Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

GOMEZ PALACIO, DURANGO, Mexico (May 13, 2008) – WBA champion Alexander “El Explosivio� Munoz is fighting in WBC title-holder Cristian Mijares’ hometown Saturday night (May 17) in the first super flyweight unification title bout in nearly a decade, headlining the “Noche de Campeones� pay-per-view event live from the Auditorio Centenario in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.

“Noche de Campeones,� promoted by KO Entertainment in association with DiBella Entertainment, will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States (9 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and DISH Network, as well as on The Fight Network in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The exciting 12-round co-feature pits Mexican warriors Omar Salado (19-0-2, 11 KOs) and Julio Cesar “Pingo� Miranda (25-3-1, 18 KOs) in a WBC flyweight elimination bout.

The 12-round Mijares-Munoz main event is a classic match-up between a pure boxing technician, rising star Mijares (34-3-2, 14 KOs), and a vaunted puncher, Venezuelan hero Munoz (32-2, 27 KOs).

Munoz is a 2-time WBA super flyweight champion who originally won his WBA title belt in 2002 via an eighth-round knockout of Celes Kobayasho. Three successful title defenses followed against Eiji Kojima twice (KO2 and TKO10), sandwiched around a 12-round decision versus Hidenobu Honda (26-2), before Alexander lost a 12-round decision and his championship belt to Martin Castillo (26-1) in 2004. Munoz bounced back to capture the WBA Fedelatin super flyweight crown in a WBA title eliminator, but Castillo won their 2006 rematch by 12-round split decision.

Munoz regained his WBA super flyweight title on May 3, 2007 with a dominating 12-round decision versus Nabuo Mashiro (9-0) in Japan. In a pair of title defenses, “El Explosivo� retained his belt with 12-round decisions against, respectively, Kuniyuki Aizawa (13-1-1) and Katsushige Kawasjima (32-6) this past January in Japan.

“People all over the world, especially in my country, are going to watch two of the best fighters in our division and, pound-for-pound, in the world today,� The Ring’s No. 2 rated super flyweight Munoz said. “I can’t think about unifying against the other world champs because the first step is beating Mjirares. I know I’ll be fighting Cristian at home in front of so many of his fans.�

The slick Mexican southpaw Mijares won a rematch with Katsushige Kawashima (30-5) by 10th round TKO the WBC outright championship on January 3, 2007. Now riding a 24-fight undefeated skein (23-0-1), Mijares made a name for himself April 14, 2007, registering an impressive victory on PPV against colorful Jorge “Travieso� Arce (46-4-1, 35 KOs) by unanimous 12-round decision (119-109, 118-110, 117-11). The Ring’s No. 3 rated Mijares has made four successful title defenses since defeating Arce, highlighted by a 12-round decision this past February against Jose Navarro (26-3) in Las Vegas.

Undefeated former WBA Fedelatin super fIyweight champion Salado (19-0-2, 11 KOs), who fought a 12-round draw with Ulises Solis (22-1-1) for the IBF light flyweight title in 2006, is rated No. 4 by the WBC, No. 6 by The Ring, and No. 8 by the WBA. The WBC No. 3 ranked Miranda (25-3-1, 18 KOs) is a dangerous foe with 18 knockouts on his boxing portfolio.

Also scheduled to fight in the chief supporting fight on the PPV are tough Mexican boxers such as super welterweight Martin “Azteca� Avila (9-2, 3 KOs) against Alberto Hernandez (14-11-2, KOs) in a 10-round bout. Slated for the live undercard are lightweights Ricardo “Camaleon� Mijares (9-0, 8 KOs) and Arturo Mijares (5-1, 4 KOs), as well as welterweight Ivan “El Ruso� Pereyra (1-0, 1 KO), are slated to fight on “Noches De Campeones.� All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

HOLLYWOOD, FL, May 13 – Times Square in New York City. To many, it’s the center of the universe. That may be open to debate, but what isn’t is that on Wednesday, June 11th, Hard Rock Cafe New York in the heart of Times Square will be the center of the boxing universe when Seminole Warriors Boxing and Gotham Boxing present the first boxing show ever in this renowned venue.

Headlining the card, which will be aired live on ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT, will be separate bouts featuring two of New York’s hottest products, junior middleweight contender Sechew Powell as he faces Deandre Latimore who is 18-1 (15 KO’s), and rising middleweight star Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin.

Tickets for this once in a lifetime event are limited to just 500, and will include food and soft drinks. To purchase these limited tickets, priced at $300, please call Seminole Warriors Boxing at (954) 985-1155 or Gotham Boxing at (212) 755-1944.

A National Golden Gloves Champion in 2000 and a United States Amateur Champion in 2001, Brooklyn’s Sechew ‘The Iron Horse’ Powell (23-1, 14 KOs) has been destined to achieve great things in the fight game. Winner of 23 out of 24 pro bouts, with his only loss coming at the hands of former world champion Kassim Ouma in 2006, Powell is currently the number one ranked IBF contender at 154 pounds, and the owner of wins over Grady Brewer, Cornelius Bundrage, Robert Frazier, Ishe Smith, and Terrance Cauthen, making him one of the brightest young stars in the game today.

A Grand Rapids native who now proudly calls New York City his home, middleweight Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin (18-0, 14 KOs) has garnered plenty of attention for his habit of throwing chocolate candy kisses to the crowd after his victories, but he’s also struck fear into opponents for his habit of knocking people out with frightening efficiency. A pro since 2005, Quillin has been getting better with each fight, and most recently he scored the biggest win of his pro career as he took a dominant ten round decision over former world title challenger Antwun Echols on April 16th.

Opponents for Quillin, as well as a high-impact undercard, will be announced shortly.

Welterweight contender, Don Juan Futrell (21-3-1, 10 KO’s) wants to sent a message to NABF welterweight champion Andre Berto (21-0, 18 KO’s) before his scheduled fight set to take place June 21, 2008 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis TN, televised on HBO.

“My brother Repo Rick has informed me that your fight with Miguel Angel Rodriguez is not signed yet. If Rodriguez doesn’t want to step up, I will. Let’s make it happen.” ~ Don Juan Furtell

Knock out artist, Andre Berto is scheduled to fight Miguel Angel Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KO’s) who hails from Naucalpan, México.

“Andre Berto is my favorite fighter” said Repo Rick, “But I want my brother to take him out. Don Juan is riding a six fight winning streak. This fight needs to happen.”

READING, PA (May 12, 2008) — Reading, Pennsylvania will host a weekend of fistic warfare on June 6th & 7th at the historic Sovereign Performing Arts Center. Although the nation’s largest and best World War II Reenactment Weekend will be taking place this same weekend on the nearby Reading Airport grounds, bombs will also be flying in the boxing ring in downtown Reading. On Friday June 6th, Top Rank Promotions, in association with King’s Promotions, presents a night of professional boxing featuring heavy hitters and knockout artists in an event to be televised live by TeleFutura. The following night, Saturday June 7th, an amateur fight card will take place at the same venue featuring the area’s recent state Golden Glove winners.

Friday night’s professional card will feature one of the world’s best junior lightweights, undefeated Mexican Urbano Antillon (22-0, 15 KOs). This fan-friendly brawler has five straight knockouts, all in the first three rounds. Antillon is in the hunt for a world title shot and is ranked number two in the WBC behind Manny Pacquiao. In March, he defeated Bobby Pacquiao with an impressive first round knockout in Las Vegas. The night’s co-feature will showcase tough Mexican middleweight contender Marco Antonio Rubio (41-4-1, 36 KOs), who is tentatively scheduled to face middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik in September. Rubio has won seven consecutive bouts, including five by knockout. Currently ranked third by the WBC, he was stopped in 2004 by Kofi Jantuah and also lost a split decision to Kassim Ouma in 2006. Other fighters featured on the pro card will include Lucian Gonzalez, Julio Cesa Mathews, Argenis Mendez, Luis Del Valle and the pro debut of Harold Cintron.

Saturday night’s amateur card, presented by King’s Promotions, will take place in the same ring and will feature some of the area’s brightest young talents, including Pennsylvania State Novice and Cadet Golden Glove winners Antonio Mitchell, Mariano Rolon and Eric Rodriguez.

The Sovereign Performing Arts Center is located at 136 North 6th Street in downtown Reading. Tickets for Friday’s pro show are priced at $65, $50, $35 and $25. Ticket prices for Saturday’s amateur card are priced at $40, $30, $25 and $20. Anyone attending Friday’s pro card will receive $10.00 off the ticket price of the amateur show. Tickets are available at the Sovereign Center Box Office (610-898-7200 or 610-898-7299) or at all Ticketmaster outlets (215-336-2000 or ticketmaster.com).

Timothy Bradley knocked down Junior Witter in the sixth round on the way to winning the WBC junior welterweight title Saturday night via split decision.

Bradley leaps to 22-0. Witter, who may have been looking past Bradley towards bigger fish, is 36-2-2.

The scores were 114-113, 115-113 Bradley and one judge saw it 115-112 for Witter, who was hoping to lure Ricky Hatton into a match.

TSS will have a full writeup tonight!

Junior Witter (WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION)-139 1/2

“Timothy Bradley has had some success already. He’s a young, talented fighter. He’s done quite well for himself, but on Saturday night he’s going to understand what it feels like to be in the ring with a world champion.

“I’ve seen Bradley box. He’s aggressive and active. He’s got quick hands. We have a plan in place that will take him out of his comfort zones.

“Lets be honest; the champion will remain the champion. I’m going out there to deliver some pain.â€?

Timothy Bradley (WBC 140-Pound NO.1 CONTENDER)-139 1/4

“I can’t wait for the bell to ring. I’m very anxious for my first title fight. People ask me if I’m nervous. It’s a world title fight; I’m itching to get inside the ring. It’s like when you run around in fresh, cut grass. You get that itch.

“During the face off, I didn’t like the way he was looking at me. Saturday, on SHOWTIME, I’ll unleash all of my energy on Junior Witter.

“I’m going to fight a smart fight. We have an elaborate game plan in place. I’m a versatile fighter so we’ve prepared for a lot of things. I’ll know how and when to attack Witter.�

NEW YORK (May 9, 2008) – Hard-hitting super middleweight Carl Froch has been added as the co-feature to Saturday’s special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, which is taking place from Nottingham, England (SHOWTIME, 10:45 p.m. ET/PT, tape delayed). The main event remains the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship bout between titlist Junior Witter of Bradford, England and American contender Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, California.

SHOWTIME announced today that Froch will be facing late-replacement Albert Rybacki of Poland (15-0, 8 KOs). Froch was added to the card, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, after lightweight contender John Fewkes, complaining of Gastroenteritis, pulled out of his ShoBox co-feature fight with John Murray.

The undefeated Froch (22-0, 18 KOs) of Nottingham, was originally scheduled to face Denis Inkin in a WBC final eliminator for the super middleweight title, but Inkin pulled out two weeks ago complaining of a back injury sustained in training. As a result, the WBC officially named Froch the mandatory challenger to current 168-pound champion Joe Calzaghe. Froch, eager to showcase his exciting style to his hometown fans and an American television audience on SHOWTIME, accepted the 12-round International contest against Rybacki.

“Carl Froch is an exciting and talented fighter to watch,” said ShoBox Executive Producer Gordon Hall on location in Nottingham. “He’s got significant power and a thrilling style. This is a great opportunity to give our viewers a first look at a guy who very well could be the next super middleweight world champion.”

“Froch likes to keep busy,” said promoter Mick Hennessy of his 30-year-old charge. “Even though he’s got a guaranteed WBC world title fight coming up next, he likes to test himself. Froch is getting into the ring against guy with nothing to lose. Rybacki showed up here in great physical shape. We know his a rough, tough fighter and essentially he’s gate crashing a world title contender.

“Froch is confident enough to put his unbeaten record on the line against anyone,” continued Hennessy. “We did not want to pass up the opportunity to put on a good performance to the American television audience on SHOWTIME. Ticket sales have been strong behind our hometown boy and we expect an excitable crowd to really rock the Trent FM Arena.”

Saturday’s SHOWTIME telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation will open with the world title fight of Witter vs. Bradley at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT. Froch vs. Rybacki will follow as the second fight of the show.

Hunky Dorys Fight Night – Magnificent Seven set for Summer Sizzler at the Stadium

The Best of the Fighting Irish are set to showcase their talents at Dublin’s National Stadium on July 12th on the next Hunky Dorys Fight Night. The Magnificent Seven of Bernard Dunne, Matthew Macklin, Andrew Murray, Oisin Fagan, Darren Corbett, Ian Tims and Keith Cresham will see action on what should prove a hot summers night of boxing at the National Stadium.

Dunne will headline the card in an International 10 round contest as he looks to take another step towards a world title shot. The Dubliner rebounded from last years European title defeat in Castlebar last month shedding the ring rust with a comprehensive win over former World Champion, Felix Machado.

The second 10 rounder on the card will see Matthew Macklin square off with Philadelphia danger man Willie “The Gladiator� Gibbs.

Following a career best display in comfortably outpointing former World Champion Yori Boy Campas in March Gibbs promises to be another step up in class for the Birmingham based Irishman.

Fight fans will also get an opportunity to compare the relative merits of Irish rivals Andrew Murray and Oisin Fagan on July 12th ahead of a possible Irish title showdown later this year.

Murray the reigning Irish Light Welterweight champ will look to extend his unbeaten record to 13 straight wins in a scheduled 10 rounder while Fagan, the previous incumbent of the Irish 10 stone title will also appear on the card as he builds towards regaining a belt that he never lost in the ring.

Add the return of big punching Belfast star Darren Corbett to the mix and appearances from unbeaten prospects Ian Tims and Keith Cresham and it all adds up to a mouth watering night of boxing for Irish fight fans.

Promoter Brian Peters believes it could be huge night in the careers of both Dunne and Macklin. “For Bernard there’s a possibility that we could bypass the European title and go for a World title. Rendall Munroe is the European Champion now and I’ve spoken to his promoter Frank Maloney and they’re not keen on coming to Ireland to fight Bernard.

“So with that being the case we need to look at other options and the most obvious one is to go for the world title. There’s no point hanging around at European level waiting for a fight that may not happen anyway.

“Bernard had a good win in Castlebar last month against a very decent opponent in Felix Machado and I’m sure if he can get another couple of wins likes that we’ll be knocking on the door of a world title shot. We can’t afford any slip ups but Bernard still needs to beat the kind of guys that can secure him a world ranking so this is a crucial period in his career.

“Matthew also has a big night ahead of him. He stepped up a level last time and did very well against Campas and Gibbs is definitely another step up again. He’s a big puncher and a really dangerous opponent but if Matthew gets past him it will create a few ripples Stateside because Gibbs is very much a known quantity over there.�

For Gibbs fighting certainly seems to be in the blood, the 32 year old is a cousin of Bernard Hopkins and like his cousin he has developed a ring persona. Hopkins calls himself the “Executioner� while Gibbs goes by the name of “The Gladiator� and enters the ring wearing a Gladiator’s mask.He’s backed up that particular moniker by compiling a professional record of 20 wins and 3 losses. Sixteen of those wins have come by stoppage so he can clearly punch but Macklin isn’t worried about his reputation.“I actually fought on his undercard in Philadelphia a few years back and after my fight I managed to see a few rounds of his fight. He’s a big strong guy but I didn’t see anything to frighten me.�

Despite his impressive win over Campas Macklin admits there were elements of his performance that he wasn’t happy with. “I suppose I’m my own worst critic but watching it back again afterwards I was probably too disciplined. I had said I wanted to get back to using my jab and my boxing skills but looking back at it now I think I overdid it against Campas. I probably over compensated for that and there were times when I probably should have stood my ground a little more.

“That’s something I can work on when I go back to Florida to work with Buddy McGirt again. I just need to strike a happy medium because while I want to get back to my boxing skills I don’t want to lose the intensity because I believe that’s one of the things that gives me an edge over the other guys out there.�

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €50 go on sale from 9am tomorrow (Thursday, May 8th) from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2008) – Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman� Ruiz has announced that he’s prepared to replace WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev to fight another former WBA title-holder, Nikolay Valuev, for the WBA belt.

Chagaev pulled out of his scheduled mandatory defense against Valuev in May, reportedly due to a cold that forced him to break training, but Ruslan hasn’t made his initial mandatory defense since capturing the WBA belt on April 14, 2007 via a 12-round majority decision versus Valuev. His only title defense was a voluntary fight this past January in a 12-round decision against Matt Skelton. WBA champions are required to make a mandatory defense within a year of winning the belt and/or last mandatory defense. Chagaev is officially over the deadline and seeking further delays.

“We have to respect mandatory defenses and if Chagaev isn’t willing or able to fulfill his obligation as champion,� WBA No. 2 rated Ruiz said, “he should step aside so the WBA can move forward instead of standing still. There’s so much speculation about Chagaev. First there was Hepatitis B and now another viral infection – it must have moved from his intestines to his throat – and nobody really knows when or if he’ll be able to fight again. We will be filing a letter of petition with the WBA to strip Chagaev and order a fight between me and Valuev for the WBA title.�

Ruiz is also rated No. 3 by the WBC, No. 6 by the IBF, No. 10 by The Ring magazine, and No. 12 by the WBO.

“The heavyweight division drives boxing,� Ruiz added. “Fans are waiting for things to explode, but it seems like the heavyweight champions are holding the title belts hostage. They’re all tied up and don’t want to fight the best heavyweights. No wonder fans criticize heavyweights. I’m ready to clean-up the division and willing to fight any of the world champs or top contenders. How long do I have to wait for my title shot?�

Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions — Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.

GOMEZ PALACIO, DURANGO, Mexico (May 7, 2008) – Styles make fights and the May 17 unification title bout between WBC champion Cristian Mijares and WBA title-holder Alexander “El Explosivio� Munoz has all the makings of an instant classic.

The 12-round Mijares-Munoz main event, marking the first super flyweight unification title bout in more than 10 years, headlines the “Noche de Campeones� pay-per-view event live from the Auditorio Centenario in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.

“Noche de Campeones,� promoted by KO Entertainment in association with DiBella Entertainment, will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States (9 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and DISH Network, as well as on The Fight Network in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The 12-round co-feature matches Mexican warriors Omar Salado and Julio Cesar “Pingo� Miranda in a WBC flyweight elimination bout.

“Unifying the super flyweight title is one of my first goals to be recognized as the best in my weight class,� Mijares said. “I’ve always desired to fight on a pay-per-view show and now it’s real. At the same time it is a big responsibility because so many boxing fans are going to be watching my performance. It’s an honor to fight before my people and I know millions of Mexicans will be watching me live on television.�

Mijares (34-3-2, 14 KOs) is a pure boxer with tremendous defensive boxing skills, while Munoz (32-2, 27 KOs) rates as a feared knockout specialist. Mijares captured the WBC Interim title on September 18, 2006 by 12-round split decision (114-113, 114-113, 113-114) against Katsushige Kawashima (30-4) in Japan. The slick Mexican southpaw successfully defended his WBC Interim belt the following November in Mexico, winning a 12-round unanimous decision (118-109, 117-110, 116-111) versus Reynaldo Lopez (28-3-2), and won his rematch for the WBC outright championship on January 3, 2007, stopping Kawashima (30-5) in the 10th round.

Mijares burst upon the global scene a year ago with an impressive, one-sided victory by unanimous 12-round decision (119-109, 118-110, 117-11) on PPV versus colorful Jorge “Travieso� Arce (46-4-1, 35 KOs) in San Antonio. Currently riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak with 23 wins and one draw, Mijares has made four successful title defenses since defeating Arce against, in order, Terrei Kikui (21-5) by 10th round TKO, Frank Gorrjux (16-7) in the opening round, and Jose Navarro (26-3) via a 12-round decision on February 16 in Las Vegas.

Venezuela-native Munoz is a 2-time WBA super flyweight champion, originally winning his title belt in 2002 with an eighth-round stoppage of Celes Kobayasho. Munoz made three winning title defenses against Eiji Kojima twice (KO2 and TKO10), sandwiched around a 12-round decision versus Hidenobu Honda (26-2), before losing a 12-round decision and his title belt to Martin Castillo (26-1) in 2004. Munoz won the WBA Fedelatin super flyweight crown in a WBA title eliminator, but Castillo won their 2006 rematch by 12-round split decision.
Munoz regained his WBA super flyweight title on May 3, 2007, taking a dominating 12-round decision from Nabuo Mashiro (9-0) in Japan. In a pair of title defenses, “El Explosivo� retained his belt with 12-round decisions against, respectively, Kuniyuki Aizawa (13-1-1) and Katsushige Kawasjima (32-6) this past January in Japan.

“Munoz is a dreaded knockout fighter and that’s why he’s a 2-time world champion,� Mijares noted. “All fights are different and I prepare myself 100-percent. I believe in my ability and also put myself in the hands of God. I believe it’s going to be a classic fight between a fighter and a puncher; a very tough, hard fight. I’m not looking ahead of this fight, but I’d like two or three more fights at this weight and then look at fighting for another world title at a higher weight.�

Undefeated former WBA Fedelatin super fIyweight champion Salado (19-0-2, 11 KOs) fought a 12-round draw with Ulises Solis (22-1-1) for the IBF light flyweight title in 2006. Salado is rated No. 4 by the WBC, No. 6 by The Ring, and No. 8 by the WBA. Miranda (25-3-1, 18 KOs) is ranked No. 3 by the WBC.
Unbeaten Japanese Koki Kameda (17-0, 11 KOs), former WBA light flyweight title-holder and current WBA No. 1 flyweight contender, is scheduled to fight in a 10-round PPV bout against an opponent to be determined. Kameda is also ranked No. 2 by the WBC, No. 9 by the WBO and The Ring.

Also scheduled to fight on the live undercard are other tough Mexican boxers such as middleweight Martin “Azteca� Avila against Alberto Hernandez in a 10-round match-up, as well as lightweights Ricardo “Camaleon� Mijares (9-0, 8 KOs) and Arturo Mijares (5-1, 4 KOs), and welterweight Ivan “El Ruso� Pereyra (1-0, 1 KO). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.