LAS VEGAS, NEV. (March 17, 2012) – Méxican legend and three-division world champion JUAN MÁNUEL MÁRQUEZ and undefeated former World Lightweight Champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS will headline a world championship pay-per-view event that’s so big its main events are originating from two different countries!

Márquez will go for an historic fourth world title in as many different weight divisions when he takes on World Boxing Organization (WBO) European junior welterweight champion SERGEY FEDCHENKO for the vacant WBO interim 140-pound world title. Márquez-Fedchenko will take place in México City’s brand new Arena México. Rios will attempt to reclaim his old title when he rumbles with Cuban gladiator and World Boxing Association (WBA) interim lightweight champion RICHARD ABRIL in a battle for the vacant WBA lightweight title, Saturday, April 14, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The Márquez/Rios world championship event will be produced by Top Rank and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

The live pay-per-view telecast (SRP $44.95) will also feature a 10-round junior welterweight collision of top-10 contenders — “Mile High” MIKE ALVARADO and MAURICIO HERRERA — and open with undefeated Top-10 contender MERCITO GESTA of the Philippines, in a 10-round lightweight fight. Boxing fans at Mandalay Bay will also see the Márquez-Fedchenko world title fight live, via closed-circuit, on a jumbo screen.

These warriors boast a combined record of 173-9-4 (110 KOs) – a winning percentage of 94%.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Tecate and AT&T, remaining tickets priced at $250, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges, are available at all Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Mandalay Bay at (877) 632-7400 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

At a Miami, Fla. press conference earlier this month, the setting for this fight was set when Abril challenged Rios to fight him for the title. As the verbal exchange heated up, Abril slapped Rios across the face, screaming “You aren’t a real champion!”

“Rios won’t need a GPS to find me on April 14. All he’ll have do to is look up and see the referee holding my hand up in victory,” said Abril.

“He may not have thought I was a real champion when he slapped me but he’s going to know I’m a real champion on April 14 when I knock him on his South Beach,” said Rios. “I do give Abril credit for one thing. I know he’s going to show up for this fight. That will be his second mistake with me.”

“We have four great fights that will make for a very exciting event, including a legend from México in Juan Mánuel Márquez and undefeated knockout artist Brandon Rios who is trying to recapture his world title,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “The dual-site pay-per-view event will open at Mandalay Bay with Gesta, followed by Alvarado vs. Herrera and the Rios-Abril world title fight. The grand finale will send boxing fans to México City where they will get their first look at the brand new Arena México, and a projected full house, on hand to witness Márquez’s attempt at history. Top Rank owes a great deal to its sponsors, Mandalay Bay and HBO for its continued support of our event.”

“With Juan Mánuel Márquez, Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado all on the same fight card, boxing fans can look forward to a night of non-stop action”, said Mark Taffet, senior vice president, HBO Pay-Per-View. ”We’re delighted to provide the pay-per-view distribution for this event.”

Rios (29-0-1, 22 KOs), the former WBA lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 11 fights by knockout. Highlight victories on his resume include Miguel Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Urbano Antillon and John Murray, none of whom went the distance. Abril (17-2-1, 8 KOs), a Cuban expatriate who now resides in Miami, Fla., returns to the ring having won seven of his previous eight fights. He captured the WBA interim lightweight title last October, knocking down former WBA lightweight champion Acosta three times en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Márquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs), of México City, is one of only a rare few from México to have won world titles in three different weight divisions. The only man to go the distance with pound for pound superstar Manny Pacquiao three times, Marquez boasts a Hall of Fame resume highlighted by victories over Marco Antonio Barrera, Manuel Medina, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz and Michael Katsidis. Fedchenko (30-1, 13 KOs), from Kharkov, Ukraine, enters this fight riding a 28-month winning streak, which has included WBO European title victories over Willy Blain and Demarcus Corley. He is world-rated No. 5 by the WBO.

Alvarado (32-0, 23 KOs) of Denver, has won 10 of his last 12 bouts by stoppage en route to a career-high No. 3 world rating, in the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Notable knockout victims include Breidis Prescott, Ray Narh, Emmanuel Clottey and Cesar Bazan. Herrera (18-1, 7 KOs), from Lake Elsinore, Calif., enters this fight riding a two-year, five-bout winning streak, highlighted by victories over Ruslan Provodnikov (17-0) and Mike Dallas, Jr. (17-1-1). Herrera is currently world-rated No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Gesta (24-0-1, 12 KOs), a native of Cebu, Philippines, fights out of San Diego. He returns to the ring with seven of his last 10 victories coming inside the distance, earning career-high world ratings of No. 7 in the WBA and No. 8 in the WBO.

Omar Figueroa stayed undefeated as he stopped Roman Ayala in round two of a scheduled ten round Lightweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, CA.

Figueroa dominated the first round with landed punches from both hands. In round two, Figueroa landed two crushing lefts with the first being a hard shot to the body and a shot to the head that was followed up by a few shots that sent Ayala to the canvas. When he got to his feet referee Lou Moret called the bout off after Ayala stumbled back at 2:53 of round two.

Figueroa, 136 1/4 lbs of Weslaco, TX is now 15-0-1 with twelve knockouts. Ayala, 135 lbs of Mexico City is now 22-3-1.

“It surprised me when he didn’t try to box because he is a pretty tall guy,” said Figueroa. “Once he started throwing power shots with me, I knew it wouldn’t last long. He had decent power so I was careful of his wild shots but I never thought the fight would make it past the third or fourth round.”

Randy Caballero remained perfect but was extended in hist first ten round bout by scoring unanimous decision over grizzled veteran Jose Luis Araiza in a Bantamweight bout.

Caballero boxed very well over the first half of the bout as he outlanded Araiza almost two to one over the first five rounds. Araiza started landing some heavy overhand rights that seemed to get the attention of Caballero. Caballero righted the ship in rounds eight and nine as he outworked Araiza in between some attempted big shots from Araiza. Round ten was furious with Araiza landing several big shots but time ran out as Caballero had established a big lead.

Caballero, 117 3/4 lbs of Cochella, CA won by scores of 98-92; 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 14-0. Araiza, 117 3/4 lbs of Tecate, MX is now 32-6-1

“This was more of a learning experience for me,” said Caballero after the bout. “We knew he was going to try to do a couple of things in the ring and I let him do them a couple of times. That’s my mistake so we’re going to go back to the gym and keep working so we can come out even better next time.”

ATLANTIC CITY (March 17, 2012)—TONIGHT an International boxing card that will feature fighters from the United States, Kazakhstan, Canada, Puerto Rico, Ghana and the Dominican Republic will take place at Ballys in Atlantic City that will feature a very important Super Middleweight crossroads bout between Farah Ennis & Dion Savage.

The card promoted by John Lunch’s Pound 4 Pound Promotions can be seen LIVE and exclusively on www.gfl.tv for just $9.99 at 7:30 pm by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Boxing_at_Ballys_Ennis_vs_Savage/1418

In the main event, Ennis (18-1, 12 KO’s) will be making his second start since a shocking upset loss to Alexander Johnson almost a year ago in the same Ballys ring. He came back on January 13th to dispose of durable Grover Young in five rounds.

It was just before the Johnson fight where Ennis was being mentioned with the top Super Middleweight prospects in the world and a win over Savage will go a long way towards putting Ennis back on track to reaching his goals of getting in the championship mix.

Savage (11-2, 6 KO’s) was being mentioned with the likes of Ennis as being a prime Super Middleweight contender before suffering two first round knockout defeats to undefeated Marco Antonio Periban & number-one ranked Adonis Stevenson. A win over Ennis can erase those defeats in the minds of boxing pundits.

“This is a true loser leaves town matchup”, said Marc Abrams, who will be calling the action LIVE on www.gfl.tv

“A year ago a matchup like this would be a fight that the networks would be clamoring over but both guys have tripped up and I expect this to be a fight with a lot of passion as both guys need this. Ennis is a terrific boxer/puncher and can beat you in so many ways. I look at Savage as a guy that believes that Ennis isn’t as good as some of the guys he has fought in the past and the fact he was handpicked by Floyd Mayweather to be part of his stable tells you the ability that he brings to the table. This is a fight with major implications on the careers of both guys. A win and you are in the mix and a loss will just knock you further back in the crowded Super Middleweight mix”

No less than four undefeated fighters will highlight a great undercard that is filled with top prospects.

In the ten round co-feature, Kazakhstan’s Vitaliy Demyaneko (19-0, 12 KO’s) will risk his perfect mark against rough veteran Ayi Bruce (21-5, 13 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana.

Demyanenko, a southpaw has moved to Las Vegas after fighting all over Russia and with a decorated amateur career wants to make an impression on the American public as this will be his third start in the States.

Bruce is a war tested African, who since moving to Albany, New York has fought some of the best in Emanuel Taylor , Raymond Serrano, Gabriel Rosado and Dennis Laurente and has a win over Shamone Alvarez.

One of the hottest prospects in the Jr. Middleweight division in Glen Tapia 912-0,6 KO’s) takes on Antonio Infante (6-2, 4 KO’s)

Fellow big prospect Mikael Zewski (12-0, 8 KO’s) of Quebec, Canada takes on Joel Vargas (3-5-1, 3 KO’s)

Light Heavyweight Dennis Hasson (12-0, 4 KO’s) takes on New England knockout artist and upset specialist Eddie Caminero (7-6, 7 KO’s)

Exciting Welterweight Jose Peralta Alejo (7-1, 4 KO’s) takes on rugged Sammy Santana (4-5-1)

Andrew Bentley will make his pro debut against Jose Rivera (0-3) in a Lightweight bout.

Patrick Farrell (5-1-1, 3 KO’s) returns after a layoff to do battle with Kelven Jenkins (0-0-2) in a Heavyweight bout.

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LAS VEGAS (March 17, 2012)—World Ranked Cruiserweight contender BJ Flores will be keeping a close eye on Italy today as he is line to meet the winner of the WBC Silver Belt fight between fellow Italians Giacobbe Fragomeni and Silvio Branco.

The fight will be a battle of world champions as Fragomeni (29-3-1, 12 KO’s) and Branco (62-10-2, 37 KO’s) not only compete for the belt by a lofty position in the WBC rankings.

Flores currently sits at number four in the WBC knows that he may end of facing the winner for a chance at the world title.

“As it looks now, I will be able to get the winner in an elimination bout”, said Flores.

“The WBC mandated champion Krzystof Wlodarczyk and Francisco Palacios to rematch and that probably wont happen for a few months and that should up nicely for me to fight the winner of Saturday’s fight and then with a victory I will get the winner of the world title fight”

“I have been the most active Cruiserweight as I have fought three times in a six month period and I feel that my ranking is a reward for that”, said Flores, who sports a record of 27-1-1 with seventeen knockouts.

“I am working hard to improve and get faster and stronger. My timing is back and I now feel ready for the top cruisers in the world. I look forward to facing either Fragomeni or Branco in a big fight that will set up a championship fight.”

“Also I will be in camp with Floyd Mayweather helping him prepare for his May 5th title defense against Miguel Cotto. I am Staying in great shape in the meantime. I love training and love how things are going right now”

“I have been very busy training and broadcasting and right now my confidence is sky high and I just want to be able to fight for the world title before the year is out”

BJ Flores is ranked number-three by the WBO, number-four by the WBC, number-seven by the WBA & number-fourteen by the IBF and can be seen next Saturday night as part of the broadcast team on NBC Sports Network that will call the Zab Judah – Vernon Paris IBF Jr. Welterweight elimination bout from Brooklyn, New York.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
Farah Ennis 170.2 – Dion Savage 170.4
Vitaliy Demyaneko 145.8- Ayi Bruce 147.2
Glen Tapia 155 – Antonio Infante 154
Patrick Farrell 211.8- Kelven Jenkins 206
Jose Peralta Alejo 142 – Sammy Santana 145
Mikeal Zewski 151.6 – Joel Vargas 150.6
Andrew Bentley 131.2 – Jose Rivera 129.4
Dennis Hasson TBA – Eddie Caminero 175.8

Venue: Ballys Atlantic City
Promoter: John Lynch’s Pound 4 Pound Promotions
1st Bell: 7:30 pm
Broadcast: www.gfl.tv

Photo credit: Eugene Sirota

Lightweight world champion Juan Manuel Marquez will now fight Sergey Fedchenko instead of Rene Cuenca for a vacant Jr. Welterweight belt on April 14 according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

In what looked like a competitive bout on paper proved to be a total mismatch in the ring as former world champion Kendall Holt needed less then two rounds to pound out Tim Coleman at the Morango Casino & Resort in Cabazon, California.

Holt dropped Coleman in round one with a perfect left hook to the body. Holt was deliberate in dropping Coleman three more times in round two first with a right hand. After that Coleman looked like he wanted to be anywhere except in the ring with Holt as he was dropped two more times with body shots before his corner mercifully stopped the bout at 2:23 of round two.

Holt of Paterson, NJ is now 28-5 with sixteen knockouts. Colemna, 143 lbs of Las Vegas is now 19-3-1

Abraham Lopez scored an eight round unanimous decision over Gabriel Tolmajyan in a Super Featherweight bout.

Although Tolmajyan fought very well early by being more active moving up and down on Lopez. Lopez pushed the action late but he already had an insurmountable lead on the cards which didint seem to be the case as Tolmajyan deserved better.

Lopez, 127 lbs of Le Puente, CA won by scores of 79-73, 78074 and 78-74 and is now 17-0. Tolmajyan is now 12-2-1.

Roman Morales remained perfect with a six round unanimous decision over Ruffino Serrano in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Morales dropped Serrano with body work in round five and was never challenged in the bout as he won by scores of 60-53, 59-54 and 59-54.

Morales, 122 lbs of San Ardo, CA is now 10-0. Serrano, 121 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is now 12-4.

Tacoma, WA (March 16, 2012) – World famous personality Danny Bonaduce will once again make his presence felt in the boxing world when he takes the microphone as the master of ceremonies for “Battle at the Boat 86” Saturday, March 31 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA.

In addition to the March 31 show, Bonaduce will serve as the MC for all of the “Battle at the Boat” cards in 2012.

Bonaduce, who’s worn many hats during his 52 years on God’s Green Earth, initially gained fame during his childhood for playing the role of Danny Partridge on hit sitcom The Partridge Family. He then became a popular radio personality, doing an overnight show on Philadelphia’s WEGX-FM en route to hosting the critically acclaimed Danny Bonaduce Show as of 1996. Never short of surprises, he had a segment where he brought professional fighters into his studio and literally sparred with them on the air.

In 2002, the always-visible Bonaduce entered the boxing world, knocking out Barry Williams in 2 rounds as part of the Celebrity Boxing series. He went on to fight additional bouts against various celebrities, compiling a 13-0 record against foes such as “Reverend” Bob Levy, Jose Canseco and Robert Shapiro.

Currently based in Seattle, Bonaduce’s show airs during the morning drive time KZOK 102.5 FM.

“We’ve been promoting a long time and this is really going to be one of the most exciting additions in the history of our company,” said Halquist Productions CEO Brian Halquist. “Danny is a great presence and will add a tremendous boost to our show.”

Headlining “Battle at the Boat 86” is an exciting lightweight showdown between Jose Hernandez and Peter Oluoch, which is supported by an undercard stacked with local talent.

Tickets are available on ticketmaster.com or by going to the EQC box office at 1-888-831-7655.

Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7.

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.

LOS ANGELES, March 15 – In 2011, former Mexican Olympian Abner Mares left his mark on the professional boxing world by winning and defending his first world championship at bantamweight against former World Champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko. Now, on Saturday, April 21, Mares will begin his quest for a world title in a second weight class as he moves up in weight to take on former World Champion Eric “Little Hands of Steel” Morel of Puerto Rico, in a 12-round bout to be contested at 120 pounds at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas which will be televised live on SHOWTIME®.

“Mares vs. Morel: Battle on the Border” is a 12-round super bantamweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast airs live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Just prior to the action on SHOWTIME, preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets, priced at $25, $50, $75 and $150, go on sale on Saturday, March 17, at 10 a.m. MT and may be purchased at the UTEP Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (915) 747-5234.

Unbeaten in 24 fights, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico native Abner Mares (23-0-1, 13 KO’s) first made his name as a member of Mexico’s 2004 Olympic team, but he didn’t truly show off his amazing talent until he began fighting the top professional bantamweights in the world. Mares fought to a controversial draw with Yonnhy Perez in his first world title fight in 2010, and after decisioning Vic Darchinyan for the WBC Silver Bantamweight title later that year, he set the stage for his IBF Bantamweight World Title winning effort against Joseph King Kong Agbeko in August of 2011 to win SHOWTIME’s Bantamweight Tournament. In his most recent fight on December 3, 2011, Mares repeated his win over Agbeko, successfully defending his crown. Now it’s time for the 26-year-old Mares to seek out new challenges as he moves up to super bantamweight.

San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Eric “Little Hands of Steel” Morel (46-2, 23 KO’s) has defied the odds in recent years, showing that a fighter over 30 can not only compete with the best, but also beat the best. Now 36 years young, the longtime former Flyweight World Champion has been taking out all comers, winning 11 straight since his last defeat to Martin Castillo in 2005. Among his list of vanquished foes are Heriberto Ruiz, Luis Maldonado and Gerry Penalosa, who he defeated for the WBO Interim Bantamweight World title in 2010. On April 21, the former Two-Time World Champion will attack the unbeaten Mares with skill and experience in an effort to hand him his first professional defeat.

More information about a press conference which will take place, Tuesday, March 20 at the Don Haskins Center will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/abnermares00 or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Знакомства

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit http://sports.SHO.com, follow www.twitter.com/shosports, and visit www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Recent world title challenger Eloy Perez tested positive for cocaine following his knockout loss to Adrien Broner on February 25th in St. Louis according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I’m obviously disappointed by this,” said Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer. “There’s no excuse and nothing more you can say. It’s not good.”

The Monterey (Calif.) Herald reported Wednesday that Garcia Boxing, which had guided Perez into a mandatory position for a shot at Broner’s 130-pound title, had released Perez from his contract on Monday but did not give a reason.

“Due to pending matters, we are not at liberty to discuss his personal and professional conduct,” Kathy Garcia told the paper.

“It’s not good for the sport, but most important, it is not good for Eloy Perez,” Schaefer said. “You’re not talking about a performance-enhancing drug. You’re talking about cocaine. I feel bad for Eloy and his family. This is something he will have to deal with and need help with. We wish him the best.”

“We haven’t addressed yet if we are going to release him or not,” he said. “First and foremost, I just feel bad for Eloy and his family because this is a serious issue. I’m sure fight fans are concerned about this as well.”

“In response to your question regarding Eloy Perez, drug test results, like other information regarding licensees, are confidential,” public information officer David Owen told ESPN.com via email. “Therefore, the office of athletics has no public or open information in response to this inquiry.”

CABAZON, CALIFORNIA – Featherweight prospect Derrick Murray returns to the ring for the first time in nearly a year with a new promotional and managerial team behind him tonight at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon. The recent Gary Shaw Productions signee takes on Cesar Valenzuela in a four-round bout on the undercard of ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.

With the business of boxing having stalled the longtime amateur star’s professional career, Murray is excited to get rolling again with the help of his new supporting cast. “I’ve got a new team,” says Murray excitedly. “I’ve got Repo Ric, and he’s teaming up with Jason Schlessinger and they are treating me good. We are signing with Gary Shaw Productions, and they’ve got a hell of a fighter, just as I have a hell of a team behind me.”

Murray (1-0, 1 KO) seems to have found a kindred spirit in his new co-manager Repo Ric. “We are from the same part of town, Saint Louis, Missouri,” explains Murray. “He’s got a pretty hype personality and me as well, I have a pretty hype personality. Once you get to know me, I am very funny in a professional way. And I like attention. I like to get the crowd pumped and I like to make sure they are enjoying themselves. So we kind of have the same personality.”

Repo Ric had been working hard to sign up Murray, a fighter whose talents he has long heralded, for some time. Now that they are working together, Repo cannot contain his excitement. “He’s an Andre Ward and Oscar De La Hoya,” says Repo. “The reason why is all three of them were born left handed and all three of them fight right handed. Andre Ward is left handed, which is why his jab is so devastating that you get frustrated. And once you get frustrated you are done. You are just in there to survive. This kid is the same way. That jab is going to be doubling and tripling and keep coming. Once the referee sees that jab, it’s on. It’s on!”

Just as Repo Ric has become known for his colorful character leading up to, in between and during fights, Murray plans on keeping the crowds captivated at all times. “Even before I get into the ring, they are going to be entertained by my walk-in,” says Murray. “I am going to go in there with quick hands, fast head movement and I am going to give them a show to watch. It is not going to be a boring show, I know that much.”

When deciding on a promoter, Schlessinger and Repo Ric decided to go with Gary Shaw, the same promoter that has helped Repo move 122-pound prospect Roman Morales to 9-0 in just over a year. “I got him with Gary Shaw because Gary Shaw knows how to move a fighter and Gary Shaw kind of lets me do what I want to do,” explains Repo. “It’s like ‘Gary Shaw, we on the next show?’ ‘Yes.’”

With all the changes, one could expect there to be a little added pressure on the shoulders of the 23-year-old going into tonight’s fight. However, Murray’s co-manager feels his charge will be able to put that aside on put on a stirring performance. “He’s going to be a little excited. He came from the gutter and now he’s out here in California with Gary Shaw,” explains Repo. “He’s got four people driving from St. Louis to come see him fight, with his two-year-old son in the car. So there’s butterflies, but he’s going to whoop that ass, which is why I named him Derrick “Whoop That Ass” Murray.”

Speaking of the fight, Murray has done his homework on his opponent and offers a prediction. “I kind of looked Valenzuela up,” explains Murray of his 2-0 adversary. “He’s a little taller, he’s got a lot of reach. No power, no speed, no defense. I plan on knocking him out in the second round.”

Yuriorkis Gamboa looks like a pawn in a standoff perilous to his own future and bad for a divisive business populated by more lawyers and fewer potential stars.

Start with Gamboa, if you can find him. The Cuban has displayed potential enough to become part of a generation that will succeed Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Marquez.

But at 30, Gamboa is not exactly a prospect. He has no time to waste. But waste is what he’ll do if a Top Rank lawsuit against him gets buried in the legal swamp. Throw in an injunction into a lot of legalese, and suddenly Gamboa is 32, mostly forgotten and remembered only as an obscure answer to a trivia question: Hey, whatever happened to that promising lightweight who was supposed to fight Brandon Rios?

The answer to that one apparently was not anywhere on the agenda held by whoever advised Gamboa to be MIA for news conferences in Miami and then Los Angeles. The story is that Gamboa is unhappy with his Top Rank contract. OK, but shouldn’t he have expressed that dissatisfaction in the public arena, like say at a news conference?

Instead, he acts like a kid cutting class. That doesn’t say much for his maturity, his reliability and, above all, his independence. If he can think and speak for himself, where is he? Despite his evident skill, Gamboa has yet to prove he can draw a crowd. Now, I’m not sure he’ll get that chance.

Top Rank’s lawsuit alleges that an unidentified crowd, “John Does 1 through 10,” have been orchestrating Gamboa’s every move. It doesn’t take much imagination to guess who Top Rank’s Bob Arum thinks that John Doe family happens to be. There’s been plenty of speculation that Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s promotional company has been telling Gamboa what to do and where not to appear.

Mayweather’s name is never mentioned. But the lawsuit’s language, already reported, looks like a warning intended for Mayweather. If he is in fact involved with Gamboa, I’m betting he won’t back down. Neither will Arum. Instead, there will be just an escalation of a feud that means the biggest fights will only involve more lawyers.

AZ NOTES
I got a call from Michael Carbajal last Tuesday. The Hall of Fame junior-flyweight asked me if I knew what that day meant to him. Not sure, I said.

“It’s a 19-year anniversary,’’ he said.

So it was.

On March 13, 1993, Carbajal and Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez made some history with an epic fight that saw Carbajal get up twice and win by a seventh-round KO.

Carbajal is now 45. Gonzalez will be 46 on March 25. Some of us who were at ringside are just getting old.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 15, 2012)—This Saturday night four members of Pound 4 Pound Promotions stable will be in action as part of a big night of action at Ballys in Atlantic City.

In the main event, Farah Ennis (18-1, 12 KO’s) will take on Dion Savage (11-2, 6 KO’s) in the ten round Super Middleweight main event.

The show can be seen LIVE all over the world on www.gfl.tv for $9.99 by clicking:

http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Boxing_at_Ballys_Ennis_vs_Savage/1418

John Lynch’s Pound 4 Pound Promotions will feature four of its own in Jr. Middleweight Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia, Welterweight Jose Peralta Alejo, Heavyweight Patrick Farrell and debuting Lightweight Andrew Bentley.

Tapia of Passaic, New Jersey is one of the top prospects in the Jr. Middleweight division and will take on Antonio Infante in a six round bout.

Tapia sports an unblemished record of 12-0 with six knockouts and is looking for a great performance in front of the New Jersey boxing fans.

“I really don’t know much about Infante. There were a few other guys rumored to take the fight but he was the one who took it”, said Tapia

“I love fighting in New Jersey. I have lots of fans and I will give them a show and it will be a good St. Patrick’s Day”

The twenty-two year old knows 2012 is a very important year to advance his career.

“This year is going to be big. I am looking to be fighting in eight and ten round fights by the end of the year”

The twenty-one year old Alejo is a great story as he literally slept in the gym when he arrived from Puerto Rico and then went on to upset highly regarded Christian Martinez in his American debut.

Alenjo, 7-1 with four knockouts will take on tough Sammy Santana in a six round bout.

Popular Cruiserweight turned Heavyweight and future Cruiserweight Patrick Farrell will return after a twenty month hiatus when he takes on Kelven Jenkins (0-0-2) in a four round bout.

“I am excited to be back in the ring”, said Farrell

“I broke my nose twice and then had six months in the Fire Fighters Academy”, continued the now Jersey City, New Jersey Firefighter.

“This has been a long time coming and I have a passion for the sport and I am ready to put on a show. I am taking this fight at Heavyweight only because I left the academy at 235 pounds and I just want to easy my way back to Cruiserweight”

“I want to thank Pound 4 Pound Promotions as they have been great to me and I look forward to fighting on Saturday and working with them in the future”

The twenty-five year old Bentley will take on Jose Rivera of Ocala, Florida is managed by currant Light Heavyweight Bobby Rooney.

“I am excited and ready. I trained hard and I know that will pay off on Saturday”, said Bentley

“I have prepared for everything and this is a great opportunity to fight Atlantic City for my pro debut”

“I have to thank Bobby Rooney and the Pound 4 Pound team as I know I will have some great fights with the right people by my side”

Vitaliy Demyaneko (19-0, 12 KO’s) takes on Ayi Bruce (21-5, 13 KO’s) in an eight round Welterweight bout

Dennis Hasson (12-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Eddie Caminero (7-6, 7 KO’s) of Lawrence, MA in a six round Light Heavyweight bout.

Hot shot prospect Mikael Zewski (12-0, 8 KO’s) of Trois Rivieres, Quebec Canada will take on Julio Vargas (3-5-1, 3 KO’s) of Kansas City, Kansas in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout

THE WEIGH IN WILL TAKE PLACE FRIDAY AT 5PM AT BALLYS

Ticket prices are $75.00 in Sections 101, 107,102 & $50.00 in Sections 104, 105, 111, 112 and can be purchased by calling 201-867-2008 and Ask for Kathy or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Ballys Park Place Hotel Casino is located 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, NJ, 08401. Doors open at 7:00 p.m ET, first fight starts at 7:30 p.m Сайт знакомств

ATLANTIC CITY (March 15, 2012)—TOMORROW!! All fighters for Saturday night’s big Pound 4 Pound Promotions fight card will be on the scale for the official weigh-in at Ballys in Atlantic City.

In the main event, once beaten Super Middleweight Farah “The Quiet Storm” Ennis will take on Dion Savage. In the co-feature, Vitaliy Demyaneko will take on Ayi Bruce in an eight round Welterweight bout.

Also in action will be undefeated fighters Glen Tapia, Dennis Hasson & Mikael Zewski plus Pound 4 Pound’s Jose Peralta Alejo, Patrick Farrell and the pro debut of Andrew Bentley.

WHO: All Participants for Saturday night’s boxing card

WHAT: Official Weigh-in

WHEN: Friday March 16, 2012 at 5pm

Where: Ballys in Atlantic City

Ticket prices are $75.00 in Sections 101, 107,102 & $50.00 in Sections 104, 105, 111, 112 and can be purchased by calling 201-867-2008 and Ask for Kathy or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Ballys Park Place Hotel Casino is located 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, NJ, 08401. Doors open at 7:00 p.m ET, first fight starts at 7:30 p.m

Tacoma, WA (March 14, 2012) – Lightweights Jose Hernandez and Peter Oluoch will meet Saturday, March 31 in the ten round main event of Halquist Productions’ “Battle at the Boat 86”.

The card takes place at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma and tickets are available on ticketmaster.com or by calling the EQC box office at 1-888-831-7655.

Dubbed as “Loco” for his fearlessness inside the squared circle, Hernandez, 12-5-1 (5 KO’s), is consistently fighting top-notch competition. Spending much of his career in his opponents’ backyards, Hernandez lost a number of controversial decisions and the six fights he did not win came against fighters with a combined record of 85-4-1. The Fort Worth, TX native also defeated contender Noe Bolanos and prospect Aaron Garcia, knocking out the latter in 5 rounds to capture the WBC Youth title back in 2009.

Oluoch, who’s traveling more than 9,000 from Nairobi, Kenya for his American debut, fought 17 of his 18 bouts in Africa. At 11-5-2 (6 KO’s), Oluoch went the distance with contenders Justin Juuko, Rustam Nugaev and Bethuel Uushona.

“This is going to be an outstanding fight,” stated promoter Brian Halquist of Halquist Productions. “Both guys have been in extremely tough and proved that they can hang with the best. I’m excited for this fight and regardless of whose hand is raised after the match the real winner will be the fans.”

In the co-featured bout of the evening, retired Marine turned wildly popular welterweight Nate Serrano, 3-1 (1 KO), of Yakima, WA faces Sacramento CA’s Nick Balestra, 2-1-1 (1 KO), in a six rounder. Serrano is coming off a controversial majority decision loss to Roberto Crespo in January.

Also appearing on the undercard are fan favorites Sarah Pucek, William Fernandez, Beau Hamilton and Isaac Tabedo.

Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7.

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.

CLICK TO ORDER: Harbor City Havok – On PPV
In a night of firsts Anthony Coleiro (Shutek Promotions) has teamed up with Go Fight Live to stream their upcoming International Heavyweight Boxing show live online from the Gladstone Entertainment Centre in Queensland on Saturday 17th March 2012.

It will be the first time that a professional boxing show has been staged in Gladstone and will also be the first ever Australian Professional Boxing card streamed online.

In the main event Mark ‘The Dominator’ de Mori (17-1-2) will take on American Heavyweight veteran, Rob Calloway (76-(60 KO)-12-2) over 10 rounds. This will be Mark’s last fight on Australian shores as he heads to the USA for a shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Mark’s opponent on the night is no slouch. Rob Calloway’s record speaks for itself and he has had an illustrious career to date. Rob has a height, weight and reach advantage. Their fight is bound to be a long hard slog to victory.

The curtain raiser to the main event will see Shane Tilyard (5-6-0) defend his Queensland Heavyweight title against former Queensland champion-Mick King (4-3-0) over 8 rounds. The two faced off in March of 2011 where Tilyard knocked out King in round 2. There promises to be more fireworks this time around.

The undercard features Anthony Coleiro, Kyle Brumby, Anthony Fowler and Raymond Tuli.

Mark talks about Motivation

http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2012/03/12/demori-confident-of-success-over-cuban-calloway/

Fans can purchase the iPPV on http://www.gfl.tv and www.aus-boxing.com/live for just $9.99.

4:00am New York (ET)
6:00pm Queensland, Australia
7:00pm New South Wales, Australia

About GFL

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GFL now offers full access to over 6,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network

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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com the much anticipated April 14th clash between WBA Lightweight champion Barndon Rios and Featherweight titlist Yuriorkis Gamboa has been called off due to Gamboa missing pre fight obligations.

“Brandon will be fighting April 14 and we are working on the details now,” Top Rank spokesman Lee Samuels told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “There will be a fight April 14.”

Samuels said that the junior welterweight fight between Mike Alvarado (32-0, 23 KOs) and Mauricio Herrera (18-1, 7 KOs), which was scheduled to open the HBO telecast, will go on as planned on the reshaped card.

“Brandon is disappointed. He’s mad. He’s hurt. All those emotions,” Cameron Dunkin, Rios’ manager, told ESPN.com. “He was really looking forward it. It’s a shame, but he’s gonna fight.”

Rios will still fight on the card.

Richard Abril (17-2-1, 8 KOs), who holds an interim lightweight title, is the leading candidate, Dunkin said. Abril, a Cuban living in Miami, got into a heated argument with Rios (29-0-1, 22 KOs) at last week’s Miami news conference, which had been planned for that city because it is where Gamboa, also a Cuban, lives. Abril also holds the WBA’s interim belt while Rios and Gamboa were scheduled to fight for the vacant full title.

“He’s a big possibility, probably the leading candidate, but it’s not done yet,” Dunkin said of Abril. “We don’t know what we’re doing yet. I need to still talk with Todd and Carl and we’ll figure it out. I gotta tell them what I want to do and I need to hear what they want to do. I had a long talk with Brandon and (trainer) Robert Garcia about it (Tuesday) night. They are just disappointed because they want to fight and they wanted to fight Gamboa.”

“I’m never mad at HBO. They’re the buyers. They buy what they want to buy,” Dunkin said. “Do I agree with them on this? No, I don’t agree with them. But it’s their choice and their network. All I can do is go sign the best fighters in the world and get them with the best people in the world and the best promotion in the world and I’ve done that. I don’t know how you don’t like Brandon Rios. I’m stumbling for words.

“I don’t know how you pass on Brandon Rios against anyone. He’ll make a fun fight every time out, so it’s a shame. He loves to fight and he gives it everything he’s got. But if they don’t want it, they don’t want it. It’s a bad situation, but it’s boxing.

Friday, March 16, 2012 7:30pm ET featuring “Muay Thai at the Mecca” presented by Take-On productions at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY. One of the most anticipated fights of 2012 will headline the 24 bout card when Rigel “Cool Heart” Balsamico (Cool Hearts Muay Thai) takes on UFC veteran Ryan “The Lion” Madigan (Evolve MMA). Balsamico, a native of Ireland, is a veteran of 30 professional Muay Thai fights (24-6, 11 KO’s). He lived, trained, and fought out of Thailand for many years before coming back to the United States to open his Muay Thai gym in Philadelphia. Madigan is a seasoned combat sports veteran with UFC experience, having fought at UFC 96 in 2009. Now focusing his professional career on Muay Thai kickboxing, he holds a professional record of 26-6. An explosive fight card also includes the best professional and amateur Muay Thai fighters. The Finals of the 8-man “Rising Stars” Lightweight Tournament will feature Andrilo Juarez (3-0; American Killer Bees) vs. Freddy Cheung (2-1; Sitan NY) and Prairie Rugilo (3-1, 1KO, Girl Fight MMA), the only amateur female to ever score a KO in the TaKe On ring will face the very tough Angie Babel (3-0, Five Points Academy).

– Friday, March 16, 2012 9:00pm ET featuring Cutthroat MMA at the Congress Theater, Chicago, Ill. This will be a stacked card that will feature the quarter finals for the vacant Cutthroat Bantamweight Championship. The title is now vacant, with Jake Nauracy making his professional debut on March 9th for Bellator. In the first bout, it will be the return of Manny Camacho, who will be facing Anthony Guerrero. The Full Mount MMA fighter has recently taken time off from the sport, but has found that motivation to get back in the cage. He will be facing CUMMATA’s Anthony Guerrero, who looks to take advantage of Camacho’s layoff. The second quarter final match up will feature Team No Ego’s Jerald Williams and the powerful striker Sean Gee. Gee is coming off a tough loss to Chuck Olena but this was at 145 pounds and he will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in this tournament. Can the strong wrestling of Williams negate the power punches of Gee? Come out to the Congress Theater and find out who will advance in this exciting tournament.

– Friday, March 16, 2012 9:00pm ET featuring School Of Hard Knocks 22 at the Century Casino, Calgary, AB, Canada.

– Saturday, March 17, 2012 4:00am ET featuring DARE 2/2012 at Club Insomnia Bangkok, Thailand. DARE features both Thai and International fighters who compete to become the MMA Champions of Thailand and the first winners of the DARE Grand Bonus of 1 Million Dollars. The 7 fight card includes: “THE GAME – Arnaud Lepont and HAJA – Krysztof Hajtalowicz” This fight was initially scheduled to take place at DARE 1/12 in January but, to the fury of The Game, Haja pulled out citing a rib injury. These are two of the best known fighters in Thailand, Haja, from Poland, is a BJJ expert with a perfect 3-0 record whereas The Game, from France, is currently 7-1 and riding a four fight win streak. At DARE 2/11 ONE SHIN – Shannon Wiratchai defeated another Thai fighter DK Panjabutra by unanimous decision, putting a beating on the experienced Judoka to progress to the DARE tournament quarter finals. In what will be the ultimate grudge match he has been scheduled to face DK’s brother TDR – Tondamrong Panjabutra, who progressed to the quarter finals courtesy of a second round stoppage win over EZ2DJ – Teerapak Saetae. Family pride will be at stake for TDR who is determined to gain vengeance for his brother and has said he won’t be happy with a decision win over One Shin, he wants to knock him out.

– Saturday, March 17, 2012 8:30m ET featuring World Combat Series 3 at the famous World Gym Vista, California. The main event pits lightweights, Oscar Gonzalez (5-2) out of Victory MMA against Trevor Gray (2-0) from USSD. Gonzalez is on a 2-fight winning streak with both victories coming via submission. In fact, all of Gonzalez’ 5 wins have come via stoppage (either KO or submission). The undefeated Gray already holds a submission win in 2012 and the San Clemente fighter looks to stay very active this year as he makes his way up through the California amateur ranks. A victory over Gonzalez would propel Gray’s career to the next level and make him a popular commodity with the Southern California MMA scene. But that’s easier said than done as Gonzalez is a veteran of more than double the fights and has fought much stiffer competition during his career. Look for these two 155 lb fighters to come out blazing and looking for opportunities to end the fight via KO or submission throughout the entire fight. This should be a barnburner. The co-main event features a pair of bantamweights as Victory MMA’s Coby Hollier (1-2-0-1) fights Lightning MMA’s Dara Ahmadnia (1-0). Hollier has an odd record as his first bout ended in a no contest. Since then, he has went to decision 3 times, losing two hard fought fights, including one split decision. Hollier looks to take it out of the judges’ hands on March 17 and finish Ahmadnia before the final bell. Ahmadnia is very new to MMA and had his only fight 10 month ago, a submission victory. Since that time, Ahmadnia has been honing and refining his skills and will be a completely new fighter when he shows up in the cage against Hollier. With both fighters having something to prove, don’t blink as these two 145 lb gladiators will look to steal the show from the get go.

– Saturday, March 17, 2012 9:00pm ET featuring ROC AMXII from the Rahway Recreation Center in Rahway, New Jersey. In the main event, Eddie Lenoci (5-1) battles Rick Guerrieri (0-0) for the ROC Amateur Welterweight Title. Lenoci won the title in 2011 at AMXI by choke and looks to defend the belt for the first time at AMXII. All of Lenoci’s victories have come via KO or submission, and even his lone defeat has come via stoppage so expect this bout not to do to the distance. Lenoci has been very successful with his fast paced, high risk/high reward style and fighting in the main event will only sharpen Lenoci’s resolve to put on an entertaining show for the fans. For Guerrieri, he makes his debut after a successful career as an amateur wrestler. After wrestling collegiately for West Virginia, Guerrieri looks to transition into MMA and he has a tough fight on his hands in his first outing. But Guerrieri has a track record of dominating his wrestling matches with a strong takedown and relentless pressure. If he can transfer that skillset over to MMA he will be a tough draw for any fighter. In other action, Scott Krampetz (4-4) takes on Ronnie Torres (2-2) in a featherweight showdown. Krampetz is suffered back to back losses, but looks to get back on the winning streak and eventually title show at 145 lb. Torres is coming off a hard fought decision win and goes for two in a row at ROC AMXII. This bout is where both men are looking to take the next step in their fight careers, but at the other’s expense. Krampetz and Torres should be in line for fight of the night as both men have everything to prove.

Other events this week:

Pro-Wrestling: Impact Zone Wrestling: March Mayhem (PPV): Mar 17, 2012 8:00pm ET.

Boxing: Harbour City Havoc(Australia) – International HW Boxing: Mar 17, 4:00am ET.

Boxing at Bally’s: Ennis vs Savage: Mar 17, 7:30pm ET.

GFL now offers full access to over 6,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1200 live events with over 6000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices. Check the event page for details.

If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network

Join us at: www.GFL.tv or twitter.com/GFL or youtube.com/Gofightlive or inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and Contender Matthew Macklin meet the fans at Legends Bar In New York City and Claudia Bocanegra was there to catch all the images.

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Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin will take on former Jr. Middleweight champion Winky Wright on May 26th on Showtime as the co-feature of the Antonio Tarver – Lateef Kayode Cruiserweight battle according to espn.com’s Dan Rafael.

Wright will be coming back after a three year layoff

“They’re both in. I don’t have it signed yet but both sides have agreed to it,” said Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer.

“I think it’s a fascinating matchup,” Schaefer said. “With Winky Wright, you have one of the biggest names in the sport and for him to come back and not take some sort of a tune-up fight, but to go into a fight with one of the top rated guys at 160 pounds in Peter Quillin, it just shows you Winky is serious about giving it another run.

“For Peter Quillin, it’s the most dangerous and biggest fight of his career. For both sides it’s a very intriguing and interesting matchup.”

“I’m super excited about the fight,” Quillin said. “I want to get closer to fighting good fighters and making some good paydays. I will put loads of leather on his ass, make sure every punch lands and that none are wasted. Or I will be the better boxer against Winky Wright. I don’t fight just one way. My job is to train to destroy him. No other way around it.”

“I think he’s a perfect opponent for Winky coming back after being off for a long time,” said Damian Ramirez, Wright’s adviser, who added that he was still waiting to see a draft of an agreement from Golden Boy. “I just feel that it’s a good opportunity for Winky to make a statement with because, with all due respect to ‘Kid Chocolate,’ his best opponent is not on the same level of Winky’s worst opponent. But I take nothing away from the kid. He’s young and strong.”

“This is not a tune-up fight,” Schaefer said. “It’s a serious fight. Winky knows what’s at stake. If he beats a guy like ‘Kid Chocolate,’ then he is back. And he is a big name and he basically wants to use this fight to start the final chapter of the Winky Wright story. He let his body rest, he’s been out for awhile and he is coming back in a meaningful fight.

“But if Peter Quillin can put Winky’s name on his resume that is a big win for him. I think whoever wins this fight will certainly come out as a bigger name in the 160-pound weight class. I really don’t know who is going to win.”

Said Quillin, “Richard was right about Winky being a name on my record. This fight right here gets me closer to a world title. I respect Winky Wright. He has not taken a lot of punishment in his career, but stepping into the ring with me, he will take a lot of punishment. I don’t have nothing to worry about other than to go in there and be the best I can be. If Winky thinks the same way then it will be a good fight for the fans and that’s what I want to give to the boxing fans.

“I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring with Winky Wright and it will be my pleasure to tangle with him. He’ll be a good name for my record.”

“If Winky Wright is the only guy right now to give me exposure, fine,” Quillin said. “That’s all I’m worried about. I want to make some money, I want to win the title, so what I want to do is when Golden Boy or (adviser) Al (Haymon) call me I just want to be ready. That’s my job.”

MONTREAL (March 13, 2012) – The most feared puncher in boxing, International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) No. 2 ranked Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, takes on World Boxing Council (“WBC”) No. 2-rated Noe “El Carbonero” Gonzalez, April 20 on ESPN Friday Night Fights in a unification fight, as part of another installment of the popular Fast and Furious Series, live from the famed Bell Centre in Montreal.

At stake in the 12-round main event will be a lot of hardware, including Stevenson’s IBF Inter-Continental, North American Boxing Organization (“NABO”) and North American Boxing Association (“NABA”) 168-pound belts, as well as Gonzalez’ WBC Silver title.

Stevenson (17-1, 14 KOs) is coming off of his sensational Knockout of the Year candidate performance February 18, in which he destroyed Jesus Gonzales (27-1) in the opening round, which followed Adonis’ impressive ninth-round stoppage of Aaron Pryor Jr. (16-4) last December. Both of these fights were part of the Fast & Furious Series, presented by Mise-O-Jeau and Videotron, at Bell Centre.

Stevenson, a native of Haiti living in Quebec, is ranked rated No. 2 by the IBF, No. 7 by the (“WBA”), No. 9 WBC and No. 12 (“WBO”).

The IBF ordered an eliminator match-up last week between the heavy-handed Stevenson and three-time world title challenger Librado Andrade (30-4, 23 KOs) for the IBF # 1 position to determine the mandatory challenger for IBF super middleweight king Lucian Bute (30-0, 24 KOs). Andrade passed on the opportunity to fight “Superman” without even inquiring about the purse.

“Adonis could have waited until the IBF appointed another opponent,” noted Stevenson’s promoter Yvon Michel, president of Group Yvon Michel (“GTM”), “but he is on a mission to become world champion. If he has to fight this eliminator to be the top contender in order to better position himself to become world champion, he will do just that and a win over Gonzalez would be a major step in that direction.”

According to Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, his protégé is ready for the challenge. “Gonzalez is the most difficult opponent of Adonis career,” Steward admitted. “Both fighters can end a fight with a single punch at anytime. ‘Superman’ is back here training in Detroit and he will be fully prepared to win impressively once again.”

“We are pleased to showcase this eliminator bout with two solid fighters who both have impressive KO records and ability.” said Doug Loughrey, ESPN Director of Programming. “The Bell Centre has continuously delivered great fights with a passionate and dedicated live boxing audience. We trust this Friday Night Fights telecast will capture that energy.”

Uruguay-native Gonzalez, who lives in Argentina, is a knockout artist like Stevenson. Gonzalez’ lone loss as a professional was by decision in Germany to WBO titlist Felix Sturm (35-2-2, 15KO) in 2007. Since then, however, Noe he won 14 fights in a row, all but one by knockout. He captured the WBC Silver Belt in January, 2011, with a ninth-round technical knockout of Gustavo Magallanes (29-1) in Uruguay. Gonzalez is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz (president of Sampson Boxing), who also handles World Super middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KOs).

Noe Gonzalez

Lewkowicz looks at the Apr. 20th fight against Stevenson as a golden opportunity for Noe. “Gonzalez is a force of nature,” Sampson commented. “All he’s lacked is a platform for him to showcase his talent and the opportunity is now there for him on ESPN. If Stevenson crumbled under Darnell Boone’s blows, I do not see how he will withstand the punches from my champion on April 20th. Super middleweights are terrified by Noe Gonzalez. ”

GYM will present eight fights on the Apr. 20 show at the Bell Centre. WBC International welterweight Antonin Decarie (26-1, 7KOs), ranked No. 13 by the WBC, will fight in the ESPN FNF co-feature in a title defense.

Local favorites and rising stars such as NABO light heavyweight champion heavyweight Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (7-0, 5 KOs) along with heavyweights Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (9-0, 6 KOs) and Didier Bence (4-0, 2 KOs), are all scheduled to be in action Apr. 20. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

GYM’s Fast and Furious is an innovative and unique series, featuring seats close to the action, staged at the Bell Centre. These exciting events are also available for PPV via Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV.

Tickets, starting at $60.00, are on sale and available to purchase at the Bell Centre box office, or at GYM evenko.ca (383.0666).

Former world Middleweight Champion Jermain Taylor will make his second comeback fight on April 20th against Undefeated Caleb Truax on Showtime.

“I thought Jermain had a very good performance against Nicklow after 26 months out of the ring, but what I want to see is a better performance against a slightly better opponent,” Lou DiBella, Taylor’s promoter, told ESPN.com on Tuesday.

“Anyone who is undefeated is a different type of challenge,” DiBella said. “When you’ve been out of the ring for 26 months, this is exactly what Jermain needs. He fought at the end of December and is coming back just a few months later. He can’t just fight twice a year at this stage. He needs the activity, the rounds and the comfort of the ring.

“I thought the first performance was very good given the time off and the circumstances of why he had the time off. He sustained an injury and took time off, so there is a hurdle that has to be overcome when you get back in the ring.”

“Pat Burns did a great job getting Jermain in shape,” DiBella said. “He was in better shape in his fight in December than he was for some of the fights he had at the end of his first go-round. I expect to see a more relaxed and more fluid fighter against (Truax). I think the activity is very important and we’ll really be able to assess things after this fight.”

Also on the card, junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KOs), in his first bout since a highly controversial majority decision loss to Paul Williams in July, will face former middleweight title challenger Ronald Hearns (26-2, 20 KOs), the son of newly elected International Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns, in a scheduled 10-rounder at a catch weight of 157 pounds.

Featherweight Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs), the 2011 ESPN.com prospect of the year, will open the card in a scheduled eight-round bout against Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KOs).

Juan Manuel Marquez will return to the ring and fight for a vacant 140 lb title when he takes on Cesar Rene Cuenca on April 14 in Mexico City according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“The fight is official. We will do the press conference on March 22 in Mexico City,” Zanfer Promotions’ Fernando Beltran, Marquez’s promoter, told ESPN.com on Tuesday.

“It’s important to keep him active. Juan Manuel wants to stay active,” Beltran said. “And he wants to definitely come back to Mexico City.”

“It’s been 18 years since he fought in Mexico City. This is his hometown. And he is very excited about it,” Beltran said. “He is excited to make a fight and what’s better for him than to be fighting in his hometown after all these years?”

Beltran said Marquez-Cuenca will be the first sports event to be held at the new $300 million Mexico City Arena, which seats 22,300 and opened in February.

“It opened a few weeks ago, but this fight will be the first sporting event and that is very exciting for us,” Beltran said.

“We’re talking to some networks. We don’t want to keep him away from his fans,” Beltran said.

“If everything goes good with Cuenca, we plan to do the pay-per-view with him in July and then try to get that fourth fight with Manny in November,” Beltran said.

“We’re looking at Mercito Gesta at the moment, but we won’t scratch anyone off (the list),” Beltran said. “Marquez would like to fight the best, so if Rios is out there we’d like to fight Rios at 140. Rios would be a big fight.”

Sources have confirmed to 15rounds.com that WBA Super Bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will defend his crown against once beaten Philadelphian Teon Kennedy as part of the June 9th Manny Pacquiao – Timothy Bradley undercard.
These are the games that make unforgettable this sport and it’s a real shame to miss them. As the boxer Ottavio Barone once put it: ‘This is not merely throwing your fists on a curve, it’s a challenge against yourself.’ Luckily, even if you miss a game, you can still get the latest updates on your phone, maybe whilst you’re playing some mobile casino games.

Rigondeaux, 9-0 with seven knockouts won the full title on January 20 with a sixth round stoppage over Rico Ramos. Kennedy, 17-1-2 with seven knockouts is coming off a draw with Christopher Martin

It could be a big night for the stable of Promoter Russell Peltz/Managers Doc Nowicki and Joe Hand who also have Mike Jones fighting Randall Bailey for the vacant IBF Welterweight title on that same PPV undercard

Atlantic City, NJ—Lightweight Osnel Charles, of Atlantic City, makes his first start in 10 months when he boxes Chris Finley, of Detroit, MI, in the scheduled six-round semifinal on Saturday evening, April 14, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

Topping the seven-fight card is a 12-round cruiserweight battle between Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, and Andres Taylor, of Johnstown, PA. Wilson’s USBA title and the vacant NABF crown will be on the line in the 1,500-seat Grand Ballroom. First bout begins at 7.30 pm.

Charles (right), 27, has not boxed since last June 25 when he scored the only knockout of his career, a shocking first-round stoppage of local boxer Anthony Flores in the Asylum Arena in South Philadelphia.

Since then, a series of near-misses have plagued Charles. Fights were scheduled but never materialized. It has been a frustrating 10 months but Charles is determined to get his career in high gear.

A pro since 2009, Charles is 9-2, 1 K0. He has beaten Zachary Smith, of Delmar, NY; Victor Vasquez, of Philadelphia, PA; Danny McDermott, of Jersey City, NJ; Chris Green, of Asbury Park, NJ.

Finley, 24, makes his second start in Atlantic City in two months. He lost a four-round majority decision to unbeaten Keenan Smith, of Philadelphia, PA, on Feb. 4 at the Tropicana Hotel Casino.
Following that match, Finley traveled to Albany, NY, on March 10 and blasted out Brian Miller, of Schenectady, NY, in one round.

A pro since 2008, Finley is 4-0, 4 K0s. All of his losses have been to undefeated fighters. He has never been stopped.
Junior welterweight Naim Nelson, of Philadelphia, PA, takes on Dontre King, of Cambridge, MD, in another six-round contest.

Nelson, 21, has won all five of his pro fights by decision, including a rough one Feb. 24 at Harrah’s Chester (PA) over Linwood Hurd, of Atlantic City, NJ.

King, 30, has won his last three, and is 6-9-2, 2 K0s overall. In his last fight Nov. 19 at Bally’s, he earned a four-round decision over Julio DeJesus, of Millville, NJ.

Four additional bouts complete the card.

ABOUT APRIL 14

The Wilson-Taylor and Charles-Finley fights top a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Gofightlive.tv will televise the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Atlantic City (March 12) – Undefeated dynamo Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell and power-puncher Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon are ready to continue their quest to prove that the concept of the great American heavyweight is alive and well when they face each other in their upcoming Saturday, April 28bout as the 10- round co-main event of the “Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson: Once And For All” world championship showdown. The fight will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. For both of these college graduates, this upcoming bout will not only put regional bragging rights on the line with Mitchell hailing from the Washington, DC area and Witherspoon from the Philadelphia area, but also be the biggest fights of their respective careers as they each look to come one step closer to contending for the heavyweight title.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to fight a great contender like Chazz,” said Mitchell. “I think that our ring experience and comparable size makes us a really good match. Beating Chazz will be a challenge, but I’m going to work hard and prepare for anything. I know my fans are going to come out and support me in full force and they will not be disappointed.”

“He can’t take me lightly and I am not going to let him,” said Witherspoon. This is going to be a big night for both of us, but I am going to be the one with my hand raised at the end of the fight.”

“Hopkins vs. Dawson: Once And For All,” a 12 round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world championships, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and DeWalt Tools. Mitchell vs. Witherspoon is the 10-round co-featured bout that will take place from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey and the doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/7:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, are on sale now. Tickets are available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Widely considered to be the top American heavyweight fighting today, 29-year-old Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (24-0-1, 18 KO’s) has given fight fans in the United States a reason to be excited about the sport’s glamour division again, and he’s not about to let up on his goal to take on the division’s titleholders. A pro since 2008, the 6-foot-2, 240 pound former standout Michigan State University linebacker took up boxing when a knee injury derailed his plans for a professional football career. Mitchell truly hit his stride in 2011 with three early knockout wins over Charles Davis, Evans Quinn and Hector Ferreyro that were followed by a devastating second round finish of contender Timur Ibragimov, the first time the Uzbekistan native had ever been stopped, in Mitchell’s HBO debut in December. Now he hopes to capitalize on that huge victory by defeating Witherspoon.

A cousin of former heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon, Philadelphia’s Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon (30-2, 22 KO’s) is doing pretty well in the family business himself, with 22 of his 30 wins coming by way of knockout. The winner of seven of his last eight bouts, including stoppages of Adam “The Swamp Donkey” Richards and Livin Castillo, the 6-foot-4, 234 pound banger has the size, savvy and strength to be the first to blemish Mitchell’s unbeaten record on April 28. A 2005 graduate of St. Joseph’s University, with his hometown fans just a short drive away, expect a huge crowd on hand to cheer on “The Gentleman.”

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SethMayhem48, @Chazzspoon; or become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Boxing Facebook Page. Follow HBO Boxing new sat www.hbo.com/boxing, Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter @hboboxing. Follow Caesars Atlantic City on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaesarsAtlanticCity and on Twitter @CaesarsAC.