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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Chris Farina of Top Rank

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the unfortunate tragedy of the earthquake which struck Haiti earlier this month forced Andre Berto to withdraw from his scheduled unification bout against Shane Mosley, it forced promoter Golden Boy Promotions to cancel the entire January 30th event which was to have emanated from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The cancellation left several bouts slated for the deep undercard without a venue.

However, Golden Boy has found a home for at least one of the more prominent bouts originally pegged for January 30th, as the meeting between rising super featherweights Eloy Perez and David Rodela has been moved to January 29th. Their ten-round bout will now take place just down the road a bit at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as a supporting bout to WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Gabriel Campillo’s title defense in a rematch against Beibut Shumenov. Golden Boy is co-promoting the card with Shumenov’s KZ Event Productions.

Perez (15-0-2, 4 KOs) of Salinas, California will be making the first defense of his WBC USNBC Super Featherweight title which he won in a back-and-forth struggle over previously undefeated Dannie Williams this past September. In his most recent bout, Perez scored the biggest win of his career, stopping the naturally larger Juan Santiago to claim the WBO NABO 130-pound crown.

Rodela (14-1-2, 6 KOs) of Oxnard, California last fought in August, cruising to a unanimous four-round decision victory over once-beaten Gamalier Rodriguez. That victory was preceded by three straight split decision wins over Juan Garcia, Marlon Aguilar and faded former champion Kevin Kelley.

The significance of their clash has increased since the bout was first signed. The January rankings issued by the WBO have Eloy Perez ranked #3 in the world at 130-pounds. With only WBO #1 Ricky Burns (who is already scheduled to meet WBO kingpin Rocky Martinez in March,) and WBO #2 Terdsak Jandaeng ranked above him in the rankings, Perez could conceivably be paired in an elimination bout next time out. For the currently unranked Rodela, a win over the WBO #3 contender would undoubtedly catapult the Oxnard native into the world rankings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Berto lost at least eight family members in the disaster.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HBO’s Kery Davis echoed DiBella.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the co-main event Super Middleweight Dyah “Ali” Davis 17-1 (8KO) was very impressive with a fifth round TKO over Jose “El Macho” Medina 15-17 (11KO). Davis was extremely impressive with blistering jabs and accurate combinations. Medina was dropped twice and the final time his corner threw in the towel at 1:04 of the 5th. Davis is the son of Olympic Gold medalist Howard Davis.

In the second co-main even Derek Allen 2-5(2KO) silenced the crowd in Macon with a big KO upset win over Milton “Big” Wynn 8-1(5KO). Allen dropped with a vicious overhand right and the end came at 1:33 of round 1.

The fireworks began with the first bell when middleweight Jonathan “The Conquistador” Cepeda 7-0 (6KO) and Chris Govan 2-6(2KO) came out to meet each others with big bombs! Cepeda dropped Govan in the first round with a devastating left hook and another unintentional shot while Govan had a knee. Govan had a good start of the second before Cepeda dropped him twice with 2 huge rights. Cepeda remains perfect with a TKO win at 1:51 of the second.

The brawl of the night came with featherweights Danny Aquino 3-0 and David Cano 0-1. These two warriors battled from ding to dong in a delight of a fight. Officially scored a unanimous decision win for Aquino with the cards reading 40-36 and 39-37 twice.

Former 3 time NYC Golden Glove and national champion Patricia “Boom Boom” Alcivar, went uncontested as her opponent did not make the ring. Alcivar, the former Olympic athlete of the year took the opportunity to showcase her skills on focus mitts for the crowd. Alcivar is trained by former 2 time world champion. Terri “The Boss” Moss.

Jr welterweight, Alex Paracha, 4-0(2KO) from Afghanistan brawled to a unanimous decision win over Jacksonville’s’ Darrell Jones 2-3(1KO). The cards read 39-37.

Hometown hero Tobias Rice was impressive in his debut with a 4th round TKO over Nate Lovelace.

Former amateur national champion Lamar Russ 2-0(2KO) came off of the canvas in the first round to drop Shawn Actier 3 times on the way to a TKO3 at :58.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Macon, GA is in for a treat this Saturday night with the M.L.K Champion Classic. This great card will feature rising super middleweight star Dyah “Ali” Davis, undefeated heavy handed heavyweight Milton “Big Wynn, Middleweight Jonathon Cepeda, and a female bout which will showcase former 3 time NYC Golden Glove champ Patricia “Boom Boom” Alcivar.

Super Middleweight Dyah “Ali” Davis 16-1 (7KO) will be back in action in the main event vs dangerous Jose “El Macho” Medina 15-16 (11KO). Davis is the son of Olympic Gold medalist Howard Davis.

Undefeated Heavyweight Milton “Big Wynn 8-0 (5KO), GA, will face Derrick Allen 1-5, NC.

Middleweight Jonathan “The Conquistador” Cepeda 6-0 (5KO) will return to the ring facing Chris Govan 2-5(2KO). As an amateur, Cepeda was a three-time Golden Gloves and PAL champion was 35-3 with 27 knockouts.

Former Olympic athlete of the year and national amateur champion Patricia “Boom Boom” Alcivar 1-0 (1KO) will be facing Shanna Allan from SC.

Featherweight Danny Aquino 2-0 vs. David Cano who will be making his debut.

Jr welterweight, Alex Paracha, 3-0(2KO) from Afghanistan is mixing it up with Jacksonvilles’ Darrell Jones 2-2(1KO).

Cruiserweight’s Nate Lovelace and Tobais Rice will be making their debuts in opposite corners.

Lamar Ross will be facing Sean Atkins, both making their debuts.

This event will be held at the Macon City Auditorium, 415 1st Street Macon, GA. Get your tickets at TicketMaster by phone, www.TicketMaster.com, or the Macon Coliseum Box office.

JSIzzle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The recent update we received on Z Gorres is nothing less than amazing and remarkable and most of all – inspiring.

We are constantly in touch with Datches the wife of Gorres and Tony “The Good Samaritan” Martin and his wife, Yvonne. They all keep us posted almost every other day on the progress of Gorres.
The brain surgery of Z has not affected his memory. He recognizes everyone who visits him in the hospital.

Z is no longer in the respiratory and breathes on his own and is now eating solid food and has started to talk but in whispers.

It is only his left side that still needs to recover fully. He can now move his left arm but very slowly so with his left leg. Those are the part of his body that needs to be monitored closely as he progresses to recover.

ALA Promtoions President, Michael Aldeguer is in close touch with Tamara Greene the new Medical Social Worker at University Medical Center and is the one coordinating Z’s discharge planning.

Since the time Z has been admitted several people have visited him. Among the visitors were Wakee Salud, Boboy Fernandex, Gerry Penalosa and Rodel Mayol, cutman Miguel Diaz and the Top Rank people headed by Bruce Tampler, Brad Goodman, Sean Gibbons, Dan Pancher and Richie Sandoval, Cornelius “Boza” Edward and Dr. Allan Recto.

Promoter and matchmaker non-pariel Sampson Lewkowicz with his wife and maybe a few more others who have also visited Z but without our knowledge.

We are sending the most recent photos of Z with his wife Datches and ALA trainer Tony Martin and his wife Yvonne.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gray Maynard scored a three round split decision over Nate Diaz in the Lightweight main event of UFC Fight Night at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA

Scores were 30-37 and 29-28 for Maynard, 155 lbs of Las Vegas and is now 10-0. Diaz, 155 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 11-6

Evan Dunham scored athird round tapout submission over Efarin Escudero in a three round Lightweight bout between undefeated fighters.

Dunham, 155 lbs of Las Vegas is 10-0. Escudero, 155 lbs of Tempe, AZ is 13-1

Aaron Simpson was almost knocked out in the first round but came back to win a close split decision over Tom Lawlor in a three round Light Heavyweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 on two cards for Simpson and 29-28 Lawlor. Simpson, 185 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 7-0. Lawlor, 185 lbs of Orlando, FL is 6-2-1.

Amir Sadollah scored a three round unanimous decision over Brad Blackburn in a Middelweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 on all cards for Sadollah, 170 lbs of Richmond, VA and is now 4-1. Blackburn, 170 lbs of Olympia, WA is now 15-10-1.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the saga that is or was a proposed bout between pound for pound kings, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather took even a stranger turn on Sunday night as just hours after it was announced that Pacquiao would fight Joshua Clottey on that date on Pay- Per-view, Golden Boy Promotions announced that Mayweather would be fighting on March 13th on a seperate Pay Per View in Las Vegas

“It’s a date Golden Boy has had for a long time and nothing has changed,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said. “We have been talking to Team Mayweather to see who the opponent will be. I hope to have something to announce in the next few days.”

According to sources, Mayweather’s list of potential opponents includes former junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi and Golden Boy-promoted former lightweight titlist Nate Campbell, both smaller men than Mayweather, as well as former welterweight titlist Kermit Cintron, who is a similar kind of opponent as Clottey is for Pacquiao. There is also a more remote possibility of Mayweather facing junior welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley Jr., who has ties to Showtime, which may not want to let him walk away for a possible fight on rival HBO PPV.

One opponent Mayweather will not be facing is Matthew Hatton, the brother of former junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton, whom Mayweather knocked out in a 2007 welterweight title fight. Reports in Matthew Hatton’s native England indicate that he is under consideration.

However, Schaefer that is not the case.

“There is absolutely no truth to the rumors about Matthew Hatton. I can’t tell you for sure who Floyd will fight, but I can tell you for sure it won’t be Matthew Hatton,” Schaefer said.

“It is unusual, but what can I do,” Schaefer said. “It wasn’t Floyd who walked away from the Pacquiao fight. There is nothing I can really say about it. I’ve had the date [March 13] for a long time. Initially it was for the Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones fight [which won’t come off because Jones was knocked out in a Dec. 2 interim bout]. You know what? It is what it is. I’m not getting excited about it anymore. I am sitting outside having a cigar and [expletive] it. It is what it is.

“It’s not good. Its not good for Pacquiao to go on that date, which we had for a long time. We had that date, end of story. So it’s not good. How can it be good? It’s not good for boxing. It’s not good for boxing that Pacquiao and Mayweather are not fighting each other. I worked really hard to make that happen and it’s not. And I am not belittling Pacquiao’s fight with Clottey. It’s OK. Hey, we have a piece of [the promotional contract of] Pacquiao. But is it ideal? No it’s not. Is it the end of boxing? Is the world collapsing? No it is not. We all have to look to March 14. March 13 will pass and on March 14 boxing will still be there and there will be exciting fights, and nothing will change that.”

“Nobody wants competing fights. HBO doesn’t want it,” he said. “Nobody in their clear mind can be happy about Mayweather fighting somebody else or Pacquiao fighting somebody else. But we all have to live with it and accept. I’m a boxing fan too and I am pissed off about what happened. Anyone who says anything different is lying. I wish there had been something I could do about it, so I am very frustrated and disappointed, but Floyd Mayweather will still fight

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the WBO Welterweight championship bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey is officially set for March 13 in Dallas at the 100,000 seat Cowboy Stadium.

Jones and Top Rank’s Bob Arum and Todd duBoef, who toured the facility and were Jones’ guests at Saturday night’s Cowboys playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, closed the deal for the bout on Sunday afternoon.

“Bob was persistent in keeping this alive as a place for Manny’s fight,” Jones told ESPN.com, while celebrating the deal with Arum and duBoef. “I’m so glad Bob came back to us. We are so excited about this event and that we will be able to bring a big fight here for the Hispanic boxing fans, and all boxing fans in this area, who are also Dallas Cowboys fans. It’s important for us. Manny is such an exemplary athlete.”

“I never got into the NFL or bought the Cowboys for the money. I was lucky enough to already have some,” he said. “This is about having a fighter like Manny and an event like this in our venue. When we finished the deal, I was shaking as much as I was when we beat the Eagles. I’m just as excited.”

Jones said the stadium won’t be set for the full 100,000 seating capacity as was planned for a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout. Instead, they’ll start in the 40,000-seat range.

“But that’s one of the great things about the stadium — we can expand the seating capacity as it warrants,” Jones said.

“This is going to be one of the biggest events in the history of boxing,” Arum said. “This is the most incredible stadium setting I have ever seen. It is absolutely unbelievable. This is going to be much, much more than just a boxing match. A lot of things that happen are ordained by God. We weren’t going to go here for Pacquiao-Mayweather fight because [Golden Boy CEO Richard] Schaefer wouldn’t get on a plane and come down here and see the place. So that didn’t happen. And now that fight isn’t happening. And now we are here with Manny for another fight. When people see this event and how it will be presented, nothing in the past will ever compare to it.”

Photo By Chris Farina / Top Rank

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the fallout from the failed negotiations between pound for pound kings Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather has likely produced a showdown between Pacquiao and former IBF Welterweight champion Joshua Clottey on March 13th possibly in Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.

“Josh is ecstatic about it,” Clotteys manager,Vinny Scolpino told ESPN.com. “I think we can get this done in a couple of days. He’s coming home [to New York from Ghana] on Monday.”

“It’s the biggest payday he ever made in his life,” Scolpino told ESPN.com. “He should be doing flips. It’s a huge opportunity.”

Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank, which promotes Pacquiao, told Rafael on Friday night the bout would take place at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

DuBoef said he and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum would fly to Dallas on Saturday to meet with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for a tour of the facility and to finalize the deal before being Jones’ guests at the Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles playoff game on Saturday night.

DuBoef also said former welterweight titleholder Antonio Margarito would fight on the pay-per-view card in the co-feature if he is relicensed at a hearing later this month or in February. Margarito had his license revoked in California for attempting to load his gloves with an illegal substance before facing Shane Mosley last January. Margarito is eligible to ask for his license back after a year, although there is no guarantee he will get it.

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

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.

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

Former IBF Jr. Middleweight champion pulled a rabbit out of his has as he came back from being knocked down and rocked on several occasions to come back to stop Dionisio Miranda in round ten of their scheduled twelve round IBF Middleweight elimination bout at the Glendale Auditorium in Glendale, California.

The first couple rounds were fought evenly until Miranda rocked Karmazin with a huge right hand that had the former champion in serious trouble in round three. Karmazin showed his veteran grit by being able to box and hold on until he gained his senses to survive the round. In round four, the two combatants clashed heads and a cut developed around the left eye of Miranda.

Karmazin got back in the fight as he boxed well and put some nice combination’s together to pull close on the cards. In round nine, Miranda landed a huge right that was followed up by a lesser right that sent Karmazin to the canvas. Miranda had over two minutes to finish the fight but Karmazin ducked and held and took some decent body shots and got out of the round.

In round ten, Karmazin landed a big right of his own and stunningly put Miranda on his back. Karmazin showed the experience that Miranda couldn’t as he was able to land some hard shots and drop Miranda for a second time that forced referee James Jen-Kin to stop the fight at 2:37.

With the win, Karmazin, 158 1/2 lbs of St. Petersburg, Russia will now stand to face IBF Middleweight champion Sebastian Sylvester as he notched his fortieth victory against three losses and one draw with twenty-six knockouts. Miranda, 155 1/2 lbs of Barranquilla, Colombia is now 20-5-2.

Anatoliy Dudchenko scored three knockdown en route to an easy six round unanimous decision over Isaac Atencio in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Dudchenko scored knockdowns on right hands in both rounds one and two and again dropped that over matched Atencio again in round five with a left.

All cards read 60-51.

Dudchenko, 175 3/4 lbs is now 7-2. Atencio, 174 1/2 lbs of Denver, CO is now 2-2-1.

Heavyweight Andrey Fedosov stopped faded journeyman Lionel Butler in round two of a scheduled eight round bout.

The two exchanged some solid shots in round one. In round two, Fedosov dropped Butler with a short right hand. Seconds later Fedosov rocked Butler with another right on the inside he than followed up with a another right hand that sent Butler to the canvas for a second time that forced referee Lou Moret to stop the bout at 2:37 of round two.

Fedosov, 223 lbs of St. Petersburg, Russia is now 21-1 with seventeen knockouts. Butler, 276 3/4 lbs of Valencia, CA is now 32-16-1.

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.

Negotiations are moving ahead to make a Kelly Pavlik-Sergio Martinez fight this May. While they are still at the early stages it seems as though Martinez hot off a disputed loss to Paul Williams could challenge Pavlik for his WBC/WBO Middleweight crown.

It appears as though it would happen in Atlantic City where Pavlik is extremely popular and Martinez fought last time out.

Martinez agent Sampson Lewkowicz told 15rounds.com that “It’s and Exciting fight that people want to see” He also added that they had an offer to fight the rematch with Paul Williams but preferred to get his man a straight title shot. He also said he is requesting WBC approved judges.

So finally it appears that things are getting back to normal in the Boxing world after being held hostage regarding the on off on and finally off negotiations between Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao.

Photo by Chris Farina of Top Rank

According to various reports, the much anticipated bout between Pound for Pound King’s Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will NOT happen on March 13th after a last ditch mediation session on Tuesday provided no resolution to save the bout.

The two camps met for nine hours in Santa Monica, California on Tuesday with a compromise on the table for which Pacquiao would undergo a drug testing procedure twenty-four days before the fight where Team Mayweather wanted the tests during fight week.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter was quoted in various reports that the fight cant happen and he will now look for Pacquiao to attempt to win a a title in an eighth weight division as he will look to take on WBA Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman on either March 13th or March 20th.

Mayweather nor his representatives were available for comment

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the first day of a mediation process to hopefully resolve the differences between the camps of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather lasted nine hours on Tuesday but did not produce a resolution for the proposed March 13th mega-fight to go forward.

Top Rank’s Bob Arum and Todd duBoef, along with their legal team, Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer, Oscar De La Hoya, their legal team, and Mayweather manager Al Haymon spent the day with mediator Daniel Weinstein at offices in Santa Monica, Calif., hoping to pave the way for potentially the richest fight in boxing history.

“Mediation is still ongoing,” one of Top Rank’s lawyers told ESPN Deportes’ Jaime Mota.

Weinstein has placed a gag order on all parties.

It is unclear if the talks will resume on Wednesday.

They had agreed to everything in the deal except for the method of drug testing for the boxers.

Although the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which would oversee the bout, requires only urine testing, Mayweather has insisted on random blood testing. Both sides have already agreed to unlimited random urine testing.

Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs), who didn’t want any blood testing, agreed to take three blood tests: one during the week of the kickoff news conference, which would take place next week if they can make a deal, one random test to be conducted no later than 30 days before the fight and a final test in his dressing room after the fight. Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) would be subject to the same testing procedures.

Besides Weinstein trying to mediate a resolution to the drug testing issue, there is also the matter of the defamation lawsuit Pacquiao filed last week in Nevada U.S. District Court against Mayweather Jr., Schaefer, De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions.

Pacquiao alleges that they made false and defamatory statements and sullied his reputation by accusing him of taking performance-enhancing drugs. Pacquiao denies he has ever used PEDs and has never failed a drug test.

At issue is also Golden Boy’s continued involvement in Pacquaio’s contract. With Golden Boy representing Mayweather and allegedly accusing Pacquiao of using performance enhancing drugs, Arum believes it has diminished Pacquiao and that Golden Boy should no longer be entitled to share in the money his bouts generate, especially when it also is making money off Mayweather.

If the mediation fails, Arum has repeatedly said he will match Pacquiao with junior middleweight titlist Yuri Foreman, whom he also promotes, on March 20 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas so Pacquiao could attempt to win a title in a record-extending eighth weight division.

Mayweather could still fight on March 13 at the MGM Grand and potentially face former junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi.

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.

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