Sunday Sizzler SPECIAL NYD & BILLY FROM PHILLY EDITION! Fast Eddie Chambers post fight interview! 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD – A weekly Sunday boxing show covering Boxing from all angles. Alongside and boxing aficionado Danny “NYD” Stasiukiewicz.

I didn’t spend last weekend at Mandalay Bay. I couldn’t afford to. Even with the “media rate” for a room, it was too pricey – before airfare from San Antonio. Hopkins-Jones II was the main event of a $49 pay-per-view card called “The Rivals.” I couldn’t afford that either. Apparently history was made. Sorry I missed it.

Friday, May 21, though, I’ll board a flight to Los Angeles ($110). Then I’ll stay in a hotel near Staples Center Friday ($80) and Saturday ($80). Then I’ll fly home Sunday ($110 again). I can afford Vazquez-Marquez IV.

After food, “Once and Four All” should cost me eight times more than I couldn’t afford to spend on “The Rivals.” I know what you’re thinking because I’m thinking it too: “Eight times? Even at 10x, Vazquez-Marquez is a steal!”

Indeed it is, friends. On May 22 at Staples Center, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will make the fourth fight of their rivalry – the finest of my lifetime. Three Thursdays ago, Golden Boy Promotions held a kickoff press conference to announce it. Whenever the officers of that company come out of hiding for what happened last weekend, do congratulate them: Vazquez-Marquez III deserved a larger venue than Home Depot Center’s tennis stadium, every prizefight deserves a better venue than a casino, and Golden Boy Promotions is the reason “Once and Four All” is in a large stadium where real fans can purchase real tickets.

A quick note about the tagline. “Once and Four All” is very much better than “Who R U Picking?” but you’re right to fear that “four” will play too large a role in coverage of this event – as in “Fourward Four You!” or “Fourever UnFourgettable.” Here’s why. The word “trilogy” is well known, while the word “tetralogy” doesn’t come standard in the MS Word dictionary. But a tetralogy is what this fight will make. That word can be added to the custom dictionary to ensure spell check doesn’t ding it and send you careering back towards “Fourtunate Foursome!”

Now a note or two about ambivalence.

I was in the camp that didn’t want to see this fight happen. I was ringside for Vazquez-Marquez III. It was wicked. Israel Vazquez’s face was a grotesquerie in the post-fight press conference – and he was the winner. Selfishly, too, I was content with having written about the finale of a series that will be the standard by which aficionados still judge prizefighting rivalries in 2035.

Great writing chooses solely great figures for subjects. Words are elevated by their topics. Even an average writer could put together a very good piece were he present for, say, Marvin Hagler’s match with Tommy Hearns. Meanwhile, Hopkins-Jones II would hamstring a ringside report by Shakespeare on lede and Cervantes on sidebar.

We should choose carefully, then, and Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez are great as sport makes men.

But unlike in Vazquez and Marquez’s fights at super bantamweight, it’s very hard to believe that, come May 22, we’ll be looking at the world’s two best featherweights. This fourth fight will happen at 126 pounds, where neither Vazquez nor Marquez could be ranked in the Top 6. Both men are now years past their 30th birthdays, and if they can no longer be asked to make 122 they shouldn’t either be asked to make fights with Juan Manuel Lopez or Yuriorkis Gamboa.

Which brings us to this: No matter how competitive the fourth fight is, it won’t be great as the third. Fighters don’t improve after what Vazquez and Marquez did to one another two years ago. The most we can hope is that 25 consecutive rounds together eroded the men equally.

There’s evidence that suggests this. Vazquez did not look very good in his October fight with Angel Antonio Priolo, 19 months after his third fight with Marquez. He looked hittable as ever. He ground out a win by grinding Priolo into a dusty film on the Nokia Theater canvas. It took him nine rounds and more scars over his oft-damaged left eye, though.

But if you’re only exposure to Rafael Marquez’s win over Colombian Jose Francisco Mendoza in May comes from BoxRec.com – Result: TKO-3 for Marquez – you’re incompletely informed. That fight happened in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon and was available on TV Azteca 7, a channel nary an American had access to. Marquez did not look well-adjusted to his new weight. And Mendoza’s 21-2-2 (17 KOs) record was a Bogota fiction; he’d gone 0-2-1 just before Marquez stopped him, and he’d go out like a light 100 days later when Jhonny Gonzalez starched him thrice as fast as Marquez had.

Still, I think I’ll pick Marquez. He is a special talent with a special trainer in Nacho Beristain; on paper, he should have won the second fight and the third one, too. Just like I picked. That’s the insincere part. I’d hate to jinx Vazquez by picking him now.

I’ve written more words about other fighters. But there is no one – perhaps no subject – I’ve enjoyed writing about more than Israel Vazquez. By May 22 he’ll have fought once in 26 months, but I’ve still made him the subject of four columns since he beat Marquez in Carson, Calif.

So let’s end with a Vazquez anecdote.

At last year’s BWAA dinner, I sat across the table from Israel. He was with his brother-in-law, and PR ace Bernie Bahrmasel. Late in the night, Israel’s brother-in-law went to get his picture taken with some of the glamorously clad gals who’d presented awards. Vazquez nodded in his direction and said, “Look at him.”

“He tells them he’s with Vazquez, and they all want a picture,” I said.

“But I am Vazquez!” Israel said, pointing at his chest and smiling.

Three was enough. Four is too many. But if Izzy and Rafa must fight on, may the exchange rate be fair. And may they be paid properly, too. See you in Los Angeles.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

On Friday night TKO Promotions & Guilty Boxing proudly presented an evening of Boxing from the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

In the Main Event Sharif “THe Lion Warrior” Bogare moved to 15-0(9) after a clash of heads late in the first opened up a cut on the right eye of his opponent Martin Tucker 7-6(3). When Tucker got back to his corner at the end of the round he told his corner he couldn’t see, however the referee and doctor said he was ok to continue thus meaning the fight was called off at the 3.00 mark with Bogare winning by first round KO.

As usual Bogare 21, was carried to the ring in a cage decked out as Lion surrounded by singers and dancers with to load cheers by his fans. Bogare now lives in Las Vegas but originally hails from Kampala in Uganda.

Robert “Big Rob” Rodriguez 3-0(0) kept his perfect record when he scored a comprehensive four round points win over Manuel Delgado 1-4(0) when Adelaide Byrd, Lisa Giampa & Ricardo Ocasio all scored it 40-36 in a Super Bantamweight fight.

The fight of the night was between a come backing Eddie Salas 7-3-1(5) and Mike Alexander 1-4-2(0). The last time Salas fought America was still under the administration of George W Bush & Black Eyed Peas song “Where is the Love” was number one in the Music charts.

The action started right away with Salas taking the fight to the taller Alexander from the first bell though Alexander had his moments. In the second Alexander was pinned for a large part of the second round in a neutral corner where Salas threw several hard overhand rights. The action continued through the third. By the fourth it looked as though Salas was in control only to walk into a hard left that clearly hurt him, forcing him backwards. Alexander poured on the pressure but was unable to force the stoppage. When the scores came in Robert Hoyle scored it 39-37 to Salas but was over ruled by Dwayne Ford & Lisa Giampa who both had it tied at 38-38.

Las Vegas own Bradley Blankenship failed to win on his debut when he was forced to settle for a four round draw against Abram Espinoza 0-1-1(0). The first round seemed fairly close, it then appeared that Blankenship took over in the second before having a strong third round. Again in the fourth Blankenship seemed to do enough to take the round. Dwayne Ford scored it 40-36 for Blankenship however he was over ruled by Al Leferwitz & Ricardo Ocasio who couldn’t separate either man posting scores of 38-38.

In his second bout Michael Finney moved to 2-0(2) when he blasted out Jordan Washington 1-2(1) out in 2.49 of the opener. Washington was down three times. Joe Cortez presided over the action.

The opening bout of the night saw Fidel “Atrisco Kid” Maldonado keep his perfect 2-0(2) record when he proved to much for Blake “Trouble” Franklin 3-4-1(1). Maldonado started fast and quickly dropped Franklin, two more knock downs followed before Joe Cortez waved the fight off at 1.29.

The next TKO/Guilty Promotion is on 22 May at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT headlined by Peter Manfredo verses Angel Hernandez for the Vacant IBO Middleweight crown along with Matt Remillard making a defence of the NABF Featherweight title.

Cuban import, Erislandy Lara scored a ten round unanimous decision over veteran Danny Perez at the Joint at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Lara boxed very well as he mixed in some solid combinations and dived them up between two, three and four punch quick flurries to bot the body and head.

Perez had a few moments of success as he used nice nice body work in round five. Lara then coasted down the stretch as he moved very well and showed terrific hand speed and put his hand together but he didint seem to take many chances as he felt he had the felt in hand.

All three judges scored the bout 99-91 for Lara, 156 lbs of Miami and is now 11-0. Perez, 155 1/2 lbs of San Diego is now 34-7.

Lara refused to back down and was awarded the unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 99-91. After the fight he only had praise for his team and his new trainer Ronnie Shields. “I felt great. I can really feel the difference my new team has made. My preparations were strong and we executed it tonight, especially now that I have Ronnie in my corner. I know my team will guide me to my dream of a world title this year.”

Puerto Rican Super Featherweight prospect Carlos Velasquez stopped Ira Terry in four rounds of their scheduled eight round bout.

Velasquez was dominant with body work that set up some nice shots to the head. At the end of round three, Velasquez landed a hard straight right that had Terry in trouble. The momentum continued in the next round as Velasquez landed a big right hand that sent down Terry for referee Vic Drachulich’s ten count just twenty seconds into round four.

Velasquez, 127 1/2 lbs of Catao, PR is now 12-0 with ten knockouts. Terry, 128 lbs of Covington, TN is now 24-3.

Ten seconds into the fourth round Velasquez unleashed a hellacious flurry of punches that sent Terry to the canvas where Terry was counted out just 20 seconds into the round. The super featherweight bout was scheduled for eight rounds. After the fight Velasquez spoke about his victory. “I felt great in there. I worked really hard for this fight. I knew he was getting tired because I kept hitting his body with shots. This was the biggest fight of my career. It meant a lot to me because I haven’t fought in a while. But I came back strong with a big knockout.”

It took seventeen years for the rematch but when it finally occurred, Bernard Hopkins won a twelve round unanimous decision over Roy Jones Jr. in a strange at times Light Heavyweight bout at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

After walking out accompanied by his oown vocalist singing a boxing-themed version or I Did It My Way, Bernard Hopkins was in vintage regala donning his old school executioner mask perhaps in an attempt to intimidate Roy Jones Jr. Nevertheless, both fighters seemed ready to pounce but would not throw. Like two coiled snakes, the first round was a lot of fainting and posturing. The second, third, and fourth rounds were all similar to each other. Hopkins would spring in with a combo and tie up Roy at the end of his combo. Roy Jones simply was not active enough, not throwing many punches. Jones seemed to come alive in the fifth when he landed his best and perhaps only combo of the fight. Thus far, the fifth was Jones’ best round. Round six seemed to be an even round, both fighters had about the same level of effectivness but near the end of the round, Jones blantantly punched Hopkins in the back of the head, sending Hopkins to the canvas, sprawling in pain. The referee subsequently deducted a point away from Jones.

This fired up both fighters as they fought viciously for the last 10 seconds of the fight and even after the bell, causing chaos and members of Jones’ camp to run into the ring. Order was restored and the seventh round picked up where the last one ended. Towards the middle of the round, both fighters seemed to calm down and the chess match resumed. In round 8, Jones landed another illegal blow to the back of the head, sending Hopkins down for a short time, no point was deducted, but like before, this fired up Hopkins and he attacked Jones. In the ninth, both fighters seemed to tighten up and become hesistant to engage.

More controversy in the tenth round, Jones landed a blow which appeared to hit the belt line, but Hopkins dropped to the canvas wincing in pain. Hopkins sprung back up to his feet but was visibly tired as his output dropped noticeably. At the start of round 11, Jones finally wised up and gave

Hopkins a taste of his own medicine. Hopkins had been leading with his head the entire fight so Roy walked away and took a few seconds off due to the butt. The round, however, was mostly dominated by Hopkins

The 12th and final round, saw Hopkins charge out and land two body shorts before Jones threw any punches. The round may have went to Jones being that he lets his hands go, but the fight was fairly one sided. The judges had the fight 117-110, 117-110, 118-109 all to the winner Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins improves his hall of fame record to 51-5-1 with 32KO’s while Jones’ added his sixth loss to his stellar career to go along with 55 wins with 40 by KO. Jones’ better days are clearly behind him, but tonight he showed flashes of his old brilliance (by karen). Whats next for Hopkins, maybe more acting classes! But cagey veterans make cagey moves and Hopkinds used it to his advantage to ensure a victory.

In the co-main event, Jason Litzau met Texas native Rocky Juarez in the NABF Super Featherweight Title bout. Litzau showed tremendous footwork early as he danced around and picked off Rocky as he was coming in. As the fight progressed into the 6th and 7th rounds, Litzau seemed to tire which in turn made him stand and trade more, not a good idea. Juarez had a chance to land big shots and that he did. In the 7th round, Juarez came in with his head and clashed with Litzau face causing a huge gash. Between rounds, the Litzau camp decided they could not continue so the fight would be decided on the scorecards. One judge saw it 68-85 while the other two had it 67-66 all in favor of the champion Jason Litzau. He improves to 27-2 with 21KOS while Jaurez drops to 28-5-1.

Seeing his first action in nearly two years, Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, from Contender fame, met a game Calvin Green in a super middleweight battle. The first two rounds were action packed with Mora bein cut on the side of his nose by a left hook in the 1st round. Both of the fighters seemed to tire quickly which resulted in a lot of in fighting. Mora showed a different side of his skills by moving and punching WITH POWER from angles. The tactic worked and as the punches accumulated the referee saw no reason to let the fight go on. So at 1:50 in round 7, the fight was stopped. This is only Sergio’s 6 win by KO/TKO in his 24 fights, but he improves his record to 22-1-1 with 6KO’s. Green drops to 21-5-1.

The vacant NABF Light Heavyweight Title was up for grabs when undefeated Ismayl Sillakh met Daniel Judah in a scheduled 10 rounder. However the bout didn’t make it that far. Sillakh dropped Judah with a vicious hook to the body followed by a right to the head. Judah rose, only to be knocked down again by a left hook to the head. The ref Vic Drakulich stopped the fight at :49 in the second round. Sillakh improves to 12-0 with 11KO’s while Judah dropped to 23-5-1.

The next bout was for the USNBC Super Lightweight title featuring Ray Narh versus Angel Hernandez. The much taller Narh pressed Hernandez and landed huge shots which resulted in three knockdowns in the second round. Hernandez failed to get up and the referee stopped the fight at 2:59 of the second round. Taking the title and improving his record to 24-1 with 21KO’s was Narh while Hernandez dropped to 14-5.

In the pro debut of what many people feel is the next “Golden Boy”, Frankie Gomes of East Los Angeles battled Clavonne Howard in a junior welterweight battle. Gomes impressed the crowd as he stalked Howard around the ring for three rounds until referee Joe Cortez stopped the fight at 2:45 of the 3rd round after Howard was caught with some big shots. Howard drops to 2-4.

In a battle between super featherweights, Yaundale Evans kept his record clean as he dropped Juan Baltierrez at 2:08 in the second round with a right hook to the temple. Evans is now 6-0 with 4KO’s while Baltierez drops to 2-2-2 with only 1KO.

The second bout was a super middleweight battle between Buddy McGirt Jr and John Mackey. Mackey proved to be no match as he was dropped in the second round from a perfect right hook that landed on his chin at 2:58. McGirt improves to 22-2-1 with 11KO’s while Mackey dropped to 11-5-2.

In the first bout of the evening, Craig McEwan retained his undefeated middleweight record as he improved to 18-0 with 10KO’s. McEwan controlled the action from opening bell against the over matched Kris Andrews from Canada. Landing big shot after big shot, referee Joe Cortez finally stopped the fight in the 8th and final round at the time of 2:11. Andrews dropped to 15-9-2 with 4KO’s.

POST FIGHT QUOTES

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Hopkins was taken to the Southern Hills Hospital for observation immediately following the fight.

“It was a great victory for Bernard Hopkins. Seventeen years in the making. He got the win, the victory he waited for. A lot of people counted Roy out. Roy came to fight and I want to congratulate him for that.”

JOHN WIRT, CEO of Square Ring, Inc.

“Roy is going to the hospital as well. In terms of this fight, it was obviously a longstanding rivalry between two legends of our generation. It is up to Roy. I am sure he will be making that decision down the road in terms of what he wants to do with his career.”

BERNARD HOPKINS VS. ROY JONES JR.

BERNARD HOPKINS

“It was kind of rough. He’s a warrior. He’s a veteran and a good fighter. I see spots. I have been hit in the back of the head before, but in the gym with head gear on. I was toughing it out. I was seeing spots in the sixth round.

“I felt I got hit in the back of the head and my legs went and I started seeing spots. I was mad. Weeks did a helluva job. He was doing the best he could to keep us both under control.

“I wanted to keep pressing. I’m a scrappy fighter. I might not be flashy. I might not be pretty, but I am a hard core Philadelphia fighter and blue collar worker like most Americans.

“The rematch was well worth it. It was sweet revenge for me.

“I want David Haye, the heavyweight champion of the world.”

ROY JONES JR.

“Ifeel great. Even at my age I’m still in control. I want to thank god for as healthy as I am today. Pensacola in the house. Thank all I my fans for their support. I kind of got behind. I was trying to knock him out because I was behind. He is a very crafty veteran. He was hitting me behind the head.

“I was worried the first time. I knew if I was fouled too much I would have been disqualified. I wanted to give the fans what they wanted. I tried to do that tonight.”

JASON LITZAU VS. ROCKY JUAREZ

JASON LITZAU

“This is the biggest victory of my career. Rocky is a true champion. I want to thank Square Ring and Golden Boy for this opportunity. Me and Rocky gave them a helluva show. I felt like I had another 10 rounds in me. I was so calm. I was relaxed on the inside. I was going to turn it up in the later rounds. I knew Rocky was coming. I was going to turn it up in the later rounds.”

ROCKY JUAREZ

“I felt the cut was the result of a punch, not an accidental head butt. The cut was by a short left hook. By saying it was an accidental head butt, I was disappointed. I love Jason. We know each other. I am one of the best fighters in the world.

“I felt that the decision was bull. I was going to stop him at the end of the night. We never collided heads. I made sure of it. Jason knew he was going to get knocked out towards the end of the fight.

“I do not consider this losing. I did not lose this fight. I felt that this fight was taken from me. I would like a rematch. Jason should give me that rematch because he knows it was a punch. The cut was underneath his eye. Jason just backed out.”

SERGIO MORA VS. CALVIN GREEN

SERGIO MORA

“It is great to be victorious. The rust was certainly there. 19 months out of the ring took its toll. That will happen. I started really slow. By the third round I felt more like the Latin snake. By the fourth and fifth round, I got it under control. He was always trying to counter. I gave him some good body shots. He can really take a punch. I mixed it up pretty good. I am back. I am with a good promoter now, Golden Boy. I am back.

“This guy came in at the last minute. I couldn’t find any tapes on him.

I knew he was gonna be tough. I had never seen him.

“The cut didn’t bother me. I’m used to cuts. I’m used to getting lacerated.

“It took two rounds for me to get the rust off, but I was so motivated and I just want to get back in there.

“You are going to see a lot more because I am hungry. I am ready to fight the best. I am glad I got the rust off.

“I want to fight the best. Let me get another fight. I will let Richard Schaefer get me another opponent ASAP and then I will be ready.”

ISMAYL SILLAKH VS. DANIEL JUDAH

ISMAEL SILLAKH

“I respect Bernard Hopkins, but if I fought him, I would beat him.

“I am ready for a world title right now because I trained hard. I train every day twice a day. I am ready. It is my time.”

Delvin Rodriguez retained the USBA Welterweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Mike Arnaoutis in a battle of former world title challengers at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

Rodriguez used his length and would land some nice combinations throughout the affair and he himseld was hit every once in a while with some straight lefts or right hooks from Arnaoutis but those shits were only one at a time.

Arnaoutis was deducted a point in round seven for a low. One of Rodriguez right hands caused a cut over the left eye of Arnaoutis in round eleven

Rodriguez, 146 3/4 lbs of nearby Danbury, CT will look to get back in the thick of the title picture with a record of 25-4-2. Arnaoutis, 146 1/4 lbs of Queens, NT is now 22-5-1.

Former U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade scored a six round unanimous decision over Geoffrey Spruiell in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Andrade was never tested and landed the harder combination’s and was particularly effective with hard shots on the ropes. Spruiell showed plenty of courage as he stood up to Andrade’s assault and even egged on the younger on Andrade in the last round while finally getting in a a little offense of his own.

All three cards read 60-54 for Andrade, 153 1/4 lbs of Providence, RI who is now 10-0. Spruiell, 153 3/4 lbs of Pueblo, CO is now 8-9.

In his own words “Don’t call it a comeback…i’ve been here for years” However Saturday will become the maiden voyage of phase two of Sergio “The Latin Snake’s” Mora’s career. The pride of East L.A now 29, gets back to work after a 18 month hiatus when he makes his Golden Boy debut. In the opposite corner will be tough veteran Calvin Green. Mora 21-1-1(5) has fitted a lot into his career winning the Contender and then going onto win the WBC Light Middleweight title against the late Vernon Forrest. Here’s what Mora had to say.

Hello Sergio, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly how are things? Your back after an 18 month hiatus, what can you tell us about that and what have you done with your time since?

Sergio Mora – Well it’s going to be a 19 month hiatus but if it sounds familiar Floyd Mayweather Jnr did it. If he can do it i can do it. I’ve been busy with commentating on professional fights and doing appearances and just staying in the gym and staying focused. I haven’t been inactive i’ve been in the gym sparring 3 times a week. I had 3 fights cancelled last year so it’s not because you know i’m stagnant on purpose. It’s because i was forced to be inactive. I was with a promoter who didn’t fight me. But know i’m with Golden Boy who are going to fight me and keep me busy. You guys are going to see me at least 3 times this year.

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting veteran Calvin Green 21-4-1(13), what do you know about him? What are you looking for from this fight?

Sergio Mora – I know absolutely nothing about him. This is the fourth opponent they’ve replaced him with. First i was supposed to fight Daniel Edouard, then it became a Canadian Jason Naugler then a guy from Baltimore Ishmail Arvin and now this guy. I couldn’t get no youtube video’s or DVD’s in time to study him. From what i can see it looks like he’s a hard puncher and i’m expecting a tough good fight. He’s a Texan everything is big from Texas so i’m expecting him to want to win.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer and Promoter? Also what gym do you use regularly to train at?

Sergio Mora – I train at Montebello Police Athletics. My coach who used to be my manager is John Montelongo he’s a police officer in Montebello. My trainer, my long-time trainer, the only trainer i ever had is Dean Campos and my newly assigned manager is Cameron Dunkin.

Anson Wainwright – Growing up in East Los Angeles as a kid, can you tell us about your early years and how you first became involved in Boxing?

Sergio Mora – I got involved in Boxing in East L.A there’s a lot of gyms in East L.A there’s a lot of liquor stores too! I chose the former and went that route. Me and my friends used to get together like little rascals and fight in alley’s and backyards. I beat up all my friends…i was like 15-0! Haha
So from that i decided to go into sanctioned Boxing travelling to other countries and states got me hooked to Boxing and that i was good at it naturally.

Anson Wainwright – You turned pro in August 2000 what can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles you won and who you fought? Also what was your final record?

Sergio Mora – As an amateur i had about 40 wins 10 loses. I had about 50 fights i’m estimating. I won the state Golden Gloves twice. I won the Blue & Gold national. I made it to the National trials and lost in the finals to Jermain Taylor who won a bronze medal (At the 2000 Olympics). So i got very far with only 50 fights as an amateur.

Anson Wainwright – You were the winner of the inaugural Contender series back in 2004/2005 that really put you on the map. What can you tell us about how you look back at the tournament and what it did for you?

Sergio Mora – Wow i could tell you so much, one day i probably will and write a book, because that changed my life. A lot of people ask me what was bigger winning a world title or the contender but it’s just different dreams. One changed my life and one was a dream come true. The contender in my eyes opened so many doors. People around the world watched the show from England to Africa to Latin America to South East Asia. I get e-mails & fan mail. The Contender was huge in retrospect. I don’t regret anything except the inactivity.

Anson Wainwright – Obviously before you had this break away you won the WBC 154 title from the now sadly departed Vernon Forrest. Those fights must of been great learning curves for you?

Sergio Mora – Unbelievable learning experience. I can’t really put it into words. Just something i’m going to display Saturday because this is my first after i fighting Vernon Forrest. Going 24 rounds with a man of his experience and stature is just unbelievable. Like i said I can’t put it in words but i will display it this Saturday.

Anson Wainwright – Hopefully all being well Saturday you’ll get the victory and back in the win column, what are you looking to do next? Who are your targeting at 154?

Sergio Mora – I’m just looking to have a great performance Saturday. I can’t just win have to win with flying colours and i expect to do that. I expect to put on a show and if god has everything on my favour and he opens the next door. I’d love to fight Kelly Pavlik. That’s the one i want at Middleweight. But at Jnr Middleweight whatever Golden Boy presents in front of me i’m going to take down.

Anson Wainwright – Since you last fought at 154 the landscape of the division has changed quite a bit with several young guns coming through like Alfredo Angulo, Vanes Martirosyan & Erislandy Lara all breaking through. How do you see the Light Middleweight division now?

Sergio Mora – I think it’s finally picking up. I think it was really dry for a long-time. Guys like Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez umm Perro Angulo but he hasn’t really fought any big names and when he did he lost to Cintron. Cintron’s up there. Lara isn’t really experienced yet so i won’t throw his name in there. It’s a lot better more exciting. James Kirkland that’s a guy you guys missed. I sparred with him several times and he’s a beast at 54. So hopefully it can pick up and be one of the Marquee division’s.

Anson Wainwright – For you what do you think is the best part about being a boxer? And the worst?

Sergio Mora – The best part about being a boxer is the appreciation of every athlete in the world. After winning the show (Contender) i had huge Basketball stars, Baseball stars, Hockey stars. Football stars especially their the biggest Boxing fans you know. They want to talk to me, hang out with me, take pictures with me. It was real flattering because everyone respects a guy who can put his body on the line especially in a dangerous sport like Boxing and as historical Boxing that’s the good part. People also respect a fighter. The bad part about being a fighter is that your doing just that for a living. Your taking punches to the head, your denting your nose your hurting your hands your getting injury’s everywhere else. People say your shortening your health. So that’s the bad part.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Sergio Mora – I have a message for the fans, real simple and plain. This isn’t a comeback because i’ve been here a very very time like i said in the press conference. I’m finally at the peak the zenith of my maturation as a man as an athlete and professional fighter and i’m ready to show the world. It’s my time i’m 29 years old, i’m in my prime.

Thanks for your time Sergio.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Roy Jones Jr -V- Bernard Hopkins
175* 175

Rocky Juarez -V- Jason Litzau
129 130

Sergio Mora -V- Calvin Green
161 161

Ishmayl Sillakh -V- Daniel Judah
175 175

*Jones Jr was initially 0.5 over but stripped naked and weighted exactly 175.

PHILADELPHIA (April 2, 2010)- Weights for TONIGHT’S Spring Fling Boxing event at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Derek Ennis 157.5 – Jose Gonzlaez 155
Farah Ennis 169 – Frankie Santos 173
Clenete Bethea 139.5 – Jason Sia 139
John Bolden 237.5 – Bryant Jennings 221
Luis Esquilin 126 – Jose Ortiz 129
Duane King 154 – Kamel Al-Olabi 159

Promoter: Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions LLC
Start Time: 7:30 pm est
Tickets: 215-763-0500

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

The entire fight card can be seen LIVE!! On www.gofightlive.tv beginning at 7:30 pm for just $6.99 by clicking http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=576

14-0(8) Sharif Bogere -V- Martin Tucker 7-5(3)
139 143

7-3(5) Eddie Salas -V- Mike Alexander 1-4(0)
164 164

1-0(1) Fidel Maldonado Jr -V- Blake Franklin 3-3-1(1)
136 137

2-0(0) Robert Rodriguez -V- Manuel Delgado 1-3(0)
124.5 124

1-0(1) Michael Finney -V- TBA
143.5

Debut Bradley Blenkenship -V- Abraham Espinoza 0-1(0)
157 158

Advance tickets for HOMETOWN HEROES, priced at $100, $50 and $30, can be purchased through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com., 1-800-745-3000) and the Rio Casino box office www.riolasvegas.com., 1-888-746-7784).

It’s easy to be outraged. It’s easy to be sad. It’s even easy not to care at all. But nothing will be easy Saturday night for Alton Merkerson, whom Roy Jones Jr. calls “coach” with the kind of affection a kid has for mom and dad.

Other than the piece of square canvas that Jones and Bernard Hopkins will contest, no spot at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas figures to be as difficult as the corner Merkerson will occupy.

Concern for Jones, more than confidence in his chances, has been the flashing red light, the warning sign, throughout talk preceding a rematch of a 1993 fight. Merkerson has heard it, acknowledges it and repeats it.

“My concern is the same concern that everybody else has,’’ said Merkerson, whose 22-year-old friendship with Jones started when he as an assistant U.S. Olympic coach at the infamous Seoul Games in 1988 when Jones was robbed of a gold medal.

Despite acquiring a Nevada license after passing a battery of tests that included a brain scan, the 41-year-old Jones steps through the ropes against the older, yet-seemingly ageless Hopkins, 45, stamped with anecdotal evidence that he is damaged enough to be in serious peril.

The medical tests have been criticized on at least two fronts:

· Either they failed to account for three stoppages in six years that indicate Jones has lost the reflexes he needs to defend himself.

· Or, they have been diagnosed as business as usual. To wit: Las Vegas’ struggling casino industry needs the action.

Whether it’s one or both or none of the above, the controversy has shifted the focus onto whether Jones should be fighting at all in the rematch of a forgotten bout, a Jones victory that happened when Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. were teenagers.

The talk might prove to be a timely diversion for Jones, who has promised to knock out the heavily-favored Hopkins in what would be an upset and a role reversal. Instead of Jones, the worry would be for Hopkins. On a night not long after April Fools Day and a few hours before Easter, it’s hard to say what will happen. But the controversy is a certainty and it raises questions about whether it will influence Merkerson and perhaps referee Tony Weeks.

At the first sight of trouble, will Merkerson be quick to throw in the towel? Or Weeks quick to stop it?

Merkerson’s loyalty for Jones is as evident as it is admirable. Some trainers express their concern for a fighter in apparent decline by leaving the corner altogether. But Merkerson is always there for Jones, almost like a concerned parent.

“Yes, it’s getting close to the time where Bernard and Roy are going to give this thing up because you can’t do it forever,” Merkerson said in a conference call. “But right now, from a medical standpoint, he’s fine. I stick with Roy, and I’ve been with him for 20 years, and I’m going to continue to be with him.

“I’m not afraid to stop a fight. If in fact he was getting punished and didn’t get caught with one shot clean, I would stop the fight, and that’s what another young, inexperienced trainer probably wouldn’t do just to worry about their credibility and what people say about them. But it’s not going to be long before we give it up and do some other things, but Roy is fine right now.”

Right now is just one punch from forever wrong, however

That’s true for anybody who answers an opening bell, not just Jones or Hopkins or some other forty-something fighter. The repeated concern for Jones is that age has turned his reflexes into stone. He has become a stationary target for that disabling blow. For years, he fought with his hands down, yet his instincts, anticipation and unrivalled speed kept dancing in, out and always mere inches from harm. Through 12 rounds, the only sure bet is that those hands will fall and leave him defenseless.

Quickness might vanish, but habits rarely do.

Jones argues that Australian Danny Green’s hands were wrapped illegally before Jones suffered a first-round stoppage last December. Maybe, they were. But Jones’ protest misses the point the way punches missed him so long ago. Alter or unaltered, the relatively-unknown Green quickly and easily hit somebody that nobody could a decade ago.

Worried? You bet. There is no easy way out of that. In the end, Merkerson might be Jones’ only defense.

NOTES, ANECDOTES
· There was only one class act last Saturday in another stage of the super-middleweight tournament. It was delivered by Andre Dirrell, who was accused of acting when a desperate Arthur Abraham teed off with shot to the jaw with Dirrell on one knee after slipping on ice in Abraham’s corner. A disqualification of Abraham resulted in a victory for Dirrell, who was leading on the scorecards. The DQ was incomplete. Abraham should have been suspended. Now, it looks as if Dirrell will fight Andrew Ward, his 2004 Olympic teammate. Ward-Dirrell would re-ignite interest in the on-again, off-again tournament.

· Jose Benavidez Jr., a junior-welter-weight prospect from Phoenix, has an opponent for his fourth pro fight on April 10 at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas on a Top Rank card televised by Fox Sports Espanol. Expect Benavidez to go 4-0 against Scott Paul (5-4) of Ontario, Canada. The 17-year old Benavidez turns 18 on May 15.

· Is there an AARP convention scheduled for Las Vegas next week? Eight days after Jones-Hopkins, 47-year-old Evander Holyfield is scheduled to fight 41-year-old Francois Botha at Thomas & Mack Center. That adds up to two main events with an average age of 43-plus years.

On the undercard of David Haye’s WBA Heavyweight title defence against mandatory challenger John Ruiz will be the returning Jamie Moore 32-4(23). Back last October Moore then European Light Middleweight champion was close to a world title fight but like the best laid plans things didn’t quite work out and he was stopped in seven by Ryan Rhodes. Since then Moore 31, has decided enough is enough boiling down to 154 and he’ll return up at Middleweight. Here’s what one of Britain’s most exciting fighters had to say.

Hello Jamie, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Your about to embark on a comeback at Middleweight where you’ll fight Sergey Khomitski 21-7-1(8). He seems durable having only been stopped once and that to Gennady Golovkin. What do you think of this fight and how has training gone?

Jamie Moore – Yes training’s gone great, especially because i’m in a lot better shape health wise not having to drag myself down to 11st. As you say Khomitski is durable and gave my gym mate Martin Murray a tough fight over 8 rounds, and with me coming back from surgery on my shoulder again, it’s the right fight for me at this time.

Anson Wainwright – How much better do you feel now not having to make 154? When did you start to struggle to make Light Middleweight?

Jamie Moore – I feel 10 times better in the gym than i have done over the last 2-3 years because of the struggle to make 154, simply because i’m able to eat a healthier diet. I didn’t realise how bad i had been performing in the gym until i started training for this fight, i was training at 50% because of my energy levels, but it’s my own fault for being stubborn. People have been telling me to move up for the last 2 years because of my struggles, Oliver, Kerry, Frank Maloney, Steve Wood, but i was that close to fighting for a world title i didn’t want to give it up. But losing was a blessing in disguise because i could have got hurt fighting in that condition at world level.

Anson Wainwright – All being well this weekend against Khomitski, what are your plans for the rest of the year? who are you targeting?

Jamie Moore – I’m not targeting anyone in particular, i just want to be involved in big fights, give the fans what they want to see. But i also want to go and fight in America, i think they’d love my style over there and it would bring greater opportunities.

Anson Wainwright – Of course your old nemesis Matthew Macklin is now fighting and successfully at Middleweight. Is that a a fight you’d like to do again?

Jamie Moore – As i said i’m not looking for 1 particular fight but if that fight could be made then i think it would be great for british boxing, but as i’ve said in the past we’d have to be paid right for it because for the 1st fight we got peanuts, and for what we went through we deserve more.

Anson Wainwright – Your from Salford which has a reputation as been a tough place can you tell us about how things were for you as a youngster and the path it took you into Boxing?

Jamie Moore – Salford has a bad reputation but it’s a good place. The people of salford are great, down to earth people. Things growing up we’re great, we didn’t have a lot but my mam and dad worked there arses off for us and made it work. I’m the 1st person from Salford to have ever had a Lonsdale belt in his possession never mind own it outright, so for me that is a massive achievement in itself. Salford builds characters and it’s made me, along with my parents, the man i am today and i wouldn’t change that for anything.

Anson Wainwright – So far what has been your proudest moment in Boxing?

Jamie Moore – My proudest moment so far was winning the British title from Michael Jones, I came in at 5 days notice and no one gave me a chance, but i beat him in every department that night and it set me on the road to where i am today. It was a life changing moment and one i’ll never forget.

Anson Wainwright – What is the best thing about being a boxer? What about the worst?

Jamie Moore – The best thing about being a boxer is that i’m doing a job that i love and it gives me the chance to fulfil my childhood dreams, which not many people get the chance to do. I’m very grateful for that. The worst part…..F!%?£?* DIETING!!!!!!!!!

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing?

Jamie Moore – Spend time with my wife and kids, when your training you’ve gotta be very selfish and my wife is great and helps me out no end, so when i get chance i just love spending time with them. I miss my kids like crazy so love spoiling them after it’s all over.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero and why?

Jamie Moore – Nigel Benn and Arturo Gatti, both absolute warriors and just my cup of tea!

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have anything you’d like to add?

Jamie Moore – Just that i hope the fans have enjoyed my career so far and hopefully i can fulfil my dream of fighting for, and winning, a world title. After some of the up’s and down’s i’ve had so far it would be some story and a great ending to it.

Thanks for your time Jamie, good luck on Saturday

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Brad Marchetti- Charismatic Brooklyn bomber Shannon Briggs will make his return to the ring Friday April 13th against Rafael Pedro in a 10-round main event from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The 38-year old American heavyweight contender Briggs, 48-5-1, 42 KO’s, is coming off a dominating 1st round KO over journeyman Marcus McGee. Briggs’s opponent Rafael “The Cuban Giant“ Pedro, 20-8-1, 14 KO’s, is capable skyscraper 6’7” heavyweight that has only been stopped once and should provide a good litmus test for the deadly punching Briggs. Shannon has been hard at work training out of Kris Lawrence’s Heavyweight Factory and from his slimmed down physique he looks poised for another run at the heavyweight title. Tickets are on sale now for the April 13th show that will feature a strong undercard littered with promising young prospects from boxing’s glamorous heavyweight division.

Shannon Briggs was inactive for 30 months before smashing McGee in his last bout but he has shown the resiliency to bounce back from low points in his career before. Briggs revived his career in 2003 by reeling off 12 straight wins after most boxing scribes had written him off. With improved footwork and counterpunching skills Briggs reclaimed the heavyweight title in 2007 with a dramatic 12th round KO over Sergey Lyakhovich for the W.B.O strap. In his first title defense Briggs was on the losing end of a 12-round decision to Sultan Ibragimov in a fight where he was severely depleted due to a case of pneumonia shortly before the bout. Like a true warrior Briggs showed up to the job but he clearly wasn’t himself against Sultan. The 6’4” 270 Lb. Briggs at 100% health is a dangerous fighter with the power to remove any heavyweight in the world from their senses. April 13th will be Shannon’s chance to show why “The Cannon” is still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com by phone at 800-745-3000 tickets can be purchased at The Hard Rock Hotel Box Office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

After the initial introduction and proceedings both fighters took there turns at the dais. Jones Jnr now 41, vowed to repeat history and once again come out victorious. Commenting “I guess he is what they call my rival I don’t like it, but it is what it is, Saturday I am going to clear that up.”

For his part Hopkins maintained that Jones Jnr had run from him for 17 long years and now he will finally get the win over his old rival. At one point Hopkins in keeping with it being Easter weekend gave Jones an Easter bunny complete with Easter eggs playfully adding “He has been running like a rabbit for 17 years” Things ended dramatically when Hopkins said to Alton Merkerson (Jones Trainer) along the assembled media and fans “It is going to be up to Merkerson whether he lives or dies”

Tail of the tape

JONES JNR – V- HOPKINS

Hometown Pensacola, Fl Philadelphia, Pa
Record 54-6(40) 50-5-1(32)
Rounds Boxed 392 406
KO% 66.67 56.14%
Age 41 45
Height 5’11 6’1
Reach 74 75
Nickname The Terminator The Executioner
Titles IBF Middleweight IBF Middleweight
IBF S. Middleweight WBC Middleweight
WBC Lt Heavyweight WBA Middleweight
WBA Lt Heavyweight WBO Middleweight
IBF Lt Heavyweight
WBA Heavyweight
World title 23-3(15) 20-3-1(13) 1 No Contest
Record

Much has been said a made of two guys in the early 40’s with a combined age of 86 squaring off 17 years after there original fight. However there is still a certain intrigue as to what will happen between these two guys who appear destined to be linked forever in history like Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Hearns & Ward-Gatti etc

The odds with the Bookies have Hopkins a big favourite at -575 while Jones Jnr is +375.

Tickets are still available ranging from $750 down to $100. Also worth noting is that while it will be on HBO PPV live Saturday it will not be repeated the following week.

PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2010)—Wednesday morning at The Legendary Blue Horizon, some of the principals involved with Friday night’s big “Spring Fling” boxing even were on hand to talk about their bouts.

In the main event, USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will take on tough Jose Gonzalez in a non-title bout. In the co-feature, it will be Ennis’ brother, Farah Ennis risking his undefeated record when he takes on Frankie Santos in a Super Middleweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.

The card is promoted by Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions LLC

Derek “Pooh” Ennis (20-2-1, 13 KO’s—USBA Jr. Middleweight champion)–
“I am ready to fight. I was supposed to defend my title by things fell though”
“All I know he is 6 feet tall and Friday night we will get it on”

Mike Fingerman (Fingerman Promotions—Promoter of Derek & Farah Ennis)
“I am proud to have Derek and Farah on the same card”
“We will defiantly defend the title next”
“This is the first time the at the Ennis brothers will appear on the same card in Philadelphia”

Farah Ennis (12-0, 6 KO’s—Super Middleweight)
“I came from a fighting family and I am going to put on a show”

Moz Gonzalez (Co-Manager of Derek and Farah Ennis)
“When you have a team that we have, it’s worth giving 110%”
“Both of these boys will be world champions”

Luis Esquilin (1-2-1, Featherweight)
“My Nickname is Smurf. I trained real hard to be somebody and stay out of trouble”

Billy Briscoe (Trainer for Luis Esqulin)
“This is my first time being Luis head trainer. I worked cuts and was 2nd for his previous fights and I have seen great improvement from Luis”

Clement Bethea (1-0, Jr. Welterweight)
“I am thankful for the opportunity to fight again”

Vernoca L. Michael (Promoter for Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions LLC)
“Cards like this is what the Blue Horizon is a bout.”
“The venue gives these fighters an opportunity to showcase their skills”

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

The entire fight card can be seen LIVE!! On www.gofightlive.tv beginning at 7:30 pm for just $6.99 by clicking http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=576

Kenny Florian scored a third round choke out over Japanese import Takanori Gomi at 2:52 of the final round in the main event at Ultimate Fight Night 21 at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina

Florian was dominant and softened Gomi as he mounted him with a choke just before going hind Gomi for the rear-naked choke.

Florian, 156 lbs of Brookline, MA is now 15-4. Gomi, 155 lbs of Tokyo, Japan is now 31-6-1.

Reigning Ultimate Fighter winner, Roy “Big Country” Nelson landed one huge over hand right that lvirtually knocked out Stefan Struve and scored a first round stoppage in their scheduled three round Heavyweight bout.

After Nelson landed that blow he pounced on Struve and the fight was quickly stopped thirty-nine seconds into the bout.

Nelson, 263 lbs of Las vegas was giving up eleven inches to the 6?11? Struve is now 16-4. Struve of the Netherlands is now 23-4.

Jorge Rivera pounded Nate Quarry over two rounds in their scheduled three round Middleweight bout.

Rivera pounded Quarry and bloodied him in round one. In round two, Rivera quickly knocked Quarry down and then pounded on a Quarry when the fight was stopped by referee Mario Yamasaki at twenty-nine seconds of round two.

Rivera, 186 lbs of Milford, MA is now 18-7. Quarry, 186 lbs of Gresham, OR is now 18-4.

Ross Pearson scored a three round unanimous decision over Dennis Siver in a Lightweight bout.

Pearson bloodied Siver in round one but Siver showed some spunk but it wasnt enough as Pearson won by scores of 30-27 on all cards.

Pearson, 156 lbs of Sunderland, England is now 13-3. Siver, 156 lbs of Manheim, Germany

VICTOR TERRAZAS and his camp believe they have nothing to fear by facing Rendall Munroe in England.

‘The Viking’ is locked away preparing for his WBC world super-bantamweight title final eliminator against Rendall Munroe on Friday April 23.

Mexican star Terrazas, 27, is preparing for the tough 12 rounder in his hometown Guadalajara and will arrive in Britain ten days before the fight.

He is managed by Edison Reynoso and promoted exclusively by top Mexican outfit HG promotions.

Reynoso said: “Victor’s confidence is rocketing and he is getting better with every fight.

“Although he has won some titles, Victor has been a little bit behind some of the top Mexicans in terms of image.

“His promoter Hector Garcia has worked hard to get him up the rankings and secured an excellent purse for this fight.

“Fighting outside of Mexico is no problem because we generally do that with other fighters we train like Oscar Larios.”

Terrazas (25-1-1) is unbeaten in seven years, and suffered the sole loss of his professional career on his paid debut when he was knocked out inside two rounds by Adrian Tellez.

In May 2007 he got revenge on Tellez, when he stopped his rival in seven rounds.

The only other blemish came on Victor’s eighth professional fight when he drew with Saul Osana.

He is currently hitting harder than ever with six of his last seven wins coming inside the distance.

Tickets are on sale, prices £30, £50 and £70 by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling 0871 226 1508. Boxers on the bill will also be selling tickets.

PHILADELPHIA (March 29, 2010)—There have been some slight changes to the two main events that will takes place this Friday night’s big “Spring Fling” boxing event that will take place at the Legendary Blue Horizon.

The new main event will still feature USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis. He will now face Jose Adelaydo Gonzalez of Garden City, Kansas.

Ennis was originally supposed to do battle with Frankie Santos. Santos will still fight Ennis but he will now face Derek’s brother Farah Ennis in an eight round Super Middleweight bout.

Gonzalez brings in a record of 13-6-1 with eleven knockouts and despite facing top competition has only been stopped one time.

On March 7th, 2008 he fought then undefeated Jason LeHoullier (21-0) for the NABA Super Welterweight title in LeHoullier’s backyard in Connecticut and held LeHoullier to a disputed draw.

He twice went the distance with highly regarded Carson Jones as well as fringe contender Joaquin Zamora. Gonzalez went seven rounds with then undefeated Ronald Hearns.

In his last bout, Gonzalez lost an eight round unanimous decision to Jones on October 24, 2009 in Joplin, Missouri.

Santos has a record of 17-8-4 with eight knockouts.

The native of Salinas, Puerto Rico will be looking to get back into the win column after dropping an eight round unanimous decision to prized Cuban prospect Yudel Jhonson (8-0) on September 18th.

He was unbeaten in his first fourteen bouts (13-0-1) before stepping up the competition and has lost to notables Francisco Bojado (10-1), Irving Garcia (9-2); Lamont Peterson (21-0) and Matthew Hatton (32-3-2).

In a battle of undefeated Heavyweights, John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) of New York, who scored a sensational knockout over Nathan Perrot on December at The Legendary Blue Horizon

Jennings (1-0) of Philadelphia is coming off a four round unanimoud decision over Zeferino Albino on February 27th at The Arena in Philadelphia.

In a four round battle of Philadelphia based Cruiserweights, Heath Harris (1-6, 1 KO) takes on Taneal Goyco (3-1, 1 KO).

In a four round battle of Philadelphian’s, Clement Bethea (1-0) takes on Jason Sia (0-1) in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jose Ortiz (2-2, 1 KO) of Jersey City, NJ takes on Luis Esquilin (1-2-1) of Philadelphia in a Four Round Featherweight bout.

In a four round Light Heavyweight bout, Duane King (0-1) of Reidsville, NC takes on Kamel Al-Olabi (0-2) of New York City.
Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

The entire fight card can be seen LIVE!! On www.gofightlive.tv beginning at 7:30 pm for just $6.99 by clicking http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=576

Back in 2005 Keandre Letherwood was a highly touted young fighter who was part of the American team that successfully took part in the Under 17 World Championships. Fast forward five years and Letherwood is looking to end his near year long hiatus from the ring and build on his 5-0(3) record. Here’s what he had to say.

Hello Keandre, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly how are you? You turned pro in June 2008 going 5-0(3) but only fought once in 2009 that being last April, why the long lay off?

Keandre Letherwood – I’m doing good. I’ve had different personal issues that have kept me out of action. I had a lot of things that i had to get straight. The time off has been good for me but i’m looking forward to getting back in action.

Anson Wainwright – Any news on when you will be back in action?

Keandre Letherwood – I hope to fight in the next month or so.

Anson Wainwright – Your a fighter who is quite under the radar, can you tell us about your fighting style and what you consider your biggest strengths as a fighter?

Keandre Letherwood – I have good hand and foot speed and now my power has really come along, so now i feel like i can box when i need to and take you out if the opportunity presents itself. I’m a boxer-puncher.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Where do you train for upcoming fights?

Keandre Letherwood – I’m training with Mark Murdock in Atlanta. He also trains Kevin Johnson. I’m still working out things as far as manager and promoter go. That’s the main reason i’ve been off so long.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your gym? Training with Deontay Wilder must be a help to you as you both develop as fighters?

Keandre Letherwood – The gym is good. I was at Sky gym in Tuscaloosa and worked out alongside Deontay Wilder for a couple of years and had a good experience there. Now i’m in Atlanta and things are good here.

Anson Wainwright – You were part of a successful American team that took part in the World U17 championship’s in 2005. How did you do personally and what can you tell us about this experience?

Keandre Letherwood – When i travelled overseas to Liverpool, England it was the first time i ever had been that far and i got beat by a Cuban by a couple of points. He had stopped or dominated everyone but barely beat me. Between fighting the best guy and jet lag and all it was a good experience but really more of a learning experience.

Anson Wainwright – You represented your country at Junior level, did you do so as a Senior? What title’s did you win in the amateur’s? What was your final record?

Keandre Letherwood – As a Senior i went to the nationals several times. I think i should have made the Olympic team but there were a lot of personal things going on in my life at the time that kept me out of the gym. I ended up with about 120-125 fights and won about 100 of them.

Anson Wainwright – Growing up in Alabama can you tell us how you first became interested and then involved in Boxing?

Keandre Letherwood – I was born in Alabama and moved to Cincinnati as a young kid. I got into boxing there. I sparred with Raushee Warren, Adrian Broner and Brandon Bennett and took some real beatings, but i got better and better. I trained with Mike Stafford (2 time national coach of the year), then moved to Atlanta and trained under my step-dad Pete Crumpley, then moved to Tuscaloosa Alabama and trained with Jay Deas (National coach of the year- coach of Deontay Wilder) and now in Atlanta with Murdock (Kevin Kingpin Johnson). So i’ve had good coaches along the way and they all have their own styles.

Anson Wainwright – What are your interests away from Boxing?

Keandre Letherwood – I enjoy cooking. My Grandfather has a great restaurant in Mississippi, so i guess it runs in the family.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a nickname?

Keandre Letherwood – No nickname as of yet.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your favourite fighter growing up?

Keandre Letherwood – Roy Jones, Jr. was the guy i always loved to watch.

Anson Wainwright – Finally is there anything you’d like to add?

Keandre Letherwood – I want to mention that Alabama has a Boxing commission now and will be doing pro fights in a few months. I’m excited to be working with jay deas again to bring boxing back to Tuscaloosa. I’ve got a lot of family there and friends and can’t wait to fight again in front of them. I think me and Deontay in a co-feature would be a great ESPN or Showtime type thing in a couple of years. He can handle the heavyweights and i’ll handle the 154-160.

Thanks for your time Keandre

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

TONY JEFFRIES got one up on potential rivals James Degale and Carl Froch when he won the Lonsdale Challenge in Nottingham.

The challenge involved the three boxers taking part in a variety of exercises against the clock to see who could register the most repetitions.

It was held to mark Lonsdale’s 50 year anniversary which has seen the sporting brand associated with some of boxing’s greatest ever fighters including Muhammad Ali, Joe Calzaghe and Henry Cooper.

Jeffries was pitted against the clock to see how many of each exercise he could register in a 30 second time period.

He left his rivals toiling with 104 punches thrown, 53 tuck jumps and 44 sit ups as Olympic Gold medallist Degale and WBC super middleweight champion Froch found ‘The Mighty Mackem’ too hot to handle.

“It was great fun and I’m happy with my totals,” explained Olympic Bronze medallist Jeffries.

“It was good to see both James and Carl as I get on well with both of them. We had a laugh when we did it as well.

“It was only for 30 seconds but it was tough because it was flat out the whole time!

“I don’t think anyone expected me to win because I was the underdog.James is an Olympic champion and Carl is a world champion so I’m happy to come out on top.”

Jeffries returns on the undercard of Rendall Munroe’s WBC super-bantamweight title eliminator against Victor Terrazas at Coventry Skydome on April 23 and is itching to get back in action following an injury lay-off.

He said: “I can’t wait to get back in there. Training has gone really really well and I’m just focused on putting in a good performance in April.”

Tickets for the Coventry show are on sale, prices £30, £50 and £70 by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling 0871 226 1508. Boxers on the bill will also be selling tickets.

Philadelphia (March 28, 2010)—Mike Fingerman of Fingerman Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated Super Middleweight prospect Farah Ennis to a promotional contract.

Ennis of Philadelphia has been perfect as he has amassed a record of 12-0 with six knockouts.

The twenty-seven year old Ennis has generated a buzz in the Philadelphia boxing scene since he turned pro with 2nd round stoppage over Sylvester Golding on February 11, 2006 in Philadelphia.

Ennis has not had many easy opponents as he has been matched with more experienced foes with most having winning records.

“We plan to build him up as we have a great team around him that has great chemistry”, said promoter Mike Fingerman

“I believe he has the potential to be a world champion.”

Ennis is co-managed by Moz Gonzalez and Eddie Woods.

“Farah has tremendous potential”, said Moz Gonzalez.

“He is undefeated and we plan to keep him busy as we feel he isn’t far away from those important step-up bouts that will put him right in the thick of things at 168.”

Ennis brother is currant USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis. Farah joins Derek in fighting under the Fingerman Promotions banner.

Besides Fingerman, Woods and Gonzalez a vital part to the team is Ennis Father, Derrick “Bozy” Ennis who because of his work with Derek Ennis, Demetrius Hopkins and Coy Evans, is recognized as one of the top trainers on the East Coast.

Ennis is coming off a third round stoppage over Emanuel Gonzalez on February 27th in Allentown, PA.

Ennis next bout is scheduled for this Friday, April 2nd at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Minneapolis, MN- Minnesota’s top junior middleweight prospect and former national champion Javontae Starks(3-0 3 ko’s) suffered the first setback of his career this month when he was forced to pull out of his bout with Bobby Kliewer(10-9 6 ko’s) on April 2.

Starks suffered a back injury while training alongside stablemate and former amateur elite Jamal James,who will make his pro debut April 2. Although disappointed with the cancellation Starks plans to return to the ring in May, and remains open whatever fight that is brought to the table, including Kliewer.

“I’ve fought the best in the world I’ve trained with the best and been recognized as the best, I’m not afraid of any fight” Starks noted.

Starks insists the injury will not remain a problem for much longer, and feels he could have fought, but the risk was just too great at this stage of his career.

“I feel like I could have fought and won, but it’s how I want to win that’s important this early in my career”

Starks and his team aim to return to training during the first week of April, and hope to take to the ring as soon as possible, a date in late May the most likely scenario.

Javontae Starks is expected to be on hand April 2 to support close friend Jamal James, and Midwest Sports Council stablemate Jeremy McLaurin in their bouts. The card is headlined by the long awaited rematch between Matt Vanda and Andy Kolle for the Minnesota State Middleweight title. Tickets are available at grandcasinomn.com.

Starks trains at the Circle of Discipline Gym in Minneapolis alongside fellow celebrated amateur Jamal James. Under the direction of trainer Sankara Frazier Starks aims to put his home state of Minnesota on the boxing map. After capturing National and regional titles in the amateur ranks, he made his professional debut in late 2009.

With an undeniable will, and professional level skills Starks aims to become a beacon of hope for Minnesota fight fans.

Keep Andre Dirrell in your prayers. What happened to him Saturday is graver than a disqualification victory. It’s about Dirrell being struck with a right uppercut on the chin and then reaching for a spot over his left eye. It’s not about a breach of sportsmanship by Arthur Abraham. It’s about Dirrell needing ice eight inches from where Abraham hit him.

It’s about Dirrell’s incoherence after the fight. It’s about his crying, “I’m hurt, man!” It’s about the way he winced and scrunched the left side of his face. It’s about an ambulance ride to the hospital for a CT scan – apparently negative, thankfully.

What a terrible way to get two points in Showtime’s Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Saturday in Detroit, American Andre Dirrell got those two points when Armenian Arthur Abraham got disqualified for an intentional foul at 1:13 of round 11. Behind by prohibitive margins on all scorecards, Abraham landed a perfect right uppercut with Dirrell on the seat of his trunks after he slipped on a Cemex Tolteca ad on the canvas.

Abraham still leads the tournament with the three points he won in October. That’s the best that can be said after his second trip to the United States from Germany, where he resides. The rest comprises the derogatory things now being thought about him in America, a country that’s still pretty important to the prizefighting world.

In some sense both men were victims of Abraham’s concussive power Saturday. Had Abraham missed with his right hand he might have stopped Dirrell in the five minutes that remained. Dirrell was fading. Had Abraham caught Dirrell with a glancing, or anyhow less-effective, punch he would have lost a point that didn’t matter anyway – à la Marco Antonio Barrera against Juan Manuel Marquez. Instead he knocked Dirrell senseless and left referee Laurence Cole no choice but to disqualify him. His record is now blemished in more than one way.

That’s nothing compared to what Abraham’s right hand may have done to Dirrell, who was on the precipice of a career-defining victory.

Gone were so many of the bad habits that had ruined Dirrell’s last fight with Carl Froch. In Saturday’s first six rounds Dirrell damn near threw a shutout against an undefeated former world champion. He threw leveraged, scientific punches, looped correctly round Abraham’s customarily high guard. He slipped punches like he wanted to counter them, not just impress his boys back home. He did almost everything the professional way.

Almost everything. There was one glaringly amateurish trait that survived Dirrell’s training camp. It happened five or six times. It was his move to the right. It was all wrong. Hands at his waist, feet crossed, chin pointed skyward, Dirrell leaped away from Abraham’s left hook. It made Abraham look ridiculous and slow. But to learned eyes, it made Dirrell look ridiculous, too.

Guess what Dirrell was doing when he slipped in the first minute of the 11th round. Dropped in the 10th from a right cross, Dirrell began the 11th wisely intending to play Keep Away. But he unwisely switched from Andre Dirrell to “The Matrix” – the kid with too much athleticism for his own good – and began to bounce back and forth, hands low. He Matrixed rightward. His right foot landed on the ‘x’ in Cemex – the sticker wet and frictionless – and his legs splayed.

That has to be the last thing Dirrell remembers from Saturday.

His hands on the canvas, Dirrell looked at Abraham’s onrushing right fist. The punch landed on the left side of his chin. Dirrell appeared disappointed, betrayed. Then the left side of his face contorted. Dirrell closed his left eye and brought his left glove to his forehead. He did not rub where he’d been struck. Rather he rubbed the place his jarred brain would have struck its protective shell. He rolled on his back. His legs began to shake involuntarily. It was ugly and frightening.

Abraham stood to the side, believing Dirrell was being theatrical – a belief he confirmed afterwards – and disbelieving he was about to lose by disqualification. What Abraham did was intentional. He deserved the result he got. But what Abraham did was not premeditated. That must be remembered.

Imagine you are Arthur Abraham. Like any man in the 31st minute of a championship prizefight, you’re more than a little buzzed from your opponent’s punches. You are desperate to sink your knuckles in the other man’s flesh. He has hit you repeatedly. He has taunted you. He has also been to the canvas minutes before. He is weakened and slowing. You have to render him unconscious or you lose.

For a half hour, he has evaded you with unorthodox moves. He drops his hands, changes levels and swoops away. You have cornered him. He struck the top of your chest with a jab after his head dropped oddly away. Now his hands are down. He is absolutely defenseless. That is a green light for you, not a red one. You throw the right hand you have cocked. You finish the defenseless man because that’s your job.

Moral judgments on Abraham need not apply here. Within the relative world of prizefighting, Abraham broke the rules and received a proper punishment. Had Dirrell been just as defenseless while standing, though – out on his feet, hands down – we’d be applauding Abraham as a great finisher for throwing that right hand.

None of this relativity helps Dirrell – a fighter about whom many things became more serious Saturday in Joe Louis Arena. If he is able to return to previous form, if subsequent tests come back negative, that is, expect the last vestiges of “The Matrix” to go away. Expect a far less playful guy in the ring. Expect a man who uses his athleticism to hurt other men. Expect some resentment at the end of those punches.

Expect that everything about Andre Dirrell just got a lot more serious.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

PHILADELPHIA (March 29, 2010)—Next Friday night, Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc will present that annual “Spring Fling” boxing card that will be headlined by USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis battling Frankie Santos in a ten round non-title bout.

The bout was originally to be a title defense for Ennis but after actively seeking every fighter in the top-15 that is mandated by the USBA, several different factors prohibited the title defense.

“We looked for everyone in the top-15”, said Moz Gonzalez, co-manager of Ennis.

“Several guys did not like the money being offered, a few more were unavailable. We thought that we had a very suitable guy but his trainer is going through some serious medical issues and he did not want the fight under those circumstances.”

“We want to keep Derek busy and that’s why we are fighting Santos.”

Ennis of Philadelphia has a record of 20-2-1 with thirteen knockouts won the USBA Jr. Middleweight championship on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon with a classic vack and forth unanimous decision over Eromosele Albert.

In his last bout, he took out Edwin Vazquez (22-14-2) in five rounds on February 5th also at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

This will be Ennis fifth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon (4-0, 3 KO’s)

Santos has a record of 17-8-4 with eight knockouts.

The native of Salinas, Puerto Rico will be looking to get back into the win column after dropping an eight round unanimous decision to prized Cuban prospect Yudel Jhonson (8-0) on September 18th.

He was unbeaten in his first fourteen bouts (13-0-1) before stepping up the competition and has lost to notables Francisco Bojado (10-1), Irving Garcia (9-2); Lamont Peterson (21-0) and Matthew Hatton (32-3-2).

A win by Ennis will likely set up a title defense in June.

Ennis’ brother, Farah Ennis will see action in the eight round co-feature in a Super Middleweight bout.

Ennis of Philadelphia is perfect in twelve bouts with half of his wins coming by talent.

This will be Ennis first fight at The Legendary Blue Horizon and just his first fight in Philadelphia since his third fight in 2007.

He is coming off a third round stoppage over Emanuel Gonzalez on February 27th in Allentown, PA.

Ennis opponent will be named shortly.

In a battle of undefeated Heavyweights, John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) of New York, who scored a sensational knockout over Nathan Perrot on December at The Legendary Blue Horizon

Jennings (1-0) of Philadelphia is coming off a four round unanimoud decision over Zeferino Albino on February 27th at The Arena in Philadelphia.

In a four round battle of Philadelphia based Cruiserweights, Heath Harris (1-6, 1 KO) takes on Taneal Goyco (3-1, 1 KO).

In a four round battle of Philadelphian’s, Clement Bethea (1-0) takes on Jason Sia (0-1) in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jose Ortiz (2-2, 1 KO) of Jersey City, NJ takes on Luis Esquilin (1-2-1) of Philadelphia in a Four Round Featherweight bout.

In a four round Light Heavyweight bout, Duane King (0-1) of Reidsville, NC takes on Kamel Al-Olabi (0-2) of New York City.

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™

1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

The entire fight card can be seen LIVE!! On www.gofightlive.tv beginning at 7:30 pm for just $6.99 by clicking http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=576

Sunday Sizzler REPLAY: Pete Quillin Interview and Marc Abrams LIVE on air!! – Dirrell Abraham/ Guzman Funeka/ Cayo Maidana Weekend Fight recaps and upcoming fight previews! In addition Florida amateur LBC President Armando Fiallo Live on Air . 15rounds.com’s Johnny Schulz presents: Talking BOXING with JSizzle and New York Dan NYD – A weekly Sunday boxing show covering Boxing from all angles. Alongside and boxing aficionado Danny “NYD” Stasiukiewicz, RTB will cover: • All of the week’s top boxing stories from results to previews.

New York Giants running back, Brandon Jacobs talks to Matt Yanofsky about his fledgling manager career in boxing

OROVILLE, CALIFORNIA — In the mixed martial arts main event of a three sport card, Jesse Brock outwrestled local favorite Chris David before a sellout crowd at the Feather Falls Casino & Lodge in on Saturday night. Boxing and amateur kickboxing rounded out a fun-filled event dubbed “Playboy Fight Night.”

What looked to be a competitive main event on paper turned into a one-sided wrestling match as Brock (11-5, 2 KOs, 5 Submissions) of Boise, Idaho took David (13-8-2, 4 KOs, 5 Submissions) of Oroville to the mat early and often, never relinquishing control in the fight. Brock, 136, took David, 135, to the mat immediately, but did little real damage in the first round.

David momentarily locked in a rear naked choke with Brock on the mat, but the Boise native quickly broke the hold while maintaining his position on top. For the most part David was either on his back, or on his face, with Brock on his back. In either position he was at Brock’s mercy, unable to get started with any sort of offense. For a brief moment, David broke from Brock’s grasp, much to the delight of his loyal supporters. However, the shift in momentum was only temporary, as Brock took David back down to the canvas. The third round was more of the same before Brock was declared the unanimous victor via shutout, 30-27 on all three judges’ cards.

Fighting for the second time in ten days, Ryan Wong (2-2, 1 KO) of San Jose, California took a hotly-contested three-round split decision over previously unbeaten Colin Hart (3-1, 2 Submissions) of Santa Rosa, California. Each fighter had their moments in a tough fight. Wong, 185, fought just last Friday in Reno, but had no problem with endurance. Hart, 184 ¼, fought hard until the end, but two judges saw the fight for Wong, 29-28. The lone dissenting judge had the same score, but for the Santa Rosa resident.

Martin Sandoval (5-2, 3 KOs, 2 Submissions) of Oakdale, California scored a first-round submission victory over Sammy Sanders (1-3, 1 KO) of Santa Rosa. Sandoval, 125 ¼, had his back on the mat, for much of the fight. Sanders, 125 ¾, looked to be in complete control before Sandoval grabbed onto his arm. Time of the submission was 1:03 of the first.

Taylor McCorriston (4-0, 2 Submissions) of San Ramon, California remained unbeaten via first-round stoppage over Bryant Munoz (4-3, 4 Submissions) of Oakdale. McCorriston, 135 ¼, looked to be in some trouble on the mat, but was able to grab a hold of the arm of Munoz, 135, and forced the submission. Time of the stoppage was 1:33 of the first.

Rounding out the MMA portion of the card, Rafael Rios (2-0, 2 Submissions) of Stockton, California forced Junior Villanueva (1-1, 1 KO) of Oakdale to tap out in the first round. Rios, 149 ½, cinched in with an armbar and submitted Villanueva, 147 ¾, at just 1:11 of the round.

In the first boxing match on the card, former amateur standout Richard Hargraves (2-0, 2 KOs) of San Francisco, California scored his second consecutive stoppage victory, this time over J.C. Saade (0-2) of Los Angeles, California. Hargraves, 151 ¾, punished Saade, 151, throughout the first round, flashing hand speed that his opponent could not compete with. Before the bell to begin the second round, Saade told the referee that he could not continue due to fatigue which prompted the stoppage.

In the other boxing match on the card, heavyweights Yohan Banks (3-3-3, 1 KO) of Redwood City, California and Hector Martinez (5-4, 4 KOs) of Broderick, California let loose in an action-packed four-rounder. Banks, 264, dropped Martinez, 228 ¾, with a clubbing overhand right midway through the second. Martinez was clearly dazed, but managed to pull himself up with a little help from the turnbuckle. With some clever footwork, Martinez was able to get out of the round and clear his head.

Banks may have punched himself out going for the knockout, which allowed Martinez to punch his way back into the fight in the third. Two-way action closed the fight out in the fourth, with Martinez getting the best of it over the tired Banks. In the end, two judges liked Banks by the score of 38-37. One dissenting judge favored Martinez by the same score, 38-37.

In the first of two amateur kickboxing bouts, Ignacio Zambrano of Stockton, California scored two knockdowns in the third round en route to a unanimous decision over Mike Spatz of Sacramento. Zambrano, 197 ¾, may not have been body beautiful, but he was able to outslug the reluctant Spatz, 187, for the three rounds.

Gaston Bolanos of Pleasanton scored the stoppage victory over Mitch Thompson of Sacramento, California in a welterweight amateur kickboxing contest. Bolanos, 141 ¾, was the superior fighter and it was fairly evident from the outset. Thompson, 144 ¾, did not give referee Dan Stell the response he was looking for after a standing eight-count in the third. Time of the stoppage was 1:44 of the third-round.

Tonight’s event, promoted by ESMG World, was taped to air at a later date. Adding some spice to the evening was the Playmate Dancers, including 2006 Playmate of the Year Kara Monaco, and a bevy of ring card girls. Former contender Juan Lazcano worked the corner of Hector Martinez and current WBA Interim Super Flyweight Champion Nonito Donaire Jr. was ringside taking photographs.

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

Marcos Maidana retained the WBA “Interim” Super Lightweight title with a sixth round stoppage over previously undefeated Victor Cayo at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The bout was competitive over the first four rounds as each guy accomplished what they set out to do. In Cayo’s case it was to move in and out and mix it up when need be while Maidana was looking and at times imposed his will on Cayo.

At the end of round two, Maidana landed a left to the top of the head just as the bell sounded that put Cayo on the canvas. Replays showed that the punch may have come a split second afher the round finished but was still was ruled a knockdown by referee Joe Cortez.

Round five saw the most action with fighters having success with Cayo landing the flurries and Maidana landing the hard shots.

In round six, Maidna landed a good right hand that was followed up by a right to the body that sent Cayo down to the canvas for Cortez ten count at the 1:38 mark of thr round.

Maidana, 140 lbs of Santa Fe, Argentina is now 28-1 with twenty-seven knockouts. Cayo, 140 lbs of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic loses for the first time and is 24-1.

Joan Guzman made amends (sort of) for his poor performance last November when he was bludgeoned by Ali Funeka only to get a gift draw. This time Guzman showed the skills that many boxing insider praised throughout the last half decade as Guzman defeated Funeka by split decision in a fight that was tainted by Guzman’s in ability to make the weight for the bout which originally to be contested for the IBF Lightweight title.

Guzman showed his elusiveness early by showing lightning handspeed and reflexes as he would make Funeka miss and then make him pay. Funeka came forward to throw more then 250 more punches then did Guzman and had some success as he pressed the action but Guzman was efficient was his countering and body punching.

In round six, Guzman landed a huge right to the top of the head that sent Funeka to the canvas. Funeka had some moments going down the stretch but they werent enough as Guzman was very consitant with his combinations and movement.

Guzman won by scores of 116-111 and 114-113 while Funeka took a card by a 114-113 tally.

Guzman was unable to compter for the IBF crown as he weighed in a staggering NINE pounds overweight at Fridays weigh-in. After a financial deal with Funeka’s camp, the fight went on. Guzman, 144 lbs of Brooklyn, NY remains undefeated at 30-0-1. Funeka, 135 lbs of East London, South Africa is now 30-3-3.

Andre Dirrell fought the most polished fight of his career and and even had the most satisfying result but he deserved to win with the flare that he demonstrated over the balance of his eleven beat down of Arthur Abraham as Dirrell was awarded the victory via disqualification as Abraham knocked Dirrell out cold while Dirrell was on the ground during the eleventh round of their Super Middleweight clash at The Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Dirrell was brilliant throughout as he befuddled Abraham with quick combinations to the body and head. Dirrell kept up the boxing skills that Abraham had no answer for as the German contined to come in with his hands up eating punches. In round four, Dirrell landed a left off the ropes that sent the former IBF Middleweight champion to the canvas for the first time in his career. Abraham shook it off and sporadically would get through with one shot at a time.

Every time it seemed that Abraham was changing momentum, Dirrell would use his athleticism to land some solid combionations on Abraham. In round seven, a nasty cut opened over the right eye brow of Abraham which seemed to spur the visitor on.

In round ten, Abraham landed a big right that sent Dirrell to the canvas for which referee Laurence Cole ruled that it was a slip as the fighters’ feet were close but replays showed that it should have been ruled a knockdown. That was a foreshadow of the craziness to come.

In round eleven, Abraham landed a big right that was combined with Dirrell slipping on the ring and Dirrell went to his knee. While Dirrell was prone on the ground, Abraham wound him and drilled Dirrell with a vicious right that knocked Dirrell out with Dirrell’s legs beginning to tremble and Cole waved the fight off immediately at 1:13 of round eleven.

“He did not go down. I shouldn’t be DQ’d for this,’’ the favored Abraham told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray in the ring afterward.

Later, at the post-fight press conference, Abraham added, “I was not looking at his feet. I was looking at his eyes.

“If you are a professional boxer, you look for every opportunity to knock out your opponent. You do not wait for him to recover. But I wish Andre Dirrell well and hope he is OK.’’

After order was restored in the ring, Dirrell believed he was knocked out and therefore he left the ring and to the hospital while Abraham thought Dirrell was acting.

Dirrell of Flint, Michigan is now 19-1. Abraham of Berlin is now 31-1.

Lisa Brown scored a ten round unanimous decision over popular Ana Julaton to claim the WBA Super Bantamweight championship.

Brown dominated the action throughout the fight as she landed the more telling blows and cut Julaton in two places around her eyes. Julaton never really got into the fight as Brown basically took every round as she won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 99-92.

Brown of Scarbough, ONT is now 17-4-3. Jualton of Daly City, CA is now 6-2-1.

Fabian Ramirez scored a vicious first round stoppage over Justin Fountain in a six round Welterweight bout.

The two tradedd shots until Ramirez dropped Fountain with a hard right uppercut. Fountain got to his feet only to engage in a toe to toe flurry where he was rocked several times until a huge right hand put Fountain down and out at 2:59 of round one.

Ramirez, 147 lbs of Culican, Mexico is now 10-1-1 with seven knockouts. Fountain, 145.2 lbs of Hamilton, ONT is now 6-2-3.

Stephan Boyd scored a six round unanimous decision over Jason Douglas in an entertaining battle of Super Middleweights from Ontario.

The two traded good shots over the first four round until Boyd landed big uppercut that rocked Douglas that set up a big barrage that had Douglas rocked and barely made it out of round five.

Douglas furthered his demise as he was docked two points for low blows in the final round.

Scores were 59-53, 59-53 and 59-54 for Boyd, 165.6 lbs of Toronto and is now 10-3-1. Douglas, 165.8 lbs of Kitchner, ONT is now 7-2-2.

Felix Mercedes hung on to win unanimous decision over Ivan Flores in a six round Featherweight bout.

Mercedes dominated the first five round even though he took a nice nice right hand in round four. Flores landed two huge shots in the final round that had Mercedes holding on but he built up a big lead and made ito the final bell for victory.

Mercedes of Buffalo, New York won by scores of 59-55, 59-55 and 59-54 to raise his record to 5-0. Flores of Culican, Mexico is now 6-5-2