LAS VEGAS – The news conference Wednesday included a meal and two mouthfuls of a lot more from Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Victor Ortiz. Who ate whose lunch? Doesn’t matter. There are no scorecards at a formal news conference. No winners either.

There was just an over-indulgence of promises and pontification to go along with the indigestion a few days before Mayweather and Ortiz break bread and maybe each other’s noses Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

At the top of the menu, there was a Mayweather allegation that Ortiz has been lying about how his father abandoned him when he was a kid in Kansas.

“I know the real truth,’’ Mayweather said of a story that has been told for years and re-told in HBO’s poignant portrayal of Ortiz in the 24/7 series. “His father didn’t leave. No, he didn’t leave. He went to high school in California. I’ve done my homework.

“But it’s good for TV.’’

Mayweather wouldn’t disclose his source, but it is believed to be Robert Garcia, Ortiz’ former trainer and the brother of his current trainer, Danny. The Garcia brothers, neighbors in Oxnard, Calif., don’t talk to each other. Apparently, Ortiz also doesn’t talk to Robert any more after an unhappy split.

“I understand,’’ Ortiz said after Mayweather delivered the line like a thespian at the MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre.”It’s a tactic.’’

Ortiz dismissed it as small piece, another imaginary pawn, in the mind games that Mayweather has learned how to play as well as anybody. Ortiz said it didn’t affect him.

“I’m a tree stump,’’ Ortiz said. “Things like that don’t bother me.’’

If it does, Ortiz is in trouble. The gamesmanship figures to continue. Mayweather has invited Robert Garcia and lightweight champion Brandon Rios to the welterweight fight. Rios, who is trained by Robert Garcia, claims he used to get the best of Ortiz when they were young amateurs at a gym in Garden City, Kan. Ortiz might even see his estranged trainer and his old rival staring at him after he steps through the ropes and waits for opening bell during the introductions. Mayweather plans to have both with him when he enters the ring.

In questioning the credibility of a story that has come to define Ortiz and his sudden popularity, Mayweather seemed to be testing his ability to deal with everything that comes and goes on boxing’s biggest stage. Mayweather has been there often. Ortiz has not. For Mayweather, the fight always begins the day that the contract is signed. His rips are rhetorical probes in an attempt to find weaknesses in Ortiz.

On Wednesday, however, it was hard to judge whether Mayweather had found any or even one in Ortiz, who was relaxed as ever. Ortiz even initiated a few of the exchanges. In his formal address to the media from the podium, he turned to the unbeaten Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs), who was sitting to his right.

“I sense a little bit of nervousness in this area, right here,’’ said Ortiz, who holds the World Boxing Council’s version of the 147-pound title. “I’m going to teach what it is to have that one on your record. Hey, I’ve already got two.’’

Mayweather couldn’t resist. He interrupted Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs), yelling:

“You got two draws, too.’’

Ortiz wouldn’t back down in an exchange that might have been preview of fight that both will end in a knockout.

“Somebody is scared,’’ Ortiz countered. “I’m going to put you on your ass, I promise.’’

An Ortiz victory of any kind would be a surprise. As of late Wednesday, betting odds at Las Vegas books heavily favored Mayweather at about 5 1/2 –to-1. If the news conference was a sign, however, more surprise could be imminent. For the first time that anybody can recall, Mayweather was called a dirty fighter. Over his 16-year career, he’s been called a lot of things, but never that. Enter Danny Garcia, who delivered the charge from the bully pulpit during the news conference.

“Please, fight a clean fight,’’ Garcia said as he turned toward Mayweather. “Don’t turn your back. Don’t hold.’’

Don’t waste your time, Mayweather countered in his turn at the pulpit.

“The trainer called me a dirty fighter,’’ Mayweather said. “When has boxing ever been a clean sport? It’s a sport when you’re trying to hurt the other guy.

“How can it be clean?”

No answer for that one from Garcia, or the media, or even Ortiz. Call the news conference a draw. Hopefully, the fight won’t be.

– Friday, September 16, 2011 10:00pm ET featuring MMA Xplosion Team Qualifier from the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV. This action packed event boasts several unique elements as MMAX Team Qualifier will feature an all amateur card, with teams coached by UFC veterans Tony “The Freak” Fryklund and Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman, respectively. In addition, the fighters will be competing for an opportunity to become part of two newly established Las Vegas home teams, named the Las Vegas Spiders and the Las Vegas Scorpions, who will compete against each other at the next scheduled team event in October. In short, MMAX is developing a league of amateur teams coached by high-profile MMA coaches and fighters that will be sponsored by trainers/team owners. Regional squads will be added in the near future as the amateur league develops into a country wide recognized and established brand as MMAX will continue to stage exciting professional fight events featuring top names and athletes. The amateur league is designed to become a platform for young fighters to gain experience on their way to becoming professional fighters in mixed martial arts. The September 16th fight card is sure to become a fan favorite, as it is stacked with the best talent from some of the top gyms in Las Vegas. The Tapout Training Center, Throwdown MMA, Xtreme Couture, Wand Fight Team, Sunset Boxing & MMA, and others will be represented on the card. In the main event, fan favorite Cesar Campos (8-1) will battle the tough and rugged Rudy Morales (7-1) in an excellent match-up between two rising local stars. Tony “The Freak” Fryklund (14-9) made his pro MMA career way back in 1997 at UFC 14. The Militech Fighting Systems product ran his record to 8-1 to start off his career. In addition to the UFC, Fryklund competed in Strikeforce and Cage Rage during his career. The 6′ welterweight, never one to shy away from a fight, battled many top names in MMA, including Jonathan Goulet, David Loiseau, Brian Ebersole, Eugene Jackson, Matt Lindland, Ivan Salaverry, Thomas “Wildman” Denny, Duane “Bang” Ludwig, Cung Le, and Anderson “The Spider” Silva. Fryklund retired in 2007 after a stellar career, and is now intent on giving back to the sport that gave him so much. A native of California, Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman (17-13-1) is a consummate professional who has taken on all comers during his career. He’s fought all over the world, in promotions from King of the Cage to the Maximum Fighting Championships to the UFC. “The Beastman” holds wins over well-known competitors such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Floyd Sword, Vernon “Tiger” White, Jason MacDonald, Alan Belcher, Travis Wiuff, Jason Guida, Rob Kimmons, and Terry Martin. He’s also faced Rich Franklin, Vitor Belfort, Travis Lambert, Jason Lambert, Drew McFedries, Denis Kang, and Ricardo Arona. In short, Eastman has battled a virtual who’s who in MMA, and is determined to pass on his experiences to the next generation of fighters through Team Beastman.

– Friday, September 16, 2011 11:00pm ET featuring Ultimate Reno Combat 27 – Unequaled from the Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV. In the main event, Lightweight Champion Delorean “D-Lo” Heaivilin (7-0) will defend his title against challenger Brandon Ricetti (3-1) in what will be a hotly contest matchup of Ultimate Reno Combat veterans. Heaivilin is an undefeated grappler/striker who is a fan favorite among the Reno crowd for his fast-paced fighting style. All 7 of Heaivilin’s wins have come via stoppage either TKO or submission so he will look to continue that streak on September 16. For the up and coming Ricetti he will have to stay composed in the early going, and weather the storm that Heaivilin is sure to bring in the opening round. Ricetti himself is a proficient submission artist with outstanding hands and this should be a great battle for the 155 lb Ultimate Reno Combat Title. The Bantamweight Championship is up for grabs in the co-main event as Champion Brandon Frunk (9-2) defends against Rodney Canlas (1-0). For Brunk, this will be his first title defense since winning the title back in April at Ultimate Reno Combat 24. Brunk is on a 4-fight winning streak and looks to make it number 5 against newcomer Canlas who won by armbar in his only fight. For Brunk this matchup is more difficult than first glance because he will have a difficult time scouting Canlas and his tendencies, so Brunk will have to rely on his years of experience and cage time. For Canlas, he has the benefit of going into the fight as a somewhat unknown and will look to showcase his whole skill set in the title fight. In other action, Corey “Agnarr” Wyatt (9-2) fights Albert Townsend (0-3) in a battle of light heavyweights, while Jesse Romero (1-1) battles Lucas Davis (2-0) in a lightweight tilt.

– Sunday, September 18, 2011 5:00pm ET featuring Muay Thai 9 – Clash of Kings from Industrial Hills Expo Center, City of Industry, CA. The IFS will have two separate 16-man tournaments, one with MMA rules and one with Muay Thai rules. A combined 32 fighters will be fighting for an opportunity that only two will achieve; IFS Tournament MMA Champion and IFS Tournament Muay Thai Champion. This is an astounding number of fighters that will be competing for a championship under the IFS banner, and is sure to turn an up and comer martial artist into a full-blown superstar for the winners. Coming off of a highly successful IFS Elimination Tournament in 2010 that played to several packed houses, where fights took place in both a ring and a cage (giving the fans the best of both worlds), the IFS has decided to up the ante this year by promising bigger and better fights. In 2010 all six events were held at the world famous Knott’s Berry Farm in California. The Elimination Tournament was so successful with each event growing and getting bigger than the previous show that hundreds of fans were turned away for the finale. This year, the IFS expanded in many different positive ways one of which is promoting shows at larger venues to accommodate all of the fans for the 2011 tournament. The IFS picked up so much steam in such a quick time because the tournament-style format allowed fans to root on and follow their favorite fighter as they advanced through the ranks deeper and deeper into the tournament. The same way the NCAA March Madness always captures the attention of basketball fans every year, the IFS Elimination Tournament did and does the same thing with combat sports fans.

Other GFL events this week: Ring of Honor – Death Before Dishonor IX, Sat. 7:30pm ET, Impact Zone Wrestling – Danny Hodge Invitational Sat. 8pm ET, IWL – 1st Anniversary (Lucha Libre) Sun. 8pm ET

GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 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 5500 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 now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.

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CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
Michael Torres 140 – Mark Alexander 140
(NJ State Jr. Welterweight title)
Thomas LaManna 156 – Josh Williams 156 ½ lbs
(BAM Youth Title)
Carlos Vinan 129 – Wanzell Ellison 129 ½
Joey Dawejko 234 – John Lennox 217
Tyabb Beale 233 – Taffo Asongwed 234 ½
Vinny O’Brien 146 – Carlos Velez 147
Jon Bolden 218 – Eric Newell 250
John Thompson 158 – Lee Snow 165

VENUE: Robert Treat Hotel
PROMOTER: Vincent Ponte’s Gulfstream Boxing & Gabe LaConte
1ST Bell: 7:30 pm EST.

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New York, NY (September 13, 2011) – Undefeated junior middleweight Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson of New York City will make his Atlantic City debut Saturday, October 1 at Boardwalk Hall.

Melson will face an opponent to be named in a six round special attraction bout prior to an HBO doubleheader headlined by the middleweight title showdown between champion Sergio Martinez and unbeaten challenger Darren Barker.

Sporting a perfect 5-0 record, Melson’s stopped his last three foes, most recently dispatching Zach Schumach in July. Melson, who had a multi-year layoff between his amateur finale and pro debut, is fighting for the fifth time in 2011 and feels that he’s making the strides to one day become a top-notch professional.

“It’s an honor to fight on this card and I’m working hard as I can in the gym in order to shine,” said Melson, a West Point Graduate who is currently doing Anti-Terrorism Training as part of his Army Reserve duties. “The more I fight, the more I believe I can compete against the world’s best fighters like I did in the amateurs.”

With America’s first clinical trial for Spinal Cord Injuries tentatively scheduled for 2012, Melson is donating his entire purse for the sixth consecutive time to “Justadollarplease” in effort to ensure that he is doing his part so the necessary resources are available to make the trial successful.

“Approximately, 10,000 Americans are paralyzed annually from Spinal Cord Injuries. With limited government funding for Embryonic Stem Cell research along with the vast polarized views regarding the ethical aspect of conducting this type of research, the trial is looking at using Non-Embryonic cells to give human beings with Spinal Cord Injuries their God given right to walk again.”

Melson also acknowledged the importance of the trial and the impact it would have on paralyzed Americans.

“A successful trial would mean that a new FDA approved standard of care that treats Spinal Cord Injuries would be legal in the United States. More importantly, if everything goes as planned, this would be the first FDA approved treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries that would allow the once paralyzed to live their lives full of independence. Between my involvement in the pending trial and the expectations of those that will come to watch me fight, I have a lot to fight for and must perform better than ever before!”

In association with Justadollarplease, Melson created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, IBF cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana and prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

Tickets prices range from $50 to $300 and can be purchased on teamfighttowalk.com. Boardwalk Hall is located at 2301 Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ.

Melson’s opponent will be announced shortly.

NEW YORK (September 13, 2011) – Boxing 360 has its first world champion, new International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) junior lightweight Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, who stopped WIBF Inter-Continental lightweight titlist Kimberly Connor in last Saturday night’s scheduled 10-round title fight in Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex.

The undefeated 23-year-old Serrano (12-0-1, 8 KOs), a native of Puerto Rico who fights out of Brooklyn, took control early against her game Arkansas opponent, Connor (9-2-2, 4 KOs).

“It’s amazing,” Serrano spoke about winning her first world title at home in Brooklyn. “It was the best crowd ever and I had a lot of mixed-up emotions to deal with. I had so many family and friends there who’ve watched me grow in this sport. Winning a world title means the world to me. Kimberly was tough but I train for every fight like I’m fighting Mike Tyson. What’s next? I’m a fighter who just fights and trains. I’m ready to fight anybody between 122 and 130 who my team puts in front of me.”

Serrano’s promoter, Mario Yagobi (Boxing 360), believes Amanda will soon be ready to take on anybody in the world between the junior lightweight and junior featherweight divisions. “Amanda gave Boxing 360 its first world champion and we believe she’ll soon be adding more title belts to her collection,” Yagobi added. “She is the most dedicated fighter I’ve ever seen. Amanda lives boxing 24/7 and she’s worked very hard to get to this point. What’s really remarkable is that she’s only 23 with more to learn through ring experience. Right now, I’m not sure what’s next for her but the fighter we’d like to get in the ring is Maureen Shea. A fight in New York City between those two would be great for female boxing but, for whatever reason, Maureen doesn’t seem interested in fighting Amanda. Hopefully, she’ll change her mind because it’s a real natural.”

As world champion, Amanda has to relinquish herNorth American Boxing Federation Featherweight title belt.

“Once Amanda hurt her opponent, knocking her down (in the second round), she didn’t let up,” Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy added. “She just let her hands go until the referee (Benjii Estevez) stopped the fight (1:45). She looked good.”

Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include USBA heavyweight champion Maurice Sugar Moe” Harris, WBC #5 super bantamweight Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco”Berrio, unbeaten welterweight prospect Vitaliy “Demyan” Demyanenko, WBC Caribbean& NY State super middleweight champion Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, Dominican lightweight champion Eudy “AK47” Bernardo, KO king Tyrone Brunson, Mike Mollo, Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal, middleweight prospect DonYil Livingston, Joel Diaz Jr., and “King” David Estrada.

Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Serrano or her stable-mates.

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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY (September 12, 2011)—This Wednesday night’s big card at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark just got bigger as a battle of two undefeated Heavyweight was just added when John Lennox will take on former world amateur champion Joey Dawejko have agreed to square off in a four round bout.

The card is promoted by Vincent Ponte’s Gulfstream productions along with Gabe LaConte

Lennox of nearby Carteret, New Jersey has a record of 6-0 with three wins coming via knockout

Lennox has built a big following and the former college football star is looking for the biggest win of his pro career.

This will be Lennox’ fourth fight of 2011 and third career appearance at The Robert Treat Hotel.

In his last bout, Lennox scored a 2nd round stoppage over Jason Pauley on July 29th in Philadelphia.

In his last appearance at the Robert Treat, Lennox scored a first round disqualification verdict over Kareem Wilson on June 22nd.

“We know that this will be a tough fight, but we also know that a fighter needs to take a step up. Dawejko has a great reputation and we anticipate it will be a tough fight but we know that John is in tremendous shape and will fight a great fight and he will have his hand raised at the end of these four rounds.”, said Rich Massini, who is the manager of Lennox.

Dawejko of Philadelphia is 4-0 with one knockout and is a former world Jr. Amateur champion who has created a big reputation on the east coast.

“I appreciate this opportunity that John took this fight. I have been off since January but I am looking forward to coming back with an impressive win”, said Dewejko

In his last bout, Dawejko scored a four round unanimous decision over Taffo Asongwed on January 22nd in Chester, PA

That fight will be part of a huge night of boxing.

In the main event, Michael Torres (13-2,7 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ taking on Mark Alexander (10-5, 1 KO) of London, England in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Thomas LaManna will also be fighting on the show when he takes n Josh Williams for the BAM Youth title.

Vinny O’Brien will take on debuting Carlos Velez in a four round Welterweight bout.

In a battle of Lightweights from Newark, Carlos Vinan (10-9-4, 2 KO’s) takes on Wanzell Ellison (4-0, 3 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Tyrone Luckey (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Middletown, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Lightweight bout.

Tyabb Beale (4-3, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ will fight Taffo Asongwed (2-8-7) of Montreal in a four round Heavyweight tussle.

John Bolden (2-1, 2 KO’s) of New York will see action against Eric Newell (1-1, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be John Thompson (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark battling Lee Snow of Baltimore in a four round Super Middleweight bout.

Renee Aiken is the matchmaker for this card

Tickets priced $100 (Limited VIP), $50, & $30 (Very Limited) and are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 973-350-9993 or 1-866-263-STAR

The Grand Ballroom at the Robert Treat Hotel is located at 50 Park Place, Newark NJ. Doors open at 6:30 PM, first bout 7:30 sharp.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that a rematch of one of the leading front runners for Fight of the Year that will pit Flyweight champion Hernan Marquez and Luis Concepcion will take place on October 29 in Mexico.

“I will come very motivated to Hermosillo, Mexico, to the land of ‘Tyson’ Marquez (and) I will recover what is mine — the world title belt,” Concepcion said. “I have been working on all the errors that I committed in the first fight and this time things will be different. I am going to defeat him in his own house and then the title will return to Panama.

“It does not matter to me that he has thousands of fans who will be against me. That will be my motivation.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that IBF/WBA 140 lb champion, Amir Khan is looking to fight on December 10th and may fight his IBF mandatory Lamont Peterson

“Dec. 10 I will be back. I’ve got a TV date with HBO and I am looking forward to it,” Khan told ESPN.com, adding that the fight would take place in the United States. “Opponents are quite hard to get. We asked about (Erik) Morales, but he said no. Bradley (titlist Timothy Bradley Jr.) has said no, just refused to fight me even though we offered him everything he wanted. I really think he just doesn’t want to fight me no matter what’s on the table.

“It’s too bad because the fans want to see it. But I know I am No. 1 in the division and that’s what most other people say also because Bradley has not been active and he just won’t fight me.”

Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions said he is negotiating for Khan to face Lamont Peterson of Washington, D.C. Peterson is one of Khan’s mandatory challengers.

“That’s the fight we are pursuing,” Schaefer said. “We are having conversations with Barry Hunter (Peterson’s trainer, manager and father figure). “They’re interested in the fight. Now we have to see if we can agree on a purse. If we can’t, I guess we will go to a purse bid, but we are working on the numbers.”

Said Khan, “I think it’s a good fight. Peterson is skillful and a good fighter. But I will leave the negotiations to Golden Boy. This will probably be my last fight (at) 140.”

“Lamont is a credible opponent. He got a draw with Ortiz, who is now fighting Mayweather,” Khan, 24, said. “Now he’s my mandatory and it would be a good fight. He wants to fight and I am willing to fight him. That’s probably the best fight for me before I move up to welterweight.”

“I know I will give him a tougher fight than Victor Ortiz will,” Khan said. “He’s never faced anyone as slick as me.”

“I love fighting in the U.S. My fan base is growing,” said Khan, who trains with Roach at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, Calif. “I’d like to do another fight in New York or Las Vegas or have a fight in Los Angeles. Los Angeles would be a good place. I train there, so it would be like home for me.”

“It was good to come to Washington and meet Hillary Clinton,” Khan said. “She shook my hand and mentioned me on the podium when she was giving her speech. She called me a good role model for Muslims. That was nice to hear. She had nice words to say to me. We got to take a picture together. It was exciting.”

CLICK TO BUY THE FIGHT CARD
VINELAND, NJ (September 12, 2011)-This Wednesday at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, Carlos Velez of Vineland, New Jersey is all set to make his pro debut when he takes on crowd favorite Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien as part of a big night of boxing that is promoted by Vincent Ponte and Gulfstream Boxing
and Gabe LaConte

In the main event, Michael Torres (13-2,7 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ taking on Mark Alexander (10-5, 1 KO) of London, England in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Velez has been training very hard under the tutelage of former world title challenger Richie Kates and receives daily sparring with undefeated Jr. Middleweight Ismael Garcia and undefeated Welterweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna.

LaManna will also be fighting on the show when he takes n Josh Williams for the BAM Youth title.

Velez, thirty years old was originally scheduled to make his pro debut on August 27th when he was going to fight undefeated Kevin Rooney Jr. in Atlantic City but due to Hurricane Irene, that bout was postponed.

Velez does not view himself as a steppingstone and plans to give O’Brien a big test on September 14th.

Velez is coming to win and vows to upset O’Brien in front of his many fans.

In a battle of Lightweights from Newark, Carlos Vinan (10-9-4, 2 KO’s) takes on Wanzell Ellison (4-0, 3 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Tyrone Luckey (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Middletown, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a four round Lightweight bout.

Tyabb Beale (4-3, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ will fight Taffo Asongwed (2-8-7) of Montreal in a four round Heavyweight tussle.

Undefeated Heavyweight John Lennox (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Carteret, NJ will take on Joey Dawejko (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a four round bout

John Bolden (2-1, 2 KO’s) of New York will see action against Eric Newell (1-1, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be John Thompson (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark battling Lee Snow of Baltimore in a four round Super Middleweight bout.

Tickets priced $100 (Limited VIP), $50, & $30 (Very Limited) and are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 973-350-9993 or 1-866-263-STAR

The Grand Ballroom at the Robert Treat Hotel is located at 50 Park Place, Newark NJ. Doors open at 6:30 PM, first bout 7:30 sharp.

Yuriorkis Gamboa scored an eight round technical decision over Daniel Ponce De Leon after De Leon Suffered a cut from an accidental headbutt. The bout was a scheduled twelve round Featherweight bout at The Adrian Phillips Ballroom inside of Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

As expected Gamboa proved the be the faster man and that was the difference in the fight. After a feel out first round, Gamboa showed the rare god given ability as he landed some good right hands that landed flush on the chin of De Leon.

In round three, Gamboa landed some solid right hands and flush left hooks. Gamboa landed a hard right in round round five which the combination of the punch plus De Leon’s balance buckled the Mexican.

Gamboa continued to win every round emphatically against De Leon who fought a spirited fight but was second best by a lot on this night.

The two clashed head in round eight which caused a bad cut over the left eye of De Leon and the fight to be stopped on the advice of the ringside doctor at 1:28 of round eight

Gamboa, 127 lbs of Guantanamo, Cuba won by scores of 70-63; 70-63 and 69-64 and is now 21-0. De Leon, 127 lbs of Mexico is 41-4

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Vitali Klitschko continued the two headed monster of Heavyweight dominance when he stopped Tomasz Adamek in round two of their WBC Heavyweight title in Worclaw, Poland.

Klitschko was never in any trouble as he used his nearly six inch height advantage that kept Adamek on the outside and in the process eating bean-pole stiff jabs from the champion.

Klitschko landed a big right hand in round two that wobbled Adamek into the ropes that could have been ruled a knockdown but wasn’t. Klitschko did get credit for a knockdown in round six when another booming right sent him into the corner and was ruled ruled that only the ropes kept him from touching the canvas.

The beatdown continued over the next few rounds as a bloody Adamek continued to take punishment and the fight started to take on the same script that many Klitschko (Vitali and Wladimir) have taken on over the past half decade.

The end came with Vitali drilling Adamek all over thr ring by sticking jabs and right hands in Adamek’s face and the fight was correctly stopped at 2:20 of round ten

Klitschko of Kiev, Ukrane is now 44-2 with forty knockouts. Adamek of Gilowice, Poland is now 44-2.

Amanda Serrano 128 – Kimberly Connor 127
(IBF Woman’s Super Featherweight Title)
Anthony Irons 143 ½ – Fernando Rodriguez 147
Neuky Santelies 131 – Fernando Ramos 130 ¼
Ryan Ramaya 122 – Jonathan Gonzalez 119 ¼
Armin Mrkanovic 189 – Kenneth Rosser 187
Alvin Acosta 165 – Lekan Byfield 164
Zachary Ochoa 138 – William Ware 140
Dinmukhamed Niyazov 137 – Mateo Acosta 139

Promoter: Rob Diaz Havoc Boxing Promotions
Venue: Aviator Sports Complex
1st Bell: 7 pm EST

Legend has it the gambling term “chalk” precedes World War II. In the days when horsetrack bettors watched a chalkboard for odds, the action on a favorite would change so often, causing erasings and re-markings in such a frenzy, that a pile of chalk dust would accumulate on the favorite’s name, often obscuring it.

A bettor who walked to the window and took the chalk, then, might not even know the name of his horse – just that it was favored.

Today, the accumulated chalk dust that can obscure a fighter’s name is HBO. Bet the chalk for Saturday’s HBO pay-per-view scrap between Floyd “Money May” Mayweather and WBC welterweight titlist Victor Ortiz at MGM Grand. Wherever betting closes in Mayweather’s favor – the fight opened at 8-1 odds – the chalk bet will be a safe one for a couple reasons.

First, Mayweather is an astute handicapper. In all of boxing, only Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler might have a better eye for prizefighters’ limitations. Mayweather opens as the favorite in every fight because professional gamblers, uninterested in opponents’ heroic biographies, trust Mayweather’s eye and know he does not fight anyone he isn’t sure he will beat.

Second, HBO televises mostly mismatches. A careful apologist surely could visit all of HBO’s recent offerings and explain the political intrigue and promotional connivance that made them what disappointments they were. But here’s something to keep in mind as a subscriber: It’s none of your business. Your only job as a customer is to enjoy a product.

The “24/7” documentary HBO uses to sell pay-per-view fights was, this time as always, one episode too many. An episode’s worth of time for each fighter and what the men will do to one another, really, is a proper model. That’s three episodes. Because “24/7” is an infomercial vehicle now on autopilot, we get four, and one of them invariably comprises robustly silly skits like Money May car shopping.

Money May, as we learned in episode 3, has lost interest in HBO’s hagiographic treatment of Victor Ortiz’s childhood. Touché. Something about the Kansan’s story does not feel well-reported. Ortiz is strikingly eloquent about the trauma of being left for dead by both parents before his 13th birthday. And when he says that, at age nine, he told all and sundry he would be the guy to beat an Olympic bronze medalist named Mayweather, well, he seems – borrowing Larry Merchant’s term – to be trying too hard.

Ortiz has always come across as an edgy suburban kid more than a street tough. In any other field of endeavor, of course, that would be a compliment. We spent a 15-minute bus ride to the Alamodome together in 2007. Ortiz showed none of the eyes-lowered wariness of most traumatized kids. Rather, he was gregarious, opinionated and bright. If he was merely eight years, then, from living on the streets, his transformation was indeed miraculous.

But if a product of wholesale poverty – pecuniary, spiritual, intellectual – is what you’re after, look no further than Money May’s made-for-TV chat session with American soldiers in the latest “24/7” installment. Racing through his mansion with a laptop, hyperactive enough to outpace the boundaries of his home’s wireless network, twice, Money May showed $30,000/year heroes his collection of meretricious toys. It was a concise report on American values.

If Victor Ortiz were to read what is written about him above, he would likely reply, “Whatever, dude, I don’t care if you believe me or not.” Mayweather, meanwhile, would go into a righteous fit, the reflexive lunacy of a man wrongly accused. Mayweather the businessman against Ortiz the trauma survivor, then, has all the congruity of a Shakespearean bed-switching caper.

So, we can agree the subplots for this event are mostly if not entirely contrived, but what about the fight itself?

It should not be close. Some of us may have forgotten the look on Ortiz’s face when he quit against Marcos Maidana in 2009, but rest assured Mayweather has not. That Victor Ortiz, and not the beast who decisioned Andre Berto in April, is the guy Mayweather expects to face Saturday.

Ortiz, who has learned from his handler Oscar De La Hoya the media is only useful as a lapdog, criticizes those who criticize him. He explains that we do not understand how much fire he has inside him, and he is likely correct. But Ortiz has yet to show Ricky Hatton’s fire in the ring, and we saw how Mayweather extinguished that.

But Ortiz is so much bigger than Hatton was!

Actually, Ortiz has exactly as many fights at welterweight as Hatton had when he was stopped by Mayweather four years ago. Ortiz has 1/7 as many fights at welterweight as Mayweather. Ortiz will bring exactly no power advantage to Saturday’s fight.

That leaves his awkwardness and youth. He is a southpaw, and he has 24 years to Mayweather’s 34. If aficionados agree Ortiz would have no chance against a prime Mayweather, their reason for purchasing Saturday’s show must be: Mayweather is no longer in his prime.

That may be. Certainly, the day Mayweather’s reflexes dull, nobody in his entourage will be the wiser. Mayweather’s trainer and uncle, at age 50, isn’t likely to catch his charge slipping with handpad tricks, and Roger Mayweather remains Floyd’s only chance at an honest appraisal.

For all his childishness, though, Floyd Mayweather might just be a genius of physical motion. If he had detected an erosion in training camp, he likely would have spent “24/7” taunting Ortiz instead of buying cars.

Alas, we’re supposed to be selling this fight in the hopes that next year will bring a fight to save boxing – “The World Awaited” – and so it behooves us to proclaim this match will be more than another tune-up for Mayweather. OK, then, probably . . .

Sorry, couldn’t do it. The chalk is right. I’ll take Mayweather: KO-10.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

The Mayweather gym opened it’s doors to writers, photographers, and videographers alike this past Tuesday with it’s traditional pre-fight media day.

The action kicked off with a workout from young, and undefeated prospect Jesse Vargas who worked the pads and heavy bag for the national and local media. Roger Mayweather fielded questions from the press at ringside, while p.r. specialist Kelly Swanson conducted interviews with fighters and trainers for Ustream.

Mayweather himself entered the room close to 3 o’clock, decked out in black, fielding questions from the press before changing into his workout attire. Commenting on everything from his father, to Victor Ortiz, to Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather reiterated the same points he has drilled home time and time again. When faced with a question regarding Ortiz’s thoughts on his financial carelessness Mayweather offered up his defense.

“People act like I just woke up and was a millionaire, I had a very tough upbringing. But people don’t want to hear the same thing over and over, 24/7 is about entertainment”

Nowhere to be seen was the original Floyd Mayweather, who was infamously involved in an eruption with his son just weeks ago. Mayweather Jr. was inevitably asked to comment on his father, and remained reserved in his answer, wishing his father well in his boxing ventures, and reaffirming his loyalty in uncle and long time trainer Roger.

Another inevitable question the former champion faced involved a certain Pilipino champion by the name of
Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather’s criticism toward Pacquiao on this particular day centered around the Pac-Man’s lawsuit.
“I figured that this was boxing, Ali used to criticize his opponents. I criticize my opponents, It’s boxing.”

The Grand Rapids native continued to insist that he has never outrightly accused Pacquiao of cheating, and stood by his stance on Olympic style blood testing.

The Mayweather gym houses more than just it’s future hall of fame namesake. The facility also serves as a breeding ground for several hopeful young champions. Among them is 25 year old Christian Thomas.

While Thomas has yet to make his debut, he calls himself the car that isn’t quite ready to come out of the garage yet, but when his number is called he’l be ready for the best at 168. The young fighter migrated west from Mayweather’s hometown of Grand Rapids Michigan, and notes that the gym functions as a team operation.

If Media day offered one consistent trend, it’s that Floyd Mayweather is not afraid to be hated, and when the spotlight is on him he is at his brightest.

Vincent Arroyo continued his impressive run as he scored a ten round unanimous decision over Hector Sanchez in a Welterweight bout at the Grand Hinckley Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota.

It was the taller Sanchez who controlled the action over the first third of the fight as he used his range and countered well with the right hand. Arroyo was cut around the left eye in round one. Sanchez rocked Arroyo in round two from long right. Arroyo started landing some good power punches in the middle rounds and he was pulling even on the cards.

Arroyo was very effective in round five with his left hook and picked up the momentum as they came towards the late rounds. Arroyo had Sanchez in big trouble in round eight has he landed a perfect left hook that buckled Sanchez to the ropes. Arroyo jumped on Sanchez and landed a flurry of punches but not the one big shot that would have ended things.

The two slugged down the stretch in what seemed to be a close fight but two of the three judges disagreed as the voted for Arroyo by a wide 98-92 scores while a third judge was closer to the consensus 96-94.

Arroyo is now 12-1. Sanchez, 143 lbs of San Cruz, PR is now 19-2.

World ranked Lateef Kayode hung to score a ten round unanimous decision over Felix Cora Jr. in a Cruiserweight bout.

Kayode landed the harder shots over the first half of the fights as he got through with his vaunted right hand. He started working the body with the right hand. Cora suffered a cut from a but over his left eye.

Cora finally got started in the ninth round by landing multi punch combination’s that seemed to bother Kayode and even backed him off. With Cora having a solid round ten, Kayode landed his third low blow and was docked a point by referee Steve Smoger.

It was too little too late as Kayode, 198 lbs of Lagos, Nigeria won by scores of 98-92;97-92 and 96-93 to remain perfect at 18-0. Cora, 198 lbs of Galvastan, TX is now 22-6-2.

Former contenders Cosme Rivera and Antonio Pitalua fought to a back and forth spirited draw in a Mexico City in a Jr. Welterweight bout in Mexico City.

The two exchanged hard shots through out the fight and the scores read 115-114 for Pitalua; 115-113 for Rivera and 114-114.

Pitalua, 140 lbs of Monteria, COL is now 52-5-1. Rivera, 140 lbs of Sinaloa, MX is now 32-14-3

Ariel Guzman scored a four round split decision over Miguel Dominguez in a Super Flyweight fight.

Scores were 39-37 on two cards for Guzman who is now 6-1. Dominguez took a card but is now 1-3.

Jr. Middleweight contender Gabriel Rosado talks about his 10 round win over Keenan Collins

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Ronald Cruz talks about his 6th round stoppage over Christopher Fernandez

PHILADELPHIA –Despite having a tumultuous summer, Jr. Middle Gabriel Rosado looked ready and focused as he captured the Pennsylvania State championship with a shutout ten round unanimous decision at the Asylum Arena in South Philadelphia that highlighted a card that was broadcasted across the country on Telefutura.

Rosado used his range and quick hands to keep Collins at bay and never let Reading, Pennsylvania native get into the fight more than just a few seconds over the thirty minute bout.

Rosado started taking complete command as early as round two as he started featuring three and four punch combination’s for which Collins could just cover up and absorb the blows. In round three, Rosado began mixing in the thunder as started landing huge shots on the ropes. Collins has some brief moments in round four but they were short lived as Rosado landed about fifteen unanswered blows that had Collins in trouble. Those shots forced a cut over the left eye of Collins. He showed enough fight to been able to continue on in the bout.

Over the second half of the fight, Rosado boxed and slugged with equal success as it looked like he had a game plan to dominate boxing in one round and then use power shots in the next.

Rosado coasted down the stretch and won by scores of 100-90 on all cards.

The win has to be extra sweet for Rosado, who was arrested in July for allegedly hitting a Police Officer in an Atlantic City casino just hours after stopping Ayi Bruce.

To have the type of flawless performance with all of the out of the ring distractions shows the focus that Rosado had going into this fight and going forward and he is becoming a factor in the Jr. Middleweight division.

Rosado, 153 lbs of Philadelphia is now 18-5. Collins, 152 lbs of 13-7-2.

In the co-feature, rising Welterweight Ronald Cruz continued to systematically break down his foe as he made Christopher Fernandez say “No Mas” after round six of their scheduled eight round bout.

Much like his previous bouts, Cruz used a body assault that took the will and desire from Fernandez. He started boxing in rights that do not look like much but have hurt just about everyone of his opponents.

That punch usually sets up well placed flank shots that on this night continuously made Fernandez take two and three steps back.

Fernandez landed some good shots in round four that drew some blood from the mouth of Cruz.

One of the few times that Fernandez didn’t go backwards on a body shot was in round five when he took a left to the ribs and went down.

Fernandez was able to get out of the round only to take a pounding of body blows in round six.

Fernandez had enough of the drubbing after the round and the fight was stopped.

Cruz, 146 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is now 14-0 with eleven knockouts. Fernandez, 146 lbs of Salt lake City, UT is now 19-14-1

In the opening bout, Tevin Farmer out boxed Joshua Arocho and scored a four round unanimous decision in a Featherweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Farmer, 126 lbs of Philadelphia and is now 2-1. Arocho, 126 lbs of Vineland, NJ is now 1-5-1.

On the strength of a second round knockdown, Lonnie Kornegay got into the win column as he scored a four round split decision over William Miranda in a Heavyweight bout.

Kornegay, 266 ½ lbs of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 39-36; 38-37 and Miranda took a card at 38-37.
Kornegay is now 1-4-2. Miranda, 234 lbs of Allentown, PA is now 3-4-1.

DeCarlo Perez needed just ninety-eight seconds to dispose of Tolan Tascoe in a four round Welterweight bout.

Perez, 149 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is now 5-0-1 with two knockouts. Tascoe, 150 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 1-6-1.

Bryant Jennings dropped Alex Mejias in round three en route to a six round unanimous decision over Alex Mejias.

Jennings clipped Mejias with a hard over hand right in round three that briefly hurt Mejias. Mejias made the fight a raggedy affair but Jennings landed the better shots and won by scores of 59-55; 59-55 and 58-56.
Jennings, 223 lbs of Philadelphia remains perfect at 10-0. Mejias, 227 lbs of Paterson, NJ is now 11-8.

Fred Jenkins Jr. dropped overmatched Peter Yates twice and scored a stoppage at 3:00 of round two of a scheduled four round Super Middleweight bout.

Jenkins, 166 ¾ lbs of Philadelphia is now 4-0 with two knockouts. Yates, 166 lbs of Norfolk, VA is now 1-3.

The card was promoted by Hall of Famer Russell Peltz and Peltz Boxing along with Don Chargin Productions

After Lucas Matthysse fell ill earlier this week, Golden Boy Promotions scrambled to find an opponent for Erik Morales as part if the Floyd Mayweather Victor Ortiz undercard and they came up with undefeated Mexican Pablo Cesar Cano according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“When Matthysse dropped out we looked at who the available contenders were and we wanted to still put on an exciting fight,” Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer told ESPN on Friday night, just after the deal had been completed. “Matthysse against Morales would have been toe-to-toe action. We all know that. With Pablo Cesar Cano I know it will also be toe-to-toe action. And the rivalry between Mexico City (Cano) and Tijuana (Morales) continues.”

It turns out that the 21-year-old Cano (22-0-1, 17 KOs) is trained by Rudy Perez, who trained another Mexican star, Marco Antonio Barrera, for his all-time classic trilogy with Morales.

“Rudy Perez is excited about the opportunity. Cano is thrilled,” Schaefer said. “Rudy Perez told me has exactly the recipe to beat Morales. He’s done it before in (two of the three) Barrera fights. They are all fired up for this opportunity. Cano just fought a couple of months ago and he is in great shape and ready go. They really jumped on this.”

Schaefer said Morales (51-7, 35 KOs), 35, also accepted the fight immediately.

“He said, ‘I don’t care, just sign him up,’” Schaefer said. “He said, ‘I don’t care who I fight. Bring me King Kong.’ I know this is going to be an exciting fight. It was easy to get made and I’ll bet anyone it will be an exciting fight. When you have two Mexicans fighting each other — on Mexican Independence Day weekend — for a world title, I don’t think you see too many boring fights. These guys really want it.”

Boxing returns to South London, where many a show has taken place over the years, they have all boxed here, Honeyghan, Calzaghe, Duke Mckenzie, the latter even created history here when he beat Gaby Canizales to replicate Bob Fitzimmons as only the second British boxer to win three World titles in three different weight divisions!

However enough of the history lesson, Mickey Helliet put’s on a good card featuring none other than 12 fights, topping the show is Chas Symonds against Gavin Tait for the vacant Southern Area welterweight title in a fight over ten rounds.

Also on the show are Margate’s Jack Morris who returns at light heavy in a six rounder, Morris best known for being in Prizefighter the light heavys where after winning his opening fight against Billy Slate on a controversial decision had to be withdrawn by doctors due to a fractured hand! Morris will be looking to get back with a win that hopefuly will lead to a rematch with Michael Banbula for Banbula’s Southern Area title! Banbula being the only man to have put a blip on his record, Morris was hoping to avenge that loss in the aforementioned Prizefighter as Banbula also competed but due to the injury it never happened! And also in the same division and from the same place is Daniel Woodgate whose also boxing on the show in a four rounder, Morris and Woodgate have oponents yet to be named.

Also on the show is Eder Kurti the Woolwich super middle and middle Wayne Alwan Arab who both could be soon contesting titles, and at light heavy there’s Joe Smyth who’ll be looking to put the disapointment of last Janaury’s Prizefighter behind him and get back in the win column, up a few division’s at heavy and cruiser you got Dillon Whyte and Nathan Skeen, the latter who faces Lee Kellett!

Okay now all the way down to lightweight and there’s Marcin Marzarak making his pro debut and Lee Cook and talking of Lee’s and debutant’s you got Lee Owen and Warren Fenn taking there respective pro bow’s and Darryl Still whose having his professional fight at welter, and before I forget Ben Day is making his pro debut or in the words of the last two boxers surnames, I still can’t wait for the day when this mammoth show happens, mammoth? well it is at the Elephant! also please note the London annual boxing memorabilia fayre is less than a few months away, which takes place on the 15th October, email me for more details at micksnice@aol.com and talking of a Elephant and memorabilia, how could you forget!

Oh yeah the important bit, for tickets for the boxing show please phone 0207 388 5999, prices are £30 to £60 and the venue is about a minutes walk from the Elephant and Castle tube station.

Nick Diaz must have done something right in order to keep his name on the UFC 137 roster. UFC president Dana White announced on Thursday via Twitter, stating that Diaz will now take on B.J. Penn, who was left without an opponent after his original foe Carlos Condit received the call to replace Diaz to face Georges St. Pierre for the welterweight crown. Despite the twisting turn of events, the main headliner and its co-feature still feature all four guys originally slated to compete. Stylistically speaking, some say that the swap might even lead to more entertaining bouts. UFC 137 will take place on October 29th at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV.

NEW YORK (September 9, 2011)—On Thursday afternoon, the media gathered at Club 1849 in the SoHo section of New York City for the final press conference before Saturday night’s big fight card at The Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York.

In the main event, Amanda Serrano will take on Kimberly Connor for the IBF Super Featherweight championship.

Undefeated Super Middleweight, Joel “El Ray” Castillo will take on an opponent to be determined.

In a third co-feature, undefeated and powerful Colombian knockout artist Santander Silgado (18-0, 16 KO’s) will take on the upset specialist, Harvey Jolley in a six round Cruiserweight bout.

The eleven bout card is promoted by Rob Diaz’ Havoc Boxing Promotions

Below are quotes from a few of the participants plus the link to view and embed the press conference video

Andre Rozier—“The athletes on this card will be boxing in the memory of those we did lose”
“People are saying with eleven bouts that this is a Don King-eqsue card but this is what
Havoc Boxing is all about”
“This is one of many steps that will make Havoc is making to rise to the top”
“On Saturday night we will remember 9/11 and it’s a day we will never forget”
“Amanda Serrano is a fantastic athlete and every time she fights, she has the intent of
destroying her opponent”

Kelly Richardson (Trainer of Zachary Ochoa)—“I look forward to more great events with Havoc Promotions”

Zachary Ochoa (Pro Debut)—“I will put on a great show. I worked hard. This is my time to shine”

Alvin Acosta—“Be ready. I am back. We are ready to fight”
“This is what I have been doing all of my life and I am back”

Joel Castillo—“We have been struggling but we been working hard. Everyone who I train with motivates me. I am ready for whoever I fight. We don’t play games. We are in the hurt business and on Saturday night, dome body will get hurt.”

NOTES…To honor EMS workers, all Policeman, Firemen, EMT and other workers will receive 20% discounts on all tickets with proof of ID..Most of the fighters were in the process of completing their medical examiners. Fridays weigh-in will begin at 1pm…The rest of the card will feature: Anthony Irons (3-0-1, 2 KO’s)—Undefeated Welterweight—Brooklyn, NY…Ryan Ramaya (Pro Debut)–Featherweight—Brooklyn, NY…Arman Mrkanovic (1-1)—Cruiserweight—Queens, NY…Frank Galarza (3-0, 1 KO)—Jr. Welterweight—Brooklyn, NY

LINK TO VIEW PRESS CONFERENCE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-tK3DQiptY

EMBEDDED LINK (ANY WEBSITE MY USE THIS by copying and pasting)

1ST BELL IS 7PM SHARP

All tickets are priced at $50 and can be purchased by clicking:
www.havocboxingnyc.com

The Aviator Sports Complex is located at:

3159 Flatbush Ave – Brooklyn, N.Y. 11234

For more information on Havoc Boxing, Click:
www.havocboxingnyc.com

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Gabriel Rosado, 153 lbs – Keenan Collins, 152 lbs
(PA State Junior Middleweight Title)
Ronald Cruz, 146 lbs – Christopher Fernandez, 146 lbs
Bryant Jennings, 223 lbs – Alexis Mejias, 227 lbs
Decarlo Perez, 149 lbs – Tolan Tascoe, 150 lbs
Fred Jenkins Jr., 165.75 lbs – Pete Yates, 166 lbs
William Miranda, 234 lbs – Lonnie Kornegay, 266.5 lbs
Tevin Farmer, 126 lbs – Joshua Arocho, 126 lbs

Venue: Asylum Arena, South Philadelphia
First Bout: 7:30 PM
Promoted by: Peltz Boxing Promotions, Don Chargin Productions and Golden Boy Promotions
Tickets: $45 & $65

Photo by John DiSanto/phillyboxinghistory.com

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Lucas Matthysse has fallen ill which will force him to opt out of next Saturday’s showdown with Erik Morales that would have been for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight title that was to be a part of the Floyd Mayweather – Victor Ortiz undercard.

“They did send us a certificate from a doctor but this is a situation where I don’t even need to see a certificate,” said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions. “The guy was favored to go and win a world title against a legend like Erik Morales on the biggest pay-per-view card of the year. Who the hell would want to pull out of that?”

“He has a very severe virus, which totally dehydrated him and weakened him,” Schaefer said. “I was told he had to be admitted to the hospital to deal with the dehydration issues, but he is going to be OK.”

When Matthysse (28-2, 26 KOs) dropped out Schaefer said Morales’ first request was that Golden Boy try to line up a rematch with titleholder Marcos Maidana, who won majority decision against him in an April barnburner.

“Erik came to us and said he was looking forward to the fight with Matthysse and that he will fight anyone in his place,” Schaefer said. “He said, ‘Get me Maidana.’ So we reached out to Maidana, but he prefers to fight in Argentina at this point.”

Schaefer said there are three potential opponents for Morales, although he declined to name them.

“We should have something to announce in the next 24 hours,” he said.

“Erik Morales is always in exciting fights,” Schaefer said. “You could never see Erik Morales in a bad fight, so I am excited no matter who he fights.”

NEW YORK (September 8, 2011) – Unbeaten NABF Featherweight Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano steps-up one weight class for her first world title fight, when she takes on WIBF Inter-Continental lightweight titlist Kimberly Connor in a 10-round bout for the vacant International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) junior lightweight title, Saturday night at home in Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex.

“It’s wonderful,” Amanda remarked about fighting for her first world title at home in Brooklyn. “It’s nerve wracking. I’m anxious, really excited and all of these emotions are mixed-up. I’m going to have a lot of people there supporting me.”

The 23-year-old Serrano (11-0-1, 7 KOs), a native of Puerto Rico who is now fighting out of Brooklyn, will be attempting to become the first world champion in her family, as well as the Boxing 360 stable. Her older sister, Cindy “Checkmate” Serrano (15-3-2, 7 KOs), fights Anne Sophie Mathis (24-1, 21 KOs) on October 1 in France for the WIBA, WIBF and WBF welterweight championships. The sisters often spar together and somewhere down the road they may face each other in a fight.

“Cindy worked real hard and led the path for me,” Amanda noted. “She opened a lot of doors for me. “She’s just as excited about this fight as me. Winning a world title first really doesn’t matter. It’s cool because we live together and we’ll both be able to see the title belt every day. We’re the best sparring partner for each other. I never have a good day with her. We both agree that we’d rather fight than spar each other. I don’t know too much about my opponent other than she’s tough. I hope she’s trained hard for this fight and is willing to die in the ring like I am.”

Serrano and Connor are rated No. 5 and No. 8, respectfully, by the IBF.

“We’re proud of Amanda and what she’s accomplished so far in the ring and believe that this is just the beginning for her,” Boxing 360 CEO & Founder Mario Yagobi said. “She’s earned this title shot and we’re confident that she will become our first world champion.”

Connor (9-1-2, 4 KOs), who lives in Arkansas, appreciates her title-shot opportunity. “I’m very happy to be fighting for a world title and believe that this could be my time,” Connor commented. “I’m excited because I’ve never fought outside the South. This is my first time in New York City. It’s huge. The entire population of Arkansas could fit in one of these boroughs.

“I know Amanda is really good, quick and a southpaw. I know fighting her will step-up my game. I have a pretty good jab but tend to brawl a bit. It all depends on who I’m fighting and what approach she decides to take. I do like to brawl and fans enjoy watching my style of fighting.”

Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include USBA heavyweight champion Maurice Sugar Moe” Harris, WBC #5 super bantamweight Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, unbeaten welterweight prospect Vitaliy “Demyan” Demyanenko, WBC Caribbean & NY State super middleweight champion Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, Dominican lightweight champion Eudy “AK47” Bernardo, KO king Tyrone Brunson, Mike Mollo, Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal, middleweight prospect DonYil Livingston, Joel Diaz Jr., and “King” David Estrada.

Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Serrano or her stable-mates.

On Friday, September 16th, former WBF Welterweight Champion Paul Nave continues his improbable comeback against an undefeated fighter less than half his age in former accomplished amateur Brandon Hoskins, outdoors at Albert Park Field in San Rafael, California. For Nave, a fighter that beat long odds to decision Greg Haugen for his title back in 1998, the fight marks a return to the familiar role of underdog.

Nave (19-8-2, 8 KOs) of San Rafael has gone 4-0 since ending a nine-and-one-half year retirement and felt the time had come to step up the level competition. “The plan was to come back, fight a little more consistently and get in that top shape, get my timing down and then go for it,” says Nave, who will be just days shy of his 51st birthday on fight night. “I’ve had four fights and won all four against average fighters, but the problem is I haven’t been able to keep consistent because of some minor injuries at times.”

Despite being out of the ring since last June, Nave moved ahead and lined up a tough opponent in Hoskins in order to take his comeback to the next level. “The time is running,” admits Nave. “I am not getting any younger and it is kind of now or never for me with the window of opportunity. The idea is I am definitely challenging myself, fighting a kid 15-0 that is less than half my age. I have a daughter his age.”

Hoskins (15-0-1, 8 KOs) of Hannibal, Missouri may be somewhat of an unknown commodity to the average boxing fan, but he comes equipped with credentials that need to be respected. “This guy was a three-time Golden Gloves champion, 50-7 as an amateur,” says Nave of the 24-year-old Hoskins. “I believe his dad owns a gym, so he probably grew up in the gym. He’s is probably going to be in real good shape. My thought is that he is probably a very good boxer, and I am going to have to get him out of his game plan.”

Nave, who is trained by Homer Hall, is preparing for a tough eight-round fight. “We’re sparring well and getting the rounds in,” reports Nave. “I’ve just got to get in the best shape that I can. He’s not coming out to lose, and he’s fighting an older guy, so I am basically the underdog. Even though I have a lot of experience, he’s never lost. But I love the challenge, and that’s what I came back for.”

Nave, who is also the promoter of the fight, worked tirelessly to bring the event to Albert Park Field, something he has wanted to do for roughly a decade. “I’ve played 32-years of fast pitch softball there,” says Nave. “I always thought it would be so cool to have an event there. I am down to my last few fights now, I figured it was now or never to realize my dream have putting on an event there.”

Nave came back to the ring with hopes of landing one more big fight, but he understands he cannot look ahead past the 16th. “Everything hinges on this fight,” says Nave. “If I am to win this fight, it would open up a huge opportunity. But everything is contingent on this fight.”

Even if the result is in doubt heading in, one thing that is not is the effort. “I’ve always said that whether I’ve trained one month or three months, whatever I got it is all going out there,” says Nave. “So I am going to leave everything in the ring, that is for sure, and I am going to do my very best to win.

At my age, I am jumping in deep water, and we will see if I can swim to the top.”

Supporting card:

Surging cruiserweight Lamont Williams (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Fairfield, California will take on Brent Urban (7-4-1, 5 KOs) of Burlingame, California in a six-round bout.

In a women’s attraction, Marquita Lee of Novato, California will make her professional debut against Laura Deanovic (0-2) of San Francisco, California in a four-rounder.

In a four-round pairing of pro debuters, Jesus Partida of Redwood City, California will take on former amateur adversary Denis Madriz of San Francisco in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Rounding out the card, two guys known for giving top fighters tough fights will square off against one another, as Luis Alfredo Lugo (11-16-1, 5 KOs) of Richmond, California will square off against Hector Alatorre (16-16, 5 KOs) of Tulare, California in a four-round welterweight bout.

*All Bouts Subject To Change

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There are almost as many interpretations of the zero on the losing side of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s ledger as there are victories in the column that betting odds say is about to go from 41 to 42. That 0 is a blank canvas. What adds up to nothing can amount to anything, maybe everything about Mayweather.

On one level, it’s baffling. Only in boxing can unbeaten mean unproven. Yet on another level, a fighter’s ability and character have always been measured in terms of how he deals with defeat. From Sugar Ray Robinson to Muhammad Ali, a loss makes them human and the comeback makes them great. Other than Rocky Marciano, those are the terms in the fine print that go into the creation of a legend.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Without a loss, it’s just hard to know what to make of Mayweather. Perhaps, that’s unfair. Perhaps, it’s just a sign that there aren’t any great fighters these days, but don’t tell that to Manny Pacquiao. The suspicion is that Pacquiao-Mayweather hasn’t happened, simply because Mayweather is protecting that zero.

True?

False?

How about: Who knows?

That’s the only conclusion I got out of a conference call this week with Mayweather in the build-up to his Sept. 17 bout at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand with Victor Ortiz, who is enjoying a spike in popularity because he came back from lingering doubts left in the wake of a 2009 loss to Marcos Maidana.

Mayweather was his quick-silver self, which means he was entertaining, insightful, over-the-top cocky and annoying all at once. The zero said it all. We know zip about him.

He thanked the media. No kidding. Then, he turned his rhetorical venom on to his surrogate whipping boy, Oscar De La Hoya, while praising De La Hoya’s promotional CEO, Richard Schaefer.

“Can’t even call it Golden Boy Promotions anymore,’’ Mayweather said after ripping De La Hoya for talking about drugs, drinking and wearing women’s underwear in a recent Univision interview. “Got to call it Richard Schaefer Promotions.’’

Meanwhile, he sent up some more red flags about whether the left-handed Ortiz was in fact a step toward finally agreeing to a deal with Pacquiao, also a southpaw, for the only fight which interests casual fans, which means most people.

“If you’re the best, take the test,’’ Mayweather said in one of several references to the drug-testing demand that was the sticking point in the last round of abortive negotiations.

Mayweather repeated charges that could lead to a rocky start of renewed talks.

“It’s okay for (Pacquiao) to go from 105 (pounds) to 154 and he gets knockouts and they say: ‘You know what? It’ all natural,’ ‘’ he said. “But if I went from 147 to heavyweight and was knocking out heavyweights, would that be all natural? That’s what you got to ask yourself at the end of the day.’’

Mayweather compared himself to some of the best in his favorite pastime, basketball. Like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, Mayweather said he was well-known and considered a future professional star even when he was a high-school teenager. But Pacquiao, he said, came from nowhere.

“Suddenly at 25, he’s this good,’’ Mayweather said of the Filipino. “Come on.’’

Mayweather’s pointed questions were often offset by either common sense or a genuine sense that he cares. Remember, this is the same Mayweather who paid for Genaro Hernandez’ funeral in June. Hernandez helped launch Mayweather’s career in 1998 when Mayweather knocked him out in the eighth round.

“Hernandez gave me my first real opportunity,’’ Mayweather said during the conference call.

He said other things, both insightful and heartfelt.

On his notorious nickname, Money: “My health is more important than money.’’

When asked about possible distractions, he talked about alleged altercations, including one in which he was reported to have poked a security guard in the face.

“I don’t know no one who pokes somebody in the face when they’ve got a gun on them,’’ Mayweather said.

Anybody who has covered Mayweather through his long career has encountered this unexpected side to him. The man has money and moods. Yet in brief encounters away from a dysfunctional crowd that seems to egg on a personality that revels in being boxing’s bad boy, he can be a nice guy.

His legal problems include domestic abuse charges involving an ex-girlfriend, Josie Harris, also the mother of his children. In talking about that allegation, Mayweather talked about the night in 2006 when he beat Zab Judah. A brawl erupted, involving Judah, Yoel Judah, Zab’s dad and trainer, and Roger Mayweather, Floyd’s uncle-and-trainer.

Floyd Mayweather stood to one side, peaceful and under control in a ring where the violence threatened to become a riot.

The Mayweather of that night stands in sharp contrast to the one we often hear and the one we sometimes read about in stories that include a booking photo.

They don’t add up, just like that zero.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the anticiapted grudge match between WBC Super Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito set for December 3rd in Madison Square Garden will be televised on on HBO Pay Per View.

“New York, Cotto versus Margarito, HBO. All the ingredients for a memorable night,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef.

“What made us make the decision (to go back to HBO) was because they’re really giving us tremendous assets and the deal is very, very good,” said Top Rank CEO Bob Arum. “They’re gearing up and they think we can do 750,000 homes for that fight.”

“Showtime knows we are going with HBO and they took it OK,” Arum said. “They’re pros.”

Asked if the move would damage his new found relationship with Showtime, Arum said, “It’s not helping it, but it’s not hurting it. They’re sensible. If we have a product good for their network they’ll buy it, and we are certainly not going to shut the door to them.”