Looks like Cris Arreola and his trainer didn’t keep true on their promise that the hard hitting Californian would weigh in under 240, but he manage to scale in 12.5 lbs less than his last bout. The naturally smaller Adamek, who is likely to go after a title in a third division if he is victorious Saturday, was 3 lbs down from his fight with Jason Estrada.

15ROUNDS’ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ADAMEK WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY SO MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED!!!

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

We had the opportunity to catch up with highly regarded junior middleweight prospect Glen Tapia of Passaic. Tapia, 5-0 (4 KO’s) faces the toughest opponent of his career in James Winchester Saturday in AC as part of the Pavlik-Martinez undercard. For more on Tapia and other New Jersey fighters, check out Gardenstatefightscene.com

MY: Saturday night you will be taking on James Winchester and will once again appear on a big card. Does fighting on a big card add any pressure or do you think it brings out the best of Glen Tapia?

GT: It doesn’t add any pressure at all. I am ready to go. I love having people watch me, I love boxing and fighting; this is what I do best.

MY: Your opponent has a 10-3 record but is from North Carolina. Those that know boxing will tell you that fighters from his region with good records aren’t what they are made out to be. What are you expecting from him come Saturday night?

MY: I don’t know but I can tell you what I expect from me. Everyone tells me he hasn’t been knocked out and just fought a good opponent, but he hasn’t fought Glen Tapia! If he comes out thinking he isn’t going to get caught or hurt, he has something coming!

Editors Note: Winchester’s last opponent was 2008 Olympian Matt Korobov.

MY: I know you had a great amateur background and were one of the more heralded prospects coming up. Tell us about your career as an unpaid boxer with headgear.

GT: I had 143 fights and finished 130-13. I won the Silver Gloves in 2003, the Ringside Tournament, USA Junior Olympics in 06, Bronze Medal (while competing) in Turkey and the Junior Golden Gloves.

MY: Your last bout was nationally televised on Fox Espanol. The fight was entertaining and you scored a stoppage, but you were a little wild and got hit with a few punches you shouldn’t have. Did you slug it out because you knew you were stronger than him?

GT: I honestly felt a little tense. I should have tried to get him out of there earlier, maybe been a little quicker with my shots but he didn’t hurt me so I knew I was going to stop him.

MY: You are also recognized for your work as a sparring partner. Previously, Joshua Clottey used you as his main guy for the Miguel Cotto fight. As a young fighter, what was it like working with a big, strong, experienced world class guy like that?

GT: I love sparring with him and I was actually his only sparring partner. We worked 4 days per week 8 rounds per day. We ran in the morning too. It was a great experience to see how he trains and the kind of shape a world champion is in.

MY: On a side note, Clottey disappointed a lot of people with the way he fought Pacquiao. Seeing how he trains, spars and how hard he works, were you let down with how he fought?

GT: Yes I was very disappointed! He could have done a lot more. When he threw punches he hit Pacquiao. He should have committed more but may have been scared of getting counter punched. If he did commit he would have had a much better chance to win. Honestly I don’t know who is going to watch him now but still, he is a good fighter.

MY: Three of your five fights have been in Jersey or New York. What does it mean to you to be able to fight in front of a lot of your fans while many other fighters have to travel to fight?

GT: it means a lot since I can show them what I can do. Since I have been fighting close to home its easier for them to get to me. I love it and they (they love it too)

MY: I know you are with the Pound 4 Pound team and are a tight knit group, training in Passaic and Hoboken. Most of the crew is trained by Mikey Red (Mike Skowronski) and you workout alongside Jeremy Bryan, Victor Valenzuela Jorge Diaz and Pat Farrell. What does it mean to have a close training circle? How does it help you prepare?

GT: It’s great! We all train so hard and push each other. I feel we will all be world champions and it’s going to be crazy! If we all win belts at the same time, that would be crazy, especially because we come from the same gym. We push each other daily so hard to be the best. That’s how it is! We are all A class fighters so this is the best gym to be in for me.

MY: Glen Tapia fighting out of Passaic at 5-0 with 4 knockouts. What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?

GT: I want to be one of the best prospects coming up this year and for the future, I want to become one of the best world champions. My dream is to be considered a legend.

New York Giants running back, Brandon Jacobs talks to Matt Yanofsky about his fledgling manager career in boxing

15rounds’ Matt Yanofsky catches up with former IBF Cruiserweight Steve “USS” Cunningham, who has had a lot going on as of late, even though he has been out of the ring since July 09′. Check out the interview for more!
steve-cunningham

Pound 4 Pound Promotions’ maintenance crew would have been wise to remove ring following the co-feature as Jersey City, NJ’s Danny “Little Mac” McDermott and Brian Miller seemingly fought in a phone booth throughout the eight round main event.

Miller came into the bout with a boatload of confidence as did McDermott. Both men were looking to stamp their ticket as a rising prospect in the lightweight division. Neither wanted to lose. Each refused to quit. But following eight competitive rounds, Miller’s consistency and conditioning helped him score the minor upset.

Miller of Schenectady, NY improved to 8-0-3 (3 KO’s) after pulling out an entertaining eight round split decision over the popular McDermott. McDermott got off to a solid start over the first two rounds, landing a number of hard head shots on his hard charging opponent. Miller controlled the pace of the third round by volume punching and crowding McDermott, as the latter began to show signs of fatigue.

Rounds four through six were action packed, with the heavier handed McDermott landing hard shots while Miller continued to keep his hands busy from bell to bell. Neither fighter gave an inch and the majority of the standing room only at North Bergen’s Schuetzen Park remained on their feet.

McDermott had difficulty regaining his wind in the seventh, as struggles making weight and consecutive action packed rounds can be torture for any fighter. The multi time Golden Gloves champion fired heavy hooks, but Miller slipped under a majority of the punches and remained busy in close quarters. With the fight up in the air, the two exchanged leather as if there were no tomorrow, with McDermott landing the bigger punches and Miller once again keeping his hands moving in a definite Garden State Fight of the Year candidate.

The first two scorecards read 77-75 McDermott and 78-74 Miller. The third judge somehow scored the bout a ridiculous 79-74 but unlike the majority of asinine scorecards, this one didn’t go to the hometown fighter. GSFS scored the ultra competitive contest 77-75 for Miller, who won the WBF All Americas title in the process.

“It was definitely a tough fight and knew it was going to be, but I give 110% every time I enter the ring”, Miller said after the fight.

As a fighter who received two questionable draws in his opponent’s hometown, Miller initially thought the final scorecard was going to be responsible for his first defeat.

“I fought twice in Jersey before and this is boxing. If you fight in the other guys hometown and the fight is close, the decision can go against you. Fortunately this wasn’t the case tonight.”

McDermott drops to 8-2-1 (3 KO’s) after the tough defeat.

Hard hitting Union City, NJ based super middleweight Jason “Monstruo” Escalera embarrassed previously unbeaten Jesus Torres, stopping him inside of one round. Torres entered the squared circle for the first time in 11 years, but would have been better off staying away for good. From the moment Escalera landed his first shot, Torres was clearly looking for a way out. His opponent had no problem giving him one. Escalera dropped him three times en route to a TKO victory at 2:14.

“I was very disappointed with my opponent”, Escalera said after a quick night of work. “I figured he was going to give me more of a challenge because of his record but as you saw, I got him out of there quickly.”

Escalera moves to 8-0 (7 KO’s). Torres heads home at 5-1-1 (4 KO’s)

Newly signed super bantamweight Elion “Nono” Kedem of Queens, NY via Israel earned a hard fought six round unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s Pedro Salcedo. Kedem controlled the majority of the action and was the busier fighter, but the game Salcedo had his moments as well. Scores were 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56. Kedem improves to 11-3-4 (7 KO’s). Salcedo falls to 3-3 (2 KO’s).

In an all-Jersey matchup between two raw fighters, Todd “Viking” Eriksson of Dover viciously stopped Newark’s Eddie Edmonds. Both fighters missed with a number of wild shots in the opening two rounds, but Eriksson managed to briefly hurt Edmonds. Eriksson lined up a huge right hand in the third, sending his opponent tumbling to the deck. Edmonds, who has a striking resemblance to actor Luis Guzman, got up on unsteady legs, forcing the stoppage 59 seconds in.

Eriksson wins his first bout and is 1-3-1 (1 KO). Edmonds, whose father is a local promoter, drops to 1-1-1

With former world champion Paulie Malignaggi guiding his ring walk, welterweight Christian Martinez of The Bronx impressively stopped debuting Union City native Hector Collado in three rounds. Martinez was clearly the more polished fighter and needed little time to prove it, decking his counterpart seconds after the opening bell. Martinez controlled the second round and ended Collado’s night with a big right hand at 1:09 of the third. Martinez is now 3-0 with all 3 coming by way of KO.

In the opening bout of the evening former National Amateur Champion Steven Martinez destroyed debuting North Carolinian Michael Ransome in 1:59. Martinez, a talented Bronx based Middleweight, put Ransome down twice. Martinez is now 4-0 with all four wins coming by way of kayo.

Dubbed as “March Badness”, last night’s card was Pound 4 Pound’s seventh consecutive show at Schuetzen Park. Notables on hand included New York Giants running back/boxing manager Brandon Jacobs, former IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham and the aforementioned Paulie Malignaggi.

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

This great show can be seen by clicking:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=658

Pound 4 Pound Promotions returns to the elegant Schuetzen Park Ballroom for what looks to be a solid night of boxing topped by one of the Garden State’s most entertaining up and comers. Tomorrow night’s card is Pound 4 Pound’s seventh consecutive show in North Bergen, NJ and one of their first featuring a title bout.

Jersey City’s Danny “Little Mac” McDermott (8-1-1, 3 KO’s) is taking a step up in competition to challenge unbeaten Brian Miller (7-0-3, 3 KO’s) for the vacant NABC Lightweight title over eight rounds. McDermott, a crowd pleaser making his seventh appearance at Schuetzen Park, is fighting eight rounds for the first time. The multi time Golden Gloves champion won his last four bouts comfortably since his lone defeat, most recently stopping Italian import Floriano Pagliara inside of two rounds.

Miller also has a reputation for coming to fight and has been in hostile territory before. The Schenectady, NY based 24 year old battled to a draw against both Ryan Belasco and Linwood Hurd in their hometowns.

Hard hitting super middleweight Jason “Monstruo” Escalera takes on unbeaten Jesus Torres (5-0-1, 4 KO’s) in the six round co-feature. Escalera, 7-0 (6 KO’s), has been a regularly discussed prospect since viciously knocking out Alan Lawrence in the amateurs a few years back. This is his first bout since August 09, but considering he has an opponent who has been out of the ring more years (11) than he has months, Escalara looks to be in position for a quick knockout victory.

Newly signed featherweight Eilon “Nono” Kedem (10-3-4, 7 KO’s) makes his Pound 4 Pound debut against Puerto Rico’s Pedro Salcedo (3-2, 2 KO’s). Kedem, who hails from Israel looks to rebound from a second round knockout loss to Eden Sonsana.

Also featured on the card is former amateur standout Steven Martinez against Michael Ransome, Christian Martinez batteling Hector Collado and a local match up between Newark’s Eddie Edmonds and Dover’s Todd Eriksson.

Tickets are available by calling 561-503-9948. and can be seen via tape delay on www.gofightlive.tv by clicking:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=658

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

Manager Nelson Fernandez informed 15rounds that North Bergen based Colombian Carlos Tamara will make the first defense of his IBF Junior Flyweight championship May 29 against four time title challenger Luis Alberto Lazarte in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tamara, 21-4 (15 KO’s), captured the title January 23 by scoring a dramatic stoppage over Brian Viloria in the Philippines. The 2004 Olympian was hoping to take Viloria’s spot in the proposed title unification with WBO champion Ivan Calderon, but the unbeaten Puerto Rican signed to face another opponent.

Lazarte, who has challenged for belts at 105,108 and 112, looks to make the most of his fifth opportunity ala Jose Lopez, and will have the hometown advantage. The Buenos Aries native is currently 46-9-1 with 18 KO’s and has won his last six bouts since dropping a decision to Daniel Reyes. His in ring antics however must be questioned, as four of his nine professional defeats have come via DQ.

For the record, Tamara will next have to face the winner of this Saturday’s IBF eliminator between Ulises Solis and Bert Batawang. According to IBF rules, Tamara will have to fight Solis or Batawang by October 24 2010.

International television rights for Tamara-Lazarte are currently in the works, but the bout is expected to be aired in Colombia and Puerto Rico.

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

From the second the opening bell sounds, New Brunswick NJ’s Jorge “Kid” Diaz is ready to go to war. The all action Diaz has already been in a number of entertaining bouts, making him a pugilist that thrives on giving fans their moneys worth in the entertainment department. Although he was a notable local prospect following a good amateur career, Diaz gained notoriety outside of the Garden State after viciously knocking out 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy last October.

On Saturday night, Diaz, 12-0 (8 KO’s), looks to take another step in the right direction when he takes on unbeaten Mexican Alejandro Lopez in Key West, FL on Fox Sports Espanol. We had the opportunity to catch up with Diaz, who is just one day away from his first televised bout.

MY: Saturday night you are taking on an unbeaten opponent in Alejandro Lopez. What do you know about him besides that he is 13-0 with 2 knockouts?

JD: That on March 20 he will be 13-1 with 2 knockouts (laughing)!

MY: This will be your first time on National TV. Does this add any extra pressure for you?

JD: No not at all. All jokes aside I know Lopez is a boxer but I am going to come in and apply pressure and make it a war. In terms of pressure fighting (on TV), there isn’t any because I know at the end of the day win, lose or draw, I am going back to the projects, so I have everything to gain!

MY: You are known as an action fighter who goes for the knockout. Considering this is yet another step up and your first eight rounder, are you planning to box a little more and take your time?

JD: I am prepared to go eight hard rounds to the point where I am so tired after the bout that I feel like passing out! Leather will still be flying though because that is how I fight!

MY: There are a lot of good up and comers in the featherweight division such as Mikey Garcia, who has been featured on TV as well. Who is on Jorge Diaz’ radar considering he has been moving up?

JD: That isn’t my job I just go out there and fight. Everything else is up to my promoter Pound 4 Pound, my manager Sal Alessi and trainer Mike Skowronski.

MY: I know you were in camp with two time world champion Juan Manuel Lopez last year. What was it like to spar with one of the top fighters out there?

JD: It wasn’t what I expected. I got there the first day, worked out and it didn’t go as I wanted. I wasn’t pleased with what I did. The experience actually makes me not want to go back to a training camp. They ended up changing my opponent anyways.

Editor’s note: When Diaz was in camp with Lopez, both were preparing for fights on October 10 at Madison Square Garden.

MY: Moving back to October 09’ when you had the best win of your career against 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy. You were put in with a skilled boxer and an enormous amateur pedigree. Coming into the bout, were you worried at all about the fight considering it was a huge step up in competition?

JD: To be honest with you, I didn’t know who he was until I knocked him out. I don’t get into that, I just fight. They tell me the day I am fighting I say ok. They tell me (Barthelemy is the new opponent on short notice) I said ok. I just fight.

MY: So I take it you don’t watch tapes of your opponents based on your last statement?

JD: Yeah I leave that up to my coach. I am not the coach you know so I let him (Mike Skowronski) do that. I don’t watch any tapes but maybe in the future I will.

MY: Being that you are an action fighter from New Jersey with a warrior mentality and are willing to take two punches to land one, is the late Arturo Gatti a fighter you try to emulate?

JD: It would be a pleasure to be mentioned in the same sentence as him. However Gatti is Gatti, Jorge Diaz is Jorge Diaz. I do whatever it takes to win the fight but it would be nice to help Arturo’s legacy live on, but it isn’t my initial plan.

MY: What is your plan from Saturday forward if you are victorious and it were up to you.

JD: Sh*t if it was up to me, I would get paid like $40,000 (laughing). They told me if I win on Saturday, they are putting me in Yankee Stadium (on the Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman) undercard on June 5, but first I have to take care of business.

MY: Is that something you are potentially looking forward to because that will be a big card with 30,000 plus fans there?

JD: That right there would be to me, the highlight of my life! My only highlight I have in boxing is beating Yan Barthelemy. Now if I do get to fight at Yankee stadium, that would be such a great privilege since it would be the first fight ever at (the new) Yankee Stadium. That would be history!

MY: Jorge thanks for the time best of luck Saturday. What do you have to say in closing to all your fans and the readers on Gardenstatefightscene.com?

JD: I hope I don’t disappoint y’all on Saturday. Make sure to tune in watch. I will give you 100%!

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

Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez is looking to get back into contention following his impressive 7th round TKO victory over hard hitting Alexis Camacho March 6 in his hometown of AC. Alvarez, now 21-2 with 12 KO’s, is looking hungry as ever to prove that he belongs among the upper echelon welterweights, even though both of his defeats came when he stepped up. We had the opportunity to catch up with the confident Alvarez. Here’s what he had to say.

Garden State Fight Scene: Shamone, congrats on your knockout victory over Alexis Camacho. Tell us about it.

Shamone Alvarez: I am very happy that I won. This was a very difficult fight for me and I won it and won it (impressively). I am happy and pleased.

GSFS: It was impressive, but you do have a bunch of wins over Camacho type opponents such as Jose Luis Cruz. Some would question you ability to beat a top guy since both of your losses were when you stepped up against Joshua Clottey and Delvin Rodriguez. Are you planning to switch things up so you can beat one of these guys?

SA: I am waiting to see what (promoter) Joe (Deguardia) is going to do but I am willing to fight any of these guys. (Mike) Jones, that boy (Antonin) Decarie, and I would love a rematch against Delvin or Joshua Clottey to show I can beat those guys. The Delvin fight was bs but its whatever. I have my daughter and my lady so they are my motivation!

It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me because I will put them down and beat the hell out of them to show that I am worthy. Now I am what Clottey once was; a fighter who isn’t respected or looked upon and look where (Clottey) is now (getting big fights).

GSFS: We know that you are promoted by Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing. Who manages and trains you?

SA: Arnold Robbins is my trainer and manager. William Johnson, the father of (the late Levander) Johnson is my assistant trainer. I have strength and conditioning coach (as well), plus Donnell Parker is my third man in the corner.

GSFS: You previously mentioned Mike Jones, who just won in AC and like you, has a local fan base. Mike is also eager to get a big fight and has been on the ESPN-Fox Espanol type cards. Is he somebody you are willing to fight to make it to the next level?

SA: Yes! Joe and I have discussed this. I was at his last fight against (Henry) Bruseles and I was looking at him like I am ready to step up and take on this guy.

GSFS: Is Shamone Alvarez calling out Mike Jones?

SA: I am calling out anybody I am calling out Jones, Decarie, Clottey, Delvin, all of these guys! I am not calling them out because I have beef or anything, but I want these guys because I am willing to fight anybody. If Mike Jones is guy they want me to fight that’s fine. Delvin is cool too. I would also love to fight Clottey again since he was the first to beat me. I really want to fight anybody I don’t want to specifically say Mike Jones. It’s also up to Joe and my manager.

GSFS: Most of your fights have been in or around Jersey. Are you willing to travel whether it be to Canada, Las Vegas or wherever?

SA: Yes! I was going to fight (unbeaten) Saul Alvarez but they wanted to do it in Mexico. I will fight him in Vegas or wherever but he is their golden boy. We were scheduled to fight Antonin Decarie before but we had to pull out with a knee injury. I am down for whatever as long as its fair.

GSFS: I believe Saul Alvarez’ next fight will be on the Mayweather-Mosley undercard on May 1 (cutting in).

SA: Yeah I knew (his next fight) was on some big undercard. If we fight in Vegas that is cool with me but if we were to fight in Mexico it would have to be for a lot of money. Once I beat him, I will be in position for a big money fight. So it is about the money, but it also isn’t about the money if you follow.

GSFS: What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?

SA: I am just looking to fight! Joe and I have spoken (about future bouts). It would be nice to have three more fights this year but realistically, as a ten or twelve round fighter, I should get two more bouts. Like Antonio Tarver said, if you keep on winning, they will have to give you a shot!

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

New York State Heavyweight champion Darrel “King David” Madison is willing to fight anyone at any time, but has repeatedly been rebuffed. As a southpaw with good boxing ability and a strong amateur record, matchmakers have been heartbreakers, as Madison’s aspirations to fight the best is yet to come. After last night’s impressive performance at the Yonkers PAL Gym, it’s perfectly understandable why Madison has been turned down time and time again as an opponent.

Madison of Central Islip, improved to 15-1 (4 KO’s) after battering Providence, RI based gatekeeper Robert Wiggins over two one sided rounds. With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Madison entered the ring in multi-colored checkered trunks and a brand new game plan. Madison previously boxed his way to skillful decision victories, which weren’t always entertaining, but the Irish style trunks seemingly turned him into a new fighter.

Madison came out unusually aggressive in the opening round, tagging Wiggins with a number of right hooks and body shots to take the first three minutes of the fight with ease. The former amateur standout went back to work in the second, buzzing Wiggins on a number of occasions with a heavy onslaught of punches. Madison was ready for more, with a group of his fans cheering him at ringside, but Wiggins wasn’t. The latter surprisingly remained on his stool after the second round and was met by a chorus of boos for doing so.

“I have been in the gym with him before and am surprised he quit”, Madison said after the fight. “Now I want a fight with (unbeaten Harlem based) Tor Hamer. He has a big mouth so let’s see if he can back it up!”

Wiggins falls to 20-8-1 (12 KO’s) with the defeat.

The co-feature pitted a counter puncher against an opponent who simply didn’t punch. O’Shea Brothers Boxing newly signed light heavyweight prospect Ronson “Perfectly” Frank scored an eight round shut out decision over Raynard Darden of Detroit, MI. Frank took his time in the early going, waiting for opportunities to counter, but Darden didn’t give him the chance simply because he didn’t move his hands.

Frank stepped up his punch output beginning in the third round, using a nice southpaw jab, body blows and right hooks. Darden was decked hard in the fourth with a nice check hook, but the hardcore veteran did a good job of surviving throughout the contest. Scores were 80-71 on all three cards.

Brooklyn’s Frank improves to 14-0 (7 KO’s), while Darden, who had longtime friend and Dibella Entertainment matchmaker Joe Quiambo assisting in his corner, falls to 11-22-1 (4 KO’s).

In the fight of the night, local featherweight Nydia Feliciano and Jennifer Han battled to an entertaining six round draw. Han, who entered the ring with a deceptive 0-1 record, had good ring generalship and worked behind a peppering jab. The hard charging Feliciano, who has a Juan Diaz type style, pressured Han, and found success with combinations in close quarters. Neither fighter cared much about avoiding punches, thus many clean shots landed in one of the most entertaining woman’s fights in recent memory. Scores were 59-55 Han, 58-56 Feliciano and 57-57, forcing the draw.

The Bronx based Feliciano remains unbeaten at 2-0-2. Han returns to El Paso, TX with a 0-1-1 record. 15Rounds scored the closely contested bout 58-56 for Han. On an interesting note, one of Feliciano’s cornermen shouted instructions while talking on his cell phone during the fourth and fifth rounds. Perhaps he was telling one of his confidants about the entertaining bout just inches away?

Crowd favorite Lambros “Linheart” Karaolides, 6-0 (4 KO’s) pounded out a one-sided six round decision over Medford, NY’s Ashantie Hendrickson in a junior middleweight contest. Karaolides, an Astoria based Cypriot outpunched his game opponent from bell to bell. Scores were 60-54 and 59-55 twice. Hendrickson falls to 1-6.

If boxing was UFC, Brooklyn light heavyweight Ariel Espinal would have received a nice bonus on his check for knockout of the evening. Espinal, a true fighter at heart, stepped into the squared circle on 24 hours notice with unbeaten Hajro Sujak. Espinal was less than two weeks removed from his last bout, a fourth round TKO over Anthony Pietrantonio, in Atlantic City and wasn’t in the best of shape. Like the majority of out of shape fighters, Espinal was looking to end the fight early. Success!

Espinal scored a jaw dropping second round KO over Sujak with a monstrous overhand right. Sujak crashed to the canvas and the referee Ricky Gonzalez took more time than necessary to direct Espinal to the neutral corner ala Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade. It made little difference. Gonzalez eventually began to count and Sujak bravely stood up, but only to fall a split second later. Time of stoppage was 2:59.

Espinal improves to 8-13-3 (4 KO’s), while The Bronx’ Sujak drops to 5-1 (2 KO’s).

Good looking bantamweight prospect Raul Lopez of The Bronx forced Puerto Rico’s Reinaldo Cintron to quit on his stool following the opening round. Lopez and Cintron mixed it up early, but the latter got dropped by a hard left hook to the body about 2:30 in. Lopez gunned for a knockout, throwing a terrific body combination, but his badly hurt opponent managed to get out of the round on his feet. Cintron’s corner threw in the towel shortly after the round ended, as their fighter had enough.

Lopez, who received praise as a sparring partner for world champion Carlos Tamara, ups his record to 3-0-1 (3 KO’s). Cintron heads home with a 1-2 professional ledger.

In the opening bout of the evening, former New York Golden Gloves champion Chazz McDowell shut out iron chinned Mexican Filberto Nieto over four rounds at junior lightweight. McDowell hit the defensively inept Nieto with everything he had, but Nieto had no quit in him. McDowell, of Yonkers, improves to 2-0 (1 KO). Nieto falls to 1-6.

The “St. Patty’s Day Brawl” was promoted by O’Shea Brothers Promotions, who have put together a string of scintillating club shows in recent months. Their next card is slated for April 2 at the Masonic Temple in Brooklyn.

15rounds in association with Gardenstatefightscene.com brings you our inaugural New Jersey pound for pound list, which will be updated on a regular basis. Unlike regular P4P lists, this one was a bit tricky, as many fighters are at different stages. In compiling the list, we factored resume with potential and what each fighter has left. Without further ado, here is who we think are New Jersey’s best.

1. Tomasz Adamek Heavyweight Secaucus: Adamek, easily Jersey’s best fighter, has impressed thus far since vacating his IBF/Ring Magazine Cruiserweight titles to move up in weight. The beloved Pole most recently took a competitive decision over 2004 US Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, where he was hit a few more times than one would have liked.

Next up is an April 24 HBO showdown with heavyweight contender Cris Arreola in Arreola’s home state of California. This is fight fan’s dream, thus had been discussed within boxing circles in recent months since both men like to mix it up and have tremendous chins. Outside of a matchup with WBA champion David Haye, is there anything better that we could have asked for?

NEXT FIGHT: April 24 vs Arreola

2. Carlos Tamara Junior Flyweight North Bergen: Tamara went from a virtual unknown to one of the most talked about fighters locally after his stunning 12th round TKO over IBF Junior Flyweight champion Brian Viloria in the Philippines. Viloria, a Filipino-American, was up on points early, but Tamara rallied back late to end the fight in devastating fashion, giving him one of the best wins by a local fighter in years.

The 2004 Colombian Olympian was chasing a fight with WBO champion Ivan Calderon, but reports indicate Calderon has a fight lined up against another opponent in May.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

3. Kendall Holt Junior Welterweight Paterson: Holt was shockingly stopped after six rounds by unknown South African Kaizer Mabuza last Saturday in Atlantic City. Holt was expected to win the fight – an IBF 140 lb eliminator – en route to taking on the winner of this weekend’s Juan Urango-Devon Alexander fight, but this wasn’t the case. Holt had a good opening round but after that, it went all down hill.

Mabuza took the fight over and Holt’s corner stopped the fight following the sixth. With back to back losses, especially considering how he lost to Mabuza, Holt has a tough road back. With that said if he can refocus himself and get back to the Kendall Holt who beat Demetrius Hopkins, he can still be a major player at 140 lbs.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

4. Pawel Wolak Junior Middleweight North Arlington: The rapidly improving Wolak impressed in a virtual shut out victory January 23 at Madison Square Garden over once beaten Ishmail Arvin. Wolak’s defensive adjustments make him a potential player in the 154 lb division with another win or two. Since his last two fights have been on Top Rank’s most recent cards at MSG, expect him to return on the Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman undercard.

NEXT FIGHT: June 5?

5. Mike Arnaoutis Junior Welterweight/Welterweight Atlantic City: Arnaoutis dropped a debatable split decision to Tim Coleman December 3 in New York City. The bout wasn’t pretty, but Arnaoutis appeared to do enough to warrant a close decision. Unfortunately, two of the judges didn’t think so. Arnaoutis, who has struggled to make 140 lbs recently, is taking a risk by moving up to 147 lbs to challenge contender Delvin Rodriguez April 2 on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights. In addition to taking a tough fight in a new weight class, Arnaoutis is fighting at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, where Rodriguez is a fan favorite. The cards are really stacked against him in this one.

NEXT FIGHT: April 2 vs Rodriguez

6. Shaun George Light Heavyweight Wayne: George is yet another local fighter who suffered a devastating loss last time out when he was stopped on July 10 by fellow 175 lb contender Chris Henry. George got off to a strong start but faded after the second round en rout to being viciously in round six. After some time off, George is reportedly back in the gym and close to signing with a new promoter. The talent is definitely there with George and at age 30, he can get right back into contention with a few notable wins.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

7. Shamone Alvarez Welterweight Atlantic City: Alvarez fell just short last March against the aforementioned Rodriguez, dropping a split decision in an entertaining fight. The volume punching Alvarez also lost a decision to Joshua Clottey a few years back, which has caused some to question if he can truly hang with a top welterweight. He returns to the ring Saturday night in AC against hard hitting Alexis Camacho. A loss would likely destroy his career while a victory can help push him towards a minor title fight.

NEXT FIGHT: March 6 vs Camacho

8. Prince Badi Ajamu Light Heavyweight Camden: Ajamu was scheduled to face fringe contender Daniel Judah November 20, but surprisingly missed weight by 10 lbs, canning the fight altogether. Since then, he has been on a hiatus and his next move is unknown. Whether he fights on at cruiserweight (which appears likely since he is 38) or light heavy, he will be a handful for any contender/up and comer.

NEXT FIGHT: TBA

9. Jeremy Bryan Junior Welterweight Paterson: If this list was purely on potential, Bryan would easily be number one. He is a good boxer and has shown the ability to apply pressure as well. In his most recent bout, Bryan demolished Darren Fallen, decking the experienced veteran three times en route to a second round TKO.

Bryan is scheduled to return April 17 in AC as pat of the Kelly Pavlik-Sergio Martinez undercard and is definitely ready for a step up in competition. If he is victorious on the 17th, hopefully we can see him on an ESPN, ShoBox or Top Rank Live (who have a good relationship with Bryan’s promoter Pat Lynch) card in the near future.

NEXT FIGHT: April 17 vs TBA

10. Vivian Harris Junior Welterweight Carlstadt: Once upon a time Vivian Harris was the WBA champion and the most avoided man in the 140 lb division. Unfortunately for Harris, it seems all too long ago. Harris’ skills have greatly diminished and he honestly hasn’t been the same since getting viciously knocked out by Junior Witter in 07’. Since then, Harris had to come off the canvas twice to beat journeyman Octavio Narvaez, battled to a scary no contest with Noe Bolanos and was controversially stopped by unbeaten power puncher Lucas Matthysse on February 20.

Harris had a few good moments against Matthysse, but it’s clear he isn’t what he once was. Due to the controversial stoppage (the referee strangely halted the bout after Harris was buzzed by a single punch) a rematch appears in place for April 2 on ShoBox. His resume can get him a notable fight if he wins the rematch, but a loss would all but likely end his career.

NEXT FIGHT: April 2 vs Matthysse?

Honorable Mention:

Jorge Diaz Featherweight New Brunswick: Outside of Adamek, Diaz is the most entertaining fighter in Jersey. He returns March 20 against unbeaten Alejandro Lopez on a Top Rank Live card from Florida. His October 2009 knockout over Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy was one of the best in recent memory.

Francisco Contreras Junior Welterweight Irvington: Contreras made a major statement in his National TV debut February 5, blowing away Juan Castaneda inside of one round on ShoBox. The cement fisted Contreras has been kept busy by promoter TKO Boxing. Hope to see more of him soon.

Bobby Gunn Cruiserweight Rochelle Park: Gunn captured the hearts of local fight fans with his gutsy performance against Tomasz Adamek on July 11. Gunn’s chin and willingness to mix it up with Adamek earned him more respect than all of his wins put together. Gunn recently notified us that he is targeting a showdown with unbeaten Ran Nakash and hopes the bout will take place in AC.

Patrick Majewski Middleweight Atlantic City: Majewski, an all action Pole, has solid wins over Latif Mundy and Jimmy Lubash. Like Adamek, his willingness to mix it up makes him worth the price of admission.

Jerson Ravelo Super Middleweight Newark: Talent wise, Ravelo is as good as anybody in Jersey, but many have questioned his ability to beat a top fighter (three of his four losses came to world champion Andre Ward along with contenders David Lopez and Allan Green) and how much he has left in the tank due to injuries. A self proclaimed refocused fighter, Ravelo hopes to surprise his harshest critics and show why he was a highly touted prospect coming out of the 2000 Olympics.

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

Sparta, NJ based junior middleweight Chris Murphy, 3-0-1 3 KO’s, notified 15Rounds that he is retiring due to a reoccurring retina injury. Murphy first hurt his eye three years ago and after multiple surgeries, re injured it sparring with contender Alfredo Angulo a few months back.

Murphy, a pressure fighter who loved to brawl, will remembered among most locals for his scintillating four round draw with Abe Torres, which will likely go down as one of the most entertaining club show fights in North Jersey history.

“I am blessed because I have a year left in school and aspirations to get a higher degree when I am done with that” said Murphy, a student at Sussex County College who also played professional hockey. “I am looking to follow in my brother’s footsteps (who graduates from Georgetown law in the spring).”

Although he will no longer be fighting, Murphy vows to support his stablemates as they develop.

“Glen Tapia, Jeremy Bryan, (Bobby) Rooney, Jorge Diaz, Pat Farrell, Danny McDermott and the rest of Pound 4 Pound (promotions) are my family for life. It was great to work with them as well as trainer Mike Skowronski.”

15Rounds wishes Murphy the best of luck in his future outside of boxing.

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

Sources notified 15Rounds that Carlstadt, NJ’s Vivian Harris, (29-4-1 19 KO’s), will be granted a rematch with Lucas Matthysse April 2 on ShoBox due to a controversial stoppage. We were unable to find footage of the bout, but multiple media sources reported that Harris’ night was cut short after taking a right hand in the fourth round.

“He threw two punches, I blocked them and the referee stopped it”, Harris angrily told us. “The whole crowd was booing and you will all see (that the ending was a joke) when it is on youtube. This guy used to getting people out of there early and that wasn’t happening against me!”

With many still insisting that he retire, Harris is excited about getting back on track in the rematch.

“I am going to try and get him out of there early next time. I have to throw more punches in the first few rounds in the rematch.”

Team Harris claims that Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya and Matchmaker Eric Gomez personally mandated a rematch immedately following the fight. They are also hoping for the official result to be changed to a no contest.

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

15Rounds was informed that John Lynch’s Pound 4 Pound Promotions will return Thursday March 25 at the elegant Schuetzen Park ballroom in North Bergen, NJ.

In state prospects slated to appear on the card are lightweights Chris Green (3-1 one KO of Asbury Park), Danny McDermott (North Bergen – 8-1-1 3 KO’s), cruiserweight Patrick Farrell (5-0 3 KO’s – Jersey City), featherweight Victor Valenzuela (7-0 1 KO – Passaic), super middleweight Jason Escalara (7-0 6 KO’s) and junior middleweight Abe Torres 1-3-2 1 KO, each of Union City. Bronx NY’s Steven Martinez, a highly touted junior middleweight with a 3-0 (3) record will be on the card as well.

McDermot and Green each had good amateur backgrounds and are fixtures at Schuetzen Park. Farrell, a rapidly improving prospect, is coming off an impressive four round unanamous decision over The Contender’s Jon Schneider February 6. Valenzuela and Escalara are two highly touted local prospects. Martinez won the 2007 National Golden Gloves welterweight title, while Torres is best remembered for a thrilling August 09′ draw against Sparta’s Chris Murphy in what will go down as one of the most entertaining four round fights in North Jersey history.

Tickets will be available on location and at the majority of North Jersey’s boxing gyms.

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

Matt Yanofsky speaks with Cris Arreola’s trainer Henry Ramirez following Tomasz Adamek’s hard fought victory over Jason Estrada in Newark, NJ to talk about the proposed Adamek-Arreola bout.
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Matt Yanofsky catches up with Promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events after Tomasz Adamek’s victory over Jason Estrada to discuss the potential Cris Arreola fight and more.
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Main Events presents an intriguing crossroads bout tonight at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ when local favorite Tomasz “Goral” Adamek (39-1, 27 KO’s) defends his recently won IBF International heavyweight championship against 2004 US Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (16-2. 4 KO’s).

Adamek will make his second start at heavyweight after previously winning belts at light heavy and cruiserweight. The Secaucus, NJ based Pole made quite the impression during his debut in the 201+ division, demolishing faded contender Andrew Golota last October.

The highly anticipated bout was billed as the “Polish Fight of the Century” but barely was one, as Adamek twice dropped Golota before the one sided drubbing was stopped in the fifth round. Against Golota, Adamek used his athleticism and hard power punches to simply overwhelm his once promising countryman.

Although Adamek’s chin, heart and willingness to mix it up made him the star he is today, he’s shown improvements in his boxing ability as of late, using a powerful jab to keep opponents at bay. His long term success heavyweight remains to be seen, but it’s only fair to say so far so good.

Estrada has twice failed in notable bouts, but has the chance of a lifetime to revitalize his once promising career against Adamek. Estrada is a classy boxer with quick hands, but doesn’t have much pop in his punches. He has also had well documented difficulties staying in shape.

His first defeat came against amateur rival Travis Walker (who Estrada beat three out of four times with headgear on). Estrada came in against Walker undertrained and overconfident, scaling in at a career high 257 lbs before dropping a majority decision. The Walker fight turned out to be a beauty in disguise, as Estrada rededicated himself en route to dominating his next eight opponents while weighing no more than 245 lbs. The win streak guided him to a fight with top ten heavyweight Alexander Povetkin.

Estrada got off to a good start against the former Olympic Gold Medalist, but was hurt down the stretch and dropped a competitive decision. In his most recent bout, he scored a 7th round stoppage over the upset-minded Zuri Lawrence.

Stylistically, this bout has the makings to be a good one. Estrada’s aforementioned ability to box (he holds skillful victories over gatekeepers/formers contenders in Robert Wiggins, Dominic Jenkins, Lance Whitaker, Derek Bryant and Lawrence) will definitely present problems for Adamek. The last quick-handed boxer Adamek fought was Chad Dawson; the same man who handed him his lone defeat; thus some insiders consider the Providence, RI native a live underdog to say the least.

Estrada also realizes the importance of this bout, weighing in at a career lightest 237 last night. With Adamek’s first true test at heavyweight against coming against a fighter desperate to show why he was once considered a top prospect, tonight’s fight looks to be one worth the price of admission.

The Adamek-Estrada bout can be seen live on www.gofightlive for $9.99 beginning at 8pm eastern

Photo by Ed Mulholland/Main Events

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

Manager Nelson Fernandez informed 15rounds that talks between his newly crowned IBF Junior Flyweight champion Carlos Tamara of North Bergen, NJ and WBO/Ring Magazine champion Ivan Calderon of Guaynabo, PR are likely to take place in the coming days about a unification match in Puerto Rico.

“We understand that Calderon is a longtime champion and a great fighter, but we are looking for a fair negotiation”, stated Fernandez. “Everyone wanted to see Calderon vs Viloria, but Carlos is the man that beat the man, so this is the fight to make!”

Tamara, 21-4 (15 KO’s), scored a shocking 12th round TKO to take Viloria’s belt January 23 in The Philippines. The 2004 Olympian was behind on points, but battled back in what many insiders consider the biggest upset thus far in 2010.

Unbeaten at 33-0-1 with 6 wins by kayo, Calderon is regarded as one of the top fighters on the planet. The slick boxing Puerto Rican was a longtime title holder at Strawweight (105 lbs), before moving to junior flyweight, where he has five successful defenses.

Tamara and a member of Universal Promotions are heading to Puerto Rico Tuesday to stop by a number of radio and TV stations to spice up the potential fight.

E-mails to Puerto Rico based promotional firm PR’s Best Boxing weren’t immediately returned, but Calderon is tentatively scheduled to fight in April.

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

Atlantic City’s Mike Arnaoutis will have a shot to rebound from his controversial loss to Tim Coleman when he battles Delvin Rodriguez April 2 on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT.

Arnaoutis, 22-4-2 (10 KO’s), appeared to do just enough to warrant a victory against the awkward Coleman, but dropped a hotly contested split decision. The former USBA Junior Welterweight champion will move up to welterweight for the first time after reportedly having severe difficulty making the 140 lb limit.

Rodriguez, like Arnaoutis, is looking to get back on track following an L. The Danbury, CT native dropped a unanimous decision in Poland to hometown favorite Rafael Jackiewicz and a split decision to Isaac Hlatshwayo for the then vacant IBF Welterweight crown back in August. Ironically, Rodriguez, 24-4-2 (14 KO’s), was also a USBA titleholder that came up short in his biggest bouts.

Arnaoutis and Rodriguez are scheduled to meet over 12 rounds.

For more New Jersey Boxing news, go to www.gardenstatefightscene.com

Cruiserweight Patrick Farrell has dominated thus far as a pro, but knows there is plenty of room for improvement.

His first four opponents were a combined 2-5, giving the Jersey City native an opportunity to develop his skills. However, Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, Farrell is taking a notable step up when he meets Contender Season 4 alum Jon Schneider. Schneider, 7-4-1 (5 KO’s), is far from a world beater, but is expected to give Farrell a solid test in their four round bout on the Tomasz Adamek-Jason Estrada undercard.

“He’s a lefty and I have a couple of fights on tape”, said Farrell, who remembers watching Schneider on The Contender. “He is definitely a tough kid.”

Farrell’s last two bouts took place at North Bergen’s Schuetzen Park, a small venue that holds less than 1,000 people. While many young boxers get butterflies fighting in big arenas, especially one as loud as the Prudential Center, Farrell considers it an advantage.

“The arena is five minutes from my house and I have a lot of fans coming out.” “Boxing is an emotional sport so if anything, (the fan support) just adds motivation”.

Farrell, who has sparred with Adamek to ensure he is in top shape, trains at the Passaic Boxing Club alongside his Pound for Pound Promotions stablemates.

Duran-Davis, Tapia-Miles February 27 in AC!

Ossie Duran is one of the toughest gatekeepers in boxing, but is amongst New Jersey’s least known fighters from a local standpoint. The Ghana native never fought in the Garden State and is well traveled, spending time in England and Rhode Island before relocating to Paterson.

Duran doesn’t have a promoter or the luxury of fighting in his hometown, thus has been used as an opponent for a number of good boxers. Duran’s last four bouts came against contenders James Kirkland, David Lopez, former top ten rated Eromosele Albert and hot prospect Fernando Guerrero, who were a combined 91-14. While he was competitive in all four fights, Duran’s record in those bouts was 0-3-1, with all three defeats coming by razor thin decision.

Duran, who now trains under watchful eye of fellow Paterson native Aroz “Terrific” Gist, surprisingly received an offer to take on Philadelphian Jamal Davis February 27 at Bally’s in Atlantic City. While far from a pushover at 11-5 (6 KO’s), Davis is the least experienced opponent Duran has faced in five years. Even though Davis is not on the same level as his recent opponents, Duran isn’t taking him lightly.
“I train for every fight like it’s a world title fight”, said Duran, a former British Commonwealth Champion”. “I am looking forward to this fight and taking him out because (even with the losses) I am still knocking, so hopefully (a victory will) open doors”.

Duran and Davis meet over six rounds at Junior Middleweight.

Passaic’s Glen Tapia will also appear on the card. Tapia, 3-0 (2 KO’s), had a terrific amateur background and served as one of Joshua Clottey’s main sparring partners leading up to his fight with Miguel Cotto last summer. The junior middleweight was featured on the Cotto-Clottey card at Madison Square Garden, scoring a four round UD over David Lopez (who is unrelated to the David Lopez Duran fought)

Camden’s Tyrone Miles is scheduled to be Tapia’s opponent. Miles is 1-2 as a professional, most recently dropping a close decision to former New Jersey Golden Gloves champion Tyre Roberts. The Tapia-Miles fight is scheduled for four rounds and is also part of the Kendall Holt-Kaizer Mabuza undercard.

THE FARRELL FIGHT CAN BE VIEWED WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV

for more information click www.gardenstatefightscene.com

15Rounds.com Matt Yanofsky caught up with with unified 122 lb champion Celestino Caballero at Saturday night’s Lopez/Gamboa doubleheader
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15rounds.com Matt Yanofsky caught up with WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman to discuss a proposed June 12th showdown with Miguel Cotto
interview-with-yuri-foreman

15rounds.com’s Matt Yanofsky catches up with legendary promoter Bob Arum after impressive wins by Yuriorkis Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez at Madison Square Garden’s WaMu theater
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North Bergen, NJ based Colombian Carlos “El Olimpico” Tamara sent shockwaves through the boxing world with a stunning 12th round TKO over IBF Junior Flyweight champion Brian Viloria early this morning at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Viloria controlled the majority of the early and middle rounds, with hard right hands and crisp body shots, but following the 8th, Tamara turned the tides.

The challenger pressured Viloria, using a solid flurry of punches to wear down the 2000 US Olympian. Tamara, who displayed phenomenal stamina, almost forced the severely gassed Viloria into submission in round 11.

Knowing he would still need a knockout to claim the title, Tamara unloaded a barrage of punches and rocked Viloria’s in the opening minute of the final stanza. The spaghetti legged Viloria twice slipped to the canvas due to sheer exhaustion and made it back to his feet, hoping to somehow finish the fight. He wasn’t so lucky.

Viloria did all he could to try and survive, but a follow up assault by Tamara left him defenseless, forcing referee Bruce McTavish to stop the contest and crown a new world champion.

Tamara improves to 21-4 (15 KO’s), while Viloria returns home to Hawaii at 26-3 (15 KO’s). The victory also derails a scheduled
unification between Viloria and WBO champion Ivan Calderon.

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

Nelson Fernandez (Manager): I saw the Solis fight several times and Viloria has huge power, but Carlos can punch with both hands.” “Two of Carlos’ losses came in his opponent’s hometown, but we have learned from our mistakes and will be leaving Viloria’s home country with his title.”

“We want Calderon next since the 108 lb division is in dire need of unification but first thing is first”.

Butch Sanchez (head trainer): Tomorrow will be the happiest day of my life when he takes Viloria’s belt. Three of Carlos’ four losses were controversial (so don’t judge him on that). I have no doubt that Carlos wins tomorrow; there is a reason that Viloria didn’t want to fight us and the IBF had to mandate it!”

Angel “Ping” Dejesus (assistant trainer): “Carlos remained very humble throughout training and he knows this is a golden opportunity. We are here in Viloria’s home country to show him what champions are made of”.

Carlos “El Olimpico” Tamara (20-4 14 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ meets IBF Junior Flyweight champion Brian Viloria (26-2 15 KO’s) tomorrow at the Cuneta Astrodome in the Philippines. The 10 fight card is available in the US on pay per view starting at 9 am ET.

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

The PAL Gym in Yonkers, NY is geographically close to Madison Square Garden but is far from the World’s Most Famous Arena. It’s a small venue, maintenance was in dire need and a poor sound system made the ring announcer difficult to hear throughout the evening. While the aforementioned issues could hurt attendance when the facility is used for another event, anyone involved in the sport will tell you that venues like the PAL Gym are a major part of boxing’s club circuit.

The main event of the Friday night’s card was an eight middleweight scrap between local favorite Jose Angel Rodriguez of New York, NY and renowned tough guy Darnell Boone of Atlanta, GA. Boone, who defeated up and coming prospects Chris Archer, Ronald Johnson, Willie Lee, James Countryman, Rasheem Brown and James Johnson, was once again looking to upset the hometown favorite, and almost got it done early on.

Boone had a solid opening round and rocked Rodriguez with a left hook in the second, providing a scare for the latter’s fans. Then Boone, like many unpredictable journeyman, completely changed his game plan; albeit not for the better. In rounds 2-8, Boone’s punch output drastically decreased, giving the speedy Rodriguez an easy opening to outbox him. Boone rarely attempted to remount an offensive attack and spent far too much time lying on the ropes, ultimately costing him the fight.

Scores were 79-73 and 78-74 twice for Rodriguez, who improves to 15-1-1 (2 KO’s). Boone, who asked promoter Brian O’Shea for a rematch following the decision, falls to a decisive 16-4-2 (6 KO’s).

Harlem based African junior welterweight Issouf Kinda remained unbeaten after a sloppy six round unanimous decision over Stephane Malenou. Kinda had success early on with a jab/right hand combo, but Malenou clinched excessively, making the bout a difficult watch.

Kinda continued to be victimized by Malenou’s holding, which cost him a point in round three in addition to a chorus of boos. Malenou had a few good moments in round four and five, but Kinda finished the bout strong.

Scores were 58-55 twice and 57-56. Kinda – pronounced Kin duh – improves to 7-0 (3 KO)’s. Malenou, a New York based Frenchman, drops to 5-6-1.

“Kinda is a solid fighter but my kid (Malenou) has been off for a year and a half”, said trainer Joey Gamache, a former two time world champion. Stephane is 5-6-1, but he wasn’t taken care of early in his career, so we are working on changing that around”.

Good looking prospect Nydia “Da Phenomenal” Feliciano of The Bronx upped her record to 2-0-1 after an impressive four round unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s Norma Faris. Feliciano dominated the action from bell to bell, tagging Faris with solid body punches and crisp hooks to the head in close quarters ala Juan Diaz. Faris was game, staying on her feet throughout the contest, but simply didn’t have enough to keep Feliciano off. All three judges scored the contest 40-36. Faris drops to 3-2 with the defeat.

In the fight of the night, Allentown, PA junior bantamweight Miguel Diaz sent shockwaves through the building after upsetting local favorite Jose “Chili” Rivera. The opening round was action packed, with the shorter Rivera pressing the action while Diaz attempted to box and move. Diaz took control in the second, using his reach advantage to tag his hard charging opponent with clean punches to the head. Both men had solid success in the third round, as the two traded shots in close range.

Rivera was cut in the fourth round from a headbutt, but the blood only added fuel to the fire. Following the accidental clash of heads, a fired up Rivera pressed the action and stole the round after being outboxed in the opening minute. The score of 38-38, the same way I had it, was overruled by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 for Diaz. Although Diaz of New Rochelle, NY dropped the decision, he did more than enough to warrant a rematch.

Super Featherweight Jonathan Cuba, 2-1 (2 KO’s), viciously stopped 0-2 Takashi Sato in the battle of Manhattanites. Cuba dropped a very timid Sato in the opening round and finished the contest in the third with a huge left hook, which sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. Sato was motionless for a moment but was able to get up under his own power to a standing ovation. Time of stoppage was 0:19.

In the opening bout of the evening, former New York Golden Gloves champion Chazz McDowell, of Yonkers stopped the Bronx’ Alex Cooper in the second of their scheduled four round super featherweight fight. McDowell dominated the action, dropping Cooper in the first round wit a jab and twice more in the second, forcing referee M.S. Murdaugh to halt the contest at 2:24. McDowell is now 1-0 (1 KO), while Cooper falls to 0-3.

The card was promoted by O’Shea Brothers Boxing, who deserve all the credit in the world for putting together a well organized and better than advertised fight card, which had a number of bouts fall off at the last minute. Notables on hand included surging heavyweight Derric Rossy and 2004 Olympian Carlos Tamara, who takes on Brian Viloria this Saturday in the Philippines for the IBF junior flyweight crown.

When North Bergen, NJ resident Carlos Tamara was informed that IBF junior flyweight champion Brian Viloria agreed to an April unification with Ivan Calderon, he immediately went to the history books.

In 1990, James “Buster” Douglas pulled off the biggest upset in boxing history by stopping unified heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in Tokyo, spoiling his mega-showdown with Evander Holyfield at a time when both would have been undefeated. Tyson did not meet Holyfield until six years later, when he was nowhere near the fighter he once was.

With a bout against pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather agreed to for April 8 2006, WBC Welterweight champion Zab Judah first took a stay busy fight at Madison Square Garden against Carlos Baldomir. Showtime was on tap to air the fight, further building up to Mayweather-Judah. Ultimately, Judah’s homecoming turned out to be a nightmare.

In arguably the worst performance of his career, Judah lacked focus and dropped a decision to the unheralded Argentinean. Judah, like Tyson, reportedly undertrained and lost focus with a more lucrative bout ahead of him. Although Judah-Mayweather still took place in April, the fans and media were infuriated and the fight did not receive the large-scale attention it likely would have received if Judah handled Baldomir.

Tamara, who is less than two weeks away from his second crack at a world title, is confident Calderon will have to find a new opponent.

“Viloria shouldn’t count his chickens before they hatch”, said Tamara, a 2004 Olympian. “I am dedicated and hungry to ruin his plans and become Colombia’s latest world champion.”

Tamara, 20-4 (14 KO’s), and Viloria, 26-2 (15 KO’s) meet January 23 at the Cuneta Astrodome in the Pasay City, Philippines. The card will be available in the US on pay per view.

PHOTO BY REUTERS/Maxi Jonas (ARGENTINA)

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Popular junior middleweight Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak of Wallington will look to move further up the ranks when he takes Baltimorean Ishmail “The Arsenal” Arvin January 23 at Madison Square Garden. Known for his all-action style, Wolak, 25-1 (17 KO’s), demolished former title challenger Carlos Nascimento last time out, and is fighting at MSG for the third time in four fights.

Arvin, 15-1-4 (7 KO’s), has been out of the ring since August 2008 when he controversially defeated once promising prospect Anthony Thompson. Arvin was decked twice and thoroughly dominated, but an accidental headbutt incorrectly ruled a punch busted up Thompson and shockingly gave Arvin a TKO victory. Arvin has only two other fights since 2007 – both ending in a draw – but will not be taken lightly.

“Arvin is no walk over”, said Wolak’s Assistant Trainer Aroz “Terrific” Gist. “He is going to be the toughest guy Pawel fought (outside of) Ishe Smith.”

Even though Wolak hasn’t necessarily altered his style since his lone defeat against Smith, Gist is far from concerned.

“Pawel’s defense has got a lot better we have worked a ton on moving his head and he hasn’t cut during his last three fights”. “Pawel goes only in one direction and he is going to be ready since there is no easy sparring in my gym”!

According to Gist, Wolak’s training partners include former world champion Kendall Holt, rising contender Henry Crawford, hot prospect Jeremy Bryan and gritty veteran Ossie Duran.

Wolak-Arvin is part of the untelevised portion of the HBO double header featuring Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa in separate bouts.

Harris looking to get back on track vs unbeaten Matthysse January 30

The last two plus years simply haven’t gone Vivian Harris’ way.

The Guyanese native was on the wrong end of a 2007 knockout against Junior Witter, a bout where he had difficulty adjusting to his unconventional opponent’s style from the get go.

The former WBA Junior Welterweight champion’s return bout came 13 months later just minutes from his Carlstadt residence and was expected to be a tune up. Harris’ supposed tune up fight turned out to be a dog fight, as he was decked twice and almost stopped the opening round against 7-4-1 Octavio Narvaez before scoring a TKO in the sixth. Even with the victory against Narvaez, it was widely believed that the man once considered gem of the 140 lb division was all but finished.

Harris’ most recent fight vs Noe Bolanos last August on ESPN ended in a scary no contest. Harris got off to a slow start and was looking to outbox the durable Bolanos, but was victimized by a vicious clash of heads. The ill-effects of the hard headbutt caused him to collapse and he was rushed out of the ring on a stretcher.

Harris was assumed by many to be done for good after the frightening fight with Bolanos not helping his already slumping stock. But like most former champions, he was not so quick to hang em’ up.

Harris, 29-3-2 (19 KO’s), returns to the ring January 30 to face 25-0 Lucas Matthysse on the off-TV undercard of the Andre Berto-Shane Mosley welterweight title unification in Las Vegas. Matthyse, the brother of fringe contender Walter, has an impressive 23 knockouts, but has manufactured it against inferior opposition.

“Matthysse is a puncher, so is Vivian, but (the difference is) Vivian has skills”, said Gist, who also serves as Harris’ assistant trainer. “Vivian fought all the top guys and this is a big step up for Matthysse. Vivian has looked very in the gym and he is out there to prove that at 31 years old, he is still a threat in the division.”

Harris meets Matthyse at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino over ten rounds. The bout will not be televised.

Zambrano and Zegarra return home February 25

Featherweight Carlos “Mina” Zambrano and junior welterweight Juan “JZ” Zegarra of North Bergen are set to fight in their native Peru February 25.

Zambrano, 9-0 (3 KO’s), will fight an opponent to be announced in an eight rounder, while Zegarra risks his perfect 4-0 record against TBA over six rounds. According to manager Nelson Fernandez, their opponents are likely to come from Colombia.

Zambrano and Zegarra, two of the most storied amateurs in their nation’s history, will fight at Coliseo Nino Heroe Manuel Bonilla in Lima. Fernandez said a sell out crowd is expected.

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Sources have told 15rounds.com that a proposed bout between former WBO Jr. Welterweight champion, Kendall Holt and Tim Coleman is close to being finalized for February 20th.

Holt, 25-3 of Paterson, New Jersey hasnt fought since dropping his belt to Tomothy Bradley last April and will look to get in position to fight for his second world title.

Coleman of Baltimore, Maryland has a record of 17-1-1 with four knockouts is coming off his best win of his career when he scored a controversial split decision over Mike Arnaoutis on December 3rd in New York City.

The winner would be a mandatory challenger for champion Juan Urango, who has been rumored to be fighting a unification bout with WBC champion Devon Alexander on March 6th.

No venue was mentioned for the fight.

Sources notified 15rounds.com that Atlantic City based welterweight Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez will meet hard hitting Texan Alexis Camacho Saturday, February 6 at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino.

Alvarez, 20-2 (11 KO’s), makes his first start since losing a razor thin decision to Delvin Rodriguez in March. The volume punching Alvarez most recently outpointed 1996 US Olympian Terrance Cauthen in November 2008, but also dropped a competitive decision to future titleholder Joshua Clottey back in ’07.

The hard hitting Camacho brings a record of 17-2 with 16 KO’s, but like his counterpart, fell short on the scorecards in two of his last three fights and is in need of a victory. Camacho, who most recently dropped a decision to upset specialist Carlos Molina, has been working hard with one of New Jersey’s very best to prepare for February 6.

“This is not going to be an easy fight, but I am very confident that I will be walking away as the winner”, Camacho told 15rounds. “I have been working with Lou Duva for a few months now, and he has really improved my game. I want to face the top welterweights in the world, but first and foremost I must get by Shamone.”

Alvarez, a perfect 12-0 when fighting in his hometown of Atlantic City, recognizes the importance of getting back in the winners circle.

“I am really looking forward to this fight. Anytime you have the opportunity to fight in front of your hometown fans is great. I want to get myself back into title contention and a win over Camacho points me in that direction.”

The card is being promoted by Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing. Also slated to appear in a six round light heavyweight contest is Wildwood’s Chuck Mussachio against the ever famous TBA.

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