Q & A with Robbie “The Bomber” Peden


After embarking on an outstanding amateur career Robbie “Bomber” Peden turned professional back in late 1996, nearly ten years later he retired aged aged 33. Having gone 25-4(14) the highlight coming in February 2005 when in a rare appearance in his home country of Australia he won the IBF Super Featherweight title when he stopped Nate Campbell in the eighth round. The aforementioned amateur career saw him represent Australia in both the 1992 & 1996 Olympics. He then based himself in America for 10 years in which time he fought both Marco Antonio Barrera & Juan Manuel Marquez, so he’s well accustomed to the nuances of the game. Now 37, he works in the community with underprivileged kids though admits to being tempted by a return to the ring.

Hello Robbie, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – It’s been three and a half years since you retired from the Boxing ring, what have you done since you retired?

Robbie Peden – I started a not for profit organization Indigenous Solutions Aboriginal Corporation where I coordinate and facilitate programs for disadvantaged youth and families. I manage The Fitzroy Stars Health and Fitness Academy and co own a mobile gym company ( Mobile Gyms Australia) with my mate and former Commonwealth champion Julian Holland . I also tutor Indigenous/ Aboriginal children at local high schools trying to better lives of Aboriginal children through out Australia.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have anything to do with Boxing today?

Robbie Peden – Anson I run the Fitzroy Stars health and fitness academy. Here the boxing program is run through out the year from Monday to Friday.

Anson Wainwright – I would imagine the best part of your career was winning the in 2005 when you stopped Nate Campbell for the Vacant IBF Super Featherweight title. Looking back now what are your thoughts on that win and what it meant to you?

Robbie Peden – It was my ambition to go to America to test myself against the best in the world not to fight at home with hand picked opponents. Luckily the opportunity came for me to fight for the title in Australia. Although I didn’t get paid by the promoter Tony Caradona it was still one of the greatest experiences I have had in my life.

Anson Wainwright – Looking at your record it struck me that you had 29 fights but only 2 of them took place in Australia. Why was this?

Robbie Peden – I never wanted to be a big fish in a small pool. I wanted to swim with the sharks, I even bit a few! Obviously I did things a little different then most but I am happy with the choices I made in my career.

Anson Wainwright – You were a road warrior fighting in America many times plus Poland & New Zealand, can you tell us about some of the experiences you had going to all those places?

Robbie Peden – I was based in America for 10 years, but fought in Poland, New Zealand and Vanuatu as well. Andrew Golota wanted me to fight on his undercard in Poland against a Polish Olympian. But travelling with the Australian National team for 6 years, well there wasn’t much I hadn’t seen.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested and then involved in Boxing?

Robbie Peden – I only started boxing to get the girls! (Joking) My father Brian Peden was a fighter and also excellent trainer. He trained my mother’s brothers so it was a natural progression.

Anson Wainwright – I would imagine from fighting so many times in America that you have several friends in the Boxing community? Can you name them & tell us about some of those relationships?

Robbie Peden – Many friends indeed, Roger Bloodworth my trainer, well with out him none of my Professional career would have been possible. I think there are too many people to name whom I consider friends over there. I will say I lost 2 of my good mates last year Vernon Forrest and Arturo Gatti as well as my daughter, so 2009 wasn’t a good year for me!

Anson Wainwright – I’m sure you have seen some crazy things in the Boxing world or been involved in some amusing things. Could you share one of your favourite Boxing stories with us?

Robbie Peden – The training camp with Pernell Whitaker when he was getting ready for Delahoya. That camp was a blast, everyone playing practical jokes on each other. Very funny camp!

Anson Wainwright – You fought many top guys in your career with the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera & Juan Manuel Marquez being the two biggest names. What can you tell us about those fights?

Robbie Peden – Both legends and Hall of fame specials. As for the Marquez fight I spewed up in the 9th round. I entered that fight with a virus but as it was a great opportunity I didn’t want to let it get away from me like the Proposed Augie Sanchez fight.

The Barrera fight I had a pretty good camp but was looking after a friend whom had a lot of issues. Of course things didn’t work out for me and I wasn’t as focused as I should’ve been.

I would like to add I do not wish to take away anything from these tow great fighters victories but I wasn’t 100% for them fights.

Anson Wainwright – Just a few pounds above were you fought two Australians Michael Katsidis and Lenny Zappavigna are making waves on the world scene. What are your thoughts on them and how good do you think they are? What do you think happens when Katsidis fights Marquez?

Robbie Peden – Both Michael and Lenny have been very, very well managed. Michael is never in a boring fight and Lenny is still learning his craft. I think that they’re just below the top echelon in the light weight division at the moment.

I went to Stathi’s (Michael’s brother) funeral last month. Having known both guys for a long time I knew how close they were. It will be very difficult for Michael to won this fight on even terms let alone with this tragedy happening, but things like this can take people to greatness!

Anson Wainwright – What guys do you think could make an impact on the World scene that you guys have in Australia that perhaps aren’t so well known and are on there way up?

Robbie Peden – We are a country of only around 20 million people so out talent pool in very small. Boxing has changed and is more about manipulating the ratings and the media to make the fighters seem better then they really are. I actually very rarely watch or attend boxing because of this reason.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing world and you fans?

Robbie Peden – I am seriously thinking of returning to boxing in 2011 to help bring attention to Aboriginal Men’s health. There is about a 15 to 20 year difference in the life span for Aboriginal men to non Aboriginal men in Australia. So I’d really like main stream media get behind my cause.

Thanks for your time Robbie.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Weekend Flurries – So far, and if we learnt anything in 2010 it was that your best laid plans are likely to be turned upside down, with several cancelations of big fights. It looks like an impressive 2011 calendar Bradley-Alexander on 29 January in Detroit, Montiel-Donaire on 19 February in Las Vegas, Lucian Bute fights in March & Manny Pacquiao’s next appearance will be on 16 April…A couple of interesting cards this weekend, Top Rank are doing their independant PPV in Anaheim, Ca i look for Donaire to outpoint Wladimir Sidorenko & Humberto Soto to stop Urbano Antillon late. Solid fight for Mikey Garcia against Olivier Lontchi, who’s been very active in 2010. I’m interested to see how Jessie Magdeleno & Gabino Saenz look early in there fledgling career’s. Also this weekend Saul Alvarez gets back in action against Lovemore Ndou, I think Alvarez will be the first to stop Ndou. In Scotland Ricky Burns makes the first defence of his WBO 130 against Andreas Evansen, I see Burns outpointing his Scandanavian challenger.




Kayode stops Perry in six


Lateef Kayode remained undefeated and in the process scored his fourteenth straight knockout when he stopped Ed Perry in round six of their scheduled ten round Cruiserweight fight at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA.

Kayode dominted the action with few exception when Perry would move his hands and get in a few shots.

Kayode dropped Perry in round four when he landed a left and right to the body that dropped Perry to his knees. Kayode finished the fight in round six when he landed a hard three punch combination that sent Perry to the canvas for referee Jack Reiss’ ten count at fifty-one seconds of round six.

Kayode of Lagos, Nigeria is now 15-0 with fourteen knockouts. Perry, 198 3/4 lbs of Frankfort, IN is now 17-5-2

“It was a good fight for me,” said Kayode, 27, who is trained by Freddie Roach and was fighting at cruiserweight for the fifth time in his career. “I waited a round or two to gauge what he had. He took some shots. Normally guys would have fallen after some of those shots but he had a good chin and stayed in there.”

“The body shots took their toll,” said Perry, who had never seen the canvas in his career but took a knee after a lethal combination by Kayode in the fourth round before standing at an eight-count. “I don’t know, I’ve always been pretty tough. It takes a brave man to stand in there and get hit like that, especially on national TV.”

Added Kayode: “He tried to rush me and rough me in the fifth round. He came at me, so I didn’t go with my jab anymore. I went with my straight right because he was bending to my right side and then I got him with the left uppercut.”

In a battle of decorated amateur stars, former Cuban Olympian Luis Franco defeated former American Olympic alternate Eric Hunter via an eighth round disqulaification for excessive low blows.

Franco dominated the fight as he came forward and landed the harder shots that backed Hunter up. In round two, Hunter was getting rocked by the flurry of punches. It was later in that round where Hunter was deducted a point for the second shot below the belt. In round three, Hunter was once again staggered on the ropes. Hunter still tried to work the body and landed some nice shots despite being one low shot away from being tossed from the fight. Franco continued to land nice cominations.

In round eight, Franco was deducted a point for a headbutt. Just a moment later, Hunter landed a hard right to the cup area and referee Jon Schorle stopped the bout at 2:34 of round eight.

Franco, 125 1/2 lbs of Havana, Cuba is now 8-0. Hunter, 125 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is now 15-2.

“It looks like he was looking for a way out,” said Franco, who won every round in the dominating win. “My body shots were just hurting him and he didn’t want to get knocked out. He knew he was going to get knocked out in the ninth round and so he decided to take the disqualification. I out-jabbed him and out worked him and finally got the DQ.”

Hunter, 24, who first appeared on ShoBox back in 2007 and was a 2004 U.S. Olympic alternate, was visibly upset after the disqualification. “There was just too much complaining going on the whole time,” he said. “I said before the fight they better watch out for his complaining. Ah, man. I don’t even want to talk about it. He played to the crowd and the ref. It should have never been stopped.”

Detroit Metro Airport to Add 1,000 Parking Spaces.(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News)

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News May 23, 2000 | Fricker, Daniel G.

May 24–Detroit Metro Airport will hurriedly build a 1,000-space parking lot on the airport’s east side that should be ready for anxious fliers by Labor Day.

The goal of the $1.5-million project is to ease the worsening parking shortage at North America’s eighth busiest airport, officials said Tuesday. go to web site detroit metro airport

But the new spaces won’t offset the 1,300 parking spots Metro travelers will lose in the Green Lot by summer’s end.

The spaces will be permanently lost when a major road connecting the airport’s existing terminals to the new midfield terminal is built through a portion of the lot.

Besides the new lot, newly installed Wayne County Airports Director Lester Robinson said he is looking for property to create 500 more parking spaces.

The promise of up to 1,500 new spaces represents an increase from prior plans. Earlier this month, Metro spokesman Mike Conway said the airport planned to add 600 spaces by year’s end.

But Robinson and county Executive Ed McNamara acknowledged that they were offering a short-term fix for the county-owned and -operated airport.

“We’re going to continue to have problems,” Robinson said at a news conference at the airport. “The best solution to those problems basically will be the midfield, whose parking deck is under construction.” The midfield passenger terminal will have an 11,500-space parking garage. The $1.2-billion project, with 99 jet and commuter plane gates, is scheduled to open in December 2001.

The new lot announced Tuesday will be built on a grassy field, next to the Northwest Airlines hangar with a Boeing 747 painted on its side.

Dubbed Green Lot No. 2, it will be a long-term, economy lot charging $7 per day. The lot will offer shelters and free shuttle van service to the airport’s three terminals.

The announcement came less than two weeks after the Free Press detailed Metro’s worsening parking problems.

Metro has been forced to close its parking garage and eight lots about a dozen times since Jan. 1 because the 12,578 spaces were filled, airport officials said.

Travelers have scrambled to find parking in the private lots along Merriman Road. Some have abandoned cars and trucks in the lots of nearby hotels and restaurants, owners of those properties said.

Some travelers reported barely making flights or missing flights because they had trouble finding a place to park.

On Tuesday afternoon, Metro’s parking crunch was evident. The 30-foot-high electronic sign at the airport’s entrance warned that the parking garage and most lots were closed.

Only the Red Lot No. 2 was open, and a line of a dozen cars and trucks stretched outside its entrance gate. in our site detroit metro airport

Gary Rogner, 50, of Pinconning was waiting to get into the lot when he was told of plans for the new lot. “They need it,” Rogner said.

Lane Jin, 34, of Westland also welcomed news of the new lot.

“I got a problem,” he said. “I can never find a parking space at the airport.” Metro’s officials blamed the parking shortage on the airport’s success. The number of travelers increased last year by 7.9 percent to 34 million. The forecast had been for a 3- to 4-percent increase, McNamara said.

The airport will ask three or four paving contractors to bid on the construction of the new lot, Robinson said.

Fricker, Daniel G.




VIDEO: December 4 Showtime Strikeforce preview




Miranda defeats Simon by decision in middleweight clash

Dioniso Miranda scored a twelve round split decision over world ranked LaJuan Simon to claim the WBC Continental Americas title at the Rollins Center inside Dover Downs Hotel in Casino in Dover, Delaware.

Miranda landed the more authoritative punches where Simon would come forward and attempt little cominations without much behind them. Miranda would land some hard body shots throughout the affair that went the distance.

Miranda sewed up most of the rounds by landing long hard shots with one occasion in particular in round nine where a big right from Miranda buckled Simon. Miranda and Simon fought almost even down the stretch.

Miranda, 159 1/2 lbs of Miami won by scores of 116-112; 115-113 while Simon grabbed a card by a 115-114 tally.

Miranda is now 21-6-2. Simon, 150 lbs of Philadelphia is 23-3-2.

Mike Tiberi scored a six round unanimous decision over Marcus Don Hall in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Tiberi put on a workmanlike performance as he landed many more shots then did Hall. Tiberi worked very well inside as he wokrked the body and put together many combiantions to the head. Hall tried to the very end as the two engaged in a crowd pleasing final twenty seconds of toe to toe war.

Tiberi, 170 1/2 lbs of Smyrna, DE won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 15-1. Hall, 173 lbs of Savannah, GA is now 11-6

Heavyweight Amir “Hardcore” Mansour scored his second straight wicked knockout since his eight plus year hiatus when he took out Joseph Rabotte at 1:04 of round three in a scheduled eight round bout.

Mansour landed some hard shots early as he focused on some hard body shots with both hands before coming upstairs. Rabotte did his best to use his legs to stay at bay. In round three, Mansour caught up to him and landed a wicked right that sent Rabotte into the ropes where Mansour followed up with a straight left that dropped Rabotte to the canvas. Rabotte got to his feet but was stumbling and that’s when referee Gary Rosato stopped the bout.

Mansour, 218 lbs of Wilmington, DE is now 11-0 with eight knockouts. Rabotte, 258 lbs of Myrtle Beach, SC is now 9-15-1.

Anthony Caputo Smith made short work of Cleony Fuqua as he scored a fifty-five second knockout in a scheduled four round Light Heavyweight bout.

Smith landed a body combination in the corner that sent Fuqua down for referee Vic De WySocki’s ten count.

Smith, 175 lbs of Kennett Square, PA is now 8-0 with six knockouts. Fuqua, 171 lbs of Alabama is now 2-4.

Rachel Clark scored a four round unanimous decision over Michelle Garland in a woman’s Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Clark, 155 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia and is now 6-4-1. Garland, 154 lbs is now 0-1-1.

Dan Biddle scored a four round unanimous decision over Zeferino Albino in a Cruiserweight bout.

Both guys landed hard shots but Biddle was more active and won by scores of 40-36; 40-36 and 39-37.

Biddle, 193 1/2 lbs of Hockessian, DE is now 5-1. Albino, 200 lbs of Philadelphia is now 3-12-2.

Popular Welterweight, Michael “No Joke” Stewart scored a six round unanimous decision over Chad Greenleaf in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Stewart got off to a bit of a slow start as Greenleaf did well for the first round and a half until he started putting his punches together and dominated the last few rounds. He rocked Greenleaf a couple of times with right/left combinations over the final two rounds.

Stewart, 147 lbs of New Castle, DE won by scores of 59-55; 59-55 and 58-56 to raise his mark to 46-7-2. Greenleaf, 151 lbs of Parksburg, WV is now 13-17-1.

Ryan Belasco scored a six round unanimous decision over Gustavo Dailey in a Lightweight bout.

Belasco rocked Dailey on a couple of a occasions and had little problem with the Philadelphia Southpaw.

Belasco, 134 lbs of Wilmington, DE won by scores 60-54 on two cards and 59-55 to go to 14-4-3. Dailey, 133 lbs is now 4-10.

GOVERNOR RECOGNIZES EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER FOR DAVIES AWARD go to site eastern maine medical center

US Fed News Service, Including US State News December 16, 2008 Gov. John Baldacci, D-Maine, issued the following press release:

Governor John E. Baldacci today recognized Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor for receiving the 2008 Nicholas E. Davies Organizational Award of Excellence. The award is given to hospitals that are effectively using information technology to improve the safety and quality of patient care.

“Today reaffirms something those of us in northern, eastern and central Maine have known for quite some time: that EMMC is committed to providing high quality care,” Governor Baldacci said. “With the 2008 Davies Award, Eastern Maine Medical Center has been singled out as a national leader in using available information technology to improve care for patients in Maine.” EMMC is the only hospital to receive the 2008 Davies Award and joins only 25 other hospitals in the United States to receive the award since 1994. see here eastern maine medical center

Governor Baldacci joined EMMC president and CEO Deborah Carey Johnson, RN, and other members of the hospital staff for the recognition ceremony this morning. The awards ceremony for the 2008 Nicholas E. Davies Award will take place in Chicago in April of next year.




WEIGHTS FROM ATLANTIC CITY–WATCH LIVE ON GFL


CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
All participants for tomorrow night’s Star Boxing promoted show at Bally’s in Atlantic City weighed-in today. The card is headlined by Atlantic City’s own, Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez (21-2, 12KO’s) taking on Ghana’s Ayi Bruce (17-3, 12KO’s) for the Vacant IBA Intercontinental Welterweight Title. Below is the scheduled bout sheet with weight’s included.

Main Event – Welterweights
10 Rounds

Shamone Alvarez – 146 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Ayi Bruce – 144 1/2 lbs.

____________________________

Welterweights
8 Rounds

Raymond Serrano – 147 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Geoffery Spruiell – 148 1/2 lbs.
_____________________________

Cruiserweights
8 Rounds

Chuck Mussachio – 177 lbs.
Vs.
Theo Kruger – 184 1/2 lbs.
__________________________

Jr. Middleweights
4 Rounds

Ismael Garcia – 156 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Joe Yerdon – 155 lbs.
___________________________

Welterweights
4 Rounds

Althea Saunders – 138 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Natoya Ervin – 142 1/2 lbs.
__________________________

Super Middleweights
4 Rounds

Isiah Seldon – 167 lbs.
Vs.
Todd Eriksson – 168 lbs.
____________________________

Middleweights
4 Rounds

Rashad Brown – 161 lbs.
Vs.
Corey Preston – 159 lbs.

*** ALL BOUTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

Tickets are currently on sale and are being priced at $75, and $50 with a few limited 1st Row VIP Packages also available ($150). Tickets can be purchased by visiting any ticketmaster location, or simply by CLICKING HERE:. TICKETS MAY ALSO BE PURCHASED OUTSIDE OF THE GRAND BALLROOM AT BALLY’S TOMORROW STARTING AT 4PM. Bally’s Atlantic City, is located at Park Place and the Boardwalk (1900 Pacific Ave.) Atlantic City, NJ 08401. For more information call (609) 340-2000.

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

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise




TWO BIG BOXING EVENTS THIS WEEKEND ON GFL


NEW YORK / ATLANTA/ATLANTIC CITY (December 3, 2010)—This weekend two big boxing events will be featured on gofightlive as championship action from Atlanta and Atlantic City will highlight a big weekend of fistacuffs

TONIGHT championship boxing returns to www.gofightlive.tv as Sports Fans Properties presents a big night of boxing that is headlined by the USBA Southern Regional Welterweight Championship.

The title fight will be a ten round battle for the USBA Southern Regional featuring Paul Delgado battling Chris Gray.

The entire nine bout card can be seen for FREE at 7pm eastern by clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/The_Big_Rock_Out_4/878

Delgado of Atlanta has a record of 24-9-1 with four knockouts and has faced a litany world class opponents and world champions.

Delgado has been in with the top of the division which includes tussled with former IBF Jr. Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi; Former contestant of the Contender season I Jeff Fraza; former world title challenger Dmitry Salita; Former world title challenger Demetrious Hopkins as well as title chances when he lost via sixth round knockout to top Welterweight contender Said Ouali for the USBO Welterweight championship.

Delgado dropped two more opportunities to capture hardware as he was stopped in twelve by undefeated Jo Jo Dan for NABA Welterweight title as well as losing a twelve round unanimous decision to undefeated Vitaly Demyanenko for the WBO Asia Pacific and PABA Welterweight title.

Delgado has won four in a row which includes his last outing when he won a six round unanimous decision over Chad Greenleaf on August 27th in Atlanta.

Gray has been thrown in with top competition as well.

The native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a record of 13-12 with one knockout.

In just his third bout Gray was stopped in one with top ranked Welterweight contender Mike Jones. Gray came back to Philadelphia to score an upset over Jr. Middleweight Gabriel Rosado (5-1). After a couple of losses it was déjà vu for Gray as he scored a split decision former amateur star Jason Thompson (4-1).

Since then it’s been literally up and down for Gray but you can’t fault his strength of Schedule such as top undefeated prospects such as Erislandy Lara and Joe Greene as well as contenders such as ishe Smith, David Estrada and Billy Lyell.

Gray is coming off a six round stoppage over Gerald Jordan (7-1-1) on August 27th in Atlanta.

The rest of the card as follows:
4 Rounds—Cruiserweights—Brian Howard (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Tobias Rice (2-2, 2 KO’s)
4 Rounds—Heavyweights—John McDermott IV (PD) vs. Dereck Walker (1-3)
4 Rounds—Jr. Middleweights—Adonis Inman (2-0) vs. Dino Dumonjic (1-1)
4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Jesus Tavera (0-1) vs. Yusef Shabazz (PD)
4 Rounds—Jr. Middleweights—Ghislan Ntsikoto (1-0) vs. Erix Quinteros (2-6)
4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Jackie Breitenstein (5-0, 5 KO’s) vs. TBA
Super Middleweights—Lamar Russ (5-0, 5 KO’s) vs. Brad Austin (8-9, 5 KO’s)
Middleweights—Evgeny Gradovich (6-0, 5 KO’s) vs. Jesse Carradine (6-0-1, 3 KO’s)

This Saturday night at Ballys in Atlantic City, Two welterweights will vie for the IBA Welterweight championship which they hope will be a steppingstone to a shot at greener pastures.

Shamone Alvarez will look to thrill the hometown fans when he takes on Ayi Bruce that will headline a big night of boxing that can be seen live on www.gofightlive.tv

The action will begin at 7:30 pm est and fans all over the world can order the fight for just $9.99 by clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Alverez_v_Bruce/877

Alvarez of Atlantic City has a record of 21-2 with twelve knockouts and is coming off an impressive seventh round stoppage over Alexis Camacho (17-2) in March in a bout that was seen live all over the world on gofightlive.tv

Alvarez won his first fifteen fights which included impressive victories over Mohammad Kayongo (11-0-1); & Enrique Gutierrez (10-0).

He won the NABO Welterweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jose Luis Cruz (34-2-2) and defended it with a unanimous decision over Germaine Sanders (27-3).

He suffered his first pro defeat when he dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to future world champion Joshua Clottey. He rebounded nicely to score a decision over former U.S. Olympian Terrance Cauthen (33-4) before dropping a razor thin decision to future world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez (23-2-2).

Bruce of Accra, Ghana has a record of 17-3 with twelve knockouts won his first fourteen bouts in his native Ghana. In that process he won the Ghananian Jr. Welterweight title.

Since coming to America he has only lost to undefeated prospects Emanuel Taylor (7-0) and Raymond Serrano (12-0). Bruce has two in a row which includes a third round stoppage over forty-four fight veteran Larry Brothers on October 27th.

In the co-feature bout of the evening, hot up and coming Philadelphian prospect, Raymond “Tito” Serrano (13-0, 6KO’s) looks to close out 2010 by improving to 14-0 when he takes on tough veteran Geoffrey Spruiell, in an eight round welterweight showdown.

Also on the card is Wildwood, New Jersey’s popular light heavyweight contender, and reigning WBF US Light Heavyweight Champion, Chuck “The Professor” Mussachio (16-1-2, 5KO’s) as he squares off over eight scheduled rounds against Theo Kruger.

Exciting jr. middleweight, Ismael Garcia (1-0) will look to pick up his second win as a pro when he takes on New York’s, Joe Jerdon (0-1-2). Garcia, who lives in nearby Millville, NJ, made his pro-debut in Atlantic City in March, winning a dominating four round decision over previously unbeaten Josh Mercado (3-0). Garcia-Jerdon is scheduled for four rounds.

In a four round middleweight match-up Philadelphia’s Rashad Brown (1-0) squares off against Corey Preston (0-2).

The son of former WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon, Isiah Seldon (2-0) takes on Todd Eriksson in a four round Middleweight bout.

Rounding out the card is Atlantic City’s Althera Saunders (1-0) in a four round female jr. welterweight contest against Natoya Ervin (1-6).

UPCOMING BOXING ON GOFIGHTLIVE.TV

Tuesday December 7th—Oliver McCall vs. Fres Oquendo

Friday December 17th—Windy City Fight Night—Hernandez vs. Adama




THE BIG ROCKOUT TONIGHT ON GFL


CLICK TO WATCH THE FIGHTS LIVE
NEW YORK / ATLANTA (December 3, 2010)—TONIGHT championship boxing returns to www.gofightlive.tv as Sports Fans Properties presents a big night of boxing that is headlined by the USBA Southern Regional Welterweight Championship.

The title fight will be a ten round battle for the USBA Southern Regional featuring Paul Delgado battling Chris Gray.

The entire nine bout card can be seen for FREE at 7pm eastern by clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/The_Big_Rock_Out_4/878

Delgado of Atlanta has a record of 24-9-1 with four knockouts and has faced a litany world class opponents and world champions.

Delgado has been in with the top of the division which includes tussled with former IBF Jr. Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi; Former contestant of the Contender season I Jeff Fraza; former world title challenger Dmitry Salita; Former world title challenger Demetrious Hopkins as well as title chances when he lost via sixth round knockout to top Welterweight contender Said Ouali for the USBO Welterweight championship.

Delgado dropped two more opportunities to capture hardware as he was stopped in twelve by undefeated Jo Jo Dan for NABA Welterweight title as well as losing a twelve round unanimous decision to undefeated Vitaly Demyanenko for the WBO Asia Pacific and PABA Welterweight title.

Delgado has won four in a row which includes his last outing when he won a six round unanimous decision over Chad Greenleaf on August 27th in Atlanta.

Gray has been thrown in with top competition as well.

The native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a record of 13-12 with one knockout.

In just his third bout Gray was stopped in one with top ranked Welterweight contender Mike Jones. Gray came back to Philadelphia to score an upset over Jr. Middleweight Gabriel Rosado (5-1). After a couple of losses it was déjà vu for Gray as he scored a split decision former amateur star Jason Thompson (4-1).

Since then it’s been literally up and down for Gray but you can’t fault his strength of Schedule such as top undefeated prospects such as Erislandy Lara and Joe Greene as well as contenders such as ishe Smith, David Estrada and Billy Lyell.

Gray is coming off a six round stoppage over Gerald Jordan (7-1-1) on August 27th in Atlanta.

The rest of the card as follows:
4 Rounds—Cruiserweights—Brian Howard (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Tobias Rice (2-2, 2 KO’s)
4 Rounds—Heavyweights—John McDermott IV (PD) vs. Dereck Walker (1-3)
4 Rounds—Jr. Middleweights—Adonis Inman (2-0) vs. Dino Dumonjic (1-1)
4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Jesus Tavera (0-1) vs. Yusef Shabazz (PD)
4 Rounds—Jr. Middleweights—Ghislan Ntsikoto (1-0) vs. Erix Quinteros (2-6)
4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Jackie Breitenstein (5-0, 5 KO’s) vs. TBA
Super Middleweights—Lamar Russ (5-0, 5 KO’s) vs. Brad Austin (8-9, 5 KO’s)
Middleweights—Evgeny Gradovich (6-0, 5 KO’s) vs. Jesse Carradine (6-0-1, 3 KO’s)

UPCOMING BOXING ON GOFIGHTLIVE.TV

Saturday December 4th—IBA Welterweight title—Shamone Alvarez vs. Ayi Bruce

Tuesday December 7th—Oliver McCall vs. Fres Oquendo

Friday December 17th—Wsindy City Fight Night—Hernandez vs. Adama




Morales Claims Gold in France, Eyes Pro Career


Longtime top ranked U.S. amateur Roman Morales of San Ardo, California went to Berck Sur Mer, France to take part in the prestigious Four Nations Tournament and came home with the gold medal at 122-pounds, having defeated French National Champion Nordine Ait Ihya in the championship round. Next for Morales may be the leap into the paid ranks as he begins his pursuit of pro gold.

In the final round of the championship bout, Morales found himself trailing in the fight with only seconds remaining. “I started off a little slow, but I picked it up and the fight was pretty interesting,” recounts Morales. “I was down some points, but I knew I had to go forward and do something else. So I was just going all out and giving everything I had. I made the points up and came out with the victory.”

With the 8-7 victory over Ait Ihya, Morales effectively notched the biggest victory in what has been a stellar amateur career. “This is one of my biggest [wins] yet. This one, fighting international and representing the USA, is a pretty big accomplishment,” said Morales.

Morales, one of only two Americans to take home gold, showed the poise and maturity of an experienced veteran in France. “My coach told me to keep in mind that I am going in three points down, so make sure that you score as many points as you can, because you are already down three,” said Morales. “I learned that [the Europeans] don’t like pressure. When I applied pressure, they couldn’t concentrate and they couldn’t work right because they were counter-punchers. If I would throw one punch, they would counter it, so I realized I had to throw a lot of punches and keep going forward to take them out of their game.”

Now Morales is contemplating the move from amateur to pro while mulling over a managerial contract with Repo Ric, known as the biggest hype man in boxing. The Fresno, California-based Repo Ric is looking to add Morales to a stable that already boasts prospects Michael Ruiz Jr. and Guy Robb Jr.

“He’s 5’8 ½” and he goes both ways, left and right,” says Ric, who would have him make his pro debut on January 8th at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California, of Morales. “Any given time, if you watch him, he’ll switch and he doesn’t even realize what he is doing when he’s switching. He’s left and right. He can brawl, he can box and he can fight.”

Repo Ric has been aware of Morales for sometime, as the San Ardo resident would make the trip to Fresno at times for sparring. “I saw his amateur fights, and he’s sparred a lot in Fresno, California. He’s sparred Michael Ruiz, and he was on the same 2008 USA Men’s team with Guy Robb,” says Ric, who has already had preliminary discussions with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions about Morales.

Morales looks forward to making his debut as a professional, and when he does he plans to have his amateur trainer Rodolpho Tapia with him every step of the way. “He is the one that made me into boxing and everything, so I am going to keep him as my professional coach,” says Morales. “There is no way that I would change him. To me, he is one of the best coaches ever and he has taught me so many things and that is who I want to stay with.”

Once Morales makes the move, anyone who has fortunate enough to claim a victory over him as an amateur will eventually have a target on their back as a professional. “I would like to face off with them again,” says Morales. “Any losses I had as an amateur, they weren’t easy losses. I always gave them a good fight, and I know I have my respect in amateur boxing. If they beat me, then I know that they are one of the best, and I want to fight the best.”

Though his success in the amateurs has definitely paved the way for him to find success as a pro, Morales understands it will take hard work and dedication. “I want to make it to the top,” says Morales. “I want to start out good and end up good, without any defeats. Whatever it takes, I am going to do it.”




Broadway Boxing Photo Gallery

Claudia Bocanegra ringside photos from Broadway Boxing at BB Kings on December 1, 2010




Khan is called King, but Maidana will determine whether the crown fits


The sun set on the British Empire long ago, but it might be rising for the UK’s newest hope at conquering the world, or at least the junior-welterweight’s version of it. Amir Khan’s promotional nickname is King.

King Khan sounds good, but an alliterative ring straight from Hollywood’s history of a much-aped film doesn’t make him worthy of a real crown. Not yet, anyway.

Khan’s chance at a claim takes him to Las Vegas next week for a Dec. 11 date against Marcos Maidana at Mandalay Bay. On the path back from his lone defeat, the fight looms as a decisive marker en route to perhaps the Devon Alexander-Tim Bradley winner and undisputed rule of the rich 140-pound division. Lose it, and a potential milestone turns into a deadly millstone, a career killer.

In a conference call Thursday, Khan was part confident, part cautious.

The confidence comes from the most capable corner in this empire and perhaps a few others.

Freddie Roach is there and has been since Khan beat Marco Antonio Barrera, a fading fighter with a master tactician’s undiminished smarts. Through four fights with Roach, Khan first re-established credentials tarnished by a 2008 loss – a first-round knockout – to Breidis Prescott in front of his stunned countrymen in Manchester, England. A steep learning curve followed, one which displayed a marked increase in versatility and poise.

“We haven’t lost a round since we’ve been together,’’ said Roach, who predicts Khan will knock out Maidana in a late round. “… I don’t see us losing a round here either.’’

Further confidence is rooted in Khan’s work with Manny Pacquiao in a globetrotting camp that started in the Philippines, stopped in Los Angeles at the Wild Card Gym and ended in Dallas before the Filipino Congressman dismantled Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium. During 15 to 20 rounds of sparring, Roach said Khan had some good moments against Pacquiao, who took the mythical out of the pound-for-pound debate with a performance that, among other things, displayed speed that Maidana does not possess.

Do well against Pacquiao, Khan said, “and you can do well against anybody.’’

But a good measure of caution was unmistakable Thursday in perhaps a reflection of Khan’s growing maturity and certainly a byproduct of Maidana’s record. Maidana has already proven himself to be a dangerously effective roadblock for anybody with eyes on a bigger horizon. Ask Victor Ortiz, a surfer who sounded as if he wanted to leave the ring and retire to his board after suffering a sixth-round stoppage at the powerful hands of Maidana.

Lest anybody forget that Maidana is dangerous, the Dec. 11 card includes a warning with the presence of Ortiz, who faces Lamont Peterson in an attempt to go 5-0 since his lone loss in 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“It won’t be easy, because he is durable guy,’’ Roach said.

And Khan said he won’t be focused to on trying to make good on Roach’s knockout prediction.

“Because when you do, you make mistakes,’’ said Khan, who perhaps betrayed some of his confidence when he said Maidana’s unadorned, straight-ahead style means he “won’t be hard to find.’’
In terms of career momentum, Khan has an edge. He has been on a roll, especially since he joined Roach. For Maidana, there are questions left by a poor showing in a decision over DeMarcus Corley in August. He spent too much time training in his native Argentina, trainer Miguel Diaz said.

“First he came to the United States, late and fat,’’ Diaz said. “Then, he signed a contract with Golden Boy (Promotions). That was another week lost.

“For this fight, he has already been here nine weeks. By the time of the fight, it will be 10 weeks in America. He has been isolated. He comes only to the gym, leaves and rests. He is ready.’’

Problems against Corley, Diaz said, taught Maidana that there would no more training in Argentina, where boxing has become a popular diversion from soccer and tango. First, there was Maidana. Then, there was Sergio Martinez’ stunning second-round knockout of Paul Williams.

Translation: Khan would be surprised if he doesn’t see the best in Maidana; if he doesn’t encounter the stubborn, power puncher who shocked Ortiz. Actually, it sounds as if he would be more than just surprised. He’d be disappointed. Khan’s birthday is Wednesday. He’ll be 24.

But there won’t be a celebration of some newfound maturity until at least Saturday, Dec. 11. And there won’t be one at all if Khan can’t display it against a prepared and capable Maidana.

Canelo in, Junior out
In a budding rivalry to win over Mexico, Saul Alvarez appears to have grabbed an advantage over Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., who inherited a name and crushing expectations from his father, the senior legend and scarred face of the Mexican franchise.

Alvarez is fighting Saturday.

Chavez isn’t.

The Golden Boy-promoted Alvarez, better known as Canelo, faces Lovemore N’dou in Veracruz on a night when a reported fever and flu bumped Junior off a shuffled Top Rank card Saturday in Anaheim, Calif., against Pawel Wolak, who stepped in for injured Alfonso Gomez.

“This happens sometimes,’’ said Chavez promoter Bob Arum, who went on to to describe Junior’s luck as the kind that gets flushed. “Really bad luck, not of his doing. Anybody can get a serious fever and get knocked out of a fight. It’s not something you can really guard against. It just happens.

“It’s like fate, man. It happens. Bleep happens.’’

What won’t happen any time soon is a fight with Miguel Cotto, who could do more damage to Chavez’ career than the flu.

“I don’t think it would be prudent, at this point, to put him in with Miguel,’’ said Arum, who is offering ticket refunds for anybody who wants one, yet will proceed with the pay-per-view card at the Honda Center with bantamweight Nonito Donaire in the main event against Volodymyr Sydorenko.
Ideally, Arum said, he would like to see Chavez win two fights at 154 pounds before Cotto is again a possibility for Junior, still an heir-apparent in name only.

Donaire, who has Margarito trainer Robert Garcia in his corner, is fighting for a shot at Fernando Montiel. Montiel and Donaire turned down a chance to be part of a bantamweight tournament that includes Yonnhy Perez -versus-Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares-versus-Vic Darchinyan at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash., in a Showtime-televised doubleheader on Dec. 11.

Drachinyan ripped Montiel in a conference-call doubleheader Thursday.

“He’s already a loser,’’ Darchinyan said from Australia. “He didn’t want to be part of the tournament.’’

On second thought
Attendance was disappointing for cards in November, which looked like a banquet for fans starved for fights throughout a long, dark summer.

Juan Manuel Marquez’ victory over Michael Katsidis at Las Vegas MGM Grand on Nov. 27 drew 4,920.
Andre Ward’s win over Sakio Bika, also on Nov.27, in Oakland, drew 4,100.

There were 4,818 for Juan Manuel Lopez’ win on Nov. 6 over Rafael Marquez, also at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao’s destruction of Margarito on Nov. 13 attracted 41,734, but even that was a disappointment. Arum predicted 60,000-plus.

In a tight economy, perhaps there were too many fights. It might have been tough on the wallet to see them all. Or maybe fans are staying away, turned off by the abortive talks for Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Then again, more and more living rooms have high-definition television screens, which are getting cheaper almost by the day.

It is easier to stay at home and more satisfying to watch a fight on HDTV than it is from a seat at the venue. You save on parking and see more. A lot more. Even from the press section on the floor at Cowboys Stadium, I found myself looking up at the brilliant screen above the ring throughout Pacquiao-Margarito. The fighters were bigger on that screen than they were in the ring.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra




VIDEO: LATEEF KAYODE




Bracero wins main event; Fortuna steals show at Broadway Boxing

Gabriel Bracero scored an eight round unanimous decision over Hector Alatorre in a Jr. Welterweight bout that was the main event at BB Kings in Times Square, but it was undefeated Jr. Lightweight Javier Fortuna stole the show with his explosive first round knockout over Victor Valenzuela sent chills throughout the venue.

Fortuna and Valenzuela came out blistering as they threw reckless power shots that delighted the sold out crowd. When the two were along the ropes, Fortuna landed a thudding and smacking overhand left that knocked Valenzuela out cold before he plummeted to the canvas. The fight was waved off immediately at 1:10 of round one of their scheduled eight round bout.

Fortuna, 128 lbs of La Romana, DR is now 13-0 with ten knockouts. Valenzuela, 123 ½ lbs of Passaic, NJ is now 8-1-1.–Marc Abrams

Bracero took on the rugged Alatorre in a bit of a step up bout.

Bacero was effective as he has become a big draw on the Broadway Boxing series. He landed various right hands and fought through adversity as he was cut along the left eye in round two and on the side of the face midway through the fight. Those marks were the result of headbutts but that seemed to have spurred him on as he fought even harder. Alatorre gave a good effort but it wasn’t enough as Bracero took every round by a 80-72 tally on all three judges cards.

Bracero, 141 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 13-0. Alatorre, 140 lbs of Tulatre, CA is now 16-12. —Marc Abrams

Heavyweight Tor Hamer scored a methodical eight round unanimous decision over trial horse Demertice King.

Hamer boxed smart as he made his punches count and countered very nice wheh King did decide to throw, which wasn’t often.

Hamer, 221 lbs of New York won by scores of 80-72 on all cards is now 13-1. King, 277 lbs of Flint, MI is now 15-19.

Sonya Lomanakis once again thrilled the crowd with an exciting six round unanimous decision over Tiffany Woodward.

Woodward came out looking like the more rounded boxer but it was Lomanakis landing the more telling blows.

Lomanakis landed the harder shots but that did not stop Woodward from coming on. There were big exchanges with Lomanakis getting the better of the action

Lomanakis, 221 lbs of New York won by scores of 58-56; 58-56 and 58-58 and remains undefeated at 3-0. Woodward, 198.2 lbs of Wilson, NC is now 3-4.

Alex Perez scored an eight round unanimous decision in an at times exciting welterweight bout over Doel Carrasquillo.

Perez came out throwing and landing big punches. Carrasquillo responded making mocking Perez by making facial gestures in an effort to tell Perez that those punches had little effect. Carrasquillo continued to make faces while taking punches. In round four, Carasquillo started to pen up more as he landed some hooks.

Perez was stunned in round five by a big right. Perez was knocked down later in the round by a hook but it looked like feet may have been tangled but was still ruled an eight count.

Perez controlled the fight but in round six showed some signs of slowing. Perez dominated the final two rounds and cruised the victory by scores of 78-73; 78-72 and 78-73

Perez, 147 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 13-0. Carrasquillo, 146 ½ lbs of Lancaster, PA is now 14-17-1.
Jr. Middleweight Steven Martinez went the distance for the first time but scored a six round unanimous decision over David Lopez.

Scores were 59-55 on all cards for Martinez, 154 ½ lbs of Bronx, NY and is now 7-0. Lopez, 158 lbs of Caldwell, ID is now 3-3-3.–Marc Abrams

Tall and lean Delen Parsley scored a four round unanimous decision over Eberto Medina in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Parsley, 153 lbs of New York and is now 3-0. Medina, 154 ½ lbs of New Jersey is now 5-5.

Angel Gonzalez needed just forty-three seconds to take care of win less Borngod Washington in a scheduled four round Light heavyweight bout.

Gonzalez landed a series of the lefts that staggered Washington before referee Arthur Mercante stopped the bout.

Gonzalez, 175 lbs of Yonkers, NY is now 2-2 with two knockouts. Washington, 174 lbs of Queens, NY is now 0-7

The card was promoted by DiBella Entertainment




LAST GLEASON BOXING SHOW OF THE YEAR ON DECEMBER 18–WATCH ON GFL


Our Last Amateur Show of 2010

The final show for the 2010 Gleason’s Gym monthly boxing series will be December 18, 2010.

The show is open to any registered amateur. This includes Juniors, Seniors and Master boxers. There will be both male and female bouts. (We already have four confirmed female bouts.)

If you wish to compete, please contact New York’s number one matchmaker Angela Querol at 718 797 2872 or gleasons75@aol.com.

The weigh in will begin at 4:00PM and the first bout will begin at 6:00PM.

All our bouts are pre-matched. They are sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.

The ticket price is $20 per person. Children 6 and under are not charged. All gym members and registered amateurs with their books in hand pay $15 per person.

This show will be shown live and free of cost on: www.gofightlive.tv . The blow by blow for these fights will be done by our very own Champion Sonya Lamonakis.




Scott Smith greatest hits and Kicks Video




Q & A with Toshiaki Nishioka


Going into his WBC Super Bantamweight defense in October, some wondered if Toshiaki Nishioka 37-4-3(23) would grow old at 34 against the pressure of Britain’s Rendall Munroe. As it turned out Nishioka’s class told as he posted a near shut out win one of his best career performance’s. It was Nishioka’s fifth title defense, he’s also widely recognized as the number one fighter at 122. Here’s what the Japanese maestro had to say.

Hello Toshiaki, welcome back to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Congratulations on your win over Rendall Munroe, you looked very impressive. What are your thoughts on the fight? What did you think of Munroe?

Toshiaki Nishioka – Munroe was a very skilled opponent. I was very impressed with endurance.

Anson Wainwright – It seems that at 34 even with some tough fights you are getting better, why do you think that is?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I believe it comes from my dedication to make myself better. I train hardest I can to make myself a better boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Though it’s early days do you have any idea when we may see you back in the ring? Any idea on who you may face?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I do not have any fights scheduled at this time. Mr. Honda will speak with me once he determines what would be a good match for me.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought once previously in 2010 when you beat Balweg Bangoyan when you stopped him in five. What can you tell us about that fight and what did you think of your performance?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I recall that I was not really looking for a knock out. But I was able to put him away in the 5 round.

Anson Wainwright – Your 34 now how much longer do you think you can continue to fight at the highest possible level? What would you like to do when you retire?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I want box for anther 10 years,

Anson Wainwright – You had four fantastic wars with Thai legend Veeraphol Sahaprom they must of helped shape you into the fighter you are today. What can you tell us about those 4 fights?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I do have lots of respect for Veeraphol. But, I do not believe that those 4 fights have made me the fighter that I am today. But those fights are some what in the past.

Anson Wainwright – Your Teikken Team mate Hozumi Hasegawa lost to Fernando Montiel back in April, Montiel has said he like to become the first Mexican to become a 4 weight world champion. Is that a fight you like to try to get revenge?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I would love the opportunity to fight Montiel.

Anson Wainwright – Over the summer you and some other members of Teikken went to Cardiff to attend “The Night of Champions” how did you enjoy the experience of being in Britain? What were your thoughts on how you thought the event went?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I had a great time and enjoyed meeting the people from UK.

Anson Wainwright – Japanese food is known to be healthy, can you tell us a little about your diet before a fight as it would be very different from what we eat in the West?

Toshiaki Nishioka – My typical diet is pasta in the afternoon and home made chicken soup at night.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters past or present do you enjoy watching fight?

Toshiaki Nishioka – I am a big fan of Sugar Ray Leonard.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have in Boxing?

Toshiaki Nishioka – To become the the best fight I can possibly be.

Anson Wainwright – Finally you broke a few British hearts when you beat Rendell Munroe, do you have a message for him and his loyal fans who travelled thousands of miles to see the fight?

Toshiaki Nishioka – Munroe is a very talented fighter. He has what it takes to become a world champion. I hope to see him become a world champion someday.

Thanks for your time.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Random Thoughts – Having been in Las Vegas for several days, I’ve headed to Texas to visit relatives in Odessa. It’s true everything in the “Lone Star State” is bigger. My relatives have a house that’s 21,000 square feet house not including the land around. It’s also the biggest house between Fort Worth, Tx & Phoenix, Az. Highly impressive isn’t the word, I don’t have my own room, I have my own wing!…Nate Campbell decided to hang up his gloves after the weekend, Congrats on a solid career in which he won the WBA/WBO & IBF Lightweight Championships…Chavez Jnr finally pulled out of this weekend’s fight, not a tremendous surprise as there were lots of rumors of various things being up or wrong…Arthur Abraham said he’s undersized at Super Middleweight but still intends to go through with his next fight of the “Super 6”, something seems up he isn’t the beats he was at 160. If he can get back down to Middleweight maybe he could mix things up with Sergio Martinez or head back to Germany and fight Felix Sturm or get Russian Dmitry Pirog, all would be interesting.

Photo by : Naoki Fukuda/TEIKEN PROMOTIONS




Henderson – Babalu Feature Video




Alexander – Bradley lands just outside Detroit


According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the January 29 showdown between Jr. Welterweight beltholders, Devon Alexander and Tomothy Bradley will take place at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan.

“We’re going to the Silverdome, [outside of] Detroit. It’s done,” Said Gary Shaw who promotes Bradley.

“The two finalists were Atlanta and Detroit and at the end of the day, we felt Detroit was the best place to the put the fight. Detroit is a great fight town and has a rich fight history,” Shaw said of the city that produced several boxing stars, including Thomas Hearns. “We’re excited to go there and give them a great fight with these two great young fighters. HBO has promised to put a lot of muscle behind this fight.”




EXCLUSIVE ONE-ON-ONE WITH SHAMONE “THE TRUTH” ALVAREZ FIGHTING SATURDAY NIGHT FOR THE IBA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–WATCH LIVE ON GFL


CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
On Saturday night, Atlantic City native, Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez (21-2, 12KO’s) looks to take yet another step towards challenging for a world title when he takes on Ghana’s Ayi Bruce (17-3, 12KO’s) in the main event bout of the evening in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s in Atlantic City. The bout, promoted by Star Boxing, is scheduled for ten rounds and will be for the vacant IBA Welterweight Championship.

Alvarez, recently sat down to talk about his upcoming bout, the loaded welterweight division, and where he sees himself in the coming years.

Q: Shamone, how has this training camp been?

SA: Training camp has been how it usually is, trying, intense, and I’m always learning. I’m always looking to improve and looking at what part of my game I need to focus more on. I feel great and I am more than ready to go Saturday night.

Q: What do you know about your opponent?

SA: I know my opponent is a tough guy and that he definitely is not coming to lose. He has busy hands overall and I expect him to be ready to go.

Q:In your last fight you showed that you have some serious power, knocking out your opponent with one shot. Is this something new to your arsenal or do you think you have always had this power?

SA: I believe I always possessed knock out power, it’s just the life trials I have had that kept me a little more focused on going in and doing what should be done. I’m on a mission now and you can expect to see more performances like my last from here on out. I just had a new baby girl about 9 months ago, and it has made me more focused and hungrier than ever to succeed in this game.

Q: You fight in a very loaded division, how do you think you match up against some of the other top guys out there? Is there anyone on your direct hit list?

SA: Yes the division is loaded but not only do I feel, but I know that I can hang with all of them. There is no one in particular at 147 I will avoid or not step up against. I’m ready, willing and able to go in with whoever my promoter Star Boxing puts in front of me.

Q: Give us your perfect 2011?

SA: Well first I must win this fight and pick up the IBA belt. Then I would like to defend my title and work my way back into a Title Elimination and by the end of the year I would like to be fighting for a World Championship.

Q: Thank you for sitting down with us, is there anything you want to say in closing?

SA: I just want to thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to having everyone come out and show their support this Saturday night at Bally’s. A lot of people counted me out after the Joshua Clotty fight and then most definitely after the Delvin Rodriguez fight. But so everyone is aware, I have learned how not to let things slip past me anymore. I’m the same with my focus, I just know what I have to do it to get the W. So for all those people who did count me out, remember I’m still here. I made some noise this year and plan to make even more in 2011. Remember GOD is all that matters in life and let him know you know every once and a while. Peace.

Tickets are currently on sale and are being priced at $75, and $50 with a few limited 1st Row VIP Packages also available ($150). Tickets can be purchased by visiting any ticketmaster location, or simply by CLICKING HERE:. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718)823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Bally’s Atlantic City, is located at Park Place and the Boardwalk (1900 Pacific Ave.) Atlantic City, NJ 08401. For more information call (609) 340-2000.

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

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise

***All press releases are available in word and pdf documents. Contact Kevin Rooney Jr. at rooney@starboxing.com if neededd.***

Photo’s taken by Marty Rosengarten

The attached Photograph(s) may only be used for news, information or promotional purposes and only for the period commencing on the date of this e-mail and ending 90 days later (the “License Period”). Any other use and any use after the License Period is strictly prohibited without permission in writing from Star Boxing, Inc. All inquiries should be addressed to Star Boxing, Inc., 991 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10462.

Copyright c Star Boxing, Inc. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Kevin Rooney Jr.
Star Boxing

Director Media Relations

718 823-2000




VIDEO: BERNARD HOPKINS MEDIA WORKOUT




Game 7 for Hopkins


There is a long list of things motivating Bernard Hopkins for his December 18 title bout with Jean Pascal but etched at the top is making history.

“You can’t make history all the time,” Hopkins said. “You can have a winning record, a winning season, but to actually make history — a baseball player hitting 500 home runs or something like that — these things don’t happen all the time.”

“I get a chance to be the oldest boxer on record in boxing history to win a title,” Hopkins continued. “And history making hasn’t ran out for Bernard Hopkins.”

A win in Quebec City against Pascal would result in Hopkins laying claim to both the WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight titles. It would also erase George Foreman’s name from the history books next to “Oldest Fighter To Win a Major Championship” and replace it with the Executioner’s.

“I’ll walk through fire with gasoline shoes on to get that,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins (51-5-1, 31 KO), who turns 46 on January 15, is convinced he has seen it all inside the ropes, and doesn’t believe Pascal (26-1, 16 KO) stands out as a superior talent.

“I’ve watched this guy’s [Pascal’s] defense,” Hopkins said. “I’ve watched how he swings with his head down. I’ve watched how he throws wild punches.”

Hopkins continued, “Then I looked at the fighters who have fought me the same way over the years — the Antwun Echols — the guys who threw punches to knock you out. Those punches don’t hit Bernard Hopkins.”

Hopkins, although seventeen years his counterpart’s senior, is convinced he has taken the necessary steps to ensure that he’ll be able to go toe-to-toe with Pascal over the potential thirty six minutes in the ring.

“I’m here because I am the most health conscious, clean-living person. No wine, no champagne; no anniversary, no birthday parties, no New Year’s — no sips,” Hopkins said of his strict zero-alcohol policy. “When you have that mentality, it buys you more time.”

If The Executioner was the least bit unsure he could beat Pascal, he wouldn’t be in the ring, his place in boxing history means too much to him.

“[I’ll fight] as long as it doesn’t take away from my legacy, as long as it doesn’t embarrass my legacy,” Hopkins said.

In less than three weeks, in a bout televised live on Showtime, Hopkins will have the opportunity to continue decorating his already Hall of Fame enshrined resume.

But for an aging prizefighter, one slip up can spell the end of a career — even for fighter as celebrated as Hopkins.

It is for that reason, Hopkins has allowed making history to be his carrot on a stick.

A win for Hopkins reserves another place in the all-important history books for Philadelphia’s finest, while a loss for the man they call ‘B-Hop’ could mean his career is history.

“I know it’s win and go further or lose and go home,” Hopkins said. “It’s the playoffs, baby.”

Thoughts on select fights this past weekend:

Carl Froch vs. Arthur Abraham

I’m having trouble coming to grips that the same guy who showed unbelievable courage and heart by fighting eight-plus rounds with a broken jaw against Edison Miranda took such few risks against Carl Froch.

I also don’t understand how there’s no ‘Plan B’ to Abraham’s strategy. In March, Andre Dirrell provided the blueprint on how to beat Abraham — on Saturday, Froch perfected it. The result: ‘2’ in the loss column for King Arthur.

While he seems to have retained his power moving up in weight — KO’ing Jermain Taylor — and flooring Dirrell twice in Detroit (neither of which counted, one was generously ruled a slip, the other was illegal and left Dirrell out cold) — the problem is that Abraham’s power punches land few and far between.

At super middleweight, he’s just too small in stature to effectively implement his strategy. The taller opponents have been able to keep Abraham on the outside with relative ease. Further, it’s a nice luxury for a boxer to know that when you fire punches Abraham’s way, there will be none coming back at you. For whatever reason, Abraham is either incapable or unwilling to counterpunch.

Although contractually obligated, I do admire how Abraham already stated that he will stay in the Super Six and do battle with Andre Ward in the semi-finals.

While Ward has been more of a brawler than a boxer of late, previous fights and his amateur pedigree leave no doubt that he can box when he has to/wants to. I’d imagine Ward will do his best to adopt the Dirrell-Froch strategy, despite only sporting a one inch reach advantage over the Armenian-born German.

Lastly, I felt really bad for the blonde girl who had to sit behind Nikolai Valuev in Helsinki. Paid top-dollar for a sixth row seat and got planted right behind the 7’2” Russian. Ouch.

Celestino Caballero vs. Jason Litzau

Classic case of underestimation — and struggling with weight apparently. But more importantly, two weeks ago Celestino Caballero uploaded a forty-six second Youtube video in which the lanky Panamanian called out JuanMa Lopez. Caballero called Lopez a “big chicken” with “no heart” & “no cojones” — whatever they are. He was apparently looking forward to a clash with top-notch featherweights and junior lightweights, while overlooking Litzau.

Also, previous to that, he posted a video directed at Litzau telling him the he was going to “break his face” and “kick his ass.”

Whoops.

Andre Berto vs. Freddy Hernandez

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, Andre Berto made $915,000 for his two minute and seven second fight with Freddy Hernandez. That’s approaching the money Sergio Martinez received for his rematch against Paul Williams. Think about it…




VIDEO: BERNARD HOPKINS MEDIA DAY INTERVIEW

Legendary Bernard Hopkins talks about his December 18th showdown with Jean Pascal

Watch Bernard Hopkins Media Day 1 in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
PART 2

Watch Bernard Hopkins media day Part 2 in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
PART 3

Watch Bernard Hopkins Media Day Part 3 in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com




Locals Alvarez, Mussachio Highlight Saturday Card at Bally’s Atlantic City–WATCH LIVE ON GFL


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Atlantic City welterweight contender Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez will square-off against Ayi Bruce of Ghana this Friday at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. The scheduled twelve round bout will serve as the main event of a card promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. Alvarez (21-2 12 KO’s) is coming off the biggest win of his eight year pro career, a seventh round knockout victory over Alexis Camacho this past March. With a win over the experienced Bruce (17-3 12 KO’s), Alvarez would capture the vacant IBA title and would be one step closer to a major title shot in 2011.

Philadelphia’s Raymond Serrano, whose last win came over the aforementioned Bruce in October, will face Geoffery Spruiell in the co-feature. Even though twenty-one year old Serrano (13-0 6 KO’s) is sixteen years his opponent’s junior, he enters the ring with almost as much pro experience as the Spruiell (8-9 2 KO’s).

In other action, Wildwood native Chuck “The Professor” Mussachio will battle Floridian Theo Kruger in an eight round light heavyweight bout. Mussachio (15-1 5 KO’s) is seeking his forth straight victory since losing to Tommy Karpency last October.

Mussachio, who also currently works as a guidance counselor at a nearby elementary school, is one of the true nice guys in the sport. Where some athletes are praised for merely staying out of trouble, Mussachio actually improves his community everyday through his work with troubled youths.

Millville junior middleweight Ismael Garcia (2-0) will fight for the second time in three weeks when he takes on Joe Yerdon of Berlin, NY. Garcia scored a unanimous decision over Corey Preston (who happens to also be on the card against Philadelphia’s Rashad Brown) last month at Harrah’s.

In a battle of New Jersey based super middleweights, Atlantic City’s, Isiah Seldon (2-0, 1 KO), the son of former heavyweight titleholder Bruce Seldon, will square off against the always tough Dover native Todd Eriksson (2-4-1, 1 KO) in a four round bout.

Rounding out the card is female junior welterweight Althera Sanders fighting an opponent to be announced.

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




Chavez Jr. – Wolak off; PPV card for Saturday still on


According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. – Pawel Wolak fight scheduled for Saturday night as part of a Top Rank PPV card is off due to Chavez being ill but the rest of the show will go on that will feature two title fights.

Chavez woke up with a 103-degree temperature on Tuesday and won’t fight, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com.

“He looked like he had shaken it and he worked out Monday. I was there and I saw it,” said Bob Arum, who will promote the show from Anaheim, California. “His legs were a little tight but he worked out OK. [Tuesday morning] he got up with a 103 fever. He tried. You can’t fault the kid. You can’t put him in a fight with a temperature. It is absolutely legitimate.”

Instead of the Chavez-Wolak main event, Arum said he would elevate the scheduled co-feature, a 12-round bantamweight match between the Philippines’ pound-for-pound-ranked Nonito Donaire (24-1, 16 KOs) and former bantamweight titlist Wladimir Sidorenko (22-2-2, 7 KOs) of Ukraine.

“He got sick last Thursday after sparring and we kind of knew something was wrong,” strength coach Alex Ariza told ESPN.com. “He felt a little weak, but he finished 10 rounds [of sparring] but he kept telling Freddie he wasn’t in the groove. We thought maybe it was just a bad day, but later that night when he did an interview he started getting the cold sweats.

“He got back in the ring on Monday. He did four rounds, but once he started hitting the mitts with Freddie, he had cramps in his legs and later that night when we went to my house, he had a low-grade fever. [Tuesday morning] he woke up around 7 when we were going to train and he had a higher fever, about 102 or 103, and we knew this was more serious than we thought. I reported to Bob and he said if the kid is sick, he’s sick and there’s nothing we can do about it between now and Saturday.”

Arum said Wolak (27-1, 17 KOs) would remain on the televised portion of the card and could face Mexico’s Jose Pinzon (18-1-1, 12 KOs), although Wolak and his team wanted to view a video of Pinzon before committing to the bout.

Also on the card: lightweight titlist Humberto Soto (53-7-2, 32 KOs) of Mexico defends his belt against Urbano Antillon (28-1, 20 KOs) of Maywood, Calif., and featherweight contender Miguel Angel “Mikey” Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif., faces Olivier Lontchi (18-1-2, 8 KOs) of Montreal.

“I’m not going to cancel the show,” Arum said. “Anyone who wants a refund at the gate can get a refund. But you can’t cancel the show and do that to the kids who were getting ready to fight for the past six or eight weeks. You have an obligation if you can to follow through on the card.”




SON OF FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ADDED TO SATURDAY’S CARD IN ATLANTIC CITY–WATCH FIGHT LIVE ON GFL


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Isiah Seldon (2-0, 1KO), the son of former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, has been added to this Saturday’s card at Bally’s in Atlantic City. The card, promoted by Star Boxing, is headlined by Atlantic City’s own, Shamone “The Truth” Alvarez (21-2, 12KO’s) taking on Ayi Bruce (17-3, 12KO’s) for the vacant IBA Welterweight Championship.

Seldon, whose last fight in August was also in Atlantic City, will take on Dover, New Jersey’s Todd Eriksson (2-4, 1KO). Seldon is trained by his father Bruce and Bruce’s long-time trainer Bill Johnson. The bout is scheduled for four rounds in the super middleweight division.

Tickets are currently on sale and are being priced at $75, and $50 with a few limited 1st Row VIP Packages also available ($150). Tickets can be purchased by visiting any ticketmaster location, or simply by CLICKING HERE:. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718)823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Bally’s Atlantic City, is located at Park Place and the Boardwalk (1900 Pacific Ave.) Atlantic City, NJ 08401. For more information call (609) 340-2000.

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

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise




WBC Title fight confirmed, undercard announced for Friday’s boxing event

DOVER, Del. — The WBC Title fight on Friday, Dec. 3 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is confirmed for the vacant Continental Americas Middleweight Title, featuring Lajuan Simon against Dionisio Miranda. The fight card has been matched by Nick Tiberi. The first bout of the evening is scheduled to begin at 7:30 in the Rollins Center.

The fight order will be determined on Friday afternoon, following customary, day-of boxer weigh-ins. The card stands as follows:

· WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Belt, 12 Rounds: Lajuan Simon 23(12)-2-2, Philadelphia, Pa. v. Dionisio “Mister Nocaut” Miranda 20(18)-6(5)-2, Miami, Fla.

· Middleweight, 8 Rounds: “Mighty” Mike Tiberi 14(7)-1, Smyrna, Del. v. Marcus Don “The Barber” Hall 11(4)-5(3), Savannah, GA

· Heavyweight, 8 Rounds: Amir “Hardcore” Mansour 10(7)-0, Wilmington, Del. v. Joseph Rabotte 9(3)-14(9)-1, Myrtle Beach, SC

· Welterweight, 6 Rounds: Michael “No Joke” Stewart 45(24)-7(1)-2, New Castle, Del. v. Chad “Taz” Greenleaf 13(6)-16(7)-1, Parkersburg, WV

· Light Welterweight, 6 Rounds: “Rockin” Ryan Belasco 13(3)-4-3, Wilmington, Del. v. Gustavo Dailey 4(1)-9(4), Philadelphia, Pa.

· Light Heavyweight, 4 Rounds: Anthony “Caputo” Smith 7(5)-0, Kennett Square, Pa. v. TBA

· Cruiserweight, 4 Rounds: Dan “Bada Bing” Biddle 4(4)-1, Hockessin, Del. v. Zeferino Albino 3(1)-11-(4)-2, North Philadelphia, Pa.

· Super Middleweight, 4 Rounds: Gabriel “GPHAM” Pham 4(2)-0, Atlantic City, N.J. v. TBA

· Super Bantamweight, 4×2 Rounds: Rachel Clark 5(3)-4-1, Philadelphia, Pa. v. Michelle Garland 0-0-1, US.

Doors will open at 6:30 and will call will be open from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event, times and fight card are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tickets available through VIP Services at 800-711-5882.




Broadway Boxing returns tomorrow, December 1, featuring unbeatens Gabriel Bracero and Javier Fortuna in separate bouts Don’t get shut out! Purchase your tickets now!

November 30, 2010 – New York, NY) New York City fight fans looking for some seasons beating are in luck at Broadway Boxing returns to the BB King Blues Club tomorrow night with a action-packed eight bout card that is nearly sold out. In the main event, undefeated fan favorite Gabriel Bracero (12-0, 1 KO) will face the stiffest test of his career in 28 fight veteran Hector Alatore.

DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing is presented by AT&T: Think Possible, the Dominican Republic: It Has It All, and Latinoboxing.com: The #1 Latino Boxing Site. Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale now through DiBella Entertainment, and start at only $55. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577.

In a special attraction in the co-main event, unbeaten Dominican bomber Javier Fortuna (12-0, 9 KOs) faces his toughest test to date in New Jersey slickster Victor Valenzuela (8-0, 1 KO). Also on the undercard are some of the most popular pugilists from the New York region: heavyweight Tor Hamer (12-1, 9 KOs), welterweight Alex Perez (12-0, 7 KOs), heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis (2-0, 1 KO), junior middleweight Steven Martinez (6-0, 6 KOs), and junior middleweight Delen Parsley, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs).

Bracero, 29, of Brooklyn, is coming off a win in his first ever Broadway Boxing main event, winning a clear eight round decision over Terry Buterbaugh. Bracero is known for his all action style, only matched in intensity by the spirit his rabid fans base brings to each of his fights.

Fortuna, 20, of La Romana, Dominican Republic, is making his US debut after reeling off 12 straight wins to begin his career, including six first round knockouts. Brought to America by famed advisor, promoter, and talent evaluator Sampson Lewkowicz, Fortuna is looking to win over the New York City fight crowd.

Hamer, 27, of New York, NY, is back to his winning ways after starching experienced veteran Terrell Nelson in just one round in October on Broadway Boxing. He’s looking forward to racking up another win as he awaits an opportunity to avenge his controversial split decision loss in May to Kelvin Price.

Perez, 28, of Jersey City, NJ is making his DiBella Entertainment debut. With 12 wins already under his belt, Perez is on the fast track to big opportunity in the near future.

Lamonakis, 35, of New York, NY, is a school teacher by day, and by night a fighter who uses the ring a classroom for her opponents. This will mark the third appearance on Broadway Boxing for Lamonakis this year.

Martinez, 20, of Bronx, NY, is one of the latest additions to the DiBella Entertainment stable. Managed by New York Giants running back, Brandon Jacobs, the young junior middleweight is surrounding himself with people who know what it takes to be a champion. Martinez will look to keep his perfect knockout percentage intact in his second Broadway Boxing outing.

Parsley, 22, of Brooklyn, NY, is a former amateur standout and son of famed Gleason’s trainer Delen “Blimp” Parsley, who doubles as his trainer. Parsley will be making his Broadway Boxing debut.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale now through DiBella Entertainment, and start at only $55. VIP Ringside tickets are $125, Floor Seat tickets are $75, and General Admission tickets are $55. Tables for groups of 5 are also available. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577, and more information can be obtained by visiting www.dbe1.com.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.




Douglin Bout Moved to December 17!


Morganville, NJ (November 30, 2010) – Due to unforeseen circumstances, junior middleweight prospect Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin is off this Friday’s card in Santa Ynez, CA and will now be fighting December 17 at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville, PA.

A multi-time amateur champion who won the coveted National Golden Gloves title in 2008, Douglin is 11-0 with 7 wins by way of knockout as a professional. The Morganville, NJ native stopped his last four opponents in impressive fashion while displaying sensational skills each time out.

Douglin will square off against an opponent to be announced in an eight round bout.

Tickets are available by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Fans can follow Denis at twitter.com/damommasboy




Q & A with Ricky Burns


Fresh off his epic thrill a minute fight of the year Ricky Burns wastes no time getting back into action making his first defense of the WBO Super Featherweight title when he squares off with Andreas Evensen on 4 December in the Braehead Area, Glasgow. Going into the Martinez fight Burns 27, wasn’t given much of a chance and was a heavy underdog with the bookmakers however he showed his promoter Frank Warren’s faith was well founded in getting him home territory when he posted a stunning performance to become Scotland’s thirteenth World Champion. His opponent Evansen 24, is rated 3# by the WBO sports a 13-1(5) record and fights out of Norway by way of Columbia has previously fought in Britain when he stopped Gianpiero Contestabile in 5. His biggest fight to date when when he lost a decision to former WBC 130 title challenger Benoit Gaudet. Here’s what the quiet affable Burns had to say.

Hello Ricky, welcome to 15 rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Congratulations on a terrific win over Roman Martinez when you won the WBO Super Featherweight title. What can you tell us about the fight looking back?

Ricky Burns – I’ve only watched the fight back a couple of times. You know it still hasn’t sunk in. Again it was a great fight and I always said when I’m up against it that’s when I’m going to be my best. Because there was only a handful of people me and my camp who thought I was going to win the fight. So again when I watched it back I was very pleased with the outcome. Obviously Boxing’s all I’ve ever done since I was 12 years old when I put the gloves on. A world title is one of the most prestigious things you can ever get and I’ve achieved that.

Anson Wainwright – He put you down in the first and rocked you a couple of times. However you showed tremendous spirit and grit to weather the storm what are your thoughts on that now?

Ricky Burns – The knock down in the first I was was square on and off balance and I was going back at the time. I got straight up, if you look at my eyes I was fine. Everybody was panicking, I was having a look ringside and everyone clasped there heads in there hands. It was a clean shot. If I wasn’t been of balance and the damage could of been a lot worse.

Anson Wainwright – You wont be wasting any time making your first defense fighting Andreas Evensen what do you know about him & what are your thoughts on that fight?

Ricky Burns – I haven’t been able to get tapes on him. When I fight I don’t like to watch guys, I like to concentrate on the fight I’m going to fight. My trainer Billy Nelson sits down and picks what their good at and picks out faults and he tells me what to work on. He’s trying really hard to get some (Tapes). When you look at his record he’s won his last 5 by knock out so again another big puncher. I’m going to train exactly the same as for the last fight and I don’t see it being a problem, I just see me making a successful first defense.

Anson Wainwright – Since you won the title what have you been up to? How has winning the title changed things for you?

Ricky Burns – I’m trying to not let it change me. I don’t feel any different than before I won the fight. Obviously getting noticed a lot more, I’m getting more invites to do things. As you said I’m in the ring quite quick after winning the title. So my trainer doesn’t want anything interfering with the gym work because that’s the last thing you want is me concentrating on other things outside of the training. We can’t afford any slip ups.
I’ve been doing quite a lot. I was at the Scotland game (Soccer) when they played Liechtenstein. I was announced on to the pitch at half time. Also when the pope visited Scotland I carried the Scotland flag in the parade. I’ve been invited to a lot of other things with the Scottish First Minister. Again there coming up a couple of weeks before the fight so I’ve had to knock back a few things because I’m trying to focus on training. I’m trying to do what I can, but I don’t want to do to much. When I’m training for a fight I like to be 100% focused. It’s got to be done.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Ricky Burns – My trainer is Billy Nelson. My manager is Alex Morrison & Frank Warren is my promoter. I train at Billy Nelson’s gym “The Fighting Scots gym”. The gym only has professionals who train there. I train along side John Simpson (A Featherweight who’s 21-7(9) who’s a former British & Commonwealth champion) and another couple of up and coming boxers Michael Roberts (1-0(0) Featherweight) he just boxed the other week on Alex Morrison’s show when he made his debut & Santino Caruana (5-1(0) Lightweight) he’s up and coming as well. He boxed and won as well. Their both hoping to be on the Braehead bill.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years growing up in Coatbridge, Scotland?

Ricky Burns – All through school, i was the quietest guy i wouldn’t of said boo to a ghost. I’m still the quietest guy you’ll meet. I like to keep myself to myself anybody who knows me will tell you that. The Boxing side of it. I see Boxing as my job. The gym opened up at the end of the estate and from the first time i walked in that was me hooked. I work part time in a sports shop D W Sports the shops in Coatbridge. I work part time, that gives me all week to concentrate on Boxing. My management & co-workers i get on really well with and don’t see it as a job. When I’m working i spend most of my shifts talking to customers because everyone who walks through the door i seem to know who they are. So again I really enjoy it all.

Anson Wainwright – You told me a couple of weeks after you won the title when you were in Birmingham attending “The Magnificent Seven” show that you were being awarded the WBO belt in the ring between fights that you were more nervous about that than fighting. Can you tell us about that and how it felt to be officially awarded the title?

Ricky Burns – In the ring I feel at home in the gym as well, as I say Boxing was all I ever wanted to do. Outside of the gym at the press conferences I’m really shy and after the fight i like things to go back to normal. I’m still trying to adjust to getting all the attention.

Anson Wainwright – There are several interesting fights for you with fellow British fighters like Stephen Foster Jnr who won the European title recently, British champion Gary Sykes along with Anthony Crolla & fellow Scot Paul Appleby are they fights you’d like or do you see them as steps backwards?

Ricky Burns – Earlier in my career I had been meant to box some of the names you mentioned. I was mandatory when Gary Sykes won the British title. I was mandatory to fight him for it. But obviously when I was offered the world title fight your going to jump at the chance. So I stepped aside. Again Stephen Foster Jr I was supposed to fight him a couple of years ago and the fight fell through. It’s the same with other boxers in Britain. I was down to box John Murray. I was down to box Kevin Mitchell and he had issues making Super Feather and he stepped up. As I’ve always said I’m willing to fight anybody that’s the attitude I had when I first put on the gloves and nothing has changed.
I’ve sparred with Paul (Appleby) a few times in the build up to the Martinez fight and earlier on in our career’s. The same with Alex Arthur. I’m sure he’d have the same attitude as me if the fight came up you’d put your friendship aside for that one night. At the end of the day it’s job.

Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do with your time?

Ricky Burns – When I’m not training, I enjoy playing Golf. The biggest thing I do is my X-Box, I’m addicted to Call of Duty & FIFA. So if I’m not training you’ll find me in the house on Call of Duty. Outside the ring I’m just normal, the same as everybody else. I’m a Celtic (Soccer) fan, but I’m not into Soccer as much as when I was younger.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero growing up? What fighters do you like to watch today?

Ricky Burns – When I was growing up it was Prince Naseem Hamed. That was who we used to gather around to watch. Now I’d say my favorite is Floyd Mayweather.

Anson Wainwright – I don’t know if you got chance to meet him but he was at the “Magnificent Seven” show in September that you were also at.

Ricky Burns – I saw him when he came in and I was dying to go over and see him but me being me being dead shy I didn’t. I said to my mum and she said you didnt even get me his autograph! haha

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans who supported you and will hopefully be cheering you on against Evansen?

Ricky Burns – I have a great support in Glasgow, especially Coatbridge. They make the night that bit more special. A big thank you to all my fans and everybody who comes to watch. Everybody has been unbelievable.

Thanks for your time Ricky, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Midweek Musings – Last week i popped to see Marcos Maidana in his training camp ahead of his 11 December fight with Amir Khan, he looked in great shape, he was 145, he thinks Khan is over looking him and calling out the likes of Mayweather. He said “Khan has to win every second of the fight, i only have to win 1 second to win the fight” obviously alluding to his power…All the credit in the world to Juan Manuel Marquez, at 37 he once again reminded us of how great he is getting off the floor to win a ninth round stoppage over Michael Katsidis, at the moment I’d have to put that a fight of the year with the third round as round of the year…Much of the talk afterwords centered around Marquez wanting to fight Pacquiao personally I think the Filipino Congressman is a bit to big for Marquez who’s topped out at 135 but there’s no doubting he’s earned it. I’d prefer to see Marquez fight Erik Morales in Mexico, i think that would be a heck of an event South of the Boarder…Special shout out to Michael Katsidis & his manager/trainer Brendan Smith they certainly played there part in the roller coaster main event on Saturday, i think it’s testimony to their fiercely tough training camp they had in Thailand that they took so much until Marquez finally got to him. I’d like to see him take a well deserved break and come to terms with the devastating loss of his brother then get back into action maybe in front of his adoring fans in Australia, he’ll certainly be welcome back with open arms to America & Britain…Looks like they over matched Celestino Caballero taking him to 130, it was still close but he didn’t look the beast he has been at 122 or 126, it’s a long road getting one of the big guys at Featherweight now. Jason Litzau now deserves a title shot at 130 and he’d have a good shot at any of the champions…Stunning KO by Andre Berto, hopefully he gets a big fight next…Ghanaian Middleweight Bastie Samir looks like he’s a helluva puncher and has the potential to go places likewise Light Welterweight Michael Finney both scored second round KO’s…Get Well soon Kenny Adams, he’s currently in hospital but getting better.




Povetkin to take on Firtha?


Akron, Ohio….Insiders close to NABA United States Champion Nick “The Stone Man” Firtha have reported that he will be traveling to Berlin, Germany to face Alexander Povetkin in a East meets West Showdown at Max Schmeling Arena. Firtha 19-7-1 (8KO) is riding a three victory winning streak in which he disposed of Tony Grano and Mike Shepherd to capture and retain his NABA United States Title. Povetkin 20-0 (15KO) will look to remain unbeaten against Firtha. Sources indicate that the winner of this contest will obtain a top 5 ranking in all major sanctioning bodies and early talks with the camps of David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko are rumored to have begun.

When speaking to Firtha he stated “This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I will go to Germany and take the next step of becoming Heavyweight Champion of the world and bring back the title to the United States.”

More details to follow in the coming days……




THE BIG ROCKOUT THIS FRIDAY NIGHT ON GFL–FOR FREE


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NEW YORK / ATLANTA (NOVEMBER 29, 2010)—This Friday night championship boxing returns to www.gofightlive.tv as Sports Fans Properties presents a big night of boxing that is headlined by the USBA Southern Regional Welterweight Championship.

The title fight will be a ten round battle for the USBA Southern Regional featuring Paul Delgado battling Chris Gray.

The entire nine bout card can be seen for FREE at 7pm eastern by clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/The_Big_Rock_Out_4/878

Delgado of Atlanta has a record of 24-9-1 with four knockouts and has faced a litany world class opponents and world champions.

Delgado has been in with the top of the division which includes tussled with former IBF Jr. Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi; Former contestant of the Contender season I Jeff Fraza; former world title challenger Dmitry Salita; Former world title challenger Demetrious Hopkins as well as title chances when he lost via sixth round knockout to top Welterweight contender Said Ouali for the USBO Welterweight championship.

Delgado dropped two more opportunities to capture hardware as he was stopped in twelve by undefeated Jo Jo Dan for NABA Welterweight title as well as losing a twelve round unanimous decision to undefeated Vitaly Demyanenko for the WBO Asia Pacific and PABA Welterweight title.

Delgado has won four in a row which includes his last outing when he won a six round unanimous decision over Chad Greenleaf on August 27th in Atlanta.

Gray has been thrown in with top competition as well.

The native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a record of 13-12 with one knockout.

In just his third bout Gray was stopped in one with top ranked Welterweight contender Mike Jones. Gray came back to Philadelphia to score an upset over Jr. Middleweight Gabriel Rosado (5-1). After a couple of losses it was déjà vu for Gray as he scored a split decision former amateur star Jason Thompson (4-1).

Since then its been literally up and down for Gray but you can’t fault his strength of Schedule such as top undefeated prospects such as Erislandy Lara and Joe Greene as well as contenders such as ishe Smith, David Estrada and Billy Lyell.

Gray is coming off a six round stoppage over Gerald Jordan (7-1-1) on August 27th in Atlanta.

The rest of the card as follows:
4 Rounds—Cruiserweights—Brian Howard (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Tobias Rice (2-2, 2 KO’s)
4 Rounds—Heavyweights—John McDermott IV (PD) vs. Dereck Walker (1-3)
4 Rounds—Jr. Middleweights—Adonis Inman (2-0) vs. Dino Dumonjic (1-1)
4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Jesus Tavera (0-1) vs. Yusef Shabazz (PD)
4 Rounds—Jr. Middleweights—Ghislan Ntsikoto (1-0) vs. Erix Quinteros (2-6)
4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Jackie Breitenstein (5-0, 5 KO’s) vs. TBA
Super Middleweights—Lamar Russ (5-0, 5 KO’s) vs. Brad Austin (8-9, 5 KO’s)
Middleweights—Evgeny Gradovich (6-0, 5 KO’s) vs. Jesse Carradine (6-0-1, 3 KO’s)