Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

Del Valle treating Spina

as golden opportunity

Spina-Del Valle headlines Saturday night’s “Fright Night At the Sun” card at Mohegan Sun

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 26, 2009) – Former world light heavyweight champion Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle views his 10-round main event fight Saturday evening, headlining the “Fright Night At The Sun” pro boxing card against world rated Joey “KO Kid” Spina, as a golden opportunity to get back into the big picture.

“Fright Night At The Sun,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will be taped live at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and air on NESN at a date and time to be announced.

Spina (25-1-1, 17 KOs) is rated among the top 15 in all four major boxing organizations – WBC and WBA #12, WBO #14 and IBF #15.

The 41-year-old Del Valle (36-6-1, 22 KOs), who has never been stopped as a pro, captured the vacant WBA light heavyweight title in 1997, stopping European champion “Fast” Eddy Smulders in the eighth round. Lou was the first to floor the great Roy Jones Jr. in their 1998 WBC/WBA unification bout, which Jones won by a unanimous 12-round decision. Del Valle also went the distance in three other world title fights, losing to Virgil Hill and Bruno Girard, as well as fighting to a draw versus Girard.

“I’m feeling fabulous,” Del Valle said from training camp in Middletown (CT). “I don’t lose fighting under 190 (pounds), only once to Jones. I fought a draw against Girard and then dropped him but they gave him a decision. Both fights were in France. I’m fighting this at a catch weight (181, plus 2) and he’s (Spina) in trouble. I’ve never been knocked out because I’m a slick fighter who can take a punch. I never get hit with big punches.

“I’m doing this (vs. Spina) because I still want to fight. I believe I’m like Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones and Glenn Johnson. I feel young and still have my speed and power. This is a great opportunity for me, perfect because I’m going to win against a rated opponent. I’ll be right back in the picture. He (Spina) is a one-handed fighter with no skills and a big heart. But that (big heart) will get him in trouble against my experience. I’m too smart and a better fighter than him. He’s going to pay the price. He’s in trouble.”

UBC junior welterweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (15-0-1, 9 KOs), one of the hottest prospects on the East Coast, is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-feature.

Promising Connecticut prospects from Puerto Rico — Hartford junior middleweight David Bauza (2-0, 2 KOs) versus Vaughn Anderson (0-1), and New Haven light welterweight Edwin Soto (1-0, 1 KO) against Deroy “Guyanase Gladiator” Beaton (1-0) — are showcased in 4-round matches.

In other 4-round fights on the undercard, 2008 Olympian Sadam Ali (3-0, 2 KOs) faces welterweight Osvaldo Rivera (2-1, 1 KO), Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski (5-0, 2 KOs), 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament runner-up from Quincy (MA), meets Israel Suarez (2-2), 2008 New York Golden Glove champion Joe Smith, Jr., of Long Island, and David Brown make their pro debuts in a light heavyweight throw-down. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Fright Night At The Sun,” priced at $27.00, $50.00 and $80.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Ticketmaster customers may log on to www.ticketmaster.com, call Ticketmaster’s national toll-free charge by phone (1.800.745.3000) or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

For more information contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Mohegan Sun (www.mohegansun.com). Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.

ART PELULLO PETITIONS THE WBO

TO SANCTION ANGULO vs. YORGEY

FOR THE INTERIM WORLD TITLE

PHILADELPHIA (October 25, 2009) – Art Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions and promoter of undefeated Top-Five junior middleweight contender Harry Joe Yorgey, announced today that he has petitioned the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to sanction Yorgey’s upcoming fight against fellow Top-Five contender Alfredo Angulo for the WBO’s interim 154-pound world title.

Yorgey (22-0-1, 10 KOs), of Bridgeport, PA and Angulo (16-1, 13 KOs), of Mexicali, Mexico, WBO-rated No. 5 and No. 4, respectively, face-off in a 12-round junior middleweight rumble on Saturday, November 7 at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn. Their fight, along with the Chad Dawson vs. Glen Johnson World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim / International Boxing Organization (IBO) light heavyweight championship battle, will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

ALI FUNEKA AND JOAN GUZMAN SET FOR BATTLE ON
NOVEMBER 28 IN QUEBEC CITY, CANADA

IBF LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE BOUT TO BE TELEVISED ON HBO’S “BOXING AFTER DARK” TELECAST BEFORE BUTE VS. ANDRADE II

LOS ANGELES, October 23 – HBO Boxing After Dark’s historic first visit to Canada on Saturday, November 28, just got even more memorable as before Lucian Bute defends his world super middleweight title in a highly-anticipated rematch against Librado Andrade, the rugged Ali Funeka takes on two-division world champion Joan Guzman who looks to win his third world title in a 12 round bout for the vacant IBF lightweight title.

“Everyone knows what a great fight Bute vs. Andrade II is and now we’ve got an equally intriguing co-main event with Funeka and Guzman,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Guzman has long been established as one of boxing’s best, but Funeka is a rising star who will make Joan fight every minute of every round. This is a fight that could steal the show on November 28.”

“We are extremely proud to be bringing two world title bouts to Quebec City,” said Jean Bedard, president of Groupe Sportscene/ InterBox. “Thanks to our partners, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO, as this will be without question one of the biggest boxing events in Canadian history.”

Bute vs. Andrade II is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and InterBox, with Funeka vs. Guzman being presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing. Both bouts will be held at the Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, Canada and will air live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00pm ET/PT.

East London’s Ali Funeka (30-2-2, 25 KO’s) built a well-earned reputation back home in South Africa with his imposing 6 foot 1 frame, exciting style and punching power. Yet despite his victories over world-class opposition such as Zahir Raheem, it was his 12 round battle with Nate Campbell in February that truly showed the world what Funeka could do. Despite losing the bout via majority decision, Funeka stamped his name on the world map and he plans on doing it again this November against Joan Guzman.

“I respect Joan Guzman and everything he’s accomplished, but he’s too small to deal with me,” said Funeka. “I will overpower him, send him back to 130 pounds and show him how true lightweights fight.”

A 1996 Olympian with over 300 amateur wins, Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 KO’s) is widely considered to be the greatest fighter ever to hail from the Dominican Republic. It’s a distinction the 33-year-old takes seriously, as evidenced by the world titles he has held in the junior featherweight and junior lightweight divisions. The owner of victories over the likes of Javier Jauregui, former world champions Agapito Sanchez, Jorge Rodrigo “La Hiena” Barrios and current world champion Humberto Soto, Guzman will look to celebrate his 30th professional victory by winning the lightweight championship on November 28.

“This is my first fight in Canada and I’ve heard how great the fans are, so I plan on giving them a show this November,” said Guzman. “A third world title means a lot to me and I plan on leaving everything in the ring in order to take that belt home with me.”

PUBLIC INVITED TO PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING

WORLD TITLE FIGHT BETWEEN UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS

TIMOTHY BRADLEY and LAMONT PETERSON

Next Tuesday! October 27 at Noon

Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF. (October 23, 2009) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR and WBO interim junior welterweight champion LAMONT PETERSON will host a news conference announcing their world title fight Next Tuesday! October 27, beginning at Noon, in the Cahuilla Ballroom at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa (32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, Calif. 92270.) The public is invited to attend.

Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs), from Palm Springs, Calif., will be defending his title for the fourth time since winning it in May 2008 against interim champion Peterson (27-0, 13 KOs), of Washington, D.C., on Saturday, December 12 in The Show at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa. Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions, in association with Top Rank and Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa, the fight will be televised live on SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast.) The telecast will open with World Super Flyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan (32-2-1, 26 KOs), of Armenia, defending his title against World Boxing Council (WBC) interim champion Tomas Rojas (31-11-1, 22 KOs), of Mexico.

Tickets go on sale October 26th at HotWaterCasino.com/TheShow or 800-585-3737.

‘David vs. Goliath’ PPV Boxing

‘Russian Giant’ vs. ‘The Hayemaker’

For the WBA Heavyweight Championship

Integrated Sports Distributing Nov. 7 card live from Germany

HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 23, 2009) – North American boxing fans can view the much-anticipated “David vs. Goliath” World Boxing Association heavyweight championship boxing match between Nikolai “The Russian Giant” Valuev and David “The Hayemaker” Haye, live on Pay-Per-View on Saturday, Nov. 7 from Nuremberg, Germany.

Valuev (50-1, 34 KOs), from St. Petersburg, Russia, is the two-time and current WBA heavyweight champion and has fought and defeated a “Who’s Who” of heavyweight champions including Evander “The Real Deal Holyfield, John Ruiz (twice), and Sergey Lyakhovich. He also holds the distinction of being the tallest and heaviest champion in history at a daunting 7 feet and 325 pounds.

Haye, (22-1, 21 KOs), from London, England, wreaked havoc on the cruiserweight division with a knockout percentage over 90 percent. He left the division last year to move up to heavyweight, while still on top as the unified WBA/WBC/WBO cruiserweight champion.

The question to be answered is will the smaller yet faster Haye bring his explosiveness to the heavyweight division against an opponent he will be giving away 9 inches in height and about 100 pounds in weight to. Many boxing experts thing Haye has the perfect skill set of speed and power to frustrate the bigger and taller champion. Valuev claims he has faced and defeated numerous fighters with superior speed.

Valuev-Haye 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 by Integrated Sports 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, DIRECTV, TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A replay will be shown that same night at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.

Legendary promoter Don King co-promotes Valuev with Sauerland Event.

“Nikolai Valuev is a giant of a man with a giant heart,” King said. “He’s philosophical and intuitive inside and outside the ring.

“David Haye is new to the heavyweights, and Niko is a veteran world champion. I hope the Brit knows what he’s getting into as my man has proven time and again that size and talent rule the day in the heavyweight division.”

Valuev captured the WBA title by defeating John Ruiz in 2005 and made numerous successful defenses before suffering the sole loss of his career in a razor-thin, disputed majority decision at the hands of Ruslan Chagaev in 2007.

After Valuev earned the right to a re-match with Chagaev, a series of medical problems caused Chagaev to be stripped of the title. In the end, Valuev’s win in a re-match with Ruiz last year resulted in him becoming WBA champion for a second time.

“The Hayemaker” has beaten four world cruiserweight champions: Enzo Maccarinelli (TKO1) for the WBA/WBC/WBO crowns, Jean Marc Mormeck (TKO7) for the WBC/WBA championships, Giacobbe Fragomeni (TKO9) for the European title and “King” Arthur Williams (TKO3). Haye’s only pro loss was 13 fights ago to Carl Thompson (TKO5) in 2004.

“We are excited to be distributing this great heavyweight title fight between the 7-foot ‘Russian Giant,’ Nicolai Valuev, and the charismatic David Haye,” Integrated Sports president Doug Jacobs said. “North American fight fans want to see more of the spectacle, Valuev, and they wonder if Haye can back-up what he’s been saying. This is a true David versus Goliath match-up in every sense. Strong supporting bouts also airing on this pay-per-view card will soon be announced.”

For more information about the Valuev-Haye PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com.

Edison “Pantera” Miranda Scores Spectacular 1st Round KO
Manuel “El Toro” Quezada Retains WBC CABOFE Heavyweight Title

October 22, 2009 Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore CA
Photos By Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor Promotions
Former world title challenger and current top rated super-middleweight contender, Edison “Pantera” Miranda (33-4, 29 KO’s), scored a spectacular 1st round KO over Mexican National Champion, Francisco “Panchito” Sierra (20-3, 19 KO’s).

Early in the round both fighters were feeling each other out. Sierra came out jabbing while Miranda landed some left hooks to the head. The action started to get heavy as the round continued and both fighters were landing solid punches. Miranda started to work his way inside and used his strength to back up Sierra. Sierra was holding his ground but headed to the ropes. That’s when Miranda landed an overhand right, that landed flush on Sierra’s temple. The fight was stopped immediately at 2:16 of round one and Miranda became the new NABO super-middleweight champion.

“This victory puts me right back into title contention,” said Miranda. “Joe Goossen is the best trainer in the world. Everyday I’m in the gym I’m learning something new. With Goossen in my corner, nobody is going to beat me. I want to thank Dan Goossen for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to fight for the NABO title. I can’t wait to see what my team has lined up for me next.”

10 Round WBC CABOFE Heavyweight Championship Bout
Manuel “El Toro” Quezada retained his WBC CABOFE Heavyweight title with a hard fought unanimous decision over Nicolai “Stone Man” Firtha.

Firtha was game from the opening bell coming out aggressive with a stiff jab trying to back up Quezada with his size advantage. Quezada remained calm, using his great feat and experience to get out of harms way, while finding a home for his powerful right hand.

Quezada mounted an early lead as he continued to score with an overhand right in the middle rounds. Manuel started to push Nicolai backwards but the AkronOhio native was resistant, giving it his all.

Entering the final rounds the referee stopped the action a few times because of head butts brought forth by Firtha. Manuel regained his focus and his power shots were starting to take effect, as he had Firtha on wobbly legs. At the end of round ten, Quezada was announced the winner. Scorecards read 98-92, 97-93, 99-91 all in favor for Quezada.

“This was a good tough fight for me.” Quezada said. “I gained a lot of valuable experience fighting a bigger man. Joe Goossen guided my corner to perfection. I’m excited to see what my promoter Dan Goossen has in store for me next. Vitali is my main target. I’m willing to fight him anywhere, anytime.”

6 Round Lightweight Bout
Former Lightweight world title challenger, Martin “El Brochas’ Honorio (26-4-1, 14 KO’s) was deducted two points for low blows in the early rounds of his six round bout with journeyman Ricardo Medina (31-35-5, 17 KO’s). After settling down in the later rounds, Honorio started to land some nice hooks to the head. In round five, Honorio brutally ended the bout with a picture perfect overhand right that landed flush on the chin of Medina. The fight was stopped at 2:07 of round three. With the victory, Honorio now faces Goossen Tutor Promotions undefeated rising star, John Molina (18-0, 14 KO’s) November 28, at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula California, televised live on Showtimes Showbox series.

4 Round Super-Welterweight Bout
San Diego’s Alan Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated with a second round TKO over Ukrainian native Mikhail Lyuubarsky (3-13, 1 KO). Sanchez came out aggressive throwing a hard one-two combo that dropped Lyuubarsky midway through round one. After dropping Lyuubarsky for a second time with a straight right hand in round two, Sanchez ended the bout with a flurry of punches, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 1:06 mark.

4 Round Super-Bantamweight Bout
After a slow first round, Bakersfield’s Epharaim Martinez picked up the pace in the second round, forcing Rodrigo Romero to take a knee as he landed multiple punches in an exciting exchange. Entering the third round, Martinez continued to apply preassure landing punches at will and Romero went down for the second time. It was evident that Romero was tired and didn’t want to continue. Martinez landed a final combination and referee Dan Stell halted the action at 2:28 of round three. Martinez improves to (3-0, 1 KO)

6 Round Jr. Welterweight Bout
Jr. Welterweight prospect Mike Dallas Jr. (11-0-1, 2 KO’s) cruised to a six round unanimous victory over Escondido’s Sergio De La Torre (11-13-3, 1 KO’s). Dallas used his superior speed to dominate the action. Scorecards read 58-56, 60-54 twice.

4 Round Super-Bantamweight Bout
Visalia’s Aaron Alafa (3-1, 1 KO) survived a third round knock down to win a split decision over Danny Pontoja (0-1-1). Scorecards read 38-37 for each fighter with the last judge scoring it 39-37 for Alafa.

JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO & YONNHY PEREZ

WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Thursday, Oct. 22 in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2009) – Dominating International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko and No. 1-Ranked mandatory challenger Yonnhy “El Colombiano” Perez participated in a frightful media workout at Perez’s gym in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., just nine days before their crucial world title fight on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) in the first boxing match at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Agbeko crashed Perez’s training camp at the Santa Fe Springs Activity Center, giving the media a glimpse into how the two 118-pounders are preparing for the world title showdown. The fighters worked out, talked some trash and got into the spirit of Halloween a week early by posing together at a haunted house inside the Activity Center.

A second world title will be up for grabs when World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked lightweight Antonio “Tony” DeMarco faces former World Boxing Association lightweight champion Jose Alfaro for the WBC lightweight interim championship in the co-feature. Both fights are scheduled for 12 rounds and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets to the event—all priced at $200 each, plus tax and fees—are on sale now and can be purchased through the Treasure Island box office or by calling (800) 392-1999 or (702) 894-7723. The event will be staged in the Treasure Island Ballroom. Don King Productions and Treasure Island will present the event. Agbeko vs. Perez and DeMarco vs. Alfaro are presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions.

JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO:

“I’m going to be No. 1 pound-for-pound. Just get ready for me because I’m coming.

“I don’t think the will go 12 rounds. Yonnhy is a strong fighter. But, when you become a champion, everyone thinks about beating you. He’s a great fighter, but I don’t think he has what it take to beat me or go 12 rounds.

“I enjoy fighting the best fighters. You cannot beat a cheap boxer and become the best. Yonnhy is the best challenger, and I need to beat him to become the best.

“I like Yonnhy, he’s a nice guy. Not like Vic Darchinyan. He’s come to my fights before, but that doesn’t mean I won’t beat him.

“Yonnhy may win the WBA, WBC or WBO, but he won’t win the IBF. I’m going to be the champion until I leave this division.

“He’s going to thank me for showing him the light after I beat him.

“I’m the only one that can beat him. After that, I’m going to beat the rest of the bantamweights.

“I’m going to knock him out. It’s going to be the prettiest fight of my life.

“King Kong is going to beat Yonnhy Perez and all of the bantamweights. I’m going to prove I’m the one and only King Kong, and then I’ll beat the rest.

“I’m always ready for anything he’ll bring. I don’t study tapes as much because a fighter can change styles. You have to be ready for everything.

“After I beat Yonnhy, there’s this coward in Japan named Hozumi (Hasegawa, the WBC bantamweight champion) I want to beat.

“I think he’s the best challenger for me right now. After him, I’ll beat the rest.

“I’m representing Africa. It’s my duty to defend the good name of Ghana with a win. We’ve had great champions before and I will continue that.

“Joshua (Clottey) and I always give each other advice. We are very good friends and I’m sure he’ll be there for my fight.

“This could be the fight of the year.

“God chose me to be King Kong. When I was born, my dad gave me the name. That’s why I wanted to become a world champion. I was destined for greatness. This name was a message from God.

ADAMA EDDY, Agbeko’s Trainer

“Everything is going well. He knows this is his job. He doesn’t make my job very hard. I wake up and he’s already gone and training.

“He knows his job. Now, we’re just planning for the fight.”

YONNHY PEREZ:

“Nobody expects the guys who are climbing up the ladder to win. People always expect it to be the guys at the top. I really don’t care what people think about my chances in this fight. I’m going up the ladder and I’m going to win.

“It’s very exciting for me to be fighting in Vegas. I’m very motivated for this fight, but I’m even more motivated because the fight is in Las Vegas.

“When I was growing up, we always talked about fighting in Las Vegas for a world title. It was just a dream of mine. Now, it’s amazing that the dream is becoming a reality.

“I expect the best out of Agbeko. I know he’s a great champion and he’ll come prepared. I hope he comes 100 percent so we can give the fans the very best.

“It’s an honor and a huge responsibility fighting for my fans in Colombia. Everyone in Colombia thinks a lot of me and expects me to pull this off. The media in Colombia cover me and this fight non-stop. I feel a lot of pressure to represent them and win.

“It’s a dream for me to go back to Colombia and fight with a world title. But, I have to win that title first.”

DANNY ZAMORA, Perez’s Trainer

“It’s hard to keep him out of the gym. He’s always eager to get in there and train. This guy wakes up at 4 a.m. to run every single day. He’s a work horse.

“He has no problems making 118 (pounds). After this, we want to unify the titles. I expect him to stay at 118 for the rest of his career.

“This guy eats bags of vanilla cream cookies and still has no problem making weight.”

On Wednesday night at the Hilton Rye Town Hotel in Rye Brook, NY, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presented an exciting five bout card before a near capacity crowd.

Headlining the show was former number one light heavyweight contender, and Westchester County native, David Telesco, taking on former two-time super middleweight champion, Bryon Mitchell, in a match-up of two explosive punchers.
MITCHELL (R) STOPS TELESCO

Both fighters came out in the first looking to measure each other with their jabs, and find the range to land their power shots.

Near the end of the first a huge counter overhand right from Mitchell caught Telesco flush on the chin while Telesco was looking to exchange, sending him to the canvas just as the bell sounded to end the first. Telesco jumped up immediately, but seemed to be on shaky legs.

In the second Telesco began using his jab to keep Mitchell at bay, and landed a nice left hook midway through the round that seemed to stun the hard pressing Mitchell. With Telesco’s back against the ropes Mitchell landed another huge counter overhand right just as Telesco was unleashing a left hook, dropping Telesco face first to the canvas.

Telesco tried to get to his feet, but was in no condition to continue, forcing the referee to call a halt to the contest at 2:08 of the second round.

With the win, Mitchell improves to 28-5-1, 21KO while Telesco drops to 30-7-1, 25KO.

DOUGLAS DECISIONS SCHNEIDER

In the co-feature bout of the evening, former 1996 Guyana Olympian “Big” John Douglas improved to 7-14-3, 3KO with a controversial six round decision over local fan favorite Jon “The Fighting Marine” Schneider, who dropped to 7-4-1, 5KO.

It was evident from the opening bell that both Schneider and Douglas came to fight and were eager to engage at any chance they could.

Schneider was the sharper of the two, but Douglas was effective with his wide looping shots.

In the sixth and final round the two combatants went toe-to-toe not wanting to leave the decision up to the judge’s scorecards.

When the judge’s scorecards were announced declaring Douglas the split decision winner, the pro-Schneider crowd voiced their displeasure as the fight truly could have went either way.

UNDERCARD RESULTS
Eilon Kedem W6 Julio Valadez
Ahmad Mickens D4 Todd Eriksson
Richard Brown W4 Andrew Hutchinson

CARINA MORENO
VS
ANABEL ORTIZ

(October 21, 2009) – Four-time world champion, Carina “La Reina” Moreno (21-1, 6 KO’s) makes her way back to the ring October 31, 2009 when she defends her WBC minimumweight title against Anabel Ortiz (3-1, 1 KO’s) in a co-main event bout. The fight takes place at the “Gimnasio Del Imcufide” in Toluca, EDO. Mexico.

“I’m grateful to be back in the ring, defending my title,” Moreno said. “It’s been a long layoff since my last fight and I can’t wait to get in there and let my hands go. I’ve been training in the high altitude up here in Lake Tahoe. My training camp has been fantastic. I want to thank Gary Marinovich, my new speed, coordination and balance coach for all his hard work. My goal is to perform at my highest level and give the fans in attendance a great show.”

This fight is promoted by KO Entertainment. Tickets are available online at www.smartticket.com or by calling 01 800 813 1800. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

KO poster

Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham To Face Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey For Vacant IBF Cruiserweight Crown?

Former Cruiserweight King Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s dreams of regaining the IBF Cruiserweight belt from the man that took his coveted title, by close split decision, following their epic ‘Fight Of The Year’ nominated battle back last December, were shattered on Monday when Main Event’s boss Kathy Duva announced that Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek had relinquished the crown.

The IBF reacted quickly to Adamek’s resignation by announcing that Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey would be the next available for the vacant title and ordered negotiations to start for the fight with ‘USS’ Cunningham.

‘USS’ Cunningham, once described as the by Bad Left Hook’s Steve Christ as the “World’s nicest man” due to his never having a bad word to say about his fellow boxers or the would be opponents that have avoided him, took a typically philosophical stance on hearing the news by saying, “Once again, I’ve got my marching orders, my mission is to be two time world champion, and with Adamek vacating the title, my sights are set on beating Matt Godfrey, I honestly thought it was going to go this way since July so he’s been on my radar.

It’s kinda bittersweet, I’ve wanted the rematch since December, I thought I did enough to win the fight then and I wanted to take my belt back from Adamek, but if the rematch can’t be made, this is the next best thing. I’ve been saying since December I’ll be 2 time in ‘09, and I still want that. I’m ready, willing and able to fight anyone for the IBF World Title, I’ve been in the gym steady, like I always am and I am ready to fight.”

It is expected that an announcement of the date and location of Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham vs. Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey for the IBF Cruiserweight World Championship will be made shortly.