Lara
‘CUBA’ ‘CUBA’ ‘CUBA’ ‘CUBA’ with a heavy spanish accent was the chant coming from a soggy and packed Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah, Florida tonight as Miami’s favorite son Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara destroyed former champion Jan Zevek with a third round stoppage. From the opening bell Lara showed he was the champion in his fair test opposite a faded and worn former champion.

Live on ESPN, Premier Boxing Championships provided a night of boxing in Hialeah Florida where Lara successfully defended his WBA super welterweight title for the fourth time and retained his IBO strap. Lara did it by winning every second of the fight and knocking the Solovian off balance with straight hard left hand shots setting up that inevitable “wait for it” moment. In the final seconds of round 2 Lara landed a straight left that wobbled Zavek who was happy to hear the bell 6 seconds later. The odd end came at :41 of round three as Lara set up another straight left off of a throw away hook that snapped Zavek’s head back so far he could have counted stars if it wasn’t raining. Lara actually took a step back after the shot at which time Zavek oddly turned away with a no mas limp stiff arm towards the Champion. Zavek complained early of a shoulder injury however the shoulder appeared to be fine, its this sports writer’s opinion he just said “Ni? Ve?” The Cuban Champion improved to (22-2-2, 13 KO) and is willing to face anyone from 154-160 as quoted in a post fight interview. “Canelo doesn’t want to see me because he knows I beat him in the first fight,” Lara said. “And GGG [Golovkin] can come get it if he wants as well. I’m ready to fight anybody at 154 to 160 pounds. Bring on the best.”

Emmanuel Rodriguez 14-0(10KO) retained his WBA Fedelatin bantamweight title and WBC Latino bantamweight title with a seventh round TKO over Dominican boxer Elicer Aquino 17-2-1(11KO). Rodriguez knocked Aquino down in round three and around the ring for the rest of the fight while knocking his mouthpiece out several times throughout the fight. Sam Burgos took a point from the Dominican and Rodriguez went ahead and finished it himself by speeding his punches up with combinations to a nice end at 2:44 of round seven where Burgos stepped in to save the Dominican from further punishment.

Undefeated Heavyweight John Wesley Nofire improved to 19-0(15KO) with a stoppage over once promising Cuban Yasmany Consuegra who lost his third in a row to drop to 17-3(14KO). Nofire came out with a fast jab early to start the fight and try to establish pace and distance. The Cuban consistently fell in while punching the 6’6” Oklahoma native which caused a lot tangles early on. Nofire got a better sense of his distance in round three and started coming underneath while the Cuban fell in which gave him enough room to punch and this is where he hurt Consuegra. A great flurry late in round three had Consuegra caught in his own corner taking a beating by the big powerful Oklahoman nearly prompting a stoppage only to be saved by the bell. However the Cuban corner felt that was enough and waved the fight off between rounds giving the big man from Oklahoma a TKO win officially at 2:59 of round four.

Super Welterweight Daquan Arnett 15-1(9KO) looked powerful with a strong performance in a first round knockout win over once heralded Cuban prospect and amateur star Yudel Johnson 17-3(9KO). The end came at 2:47 of the very first round.

Super Lightweight Jose Quezada easily improved to 9-0(6KO) with a 2nd round KO win over Daniel Lorenzana 4-7-1(2KO).

In an entertaining bout between two South Florida welterweights Jeff Souffrant from Davie FL and Gregory Moore from Miami, FL battled to the final bell which Souffrant earned a unanimous decision win to sharpen his record to 2-1, where Moore fell to 1-1.

A vivacious crowd accented a special Thursday night edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, that was headlined by a 10-rounder featuring a battle royal to top off the appropriately named “Noche De Combates”. Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson 24-0, (20 KOs) of Ghana earned a hard fought 10 round split decision over Colombian Breidis “El Khanqueror” Prescott (27-7, 20 KOs) of Colombia. With great give and take action througout the entire fight with Prescott hitting the floor in round three but to come back in round four with a great overhand right that backed Lawson up to help even the tide. Round six was a great round with an almost a Gatti-Ward feel. Relax I said almost. This was a great fight for a great crowd. The finals cards read 95-94 twice for Lawson with the final card coming in at 96-93 for the Colombian Prescott.

In the co-main event former IBF Super-Featherweight champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy, who is 22-0(13KO) made easy quick work of Angino Perez (18-7, 6 KOs) in his first fight as a lightweight after vacating his IBF strap for bigger purses at lightweight. As Teddy Atlas called it, a total mismatch. Early in round two Barthelemy unloaded on Perez with a quick end at 15 seconds into round two.

In a slugfest Egyptian bomber Ahmed Elbiali 10-0(9KO) was taken the distance for the first time by Michael Stafford 13-3(3KO). In Elbiali’s last fight, a bout that was shown live on ESPN “Friday Night Fights”, Elbiali, scored an impressive 2nd round knockout against former undefeated foe Dustin Echard (10-1, 7 KOs).

For the undercard of the ESPN Friday Night Fights heavyweight Robert Alfonso improved to 5-0 with a sharp shooting target practice TKO win over Raymundo Lopez 4-12(2KO) to get the night started at Hialeah Park Rachin and Casino.

Antonio Tarver Jr. 2-0(2KO) resembled his father while boxing in his southpaw stance and stalking Bruce Lutchmedial with a commanding jab setting up slick combinations. With no amateur career Tarver was blessed with natural ability in the ring, moving like a seasoned pro. The end came after a final assault by the second generation boxer to the bell ending round three and by advisement of his corner.

Michael Seals 19-0(14KO) dropped Carlos Reyes 7-6-1(5KO) in round five with a straight right hand which looked like it came all the way from his home in Atlanta Georgia. Reyes who normally fights at a heavier weight gave Seals a test with good movement and tough give and take. Seals mentioned after the fight Reyes was slick and a tough challenge. The final cards read 60-53 twice and 59-54.

Jr Middleweight Daquan Arnett 13-1(9KO) kept on the comeback trail as he dismantled journeyman and too-tough-for-his-own-good Travis Hartman 13-22-1(10KO). Hartman hit the canvas a number of times by result of well placed blistering body shots throughout the fight. The crowd patiently awaited the eminent end for the Orlando boxer. This is the second consecutive win for Arnett since dropping a heartbreaking decision to Eddie Gomez in January of 2014.

Undefeated Cuban heavyweight Yasmany “El Tiburon” Consuegra improved to 15-1(14KO). Consuegra has a record of 16-0 with 14 knockouts, most in the early rounds. Consuegra has not had to wait for the scorecards to be tallied since winning a four-round bout 5 years ago in only his third lifetime.

Super welterweight “Silky” Wilky Campfort 20-1(11KO) from Tampa stopped Jamaican Devon Moncrieff 10-4(4KO) after five rounds to earn his twentieth with as a pro.

Super featherweight Kamil Laszczyk 20-0(8KO) had his hands full with Jose Luis Araiza 31-11(22KO) and had to come off the canvas twice and saved by the bell to come back and stop Araiza with a willful non stop effort. A cut over the left eye of Araiza and a headbutt in round 5 followed by an onslaught by the determined Polish pugilist. Araiza was saved by the bell and by his corner whom advised the fight stopped after 5.

Polish Super middleweight Patryk Szymanski improved his mark to 13-0(8KO) with a TKO victory over a very game Yoryi Estrella 11-10(8KO). The Polish Szmanski picked apart his opponent with heavy shots at all angles, while touching his body and head often. Referee Sam Burgoes wisely stopped the bout at the end of two.

Bernard Hopkins will not be the only 45+ year old boxer competing on November 8th. Fight sporting goods company Ringside/Combat Brands from Lenexa Kansas has joined forces with StrikeGym in Coconut Creek Florida to bring a new segment to their Ringside Boxing Tournament Series, exclusively for the ageless fighters. Amateur boxers from the ages of 35-78 will take part in technique clinics led by the sport’s top trainers and former world Champions throughout the week that will lead up to a very competitive two day boxing tournament.

A 68 year old Fort Lauderdale attorney, a 155 pound six foot 48 year old female attorney from Atlanta, a 44 year old college professor from Texas, a 58 year old pilot and former Olympian from the middle of nowhere, a very unique 45 year old musician and many more brave men and woman will compete in this fully sanctioned AIBA and USA Boxing tournament. “This will be the biggest sporting event Coconut Creek has seen in years if not ever” said StrikeGym owner huge masters boxing supporter and serial entrepreneur Chris Holloway.

While most work in the white collar world, all the masters have embraced the champions heart and have prepared themselves for the world’s toughest sport, boxing. They have put themselves through weeks and months of rigorous training to climb into the ropes and fight for honor and the 1st Annual Ringside StrikeGym Masters Championship belt. “We are excited to work with Ringside who is the best in boxing and together we have arranged an excellent week of technical clinics, training sessions and social gatherings for all these brave athletes” said Holloway.

Former 5 time world champion Cory Spinks will be one of the trainers for the event. Spinks, who was at one time the undisputed welterweight champion of the world and is bound for Boxing’s Hall of Fame is excited to work with these older warriors. “I am really looking forward to working with these boxers, who are always eager and open to learning.” Said the former champion.

Anthony Hamm who once trained world champions Arturo Gatti, Ray Mercer, Spinks and many others will also be a guest trainer for a clinic session. Hamm has been training world champions for nearly 30 years and will bring excellent technical lessons for the masters. “Most of these boxers are novice and new to the sport, the bucket-listers we call them, and they are so eager and determined to give three hundred percent I don’t see myself having to push them at all, I just have to teach them, and I like that!”

Johnny Schulz who is one of the “open” or experienced boxers in the masters division works closely with Holloway at StrikeGym promoting USA boxing. “We have boxers from all over the world coming to this tournament, in our first year there is already a great turnout with over 40 boxers having registered for the tournament.” Schulz was hoping to compete at the tournament however due to his experience and weight class (141) there were no opponents to face the former 5 time Ringside Masters World Champion.

Ringside’s’ tournament director Barbara Yoksh had this to say. “Masters boxers are a rare breed of athlete. Their participation in the sport represents a pure love for amateur boxing, and this will clearly be evident in the enthusiasm and passion that will be demonstrated at the StrikeGym Masters Tournament. Although numerous safety rules are adhered to in masters boxing, it is the athletes themselves and their respect for and camaraderie with fellow masters, that results in safe but thoroughly exciting bouts. On behalf of Ringside, I am proud to be a part of what will be a memorable weekend of competition!” Ringside who is well known for hosting the world’s largest amateur boxing tournaments is excited for this excellent destination style tournament.

Former USA Olympian Albert Guardado, and product manager for Ringside/Combat Sports has been very instrumental in organizing this inaugural tournament and technical clinics.

?The event kicks off on Wednesday November 5th with a meet and greet social, followed by a couple days of beach runs great technical boxing training and workouts at StrikeGym. Round one of the tournament will begin on Friday November 7th at 6PM and the Ringside StrikeGym Masters Champions will be determined and crowned on Saturday November 8th with the first bell at 6pm.

The great tournament will end just in time for the boxers to watch 49 year old Bernard Hopkins defend his world title on HBO, unless of course its past their bedtime. The local boxing commission, Florida Gold Coast Boxing, will be on hand officiating the event. Event Tickets and additional information can be found at www.ringsidemasters.com. Tickets are now on sale for both evenings.

By Johnny Schulz-

Former undisputed welterweight world champion and future Hall of Famer Cory Spinks has come full circle with his passion for boxing and is contributing to the humble grass roots of the sport that gave him a long and successful career. Since retiring Spinks has become a certified USA Amateur Boxing trainer and has flourished in South Florida as a coach to kids from the ages of 6 to adults. StrikeGym in Coconut Creek Florida is his boxing home now and his boxing family consist mainly of a bunch of young kids who love his playful but strict coaching style, however most are far too young to really know who he is, and what amazing accomplishments he has made in the sport of boxing. The parents know and they also know their kids are in great hands. He is also grooming a team of young amateur boxers who know exactly who he is and what he has accomplished and follow his lead precisely.

Spinks will be leading his team of young amateur boxers as they compete in their home ring. Spinks the former 5 time world Champion was one of the best boxers of his era and one of few recent boxers to hold unified titles. Spinks comes from a strong boxing bloodline, both his Father Leon and Uncle Michael Spinks won Olympic Gold and were at one time Heavyweight Champions of the world. Most recently Cory has added to that lineage and his wife Christy just gave birth to a baby boy named Cory Leon Michael Spinks. The next next Generation. StrikeGym is located at 6814 Florida 7, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.

Miami, Florida got treated to Mike Tyson’s Judgement Day on Thursday, July 10 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and was shared around the country LIVE On FOX Sports 1.

Iron Mike celebrated his birthday week with an excellent show which staged a main event rematch between Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez 22-3-1 (11KO) and Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy 20-0(12KO) for for Mendez’s IBF title. All night Barthelemy was content keeping the champ at jabs length offering an occasional 2 punch combination before moving into space. This kept the champ following the Cuban and creating certain pugilistic melanin for the previously fired up crowd. There was very little in-fighting and when an exchange seemed probable it was abandoned mostly by the Cuban letting Mendez off the ropes. The fight showed a little life in round 8 as the two engaged in some welcomed live boxery. Barthelemy was deducted a point in each of rounds 9 and 10 for low blows, however they did not look intentional. Barthelemy showed effort in the last round to put a tiny period at the end of a very conservative but yet successful performance. The final call was all three cards for the new champion Barthelemy. 115-111.

In January live on ESPN Barthlemy knocked out Mendez with punches illegally thrown after the bell ending the second round. Mendez’ promoter, Iron Mike Productions appealed the decision and the fight was ruled a “no contest” with the IBF mandating this rematch.

Mendez fighting out of Brooklyn, was a 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian. He had an incredible 238-13 amateur record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the prestigious Pan-American Games, as well as winning a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships. Mendez captured the IBF crown March 9, 2013, stopping defending champion Juan Carlos Salgado in the fourth round.

Warriors Boxing-promoted Barthelemy, also 28, is a former Cuban Junior National Champion who lives in Miami. He originally became Mendez’ original mandatory challenger by way of a second-round knockout of Fahsai Sakkreerin last June.

Light heavyweight Umberto “El Don” Savigne 13-1(10KO) took out a very dormant and stale Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy 26-6(18KO) in just two rounds. Lacy offered very little competition and certainly did not look like a former world champion in this WBC FECARBOX light heavyweight title bout. From round one Savigne controlled every second right until the end where Lacy sat in the corner and ate punches punches until referee Sam Burgos stepped in and saved Left Hook from a sustained beating. The miserable end came at 2:04 of round two. Humberto Savigne is a 2 time Central American Championships Gold medalist and a 2 time Pan American gold medalist as an amateur. Humberto Savigne had over 400 amateur fights coming off of a KO win over undefeated Jackson Junior on ESPN March of 2013. Savigne is the current WBA fedelatin, WBO latin and WBC fecarbox Champion..

“My kid will be the next Pay-Per-View Superstar” – this is what Mike Tyson said earlier this week of 18 year old welterweight Erickson Lubin 6-0(5KO) who stepped up in completion when he faced tough Noe Bolanos 25-10-1 (16KO). The former national amateur champion Lubin, nicknamed “The Hammer” used his long reach to keep a nice distance while often connecting with his left hand; both straight and underneath onto his veteran Mexican counterparts chin. Lubin gained great experience and rounds while efficiently out boxing the 27-year old Bolanos and often landing the Left-handed hammer. “He is the best I have seen in forty years in boxing,” commented Pedro Rogue current USA boxing coach, and former coach of the Cuban National team. All three judges scored the bout 80-72. Over the course of his ten-year professional career, Bolanos has faced numerous contenders and highly regarded prospects including Vivian Harris, Victor Cayo, Ed Paredes, Luis Ramos Jr. and Rene Gonzalez. This was a great test for the young Lubin and will show his team the areas he can improve while stepping up.

Cuban slugger Yunier Dorticos 18-0(17KO) punched his way to a unanimous decision win over a blown up Edison Miranda 35-10(30KO) who weighed in at a career high 198 pounds moving all the way up from middleweight to the Cruiserweight division. Dorticos pushed the pace from the opening bell landing solid straight rights and uppercuts. Miranda’s experience aided his survival, however he looked like a middleweight fighting a Cruiserweight in terms of size, he was able to take the big punches from the hard hitting Cuban. By the end of the tenth and final round Miranda’s face showed the beating he took from the over sized Cuban. The cards read 99-91 and 100-90 twice.

Featherweight Dennis Galarza 5-0(3KO) looked sharp with a quick dismantling of Cody “Red Rooster” Walker 1-1 with a KO at just :58 of round one by way of excellently placed ripping body shots set up beautifully by boxing’s most important punch… a stiff jab.

Light heavyweight Leo Hall 3-0(3KO) picked up another KO win at 2:33 of round one. The Detroit native Hall had Juan Ortega 1-2-1(1KO) down from two excellent straight right hands, and then finished him off after he rose from an eight count with a nice assault.

Cruiserweight Ramon Luis Nicholas was Disqualified in the first round giving the win to Dakota Dawson 3-0(2KO). Dawson rocked Nicholas in round one and in return was knocked down by two big shots and another while Dawson had his knee down disqualifying him in Round one.

Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (35-3, 23 KOs) stalked and beat Victor “Mermelada” Cayo (32-5, 23 KOs) for much of Thursday’s ESPN Thursday Night Fights-televised 10-round welterweight showdown breaking him down with strong punches and relentless pressure. Garcia of Weslaco, Texas walked through everything and anything Cayo had to offer. Cayo of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic was able to land shots but that did nothing to slow the steady and relentless pressure punching by Garcia. Cayo was cut over the right eye in the 4th round and he entered the 5th round with a renewed attack and made it competitive, until close to the end of the round when Garcia landed big right hands and a flurry at the bell. Garcia put even more pressure on in the sixth and it overwhelmed Cayo, a nice body head combination sent Cayo to the ropes and a swarming Garcia finished the job prompting referee Telis Assimenios to step in at 2:38 and call a stop to the bout. Garcia is something of a Cinderella story in the making. Never having reached his potential throughout his 13-year boxing career, he was thrust into an ESPN-televised main event on a few days’ notice against Mexico’s Norberto Gonzalez last February and scored an impressive decision victory.

In the 10-round middleweight co-feature, undefeated 2008 Olympian Jonathan “Mantequilla” González (18-0-1, 14 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, got a very close win over Mexico’s Rogelio “Porky” Medina (32-6, 26 KOs). Gonzalez and Medina put on a great competitive match and it was Medina who set the tone early with more accurate punches. Gonzales came on in the mid and later rounds, but Medina was clearly the busier fighter while the punches were equally heavy from both combatants. The scores were 96-94 Medina and 97-93 and 96-94 for Gonzalez.

Back in action after three years, James McGirt (23-3-1, 11 KOs) made quick work of very overmatched Larry Smith Jr. (10-21-1, 7 KOs) of Dallas, Texas with a TKO at 2:55 of round 1. Also on the undercard, Cairo Egypt’s Ahmed Elbiale (4-0, 4 KOs) was both impressive and brutal in his light heavyweight four-rounder against Steven Chadwick Jr. (2-6, 1 KO) of Jacksonville, Florida. Elbiale dropped Chadwick just seconds into the bout with a huge left hook and later with a huge right hook that ended the bout with Chadwick out on the canvass where he laid for several minutes before taken out on a stretcher and to the local hospital. Junior lightweight Juan Carlos Velasquez 12-1 (5KO) outpointed veteran Rogers Mtagwa 27-17-2 (19KO) with a majority decision victory in a one sided affair that had the slick boxing Velazquez boxing nice from distance and keeping the hard charging often wild Tanzanian fighter just out of reach. 2012 Florida Golden Glove Champion Jeff “Rambo” Souffrant 1-0 made a successful debut with a UD win over Jorge Quintero 0-2 from Bogota Colombia. Light heavyweight Vilier Quiñones 8-0(5KO) won via TKO over Edgar Perez 5-9(3KO) at :58 seconds of round one. Light heavyweight knockout artist Yunieski Gonzalez (13-0, 13 KOs) of Havana, Cuba, destroyed Colombia’s Jaison Palomeque (14-9-1, 9 KOs) with a TKO1 win at just :47 seconds of round one, brutal senseless mismatch from the get go. The twin brother of Juan Carlos, lightweight Carlos Ivan Velasquez 12-1 6(KO) took a unanimous decision win over Guillermo Sanchez 13-12-1.

Notables in attendance was Joel Casamayor whom was honored, Riddick Bowe, Sergio Martinez, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Buddy McGirt, and Michael Moore.

Golden Boy Live!Series on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes showcased a number of up and coming prospects. The evening was capped with a main event light middleweight bout where Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo 22-0, 11 KO’s used a late fight surge to overwhelm and stop Jose Angel Rodriguez late in the final round of their televised bout. Charlo the WBC Continental Americas and the NABF light middleweight champion started the bout strong and rocked Jose Angel Rodriguez early in round one to set the tempo, however that tempo was slowed in the mid rounds where Rodriguez seemed to neutralize the attack of Charlo with slick counter punching and feints. The mid rounds were close chess match style rounds that slightly favored Charlo. At the end of Round 5 the action picked up when Charlo landed a few nice straight punches and caught Rodriguez against the ropes, Charlo failed to sustain the attack but the barrage did manage to slow a quickly bruising Rodriguez. Rodriguez answered the bell for round six with a noticeable mouse under his right eye compliments of a great left hook from Iron Man. As the fight wore on Charlo started landing frequent clean punches winning each round but not by an overwhelming margin. As the rounds wore on Rodriguez wore down and Charlo gradually turned the heat up and in the final round he blasted Rodriguez with neck snapping punches from close range. Charlo smelled the end and finished the show at 1:4 of the 10th and final round where referee Sam Burgos stepped in to save the tough but beaten Rodriguez. Where the fight was not overly exciting it was technical showcase and show of closing power by Charlo. Charlo was a bronze medalist at the 2005 Junior Olympics at the age of 15. He finished his amateur career with a record of 56-8. Charlo has been busy in 2013, winning both the WBC Continental Americas and USBA Junior Middleweight Titles with victories over Harry Joe Yorgey and Demetrius Hopkins.

Welterweight Martin Lagunas Jr. made a very successful pro debut with a dominant and strong performance. Lagunas, who was a former national amateur champion threw heavy punches from the opening bell catching Larry Yanez with meaningful punches early on. Yanez was able to establish an early jab, however Lagunas took that away with great heavy counter punching. As round two wore on Lagunas started landing bigger and bigger shots until a thunderous combo floored the game Yanez with the end coming at 1:56 of round number 2.

The second bout of the evening barely got on its way when Willie Jones landed a thunderous left uppercut to the body of Jose Segura Torres at just 56 seconds of the first round. Jones improved to 3-0(2KO),where Torres dropped literally to 1-5

Three time US Olympian Rau’Shee Warren improved to 8-0(3KO) with a quick win over tough, experienced and tested Jhon Alberto Molina 32-25(20KO). Warren, fighting for the sixth time in 2013 came out punching with power from the opening bell. A slick straight left dropped the Colombian Molina in round one while the former Olympian chased stalked Molina steady for 4 rounds landing shots one and two at a time. All three cards read 40-35 to finalize a unanimous decision.

In an interesting match-up of unbeaten southpaws Errol “The Truth” Spence 9-0(7K0) clashed with tough Ghanaian Emmanuel Lartei Lartey 15-1(7KO). Spence was the predator throughout the chess match of southpaws. Spence landed a heavy straight left in the opening round that established momentum while Ice Cold’s corner begged for their fighter to move forward instead of backwards. The only problem was Spence and his heavy shots that kept Lartey from taking a step forward. Spence controlled the fight by being first and keeping his s All three judges saw the bout 79-73 in favor of Spence.

Hard Hitting light welterweight Jeffrey Fontanez 13-0(10KO) looked impressive with a fourth round TKO over tough journeyman Gerardo Zayas.

Notable Boxers in attendance, Roy Jones Jr., Antonio Tarver, Adrian Broner, Paulie Malignaggi, Bermane Stiverne, Daniel Edouard, Luis Ortiz, Micheal Moorer.