Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez improves to 41-0, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter rolls

GALVESTON, Texas (December 19, 2020) — The Champ is back!

Former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), fighting for the first time since April 4, 2019, returned to the ring last night with a vengeance, stopping tough defending North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-4, 25 KOs) in the 10th round of the “Battle of Rio Grande” main event.

“Battle of Rio Grande,” presented by the two main event fighter’s promotional companies, Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, aired live on pay per view from the Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

The 29-year-old Ramirez displayed his world-class boxing skills and tremendous athleticism from the start, dropping Lopez in the fourth, but the defending champion was resilient right up until the very end. The ringside physician examined Lopez’ swollen right eye after the ninth round and when Ramirez floored Lopez with a right hook in the 10th, the referee waved off the fight. Lopez had his 10-right win streak snapped and Ramirez put reigning world light heavyweight champions Artur Beterviev (WBC & IBF) and Dmitry Bivol (WBA) on notice. Ramirez is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, as well as being WBA #45, WBO and IBF #7.

“I’m glad I was able to get a fight in this year.” Martinez said. “Alfonso was tough as a bull and kept coming like the true warrior he is but overall, I’m happy with my performance. I felt some ring rust in the beginning, but I’m glad I was able to get back to my old form quickly. This was challenge as a fighter and a promoter, but I plan on doing more shows in the future and appreciate all my partners that helped out in the process (ie fite tv, el tigre promotions, and be def sports). Glad I have this one out the way and on to next one.”

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs), continued his mission to be world heavyweight champion, outclassing West Virginia’s Shawn Laughery (10-4, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event, closing the show in the fourth round with his second knockdown. Hunter is rated among the top 10 heavyweights in the world by the four major sanctioning bodies: IBF #4, WBO #8, WBC #9 and WBA #10.

California featherweight Jose Maria “Chema” Delgado (6-0-4, 2 KOs) can’t catch a break, at least not in the United States, where he fought to a draw for the fourth time last night against Armando Frausto (8-2, 5 KOs). Delgado’s six pro wins have all come in fights held in Mexico. Delgado and Frausto were fighting for the vacant American Boxing Organization (ABO) featherweight title that remains open.

Undefeated lightweight Juan Velazquez (6-0, 4 KOs) overwhelmed fellow Houstonian, Alexis Chavarria (4-3-3, 1 KO), putting him away in round two after pummeling him from the opening bell.

The first fighter signed by Ramirez’ Zurdo Promotions, Los Angeles bantamweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (no relations), turned in an auspicious pro debut, stopping his Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “El Chavito” Solis (0-3) midway through the opening round.

Texas middleweight Charles “Pretty Bad Boy” Baylor (1-0, 1 KO) dominated fellow Texan Joel “The Assassin” Munoz (0-2) up until the latter’s corner ended the fight, Houston junior middleweight Raynard “Alief Ali” Talib, Jr. (3-0, 1 KO) overcame a first-round knockdown and a cut over his right eye to edge Adam “AD” Ealoms (4-19-3, 2 KOs) by way of a four-round unanimous decision (38-37 X 3), and the junior middleweight fight between pro-debuting Apostle Arias (0-0-1) and Lucas “God First” McDonald (0-5-1) ended in a technical draw, because McDonald was unable to continue fighting in the fourth round due to a serious cut resulting from an accidental headbutt.

Also fighting on the undercard, Houston’s Breyon Gorham improved to 7-0 (6 KOs) with a third-round technical knockout of Anthony Curtiss (2-7, 2 KOs), who managed to beat the count but was deemed to unsteady by the referee to continue fighting, and Delmonte “Sugar Bear” Randle (1-0, 1 KOs) won his pro debut when Jarvis Lee (0-3) retired after round one.

The middleweight fight between Ivan Vazquez (5-0, 4 KOs) and Charon Spain (2-14-2, 1 KO) was canceled after Vazquez tested positive for COVID-19.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – NABF LIGHT HEAVYEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP
Gilberto Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
WTKO10 (0:59)
Alfonso Lopez (32-4, 25 KOs), Houston, TX
(Ramirez won NABF light heavyweight title)

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Michael Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WKO4 (1:02)
Shawn Laughery (10-4, 6 KOs), Oak Hill, WV

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Demonte Randle (1-0, 1 KO), Texas City, TX
WTKO1 (3:00)
Jarvis Lee (0-3), Houston, Texas

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Charles Baylor (1-0, 1 KO), Trinity, TX
WTKO2 ((1:40)
Joel Munoz (0-2), Dublin, TX

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Raynard Talib, Jr. (3-0, 1 KO), Houston, TX
WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 38-37)
Adam Ealoms (4-19-3, 2 KOs), Bryan, TX

Apostle Arias (0-0-1, 0 KOs), Porter, TX
TD4
Lucas McDonald (0-5-1), Sealy, TX

WELTERWEIGHTS
Juan Velazquez (6-0, 4 KOs), Houston, TX
WTKO2 (2:14)
Alexis Chavarria (1-1, 0 KOs), Houston, TX

Breyon Gorham (7-0, 56KOs), Houston, TX
WTKO3 (2:14)
Antony Curtiss (2-7, 2 KOs), Butte, MT

VACANT ABO FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jose Maria Delgado (6-0-4, 2 KOs), Pittsburg, CA
D6(58-56, 57-57, 57-57)
Armando Frausto (8-1-1, 5 KOs), Alvin, TX

BANTAMWEIGHTS
John Ramirez (1-0, 1 KO), Los Angeles, CA
WTKO1 (1:51)
Jose Solis (0-3), San Juan, Puerto Rico

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV




FITE in Focus: “Battle of Rio Grande” Round-table discussion tomorrow night

GALVESTON, Texas (December 16, 2020) — A round-table discussion, FITE in Focus: “Battle of Rio Grande,” will be held tomorrow night (Thurs., Dec. 17), streaming worldwide exclusively and FREE, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv).

This Friday night’s “Battle of Rio Grande,” presented by Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, will be highlighted by the ring return of 40-0 former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who will challenge North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight titlist Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Ramirez is rated No. 1 by the WBA, as well as WBA #4, WBO & IBF #7, while Lopez is ranked No. 11 by the IBF and No. 12 by the WBO.

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs), faces West Virginia’s Shawn Laughery (10-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event.

FITE on Focus
will be hosted by Matt Striker (English color commentator), John Shernoff will serve as master of ceremonies, and round-table guests will include Sean Wheelock (English blow-by-blow announcer), Ernesto Amador (Spanish blow-by-blow announcer), and “Zurdo” Ramirez.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

In addition, preceding the live pay-per-view broadcast at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, fans may view a free LIVE PPV PRE-SHOW featuring some undercard bouts. “Battle of Rio Grande” Pre-Show will be available at FITE, DirecTV, DISH, Shaw and select cable operators.:

Limited tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP and still available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV




Southwest flavor for”Battle of Rio Grande” PPV undercard

GALVESTON, Texas (December 14, 2020) — A strong undercard showcasing young, talented boxers from Texas and Southern California will provide support for this Friday night’s “Battle of Rio Grande” card, airing live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.
.
Former world super middleweight title-holder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs) in the 12-round main event. Ramirez’
Zurdo Promotions is co-promoting “Battle of Rio Grande” with Lopez’ company, El Tigre Promotions.

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs) faces Shawn Laughery (10-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event., who has replaced veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

In addition, preceding the live pay-per-view broadcast at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, fans may view a free LIVE PPV PRE-SHOW featuring some undercard bouts. “Battle of Rio Grande” Pre-Show will be available at FITE, DirecTV, DISH, Shaw and select cable operators.

Los Angeles bantamweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (no relations to Gilberto), the first boxer signed by Ramirez’ emerging promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, will make his professional debut in a 4-round bout against his Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “El Chavito” Solis (0-2).

The 24-year-old Ramirez, who has no formal boxing experience, played on an L.A. high school football team, which was featured on ESPN because the area from which student-athletes came from was riddled with drugs and gangs. “Scrappy” may not have boxed as an amateur, but he is a fighter.

“I’m still young in the sport but I love it,” ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez spoke about making his pro boxing debut. “I’m just a different breed when it comes to this. At the end of the day, it’s a fight and I’m here to take over not just take part in. Where I’m from past records, accolades and titles don’t mean s*it. It’s all about today and what lays ahead.

“Being around the Champ (Gilberto) and watching him firsthand, I’m more motivated than ever and know what it takes to succeed. The grind is different, and no one can outwork me.”

Unbeaten Pittsburg, CA featherweight Jose Maria Delgado (6-0-3, 2 KOs) faces Armando Frausto (8-1, 5 KOs), of Alvin (TX), in a 6-round match for the vacant American Boxing Organization (ABO) title.

Also scheduled to fight on the “Battle of Rio Grande” undercard in 4-round bouts are Houston middleweight Ivan Vazquez (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Charon Spain (2-14-2, 1 KO), Houston lightweight Juan Velazquez (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Breyon Gorham (6-0 (5 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Raynard “Alief Ali” Talib, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Adam “AD” Ealoms (4-18-3, 2 KOs).

Pro-debuting fighters in additional 4-round undercard fights are Porter, TX junior middleweight Apostle Arias vs. Lucas “God First” McDonald (0-5), Trinity, TX middleweight Charles “Pretty Bad Boy” Baylor vs. Joel “The Assassin” Munoz (0-1), and Delmonte “Sugar Bear” Randle vs. Jarvis Lee (0-2).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP are on sale and available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV




Zurdo Ramirez & Lopez Transcript – It’s Fight Week in Galveston!

Galveston, TX, December 14, 2020 — Undefeated former Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez returns to the ring on Friday, December 18, challenging North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez at Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas, live on pay-per-view. “The Battle of Rio Grande” will be co-promoted by Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, the first promotion for each under their respective companies.
Tickets to are on sale and can be purchased here https://zurdopromotions.events.com/

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I’m extremely excited to back in the ring. It’s been a long year of ups and downs and we have been kind of unsure. At my age I’m saying this is not what a fighter needs. I am used to fighting on a consistent schedule. It’s unfortunate but I’m very grateful we got to pull this off.

What did you do during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I stayed in the gym, lifting weights and hitting the bag. I made a little gym in the garage since all of the gyms had been shut down. A lot of running, keeping the body in shape and not overindulging on the food a deserts. We had to stay strict hoping the opportunity would come and here it is.

How do you plan to fight Zurdo?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In the fight, as the rounds go on, we are looking for consistency and great conditioning. We focused a lot on conditioning and our strength. I think as the rounds go on you are going to see patience and growth as a fighter from over the years and the wins that we have had and bring it all together on December 18.

It looks as though you two have respect for one another . . .

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: When you have tremendous respect for each other, what happens is both fighters bring their A-game to the table and you end up getting this amazing fight not only for yourself but the fans in general. It’s a blessing that we are both humble and respecting guys because the people that get to witness the fight we are about to put on are the overall winners.

Keys to victory?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: Just kind of being me. The keys are going to be you have to be in shape any time you are going to fight Zurdo. He is one of the best pressure fighters in the business – he stays on you and keeps driving. I have to be prepared mentally to deal with his strength and to really stay in there and bang it out with him. We’ll see how it turns out. We don’t know what’s going to happen until we get in there. 40 guys have gone in there against him and 40 have failed because he is legitimate – one of the best in the business. We’ll just get int here and see how the fight turns out and we’ll make adjustments as we go.

How is it promoting your own fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: As a promoter I have been in the business for 3 or 4 years now, so it was a little easier for me because we kind of had it all laid out so just making it on a larger scale. With Zurdo, that kind of added a little more stress because it is such a big event. We are fighting for a NABF title and we are both ranked in the top ten. There is more at stake here so creating it for the fans and a little more stress but he has a great team and I have a great team. I think we are going to do a great job and it’s an amazing even from the undercard to the main event.

What do you mean by “being me?”

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I am a boxer mover. You have seen me I can box and move around the ring to offset what he is going to pressure me with. Or at the end of the day, I am Mexican blooded and I can get in there and bang. If it has to turn into forehead to forehead, hey lets go for it. Being me is letting my competitive nature dictate what I do and not getting frustrated with anything.

What kind of challenges have you had to endure to train in the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: The challenges were you had to make your own gym. They had everything shut down so we created a gym in the garage and tried to do some bag work with the coaches but a lot of us were stuck at home, especially if we had close elderly family members. We really couldn’t get together and you find yourself doing long runs alone and bag work alone and strength work alone. It was a little difficult but here in Texas it opened up a little bit and we got to get out and get into some of the gyms as long as we stuck to the guidelines but I wouldn’t say it was the best case scenario for a training camp but we did the best could and we are going to be a in great shape.

What are you expecting on December 18?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: On December 18 I am expecting the best Zurdo that we have yet to see. He is going to bring a filled in light heavyweight body and he is going to use that size to his advantage and I think he is going to be better physically prepared since he has had time to settle into the light heavyweight body.

Did you train differently for this fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In this training camp I made some adjustments to how I was conditioning compared to several of my other fights. I spent a lot more time doing road work and strength and conditioning and really focused on a lot of flexibility just to make sure that for the longevity of the sport we can be 100%. I know the dedication is there and the hunger is there and during a lot of my runs I just feel great and can’t wait to get back in there.

Do you have a message for Zurdo?

I ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: don’t have anything to say to Zurdo exactly. I am expecting Zurdo to be at 100% and may the best man win.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?
ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I like Canelo in a late round stoppage from some body shots.

How do you like being a parent?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: It is really interesting and different.

Why did you decide to go on your own?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been in boxing a long time but I think I made a lot of mistakes and that’s why I made my own promotion company because I want to help young fighters reach their goals as a fighter and as a businessman to let them know how negotiate to reach those goals.

How was the break with Top Rank?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We are still friends. My contract expired and I didn’t want to renew and that’s what happened but I think in the near future we can still work together because he has one champion and potentially another so we will see.

How did this fight come together?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We reached out to the Tigre Lopez team and they agreed to a fight with us to do a co-promotion deal and it’s really good for me because I have been outside of the ring for almost two years and no I come back. Alfonso Lopez has the NABF title and I hope he’s coming really prepared to put on a great show for all the people and all the fans.

How has the pandemic affected you?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been training the whole time, even during Corona. Before during training I was a little upset because of first my contract and then Corona but now everything is in place. I put all of the pieces in place and I feel ready now to get in the ring and put on a great performance.

Will we see anything new ion the ring?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes you are. I am going to put everything that I have done in training to put on a great show for the fans and that’s all I want is for people to watch the fight on December 18.

What do you have to say to Alfonso Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I hope El Tigre comes in in great shape to put on a great show and best of luck.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I like Canelo because he is Mexican

What should we expect in the fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Expect a WAR, El Tigre has Mexican blood and inside the ring 2 Mexicans it’s guaranteed a WAR. My team and I worked on the game plan together. I believe he is real good he’s never been stopped and he has 10 victories in a row. I trained like a true champ not taking him lightly I think it’s a good for us both at this time.

Expecting a knockout?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: More than anything my hand will be raised I’m 41-0 and I think the KO will come on it’s own

How about Zurdo Promotions?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I feel happy and excited to help young fighters. I’m working hard with El Tigre Promotions. They have a good team as a promoter everything is working out as planned and as a fighter I’m gonna leave it all in the ring. That’s right my fight will be live only on Fite TV 24.99 make sure you guys go get it and don’t miss a fun night of action

You announced the fight on the 19th then changed it to the 18th and now you are on same night as GGG. . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Nothing controversial the fans know boxing they will watch both fights it really doesn’t matter we can both fight on the same day and people will still tune in boxing is what people want and they are getting it. And GGG, it’s a good thing because the fans want to see boxing it’s been needed and like I said the fans will be watching all 3 fights that weekend .

You and GGG training in the same place?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes, GGG and I have been in the same gym training for our fights

Canelo and Eddy Reynoso again said they will not face a Mexican opponent . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I know that fight will happen one day I’ll just keep winning and do what I do and that fight will happen. I also want to be the face of boxing and I know to be the face of boxing I will have to beat him down the line – I just gotta keep on winning.

How was training during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: We focused a lot on boxing and strength and conditioning because he is an amazing fighter and he brings a toughness to all of his fights. He world a world champion and he’s undefeated. We have prepared ourselves for the best fighter in the world and be ready the best that we can.

Will you try and go for early KO?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t think is the best way to jump into a fight with Zurdo. We both have a lot of experience and we both will rely, in the ring, on all of our experiences. He has never been hurt really – he has a heck of a chin.

Do you feel disrespected in boxing?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t feel disrespected, Zurdo is a superstar in the sport. I know what he brings to the table and I know why kind of fighter I am because of what I have put into the sport of boxing. It’s the business of boxing if people don’t see you and you aren’t promoted everyone sees you as a guy that is just there and that’s the business of boxing.

There was some talk of you fighting Bivol . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: My team and I, we discussed it (Bivol fight) and decided that Alfonso was the best opponent for us right now but I think in the near future the Bivol fight will happen, but right now I don’t see beyond and I am focusing on Alfonso.

It seem throughout your career you have been having a tough time getting the top opponents . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Right now I feel great and that’s why I started my own promotional company so I can choose my best path for my career and I will have control, after this fight, all those kind of fights will happen. At the beginning I was frustrated abut that (getting top fights) but all of the fighters want the big names. It didn’t happen during that time but now I can make that happen. I can work with different promoters but right now I have Alfonso Lopez and he has the NABF title and I have prepared for this fight because he has what I want.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have to be worried about the fight in the ring and be sharp. I don’t feel like I have to be worried about anything in particular because I have trained so long for this fight – I was my longest training camp in my life and I feel great. I feel ready to rumble. Ready to put on a great show in Galveston, Texas on December 18. I can’t wait to be in the ring as a fighter.

How is the promotional company coming along?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have ten fighters in my promotion. Some of them fought in Mexico a couple weeks a go and some will be fighting on my card. We are going to have another show in February in Mexico. It is really interesting being a promoter because I want to help the fighters. I want to have champions to, obviously, but I want to teach them how the business is as a fighter and as a promoter. They have to know everything and I want to help them.

What do you want to accomplish against Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I want to send the message that I am the best light heavyweight in the world and everybody will see on December 18. Alfonso has been winning in his last ten fights in a row and he’s never been stopped and we are going to put on a great show for all the fans.

Can you make it back to 168?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I could make 168 if I cut off my leg. But I don’t think I can go back to 168, it is too much on my body and I feel that I would rather move up. Move up to cruiserweight and then heavyweight – why not?

Do you think a Canelo fight will happen?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Of course a Canelo fight can happen. Like you say with me and him fighting back-to-back this weekend – people will watch Canelo and they will watch me, and if the fans want to see us fight then we could make that fight happen. Eventually I will reach out to his team and I want to propose to make the fight happen. He has his own promotional team and I have my own promotional team so we can make it happen. If the people want to see the fight and there will be belts, for sure.

What weight would a Canelo fight be at?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: The Canelo fight would have to be at 175. He already fought at that weight against Sergey Kovalev and I don’t want to go back to that weight. We’d have to fight at the same weight with no rehydration clauses or any of that.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Don’t miss the fight on December 18 on FITE.tv. It is going to be a good fight and we are going to put on a great show for all of them and you will see a new Zurdo Ramirez, so don’t miss it!




AUDIO: Interview with Alfonso Lopez






VIDEO: Interview with Alfonso Lopez




Gilberto Ramirez vs. Alfonso Lopez Headlines “Battle of Rio Grande”

GALVESTON, Texas (November 30, 2020) — There is a Texas showdown coming December 18th called the “Battle of Rio Grande,” in which undefeated, former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs), live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

The main event fighters, Ramirez and Lopez, are co-promoters of “Battle of Rio Grande” under their promotional company names, respectively, Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions.

Ramirez, 29, became the first Mexican super middleweight champion of the world in 2016 with a 12-round unanimous decision over World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Arthur Abraham (44-4). The multi-gifted southpaw “Zurdo” (means left-handed in English) from Mazatlán, Mexico, went on to make five successful title defences, including three against unbeaten challengers Jesse Hart (25-0), Habif Ahmed (25-0-1), and Roamer Alexis Angulo (23-0).

Ramirez moved up to light heavyweight for his last fight a year ago, when he stopped 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency in four rounds, after which Ramirez became a promotional free agent. “Battle of Rio Grande” is his first event as a promoter.

“Promoting is not an easy job,” Ramirez said, “but I have good people behind me. They’ve got my back and we work very well together. I was world champion and now I’m a promoter; I see the big picture. I don’t want to be fighting forever. I started my own promotional company so that when I retire, I will have a good life after boxing. There’s no stress on me as a promoter, the stress is on my team.”

The 6′ 3″ Ramirez is a physical specimen who can dunk a basketball and could easily have been a pro athlete in a different sport like football. He follows business trends and by opening his own promotional company, he’s taking advantages of the new era of boxing, in which he plans to aid fellow boxers, particularly Mexicans, by giving them a larger platform to display their skills.

Working with his opponent in terms of promoting “Battle of Rio Grande” is a sign of two fighters taking control of their careers, as well as being completely independent rather than under a promoter, although Lopez has been promoting in Texas for several years.

“We’ll work together but, in the ring, he wants my 40-0 Ramirez noted. “I know he’s been training a lot, so he’s going to be faster and stronger, which is good for me because I like fighting good fighters. Everybody wants to take my record, but I’m training (in Santa Monica, CA) like the champion I am to give fans a good fight. He’s going to bring everything he has into the ring. I expect a good fight. It’s a big opportunity for him. I am fully focused on him because I want the opportunity to be world champion again.”

Lopez will be riding a 10-fight win streak into the ring Dec. 18th versus Ramirez in the 12-round main event. His most recent fight was 13 months ago, when he won a 10-round decision over 19-9-1 Denis Grachev in Lopez’ first defense of the NABF title he captured in his previous fight with a fourth-round stoppage of 21-3 Alex Theran.

Ramirez isn’t looking past Lopez for future fights against world light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev (WBC & IBF) Dmitry Bivol (WBA), because he knows and respects Lopez. The media and public, in general, underappreciated Lopez and some have taken cheap shots at him in social media.

“Maybe a little but it’s not a big deal,” Lopez responded to being asked if he was undervalued. “I’ve always said that in this business, everybody has the opportunity to be seen. Gilberto’s beaten quality guys and he’s a world champion. I’ve promoted myself, mostly in Texas, and I’m well respected within the industry. If they really want to see who Gilberto is fighting, tune in, and then make decisions at the end of the fight and maybe they’ll change their mind. Otherwise, they should keep their opinions to themselves instead of reading about me on social media or matching up who we’ve fought.”

Ramirez has a marquee name, and he represents a career-changing opportunity for Lopez, who has captured four titles, including the NABF crown he’ll be defending. Plus, “El Tigre” holds victories over solid opponents other than Grachev and Theran, such as Dyah Davis and Rubin Williams, and in 2011 Lopez extended Kelly Pavlik the distance in a loss by way of a 10-round majority decision.

Lopez isn’t fighting Ramirez simply for a payday, to the contrary. “Nobody walks into the ring thinking they’re just happy to be there,” Lopez explained. “This fight will establish me as a world-class fighter. I feel that the winner will be the best in our division and the guys walking around with their belts should fight the winner. Gilberto is a great fighter who has a lot of experience as a world champion. He has physical attributes that him difficult to fight. He’s strong and always in great condition. I need to be intelligent, able to read him, and in great shape.

“The fight will be about adjustments. We’ve both been in this game a long time and at this high level of boxing, you need to be smart and strategic, but both of us being Mexican, it could turn into a brawl at any time. People will see why nobody wants to fight either of us. I’m excited and I know he is, too. Boxing fans don’t want to miss it!”

World-rated heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter will face veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver (57-13-5, 23 KOs), the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas champion, in the 10-round co-featured event.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP are on sale and available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV




40-0 Gilberto Ramirez returns to ring Dec. 18 vs. Alfonso Lopez on PPV

GALVESTON, Texas (November 23, 2020) – The long-awaited return of undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) will be Friday night, December 18, when he challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs), live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE TV will stream worldwide on the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv) and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

The main event fighters, Ramirez and Lopez, are co-promoters of “Battle of Rio Grande” under their promotional company names, respectively, Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, fighting out of Mazatlán, Mexico, became the first Mexican super middleweight champion of the world in 2016, when he defeated defending World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Arthur Abraham (44-4) by way of a 12-round unanimous decision. Ramirez successfully defended his world title against 33-4-1 Maksym Bursak (DEC12), 22-0 Jesse Hart (WDEC12), 25-0-1 Habif Ahmed (TKO6), 23-0 Roamer Alexis Angulo (DEC12) and 25-1 Hart (DEC12) in a rematch.

Ramirez’ last fight, his first as a light heavyweight, was last April in Los Angeles, in which “Zurdo” stopped 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency in four rounds. Ramirez then became a promotional free agent.

Lopez will be fighting close to his home in Huntsville, Texas. “El Tigre” will be riding a 10-fight win streak into the ring for the Dec. 18th 12-round main event. He hasn’t fought in 13 months, registering a 10-round decision over 19-9-1 Denis Grachev in Lopez’ first defense of the NABF title he captured in his previous fight with a fourth-round stoppage of 21-3 Alex Theran.

“I’m looking forward to hosting my first fight and appreciate all the support and love I’ve received from everybody,” Ramirez said. I want to give special thanks to FITE.TV, El Tigre Promotions, Be Def Sports, and the state of Texas for being great partners in this event. I know it’s been a long road to return, but I feel great having full control of my career and being able to fight whenever, wherever, and however, I want. As always, I appreciate my trainers – Julian Chua, Joel Flores, and Chris Wong – keeping me in shape since my last fight and I feel better than ever to step back in the ring. I’ll see you guys December 18th in Texas!”

World-rated heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter, of Las Vegas, will take on battle-tested veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver (57-13-5, 23 KOs), the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas champion.

Hunter is rated among the top 10 in all four major sanctioning bodies — #4 International Boxing Federation (IBF), #7 WBO, #10 WBC and World Boxing Association – in addition to being ranked # 8 by The Ring independent magazine.

Hunter’s last action was a 12-round split draw a year ago in Saudi Arabia with Alexander Povetkin (35-2), the former world heavyweight champion and 2004 Olympic gold medalist. A decorated U.S. amateur boxer, Hunter’s lone loss as a professional was a 12-round unanimous decision in 2017 to another Olympic gold medalist (2012), defending champion Oleksandr Usyk (11-0), for the WBO World cruiserweight title.

Additional fights will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fite.tv, @IntegratedPPV




Davis decisions Lopez

Dyah Davis scored a ten round unanimous decision over Alfonso Lopez in a Super Middleweight bout at mallory Square in Key West, Florida.

Davis landed the only telling blows and was much quicker then Lopez.

Davis, 166 1/4 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is won by scores of 100-90; 100-90 and 99-91 and is now 21-2-1. Lopez, 167 lbs of Corpus Christie, TX is now 22-2.

Denis Douglin scored an eight round split decision over previously undefeated Steven Martinez in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Douglin landed the quicker shots and at times timed Martinez using his superior handspeed to rack up points while Martinez came forward and landed some good straight right hands.

In the end it was the accuracy of Douglin to get the victory by scores of 77-75; 77-75 and 77-75 for Martinez.

Douglin, 154 1/2 lbs of Marlboro, NJ is now 14-1. Martinez, 153 1/2 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 11-1.

“I’m happy with the victory and Steven is a terrific fighter, but I’ve still got plenty of improvements to make,” stated Douglin, who improved to 14-1 with 8 KO’s. “I’ll be right back in the gym making the necessary adjustments that will get me to the next level.”

“I definitely showed everybody what kind of a fighter I am,” exclaimed the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion. “I’ve fought tough opponents in back to back fights and Martinez is regarded as one of the top prospects on the east coast. This is just the beginning though and I’m going to continue my journey up the ranks until I become a world champion!”




FOLLOW PACQUIAO – MOSLEY LIVE!


Follow all the action as it happens from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as WBO Welterweight champion and Pound for Pound king, Manny Pacquiao takes on future Hall of Famer “Sugar” Shane Mosley. The action begins at 9pm est/6pm pac with a three fight undercard that will feature a 122 lb world championship between Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and former three division champ Jorge Arce. Also the return of former Middleweight king Kelly Pavlik taking on undefeated Alfonso Lopez. The night will begin with Jr. Welterweight clash between Mike Alvarado and Ray Nahr.

12 ROUNDS–WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–MANNY PACQUIAO (52-3-2, 38 KO’S) VS SHANE MOSLEY (46-6-1, 39 KO’S)

12 ROUNDS–WBO SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. (20-0-1, 17 KO’S) VS JORGE ARCE (56-6-2, 43 KO’S)

Round 1 Pacquiao lands a left…Pacquiao lands a left to the body…Mosley lands a right to the body..Pacquiao a left to the body…Pacquiao 10-9

Round 2 Mosley lands a 1-2; Pacquiao lands a left…Pacquiao lands a left…right hook…left…manny starting to get a rhythm…20-18 Pac

Round 3: Mosley gets in a right…STRAIGHT LEFT AND DOWN GOES MOSLEY...30-26 Pac

Round 4: Mosley lands a body shot and right…Pacquiao a right hook..Body shot…Mosley lands a combination..39-36 Pac

Round 5:Pacquiao lands a right hook…Pacquiao lands a body shot…head clash…Pacquiao lands a straight left…Mosley lands 2 rights to the body…Left hook…..49-46 Pac

Round 6 Pacquiao lands straight left to the body…Uppercut…combination…Mosley lands a right..59-55 Pac

Round 7: Pacquiao coming forward and Mosley doing nothing…69-64 Pac

Round 8 Mosley lands a right…Pacquiao lands a left to the head…Nice right by Mosley…78-74 Pac

Round 9 Pacquiao landing combinations…striaght left …right hooks…right hook..Mosley lands a right..88-83 Pac

Round 10 Combinations by knockdown…The feet get tangled BUT PACQUIAO IS DOWN AND RULED A KNOCKDOWN…Pacquiao drills Mosley with a right and left..Mosley holding on…97-93 Pac

Round 11 Pacquiao landing hard combinations throughout the round.,..Has Mosley in trouble a couple times. Mosley lands once nice counter right for Which lights yet another fire under Pacquiao who comes in with combinations…107-102 Pac

Round 12: Pacquiao lands a straight left..Straight left to the chin..2 right hooks..117-111 Pacquiao

119-108; 120-108; 120-107 FOR MANNY PACQUIAO

Round 1: Arce lands a good left hook…Good left to the body..Vazquez lands a looping right..Arce lands a left that has Vazquez holding on…big right…Vazquez lands a right…Arce lands to the body... Arce 10-9

Round 2:Nice combo from Vazquez…Arce lands a jab…left…right..20-18 Arce

Round 3: Blood from bridge of Arce’s nose..Double left from Arce…29-28 Arce

Round 4: Vazquez lands a counter left…Arce lands a right……BIG LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES ARCE….38-37 Vazquez

Round 5 Vazquez lands a right…Arce lands a left..Good body…trading body shots…Vazquez lands a left hook…another one..Arce lands a 3 punch combination..47-47

Round 6: Vazquez lands a right..Arce body..straight right…Vazquez lands 2 left hooks…57-56 Vazquez

Round 7: Going toe to toe on the ropes…Vazquez lands a right…67-65 Vazquez

Round 8: Aece just throwin and throwin…lands a left at the bell…76-75 Vazquez

Round 9: Arce lands a body...85-85

Round 10: Vazquez lands a good right…Hook and uppercut..Arce flurries…95-94 Vazquez

Round 11: Arce lands a left hook..They trade hooks…Arce lands a jumping left backs up Vazquez…Arce all over Vazquez…..104-104 Vazquez wobbles back to his corner

Round 12: Arce all over Vazquez…just unloading..VazQUEZ IN SERIOUS TROUBLE…THEY THROW IN THE TOWEL AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

10 ROUNDS–SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS–KELLY PAVLIK (36-2, 32 KO’S) VS ALFONSO LOPEZ (21-0, 16 KO’S)

ROUND 1: Pavlik lands a right…Good left hook…10-9 Pavlik

Round 2: Pavlik lands a left hook..Lopez comes back with a combination…19-19

Round 3: Pavlik works the body…Good right hand…Jab…29-28 Pavlik

Round 4: Pavlik lands a good combination…39-37 Pavlik

Round 5 Good combination from Lopez…Pavlik lands a short hook…48-47 Pavlik

Round 6: Good right from Pavlik..body shots has Lopez holding on..Big right…right to the body..58-56 Pavlik

Round 7: Pavlik gets in a left hook..Lopez working the combinations…Right from Pavlik…Pavlik warned for a low blow…Lopez lands a flurry..67-66 Pavlik

Round 8: Lopez lands a nice combination as Pavlik lands a left hook at the bell…76-76

Round 9: Pavlik lands a good right…Lopez lands a solid right and a short left hook…Left hook..86-85 Lopez

Round 10: Lopez lands a combination…Good body work…Big left by Pavlik buckles Lopez…another left hook..yet another…straight right…Lopping right..hard jab…Blood from right eye of Lopez…Right from Pavlik..95-95

95-95; 98-92; 99-91 PAVLIK BY MAJ DEC

12 Rounds–Jr. Welterweights–Mike Alvarado (29-0, 21 KO’s) vs Ray Narh (25-1, 21 KO’s)

Round 1: Nahr lands an uppercut…Jabbing…Alvarado lands an uppercut..10-0 Nahr

Round 2: Alvarado lands big jabs that shake Narh..19-19

Round 3: Alvarado jabbing…Right hand..another right…29-28 Alvarado

Round 4: NARH QUITS ON THE STOOL AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED ALVARADO WINS BY TKO

Effect of maternal vitamin and mineral restrictions on the body fat content and adipocytokine levels of WNIN rat offspring.(Brief communication)

Nutrition & Metabolism October 15, 2007 | Lagishetty, Venu; Nandiwada, Vijaya Bhanu; Kalashikam, Rajender Rao; Manchala, Raghunath Authors: Venu Lagishetty (corresponding author) [1,2]; Vijaya Bhanu Nandiwada [1]; Rajender Rao Kalashikam [1]; Raghunath Manchala [1] Background Maternal under-nutrition impairs intrauterine development and increases adiposity, insulin resistance (IR) and associated metabolic disturbances in the later life of the offspring [1]. We reported earlier that chronic 50 percent restriction of minerals (MR) or vitamins (VR) in Wistar NIN (WNIN) rat dams increased the body fat percentage in offspring and decreased their insulin response to glucose challenge [2, 3]. We also reported that increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant status were associated with maternal VR but not MR induced changes in offspring [2, 3]. We now report whether or not increased body adiposity in the VR and MR offspring is associated with increased abdominal adiposity, altered expression of adipocytokines and insulin resistance.

Adipocytokines, the adipocyte derived bioactive molecules, mediate the systemic effects of obesity on health and regulate lipid metabolism as well as IR [4]. In fact the adipocytokine: leptin is important in the pathogenesis of eating disorders and obesity and mediates the neuro-endocrine response to food deprivation [5]. Overproduction of TNF-[alpha] modulates IR in obesity [6]. Furthermore, reduced expression of adiponectin and low plasma adiponectin levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes [7]. Indeed, mice lacking adiponectin display IR in some conditions [8, 9]. Considering that maternal VR and MR increased body adiposity and impaired glucose stimulated insulin secretion in the offspring, we have determined whether or not altered expression of adipocytokines was associated with these changes.

Methods Experimental Animals All animal experimental procedures were carried out in accordance with the ‘principles of laboratory animal care’ (NIH publication no. 85-23, revised 1985) and with the approval of the “Institute’s ethical committee on animal experiments” at National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India.

Female, weaning WNIN rats obtained from National Centre for Laboratory Animal Sciences, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India were used in these experiments. The protocol used for animal grouping, feeding, breeding and maintenance was described by us previously [2, 3]. Briefly, the rats received for 12 weeks, a control (AIN 93G) diet or a similar diet with 50 percent (of control diet) restriction of mineral/vitamin mixture, mated with control males and continued on their respective diets through out gestation. At parturition, a third of the restricted dams were shifted to control diet while the remaining continued on restricted diets. Half the number of pups born to these restricted dams were weaned on to control diet while the other half continued on the respective restricted diet.

Blood was collected from the offspring (at six moths of age) after an overnight fast and used for the determination of plasma glucose, insulin and adipocytokines. Insulin resistance (HOMA IR) was computed and the body fat of the animals content was determined by the TOBEC method as described by us earlier [2, 3]. The animals were sacrificed by carbon dioxide inhalation, epididymal fad pads were excised quickly and their fresh weight determined.

Adipocytokine levels Plasma leptin and TNF – [alpha] concentrations were determined using a rat specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (R&D Systems, MN, USA). Rat specific RIA kit (Linco Research, MO, USA) was used to determine plasma adiponectin levels. The lower limits of detection were less than 22 pg/mL for leptin; 5 pg/mL for TNF-[alpha] and 1 ng/mL for adiponectin.

Statistical analysis Data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS package (version 10.0) and values presented as mean [+ -] SEM. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post Hoc least significant difference (LSD) test. Wherever the heterogeneity was observed in the variance, differences between groups were tested by the non-parametric Mann – Whitney U test. The differences were considered significant only if p < 0.05.

Results Body fat content, epididymal fat pad weight and insulin resistance In line with the high body fat percentage observed in the offspring of VR and MR rat dams, the fresh weight of the epididymal fat pads was significantly higher in them (compared to controls) at six months of age (Table 1 &2). Rehabilitating VR mothers from parturition and their offspring from weaning (VSP) but not weaning VR offspring to control diet (VSW) reversed the body fat percentage and epididymal fat pad weight to levels comparable to controls (Table 1). While both the rehabilitation regimes mitigated the maternal MR induced increase in body fat percentage of the offspring only partially, MSP but not MSW could rescue the increased weight of the epididymal fat pad (Table 2).

Table 1 caption: Body weight, fat content and plasma adipocytokine levels in the offspring of vitamin restricted WNIN rat dams on postnatal day 180 [table “” not found /]
Table 2 caption: Body weight, fat content and plasma adipocytokine levels in the offspring of mineral restricted WNIN rat dams on postnatal day 180 [table “” not found /]
Despite their significant effects on the body fat percentage and epididymal fat pad weight in the offspring, neither maternal VR nor MR had any effect on their IR as assessed by HOMA IR (Table 1 &2). As a corollary, the two rehabilitation regimes had no effect on this parameter.

Effect of maternal vitamin restriction on adipocytokine levels Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and leptin levels increased (p < 0.05) in VR offspring (Table 1) compared to the control (VC) offspring on post natal day 180. However plasma TNF-[alpha] levels were comparable among different groups of the offspring. In line with the effects seen on the increased percentage of body fat and fresh weight of epididymal fat pads, VSP but not VSW corrected the changes in adiponectin and leptin levels by six months of age (Table 1). here body fat percentage calculator

Effect of maternal mineral restriction on adipocytokine levels Chronic MR in WNIN rat dams decreased both plasma adiponectin and leptin levels significantly (p < 0.05) in the offspring (Table 2) compared to controls (MC). Similar to the observations made in the offspring of rehabilitated VR dams, MSP but not MSW corrected these changes. Plasma TNF-[alpha] levels were comparable among the different groups of the offspring (Table 2).

Discussion Increased body adiposity and/or altered lipid metabolism not only precede but also lead to tissue insulin resistance [10, 11]. Inline with these reports, the offspring of both VR and MR rat dams had higher body fat percentage compared to controls. The increase in fresh weight of the epididymal fat pads suggests that the increased body fat content in the VR and MR offspring could be due to an increase in central adiposity, a hall mark feature associated with and predisposes individuals to IR later in life [11].

Similar to their effects on body fat percentage, rehabilitation of VR dams from parturition and their offspring from weaning but not weaning VR offspring to control diet rescued the increased epididymal fat pad weight. This observation stresses the importance of vitamin nutrition during lactation in programming the body composition of the offspring and is in line with our similar findings earlier [2]. That both the rehabilitation regimes mitigated the maternal MR induced increase in body fat percentage of the offspring only partially suggests its irreversibility to a great extent as compared to that induced by maternal VR. This is corroborated by the observation that even the increased weight of epididymal fat pads was corrected only partly by MSP but not MSW.

The significant decrease in plasma adiponectin and increase in leptin levels seen in VR offspring are in agreement with earlier reports which showed that similar changes were associated with increased body fat and IR [5, 7]. Although increased leptin levels are usually associated with increased food intake, food intake was not increased in the VR offspring suggesting that they were probably leptin resistant. These results in the VR offspring suggest an association between the altered expression of adiponectin and leptin and their high body adiposity, albeit their causal relationship remains to be delineated.

The decreased plasma adiponectin levels seen in MR offspring are in agreement with similar reports earlier [7] and corroborate the increased percentage of body fat observed in them. However, our observation that hypoleptinemia was associated with high body fat percentage in MR offspring is at variance with many earlier studies demonstrating an association between high plasma leptin levels and high percentage of body fat [5]. Further studies are clearly needed to delineate the role if any of the hypoleptinemia in maternal MR induced increase in body fat percentage in the offspring. Interestingly, hypoleptinemia observed here is in line with leptin deficiency reported in the genetically obese rodent models [12, 13] and also with the hypoleptinemia reported in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients [14].

Increased TNF-[alpha] levels are associated with increased adiposity and IR [6]. However chronic MR or VR did not alter plasma TNF-[alpha] levels significantly. This finding appears to rule out a role for TNF-[alpha] in maternal VR and MR induced changes in the body fat of the offspring.

That rehabilitation of VR and MR dams from parturition but not weaning the VR and MR pups to control diet could mitigate the changes in adipocytokine levels stresses the importance of vitamin and mineral nutrition during lactation in modulating adipocytokine expression in addition to the body adiposity of the offspring. However the finding that despite comparable (to controls) leptin levels, MSP offspring had higher percentage of body fat and epididymal fat pad weight is perplexing and suggests that hypoleptinemia and leptin resistance may both be involved in maternal MR induced changes in adiposity of the offspring.

Not withstanding the effects seen in the body fat percentage, epididymal fat pad weight and plasma adipocytokine levels, neither maternal VR nor MR had any significant effect on the IR status in the offspring as assessed by the HOMA IR values. Lack of any effect on the IR status of the offspring could be due to the shorter duration of VR/MR and/or the lower magnitude of VR/MR employed in these studies. Considering our earlier reports [2, 3] that maternal VR/MR irreversibly decreased insulin secretion by the offspring to a glucose challenge, the increased body fat percentage observed here in the VR/MR offspring suggests that maternal VR/MR could lead to a hyperglycemic state in the offspring at a later age. That the rehabilitation regimes had similar effects on plasma adipocytokines, body fat percentage and glucose stimulated insulin suggests that adipocytokines play an important role in maternal VR/MR induced programming of glucose stimulated insulin secretion and hence glucose metabolism in the offspring in addition to their body adiposity. go to site body fat percentage calculator

Conclusion The present observations indicate that increased central adiposity underlies the increased percentage of body fat in the offspring of VR and MR rat dams. Altered expression of adiponectin and leptin is associated with maternal VR and MR induced changes in the body adiposity (composition) of the offspring but maternal VR/MR differentially modulate their expression. That rehabilitation of restricted mothers from parturition but not weaning the restricted offspring to control diet could correct the changes in adipocytokine levels, epididymal fat pad eight and body fat percent may suggest a causal relationship, which however needs to be established. The results also suggest the importance of vitamin and mineral nutrition during lactation in modulating the body adiposity of the offspring, specially the central adiposity, a fore runner for IR and associated diseases in their later life.

Abbreviations MC: control diet through out MR: mineral restriction through out MSP: rehabilitation of mineral restricted mothers from parturition and their pups from weaning MSW: mineral restricted offspring weaned on to control diet.

VC: control diet through out VR: vitamin restriction through out VSP: rehabilitation of vitamin restricted mothers from parturition and their pups from weaning VSW: vitamin restricted offspring weaned on to control diet.

WNIN: Wistar NIN Competing interests The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions VL participated in the conception and design of the study, data collection, tissue sampling, statistical analysis and drafting of the manuscript.

VBN participated in animal experimentation and tissue sampling.

RRK participated in animal experimentation and carried out the immunoassays.

RM conceived of the study, and participated in its design, coordination and drafting of the manuscript.

All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

References 1. Barker DJ:

The developmental origins of adult disease.J Am Coll Nutr 2004, 23: 588S-595S.

2. Venu L, Harishankar N, Prasanna Krishna T, Raghunath M:

Maternal dietary vitamin restriction increases body fat content but not insulin resistance in the WNIN rat offspring up to six months of age.Diabetologia 2004, 47: 1493-1501.

3. Venu L, Harishankar N, Krishna TP, Raghunath M:

Does maternal dietary mineral restriction per se predispose the offspring to insulin resistance?.Eur J Endocrinol 2004, 151: 287-294.

4. Matsuzawa Y, Shimomura I, Kihara S, Funahashi T:

Importance of adipocytokines in obesity-related diseases.Horm Res 2003, 60: 56-59.

5. Mantzoros CS:

The role of leptin in human obesity and disease: a review of current evidence.Annals of Internal Medicine 1999, 130: 671-680.

6. Hotamisligil GS, Shargill NS, Spiegelman BM:

Adipose expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha: Direct role in obesity linked insulin resistance.Science 1993, 259: 87-91.

7. Statnick MA, Beavers LS, Conner LJ, Corominola H, Johnson D, Hammond CD, Rafaeloff-Phail R, Seng T, Suter TM, Sluka JP, Ravussin E, Gadski RA, Caro JF:

Decreased expression of apM1 in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue of humans with type 2 diabetes.Int J Exp Diabetes Res 2000, 1: 81-88.

8. Kubota N, Terauchi Y, Yamauchi T, Kubota T, Moroi M, Matsui JK, Yamashita T, Kamon J, Satoh H, Yano W, Froguel P, Nagai R, Kimura S, Kadowaki T, Noda T:

Disruption of adiponectin causes insulin resistance and neointimal formation.Journal of Biological Chemistry 2002, 277: 25863-25866.

9. Maeda N, Shimomura I, Kishida K, Nishizawa H, Matsuda M, Nagaretani H, Furuyama N, Kondo H, Takahashi M, Arita Y, Komuro R, Ouchi N, Kihara S, Tochino Y, Okutomi K, Horie M, Takeda S, Aoyama T, Funahashi T, Matsuzawa Y:

Diet-induced insulin resistance in mice lacking adiponectin/ACRP30.Nature Medicine 2002, 8: 731-737.

10. Srinivasan SR, Myer L, Berenson GS:

Predictability of childhood adiposity and insulin for developing insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome X) in young adulthood: the Bogalusa Heart Study.Diabetes 2002, 51: 204-9.

11. Smith U:

Impaired (‘diabetic’) insulin signaling and action occur in fat cells long before glucose intolerance-is insulin resistance initiated in the adipose tissue?.Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002, 26: 897-904.

12. Drel VR, Mashtalir N, Ilnytska O, Shin J, Li F, Lyzogubov VV, Obrosova IG:

The leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mouse: a new animal model of peripheral neuropathy of type 2 diabetes and obesity.Diabetes 2006, 55: 3335-43.

13. Houseknecht KL, Portocarrero CP:

Leptin and its receptors: regulators of whole-body energy homeostasis.Domest Anim Endocrinol 1998, 15: 457-75.

14. Roden M, Ludwig C, Nowotny P, Schneider B, Clodi M, Vierhapper H, Roden A, Waldhausl W:

Relative hypoleptinemia in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2000, 24: 976-81.

Author Affiliation:

[1] Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad – 500 007 India [2] Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology and the Neonatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA Article history:

Received Date: 7/12/2007 Accepted Date: 10/15/2007 Published Date: 10/15/2007 Article notes:

?© 2007 Lagishetty et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Lagishetty, Venu; Nandiwada, Vijaya Bhanu; Kalashikam, Rajender Rao; Manchala, Raghunath




WEIGHTS FROM LAS VEGAS

Manny Pacquiao 145 – Shane Mosley 147
(WBO Welterweight Championship)
Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. 122 – Jorge Arce 122
(WBO Super Bantamweight Title)
Kelly Pavlik 170 – Alfonso Lopez 169
Mike Alvarado 139 – Ray Nahr 140




Pacquiao – Mosley undercard Photo Gallery

May 5, 2011,Las Vegas,Nevada — (L-R) Former world champion Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, Youngstown,Ohio and Alfonso Lopez,Cut & Shoot,Texas pose during the press conference at the MGM Grand for their upcoming feature fight on the undercard of Pacquiao vs Mosley on Saturday, May 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao vs Mosley is promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions,Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions,Tecate and MGM Grand. The Pacquiao vs Mosley telecast will be available live on SHOWTIME Pay Per View.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Tickets are going quickly for Calypso Carnival.(Neighbor)

Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) February 24, 2003 Byline: Taffy Hoffer In an earlier column I promised to give you more information about Calypso Carnival as this event got closer. The 16th annual Community Crisis Center auction is sure going to be a fun evening full of many different items. I truly feel we will have something for everyone.

This year’s auction co-chaired by Janine Kirkland and myself will be March 8 at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn on Route 31. Tickets are $75 per person and they are going very quickly. If you are interested in attending, I suggest you get your reservations in right away.

There will be a silent auction that starts at 6 p.m. and a live auction conducted by Terry Dunning beginning at 9 p.m. There is always a wonderful hot and cold buffet. I heard that this year’s menu will cater to our theme. Things like coconut lobster on a skewer and other tropical selections.

Some of the spectacular items up for bid include a weekend stay at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas; a basketball signed by Shaquille O’Neal; “The Sopranos” package, which includes many thing from the TV show including a black leather jacket; a signed and authenticated Walter Payton lithograph; a fountain; a sky jump for two; and a life-size Spiderman figure. go to website free restaurant coupons

For the golfer, we have a marvelous Medinah golf package and for children we have two unique items. For little girls, there is an antique vanity full of costumes, jewelry and shoes, everything she could want for dress-up. For little boys, there is a trunk full of items, including a pirate costume, fireman hats, trucks and toys.

On the silent auction, there will be many beautiful baskets, a strong garden section, some autographed scripts from your favorite television shows, many restaurant coupons, and an array of other items.

We do have a group of locally famous people who will spend 30 minutes before the live auction trying to raise quick money so they can win the “Loot” and become our head pirate for the evening. here free restaurant coupons

Thanks to Clare Ollayos, Dr. Jim Pinto, Karen Fox, Lynne Bosley, Chuck West and John Robertson for dressing up like pirates and joining in the special fun of the evening.

I would like to thank our generous sponsors. In particular the Seigle Family Foundation who is our Treasure Chest sponsor; K.R. Miller Contractors, our Diamond Sponsor; and EFS Bank, Shales McNutt Construction and the Shales family as our Gold Coin Sponsors.

As a reminder, raffle tickets for this event are on sale. They are $5 a piece and grand prize is $2,003 and second prize is $500.

Anyone interested in either attending this event or buying raffle tickets, call Jeanette at the center (847) 697-2380.

The Community Crisis Center opened in 1975 serving victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault, and individuals and families in a crisis situation. They serve more than 6,000 people every year and take great pride in the fact they are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.




Pavlik Opponent Named


The pay-per-view lineup for the May 7th Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley event is now complete, as former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik will return to the ring against undefeated Alfonso Lopez III in a ten-round super middleweight bout at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Though contracts have not yet been finalized, both sides have come to a verbal agreement.

Pavlik (36-2, 32 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio has been out of action since losing his WBC/WBO Middleweight titles to Sergio Martinez via twelve-round decision last April in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Pavlik pulled out of a scheduled bout against Brian Vera on the Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito undercard last November citing a rib injury. However, it later came out that he had checked into the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California for treatment of his chemical dependence on alcohol.

Though Pavlik has not fought above 160-pounds since his decisive decision loss to Bernard Hopkins in October of 2008, and has not won a bout contracted above 160 since his decision over Jermain Taylor eight months prior, the Youngstown native is currently the WBC #1 ranked super middleweight contender.


Lopez (21-0, 16 KOs) of Cut and Shoot, Texas is coming off of a twelve-round unanimous decision victory over Romero Johnson last November which netted him the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight title. For the promising Lopez, the Pavlik fight represents the chance of a lifetime. “It’s a huge opportunity for me, an honor almost really,” Lopez told 15rounds.com Tuesday evening. “He’s fought some great fighters and is a great fighter himself. It’s what we have been working for. I have been giving up a lot of things for this opportunity, and it is finally here.”

Though Pavlik has had his share of problems, both in and out of the ring, in recent years, Lopez and his team are expecting the world champion version of “The Ghost” come May 7th. “I am training for the Kelly Pavlik of a few years ago,” said Lopez. “I am going to watch the tape of him fighting Jermain Taylor. I am also going to watch him fight Bernard Hopkins, because he was a little heavier and is going to be bigger at 168. I am definitely expecting the Kelly Pavlik that comes out with a fast pace, behind a stiff, strong jab and lots of pressure. That’s what I am expecting and we are preparing for a long, tough fight.”

Lopez had been in training for a bout which was to have taken place April 15th in Corpus Christi, Texas when he found out he was in the running for the Pavlik bout. “We’ve always said we were ready for something like this, but we knew we had to do some things to get us known and to be selected for such a fight,” said Felix Ramirez, who manages and trains Lopez, along with Henry Harris. “This is a great opportunity, and it doesn’t get any better than this, at least to this point in our careers.”

Considering the leap in class Lopez will be taking, some may question his readiness for such a daunting undertaking. Ideally perhaps Lopez, who has fought outside of Texas just twice in his pro career, would have had another step up before taking on an elite fighter such as a Kelly Pavlik. However Lopez’ manager believes he is up to the task. “Some people would like to have an opening fight, or maybe an off telecast pay-per-view fight [first,] but it is just a matter of how that individual is,” explains Ramirez. “Some people choke, and some people do great under pressure and show up. Alfonso is the type of individual that I don’t believe it will affect him. I think he is going to show up when the time comes and when that bell rings he is going to be ready.”

Kelly Pavlik Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank

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