Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

DUVA BOXING’S RECENTLY-SIGNED CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION OLA AFOLABI TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED NATIONAL TELEVISION DEBUT ON ESPN2’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS ON AUGUST 15

***Los Angeles-based standout in co-featured attraction headlined by Anthony Thompson vs. Ishmail Arvin at Ibiza Fight Club in Washington, DC***

New York, July 31—Dino Duva’s cruiserweight champion Ola Afolabi, the NABO titlist, will make his long-awaited national television debut on Friday night, August 15, in an eight-round affair on ESPN2s Friday Night Fights from Ibiza Night Club in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. The card will be presented by Duva Boxing and Major Boxing Promotions.

Afolabi will make his first appearance under the Duva banner. The main event will pit Anthony Thompson (23-2, 17 KO’s) of Philadelphia against local product Ishmail Arvin (14-1-4, 6 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD, in the IBO/USBO. Junior middleweight title bout, a 10-round contest.

Afolabi, like Duva Boxing stablemate WBC heavyweight champ Samuel Peter, is a native of Nigeria with a big knockout punch. Afolabi gives Duva a powerful punching duo in his stable of fighters. Duva continued to tap into the extraordinary Nigerian talent pool when he signed Afolabi on May 1.

Afolabi was born in Nigeria, but his parents moved to London, where the heavy-puncher was raised. He now lives in Los Angeles. The 28-year-old cruiserweight has a 12-1-3 ring record with 5 victories coming by way of knockout.

In his last fight in April, Afolabi destroyed one of the most tal ked-about prospects in the world, Eric Fields, to win the NABO Cruiserweight title. Despite taking the bout with only a month’s notice, and fighting for the first time in over two years, Afolabi scored a convincing triumph.

“The most amazing thing about him is that for a man of his obvious tremendous skills, he never had an amateur fight!” says Duva. “I’ve never seen a fighter with incredible skills despite having no amateur background. This is the most excited I’ve been about signing up a fighter since my last Nigerian signup, Sam Peter, and that was seven years ago.”

“It’s a delight to work with Major Promotions on an ESPN Friday Night Fights show of this caliber,” said Duva. “Both the fans in attendance at this unique venue, and the television audience will get a real charge out of this fight card.’

“Our mandate is to bring championship boxing back to dc in a monthly series, and our main event of Arvin and Thompson will give our fans an idea of what we plan to deliver. To start this series on ESPN in a co-promotion with Duva Boxing is one hell of a way to kick things off!,” said Rico Major, Major Boxing Promotions.

BOXING LEGEND EMILE GRIFFITH TO THROW OUT FIRST PITCH AND SIGN COPIES OF “Nine…Ten…And Out!”

AT BLUE ROCKS GAME ON AUGUST 14

***Griffith and Author Ron Ross to Have Book Signing in Wilmington Followed By Night of Champions Boxing Social at the Clarion Belle in New Castle***

NEW YORK (July 29, 2008) – Boxing legend Emile Griffith will be in Delaware on Thursday August 14 to promote his new biography written with acclaimed author Ron Ross entitled “Nine…Ten…And Out! The Two Worlds of Emile Griffith”.

The former World Champion will first be visiting Delaware’s pride and joy Class A baseball team, the Wilmington Blue Rocks as they play a game against the Salem Avalanche on August 14, game time 7:05pm. Griffith will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Frawley Stadium and then sign copies of his new book on the concourse of the stadium during the first few innings of the game. Books will be available for sale at the stadium.

Griffith will go from Wilmington to New Castle where he will participate in Dave Tiberi’s Night of Champions Boxing Social at the Clarion Belle just west of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The event’s purpose is to bring together executives from the corporate world and current and former boxers to focus on issues such as health care and pensions for current and former professional boxers.

“I am excited to be promoting the sport of boxing through my story at two wonderful events in Delaware on August 14,” said Griffith. “I love baseball and will look to have a lot of fun with fans in Wilmington. I am also proud to be apart of the Night of Champions Boxing Social to help put focus on important issues that many people don’t know a lot about.”

For more information or how to purchase “Nine…Ten…and Out!”, please log onto www.ninetenandout.com or call (212) 947-2577.

Tickets for the Blue Rocks game can be purchased by logging onto www.bluerocks.com or by calling (302) 888-BLUE (2583).

For more info on how to get involved in the Night of Champions Boxing Social please call (302) 994-3040.

This was passed on to us by John Scully:

Hurricane Dolly, which ravaged the southern part of Texas, claimed the house and possessions of a former Olympic boxing champion. Former world title contender and 1988 Olympic Gold medalist “Boxing” Andrew Maynard lost pretty much everything and his house is still submerged in Harlingen, TX near the Mexican border. Maynard is now living in his gym that he was using to train young boxers and he needs help in the worst way. If you would like to send a donation to help him out, please send it to this address: Andrew Maynard, 516 W. Van Buren Avenue, Harlingen, TX 78550

Manfredo returns vs. McCrary

“August Annihilation” August 22 at Twin River Events Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (July 30, 2008) – Two of The Contender reality television series most popular fighters, “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr. (Season One finalist) and Donny “The Savage” McCrary (Season Three participant), battle for the NABF Interim super middleweight title in the 12-round main event, headlining “August Annihilator” on Friday night, August 22 at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“August Annihilator,” part of the “Budweiser Night at the Fights” series, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River, Budweiser, The Tournament of Contenders, and CN8, The Comcast Network.

The show will be taped live and air Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network as well as Cox Sports Television.

“We put our fighters in with real fighters,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “This is what boxing’s supposed to be all about. People don’t want to know the winners before the fights. Peter Manfredo, Jr. and these other guys are like fighters from old warrior days when they’d fight anybody.”

Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs), rated No. 18 by the WBC, will be fighting at home against Missourian invader McCrady (24-7-2, 13 KOs).

Former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental super middleweight champion Joey “KO Kid” Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), also fighting out of Providence, takes on former IBC Americas heavyweight title-holder Jim “Steel Chin” Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs) in a six-round bout.

In a pair of six-round super middleweight matches, Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line against Brooklyn’s Ariel Espinal (6-3-2, 2 KOs), while Providence favorite Richard “Bobo The Bull” Starnino (9-4-1, 2 KOs) faces Lowell (MA) slugger “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2, 5 KOs).

Also on the undercard card is undefeated middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (7-0, 5 KOs), former two-time U.S. national amateur champion out of Worcester (MA), who meets Marcus “Team Savior” Upshaw (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (1-0, 1 KO) squares off against Larry Foster (0-3) in a four rounder.

Fighting opponents to be determined are the two newest members of Team CES, former world title challenger, featherweight Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (7-1, 3 KOs), and Providence junior lightweight Omar Pena in his pro debut. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “August Annihilator” are priced at $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Tickets are also on sale at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), 401 Gym in Cranston (RI), Rivera Brother’s in Lynn (MA), Balletto’s Gym in providence, Big Six Academy in Providence, and Larry Army (508.407.5152).

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “August Annihilator.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

Press Conference Quotes

Peter Manfredo, Jr.: “This is just another stepping stone. McCrary is a tough kid. He was one of my sparring partners when I was getting ready for Jeff Lacy. He’s tough but he doesn’t have the heart, skill and determination to be a world champion like me. I’m not looking past him, but he isn’t going to beat me August 22nd. Not on his best day or my worst. Everything happens for a reason, no excuses for my fight with Calzaghe. I had no control because the ref didn’t give me a shot to fight. After that I didn’t take fighting serious and it showed in the Lacy fight. I had him in the first three rounds and just blew it. I used to fight for money but now I’m fighting because I love it.”

Joey Spina: “I’m fighting a tough guy from Las Vegas who I’ve fought (sparred). He’s big, strong and has 21 knockouts as a heavyweight. I’m back to super middleweight. My last few fights I was heavier. I wasn’t serious but this fight I’m going to be the best I’ve ever been. Come August 22nd I will knockout this guy out; I guarantee. I’m No. 13 in the world (WBO) right now. This guy is going to stand in front of me and I’m going to do what I do…..knock him out!”

Angel Camacho, Jr.: “I’m very excited to be on this card with Peter, Joey and Bobo. I grew up watching them train and aspired to be like them. I train with my friend, Omar.”

“Bobo” Starnino: “August 22nd I’m going to fight like it’s for my life. I’m a gladiator who gives it all I got. He has the fight of his life. I get stronger as the fight goes on. I can’t wait.”

Joey McCreedy: “It’s a great card with Peter and Joey (on top). Bobo is an Italian, I’m Irish. Everyone knows what happened when they fight – toe-to-toe all the way. I hope you’re in shape, Bobo, because it’s going to be war. I do respect you. I’ll be punching from the first round until the end.”

Edwin Rodriguez: “I’m very excited to be on this card. I cant’ wait to be in the ring to put on the pain. There are a lot of middleweights in New England who are unbeaten that I’m better then. Like Angel Camacho. Maybe Jimmy can put that fight together.”

Jesus Caro: “Peter Manfredo, Sr. has been training me real good. I’m going to show everybody at the show what we’ve been doing. We’re going little by little and will work to go up in the ratings.”

Omar Pena: “Everyone in the street has been asking me when I’m going to make my pro debut. It’s finally going to happen August 22nd. I’ll definitely put on a good show.”

The #1 rated welterweight in the world, Joshua Clottey of Accra, Ghana, today said he will “…destroy Judah, way worse than how Cotto did it last year.”

Judah, a former undisputed world weltweight champion who has been in 15 world title bouts, shrugged it off.

“I’m on a much higher skill level than he is,” said Judah.

Judah vs. Clottey is this Saturday, August 2, at the Palms Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. The new welterweight king, ‘Tijuana Tornado’ Antonio Margarito, will be at ringside.

Clottey said he plans to pressure Judah, back him up, and attack at all times.

“Just the way Margarito fights,” said Clottey, “and after beating Judah, I want to go into the ring again against Margarito.”

Clottey battled Margarito for 12 rounds in December, 2006 in Atlantic City, N.J. “I pounded on him, then hurt my right hand, then my left,” Clottey said. “I was hurt but I refused to quit. I went the full 12 rounds.”

First, however, Clottey must deal with Judah.

Bob Arum of Top Rank says Clottey vs. Judah is a scorcher.

“The welterweight division is the hottest in boxing today,” Arum said.

Judah vs. Clottey for the vacant IBF Welterweight Championship will be broadcast on HBO After Dark.

The final Judah vs. Clottey news conference will be tomorrow (Thursday) at noontime inside of The Lounge at the Palms Hotel-Casino. The Friday weigh-in will be at 4 pm on the Ballroom Level. First Bell on Saturday will be at 4:30 pm.
Judah vs. Clottey will go into the ring 7:30 pm.

LEADING FLORIDA ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON DR. JOHNNY C. BENJAMIN, JR

SELECTED TO SERVE ON ASSOCIATION OF BOXING COMMISSIONS’

MEDICAL SUB-COMMITTEE

For Immediate Release

(Vero Beach, Florida – July 30, 2008) – Florida orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert Dr. Johnny C. Benjamin, Jr. has been selected to serve on the Association of Boxing Commissions’ Medical Sub-Committee. Commission President Tim Lueckenhoff recently announced the appointment of a nine member Committee chaired by Nick Lembo to conduct an in-depth study of the current Uniform Rules of Mixed Martial Arts for possible revisions and updates. Sub-Committees were also created to assist with the review process and provide critical input. Rules for amateur mixed martial arts will also be recommended.

A longtime and outspoken advocate for enhancing safety in mixed martial arts and other combat sports, Dr. Benjamin has developed a national reputation for providing insightful and relevant orthopedic medical commentary regarding injuries, issues and business matters related to sports and general health. He is considered one of the country’s leading sports medicine experts and has treated numerous elite athletes in the MLB, NBA and NFL. Dr. Benjamin’s practice has developed a unique niche in boxing and mixed martial arts and he has worked with a host of world champion boxers including Laila Ali, Vernon Forrest, Sharmba Mitchell, Antonio Tarver, Nate Campbell and Arturo Gatti.

Dr. Benjamin is Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Indian River Medical Center, Director of the Joint Implant Center and Director of Medical Specialty Procedures Surgery Center in Vero Beach, Florida. He is one of only approximately twenty African American fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons in the country. Dr. Benjamin received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and his medical degree from the University of Texas. He underwent his orthopedic surgery training at Temple University Hospital and his sixth year of post-doctoral training was a spinal surgery fellowship at the Florida Spine Institute.

BEIJING (July 29, 2008) – Reigning AIBA World welterweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade is prospecting for gold in China. The 20-year-old from Providence isn’t there to visit the The Great Wall, purchase a Ming vase in the Temple of Heaven, picnic in Tian’anmen Square, or cruise down the Yangtze River.

Andrade is Team USA’s most promising hope to medal in the Olympic boxing competition. “It’s crazy,” he said right before leaving Colorado Springs training camp, “but everything’s good. I’m relaxed, stayed out of the public eye, and have remained focused on winning a gold medal. I’m not happy just being in The Olympics, or even winning a silver or bronze medal; I’m going for gold.”

His gold medal performance at this year’s AIBA World Championships catapulted him into the No. 1 ranking in the world at 152-pounds. Andrade’s toughest competition figures to come from Asian champion Bakhyt Sarsekbayev (Kazakhstan), World Championships silver medalist Non Boonjumnong (Thailand), as well as bronze medalists Adem Kilicci (Turkey) and Hmati Silamu (China), European champion Andrey Balnov (Russia), and of course, Cuba’s representative, Carlos Banteur.

The Olympic draw doesn’t matter to him because Demetrious believes he’s the best 152-pound amateur in the world. He defeated Boonjumnong and Kilicci in the World Championships. “Nobody they put in front of me can beat me,” a confident Andrade offered. “Only the judges can beat me and I’m not going to let them. I’m going to take the other fighters and judges out of it by beating my opponents so badly that they can’t take a decision away from me. I’ll stay on the outside, use my tough defense, and not allow any cheap shots. I’ve been fighting internationally for awhile and I’ve been robbed a few times. But I can’t let anybody beat me in The Olympics.

“I’d prefer to get the tougher guys out early – second or third round – and have one less contender for the medal rounds. I really don’t know or care who I draw. Everybody else is fighting for second place.”
Proud to represent the red, white and blue, “Boo Boo” has dreamed about boxing in the Olympics since he first laced-up a pair of gloves. He is a two-time U.S. National Championships winner and double National Golden Gloves champion who cruised through the U.S. Boxing Trials preceding the World Championships.

“It feels good to be called an ambassador,” Andrade reflected. “I used to be a little kid dreaming of being in the Olympics and now I’m talking to kids with the same dream. I tell them to never let anybody say no to their dreams. It feels great to represent the United States, Rhode Island, Providence, family and friends.

“I haven’t worried about anything. Inside the ring is another environment with just you and your opponent. I’ve been focusing on the physical part of boxing. My (co-coaches) dad (Paul Andrade) and Dave Keefe have helped me all of the other stuff.

Impacted wisdom teeth and the best amateur boxers in the world couldn’t stop Demetrius at the World Championships. Now, he’s digging deep for gold in China.

Andrade boxes out of the 401 Boxing Club in Cranston (RI). Go on line to www.boobooboxing.com for more information about Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade.

NEW YORK (July 18, 2008) – International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight champion Dimitri “The Baby” Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 KOs) will defend his title against former IBF flyweight champion and knockout artist Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs), Saturday, Aug. 2, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

In the co-feature, U.S. Olympian and undefeated prospect Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (15-0, 10 KOs) puts his flawless record on the line against fellow unbeaten Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall (17-0-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight brawl.

The telecast will originate from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash., and is promoted by Gotham Boxing, Inc.

Kirilov, who is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, captured the IBF crown by winning a close unanimous decision against former U.S. Olympian Jose Navarro on Oct. 13, 2007. The scores were 116-112, 114-113 twice.

In his most recent outing in February, the Russian-born Kirilov wasn’t able to finish Cecilio Santos (22-8-3, 12 KOs) and had to settle for a draw. Although one judge scored the fight for Kirilov, 116-112; the other two scored it even at 114 each.

Darchinyan had an iron grip on the flyweight division, successfully defending his IBF title six times – five inside the distance. He eventually lost his 112-pound strap in a major upset to Filipino star Nonito Donaire. Darchinyan now aims to wreak havoc the 115-pound, super flyweight division.

Kirilov-Darchinyan is a match up of varying styles. Kirilov, known for his tremendous speed and ability to outbox his competition, relies heavily on his quick hands. He loves to pepper his opponents with a precise left jab.

Darchinyan, a southpaw, is quite the opposite from his counterpart. Not nearly as polished and refined as Kirilov, Darchinyan employs an in-your-face game plan that has produced 23 knockout victories for the Armenian-born boxer. Darchinyan is often described as possessing bone-crushing power.

Dirrell, who has fought on the prospect-based series ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME, will attempt to prove he is no longer a prospect but a championship contender when he faces the undefeated Paschall in the co-feature.

In his last fight in May, Dirrell looked extraordinary against Anthony Hanshaw (21-2-1, 14 KOs), registering a fifth round TKO on ShoBox.

Despite a slow start, Dirrell came on strongly and with a left hand to the head sent Hanshaw to the canvas at the end of the fourth round near his opponent’s corner. Following a flurry of unanswered punches to Hanshaw’s head early in the fifth, referee Pat Russell stopped the contest at 1:13.

Dirrell, who won the bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games for the United States, is a tall, agile southpaw with solid power in both mitts.

In his 18 fight career, Paschall has scored several impressive unanimous decision victories against veteran boxers. The prospect is taking a tough test on August 2 against Dirrell. With only four knockouts to his credit, Paschall will have to rely on his boxing skills if he hopes to stay undefeated.

Mora vs. Forrest II, is the 12-round super welterweight co-featured bout to the highly anticipated Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Manuel Marquez showdown. The fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Tournament of Contenders, Gary Shaw Productions and Fight Knight, LLC. Casamayor vs. Marquez – “The Challenge”, a 12-round bout for Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Cazadores Tequila and Southwest Airlines. The world title bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.