Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

LOS ANGELES, December 18 – Golden Boy Promotions is proud to announce that former two-time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero has been added to its roster of fighters. Guerrero signed with Golden Boy Promotions today and is slated to make his Golden Boy Promotions debut in early 2009.

“California has been known for its great world champions and Robert Guerrero is no exception to this rule as he is one of the most exciting young fighter in the sport today,” said President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya. “We can’t wait to get him another title shot and I am confident that he will lead the junior lightweight division in and out of the ring with his skill, power, determination and charisma.”

“One of my dreams is to be promoted by the best in the business and I think Golden Boy Promotions is the right company for my career,” said the former world champion. “De La Hoya has been my idol since I was a kid and I have always dreamed of being like him. I’m ready to get back in the ring and fight for a world title in 2009 and I’m happy to have Golden Boy in my corner.”

gbp1The Mexican-American 25-year-old Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (22-1-1, 15 KOs) had an impressive amateur career before moving into the pro ranks in 2001. Now, the former two-time world champion has developed into a two-fisted boxer-puncher who is dangerous in all aspects of the sweet science. The Bay Area native won his first world title on September 2, 2006 when he defeated Eric Aiken by eight-round technical knockout. “The Ghost” lost the belt in his first defense against Orlando Salido but after Salido was stripped of the belt for testing positive for steroids, Guerrero got another shot at the vacant belt. On February 23, 2007 he won the vacant IBF featherweight crown with an impressive ninth round TKO of “Denmark’s Warrior” Spend Abazi. In his last bout on February 29, Guerrero scored an eighth round knock out against Jason Litzau. Guerrero is ranked #5 by the IBF and #8 by the WBC in the junior lightweight division and is eager to get another world title shot in 2009.

A date and opponent for Guerrero’s debut under the Golden Boy Promotions banner will be announced shortly.

JOAN GUZMAN & AMETH DIAZ

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Joan Guzman vs. Ameth Diaz

El Palacio de los Deportes

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008

Joan Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs) is in his native Dominican Republic to take on World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin lightweight champion Ameth Diaz (25-7, 19 KOs) of Panama this Saturday, Dec. 20, from El Palacio de los Deportes in Guzman’s hometown of Santo Domingo.

The 12-round fight is promoted by Jay Boxing Promotions and will be Guzman’s first since outpointing Soto last November. The bout also serves as a WBA lightweight title eliminator.

The fight will be available on DIRECTV Channel 434 and DISH NETWORK Channel 844 (please check local listings for time in your area).

Here is what Guzman had to say:

JOAN GUZMAN

“I’m on pace to make weight and on Saturday night Diaz is going to be surprised at how good I really am. I’m here to make a statement to the world. Joan Guzman, the undefeated champion is back.

“I’m at 136 pounds right bow, one pound above the lightweight limit. This is a message to the boxing community that I am back.

“This fight is particularly special because it is in my hometown where my fans have always treated my well.

“I’m extremely happy with how training camp wrapped up. We went back to some of the old stuff that I used to do when I was younger. I felt like a kid again.

“I’m really excited to give my hometown fans a great show. I won here in 2006 against Antonio Davis and I’ll win again on Saturday.”

Holyfield’s experience key versus Valuev
Saturday’s PPV card live from Switzerland

ZURICH, Switzerland (December 18, 2008) – Four-time world heavyweight Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield’s vast experience edge is key for a potential upset Saturday night against WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai “The Russian Giant” Valuev on pay-per-view live from Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland.

During the course of his certain Hall of Fame career for the past 24 years, Holyfield (49-9-2, 27 KOs) has defeated a remarkable 16 world champions, 11 heavyweights and five cruiserweights. Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs), fighting only two less pro fights than Holyfield, has beaten only one world champion, John Ruiz (twice by controversial 12-round decisions), who Evander was 1-1-1 against in three championship matches.

Valuev-Holyfield is promoted by Wilfried Sauerland’s Sauerland Event and its Managing Director, Christian Meyer, in association with Don King Productions. The broadcast is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN and DISH Network for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A same night replay will be available at 9:00 PM/ET – 6:00 PM/PT. Award-winning announcers Nick Charles and Al Bernstein will call all of the action.

In addition to Ruiz, Holyfield has defeated former heavyweight world champions Mike Tyson (twice), Riddick Bowe, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, “Buster” Douglas, Michael Moorer, Hasim Rahman, Ray Mercer, Michael Dokes and Pinklon Thomas; cruiserweight titlists Bobby Czyz, Carlos De Leon, Dwight Muhammad Qawi (twice), Ossie Ocasio and Ricky Parkey.

“Boxing is not about size or age,” Holyfield said. “It is about what you do inside the ring. I know what to do inside the ring. I have been boxing for 38 years, so I know how to make correct assessments. My experience will be the key. I am very experienced and I know what to do against Valuev. He certainly is the biggest champion I have ever fought, but his head is right where I need it to be to hit it. I’m in great shape and will put on a performance that will surprise many people. I’m

really looking forward to Saturday night.”

Holyfield trainer Tommy Brooks added, “It is nothing new for Evander to fight big names. He has been in the ring with Lennox Lewis, George Foreman, Riddick Bowe. Of course, I will not give away our tactics but, believe me, we have prepared for this fight.”

Also on PPV is an 8-round super middleweight bout between Danish southpaw Mads “Golden Boy” Larsen (50-2, 37 KOs), former IBO title-holder, and 5-time world kickboxing and Thai boxing champion, Roberto Cocco (9-2, 5 KOs), from Italy.

Highlights from some other fights on the card, time permitting, may be shown including a 12-round co-feature matching two undefeated heavyweights, German-based, Italian-born southpaw Francesco Pianeta (17-0, 11 KOs) defending his European heavyweight title against French challenger Johann Duhaupas (17-0, 10 KOs); former New York Knicks dancer Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-2-1, 0 KOs) defending her WIBA flyweight title against undefeated German favorite Nadia Raoul (9-0, 3 KOs); heavyweight Oleg Platov (26-1, 22 KOs) versus Jason Gavern (15-4-3, 8 KOs), cruiserweights Jimmy Kapanov (8-0, 5 KOs) and Paolo Ferrara (25-13-1, 7 KOs); heavyweight Timor Ibragimov (24-2-1, 13 KOs) vs. TBA.

For more information about Saturday’s Valuev-Holyfield PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com.

FOUR-TIME WORLD CHAMPION CARINA “LA REINA” MORENO

INTRODUCES THE ADOPT A FAMILY PROJECT
adoptFour-time world champion, Carina “La Reina” Moreno and her trainer Rick Noble, want to bring attention to the Adopt a Family Project, where families dealing with poverty get aid during the holiday season. Please help a needy family enjoy the Christmas spirit by donating gift certificates or financial contributions. For more information call the adoption line at (831) 427-5075

All contributions can be dropped off at one of the volunteer center offices or warehouses. Warehouse locations and hours are as follows:

Hours: Sat Dec 13th 1-7PM Sun Dec 14th 1-5PM Mon Dec 15th 12-7PM Tues Dec 16th 12-7PM Locations: Santa Cruz: 2000 Soquel Ave Watsonville: 14-1 Blanca Lane

DBE RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER AT BEAU RIVAGE RESORT AND CASINO IN BILOXI, MS

**WBC 147 Andre Berto-Luis Collazo & Interim WBC 154 Sergio Martinez-Joe Greene on HBO’s B.A.D, Plus World-Rated 154 Contender Ronald Hearns**

New York (December 18, 2008) – DiBella Entertainment is starting 2009 in style with two great world championship matchups, featuring hard-charging WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto making his second title defense versus number-one rated challenger and former WBA world champion Luis Collazo, and budding 154 pound superstar Sergio Martinez taking on undefeated, world-rated contender Joe Greene, for the interim WBC belt, to be seen on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, on Saturday, January 17, from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, MS.

With his dominant TKO victory over Miguel Angel Rodriguez this past June to claim the vacant WBC welterweight crown, Andre Berto (23-0, 19 KOs) established himself as one of boxing most feared champions. Just 25 years old, Winter Haven, Florida’s Berto has already defeated proven veterans such as Cosme Rivera, Michael Trabant and Steve Forbes. Berto will need to draw on all of this valuable experience when he takes on mandatory challenger Luis Collazo (29-3, 14 KOs). Crafty southpaw Collazo, from New York City, is poised to win his second world championship – having already reigned as WBA welterweight king.

“Berto-Collazo has all the makings of a spectacular match up. Andre’s punch volume and non-stop pressure combined with Collazo’s poise and big-fight pedigree, make this the first ‘can’t miss” fight of 2009. Let’s not forget Luis has already gone 24 competitive rounds with Ricky Hatton and Shane Mosley. This is a great opportunity for Andre to show the world the champion that he is,” said DBE president Lou DiBella.

Madrid, Spain’s Martinez (44-1-1, 24 KOs) by way of Buenos Aires, is a former IBO 154 pound titlist, who put the American boxing audience on notice in October, as “Maravilla” produced a dazzling TKO victory over then WBA # 1 rated contender Alex Bunema to earn the interim WBC 154 pound title. Martinez faces a serious challenge in the form WBA # 3 rated Joe Greene (20-0, 14 KOs). New York southpaw Greene has already captured regional titles at 154 to 160 pounds, and is prepared to make his own sensational showing on HBO’s big stage.

“We all saw what Sergio Martinez can do in his last fight when he dismantled Alex Bunema, one of the top contenders in the junior middleweight division, who was rated by every major sanctioning body. Sergio will need to perform equally well against Greene because Joe is ready for his own statement,” said DiBella.

In addition, fans in the live audience on January 17 at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino will get the opportunity to see undefeated and WBC # 9 rated junior middleweight contender Ronald Hearns (21-0, 17 KOs) in ten round action as well as local heavyweight favorite Will McIntyre in an eight round bout.

UNBEATEN “EL MAESTRO” RETURNS TO ACTION IN EARLY 2009

Orange, CA, December 17 – Fresh off the biggest win of his young career, an eighth round stoppage of fellow prospect Pavel Miranda in November, junior welterweight Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera is taking the next step in his promising journey to the top by signing a promotional deal with Thompson Boxing Promotions.

“We’ve had our eye on Mauricio since we turned him pro, and with his recent win over Pavel Miranda, there was no question that we needed him on our team,” said Ken Thompson president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He’s one of California’s brightest prospects, and we believe he has the potential of following in the footsteps of another California junior welterweight who became a world champion, Timothy Bradley.”

“I spoke with Mauricio Herrera about signing with Thompson Boxing Promotions because I know that they are masters at their craft and will keep Mauricio busy with constant fights and will be able to move him up the ranks consistently,” said Willie Silva, Herrera’s manager and trainer.

“When Willie Silva proposed that I sign with Thompson Boxing Promotions, I didn’t hesitate or question it,” added the 28-year old Herrera. “I trust Willie and have fought on Thompson Boxing Promotions cards before, and I knew that this would be the company that can direct my career and grow me into a champion. I am very proud to sign with them.”

A native of Riverside, California, Herrera (8-0, 3 KOs) turned pro in 2007 after a stellar amateur career that saw him win 29 of 30 fights. He has mimicked that success in the pros with eight wins in eight bouts while fighting everywhere from 156 to 140 pounds and beating touted prospects like Daniel Cervantes, Santiago Perez and Alan Velasco. Now settled in at junior welterweight, the slick boxing Herrera is looking to take his career to the next level in 2009.

“I’m focused on boxing and dedicated to my career,” said Herrera, who will be back in action in early-2009. “I’m training and learning every day and I am willing to put in all the hard work necessary to become a world champion one day.

After a ten month layoff, two-time world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (21-1-1, 15 KO’s), got the good news today from long time lawyer Bruce Zabarauskas of Crowell and Moring LLP, that the California State Athletic Commission ruled in his favor regarding his arbitration case against former promoter Goossen Tutor.

Now a free agent, Guerrero will sit down with this management team of Shelly Finkel and Bob Santos to discuss what promotional company they will choose for representation.

Guerrero whose undefeated in world title fights (4-0, 4 KO’s), is ecstatic about his future while targeting the elite fighters in his respected division. “I’m ready to challenge the best fighters in the world of boxing,” said Guerrero. “Pacquiao, Marquez and Barrera are a few names that come to mind. Now that I’ve moved up in weight, my goal is to capture a third world title in two weight classes.”

While away from the ring, Guerrero looked at this layoff as a blessing in disguise as he went on to say, “This layoff has enabled me to take care of my wife during her battle with cancer. I’ve been able to be by her side as she’s been going through her chemotherapy treatments. I’m happy to say with God’s blessing’s that she is now in remission.”

Junior middleweight James Moore unbowed after loss to NABF champion Yuri Foreman

Although junior middleweight James Moore, a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, lost a one-sided decision to NABF champion Yuri Foreman in Atlantic City on December 13, he is undeterred in his quest to move up the boxing ladder.

Moore, 16-2 (10 KOS), never stopped trying to catch up to the fleet-footed and quick-fisted Foreman, who saw his record to improve to 27-0 (8 KOS). The 10 round bout was televised on ShoBox: The New Generation.

“My goal was to chop him down, but I just couldn’t do it,” said Moore, who suffered an injured ear and a cut on his left eyelid that required 7 stitches. “The ear affected my balance, but that is not what cost me the fight. My trainer, Lennox Blackmoore, had given me a good game plan, but I didn’t stick to it because it was so frustrating trying to catch up to him. Yuri is a very good fighter, and I tip my hat to him.”

Making things even more daunting for Moore was a huge blood blister on his right big toe, which he says burst around the seventh round. When he took his white sock off after the fight, you could ring the blood out of the sock.

“That was painful, but it also had little to do with the outcome,” said the refreshingly candid Moore. “He fought his fight, and I didn’t fight mine. He was the better man tonight.”

Moore will recuperate over the holidays, and then map out his boxing future. Although he lost this bout, he was very thankful for the support he received from the several busloads of fans that came from New York to cheer him on.

“Having all of those fans in attendance helped me a great deal,” said Moore. “They gave me a lot of encouragement. I fought hard, and never stopped trying to win. It was great to have their support, even though I would have liked the outcome to be different.”

HEAVYWEIGHT HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE BOXING FAN IN YOUR LIFE FROM STEINER SPORTS

***Collectibles Signed by MIKE TYSON, LENNOX LEWIS, JOE FRAZIER and MIGUEL COTTO Provide Punch to Your Gift Giving***

New York—If you are looking for a “heavyweight” holiday gift idea for your boxing fan father, brother or buddy, look no further than Steiner Sports (www.steinersports.com), and order on line today! Collectibles signed by former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier and Lennox Lewis, as well as welterweight sensation Miguel Cotto will provide powerful punch to your holiday gift-giving.

Mike Tyson Autographed Black Boxing Trunks: Mike Tyson, known to one and all as “Iron Mike,” was one of the most feared and fearsome men to ever step into a boxing ring. Tyson was a tough kid who grew up on even tougher streets and legendary trainer Cus D’Amato helped him harness his energy on the way to becoming the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title. Over the years Tyson amassed a 50-6-2 professional record and defeated the likes of Trevor Berbick, James “Bonecrusher” Smith, Tyrell Biggs, Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks. Mike Tyson has hand signed this pair of black TYSON boxing trunks. An Online Authentics Certificate of Authenticity is included. $400

Mike Tyson Autographed Vs. James “Bonecrusher” Smith 16×20 Photograph: Mike Tyson has hand signed this 16×20 photograph of him in action, throwing a punch during a fight against James “Bonecrusher” Smith in the late 1980s. An Online Authentics Certificate of Authenticity is included. $400

Joe Frazier Autographed Green Robe:
“Smokin” Joe Frazier burst on to the boxing scene in 1964 by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. He went on to have a fine career, winning 32 fights, 27 of them by KO, and enjoyed a reign as Heavyweight Champion. He also went toe-to-toe against Muhammad Ali three times, the first on March 8, 1971, an epic battle between undefeated fighters that Frazier won by decision in 15 rounds. Joe Frazier has hand signed this Green Robe, which comes complete with a Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity. $450

Lennox Lewis Autographed Standing over Mike Tyson 16×22 Photograph

Lennox Lewis is a former undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Along with Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield, Lewis is one of three boxers in history to have won the heavyweight championship three times. Lewis’s career record in 44 bouts is 41 wins, 32 by KO, 2 looses’, and 1 draw. Lennox Lewis has hand signed this 16×22 photo of him after knocking Tyson to the canvas. An Authentic Signing Inc. Certificate of Authenticity is included. $250

Miguel Cotto Autographed Cleto Reyes Fight Model Glove: Miguel Cotto is one of the boxing game’s most exciting fighters. Cotto, who hails from Puerto Rico, is the current World Boxing Association Welterweight Champion and a former World Boxing Association Light Welterweight Champion. As of early 2008, he had won all 31 of his fights as a professional, 25 of them by knockout. Miguel Cotto has hand signed this Cleto Reyes fight-model boxing glove. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included. $230

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (December 12, 2008) — HBO Sports will present Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao, the exclusive replay of their welterweight showdown, Tomorrow! Saturday, December 13 (4:45 p.m. ET / 1:45 p.m. PT with a same night replay at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO. Pacquiao, the WBC lightweight champion, moved up two weight classes and 12 pounds, to totally dominate De La Hoya, scoring an eighth-round knockout of the six-division world champion. The Sports team, which was ringside for the live event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, will call all the action. The replay, which will be paired with the live heavyweight title fight from Mannheim, Germany between defending champion Wladimir Klitschko and former champion Hasim Rahman, will be available in HDTV.

HBO Sports reported that De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao generated 1.25 million pay-per-view buys and $70 million in pay-per-view revenue. It is only the fourth time in boxing pay-per-view history that a non-heavyweight event has attained the one million buy mark.