster.

“Throughout the past six days, I have received an incredible outpouring of support, and I sincerely appreciate everyone’s prayers for the people of Haiti,” Berto said. “I hope that everyone will continue to keep the Haitian people in their thoughts and prayers as we work to rebuild this proud nation. The rebuilding of Haiti is not something that will happen overnight, but I am fully dedicated to helping the Haitian people recover from this catastrophic event.”

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who promotes Mosley, said he told Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) about the cancellation of the fight, and he was understanding.

“It’s just a very unfortunate situation,” Schaefer said. “This is unbelievable. Everyone has seen the pictures from Haiti and followed this devastating situation. We all feel very bad for Andre. We know where his focus needs to be and that is with his family and his people. I talked to Shane. Obviously, he shares the sentiment. He feels bad for Andre and understands. But at the same time he is disappointed because he is in amazing shape with two weeks to go, and now this fight fell out. He is not happy about it, but he fully understands the situation. We just wish the best for Andre Berto.”

The cancellation may pen the door for a mega showdown between Mosley and Floyd Mayweather

“That is a super fight, and now my next order of business — to see if we can put [Mosley-Mayweather] together,” Schaefer said. “That is what I am going to be doing in the coming hours. The sooner the better if we can get this potential fight done. With Shane now being available and Floyd being available, that’s a fight all fight fans and sports fans would embrace. This would be a huge showdown. Shane has wanted that fight for a while. That’s what I am going to try to do.”

“I think he made a correct decision for himself,” said Lou DiBella, Berto’s promoter throughout his professional career. “Your mental health and physical health are more important than one fight. I know that Andre has been in agony since this happened. He has been really struggling. He is mentally and physically exhausted and I don’t think he’s been sleeping. He’s been torn about whether to fight and had to make this decision. I think he’s going to go to Haiti next week.

“It’s the right decision. It’s impossible to watch those pictures from Haiti even if you’re not Haitian. But he and his family and his parents are suffering. It hits very close to home. How could any human being focus under those circumstances? I’m glad for Andre that he made this decision for himself.”

“Not one person involved in the promotion had any negative response to this decision,” DiBella said. “Everyone empathizes with Andre and his whole family. The young man’s well-being outweighs any one fight.”

HBO’s Kery Davis echoed DiBella.

“Andre Berto is a terrific athlete and an even better person,” Davis said. “We can only imagine the pain the earthquake has caused the entire Berto family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andre and we hope to have him back on HBO when he is ready to return to the ring.”

Manny Pacquiao arriving in Los Angeles for the upcoming press tour to promote his March 13 bout with Joshua Clottey

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Golden Boy Promotions has signed WBA Super Lightweight champion Amir Khan which will pave his way to fight in America possibly on HBO.

Khan, who had been working with Warren on a fight-by-fight basis in recent bouts, agreed to a three-fight deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s company, according to a source familiar with the agreement.

“I am really happy Khan Promotions is partnering with Golden Boy as I know that together they will be the right team to help me continue my career as an elite fighter and to expand my fan base to the United States and around the world,” Khan said. “I’m ready to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and know that Golden Boy will help me accomplish these goals.”

It is unclear if Khan will face Maidana, a dangerous opponent whom trainer Freddie Roach would prefer for Khan not to face. If Khan does not face Maidana, he could be stripped of his title. It is also possible that Maidana could step aside and allow Khan an interim bout. Golden Boy is a partner with Germany promoter Universum on Maidana’s promotional contract, so that scenario is possible.

“Amir Khan is one of the most talented fighters in the world at any weight,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “That talent, combined with his charismatic and outgoing personality, makes him a promoter’s dream, and I feel will one day lead him to being the face of boxing. We are extremely excited to team with Khan Promotions and look forward to introducing Amir to fight fans in the United States and around the world.”

On a recent trip the United States, Khan discussed a promotional deal with Golden Boy and rival Top Rank. Roach told ESPN.com that Khan called him from England on Friday and asked for him to put him in touch with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer.

“So I put them together,” Roach said. “I know Amir was not happy with the offer to fight Maidana and wanted to see if there was a better deal out there.”

Apparently, he got one from Golden Boy, which hopes to make Khan’s American debut fight against New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden, perhaps as soon as April.

Vanes Martirosyan survived a ninth round knockdown but built up enough of a points lead to win a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion Kassim Ouma at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The two put on a crowd pleasing fight which saw Ouma fight with spirit that he had not shown since his days as the IBF Jr. Middleweight champion over five years ago. Ouma was aggressive as he would be diving in while throw punches that left openings for Martirosyan to successfully counter effectively. Ouma landed some hard rights inside but Martirosyan landed the harder shots with his flurry of choice was a solid jab-right hand for which he used due to his decided height and reach advantage. In round four, Martirosyan buckled Ouma slightly with a solid right hand. Just seconds after that, the two fighters clashed heads which caused a cuts around the left eye of Martirosyam\n.

The fighters stood toe to toe on many occasions with an entertaining exchange at the end of round six. In round nine, Ouma landed a quick right hook during an exchange that sent Martirosyan to the canvas. Martirosyan jumped up quickly to show it was just a flash knockdown. In round ten both tried to close the show in dynamic fashion was Martirosyan getting the better of a hotly contested last thirty seconds of the fight.

Martirosyan, 153 lbs of Glendale, CA won by scores of 97-93, 97-93 and 97-92 to raise his record to 27-0. Ouma, 150 lbs of Palm Beach Gardens, FL via Uganda has now dropped five of six and is now 26-7-1.

Former twelve time national Golden Gloves champion, Jose Benavidez Jr. wasted no time showing off the talents that have made him one of Top Rank’s next big prospects as he dropped Steven Cox just seconds into their scheduled four round Super Lightweight bout which was the catalyst for a first round stoppage victory in his pro debut.

Benavidez, who is trained by Freddie Roach, landed a booming right that sent Cox to the seat of his pants. Cox got up and ate a few more barrages until referee Russell Mora stopped the bout at 1:21 of round one.

Benavidez, 138 1/2 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 1-0 with one knockouts. Cox, 139 lbs of Independence, MO is 1-1.

In an entertaining Jr. Lightweight affair, Diego Magdaleno remained undefeated with an eight round unanimous decision over Gerado Robles.

Magdaleno was quicker and landed the harder shots with the exception of round three where Robles landed some hard rights throught Magdaleno’s southpaw stance. Magdaleno rocked Robles with a pair of straight lefts in round seven and coasted home by winning by scores of 80-72, 78-74 and 78-74.

Magdaleno, 131 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is now 13-0. Robles, 131 1/2 lbs of Kansas City, Kansas is now 9-9.

Juan Carlos Burgos scored a twelfth round stoppage over Juan Carlos Martinez in a Featherweight bout in Laredo, Texas.

Burgos dominated the action as he used his length and reach as he worked the body of Martinez, who had to lose in upwards of twenty pounds just to get near the contracted weight..

In round eleven, Burgos landed a big right that snapped the head of Martinez straight back. Burogs finished the show i the final round when he landed a hard left that sent Martinez back to the ropes and three punches later the visibly tired Martinez went to the canvas. Just a few punches later, Burgos landed a huge right that forced referee John Schlore to stop the action at 1:07 of round twelve.

Burgos of Tijuana, Mexico is ranked #2 by the WBC and has a record of 24-0 with seventeen knockouts. Martinez is now 15-101-.

Yaundale Evans scored two knockdowns en route to a six round unanimous decision over Gino Escamilla in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Evans scored thef irst knockdown in round one when he sweeping right hook sent Escamilla into the ropes and referee Freddie Ledesma ruled that Escamilla’s glove touched the canvas. In round two, Evans drilled Escamilla with a hard right hook that sent Escamilla hard to the canvas. Escamilla was on very shaky legs but somehow was able to get out of the round. Evans dominated the rest of the way to coast tho the victory.

Evans, 129 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 60-52, 60-52 and 59-53 and is now 5-0. Escamilla, 128 lbs of Laredo, TX is 5-7-2.

Former U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade made very quick qork of an overmatched Bernardo Gureca in a scheduled six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Andrade landed a counter right hook around the ear that sent Guereca down for referee John Schlore’s ten count at 1:18 of round one.

Andrade, 154 lbs of Providence, RI is now 9-0 with seven knockouts. Guereca, 154 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is now 15-10-1

In an off-tv fight, Cestus Management’s welterweight destroyer Rodolfo “LA COBRITA” Gomez impressed the charged fans in attendance at the LEC Arena in Laredo, Texas, with an impressive display of power and speed as he disposed of Oscar Roville by brutally knocking him out with a vicious assault of punches in the 3rd round. The first two rounds saw Gomez systematically dissect the tough and rugged Roville, by using an assortment of hard stiff jabs followed by perfectly timed combination’s to the head and body. In the 3rd round Gomez stepped it up by using double jabs followed by booming straight right hands down the middle that connected to the side of the head of the game Roville. Gomez sensing that Roville was hurt immediately followed up with an assortment of punches to the head and body that left Roville defenseless and backed up on the ropes taking shots, causing the referee to stop the fight in the last minute of the round. The fight was part of an ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights under card. Gomez, improved his record to 6-0 with 5 knockouts and continued his march up the boxing latter.

Gina Iacovou, who is Cestus’ CEO, said, “It was great to see the tremendous overal improvement that Rudolfo (Gomez) has made. He continues to get experience as a professional boxer and his natural strength, size, and boxing aptitude are exciting to watch in action. There is no dought that 2010 is going to be a big year for the BABY COBRA!”

Mike Michael, who is Cestus Management’s Chief Advisor, said, “The fans were treated to another great performance by “LA COBRITA”. The way Gomez utilized his natural attributes (height/reach) was impressive and his power is just frightening.” Michael added, “I would like to personally thank ESPN, the LEC Arena and Banner Promotions for featuring our fighter. So lock the doors and run for cover because “LA COBRITA” will be on the rise in 2010!”

PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 16, 2009)—Victor Vasquez and Coy Evans thrilled a near capacity crowd at The Arena in Philadelphia as they scored thrilling knockouts that highlighted a five bout card that was promoted by Greg Robinson’s Productions in association with Unleashed Beverage Company.

Vasquez and Gustavo Dailey waged a six round Lightweight war in what was the main event of the evening.

Dailey came out firing and landed some hard wining shots for which Vasquez was successful in countering and the two way battle was on from the outset of the fight. The two stood toe to toe as they exchanged being the boss for moments of a time.

Vasquez had his usual rabid cheering section helping pull through some of the tough moments but he seemed to turn the tide in round five as he landed some big right hands. In round six with the two in close, landed hard uppercuts that sent Dailey into the corner and Vasquez landed a barrage of punches that forced referee Hurley McCall to stop the bout at 2:05 of the final round as Vasquez rose his record to 11-3 with six knockouts.

Evans scored his first knockout while remaining undefeated at 6-0-1 as he took care of Vineash Rungea at 2:19 of round two of a scheduled four round Featherweight bout.

Evans dropped Rungea early in the second frame with a aquick right and shortly after landed a booming right hand that sent Rungea down again and hurt as his corner threw in the towel, saving their man from any further damage.

In an all Philadelphia Light Heavyweight bout, Tony Ferrante won a controversial split decision over Andre Hemphill in a six round bout.

Super Middleweight Tommie “Big Poppa” Speller and Middleweight Derrick Webster also scored victories

FULL RESULTS

6 Rounds – Lightweights—Victor Vasquez (11-3, 6 KO’s) 133 lbs of Philadelphia TKO 6 (2:05) over Gustavo Dailey (4-8) 133 ½ lbs of Philadelphia

4 Rounds – Featherweights—Coy Evans (6-0-1, 1 KO) 128 lbs of Philadelphia TKO 2 (2:19) over Vineash Rungea (2-15-3) 128 lbs of the United Kingdom

6 Rounds – Light Heavyweights – Tony Ferrante (9-0) 175 ½ lbs of Philadelphia S DEC over Andre Hemphill (8-14-2) 176 lbs of Philadelphia… Scores were 59-55 Ferrante, 58-56 Ferrante, 58-56 Hemphill

4 Rounds – Super Middleweights – Tommie Speller (5-3) 164 lbs of Philadelphia U DEC over Dave Cook (3-4) 164 ½ lbs of Butler, PA… Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Speller

4 Rounds – Middleweights – Derrick Webster (4-0) 159 ½ lbs of Glassboro, NJ TKO End of 2 over Antonio Walls (2-3) 158 lbs of Washington, DC

Victor Vasquez 133 – Gustavo Dailey 133.5
Coy Evans 128 – Vineash Rungea 128
Tony Ferrante 175 1/2 – Andre Hemphill 176
Tommie Speller 164 – Dave Cook 164 1/2
Derrick Webster 159.5 – Antonio Walls 158
Charles Heyward 191 1/2 – Zeferino Albino NA**

** Albino will weigh in this afternoon

Venue: The Arena
Promoter: Power Productions
First bell: 7:30 pm est

Although Roy Jones Jr. did not last a round when he was stopped by Danny Green in Australia, Jones will get his (at one time) much anticipated rematch with fellow legend Bernard Hopkins according to espn.com

The fight likely will be April 17 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Hopkins’ promoter, said.

“We worked very hard to keep this fight alive and we got it signed on Wednesday,” said John Wirt, the CEO of Square Ring, Jones’ promotional company. “We’re ecstatic that the fight was made and we’re looking forward to a great event. There’s been a long-standing rivalry between two of the preeminent boxers of our generation. This fight will establish once and for all who is the better fighter between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. This is the fight Roy always wanted.”

“The interesting thing is the conversations never died down,” Schaefer said. “Even after Bernard won and Roy lost, the talks continued and different options were evaluated. But I just felt from talking to Bernard and from the conversations I had with John that they really wanted to fight each other.

“I think there is so much at stake for these guys. This is an event they have been waiting for for 17 years. They would not let anything get in the way of getting this fight finally done. I believe very strongly that at this point in their careers, after everything they have accomplished, I think this is a well-deserved fight for these two guys to finally get it on April 17. Love ‘em or hate em, they are two of the most recognized names in the sport of boxing.”

“The only thing I can say about the structure of the deal is that there is still a substantial financial benefit to the guy who wins by knockout,” Schaefer said.

“Those who write Roy Jones off are making a mistake because he will come in motivated more than ever because this is a personal showdown between these guys,” Schaefer said. “They were waiting a long time for this fight and here it is. Bernard, at this point in his career, keeps on defying mother time. For Bernard, after all the accomplishments, for him to get up for a fight, he also needs that personal motivation, and he will have it against Roy Jones.

“Those two guys, after all the talking and the build up, and the ups and downs and the cheers and disappointments, finally, they are going to meet again. Bernard won’t be judging Roy on his last performance. He knows that would be a big mistake. I think they will both come at their best because of how important this is to both of them.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Jan. 13, 2010) – Exciting Philadelphia junior welterweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy has predicted an impressive win by 3rd-round knockout against fellow hot prospect, Richard “El Tigre” Abril, in the 10-round “Boston Pop” headliner Jan. 22 at The Roxy in Boston’s famed Theater District.

The fight will be broadcast on a tape delayed basis on www.gofightlive.tv

Lundy, one of the brightest prospects in boxing, stunned Mexican veteran Aldo Valtierra (25-12), who boasts a win against world-rated Jorge Teron, with a first-round knockout in his last fight on Halloween night. The entertaining, highly-revved Philly boxer also stopped previously-unbeaten Jason Cintron (11-1) in the fifth round last year.

Abril (12-1, 6 KOs), a former Cuban amateur standout now fighting out of Miami, replaced Brad Solomon. Abril’s lone loss was by a 10-round split decision to Breidis Prescott, who in his following fight knocked out rising star Amir Khan in the opening round.

“The change of opponents doesn’t bother me because they’re almost the same height,” Lundy explained. “This guy (Abril) doesn’t get off as well as Solomon and I think this is an easier fight for me. He isn’t as active as Solomon. He’s slow and doesn’t use his jab. I’m going to take care of business. Abril is a good fighter. He’s coming to fight and I think it’ll be a great fight while it lasts. I’m going to use my jab, work the body, break him down and I should take him out by the third round. I’m excited to be fighting in Boston for the first time and I’m bringing a Philly style of fighting there.”

The 6-round co-feature matches intra-state rivals Chris Traietti (8-1, 5 KOs), an Iraq War veteran from Quincy, and dangerous Lawrence super middleweight Eddie “Thunder” Caminero (5-3, 5 KOs).

Two former New England amateur standouts, Peabody (MA) welterweight Simeon Dunwell (10-1, 3 KOs) and Josh “Bam Bam” Beeman (4-5-3, 2 KOs), of Providence, go at it in a 6-round match.

CES Ring of Honor Induction

CES president Jimmy Burchfield has announced that Carlos Garcia will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony at “Boston Pop.” Inductees are honored for their contributions or achievement to New England boxing. “Carlos has helped countless kids for years as boxing coach at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club,” Burchfield remarked. “He’s started out and trained former 3-time world champion Jose Antonio Rivera, multiple national amateur champion Bobby Harris and unbeaten middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez. Carlos embodies everything we believe in at CES and we’re very happy to be inducting him into the CES Ring of Honor. We’re also presenting Dr. Edgar Ballenas with a special achievement award for all he’s done to help promoters, managers, trainers and fighters over the years in New England.”

Boston light heavyweight Maceo Crowder (1-0, 1 KO), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, faces New Haven’s pro-debuting Greg McCoy. Quincy junior lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski (6-0, 2 KOs) faces Francisco Palacios (4-9-5, 1 KO) and Hartford middleweight David Bauza (3-0, 3 KOs) meets Erix Quinteros (2-3) in separate 4-round bouts.

Ticket prices for “Boston Pop” are $40.00, $50.00 and $75.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254) or going online at www.cesboxing.com.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) for more information. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 8 PM/ET.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former WBA Heavyweight champion John Ruiz has signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions and should pave the way for a mandatory title shot with currant champio David Haye in the spring.

Ruiz, whose contract with Don King expired, is due to challenge England’s David Haye for a version of the heavyweight title, probably on April 3 in London. Golden Boy also promotes Haye.

“I’m excited to become a member of the Golden Boy Promotions family and know that I have a great future ahead of me. I’m going to continue to make history and break records one fight at a time, starting with David Haye this spring,” said Ruiz, who became the first Hispanic heavyweight titleholder when he outpointed Evander Holyfield for a belt in 2001. “I know Golden Boy will help get me back to the top of the heavyweight division and to secure my place in the boxing history books.”

“John Ruiz is a very skilled and talented heavyweight and we are very excited to add him to our elite stable of fighters,” Golden Boy president Oscar De La Hoya said. “He has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to battle with the top guys in the division and will continue to do so in 2010 and beyond.”

“I saw him fight in Germany and everyone had told me how boring he was,”Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said. “But I thought it was an entertaining fight. Ruiz was the first Hispanic heavyweight champion and we are very involved in the Hispanic marketplace and we think John Ruiz hasn’t been properly exposed in that market. We want to increase his profile in the Hispanic market. That’s really the idea.

“He’s been more fan friendly in his recent fights and I think his new trainer, Miguel Diaz, is part of that.”

With Ruiz due to face Haye, Schaefer said that also played into the decision to sign him, because whatever happens in the fight, Golden Boy will have the winner under contract.

“That certainly didn’t hurt,” Schaefer said. “I’d be lying if I would say something different. But I discussed this with Adam Booth, David Haye’s manager and trainer. I informed him before we signed Ruiz and he was OK with it. Numerous promoters were after Ruiz after it became known he was no longer under contract with Don King. Frank Warren from England pursued him. If Hayemaker [Haye’s company] and Golden Boy were doing the Ruiz fight together it made sense for us to also work with Ruiz.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Jermain Taylor has pulled out of Showtime’s Super Six Super Middleweight World Boxing Classic.

Taylor was due to face super middleweight titleholder Andre Ward in the second stage of the modified round-robin tournament on April 17.

“I’m going to take some time off from the sport of boxing and take myself out of [the] Showtime Sports World Boxing Classic tournament,” Taylor said in a statement. “It’s important that I give my body and mind some much-needed rest, because I have been boxing for nearly 20 years. I plan on keeping myself in shape and making a return to the sport sometime in the future.”

Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella was pleased that Taylor took his advice and withdrew from the tournament.

“I know it must have been a difficult decision for Jermain and I’m very happy for him and his family that he decided to give himself a much-needed break,” DiBella told ESPN.com.

Behind the scenes Taylor’s manager, Al Haymon, had been working with Showtime on a buyout of Taylor’s remaining tournament fights. It is unclear what sort of deal they reached, if any, before Taylor’s announcement.

“This was not an easy decision for me, having discussed it with my family, trainer [Ozell Nelson], friends and my adviser, Al Haymon, because I’m a very competitive person. But I know this is the smart road for me to take,” Taylor said. “I want to thank Showtime Sports for everything and I wish the best for my five counterparts who will continue on in the Super Six tournament. Most of all, I want to thank the many fans for their continued support.”

Taylor’s replacement is likely to be the winner of a fight between Sakio Bika (28-3-2, 19 KOs), champion of the 2007 “Contender” tournament, and Allan Green (29-1, 20 KOs). Their handlers are working to finalize a fight between the two for Feb. 5 on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series. DiBella promotes Green and Haymon manages Bika.

Late last week, DiBella told ESPN.com that “Allan has agreed to the fight and Bika and Al Haymon are working on their side.”

If Bika and Green fight to a draw, DiBella said the winner of a coin flip would become the alternate. If an injury forced the fight to be called off, the healthy fighter would get the open spot in the field.

PHILADELPHIA (January 9, 2010)—On Friday night February 5th, Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc. presents the first big show at The world’s number-one boxing venue as a big show is planned for a the annual “Valentine’s Day Special” that will feature some of the best boxers from not only Philadelphia but from Europe as well.

In the main event, Maks Liminov of Prokopyevsk, Russia will risk his undefeated record of 11-0 against new Blue Horizon crowd favorite Loren Myers in an eight round Middleweight bout.

Liminov has a record of 11-0 with seven knockouts and will be making his second appearncde on American soil after fighting his first town bouts in his native Russia.

In that American debut, Limonov stopped Skyler Thompson (11-4) in three rounds on November 7th in Tacoma, Washington.

Myers quickly became a fan favorite at The Legendary Blue Horizon after his last outing on December 4th when he battled Gee Cullmer (16-1) to one of the most controversial draws in recent memory. It was a fight where most ringsiders thought Myers dominated and should have had his hand raised and the out of towner received a standing ovation from The Blue Horizon crowd.

Myers of Fresno, California has a record of 7-7-1 with two knockouts and is coming off that disputed draw on December 4th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

In one co-feature, exciting Featherweight prospect Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter will see action in an eight round bout against an opponent to be named.

Hunter, just twenty-three years old of Philadelphia has a record of 11-1 with four knockouts and has won six straight since his lone pro defeat in 2007.

This will be Hunter’s third appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon (2-0, 2 KO’s) and first since his third round knockout over Jules Blackwell on June 6, 2008.

In a special four round Heavyweight bout, Joe Dawejko will make his hometown debut as the nineteen year old former world Jr. Champion will take on Damon Clement.

Dawejko will be looking to thrill his hometown fans much like he did in the fall of 2008 when he was crowned the winner of the AIBA Youth World Championships.

Dawejko won his pro debut on September 26th when he scored a six round unanimous decision over Royphy Solieau.

Clement of Ohio is 0-2.

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Tim Johnson (4-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Patrick Budd (2-1, 1 KO) of Dumfries, VA

Fresh off his knockout win on December 4th over Nathan Perrott, John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) of New York City takes on Ricardo Johnson (1-0) of Cincinnati, OH. In a heavyweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Jackie Davis (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will participate in a Ladies Welterweight four round fight against an opponent to be named.

Andres Gustafson of Norrkoping, Sweden will trek across the Atlantic to risk his undefeated mark (3-0, 1 KO) to take on Levay King in a four round Heavyweight bout.

In a four round welterweight bout, Ronald Cruz (7-0, 4 KO’s) and debuting Jr. Welterweight Clemente Bethea of Philadelphia will see action in separate four round bouts against opponents to be named.

Tickets are going fast for this exciting boxing event. The perfect pre-Valentine gift for your boxing enthusiast.

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA