A Featherweight doubleheader will highlight a solid card on March 26th in Atlantic City as Yuriorkis Gamboa will defend his title against Jorge Solis and Mikey Garcia will take on Matt Remillard according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Solis who hold an interim title at 130 pounds will be moving down to face Gamboa

“He’s a bigger guy, but he make 126 comfortably,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “Regardless of what people want to say, Gamboa is still in the learning stages. Just because Solis isn’t the most well-recognized name, you will see a guy who can hang with Gamboa and a guy who has a chance to beat him.”

This will be the first fight for Remillard under the Top Rank banner where he recently signed

“It’s a very, very solid fight,” Cameron Dunkin, Garcia’s manager, said. “It’s a tough fight. The winner of this fight is really going to come out with big plans to become a champion. I talked to Mikey’s trainer [and brother] Robert [Garcia], and he was fine with the fight. But he said, ‘It’s a really tough fight, but it’s something Mikey has to do if he’s going to be a world champion.’ I agree with him about that.”

Said Moretti: “I think it’s a great opportunity for both guys. I don’t know which guy is going to have his hand raised at the end of the fight, but they are both winners for taking this kind of risk, which is what happens when you match up two undefeated guys. I think regardless of what happens, both of their careers will move forward.”

15rounds.com was informed early this week that a intriguing Featherweight fight involving undefeated prospects Teon Kennedy and Jorge Diaz was confirmed by the espn.com report

Exciting and undefeated Jr. Middleweight James Kirkland has been released from a halfway house after a gun conviction and will resume his career in Las Vegas under trainer Kenny Adams according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We plan on having him here on Feb. 1 and in the gym with Kenny,” said Kirkland’s co-manager Cameron Dunkin, who lives in Las Vegas. “It’s going to be terrific. Kenny brings [expertise on] defense and a lot of experience. He’s a great teacher and he’s patient with the fighters. He’s great at communication. You look at James and he’s so athletic, he has guts and he has so much power. Now if you can put him with a great teacher in there working on defense, imagine how good he’s going to be.”

“Kenny told me he wants to work on his defense and getting him to use angles,” Dunkin said. “He said there were a few things he saw from watching the tapes that he can teach him that will make his fights so much easier. So we’re really excited. We’re trying to get him set for March 5, unless Kenny tells me he’s not ready. If Kenny says he’s ready to go, we’re going.”

“He’s been training every day, so I think 155 to 157 will be the weight for the first fight,” Dunkin said. “Weight isn’t an issue.”

Alicia Ashley vs. Crystal Hoy — Jr. Featherweights, 8 Rounds
In the first ever female main event in New York City boxing history, Brooklyn’s Alicia Ashley bested Sin City’s Crystal Hoy by a unanimous decision at the Masonic Temple in the historic Fort Hood section of Brooklyn.

Ashley lived up to her nickname, “Slick,” as she cruised to her wide-margined victory over eight rounds. It was clear from the get-go that Hoy would have trouble with her much taller opponent, and subsequently, Ashley was able to keep her opponent at bay.

The opening round set the pace for the fight, with Ashley getting the better of Hoy, while still playing host to a few solid shots thrown by Hoy. As the fight progressed, Ashley continued to implement her strategy of firing off a few punches, then swiftly move out of harm’s way.

Hoy spent most of the fight attempting to apply pressure to the elusive Ashley. Unfortunately for the Filipino-American, success was few and far between. Although her corner repeatedly pleaded with Hoy to throw more punches as the two were tied up, insisted that Ashley was feather-fisted, screaming “She can’t hurt you!” she was unable to fully capitalize while on the inside with Ashley.

In the eight round, much to the delight of the hometown fans, Ashley scored a knockdown courtesy of a grazing left hook. Hoy was unshaken by the knockdown, but at that point it was all academic anyway.

Ashley defeated Hoy by scores of 80-71 and 79-72, twice.

With the win, Ashley improves to 16-9-1, 1 KO, while Hoy drops to 5-4-3, 2 KO.

“I felt a little rusty,” said Ashley, 16-9-1 (1 KO). ” I wasn’t being the typical slick fighter I am because Crystal forced me to fight her fight at times.

When asked how she felt being a part of female boxing history Ashley said: “It was nerve wracking. I was so nervous but I’m glad I came out on top and won the fight.”

“This was an amazing event, the support for both the females from all in attendance was overwhelming and it meant a lot. It showed the changing tides in accepting an athlete for an athlete, regardless of gender. I want to thank Global Boxing’s Mariusz Kolodziej for believing in me and helping make this all possible.”

“I was very pleased to be a part of this milestone in boxing history,” said Global Boxing CEO Mariusz Kolodziej. “But I was sitting and watching; It was all Maureen Shea. I’m so glad to see her succeed.”

Eilon Kedem vs. Jose “Chily” Rivera — Jr. Welterweights, 6 Rounds

In what was undoubtedly the fight of the night, New Rochelle’s Jose “Chily” Rivera eked out a close majority decision victory over Brooklyn’s Elion Kedem.

From the opening bell, the two junior welterweights made it clear that they were willing to take a punch or two to land a few of their own — and that’s exactly what they did for the entire eighteen minutes spent inside the ring together.

After two rounds of non-stop back and forth action, both fighter’s faces were already marked up, and Rivera had blood dribbling out of his nose.

The third round would feature all that and more when the two to engaged in battle for the full three minutes. To both of these fighter’s credit, they threw all of their punches with purpose — it was an impressive display of discipline and offensive skill on both their parts.

They fought within inches of each other for most of the fight, with Kedem committing to attacking Rivera’s body, while “Chily” consistently snapped Kedem’s head back courtesy of well-placed right uppercuts.

Chants of “Mexico! Mexico!” broke out in the crowd (to support Rivera) and the crowd gave a round of applause as these two fighter’s slugged it out until the final bell.

In a bout in which virtually every round could have went either way, one judge scored it even, 57-57 while two judges scored the bout in Rivera’s favor, 59-55 and 58-56, giving “Chily” the victory.

With the win, “Chily” Rivera improves to 3-2-1, while Kedem drops to 10-4-4, 6 KO.

“I never think about points,” said Kedem. “I just go out there and fight. I never felt I was losing, but I just gotta back harder next time. I’d love to fight him again; I’d fight anyone.”

Armin Mrkanovic vs. Sharieff Hayes — Cruiserweight, 4 Rounds

In front of his legion of Bosnian fans, Armin Mrkanovic scored a unanimous decision victory over Phoenix’s Sharieff Hayes to start off his professional career a perfect 1-0.

Hayes, who sported long black gym shorts because he forgot his trunks — and protective gear for that matter — was battered around a bit for four rounds, never able to stop Mrkanovic’s overhand right that consistently came in around his opponent’s defense.

In the third round, after Mrkanovic stumbled Hayes after battering him with right hands, Hayes was able to catch Mrkanovic and momentarily daze him in the closing seconds of the round.

In the sixty second intermission between bells, Mrkanovic was able to shake off any cobwebs that might have still been lingering and immediately picked back up where he left off in the first two rounds and most of round three.

At the conclusion of the fight, all three judges saw the bout 40-36 in Mrkanovic’s favor.

“I was really happy with the win,” said Mrkanovic, who was 6-0 as a mixed martial arts fighter. “I made some mistakes like trying to pulling back looking for distance to kick. He took some hard hits, I was surprised he didn’t go down.”

Nicholas Lavin vs. Bakari — Cruiserweight, 4 Rounds

Between his tens of noisy and energetic fans scattered throughout the Temple and his opponent, simply named Bakari (that’s all there was on the bout sheet — and after a few failed inquiries as to learn more about this mysterious boxer, I came to accept it), this match had a classic WWF feel to it.

Lavin scored best with his left hook throughout the bout, as Bakari struggled protect against it. Throughout the bout, Lavin proved to be the more athletic and less awkward fighter of the two, and was able to best Bakari working behind a nice jab.

In the fourth and final round, Lavin landed three consecutive left hooks right on the button, sending Bakari into survival mode. After absorbing a steady stream of blows provided by Lavin, referee Sparkle Lee stepped in and called a halt to the bout at the 1:06 mark of the fourth round.

With the win, Yonker’s Lavin improves to 2-0, 2 KO, while Bakari drops his professional debut.

Edward Ayuso vs. Kevin Walker — Jr. Middleweights, 4 Rounds

The first fight of the night saw two boxer’s make their professional debut.

When it was all said and done, Cleveland, Ohio’s Kevin Walker walked away with a majority decision victory over Carolina, Puerto Rico’s Edward Ayuso.

The judges scored the bout 38-38, and 40-36 and 39-37 in Walker’s favor.

Wildly popular Welterweight Saul Alvarez will take on Matthew Hatton in Los Angeles on March 5th according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I think it’s an exciting fight. It’s exciting to have Canelo fighting a name,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “So far, Canelo has dominated the name opponents he has faced, but he is well advised not to take Matthew Hatton lightly. Just remember — there’s only one Matthew Hatton.”

The HBO co-feature has not been signed yet, but Schaefer said he is working to finalize a junior lightweight fight for top prospect Adrien “The Problem” Broner (19-0, 16 KOs), 21, of Cincinnati.

The two opponents in the running to face Broner, according to Schaefer, are Mexico’s Daniel Ponce De Leon, 30, a former junior featherweight titlist and top featherweight contender, and 27-year-old Jason Litzau.

Ponce De Leon (41-2, 34 KOs), who is with Golden Boy, would move up in weight for the bout. Litzau (28-2, 21 KOs), who is promoted by Roy Jones’ Square Ring, is coming off a decision win on Nov. 27 against Celestino Caballero in one of the biggest upsets of 2010.

“I’d like to get Broner’s fight done in the next couple of days,” Schaefer said. “On this show, we’ll have some young guys going against some very experienced fighters in big step-up fights. I think that’s exactly what ‘Boxing After Dark’ is all about.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world champion Joan Guzman has been suspended by the Nevada commission and released by Golden Boy Promotions for a failed urinalysis after his fight with Jason Davis on December 11.

The bout has been ruled a no-contest.

“As you are aware, before your boxing bout in Nevada on December 11, 2010, you voluntarily submitted to a urinalysis and provided a urine sample to Nevada State Athletic Commission representatives,” Wrote Keith Kizer, head of the Nevada Commission. “The results of the urinalysis reflected the presence of Furosemide, which is not approved by the Commission.

“Consequently, please be advised I am filing a disciplinary complaint against you alleging that you violated section 467.850 of the Commission’s regulations, which prohibit the use of any non-approved drug or stimulant before or during a contest of unarmed combat. It is my recommendation that your license be suspended pending formal disciplinary action.”

Upon the ruling, Guzman was released by his promoter Golden Boy Promotions

After winning a purse bid, South African promoter Branco Milenkovic will stage the third fight between IBF Jr. Featherweight champion Steve Molitor and Takelani Ndlovu in South Africa according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Milenkovic won Tuesday’s purse bid to promote the fight with a winning offer of $320,000 to easily beat the offer of $227,500 made by Top Rank, Molitor’s promoter. Under IBF rules, the bout is due by April 18 and with Milenkovic now in control of the promotion, it is likely to happen in South Africa.

In late November, not long after Top Rank signed the Ontario-based Molitor, who is known as “The Canadian Kid,” it won the initial purse bid for the fight with an offer of $215,000. That easily beat Milenkovic, the only other bidder, who bid $154,240.

Top Rank had worked out a deal with Canadian promoter InterBox and Showtime to have Molitor-Ndlovu III televised on the undercard of Lucian Bute’s super middleweight title defense against Brian Magee at the Bell Centre in Montreal on March 19.

However, the date of the fight fell just outside the IBF’s rule saying that a fight has to take place within 90 days of the purse bid. The IBF will often be a bit flexible with the date for a television and venue considerations, but Milenkovic complained. So the IBF invalidated Top Rank’s winning bid and ordered a new auction, which took place Tuesday.

While Molitor (33-1, 12 KOs) would have liked to have the fight in Canada and in front of an American television audience, manager Cameron Dunkin said they were happy with the outcome because it will add $78,750 to Molitor’s purse.

With the split 75 percent in favor of the titleholder and 25 percent for the challenger, Molitor was due $161,250 under the old bid. Now he will make $240,000. Ndlovu (31-6, 18 KOs) is due $80,000.

“He’s getting $240,000, so it’s really good money for him,” Dunkin said. “When I called Steve, I said, ‘Look, we lost the purse bid.’ He said, ‘Oh, man.’ But then I said, ‘You got another ($78) grand,’ so he was really excited about that.

“He said, ‘I don’t care where I fight this guy. I’ll go down there and kick his ass.’ He said he just has to beat him again and then we have big plans for him after this fight.”

“Molitor is loving this,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “He gets more money to fight a guy he already beat twice, but I was shocked by the purse bid results because I didn’t think the South African marketplace would bear that kind of money for an Ndlovu fight against a guy who already beat him twice. He lost a unanimous decision and got stopped. So I didn’t think this would be something they would really push for down there.

“That’s why it’s shocking, especially to lose by that kind of money. He lost a unanimous decision and got stopped. I don’t see why the big push. That’s why it’s shocking, especially to lose by almost $100,000.”

Despite recently agreeing to a high profile match up with countryman Andy, Popular New York based Irishman John Duddy announced his retirement according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“After a great deal of soul-searching, I have decided to retire from boxing,” Duddy said in a statement. “In many ways, continuing to fight would be the easy course of action. I have been offered the opportunity to fight Andy Lee on HBO for a purse in excess of $100,000. A win would put me in position to fight for a world championship. This is not an opportunity that I cast aside lightly.

“I started watching my father train in the gym when I was five years old. I began fighting competitively at age 10. For more than 20 years, I loved being a boxer. I still feel that it’s an enormous honor to be a boxer. But I don’t love it anymore. I no longer have the enthusiasm and willingness to make the sacrifices that are necessary to honor the craft of prizefighting. I used to love going to the gym. Now it’s a chore. I wish I still had the hunger, but I don’t. The fire has burned out. And I know myself well enough to know that it won’t return.”

Duddy turned to veteran manager Craig Hamilton to help him sort things out and they eventually settled with the McLoughlins.

Hamilton said Duddy first broached the idea of retirement to him a couple of months ago.

“We had talked about this at the end of last year,” Hamilton said. “We had a conversation about this and I said, ‘Look, if you want to retire be aware that if you do it, you will be leaving some good fights and money on the table and I don’t want you to do it and then say, ‘I made a mistake.’ I said that to him again [Tuesday]. I said, ‘Before you do anything, I just want you to be certain in your heart and head. Andy Lee is a winnable fight and a victory over Andy Lee would lead you into a title shot and you’d get paid a lot of money.’ I didn’t want him to come back three years down the road and say, ‘what if?’ He made his decision.

“I would hope he never comes back because to leave with opportunities in front of you, they won’t be there when you come back.”

“It would be unfair to my fans, my trainer and manager, and everyone else involved in the promotion of my fights for me to continue boxing when I know that my heart isn’t in it,” Duddy said. “I’ve always given 100 percent in the gym and in my fights. I have too much respect for boxing and the people around me to continue fighting when I know that I can’t do that anymore.

“I haven’t accomplished everything that I wanted to achieve in boxing. But I’ve had a rewarding career. I’ve enjoyed the satisfaction of winning 29 professional fights and learned lessons from my two losses. I’ve experienced the thrill of fighting in Madison Square Garden, Cowboys Stadium, and, also, my beloved Ireland with crowds cheering for me. I look forward to finding future challenges that bring as much passion and joy into my life as boxing has over the past 20 years.”

Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter who is putting on the March 12 card, has known Duddy for years. Initially, he was upset with the out-of-nowhere news of Duddy’s retirement, especially after such a tough negotiation with HBO to get the network to agree to buy Lee-Duddy.

However, DiBella said he soon realized Duddy had done the right thing.

“As someone who has been Duddy’s friend for a long time I respect his decision,” DiBella said. “A lot of lesser men would have perpetrated a fraud on HBO and the public by showing up without any passion or fire, taking the paycheck and then quitting. I think on one hand it’s upsetting that it went down this way, but on the other hand, I believe him that he’s genuinely retired and there’s a great honesty in what he did that I can’t criticize. If the fighter knows he doesn’t have it, he has to get out of the business. He has my best wishes and my respect.”

Duddy grew up idolizing former featherweight champion and Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan and said he thought about a quote from him when he made his decision to retire.

“His photograph was one of the first things that visitors saw when entering our home in Derry,” Duddy said. “He had [a] great influence on me when I was a boy. Barry McGuigan once said, ‘Fighters are the first people to know when they should retire and the last to admit it.’ I know that it’s time for me to retire from boxing, and I’m admitting it.

“I’m fortunate to have had the support of many good people throughout my career. To my fans, to the people in the boxing business who have been part of my team over the years, and most of all, to my wife Grainne and the rest of my family, thank you for your love and support. I give you my word — I will not come back.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former Jr. Middleweight champion Winky Wright will return after more then two years out of the ring on April 9 on the televised undercard of a proposed lightweight title fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales.

“The winner clearly is set up for a middleweight world championship fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions Schaefer said. “For each guy this is an extremely important fight.”

“We are meeting this week with Marquez,” Schaefer said. “We met late last week with Morales, and he is on board. He wants to do this fight. Now we’re going to meet with Juan Manuel and work things out with him and get him on board. What we want to do is put together another ‘Fight Freak’ card with great fights, entertaining fights and fights where there is a storyline behind it.”

“We are meeting this week with Marquez,” Schaefer said. “We met late last week with Morales, and he is on board. He wants to do this fight. Now we’re going to meet with Juan Manuel and work things out with him and get him on board. What we want to do is put together another ‘Fight Freak’ card with great fights, entertaining fights and fights where there is a storyline behind it.”

Schaefer was hoping to finalize a lightweight bout between top contenders Robert Guerrero and Australia’s Michael Katsidis for a March 5 HBO card headlined by junior middleweight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who will probably face Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of former junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton. However, Schaefer said Katsidis told him he would be unavailable for March 5 because of the massive flooding near his home in Australia.

“The floods have really affected him,” Schaefer said. “His focus and his mind aren’t there. He won’t be mentally ready. He said the floods are absolutely devastating. So we will see if he will be ready for a month later.”

Another fight Schaefer mentioned for the pay-per-view is a lightweight bout involving Jason Litzau, who is coming off a major upset of Celestino Caballero in November. Schaefer said he has talked to Square Ring CEO John Writ, Litzau’s promoter, about Litzau facing either Golden Boy blue chip lightweight prospect Adrien Broner or former junior featherweight titlist Daniel Ponce De Leon, a featherweight contender who would move up to junior lightweight.

“It would be a big step up for Broner, but we believe he is ready,” Schaefer said of the 21-year-old from Cincinnati, who scored a first-round knockout on Saturday. “I think Adrien is one of most exciting young fighters in boxing. We spoke to Writ and made an offer. Whatever fights we make for the April 9 card, we’re going to make some great fights. I am really pumped.”

Erislandy Lara made short work of Delray Raines by stopping him in round one of their scheduled ten round Middleweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California

Lara was winning the opening frame with precision shots and then caught Raines with a right hook/straight left combination that dropped Raines for the ten count at 2:59 of round one.

Lara, 152 1/4 lbs of Miami, FL is now 15-0 with ten knockouts. Raines, 155 1/2 lbs of Paris, AR is now 19-9-1

Super Prospect Frankie Gomez remained undefeated as he scored a six round unanimous decision over Luis Lugo in a Welterweight bout.

Gomez dominated the bout and scored a knockdown in round three from a left hook to the body.

Gomez, 146 1/4 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA is now 8-0. Lugo, 143 1/4 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is now 11-15-1.

Randy Caballero scored a knockdown in round two en route to a four round unanimous decision over Manuel Ortega in a Featherweight bout.

Caballero dropped Ortega with a right to the head in round two.

Caballero, 122 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA is now 7-0. Ortega, 125 1/2 lbs of Seattle, WA is now 1-4

Roman Valadez scored a third round stoppage over Cesar Garcia in a scheduled four round Lightweight bout.

Garcia was bloodied and battered when he ate a big four punch combination that stopped the fight in round three.

Garcia, 134 1/2 lbs is 5-1 with two knockouts. Garcia, 134 1/2 lbs is now 3-7.

Peter Manfredo scored ten round unanimous decision over Daniel Edouard in a battle of veterean middleweights at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida.

Edouard had a solid beginning to the fight as over the first three rounds he mixed up his attack landing with both hands. In round four, as the two broke, Manfredo landed a booming right that viciously dropped Edouard tp the canvas. Manfredo Jr. dominated the rest of the round that was continued on in round five as he kept Edouard against the ropes for the bulk of the round that was highlighted by separate lefts to the body.

Round seven started off fast with Manfredo dominating on the ropes. Edouard began to blled from his mouth. Manfredo ended the round with two good rights and a chopping left.

Over the last few rounds, Edouard was game as he fought through the cut and rapid swelling over his right eye but Manfredo had much more in the tank to cruise home with the victory.

Scores were 97-92; 98-91 and 98-91 for Manfredo Jr., 162 1/4 lbs of Providence, RI and is now 37-6. Edouard, 162 1/4 lbs of West Palm Beach, FL is now 23-4-2.

Edwin Rodriguez remained undefeated with a ten round unanimous decision over Aaron Pryor Jr. in a Super Middleweight bout.

Rodriguez took a few rounds to get a rhythm against the tall and lanky Pryor Jr. Pryor Jr. was a bit more active but Rodriguez landed the harder punches in what were very close rounds. Pryor Jr. was deducted a point in round seven for holding. Rodriguez saved his best round for the last round as he landed some good right hands.

Rodriguez, 168 1/2 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores of 98-91; 97-92 and 96-93 to go to 18-0. Pryor Jr., 165 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is now 15-3.

It was revealed after the bout that Rodriguez fought the last six rounds with an injured shoulder and was taken to the hospital.

O’Donnel-Watson……a case of history repeating itself at the venue of legends or a case of sweet revenge?

Ok it’s not exactly at the venue of legends but it is just across the road from the famed venue, however it’s at the Wembley arena that’s hosted many a big fight night down the years…..Hope-Mattioli….Minter-Antuofermo….amongst countless other big nights.

On February 5th Mick Hennessey put’s on an interesting show featuring the return between John O’Donnell the Shepherd’s Bush based Irishman against a man he’s beaten before in Manchester’s Craig Watson, the pair fought in April 2009 at the York Hall when O’Donnell beat the Mancunian for the Commonwealth welterweight crown by a split decision and winning it by a single point on two of the judge’s scorecards.

Since then O’Donnell after one successful defense against Essex fighter Tom Glover has vacated and has since won two on the trot, last time out beating former Olympian Terence Cauthen by a wide point’s decision, while Watson has battled his way back into contention by rebounding from that loss by stringing together six wins and also stopping Uganda’s Badru Lusambya impressively in two rounds to win the Commonwealth light middleweight title a year ago almost, since then Watson’s kept on winning in setting up this a rematch and a shot at the vacant British welterweight crown vacated by Kell Brook.

And talking of British title fight’s there’s also on the show a battle for Lenny Daw’s British light welterweight title against Ashley ‘the treasure’ Theophane in what I can see being a hard long night for both men, Daw’s if he win’s will win the Lonsdale belt outright but Theophane nicknamed ‘the treasure’ will be looking to add it to his waist moreso than his chest!

And if that’s not enough there’s also the return of former British, Commonwealth and European middleweight champion Darren Barker over ten rounds who has been inactive since winning the European title last April at the Alexandra Palace due to a hip injury.

Barker was to have figured last year in a big fight with rival Matthew Macklin but pulled out through injury, Barker whose promotional outfit have now won purse bids for the aforementioned match up with Macklin, will be looking to impress and set up such a mouth watering spectacle.

The rest of the undercard look’s like value for money as popular Albanian Kreshnik Qato come’s back after a short lay off against selected opposition as do Enfield’s Chris Evangelou, Phil Fury cousin of Tyson, Colchester’s first pro champion Lee Purdy, Tyler Goodjohn and puncher John Ryder who will be hoping for a more satisfying outcome as he last time was headbutted repeatedly by Sabie Monteith who opened a nasty cut over his eye, Monteith naturally was DQ’d in a round!

Ticket are priced at £100, £75, £40 and £30 and can be purchased from www.hennesseysports.com or from www.wembleyarena.co.uk or alternatively call 0844 815 0815 or 0844 888 4402.

Hope to see you there

Michael Angelo Serra

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that contracts are signed for a March 19 WBC Heavyweight title fight between champion Vitali Klitschko and mandatory challenger Odlanier Solis in Cologne, Germany.

“We got the signed contracts now and we have a go for March 19 in Cologne,” said Bernd Boente, Klitschko’s manager. “I think that Solis is a very, very tough opponent. His fantastic amateur record speaks for itself — three times world amateur champion and Olympic gold medalist. He is definitely one of Vitali’s toughest opponents. I think it’s a very interesting fight for the audience.”

Said Klitschko, “I am very happy the deal is done. I have heard and read different quotes from Solis saying that I tried to avoid him. This is nonsense. There’s a reason why I’m WBC champion and I am proud of holding the same title that Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis held. I will show inside the ring that I am the strongest heavyweight champion and I am 100 percent sure I will successfully defend my title. But I know Solis is a very tough opponent and I will not underestimate him.”

“This is not about money — it’s about respect,” Solis said shortly before the deal was finalized. “The Klitschkos seem to think that I am just another opponent like the last tomato cans they cherry-picked so Vitali could easily beat them up. But I am not only the mandatory challenger. I have been the best amateur fighter in the world and I will prove that I am the best professional fighter as well.

“I am not interested in a couple of extra dollars. The only thing I want is to strip the world championship belt from Vitali. Klitschko shouldn’t be afraid of losing money; he should only be afraid to lose his title. I will end his career.”

“Solis was a very good amateur and is a very good pro, and I expect he will be the best guy he can be,” said Shelly Finkel, Klitschko’s adviser. “We’ll see if it is good enough to offer a challenge to Vitali.”

Tyron Woodley scored a three round unanimous decision over Tarec Saffiedine in the main event of Strikeforce Challengers in a Welterweight bout in Nashville, Tennessee.

Scores were 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 for Woodley, 170 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL ans is now 8-0. Saffiedine, 170 lbs of Temecula, CA is now 10-3.

“I did well,” said Woodley. “He’s got some power and some pop. I think I kept the pressure on him and got some strikes in there. For me, it was about getting out of his range and getting in there when I could. I think I did a good job tonight.”

Ovince St Preux scored a three round unanimous decision over Abongo Humphrey in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 on all cards for St. Preux, 205 lbs of Knoxville, TN and won his third bout in seven weeks to raise his record to 10-4. Humphrey, 205 1/2 lbs of Atlanta, GA is now 7-3.

“I knew I had to win the third round to get this fight. He’s definitely a tough opponent,” said Saint Preux, a winner of seven straight bouts.

Daniel Cormier remained undefeated with a three round unanimous decision over Devin Cole in a Heavyweight bout.

Cormier, 249 lbs of San Jose, CA won by scores of 30-27 on all cards to go to 7-0. Cole, 239 lbs of Oregon is now 18-9-1.

“He did an incredible job. He can take a shot. I landed some pretty decent shots on him,” said Cormier after the bout. “I want to continue to improve and make my way up the ladder.”

Amanda Nunes needed just fourteen seconds to destroy Julia Budd in a their ladies Welterweight bout.

Nunes, 143 lbs of Brazil is 6-1 with all wins coming by knockout. Budd, 144 lbs of British Colombia is now 1-1.

Dr. Rhadi Furguson scored a second round tap out over John Richard with a heal hook at 2:00 in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Furguson, 205 lbs of Florida is 3-0. Richard, 206 lbs of South Carolina is 3-2.

“I get a D minus,” he said. “I started my camp with a pulled groin and a pulled hamstring and John Richard was a tough opponent. I’m a neo fighter in this sport – I’m young and humble.”

On Saturday January 29th at Olympia in posh Kensington in London, Barry Hearn’s Matchroom promotions put on the second Prizefighter at light heavyweight.

Taking part in this the first Prizefighter to be screened in 3-D exclusively by Sky Sports, is a fine line up indeed featuring the likes of Travis Dickinson the younger brother of last years Prizefighter champion at cruiser John-Lewis.
Also there’s former British title challenger at super middle Tony Dodson who’ll be hoping to create an impression and get back into title contention via this tournament, also featured is St Alban’s puncher Joe Smyth, Menay Edwards, Llewellyn Davies, two fight novice Billy Slate who’ll be hoping to keep a clean one!
And then there’s an old score possibly to be settled as Michael Banbula whose on a good winning streak since stopping Tony Oakey, and holding Olympic bronze medalist Tony Jeffries to a draw! also the transplanted Pole currently holds the Southern area light heavy bauble and is featured alongside Margate’s male model Jack ’13’ Morris who could well be the luck of the draw with such a nickname!
Banbula and Morris fought in 2007 in the Margate man’s debut and was awarded a controversial point’s decision that clearly was a robbery, Jack had to lose some eight pounds on fight day thank’s to poor management! and still clearly won only to be robbed over six rounds, even ringsider Steve Collins the former W.B.O World middle and super middle champion went into Morris dressing room afterward’s and told the handsome Margate native he was robbed, so there’ll be an angle for revenge if those two get matched in a rather compelling tournament that if the last Prizefighter was anything to go by, then expect a few surprises in the mix for the £32,000 prize!

For ticket information then please visit seetickets.com or visit contact Matchroom on 01277 359900

FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA — Poised to make the move from prospect to contender, middleweight Brandon Gonzales moved past rugged Lester Gonzalez with a decision victory Friday night at the Fairfield Sports Center. In the co-main event, Fairfield’s own Alan Sanchez pleased the overflow crowd as he turned back a tough test in veteran Cristian Favela.

Gonzales (14-0, 10 KOs) of Sacramento utilized his refined boxing skills to outpoint the tough Gonzalez (11-2-1, 6 KOs) of San Diego, California by way of Havana, Cuba over eight rounds. Gonzales, 160, boxed and moved his way through the first round before relying on his powerful right hand more in the second. The southpaw Gonzalez, 162, began to land in the third, as he most notably found a home for a straight left late in the round. That punch, however, was preceded by a well-timed uppercut by Sacramento’s Gonzales.

The fourth was perhaps San Diego’s Gonzalez’ best round. Early in the round, Gonzalez landed a right over Gonzales’ left. As the round progressed, Gonzalez’ left became his primary weapon. Gonzalez’ briefly gained momentum dissipated in the fifth, and it was pretty much Sacramento’s Gonzales’ fight the rest of the way.

As the latter rounds rolled by, Gonzales at times displayed the combination of speed and power that makes him one of the top prospects in the region. Gonzales wobbled Gonzalez with a right early in the sixth round, and continued to rock the San Diego resident with the follow-up barrage. Lester Gonzalez was in retreat before coming back with some offense of his own just before the bell.

The classier boxer Gonzales maintained his edge in the bout down the stretch by dictating the style of the fight and landing the harder shots. When the decision was announced, Brandon Gonzales had taken home a wide unanimous decision victory. One judge had it scored 79-73 and the other two had it 78-74. After the fight, Gonzales’ trainer Jeff Mayweather was succinct in his assessment of the performance. “He stuck with the boxing and made the adjustments necessary,” said Mayweather. “He did what he had to do.” With the win, Gonzales could be in line for a crack at a regional title in the next fight or two.

In co-feature, Alan Sanchez (6-2-1, 2 KOs) took a hard-fought eight-round unanimous decision over gritty journeyman Cristian Favela (28-30-7, 18 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Sanchez, 146, found Favela, 146, to be an unrelenting and determined adversary, but he was able to make use of his physical advantages enough to earn the unanimous verdict. Sanchez kept his range early in the first, while Favela had trouble moving in close. The momentum of the bout was briefly halted when the lights flickered on and off above the ring.

Sanchez got on his toes and boxed better beginning in the second round. One two-punch combination in particular was a thing of beauty for Sanchez. Favela found some success in the middle rounds, as he took advantage when Sanchez got on his bike. By the sixth, Sanchez superior boxing skills were the difference the bout. However, late in the round, Favela goaded Sanchez into a trading match. The taller, stronger Sanchez got the better of it, but it was Favela’s only hope.

When Sanchez landed a clean combination in the eighth, Favela smiled and immediately offered back. Their exchange kicked off an action-packed close to the fight and it may have been Favela that stole the last round late. In the end, the local favorite Sanchez won comfortably on the cards, by scores of 80-72 and 78-74 twice.

In an impressive performance, Jonathan Garcia (4-0, 3 KOs) of Watsonville, California punished a normally durable Luis Sanchez (0-5) of Fairfield before scoring a second-round stoppage. Garcia, 142, opened round one with a left to the body of Sanchez, 142, and kept control of the bout from that point on.

Garcia rallied Sanchez against the ropes and forced him into a corner. Sanchez was in trouble, but lasted the round. Garcia came out quick in round two and landed a clubbing right that stunned Sanchez against the ropes again. Sanchez was in trouble for most of the second round, but made it to his stool. In the corner, Sanchez’ trainer Jesse Lopez Sr. became aware of an injury to his charge’s left arm and stopped the fight. Official time was 3:00 of round two.

In an out-and-out brawl, Maximilliano Becerra (4-0-1, 2 KOs) of Vacaville, California remained unbeaten with a four-round unanimous decision over game Omar Sanchez (0-1) of Fairfield. The fight, which matched two locals who drew a vocal supporting audience, had just about everyone out of their seats.

After a tense first round in which both had their moments, Beccera, 138 ½, came out guns blazing and seized control of the fight. However, Sanchez, 139, was an undeterred battler that never took a backward step, which made for great action. In the third round, an overhand right landed for Becerra and got Sanchez in some trouble. With Sanchez still reeling, Becerra rattled off a three-punch combination that ended with a crushing left to down the Fairfield resident.

Sanchez made it back to his corner and came out swinging in the fourth. Sanchez managed to work Becerra back into a corner for a stretch, but the Vacaville favorite eventually rolled out and rocked Sanchez at the close of the fight. In the end, two judges had 39-36, with the third scoring it a shutout, 40-35.

In a free-swinging affair, Fairfield’s Lamont Williams (3-1, 1 KO) took a four-round split decision over Hector Martinez (5-5, 4 KOs) of Broderick, California. Williams, 206, outboxed Martinez, 227, in the first, but the tempo of the fight changed before round’s end. Despite winning the boxing match, Williams elected to stand and trade with Martinez to close out the first.

In the second, a more determined Martinez upped his work rate and controlled most of the round. Williams did wake up late in the round to land some hard shots. Martinez came back to rock Williams early in the third. Williams did come back to get in a few tough shots before the bell. With the fight on the table, Williams outworked Martinez for much of the fourth. In the end, one judge favored Martinez, 39-37, but was overruled by the other two, who both had it 39-37 the other way.

Ivan Redkach (6-0, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Shostka, Ukraine did what he was supposed to do and got journeyman Jaime Orrantia (13-29-5, 4 KOs) of Lakeside, California by way of Los Mochis out of there inside of three rounds.

Redkach, 145, was dominant at the outset and rocked Orrantia, 141, several times in the first. Referee Ray Balewicz missed a knockdown, when a two-punch combination forced Orrantia to touch his right glove to the mat. The southpaw Redlach controlled the second in much the same manner, punishing Orrantia all over the ring.

By the third, Orrantia was ready to go. Redkach rocked him with the first right that landed in the round. With the Mexican in retreat, Redkach pressed forward and eventually downed him with a short blow. Too game for his’ own good, Orrantia got up only to be rocked against the ropes and canvassed again. Balewicz immediately stopped the bout without a count at 1:43 of round three.

With a strong turnout from the local fight fan base, it is expected that tonight’s team of promoters will bring another show back to the area within the next two months. They may need a bigger venue the next time, as reportedly fire marshals turned away ticket holders at the door when the allowed occupancy of the building turned out to be lower than was expected.

Photos by Mark Ortega

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

Mauricio Herrera scored an unlikely twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated and world ranked Ruslan Provodnikov in a Jr. Welterweight bout at The Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It was a good fight as Provodnikov landed the harder shots and the by-product of his work showed early as Herrera was cut under his right eye in round two and and nasty swelling started to form in round three. Herrera had some good moments as he landed combinations as he jumped in and out in an effort to stay away from the heavy hands of Provodnikov.

With each round, Herrera’s left eye was the focus of the ringside doctor as Herrera was checked multiple times throughout the contest. Provodnikov was effective with over hand right’s which caused blood to start leaking from the nose of of Herrera. Everytime Provodnikov seemed to be in control, Herrera showed guts by firing back and landing some solid combinations. Herrera’s will kept him in the fight and he had a solid last round where he landed his biggest punch of the fight.

Compubox favored Providnikov 326-886 to Herrera’s 300-898

Herrera, 140 lbs of Riverside, CA won by scores of 116-112; 116-112 and 115-113 to raise his record of 16-1. Provodnikov, 140 lbs of Russia is now 17-1.

Stated Herrera: “I thought I was winning on numbers, but he landed the harder shots.
I won’t deny that.”

Added Herrera, “It’s huge. This win is what I had dreamed about… Now, it’s upward
from here.”

Former U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade scored an eight round unanimous decision over tough Albert Herrera in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Andrade came out blazing in the first round as he put together some hard combination’s that were set up by solid uppercuts and body shots wit the left heand.

Andrade featured the uppercut over the course of the next seven round and mixed in combinations as he had a decided speed advantage. Although outgunned, Herrera showed plenty of courage as he continued to come forward and get in some shots of his own.

Compubox stats showed Andrade landing 146-554 shots while Herrera landed 101-327

Andrade, 153 1/2 lbs of Providence, RI won by scores 80-72; 80-72 and 79-73 to stay undefeated at 12-0. Herrera, 152 lbs of Riverside, CA is now 7-2-1.

FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA — Middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales may be on the cusp of emerging on the national scene, but first he must move past once-beaten Lester Gonzalez at the Fairfield Sports Center tonight. Local welterweight prospect Alan Sanchez takes on journeyman Cristian Favela in the Telefutura-televised co-feature. Fighters weighed in Thursday at the Courtyard by Marriott Fairfield Napa Valley Area in Fairfield.

Gonzales (13-0, 10 KOs) of Sacramento, California fought all of 2010 in Nevada, but returns to his home area tonight against Gonzalez (11-1-1, 6 KOs) of San Diego, California by way of Havana, Cuba in the eight-round main event. Gonzales’ promotional team is poised to move him into a regional title bout, but at the time same, they are not looking past Lester Gonzalez. “There are so many opportunities that are being discussed for Brandon,” co-promoter Terry Lane of Let’s Get It On Promotions told 15rounds.com yesterday. “We are looking at ESPN Friday Night Fights for his next fight, if not, the one after. But no one is looking past Lester Gonzalez. What happens with Brandon, and how quickly, may depend on his performance tomorrow.”

San Diego’s Gonzalez is coming in off of his first career loss, an eight-round decision to light middleweight prospect Chris Chatman in November. Ironically it was Lester Gonzalez, a career light middleweight, that had trouble making weight Thursday. The contract weight for the fight was 162-pounds. On his initial try, Gonzalez scaled 164. Brandon Gonzales, who has fight as high as 176-pounds in his career, made it a point to come all the way down to the middleweight limit of 160-pounds. Reportedly Lester Gonzalez sweated off the two pounds to make 162-.

Much of the reason why professional boxing has returned to Fairfield for the first time since the late 1980’s is welterweight Alan Sanchez, who fights in the televised co-main event. Sanchez takes on California matchmakers’ favorite journeyman opponent Cristian Favela (28-30-7, 18 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. Sanchez (5-2-1, 2 KOs) of Fairfield is coming off of a controversial draw with Luis Grajeda, which was televised on Telefutura. Sanchez had Grajeda down twice in the eight-round bout, but was forced to settle for a unanimous decision draw.

Unfortunately for local fight fans, touted former amateur star Manuel Avila (1-0) of Fairfield will not be in action, as his replacement opponent Manuel Ortega (1-3) of Seattle, Washington could not come close to contracted weight. Avila, who was signed out of the amateurs by manager Cameron Dunkin and Golden Boy Promotions, weighed in at 121-pounds. Ortega came in nine-pounds heavier at 130-.

Undefeated Ivan Redkach (5-0, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Shostka, Ukraine will take on Jaime Orrantia (13-28-5, 4 KOs) of Lakeside, California by way of Los Mochis in a six-round welterweight fight. Redkach, who has fought his entire pro career in California, scaled 145-pounds, while Orrantia weighed in at 141 ½-pounds.

Luis Sanchez (0-4) of Fairfield hopes to get pro victory number one in front of the hometown crowd as he takes on Jonathan Garcia (3-0, 2 KOs) of Watsonville, California in a four-round light welterweight fight. Sanchez, who is headliner Alan Sanchez’ brother, scaled 142-pounds, as did his opponent Garcia.

Popular local prospect Maximilliano Becerra (3-0-1, 2 KOs) of Vacaville, California will take on debuting Omar Sanchez of Fairfield in a four-round light welterweight fight. Becerra sat out all of 2010, but is ready to get an early start to 2011 and in front of the hundreds of fans who bought tickets out of nearby Vacaville. Becerra weighed in at a career high 138 ½-pounds, while Sanchez came in at 139-.

Heavyweight Hector Martinez (5-4, 4 KOs) of Broderick, California will take on Fairfield’s Lamont Williams (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout. Williams, who trains out of the same JL Tepito Boxing Club in Fairfield as the three Sanchez boys on the card, scaled 206-pounds. Martinez, a longtime Sacramento area favorite, scaled 227-pounds.

The event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Productions, Jorge Marron Productions and Paco Presents, is announced to be completely sold out.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

Middleweights, 8 Rounds
Gonzales 160
Gonzalez 162*

Welterweights, 8 Rounds
Sanchez 146
Favela 146

Welterweights, 6 Rounds
Redkach 145
Orrantia 141 ½

Light Welterweights, 4 Rounds
Sanchez 142
Garcia 142

Light Welterweights, 4 Rounds
Beccera 138 ½
Sanchez 139

Heavyweights, 4 Rounds
Williams 206
Martinez 227
*originally came in at 164, reportedly made it down to 162 on his second try

Gonzales Photo by Erik Killin/Boxingbb.com
Other Photos by Mary Eble/JLTepitoBoxingClub.org

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

It was in the mid eighties or there abouts that I first saw Gary Mason box on the telly, as it happens
it was October 1986 to be precise against a certain Donnie ‘master of disaster’ Long who didn’t last that long against the powerful chunkily built Mason who obliterated his American adversary in devastating fashion.

The win’s would pile up for Mason who not particularly a decorated amateur did annex the South East counties championship at heavy back in 84! in the unpaid ranks, possibly Gary’s brawling style was best suited to the pro game though.

Mason would appear again against Lorenzo Boyd and would destroy Boyd in quicker time than that of Mike Tyson who at the time was still a month or so shy of his first title try v Trevor Berbick, Mason lifted Boyd off of the floor ala Foreman-Frazier back in 73!

Still Mason pummeled on all put before him and his reputation was fast growing as a force to be reckon with, one guy who didn’t fall down too easy was Welshman Andy Gerrard who put up a tremendous performance on the Bruno-Bugner show back in October 1987 despite getting stopped by the Londoner, Mason the following year would move up a notch name wise and was fed a couple of former World cruiser champ’s in Rickey Parkey {ko 1} and Alfonzo Ratliff {ko 6} before taking out James ‘Quick’ Tillis who simply wasn’t as Mason caught up with him stopping the durable cowboy in four!

Mason was now in contention for the British title vacated by former stablemate Horace Notice as Gary duly obliged and KO’d Trevor Hughroy Currie in brutal fashion, finally Mason had arrived and was for real it seemed has he was finally stepping away from the shadow of stablemate Frank Bruno.

In Vegas for Bruno’s title attempt at Mike Tyson in Febraury 1989 Mason while being interviewed on tv told of the legendary Floyd Patterson telling himself that he had the style to defeat Tyson……!
Still Mason had to earn such a monumental task and in subsequent fights Gary would dispatch Jess Harding inside of two rounds in an easy defence of the British crown there in Brentwood in Essex before being moved up into World class against the still useful and World rated former Olympic Gold medalist in Tyrell Biggs who himself had only been defeated by World champion Tyson and future W.B.O World champ Francesco Damiani.

Mason was bewildered as he was comprehensively out boxed by the slick Biggs until finding the equalizer and kayoing Biggs in the seventh, many ringsiders at the time were wondering if a punch did land, it did I should know as I was there!

Mason next couple of outings would prove testing, more so the one versus Mark Wills, Wills had stopped former W.B.A boss Greg Page twice and proved a durable opponent for Gary, the following year Mason would defeat former prospects in Everett Martin and James Pritchard, all the while a certain Lennox Lewis had just annexed the European title by defeating French gypsy Jean Maurice Chanet in Crystal Palace the previous October and naturally Mason-Lewis for the combined British and European titles was a natural in the British public’s eyes.

The match was made for March 1991 and Mason put up a brave effort, sadly Mason’s eye’s were almost closing and Lewis put paid to Mason’s reign as the ref stepped in and saved a brave but outgunned British champion in seven rounds…….Mason finished on his feet and throughout his career showed tremendous durability never tasting the canvas and possessed the crippling punching power to make many fold before his brutal fists.

After a short while Mason due to eye trouble had his British license revoked and went to America to box, where he got a win but Gary despite his victory called it a day and became a professional rugby player and opened his own jewelers aptly named ‘punch n Judy’ however Mason wasn’t to be far from the public eye as he also enjoyed success as a tv pundit on Sky’s Ringside show alongside the likes of presenters Richard Keys and Simon Reed {brother of Oliver the famous actor who once himself sparred 60’s heavy Billy Walker}

Strangley enough an old computer game called ‘World championship boxing manager for the Commodore 64 had on the games cover a drawing of Gary Mason holding up the I.B.F World championship belt, it might have been just a bit of artwork for a computer game but if Mason had been around today it surely would have been art imitating life what with today’s limp brigade disguised as the I.B.F heavyweight champion!

I remember the time in 1991 when Mason celebrated his 29th birthday “I’m glad to be here, many don’t make it to this age” he would say in the Sky Sports studio on the show, sadly Gary won’t make it to his forty ninth birthday this year…….

it’s true what they say you know ‘the good die young’….

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the WBC has ordered a rematch between Light Heavyweight champion Jean Pascal and Bernard Hopkins following their controversial draw on December 18th in Montreal.

“The WBC board of governors has voted in favor of ordering the immediate rematch between WBC champion Jean Pascal and emeritus champion Bernard Hopkins for the WBC light heavyweight championship of the world,” WBC president Jose Sulaiman wrote to the camps. “The winner of this fight has the obligation to fight Chad Dawson immediately without any intervening contest.”

“This is a great thing for boxing and hopefully fans will get to see another great fight with Pascal and I,” Hopkins said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to starting off the New Year by making history as the oldest athlete to win a major championship in any sport.”

“I’m very happy the WBC did the right thing,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Hopkins’ promoter, told ESPN.com. “I think Bernard clearly deserves the immediate rematch. I feel very strongly that Bernard Hopkins won the fight. Now we just need to get it on again. I am sure that Bernard will leave no doubt that he is the light heavyweight champion. I’m going to be talking to [Pascal promoter] Yvon Michel and, based on the conversations I’ve had with him in the last few days, he and Jean Pascal are interested in the fight.”

Their could be a monkey wrench that would stand in the way of the rematch as Pascal has a rematch clause to fight Chad Dawson whom Pascal defeated last August.

“We have signed an agreement to fight Chad Dawson if HBO or Showtime is willing to pay a license fee the same or higher than the last time. So I don’t know,” Michel said after the Pascal-Hopkins fight, when asked which rematch they would pursue.

“Ken Hershman told me the fight was the highest-rated boxing event on Showtime in over three years,” Schaefer said. “The fact that this fight generated tremendous ratings on Showtime means there is a spot for Bernard Hopkins on Showtime. They are excited about having Bernard Hopkins. Bernard showed against Pascal that you can’t count out the older guys.”

Hopkins campaigned for a rematch immediately after the fight, saying, “If this guy has a backbone and wants to walk around with any kind of dignity and self-worth, the only thing he can do is fight me again. If that was me I know that is the only way I could really live with myself.

“If I were him, I would want to redeem myself and my reputation immediately after what happened.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that after Jurgen Brahmer dropped out of his Satirday unification fight with Beibut Shumenov that former Middleweight champion William Joppy has stepped in on two days notice to face WBA Light Heavyweight champion Shumenov in Kazakhstan.

“Coming back to his hometown of Shymkent as a world champion was a major homecoming for him,” promoter Dan Goossen said of Shumenov, who is based in Las Vegas. “With Brähmer slipping out of town, we couldn’t allow the show not to go on for his homecoming. With the prime minister and so many other dignitaries attending, it would have been two devastating losses if the show didn’t go forward with Beibut defending his world championship.”

“As Joppy said to me, he wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to fight for the title,” Goossen said. “He said he was in great shape coming in and believes Beibut will be on a downer with Brähmer’s escape from Kazakhstan.

“I trained too hard for Brähmer and will not disappoint my fans and many dignitaries, including the prime minister of Kazakhstan, attending this sold-out show,” Shumenov said. “I’m putting Brähmer in the rear-view mirror and intend to get right back on track defending my title against Joppy, who I applaud for accepting this fight, and focus on collecting the other world light heavyweight titles.”

“I am super disappointed,” Brähmer said. “I’m sorry for Beibut, but I also trained hard. I was in the [best] shape of my life, but I caught something. This sucks. I hope it’s nothing bad. The last two days were hell for me. I would wish this on nobody. I’m just glad to be back here again and want to be healthy as soon as possible.”

Said Universum chief Klaus-Peter Kohl: “Rather than fly to the fight in Kazakhstan, now I have to visit Jürgen in the hospital.”

Having fought twice last year in Belgium Randall Bailey is headed back for a third occasion on the 18 February according to his manager Si Stern. It is hoped that if all goes well the power punching Florida native will fight IBF Welterweight champion Jan Zaveck in June, most likely in Europe.

The love affair for Bailey started last March when he headed into unfamiliar surroundings to fight former European Welterweight champion Jackson Osei Bonsu in an IBF title eliminator. Bonsu originally from Ghana had made his home in Belgium and was extremely popular fighting for his adopted country for his whole career. Bailey didn’t read the script and stunned the 7,000 in attendance stopping Bonsu in a single round, dropping him hard twice with devastating left hooks before the fight was called off. Like Rocky 4 the boo’s turned to cheers and Belgium greeted a new hero.

So much so they asked him to come back and fight again. He returned last December to fight Roger Mayweather protege Said Ouali 27-3(19) who also had a certain Floyd Mayweather Jnr in attendance to cheer him on. Once again Bailey started fast dropping Ouali in the first, some how Ouali got through the round. On this night Ouali needed to transform into one of the Mayweather’s as he was no match for Bailey stunning power. The fight wasn’t to end there though, it had a bizarre ending when Bailey and Ouali came together some how Ouali ended up falling over the top rope. He was unable to continue and the fight was called a No contest

It’s an unlikely alliance but if Bailey can keep coming up with the highlight reel knock outs he may just be able to give the Belgian’s what they want…a world champion.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that talks have broken down for a proposed spring bout between recognized Heavyweight champion and WBA Heavyweight champion David Haye. Klitshcko will now defend his title against Derek Chisora, who Klitshcko was supposed to defend against until Klitschko pulled out with a rib injury.

“I am very happy that we have found a new date for the fight so quickly,” Klitschko said. “Chisora insulted me many times and that is why I still have unfinished business with him. He is a very good boxer but as a person he is a loser. Like I had [planned] in December, I will now teach him a lesson at the end of April.”

Still, Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente said he was confident the Klitschko-Haye fight will eventually be made.

“I’m pretty sure the fight will happen. I’m very positive about it,” he said. “We were close with all the details. It was really a question about the date and venue. We always have to bring RTL and Sky together as our main TV partners and then go from there. We hadn’t gotten into details about U.S. TV, but that would have been HBO or Showtime, and I would prefer Showtime.”

“We wanted to do the fight April 30 with Haye. We had two stadiums available in Germany, and coming to Germany was not a problem for Haye,” Boente said. “They only wanted neutral officials, judges, referee, all that. That is no problem. We agreed on all the points, but the major issue was Sky was not willing to do a second pay-per-view in April.”

Junior welterweight titlist Amir Khan is slated to fight April 16 in England on Sky Box Office, even though he does not have a set opponent.

“We asked them to change the Khan date, maybe move it back to May, but they didn’t want to do that,” Boente said.

“We couldn’t find a date after April, not in May or June,” Boente said. “Either there was no date for RTL or Sky or a stadium [because of the heavy soccer schedule]. We couldn’t believe it, but that’s Sky’s decision. April 30 was the perfect date for RTL and for a stadium, but Sky never has done two pay-per-views in one month. Klitschko-Haye would be a way bigger pay-per-view event [than Khan].”

Boente said the earliest date for the fight they could come up with that matched the networks and venue availability was July 2.

Both sides were willing to fight on that date, Boente said. However, he said that the Haye and manager/trainer Adam Booth refused to allow Klitschko to take the April 30 interim fight with Chisora.

“They would not accept that, but Wladimir was not willing to wait another six months and have it be 10 months since his last fight against Sam Peter [in September],” Boente said.

“I think the fight will come, but too bad it’s not now because of the date and venue,” Boente said. “We could still do it if they would agree to July 2. We still have the door open for that, but Wladimir is going to have a fight in April. Haye can also do a fight in between, maybe the mandatory with Ruslan Chagaev. We are not opposed to that.”

“This news is a fantastic late Christmas present,” the 27-year-old Chisora said. “I always believed that I would fight Klitschko, and my faith has been repaid. I was a bit worried that he might try and fight an easier touch, but I think I’ve earned my opportunity. I was gutted when Wladimir pulled out of our fight just a couple of days beforehand. But now I’ve got another chance to take his titles away. He’s a great world champion, but his time at the top is well and truly up.

“My promoter, Frank Warren, has done a great job in getting me this opportunity because there was no guarantee Wladimir would fight me again after he got injured.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the IBF has ordered a rematch of the December 18th controversial fight between Jr. Flyweight champion Luis Lazarte and Ulises Solis.

Under the order, sent in a letter to both camps, neither fighter can take another fight until after the rematch — unless Lazarte wants to forfeit his 108-pound belt. The sides have until Feb. 3 to make a deal, or a purse bid will be ordered, with the fight due to take place by May 3.

Mexico’s Solis, a former titleholder, traveled to Lazarte’s hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to challenge for his old belt on Dec. 18 and seemed to clearly get the better of him during a fight in which Lazarte repeatedly fouled him.

The Solis camp protested to the IBF. After Daryl Peoples, the organization’s president, and Lindsey Tucker, the chairman of its championships committee, reviewed a DVD of the fight, an immediate rematch was ordered because of the repeated fouls.

Lazarte illegally hit Solis behind the head over and over during the fight. Referee Max Parker deducted a point from Lazarte in the fourth round and another one in the 10th round for the flagrant infractions, but he allowed many others to go unchecked.

Lazarte also blatantly hit Solis below the belt, for which he was warned, and attempted to bite his neck during a clinch in the third round, which Parker missed but is clearly seen on the video.

“I had confidence that the IBF would do justice in reviewing the video,” Solis said in a statement. “I am very happy with that resolution and the support of my promoters Zanfer and Top Rank and, hopefully, I can get my promoters to bring the fight to Mexico so Lazarte will not have any opportunities to commit his illegalities in the ring.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is scheduled to leave an Alcohol treatment facility on Tuesday.

Pavlik was at the Betty Ford Clinic in Rancho Mirage, California according to his manager Cameron Dunkin.

“He’s real hungry and wants to come back,” Dunkin said.

“Mike (Pavlik’s father) told me Kelly sounds 150 percent better and that he’s got a great attitude,” Dunkin said. “I told Mike, ‘Let’s not worry about boxing right now. Let’s see how he feels when he gets out.’ But Kelly wants to box. Mike said all he does is talk about it constantly. He wants to mend his ways and accomplish so many other things in boxing. He’s very motivated to fight again. I said, ‘Let’s take it one step at a time.’ There’s no pressure on Kelly and no rush.”

Dunkin said that Top Rank’s Bob Arum is aware of the situation and that he told him that if Pavlik is up to it, he would give him a spot on the undercard of Pacquiao’s fight with Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Bob says we have May 7 if Kelly wants it and that would be a great place for him to start again,” Dunkin said. “But we just don’t know. It’s out there for him if he wants it. It’s all up to Kelly now.

“I’d like to see the old Kelly back, but I’ll be happy just to see him back and not doing all that nonsense.”

“They let him work out and he’s been running and exercising and lifting,” Dunkin said. “He’s literally been training four to six hours a day because he has nothing else to do besides attend his meetings and stuff.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

The Attendance was 12, 688 which produced a gate of over $2,174,000

The Submission of The night was awaded to Clay Guida

The Knockout of the night was awarded to Jeremy Stephens

The fight of the night was Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard and each will receive their win bonus

It was announced at the press conference that Edgar will next defend his title against the exciting Anthony Pettis

Frankie Edgar retained the UFC Lightweight championship as he survived a first round drubbing to come back in his fight with Gray Maynard to headline UFC 125 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Midway through the first round, Maynard landed a vicious left hook that dropped Edgar to the canvas and Maynard immediately pounced on the champion. For the next two-plus minutes, Maynard savagely drilled a visibly hurt and bloody Edgar all over the octagon. Edgar was bleeding from the nose and on several occasions it seemed that he was just one shot away from being stopped. Edgar began to show some signs of life towards the end of the first frame. Edgar gathered himself and began winning most of the nest three rounds and he started landing hard shots of his own and solid kicks as he began to figure out Maynard. Edgar had a big round four as he momentarily locked in a guillotine choke. Round five was good back and forth action as both men gave all they had left to the delight of the crowd.

When the scores were read, each man took a card at 48-46 while a third card was tallied at 47-47.

Edgar, 155 lbs of Summit, NJ retains his belt for the second time. Maynard, 155 lbs of Phoenix, AZ was attempting to beat Edgar for the second time and is now 11-0-1-1.

In The co-feature, Brian Stann pounded out Chris Leben at 3:37 of round one of their bout.

Stann of Scranton, PA is 10-3. Leben is 21-7.

Thiago Silva scored a three round unanimous decision over Brandon Vera in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Scores were 30-36; 30-27 and 30-27 for Silva, of San Paulo, Brazil and is now 15-2. Vera, 205 lbs of Norfolk, VA is now 11-6.

Dong Hyun Kim scored a three round unanimous decision over Nate Diaz in a Welterweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 on all cards for Kim, 171 lbs of Suwon, South Korea and is now 14-0-1. Diaz, 170 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 13-7.

Clay Guida scored a second round tapout over Takanori Gomi in a scheduled three round Lightweight bout.

Guida choked Gomi out with a guillotine at 4:27 of round two.

Brad Tavares pounded out veteran Phil Baroni in round one of their scheduled three round Middleweight bout.

Tavares landed a high leg kick to the head that startled Baroni which led to an assault of punches that forced referee Josh Rosenthal to stop the bout at 4:20 of round one.

Tavares, 186 lbs of Las Vegas is now 6-1. Baroni, 186 lbs of Las Vegas is now 13-13.

Guida, 156 lbs of Ground Lake, IL is now 28-8. Gomi, 155 lbs of Kanangawa, Japan is now 32-7-1

Dustin Poirier scored a three round unanimous decision over Josh Grispi in a Featherweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 on all cards for the twenty-one year old Poirier, 145 lbs of Lafyette, LA and is now 9-1. Grispi, 146 lbs of Massachusetts is 14-2.

Jeremy Stephens scored an explosive one punch knockout over Marcus Davis in the final scheduled round of their three round Lightweight bout.

Stephens landed a crushing right that knocked Davis down aand out.

Stevens, 156 lbs of San Diego, CA is now 19-6. Davis, 156 lbs of Bangor, ME is now 22-9.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Ronald Hearns will try to follow in he footsteps and capture a Middleweight championship when he takes on Felix Sturm on February 19th in Stuttgart, Germany.

“We’ve agreed in principle on the terms and we are exchanging the paperwork,” said Hearns’ promoter Lou DiBella of his deal with Arena Box promoter Ahmet Öner, who works with Sturm’s own promotional company on his fights. “We hope to have it signed by Saturday.”

“It’s a tremendous career opportunity for Ronald,” DiBella said. “It’s a shot at a title his father once held so proudly.”

“I think that Sturm is extremely talented. We all know that, but he’s been around for a long time,” DiBella said. “He’s not a huge puncher and Ronald can really punch, so it’s a great opportunity for him. It’s an opportunity he won’t get here [in the United States].

“If Ronald can go to Germany and do well, even if he loses, he can come back here bigger than when he left. He’ll go there and give it everything he has against one of the best middleweights in the world.”

Atlantic City welterweight contender Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez will journey north to battle Antonin Decarie (24-1, 7 KO) in the Canadian’s hometown of Montreal on February 11. The scheduled 10 round bout is part of a card that will be nationally televised in the US as part of ESPN’s Friday Night Fight Series. The Bell Centre, which consistently provides an electric atmosphere on fight night, will serve as as the venue.

Alvarez (21-3, 12 KO) is looking to rebound from a ten round majority decision loss to Ayi Bruce at Bally’s earlier this month. With a win on national TV, he figures to get back in the thick of the crowded welterweight division.

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

Hall of Fame promoter Russell Peltz sent word out on Tuesday evening that one of the great middleweights, Bennie Briscoe passed away after an illness

Peltz statement read “Bennie Briscoe, one of the best never to win a world title (when world titles meant something) and the man who presided over the last Golden Age of Boxing in Philadelphia (the 1970s) passed away today at 5.52pm EST. He had been in Temple University hospital for about a week before being moved to hospice. His wife Karen, who I have been in contact with over the last two weeks, called my at about 6.20pm EST to give me the news.”

Brisoce had a record of 66-24-5 with fifty-three knockouts fought all of the top Middleweights of his era as he held the great Carlos Monzon to a draw in Monzon’s home country in Argentina.

He was stopped in seven in an effort to win the WBC Middleweight title in the rematch with Monzon and then lost two more chances to win the title against Rodrigo Valdez. he also dropped a decision to the legendary Emile Griffith and then held Griffith to a draw in the rematch.

He also lost a decision to Marvin Hagler.

Among some of Briscoe’s finest wins are over the great George Benton; Tony Mundine; Future world champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad; “Cyclone” Hart

Briscoe was sixty-seven years old

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com terms for the May 7th showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley have been reached.

“We came to a meeting of the minds,” Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com on Tuesday night after a final meeting with Mosley and his adviser, James Prince, at the Top Rank offices in Las Vegas. “[Top Rank matchmaker] Bruce Trample says it’s a very difficult fight. I believe it will be an exciting fight. Shane knows how to fight and how to deal with the speed. Manny is in for a hellacious fight. I really believe styles make fights.”

“I know that they think I’m an old man and that Manny is going to beat me. Let them think that,” said Mosley, a former lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight champion. “I still have power and speed. They thought I was done before I knocked out [Antonio] Margarito, too. So they can think whatever they want. I know what I can do.”

“I hurt Floyd in our fight, but he’s a great fighter and has great defense,” Mosley said. “What can I do about Mora? Do you really think that was a draw? Come on. I won that fight. He ran from me all night. But Pacquiao? Come on, man. I’m a bigger guy than him and he gets hit. And you saw how I hurt Floyd. Manny is going to come forward and I will hit him on the chin at some point. His defense is not like Floyd’s. Manny will come at me, and I will knock him out.”

“I thought Mosley was the best draw of the three and it would do the best business,” Arum said.

“They had to be insane, putting Shane in the ring with Mora,” Arum said of Golden Boy’s decision to match Mosley with a fighter with a tough style who usually makes fights with little entertainment value. “With Floyd, Shane had him in real bad trouble in the second round, so he’s capable of doing a really good fight with Manny and Manny knows that. He’s talking to [trainer] Freddie [Roach] about doing five weeks of training in the United States rather than four weeks here and four weeks in the Philippines.”

“He’s getting a little older, which is in our favor, but I expect Shane to be at his best because he’s wanted this fight for a long time. I will get Pacquiao well prepared for this one.”

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer was disappointed to hear that the deal for Pacquiao-Mosley had been made without even receiving a call from Mosley or Prince.

“Good luck. He’s obviously no longer part of Golden Boy. That’s all I’m going to say,” Schaefer said. “I wish him luck.”