Guy Rob Talks Fighting Joel Diaz Jr. on Showtime

Joel Diaz Jr Talks Fighting Guy Rob on Showtime

Guillermo Rigondeaux talks about fighting Ramos on Showtime

Rico Ramos talks about fighting Rigondeaux on Showtime

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Floyd Mayweather placed a phone call to Manny Pacquiao in an effort to make a mega fight between the two superstars for May 5th.

“They spoke,” Leonard Ellerbe, one of Mayweather’s advisers, told ESPN.com on Thursday.

Mayweather provided details of his conversation with Pacquiao in an email to ESPN anchor Stan Verrett.

“I called him and asked him about us fighting May 5 and giving the World what they want to see,” Mayweather’s email read. “I also let him know we both can make a lot of money. He ask about a 50/50 split and I told him no that can’t happen, but what can happen is you can make more money fighting me then you have made in your career. I also let him know I’m in control on my side but he needs to get on the same page with his promoter so we can make this fight happen.”

The message continued: “I told him to tell his promoter that he only wants to fight Mayweather and that this fight will be the biggest fight in history. His manger came to my boxing gym a few months ago and we spoke about getting the defamation of character lawsuit dropped against me and about both fighters taking the random blood and urine test. I spoke to his manager again last night about the same thing. The call last night lasted 15 or 20 minutes. I mainly spoke to his manager he got on and off the phone real quick.”

Ellerbe said he was unsure how Mayweather obtained Pacquiao’s direct line but added, “I’m sure that’s not hard to get or find out because there have been members of Manny Pacquiao’s camp who have reached out to me and other members of our team in the past. It wouldn’t be that hard.”

On Thursday in Las Vegas, where Mayweather donated $100,000 to the Southern Nevada affiliate of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer charity as part of his promise to the judge, he spoke about his desire to face Pacquiao with a handful of media on hand.

“There is no fight I want more than the Manny Pacquiao fight,” Mayweather told the gathered media. “I guess he said he agreed to fight. The only thing that is stopping this fight right now, that I truly believe is stopping the fight, is Bob Arum.”

Final Press Conference for NBC Sports Network 1st show that will Feature Maurice Byarm battling Bryant Jennings and Gabriel Rosado taking on Jesus Soto Karass

Optimism is hard to find these days. Dumpster-diving is easier. From embarrassing talks about a fight still in never-never land to cancellations and hollow controversies, there’s just a lot of garbage beneath the headlines. But there is some good news. Really, there is.

Just when it looks as if the rot will finally bury the business, along comes a film that reminds us of its resiliency. It is about surviving and that’s what Freddie Roach does, day-to-day, in a compelling mix of grit and common decency in HBO’s six-part portrayal, On Freddie Roach, which begins Friday (9:30 p.m. ET/PT).

It starts with Roach training Amir Khan for his victory over Zab Judah. There is none of the hyper-active hyperbole that has become the tone of HBO’s 24/7. Instead, it’s is about an ordinary guy confronted by extraordinary challenges. If you ever wonder why boxing survives, there it is. Much has been said and written about Roach’s advancing struggle with Parkinson’s.

With shots of Roach’s shaking hands and arms, however, filmmaker Peter Berg’s documentary reminds

us that it is more than a good story. It’s every day. Roach has often said he wouldn’t know what to do without his work at his Wild Card Gym, without a schedule that takes him from Manny Pacquiao’s corner, to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., to the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, to Khan and so many others. In the hard work, Roach defines himself and forgets about the terrible disease.

Roach’s unflinching honesty is there for Berg’s cameras, seemingly from dawn to dusk and even when Roach falls asleep. It’s been called reality television, whatever that is. It’s not. It’s a lesson about life. Watch it, and you’ll see why the business fights on.

Headlines & Counters
News item: Sergio Martinez at a catch weight has emerged as an opponent for Floyd Mayweather Jr. if talks (insert your own joke here) for a fight in May with Pacquiao continue to fail. Reaction: Martinez at 150 pounds is a tougher opponent for Mayweather than Pacquiao.

News item: The so-called mystery man, Mustafa Ameen, tells the BBC that, yes, he did tell WBA supervisor Michael Welsh to correct his scorecard in the controversial decision that went against Khan in his loss to Lamont Peterson in Washington, D.C. Reaction: How and why was Ameen allowed to approach the judge? Welsh should be banned from judging, Ameen should be banned from ringside and the D.C. Boxing & Wrestling Commission should be subjected to a federal investigation.

AZ NOTES
Sergei Liakhovich’s anger at Eddie Chambers for his late withdrawal from Saturday’s NBC debut of a boxing series because of fractured ribs is fair and understandable. Chambers wasted everybody’s time and money. For Liakhovich, it was just the latest in an unending string of misfortune that started with his 2006 knockout loss to Shannon Briggs in a ring above the infield at the Arizona Diamondbacks home park in Phoenix.

In an interview a few days before Chambers abruptly forced the cancellation of their bout, Liakhovich, a Scottsdale resident, talked about renewed hopes.

Retirement was never a consideration, said the one time heavyweight champ, who said a fractured nose in a loss to Robert Helenius in August left him choking on his own blood.

He refused to look past Chambers. Now, he has to. He says he wants to fight Chris Arreola. Here’s hoping he gets a shot.

Undefeated Heavyweight, Bryant “By By” Jennings talks about his showdown with fellow undefeated Maurice Byarm

Jr. Middleweight contender, Gabriel Rosado talks about his showdown with Jesus Soto Karass

Undefeated Heavyweight Maurice Byarm discusses his showdown eith fellow undefeated Bryant Jennings on NBC Sports Network

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
Venue: Hilton Garden Inn – Staten Island, New York

Promoter: Greg Cohen Promotions
Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012

Mikey Faragon 137 vs. Andres Ledesma 136

Diana Prazak 128 vs. Lucia Larcinese 131

Nicky Demarco 132 vs. Cesar Gonzalez 131

Tommy Rainone 155 vs. Josh Williams 154

Anthony Young 146.25 vs. Clifford McPherson 147

Streamed LIVE on www.gfl.tv for $9.99 beginning at 7:30 pm eastern.

To order the entire fight card, click: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Greg_Cohen_Promotions_Presents_Championship_Boxing/1316

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– Friday, January 20, 2012 9:00pm ET featuring School of Hard Knocks 19 Calgary at the Century Casino, Calgary, Canada. In the main event, Paapa Inkumusah (4-3) from Gracie Barra in Calgary, AB takes on Advin Omic (8-4) from Arashi-do in Red Deer, AB in a welterweight tilt. 3 of Inkumusah’s victories have come via submission, which is no surprise as Gracie Barra is one of the most well-known and respected grappling schools in the world. Expect Inkumusah to look for a choke or armlock early if the fight gets to the mat. Omic is on a two-fight win streak and has a variety of submissions wins to his credit too. It will be interesting to see if Omic wants to play the grappling game with Inkumusah or he tries to keep his distance and work the standup game. Either way, fans are in for a great main event. In co-main event, Keto Allen (6-3) from Canuckles MMA in Calgary, AB matches up against Ryan Machan (14-7) from Arashi-do in Red Deer, AB in a 180 lb contest. Allen looks to get back on track with this bout as the tough Calgary scrapper suffered a loss in his last bout. Allen is a fan favorite in Canada for his explosive and aggressive style and he will be ready to put things in to high gear in this bout and see if he can push the pace and break down Machan. For Machan, who is a perennial MFC vet, this bout is very important for him to get back to center stage in Canadian MMA. He is matched up against a very game opponent who needs a win here just as badly, so expect the fireworks to start early and this bout be a candidate for “fight of the night”.

– Friday, January 20, 2012 10:00pm ET featuring Epic Fighting 10 at the Sheraton Hotel, San Diego, California. In the main event, Francisco Castro (5-5) battles Marvin Madariaga (3-0) from Blackhouse Gym in a featherweight scrap. Castro is coming off of a tough loss in the California State Finals back in December and before that bout was on a 4-fight winning streak. Castro is a cage general and controls the pace of the action very well, as he grinds out his opponents for unanimous decisions. He will look to do the same against the upstart Madariaga. For Madariaga, training out of the same gym as UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, is a big advantage over most other training camps. The undefeated prospect looks to keep his MMA record perfect with a victory against Castro. Madariaga has finished 2 of his fights inside of one round, so expect him to try and implement a style early on that will get Castro on his heels. The co-main event is a rematch between Carlos Caliso Jr. (5-2) from Spiritwolf MMA fights Oscar Gonzalez (4-2) from Victory MMA in a lightweight matchup. In their previous fight, Caliso Jr. picked up the unanimous decision victory. Caliso Jr. is on a 2-fight win streak including picking up a tough victory last June with Epic Fighting. Caliso Jr. is a well-rounded fighter who would prefer to stand and throw down, but is also a competent grappler. For Gonzalez, a veteran of Epic Fighting as well, he will look to extract some revenge on Caliso Jr. and give him a taste of his own medicine. Gonzalez is coming off of a submission victory in his last fight and looks to put all the pieces of the MMA puzzle together, when he steps into the cage with Caliso Jr.

– Saturday, January 21, 2012 7:00pm ET featuring CSC 32 Battleware Fighting Championship at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Richmond, Virginia. Virginia’s #1 hybrid promotion featuring MMA and Muay Thai is back as Combat Sports Challenge (CSC) partners with Battleware Technologies to present CSC 32 Battleware Fighting Championships on January 21 at the Crown Plaza – Richmond West in Richmond, Virginia. The event will be a mixed event featuring pro/am fights in MMA and Muay Thai, including 4 WKA Title bouts and airing live on the GFL Combat Sports Network. In the main event, on the MMA side, Ring of Combat veteran Dwayne Shelton (9-9-1) of Team Combat in Virginia fights Joe Maiani (2-2) of Team Genocide in Ohio. Shelton is comfortable in the standup and grappling games alike, so look for him to mix up his attacks against Maiani in the beginning and try to use his cage experience to pick apart his opponent. Maiani is coming off a first round submission victory and looks to start 2012 off with another quick victory. Maiani is a fast starter, so look for him to try and bring the action to Shelton from the get go. This could be a contrasting of styles, but for MMA fans it should be an exciting and interesting matchup to see which fighter can impose their will. In one of the top Muay Thai battles, Ani Hilditch battles Robin Reese. Hilditch and Reese will be battling for a WKA Championship so expect these two women to come out throwing punches and kicks with bad intentions. Hilditch has been a veteran to the Muay Thai scene for some time now and looks to finally cement her legacy with a championship belt. To do so, she will have to overcome Reese, who has quickly shown that she is ready to fight for a championship. Muay Thai can be a brutal contest of bone cracking strikes. Both Hilditch and Reese promise to do everything in their power to devastate and debilitate one another in this championship bout.

Other non MMA events this week: Boxing: Greg Cohen Promotions featuring Mikey Faragon vs, John Trigg Jan 19, 2012 7:30pm. Pro-Wrestling: Future Stars of Wrestling: No Rish No Reward 2 Jan 20, 2012 10:00pm ET , Impact Zone Wrestling(free view): Jan 21, 2012 8:00pm 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 1100 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/user/Gofightlive or inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (January 18, 2012) – Former world heavyweight champion Sergei “The White Wolf” Liakhovich is not fighting this Saturday because his scheduled opponent, “Fast” Eddie Chambers, failed in a timely fashion to notify Team Liakhovich that he was pulling out of their fight due to broken ribs, which resulted in the cancellation of their fight as well as insufficient time to find a suitable replacement for Chambers..

Liakhovich (25-4, 16 KOs) and Chambers (36-2, 18 KOs) were scheduled to headline Saturday’s NBC Sport Network’s “Fight Night” debut show live from Philadelphia’s Asylum Arena.

“Eddie Chambers is trying to save face in the press but I want to set the story straight by telling everyone what really happened,” Liakhovich said. “Chambers’ medical report about his broken ribs is dated, January 6, 2012. He knew about his broken ribs back then but he didn’t let us know until January 13, seven days before our fight. Instead of shooting his mouth off to the press for a week about how easily he was going to beat me, when he already knew he was not going to fight me, he and his team should have acted professionally and immediately informed my team of his injury. If we had two week’s notice, I have no doubt that finding a suitable replacement and making training adjustments wouldn’t have been a problem, but it was a serious problem trying to do so with only seven days to go before the fight.

“I think boxers like Chambers should be punished by every promoter and networks should know how he operates. He plays the good guy to the press, but Chambers is a fake. He didn’t have the simple decency to tell another athlete about him pulling out of the fight as soon as he knew. It was his obligation to inform everyone immediately.I wasted six weeks of training, as well as the expenses for training camp, and now I’m not fighting because of his actions. NBC Sport Network, Main Events and everyone involved had to scramble to put together a main event at the last minute, all the results of Chamber’s action. He is all talk and no action. So, for now, Chambers is history.”

Liakhovich, a 1996 Bellarusian Olympian, captured the World Boxing Association (“WBO”) heavyweight title in 2006 by way of a unanimous 12-round decision over Lamon Brewster.

Already in top shape for his now cancelled fight against Chambers, Sergei is now targeting world heavyweight contender Chris Arreola. “Arreola is waiting for another big payday to fight one of the Klitschkos,” Liakhovich commented. “He’s been fighting journeyman after journeyman. How about a real fight with me? I challenge Arreola to take a fight with me. This is a fight boxing fans would love to watch.”

Baltimore, MD (January 18, 2012) – Jake “The Snake” Smith of Baltimore Boxing Promotions and Ballroom Boxing announced that they’ll give back to the community by donating more than 100 tickets to wounded warriors and amateur fighters for the January 26 Baltimore vs Navy card at Michael’s Eighth Avenue.

The amateur boxers receiving the tickets are all fighting on the Baltimore vs Navy card and keep 100% of the money generated by ticket sales, while each of the wounded warriors is being brought from Walter Reid Hospital to Michael’s Eighth Avenue by a special bus funded by the promoters.

“The most exciting part of the evening for me is to see the looks on wounded warriors’ faces,” said Ballroom Boxing CEO Scott Wagner, who promoted more than 70 shows in Maryland. “They’re honored by fans and love the sport. The response they get from the crowd and give to the fighters is great.”

Smith, who like Wagner hosted various fight cards in the Old Line State, is happy that he’s able to help make a difference.

“It means a lot to me knowing that the money generated by the fighters’ ticket sales will help them pay for tournaments,” stated Smith, the owner of Baltimore Boxing & Fitness. “A lot of these kids work just as hard of the pros and they’re also honorable citizens, so giving them tickets is the least I can do.”

Baltimore vs The Navy will showcase more than ten bouts between the top fighters from each squad and all matches are sanctioned by USA Boxing. In addition to an excellent night of action, a large donation is being made to the children of Beethaevean Scotland, who tragically passed away in 2001 from injuries sustained during a fight.

Advanced tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175. Individual VIP seats are available $50 and tables of ten are $500. All VIP ticket holders receive catered food prior to the first bout of the evening. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bell is scheduled for 8:15.

Michael’s Eighth Avenue is located at 7220 Grayburn Drive in Glen Burnie, MD 21061

LOS ANGELES (January 17, 2012) – Due to the fact that there was only to be partial representation of fight officials who were involved with the December 10, 2011 Amir Khan vs. Lamont Peterson bout at tomorrow’s scheduled appeal hearing of the fight’s outcome before the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Golden Boy Promotions and Team Khan have decided to withdraw their appeal and focus their full attention on Amir’s next fight.

Golden Boy Promotions and Team Khan are pleased to have been vindicated by the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) recent decision to mandate an immediate rematch and still hope that Mr. Peterson will honor earlier statements in which he asserted that he would be happy to agree to a rematch. In that vein, Golden Boy Promotions and Team Khan would agree to a 50/50 split of worldwide revenues derived from a rematch (including those derived from the United Kingdom) should Mr. Peterson agree to participate and hope that this will be both financially and professionally satisfying to Mr. Peterson and his team.

SAN JUAN, P.R. (January 17, 2012) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion ORLANDO “Siri” SALIDO and former WBO featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL “Juanma” LOPEZ will finally square off for their World Featherweight Championship rematch, Saturday, March 10. Their battle will be televised live from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, P.R. on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.) If the rematch is anything like their first rumble, more than palm trees will be swaying when these two warriors start throwing. The SHOWTIME telecast will open with undefeated No. 1 featherweight contender MIKEY GARCIA risking record and rating as well as his impending world title shot in a 10-round featherweight battle.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with PR Best Boxing Promotion, Zanfer Promotions and the city of San Juan, tickets to Lopez-Salido II go on sale Today! Tuesday, January 17. Priced at $400, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, tickets can be purchased at www.tcpr.com or by phone charge by calling Ticket Center at (787) 792-5000.

“The stakes are high for the heated rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “There is no predictability in this rematch as the first fight showed…. Anything can happen!”

“SHOWTIME has made a name for itself by televising the most competitive fights in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “This match-up is not only competitive, but explosive as well. Add the intensity of the Puerto Rican fan base at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum and you have a recipe for a sports spectacle. Boxing fans have been asking for this rematch since last April, and we’re happy to give them what they want.”

“I shocked the world last year with my win, but when I do it again no one will be surprised,” said Salido. “I know I belong among the elite in the world at featherweight and look forward to been a world champion for a long time”

“I am very happy to finally get the opportunity to regain my world title and to show everyone that I am still the best featherweight in the world and that what happened last April was just a bad night,” said Lopez. “I will make my Puerto Rican fans proud on March 10.”

Salido (37-11-2, 25 KOs), from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, is a two-time featherweight champion. A professional fighter for 15 years, Salido captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight crown in 2010, dethroning defending champion Cristobal Cruz winning an exciting split decision and avenging his previous split decision world title loss to Cruz in 2008. After losing the title to undefeated superstar Yuriorkis Gamboa via a 12-round decision, also in 2010, Salido has been on a mission to seek and destroy, winning all three of his 2011 fights by knockout, including the WBO featherweight title from Lopez, and a title defense against Kenichi Yamaguchi.

Lopez (31-1, 28 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, returns to the ring for this rematch fresh from winning the the WBO Latino featherweight belt, via a second round knockout of Michael Oliver, Jr., in October. The pride of Puerto Rico has won 18 of his previous 20 fights by knockout, with the he only blemish, his eighth-round TKO loss to Salido last April. Lopez earned his first world title by knocking out defending WBO junior featherweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon in the first round of their June 2008 fight. After five successful title defenses – four by knockout – he vacated the title and successfully challenged WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano, stopping him in the seventh round, on January 28, at Madison Square Garden. He successfully defended his featherweight crown with an exciting second-round TKO of the Manny Pacquiao-managed contender Bernabe Concepcion and an eighth-round TKO of two division world champion Rafael Márquez.

Garcia (27-0, 23 KOs), from Oxnard, Calif., makes his Puerto Rico debut having won 11 of his past 12 bouts by knockout. Considered to be one of boxing’s top young prospects, Garcia, 24, returns to the ring fresh from a career-best year in 2011, knocking out previously undefeated contender Matt Remillard in the 10th round last March to capture his NABF and NABO title belts, as well as Rafael Guzman and Juan Carlos Martinez, both in the fourth round, in title defenses. Trained by his father Eduardo Garcia and co-managed by his brother Robert Garcia, the former IBF junior lightweight champion, Garcia is currently world-rated No. 1 by the WBA, No. 2 by the WBC, No. 3 by the WBO.

Former IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham discusses his February 4th rematch with Yoan Pablo Hernandez with 15rounds.com/gfl.tv Marc Abrams

Heavyweight contender discusses his disappointing injury that forced him to pull out with his bout against Sergei Liakhovich

World Light Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins receives a life size Wax statue for his Birthday plus a “B Hop” Interview

BRONX, NY (January 17, 2012) – Philadelphia junior middleweight Derek “Pooh” Ennis plans to use unbeaten 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade as a springboard February 10 in their main event fight for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (“NABO”) title.

Andrade-Ennis headlines the Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing show on ESPN Friday Night Fights at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The 10-round bout has future world title belt implications for the winner.

Andrade (15-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of nearby Providence, in addition to being an

Olympians also was the 2007 World Amateur Championships gold-medal winner, the first American to do so since 1999. Fighting Feb. 10 on ESPN for the ninth time in his three-year professional career, the 23-year-old Andrade has been so dominating he has won 55 of the 59 rounds fought on the judges’ scorecards

Andrade is rapidly climbing the ratings ladder, currently ranked in the top 15 of all four major governing bodies: No. 9 by the World Boxing Organization (“WBO”), No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) and World Boxing Council (“WBC”) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association (“WBA”). He is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

The confident 5′ 8″ Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs), a former USBA title-holder who is rated No. 9 by the IBF, believes a victory against Andrade will put him right back into the junior middleweight picture. “I’m just looking at this as another fight,” Ennis said. “But, as soon as I beat him, I’m right back on top. I really don’t know too much about him other than he’s tall (6′ 1”) and a southpaw.

“Coming from Philly, I have a good name or persona, so everybody knows I’m coming to fight. People are going to see a lot of speed and pressure put on by me in a world-class fight.”

Ennis’ most significant victory to date was against another relatively tall Olympian, 6′ 1″ world title challenger Ermosele Albert (22-3-1), of Nigeria, by way of a12-round decisions in 2009 for the vacant USBA championship.

“This fight is a great opportunity for us,” Ennis’ co-manager Moe Gonzalez (E & M Management) noted. “We know he’s in tough against this kid, but Derek is tough, too. They better not think they have a cakewalk, Derek is coming to fight. He doesn’t have problems with southpaws or taller guys. Derek really gets up for fights like this and he’ll be ready.”

Tickets are $75.00, $40.00 and $30.00 (plus $5.00 facility fee for all tickets) and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster’s national toll free Charge By Phone number 1.800.745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability, or by calling Star Boxing at 1.718.823.2000 and online via www.StarBoxing.com.

The Feb. 10 co-feature and undercard bouts are being finalized and will soon be announced.

For more information go online to www.starboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Star Boxing, 718.823.2000, PR@starboxing.com

Justin Leslie, Mohegan Sun, 860.862.4106, jleslie@mohegansun.com

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com

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DOVER, Del. — Dover Downs Hotel & Casino announces the next Friday Night Fights series event will take place on Feb. 24 in the Rollins Center arena with Edgar Santana v. Manuel Perez headlining. Tickets go on sale today at noon at $40 – $200 and may be purchased by calling VIP Services at 800-711-5882 or visiting doverdowns.com/entertainment.

Local fan favorite and member of the Tiberi boxing dynasty, “Mighty” Mike Tiberi of Smyrna, Del., will fight for his first title, the WBF Intercontinental Super Middleweight Championship, in the night’s co-feature event. Tiberi said he is more focused now that he is going for a title. “I’m really excited that it’s finally come my way. I feel like I’ve paid my dues with a record of 18 and 1, and it’s my turn.”

“This is what you always dream, what you always work for,” said Mike Tiberi. “Actually, the best part is that my first title shot will be at home. It’s always good to have the crowd on your side.”

“This is a great opportunity for a young, local kid to show his talent and prove that he should be in there with some of the top guys in the world,” said Nick Tiberi, matchmaker.

The night’s main event features Edgar Santana of Bronx, N.Y., defending his NABA Junior Welterweight Championship Title with a record of 26(17)-3 against Manuel Perez, 16(4)-7, of Denver, Col.

“For Santana this is going to be a tough fight with a veteran who’s been in the there and had a draw with the champion of the world,” said Nick Tiberi. “This is a good spot to see where Santana is in the world; it pretty much will stand on how he performs here. It should really be a tremendous fight.”

“This next fight is an important one,” said Santana. “I’m grateful to be fighting at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino again for the fans. Unfortunately, my last fight was canceled because my opponent got injured late in the game. So now I’m hungry to get back in there and put on a great show for everyone.”

The under card features NABF Female Super Featherweight Title holder, “Queen” Ronica Jeffery (8-0), of Bronx, N.Y., and light heavyweight “The Bull” Anthony “Caputo” Smith of Kennett Square, Pa., whose record stands at 12(10)-0 after defeating Douglas “Al Capone” Otieno on Dec. 2. Smith received the Fight of the Night trophy for his efforts in a tough battle with Otieno on that night.

Completing the under card are light welterweight “Rockin” Ryan Belasco, 16-5-3, of Wilmington, Del., lightweight Omar “Super O” Douglas, 3(2)-0 of Wilmington, Del., cruiserweight Lamont “Problem Solver” Singletary, 3(2)-0, of Dover, Del., and John “Church Boy” Bowman of Dover, Del., whose debut last December ended in a draw.

The first bout will begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Will call from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit doverdowns.com/entertainment for updates. Event, times and card are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD LIVE
Act Now! Tickets are very nearly sold out!!!!

Tickets for “Championship Boxing at the Hilton Garden Inn” are available online at www.gcpboxing.com and www.NicotrasBallroom.com or by calling 888.612.4191. They are priced at General Admission $50, Ringside $150 and VIP Ringside $250, which includes pre-fight open bar and hot buffet.

The card has been finalized for the January 19 “Championship Boxing at the Hilton Garden Inn” at Nicotra’s Ballroom in the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, New York, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions and broadcast live on Internet broadcast pioneers www.gofightlive.com.

Featured in the main event will be undefeated future lightweight champion Michael “Baby Faced Beast” Faragon (16-0, 7 KOs) of Guilderland, New York, in a six-round showcase against Colombian veteran Andres “Andy Boy” Ledesma (16-19-1, 11 KOs).

Faragon has steadily improved while moving up the ranks and will be looking to make quick work of Ledesma, who has fought well against a number of up-and-coming prospects.

In the co-main event, Washington DC’s Gary “Fast Hands” Jones (22-2, 8 KOs) will have the third fight of his comeback against California’s Ishwar Amador (11-9, 7 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight battle. Jones had been out of action for nearly eight years before returning in April 2011.

On the undercard, well-known Staten Island boxing figure Nicky “Lil Nicky” DeMarco (3-2, 2 KOs) will take on Mexico’s Cesar Gonzalez (4-4-1, 1 KO) in a lightweight four-rounder; Bloomfield, New Jersey’s outstanding US Army veteran and former amateur champion Noel Godson will make his much-anticipated pro debut against Toledo, Ohio’s Zachary Swallen (0-3) in a light heavyweight four-rounder; undefeated Atlantic City welterweight Anthony Young (2-0, 1 KO) will take on Cleveland’s Clifford McPherson (2-6-1, 1 KO) in a four-round battle; popular New Yorker Tommy “The Razor” Rainone (16-4, 4 KOs) will face Sheridan, Arkansas’ Josh Williams (5-3, 4 KOs) over four junior-middleweight rounds; and undefeated Brooklyn power puncher Travis “Notorious” Peterkin (3-0, 3 KOs) will look to bring his first-round knockout streak to four when he faces Ralph Johnson (0-2) of Massachusetts in a light heavyweight four-rounder.

Adding international flavor in a very special attraction will be women’s 130-lb world champion and future boxing star Diana Prazak (9-1, 7 KOs) of Melbourne, Australia, putting her amazing skills on display in a non-title bout against tough Canadian Lucia Larcinese (4-8).

This event will also be re-broadcast nationally on MSG network in the New York area and on FOX Sports Net affiliates nationwide.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing at the Hilton Garden Inn” are available online at www.gcpboxing.com and www.NicotrasBallroom.com or by calling 888.612.4191. They are priced at General Admission $50, Ringside $150 and VIP Ringside $250, which includes pre-fight open bar and hot buffet.

Doors open at 6:30 pm for VIP Ringside ticket holders and at 7:00 pm for the general public. Action starts at 7:30 pm.

The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 1100 South Avenue in Staten Island.

PHILADELPHIA–Once beaten Super Middleweight Farah Ennis rebounded from his first professional loss with a very solid fifth round stoppage over durable Grover Young that highlighted a ten bout card at the National Guard Armory.

Ennis had a gameplan of working the body of the southpaw and he executed that strategy to a tee, as he placed some perfect shots to the flanks of Young. Ennis continued to back Young up with the body work and occasionally mixing up shots upstairs. The end came when Ennis drilled Young with a left to the body which made Young take a knee for the referee’s ten count at fifty-nine seconds of round five.

Ennis of Philadelphia ups his mark to 18-1 with twelve knockouts. Young of Tennessee is now 5-5-1.

The co-feature was a six round Welterweight tussle that matched unblemished Angel Ocasio and once beaten Jason Sosa.

The was a fight that proved that some geography could be the key to fights as Early Ocasio showed superior handspeed as he picked Sosa apart from the outside. A clash of heads caused a cut from the corner of Sosa’s left eye in the opening frame. It was more of the same over the next couple rounds as clearly Ocasio seemed in control. Feeling desperate, Sosa started to get inside and land some nice combinations and scored some telling uppercuts. Seeing that Ocasio was moving backwards, that may have swayed the judges to pull Sosa even on the score cards as the bout ended in a majority draw that read 58-56 for Ocasio while the two other cards were tallied at 57-57.

Ocasio of Philadelphia is now 6-0-1. Sosa of Camden, NJ is now 4-1-2.

Tim Witherspoon Jr. and Tevin Farmer waged an old school Philly War in their six round Lightweight bout.

Witherspoon, The taller southpaw looked to box from outside while fellow southpaw Farmer got inside with great success. Much like the Ocasio-Sosa bout, this was about where each fighter needed to be. Both guys got their preferred distance at times. The crowd was on their feet for most of the bout as the action was fast throughout with Framer picking up the majority decision by scores of 58-56; 58-56 and 58-57.

Hot shot Bantamweight prospect Miguel Cartagena was impressive in disposing David Rodriguez in sixty-eight seconds of their scheduled four round bout.

Cartagena landed a big right that sent Rodriguez to the canvas ans the bout was stopped when Rodriguez got to his feet. Cartagena is now 4-0 with three knockouts. Rodriguez was making his pro debut.

Heavyweight’s John Lennox and Riley Brooks waged a four round war with Lennox coming put on top with a unanimous decision.

Both guys stood toe to toe landing tremendous shots that drew “oohs and Ahhs” from the capacity crowd.

In the end, It was Lennox better boxing ability that proved to be the difference as he took the fight by scores of 40-36; 40-36 and 39-37 and is now 9-1. Brooks of Baltimore falls to 1-3.

Former world amateur champion scored a four round unanimous decision over huge Corey Winfield.

Dawejko landed some nice body shots that were followed by some hard shots to the head.

Dawejko, 230 lbs of Philadelphia won by 40-36 scores on all cards and is now 6-0. Winfield, 302 lbs of Winston-Salem, NC is now 4-9.

Brian Donahue came off a five year hiatus to scored a four round unanimous decision over Randy Campbell in a Super Middleweight bout.

Donahue dropped Campbell in the final round with a big right hand. Scores were 40-35; 39-36 and 39-36 for Donahue who is now is 2-1.

Todd Unthankmay landed a huge right hand that knocked out winless Phillip Hannah in round one of their scheduled four round Light Heavyweight bout.

Unthankmay, 175 lbs of Philadelphia is now 2-0 with one knockout. Hannah, 169 1/2 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 0-7.

Jaywoon Woods came back after an eighteen month layoff to pound out a four round unanimous decision over Rayshawn Myers in a Cruiserweight bout.

Woods landed a right hand in round three that sent Myers down for the bout’s only knockdown.

Woods, 199 lbs of Danville, VA won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 9-1-1. Myers, 182 1/2 lbs of Cleveland is now 4-12.

Tal Middleweight John Thompson used his height to easily outbox Aaron Williams over four rounds.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Thompson of Newark, NJ and is now 4-0. Williams of Kinston, NC is now 0-3.

Sources have told 15rounds.com, that after much scrambling, two undefeated young Heavyweights will be the co-feature this Saturday night as Bryant Jennings will take on Maurice Byarm as one of the featured bouts on the inaugural NBC Sports Network Broadcast from Philadelphia.

The bout was made only after the original bout between Eddie Chambers and Sergei Liakhovich was scrapped because of a rib injury to Chambers. Several scenarios were kicked around with end result being that the two undefeated Heavyweights agreed to fight.

Jennings, 11-0 with five knockouts ids a Philadelphia resident and Byarm, 13-0-1 with nine knockouts of Washington, D.C but grew up in Philadelphia, where his father Lionel was the first man to oppose Evander Holyfield

The other scheduled television bout will pit Jr. Middleweight Gabriel Rosado and Jesus Soto-Karass

“This series is about giving the fans exciting, action-packed fights where the outcome is in doubt,” said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. “It is truly a shame that Chambers and Liakhovich cannot fight on Saturday, but athletes get injured. We tried all weekend to find a suitable replacement to face Liakhovich, but truly competitive opposition could not be found on such short notice. Last night we decided that it would be in the best interests of the fans and the series to go in another direction and present a fight that will live up to the standards that we have set for this project. We are thrilled to have come up with such a compelling bout. The fans in Philadelphia and those watching on TV will have plenty to cheer about on Saturday night.”

“I often hear people say that there are no American Heavyweights,” said Russell Peltz of Peltz Boxing, matchmaker for the NBC Sports Network “Fight Night” Series. “We are presenting a terrific fight on Saturday night at the Asylum between two promising American heavyweights who are willing to test themselves sooner rather than later.”

“I am really excited to get the chance to show what I can do on national television,” Jennings said about the sudden turn of events. “I’ve wanted to fight Byarm for a long time. I’m not worried about dealing with a southpaw. This is a perfect match for me.”

SAN ANTONIO – Another deadline comes and goes in the silly saga of whether the two best fighters in our sport in 2009 will fight one another in 2012. It’s all bad faith now. A promoter goes to the Philippines to present his fighter four options no fan asked for. A fighter gets on Twitter to make a faux demand he didn’t make years ago, when it might have mattered.

If there is solace to be found in the tired spectacle this time round, it’s how comparatively little folks care. The truth of the Great Recession now touches every American. Quibbles between millionaires about purse splits don’t have the traction they did years ago. The parties are no closer to making this fight than last time, but at least there was no midnight conference call.

Casual fans have given up on the Fight That Would Have Saved Boxing. When they ask about it these days, it’s to change the subject rather than make an honest inquiry. They hear you talking about Andre Ward or Sergio Martinez, men they wouldn’t recognize if watching a Ward-Martinez fight, and interrupt you to say: “What I want to know is when are Mayweather and Pacquiao gonna fight!” You start to explain the latest cramp in negotiations. Then you find no one listens; hey, what do you think of Tebow Mania?

Promoter Bob Arum appears, now, to be the party who does not want the fight to happen while he wrestles with lesser evils: Do I dislike Golden Boy Promotions enough to guarantee Mayweather a gargantuan purse and make the fight without them, or do I dislike Mayweather enough to deny him the fight his resume needs? The likely answer is: Arum dislikes more whomever he just spoke to.

People round boxing no longer believe Floyd Mayweather is afraid to lose to the guy they saw fight Juan Manuel Marquez in November. In a better world for Mayweather, that would be enough; he won the fight without having to make it. One senses, though, Mayweather’s financial situation is precarious enough he’ll soon need the Pacquiao purse.

Boycott both of them, then, and to hell with it!

No, not so fast. There is an interesting balance that must be struck, especially as it pertains to Arum. His company, Top Rank, is the country’s preeminent promoter. It is an excellent outfit that makes its fighters and employees available. Top Rank does the best kick-off press conference in the business.

That’s what went through my head a couple Tuesdays ago at Alamodome. We were gathered before a very large stage and sound system for an otherwise intimate affair. The field behind us was being transformed from Alamo Bowl host to All-American Bowl host. If you looked far enough northwards and used your imagination, you could see where the black curtain would hang for February’s HBO “World Championship Boxing” fight card.

Arum was there. Hall of fame matchmaker Bruce Trampler was there. Trainer Freddie Roach was there. HBO’s Peter Nelson was there. Puerto Rican great Wilfredo Vazquez Sr. was there. Future great Nonito Donaire was there. And yet, we all waited for Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. – still known as “Son of the Legend.”

Chavez was the reason for our gathering, whatever we might opine of him. In three Saturdays, Chavez will headline 2012’s first big fight card, in this city. Unbeknownst to him, probably, he’ll begin quite a stretch for Texas boxing, one that will see a Showtime card 150 miles southeast of here, in Corpus Christi, a couple weeks later, and then an even bigger HBO card 200 miles east of here, in Houston, a few weeks after that. But it all starts with Chavez.

That is a sentence difficult to write as it is to read.

Chavez’s fanbase is gaining some authenticity, though. Chavez is fighting bigger, better, darker men, little by little, while projecting more of the spoiled-rich-kid resentment ridiculed by those who do not understand it despite its historical ferocity and effectiveness.

It’s a funny thing, ticket sales. Nobody I’ve ever spoken to – in what is becoming a tradition of covering Chavez Jr. fights – ever names him as a favorite fighter. Most Mexicans pay homage to the patronym while humoring the epigone. And yet.

Sitting on the same side of the podium as Chavez was Nonito Donaire, who appears to have every tool. Donaire will make an exciting fight with Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. on the same night Chavez fights fellow Mexican Marco Antonio Rubio. Donaire is enormous even for his new weight class. He is well-spoken. He gives every appearance of sincerity. He’s not classically handsome, but he has a great sense of style. He’s an incredibly talented prizefighter. And yet.

Chavez is the main event here on Feb. 4, not Donaire. They will fight in Lone Star State because Chavez sells more tickets here than Donaire would in the Bay Area (and because Texas is a right-to-work state, with all that implies).

Which brings us to the mystery of ticket selling. It’s easier, at times, to celebrate those who sell tickets than to explain those who do not. Donaire is an offensive force of the first rate who’s made a habit of winning his biggest fights by knockout. He also has the best promoter in the United States. And yet.

If it were tenable, one might suggest, the premium networks, HBO and Showtime, ought to offer licensing fees that are a percentage – whatever percentage – of a fight’s paid gate. This wouldn’t change the networks’ rosters of fighters, necessarily; it would change the compensation systems they use.

Where would that leave Nonito Donaire? Hard to say. But it’s also a good yellow light for aficionados looking to cure boxing. Ridding ourselves of corrupt sanctioning bodies, alone, won’t do it. But it may also not be simple as rewarding ticket sellers.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former two division champion Vic Darchinyan will fight for a bantamweight crown when he takes on Shinsuke Yamanaka in Tokyo on April 1

“I am very happy I was able to make a world title fight for Vic,” said Darchinyan’s promoter Gary Shaw. “He wanted another opportunity so badly that we took this fight for short money to do it.”

“Vic says he feels he can fight and win at 118 pounds,” Shaw said. “He has not had the success he had in the lower divisions, but he has also fought the best fighters in the world and he has not lost to inferior fighters. I thought he won the Mares fight, absolutely, 1,000 percent.

“A lot of people thought he won that fight. The only fight I believe he was outclassed in was against Moreno and that was a style mismatch thing. It just was not a good matchup for Vic. But no matter who he fights, he brings action and he brings the fight.”

“I haven’t seen any film on him but I was able to make the fight for Vic,” Shaw said. “I’ll get some film and have a better feeling of what we are up against after I look at it. I give credit to Vic for wanting to always fight the best and being willing to travel around the world to fight wherever the opportunity is.”

MAIN EVENT:

JOSE ALDO:

“This is the spirit I wanted to come out with tonight. The fans here gave me so much energy. We knew Chad was going to try to take me off my feet. We prepared for that and I had a chance to land the knee. It connected and I finished the fight. I was so overcome with emotion that I wanted to celebrate with my people.”

CHAD MENDES:

“Jose is a great champion and he was the better man tonight. He showed why he’s one of the best fighters in the world. I knew it would be hard to take him down, but I kept trying. I tried to keep the pressure, but he is just so tough and his takedown defense is great. I wanted the title so bad.”

BOUT EIGHT: PALHARES SUBMITS MASSENZIO

ROUSIMAR PALHARES:

“What a great victory! It’s what I always say when I get in there…if it’s God’s will then it is God’s will. I went in there and got it done. I like submissions and I got another one tonight.”

MIKE MASSENZIO:

“That’s a world-class athlete who was the better fighter tonight. I had the best camp of my career. I just got stuck. It wasn’t my night. I’m really disappointed.”

BOUT SEVEN: PRATER def. SILVA by DQ

CARLO PRATER:

“I’m not a judge. I didn’t stop the fight. All I know is that he hit me and it sent a shock of pain through my body unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I don’t know if the shots were legal. I just know it was unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”

ERICK SILVA:

“Everyone here knows that wasn’t intentional. I don’t know what else to say.”

BOUT SIX: BARBOZA def. ETIM by KNOCKOUT

EDSON BARBOZA:

“When you fight in Brazil, it’s unlike fighting in any other place in the world. In a fight, you try things and hope they work. Tonight, it (the kick) worked. It’s something I’ve practiced a lot and I finally was able to land it hard. I’m happy with this outcome and you can expect more of that soon.”

TERRY ETIM:

*Transported to local hospital for medical care following the fight and was unavailable for comment*

BOUT FIVE: TAVARES def. STOUT by DECISION

THIAGO TAVARES:

“Sam Stout was the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced and this is the biggest win of my career. I thought about this fight for a long time. I have to be honest: of all the ways I saw this fight going, I never expected to beat him striking. I tried to take the fight to the ground, but he has great takedown defense. The fight stayed on the feet and I was able to win there. I want another big name next.”

SAM STOUT:

“This was my first fight without Shawn (Tompkins). It was definitely an adjustment not having him in my corner. I hope Shawn would be proud.”

“I thought I took rounds two and three, but I just struggled to find my rhythm. My head wasn’t in it in the first round. I had a slow start and I have no one to blame but myself for that.”

Gonzaga submits Oliveira

BOUT FOUR:

GABRIEL GONZAGA:

“It felt great to be back in the Octagon. I showed that I still have my BJJ skills in there tonight. My time away from the UFC was good for me. I dealt with some personal business in my life and came back refocused. Before, I was training well, but my mind just wasn’t in it. Now, I’m back, I feel great. I’m focused and I showed that by beating a 13-0 fighter.”

EDNALDO OLIVEIRA:

“Part of me is sad and part of me is angry. I left an opening and Gabriel capitalized. I wanted to win badly and this is not a good feeling.”

BOUT THREE: ALCANTARA def. OMIGAWA by UNANIMOUS DECISION

YURI ALCANTARA:

“This was like the World Cup for me tonight. To fight against a veteran like him was a true honor. I hope this win proved to the UFC that I’m ready for the main card. I felt like a complete fighter in there tonight.”

MICHIHIRO OMIGAWA:

*Suffered an injury during the contest and was transported to a local hospital for further examination. Thus, he was unavailable for comment.*

BOUT TWO: MIKE PYLE def. RICARDO FUNCH by TKO

MIKE PYLE:

“After my last fight, I took a step back and readjusted some things in my training. I knew that I had to really take a look at my whole MMA game and I think you saw some of the adjustments and improvements tonight. My striking and my overall game have evolved. This was an important fight for me in my career and I appreciate Ricardo taking this fight on short notice.”

RICARDO FUNCH:

“I’m disappointed. I don’t have any excuses. He caught me with a good shot and it was over.”

Felipe Arantes def. Antonio CARVALHO by UNANIMOUS DECISION

FELIPE ARANTES:

“I’m very happy with this win because I went out there and proved to the people of Brazil that I belong in the Octagon. He was a very tough opponent. I had a tough camp and battled some injuries, but I was able to get in there tonight and control the striking and win.”

ANTONIO CARVALHO:

“I expected the crowd to be against me, but I’m not sure it played a big factor. They were definitely loud. In the end, Felipe listened to his corner very well. I wish I would have had more efficient shots (for takedowns) because they worked in the first round. I went for a few too many submissions and tired myself out.”

Former Middleweight champion Arthur Abraham scored a fifth round stoppage over Pablo Farias in a scheduled twelve round Super Middleweight bout in Offenburg, Germany.

Abraham got pff to a slow start but started getting through with power shots in round three. In round five, Abraham dropped Farias with a body shot. Seconds later he scored a 2nd knockdown form a body shot. Abraham was all over Farias and scored a 3rd knockdown and the fight was stopped at 2:00 of round five.

Abraham, 167 1/2 lbs of Germany is now 33- with 27 knockouts. Farias, 166 1/2 lbs of Buenos Aries, Argentina is now 19-2.

Dustin Dirks scored a 4th round stoppage over Sam Couzens in a scheduled eight round Light Heavyweight bout.

Dirks dropped Couzens in round four from a right hand. A follow up flurry which was finished by a right on the ropes dropped Couzens again and the fight was stopped at 1:26 of round four.

Dirks is now 23-0 with 17 knockouts. Couzens is 8-7.

Ramona Kuehne scored an 8th round stoppage over Renata Domsodi to retain the WBO Super Featherweight title.

Domsodi was cut over the left eye and dropped in round eight and the fight was stopped at 1:24 of round eight.

Kuehne, 129 3/4 lbs is now 19-1 with 6 knockouts. Domsodi, 126 3/4 lbs is now 7-2.

Las Vegas, NV-Fans at Hard Rock Hotel’s “Joint” in Las Vegas were treated to Chris Martin and Teon Kennedy battling in close quarters for ten rounds Friday Night, but neither man was able to create distance on the scorecards, leaving a lack of closure for both camps.

Kennedy(17-1-2) was aiming to bounce back strong from a loss to Alejandro Lopez in August, and pressed the issue from start to finish, but left himself open for Martin (23-1-2) to stay in the fight. ESPN’s Teddy Atlas, and several ringside analysts scored the fight in Kennedy’s favor but Martin was able to place clean shots that turned several rounds into toss ups.

A second warning for low blows, and some swelling to the right eye in round 7 led to a more conservative offensive approach from Kennedy, an opportunity which Martin jumped on. Martin was able to put together his busiest sequence of the fight, and thought he scored a knockdown in the closing seconds, but the spill was ruled a slip by Jay Nady.

Martin spent the middle rounds watching the clock during clinches, and showed signs of fatigue but did not abandon his game plan, and continued to fire away inside on the Philadelphia native Kennedy. Kennedy’s vicious body attack clearly slowed Martin down, and softened his shots, but as the fight went on the “S.D. Kid” refused to go away, and kept things close enough to earn a majority draw.

In the co-feature Cuban welterweight Yordenis Ugas(11-0) looked to be on his way to making easy work of Esteban Almaraz (10-5), dropping his foe with a right hand in the first round, and continuing to land his overhand right early and often. Almaraz put heart, and endurance on display to survive the early assault.

Hand speed proved to be the difference for Ugas who had no problem putting combinations together, snapping Almaraz with his jab, and following with a consistent overhand right. Although his attack slowed as Almaraz proved himself able to sustain the damage, Ugas never seemed to lose control of the fight.

Almaraz never stopped coming forward, but was constantly forced back by the combination punching of Ugas who earned his way to a unanimous decision victory, shutting Almaraz out on one card, and surrendering just one round on the other two cards.

Following the televised action 22 year old super bantamweight prospect Gabino Saenz(6-0 5ko’s) suffered the first setback of his career.

Saenz appeared to be on the fast track to a stoppage win over Gil Garcia (5-2), knocking Garcia down in round 2. Although Saenz showcased superior boxing tact, and hand speed, Garcia was able to force the young prospect into his brand of fight. Garcia and Saenz traded blows for six rounds, both fighters staggered at certain points, but it was Garcia who appeared more comfortable with the bout’s pace.

At the final bell Garcia celebrated his impending victory, but as the score’s were read off a draw would be the fate of the bout, saving Saenz from his first career defeat.

Las Vegas native Anthony Lenk (13-1 7ko’s) made short work of previously undefeated Boyd Henley (8-1-1) stopping the Kansas City native in the first round of their welterweight bout. 20 year old featherweight prospect Jesse Magdaleno was also in action and looked impressive, shutting out Shawn Nichol in a six round unanimous decision win.

Heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers suffered displaced fractures of his left anterior ninth and tenth ribs in training and, therefore, has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled 10-round bout with Sergei Liakhovich on the inaugural NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night card from the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, PA on January 21st.

Promoters Main Events and Peltz Boxing have reached out for a replacement for Chambers and will make an announcement as soon as possible.