Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

RESULTS OF WBC PURSE OFFERS OF TODAY:

Heavyweight: Vladimir Virchis vs. Juan Carlos Gomez, final elimination.

Universum Box Promotion won the bid with an offer of $411,980.00, outbidding Arena Promotions’ offer of $400,000.

Light heavyweight: Chad Dawson vs. Adrian Diaconu, mandatory defense.

The WBC is happy that the camps of WBC champion Dawson and WBC mandatory contender Diaconu reached an agreement, which will be addressed on a separate communication.

Super middleweight: Carl Froch vs. Dennis Inkin, final elimination.

An agreement was reached, and Hennessy Promotions will promote the fight in England on March 15, 2008.

Super lightweight: Timothy Bradley vs. Jose Luis Castillo, final elimination.

An agreement was reached and the fight will take place in Cancun, Mexico, on March 8, 2008, on the undercard of Maskaev vs. Peter.

Lightweight: Joel Casamayor vs. Jose Armando Santa Cruz, mandatory rematch.

Golden Boy Promotions, who is the exclusive promoter of both fighters, and who agreed on the rematch during the WBC Annual Convention in Manila, did not present a bid. Thompson Boxing withdrew their bid and the closed envelope was returned to them, as they are very concerned to see that their own promoter would not support their fighters.

Bantamweight: Veeraphol Nakhonluang vs. Vusi Malinga, final elimination.

Suchat Promotions won the bid with $72,000, outbidding Branco Promotions, who offered $61,500.00.

Light flyweight: Omar Niño vs. Juanito Rubillar, final elimination.

Gary Shaw Promotions presented a bid, which will be sent to the WBC Board for approval, according to the purse offer rules, as it seems to be under the expected limits.

Strengthened by his devastating knockout of James Northey last October, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six� Estrada (10-1, 2 KOs) plans to knock his next opponent, former world heavyweight title contender Charles Shufford, into retirement after their January 25th 10-round, co-main event on “Champions of Tomorrow� at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The Las Vegas-based Shufford (20-7-1, 9 KOs), who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO in 2001, holds victories against former world champion Lamon Brewster, Elieser Castillo and Jimmy Thunder.

“Shufford’s going to be my biggest test to date and I love fighting at one of the best casino in the world, Foxwoods,� Estrada said. “It’s going to be a great show with a lot of talented fighters in action. Shufford’s very experienced. He’s beaten one world champion and been in with another. I just want to take advantage of this opportunity and make some noise in the heavyweight division. Shufford’s beaten a lot of good fighters but I’m going to retire him like I did to (Robert) Wiggins and (Najee) Shaheed.

“This year I hope to stay injury free and get as many fights as possible. I’m working hard and only took a week off after my last fight. Actually, I was supposed to take a week off, but went back to the gym two days early. I worked through the holidays and started a new tradition, starting training at 11 PM on New Year’s Eve and being in the ring when the clock struck midnight. In 2008, I want to stay busy, win a regional title of some sort, and then take on a top 20 fighter. This is going to be my year.�

Jason, 26, was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record, also becoming the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. Highlights of his amateur career included representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics and capturing a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-American Games.

During his illustrious amateur career, Estrada defeated some of today’s leading professionals including former world title challenger DaVarryl “The Touch of Sleep� Williamson (24-5, 20 KOs), unbeatens Malik Scott (30-0, 10 KOs) and Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep� Holmes (28-0-2, 24 KOs), Malcolm “The Showstopper� Tann (23-4, 12 KOs), Felix “Bad News� Cora, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs), and “Famous� Michael Simms (19-7-1, 13 KOs).

Estrada recently opened his gym, “Big Six Boxing Academy� in Providence, and signed a new promotional contract extension with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. “I want to help give kids off the streets with lots of energy like I was a place to go and learn how to box,� Estrada explained. “I hope to have 10-12 kids and eventually I’d like to have amateur fights there every other Friday night to start with like I had at the old Coventry where we had fights every Friday. We took care of some issues and I’m happy to still be fighting for CES.�

“Champions of Tomorrow,� promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., will be taped live and air on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. on CN8 and will also stream online at www.CN8.tv. Following the broadcast, the show will be available ON DEMAND to Comcast Digital Cable customers for at least one week. “Champions of Tomorrow� will also air on Cox Sports Television on February 1 at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets for “Champions of Tomorrowâ€? are priced at $40.00, $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Two VIP Presidential Suites are also available (call CES for details as well as sponsorship opportunities). To purchase tickets or for additional information contact CES (1.401.724.2253/2254 – www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods (1.800.200.2882/www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

New York (January 14, 2007) — Top rated and undefeated welterweight Andre Berto (20-0, 17 KO’s) will face his most experienced opponent to date on February 9 when he takes on German Michel Trabant (43-2-1, 19 KO’s) in a 10-round welterweight contest. The bout will take place at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California and will be televised on HBO’s Boxing After Dark with coverage beginning at 10pm ET.

Berto last fought on September 29, 2007 when he scored an eleventh round TKO of veteran David Estrada (21-4, 12 KO’s) to capture the NABF Welterweight title and secure the #1 Contender position for the WBC. Berto was relentless throughout throwing ruthless combinations against the courageous Estrada.

Trabant is a tested veteran of the fight game, with 47 professional bouts and only 2 defeats, and is still only 29 years old. The Berlin native is a former two time European Welterweight champion. Trabant’s career has included signature wins over world class fighters Frederic Klose (41-6, 8 KO’s) and Michele Orlando (35-5-2, 18 KO’s). This will be Trabant’s first fight in America, having been showcased only in Europe throughout his career. The slick boxer looks to take advantage of fighting in front of a worldwide boxing audience on February 9.

February 9th will be Berto’s fourth appearance on HBO. This fight against Trabant is just another step up the ladder to the top of the welterweight division for the 24-year-old Florida native. Berto is looking to show the world why he is regarded as the future of the division.

Andre Berto is promoted by Dash-DiBella Promotions.

NEW YORK (January 13, 2008) – Unbeaten world middleweight title contender “Ireland’s� John Duddy has returned from his native Emerald Isle to his adopted Big Apple home in Queens to fight in New York City for the first time since last May, taking on Walid “Temperate de Sable� Smichet (17-3-1, 13 KOs) in the 10-round, off-TV co-feature February 23 on the heavyweight champion unification show, headlined by IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko against WBO title-holder Sultan Ibragimov, at Madison Square Garden.

Closing in on a world title fight in 2008, Duddy (23-0, 17 KOs) is rated No. 3 by the WBO and WBC, as well as No. 6 and No. 11 by the WBA and IBF, respectively, and No. 10 in The Ring magazine.
Duddy is coming off of three consecutive fights in Ireland, highlighted by his most notable victory to date in December, when he won a 10-round decision against former 2-time world title challenger Howard Eastman.

Smichet is a tough Tunisian fighting out of Montreal. His most notable win was a 10th round knockout of previously unbeaten (17-0) Matt O’Brien for the Canadian Middleweight Interim Title. Smichet also fought an eight-round draw against Donny McCrary of The Contender III fame.

“We’re coming down the stretch for the ultimate prize in boxing,� Duddy’s promoter (Irish Ropes president) Eddie McLoughlin said, “the middleweight championship of the world, maybe right after this fight. John hasn’t fought in New York City since May and, as great as it was for John to fight in Ireland, there’s something special about him fighting in New York City. He cut his teeth with New York City fans and they immediately warmed to him. They’re the real deal. I know John’s excited to be fighting back at Madison Square Garden. Duddy’s fight won’t be televised so the only way to see him fight February 23rd is to buy a ticket and be there in Madison Square Garden.�

Undefeated New York City middleweights “Mean� Joe Greene (17-0) and Peter “Kid Chocolate� Quillin (15-0) are on the Klitschko-Ibragimov card.

Tickets, priced at $1,000.00, $600.00, $300.00, $200.00 and $100.00, are on sale at the following locations: Manhattan: Demsey’s, 36th W. 33rd (212.629.9899); Queens: Elaine’s Deli, 65 Pl. Maspeth, Fiddlers Irish Pub, 65 Pl. Maspeth, Connelly’s Corner, Grand Ave. Maspeth, Hill Tap Bar, Grand Ave. Maspeth, Doyle’s Corner, Broadway Astoria; Woodside: Starting Gate, Sean Og’s, Saints & Sinners, Gaslight; Sunnyside: McGuinnesses, Maggie Mays; Yonkers: Bronx Heritage, McLean Ave. (914.766.7532); Brooklyn: Gleason’s Gym, 75 Front St. (718.797.2872); Pearl River: Gildea’s Bar & Restaurant (845.735.2564), South Bound Café (845.735.2903); Long Island: Poor House, Hemstead Turnpike (516.859.8780).

For more information go to www.irishropes.com or call Mark Cahoun (917.939.5199), Pat Nee (917.279.7796), Paul McLoughlin (347.219.1530), Jimmy Kaneary (718.594.0861), Paddy Phealon (516.859.8780) and Jerry Quinn (in Boston – 617.733.4535).

January 11, 2008 – Leading up to the highly anticipated 170-pound showdown between Roy Jones Jr. and Felix Trinidad — set for Saturday, January 19 in New York City and broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View– HBO Sports will present the exclusive back-to-back replay of two signature fights showcasing their considerable talents.

On Friday, January 18 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, January 19 at 8:30 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Ruiz vs. Jones 2003 and Trinidad vs. Vargas 2000. Jones’ history-making showdown with heavyweight John Ruiz in March of 2003 earned the former middleweight champ a heavyweight title belt. In December of 2000, Trinidad unleashed his formidable punching power, defeating Fernando Vargas via a 12th round TKO in Las Vegas.

The two fights will also be available to HBO On Demand subscribers and can be seen 24 hours a day, from Monday, January 14 through Monday, January 21.

On Saturday, January 19 at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT, HBO Pay-Per-View will present Jones vs. Trinidad live from Madison Square Garden.

TULSA, OK – For many years, Zahir Raheem has tried to shake the moniker of being a “boring fighter,� yet it seemed as though he would forever be labeled as a snoozer.

Prior to his last fight on January 4, 2008, Raheem vowed to show the boxing world that he has the ability to bring plenty of excitement into the squared circle. Many probably laughed that off as your run of the mill pre-fight promotion, however Raheem showed that he was serious.

At the 1:18 mark of the first round, Raheem put the finishing touches on tough contender Ricardo Dominguez, who came into the bout with a very impressive mark of 23-2-2, 15 KO’s. Dominguez had nothing but praise for Raheem after the bout.

“Before the fight I was told he was not a big puncher,â€? said Dominguez, “But when he hit me, I saw death.”

The knockout not only impressed Dominguez, but the nationwide ESPN2 audience.

“I’m glad he wasn’t hurt,� said Raheem, now 29-2, 17 KO’s. “While I love to knock guys out, I don’t want to hurt anyone, this is a sport.�

Raheem knew that he had landed a good punch the minute he landed it.

“I knew he was hurt right away,� said Raheem. “I felt the shot in my arm and just knew that it was a great shot.�

Despite the impressive knockout, there continue to be many who don’t believe that Raheem has the ability to be exciting, but he will not let this deter him.

“’08 is gonna be great for me,� said Raheem. “I know people think I am boring, but as I said before the fight, as long as I am in top notch fighting condition I will be able to show the world just how exciting I can be. I feel great, I feel strong and all I can say is look out as I am training with a vengeance.�

PROVIDENCE (January 9, 2008) – Former world title contender “Sucra� Ray Oliveira will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor in a special ceremony during the “Champions of Tomorrow� pro boxing show, January 25 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six� Estrada fights former world heavyweight title challenger Charles Shufford and WBC Youth featherweight champion Manuel Perez defends his title against Matt “Sharp Shooter� Remillard in 10-round, co-main events headlining the “Champions of Tomorrow� card.

Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil� Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man� Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish� Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo� Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman� John Scully, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrious “Boo Boo� Andrade.

“We very happy to honor Ray Oliveira, one of the greatest New England fighters of all-time,� Burchfield said. “Ray was never in a boring fight. He was a tremendous defensive fighter and non-stop boxer who broke all records for most punches thrown in a fight. ‘Sucra’ Ray certainly deserves to be in the CES Ring of Honor for what he’s meant to New England boxing.�

Oliveira (47-11-2, 22 KOs), a product of New Bedford (MA), captured numerous title belts during his 15-year pro career that started in 1990: IBU welterweight, 2-time NABF super lightweight, IBF Intercontinental and New England light weight. Ray defeated world champions such as Charles Murray (twice), Vince Phillips and Vivian Harris. Most of his losses were to world champions, including Ricky Hatton, Vernon Forrest, Reggie Green, Ben Tackie, Zack Padilla and Jake Rodriguez. Oliveira had good “whiskers,� too. He had never been stopped and only floored twice until his last two fights.

“Champions of Tomorrow,� promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., will be taped live and air on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. on CN8 and will also stream online at www.CN8.tv. Following the broadcast, the show will be available ON DEMAND to Comcast Digital Cable customers for at least one week. “Champions of Tomorrow� will also air on Cox Sports Television on February 1 at 8:30 p.m.

Estrada (10-1, 2 KOs), the Providence native now rated No. 10 in the NABO, is coming off of his most impressive victory as a professional, when he put former NABC and NABC Americas heavyweight title-holder James Northey (11-2, 8 KOs) to sleep in the fourth round of their October 12 fight. Las Vegas-based Shufford (20-7-1, 9 KOs), who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO in 2001, holds victories against former world champion Lamon Brewster, Elieser Castillo and Jimmy Thunder.

Perez (11-3, 2 KOs) fighting out of Denver by way of Honolulu, captured the WBC Youth title in his last fight on November 10 via a unanimous 10-round decision against Victor Barela. Manchester (CT) favorite Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs) has been inactive since suffering a hand injury that required surgery after he won the WBC Youth super featherweight on September 23, 2006.

Unbeaten 9-time U.S. amateur champion Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs) tangles with upset-minded Sameh Elashry (6-4, 2 KOs) in an eight-round battle of cruiserweights.

The much-anticipated New England light heavyweight showdown between Iraqi War-veteran Chris Traietti (7-0, 4 KOs) and “Irish� Joey McCreedy (5-1, 4 KOs) will finally take place in a scheduled 6-round bout. Middleweights Richard “Bobo� Starnino (8-2-1, 1 KO), of Providence, and New Bedford’s Eric Pinarreta (1-1, 1 KO) will meet in an old fashioned border war.

Also on the undercard in four-round bouts are popular Hartford light welterweight Addy Irizarry (3-1, 2 KOs) against Tonya Gallegos (4-6, 2 KOs), unbeaten Brockton light heavyweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0, 1 KO) meets veteran Anthony Cannon (4-8, 1 KO), recent University of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy, a card dealer at Foxwoods who lives in Ledyard, makes his pro debut against Donyell Dukes (0-4).

Tickets for “Champions of Tomorrowâ€? are priced at $40.00, $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Two VIP Presidential Suites are also available (call CES for details as well as sponsorship opportunities). To purchase tickets or for additional information contact CES (1.401.724.2253/2254 – www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods (1.800.200.2882/www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

NEW YORK–When former IBF 154-pound world champion Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin, steps in the ring on January 19 at Madison Square Garden to defend his WBA Intercontinental super welterweight championship, he will be fighting for much more than himself. The Russian-born immigrant from St. Petersburg, who came to hte United States to pursue his dreams of becoming a world champion boxer, will dedicate his fight to slain New York City Police officers and fellow Russian immigrants Eugene Markshalik and Russell Timoshenko, who were killed in the line of duty in March and July 2007, respectively.

“These guys, Russell, Evgeni, they were immigrants like me,” Karmazin said. “Their families came here to realize happiness, to stand on their own two feet and to be proud of what they accomplished in life. That is why I am dedicating this fight in their memory—to make sure they and their bravery are not forgotten.”

Karmazin (36-2-1, 23 KOs), now living in Los Angeles, will defend his title against Alex Bunema (26-9-2, 14 KOs), from Kinshasa, Zaire, in a match featured on the HBO Pay-Per View telecast during the “Bring on the Titans” event headlined by Felix “Tito” Trinidad vs. Roy Jones Jr.

Karmizin realized his professional dream by capturing his first world title in 2005, winning a unanimous decision over champion Kassim Ouma. He is coming off a sterling third-round knockout over former two-time 154-pound world champion Alejandro “Terra” Garcia on Nov. 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Karmazin, 35, proved why he has always been considered one of the best junior middleweights in the world with an absolute destruction of Garcia where the Russian looked fantastic.

“As fighters, we take risks every time we step in the ring as it is hard to become champion and stay there when the competition is so strong,” Karmazin said. “But it is nothing compared to putting your life on the line to protect people and hope that you live to see another day.”

Karmazin will wear the name of the fallen officers, as well as a NYPD patch, on his robe and trunks when he enters the ring. Karmzin’s attorney Steven Bash hopes to get in touch with the families of both Russell and Eugene, and have Roman meet with them and personally invite them to the show.

“What we are doing, should be something that all people should do no matter their background and affiliations, and that is to honor the families of those who have sacrificed to make the lives of others better and safer,” said Bash, himself an immigrant from the former Soviet Union whose mother brought him over in her arms.

“Roman would like to show his great respect and appreciation for these two young men and fellow immigrants, Russel Timoshenko and Eugene Marshalik, whose unfortunate sacrifice is part of our ongoing freedom to succeed in the United States.”

DiBella Entertainment and Dmitriy “Star of David� Salita (27-0-1, 15 KO’s) have worked out an agreement by which Salita has received a release from his promotional contract with the New York based boxing promoter. Salita, an Orthodox Jew fighting out of Brooklyn, NY, fought under the DBE banner for nearly 3 years and brought dedication and excitement to every show he fought on. Over those years, Salita built up a new fan base that filled venues in Manhattan to see him fight his way up the world rankings. DiBella Entertainment wishes Dmitriy and Team Salita the best of luck in their future endeavors, both in and out of the ring.