Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

Reading, PA (March 16, 2010) – Heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman will return to his hometown of Reading, PA in his first title fight against Chris Koval of Youngstown, OH on May 22 at the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA. The bout is scheduled for ten rounds and will be contested for the WBF and UBO Heavyweight championships.

The Kauffman-Koval title fight will headline King’s Promotions’ “Pain on Penn Street”, an exciting night of boxing action featuring seven (7) professional fights and five (5) amateur fights.

The amateur portion of the card will feature Reading’s finest young amateurs testing themselves against the top fighters from Philadelphia.

Kauffman, 19-1 (15 KO), is coming off a technical showcase against Mike Miller just two weeks ago in Allentown, PA and is eager to show his hometown fans he is better than ever since his only pro loss to Tony Grano last September. The 24-year-old Kauffman understands that if he is to move on to bigger and better things he must get past the heavy hands of Chris Koval, 24-6 (18 KO).

“It’s always a great opportunity to fight in front of my hometown fans,” said Kauffman. “I’m ready to get back in there and fight again right now. Koval is a tough guy who can punch a little so I know I’m in for a real fight here.”

In the co-featured fight, Reading, PA’s Jason Cintron is looking to continue on his hot streak when he faces off with Norwalk, CT’s Shakha Moore in an eight-round junior-welterweight fight. Cintron, 12-1 (3 KO) won a dominant decision victory in his last fight against Maurice Chalmers just two weeks ago and looks to make another statement against the 10-15-3 (2 KO) southpaw Moore.

Also, lightweight Van Oscar Penovaroff (4-0-1, 3 KO) of Kailua Kona, HI, junior-middleweight Keenan Collins (12-5-2, 8 KO) of York, PA, bantamweight Joey Silva (9-2, 4 KO) of Denver, CO, middleweight Derrick Webster (5-0, 4 KO) of Glassboro, NJ, heavyweight Craig Tomlinson (25-15-1, 13 KO) of Reading, PA will appear on the card in separate bouts against opponents to be named shortly.

Tickets, priced at $65, $50, $35 and $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at Kingsboxing.com, the Sovereign Center Box Office at 700 Penn Street in Reading (610-898-7200) and at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com). Through April 15, if you buy one ticket you get another of equal or lesser value free.

MEETS JEAN MARC MORMECK IN PARIS ON MAY 6

Pensacola, FL–USBA and NABA Heavyweight Champion “Fast Fres” Oquendo 32-5 (31 KOs) has signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Square Ring Promotions and will face former two-time world champion Jean Marc Mormeck 34-4 (22 KOs) on May 6, 2010 at the Halle Carpentier arena in Paris, France.

Oquendo, 36 years old, had two opportunities for world championships. On Sept. 20, 2003, he lost a controversial decision to Chris Byrd for the International Boxing Federation crown in Connecticut. In his very next fight, he was ahead on the scorecards, when there was a very controversial stoppage in the 11th round against John Ruiz in Madison Square Garden for the World Boxing Association title on April 17, 2004.

“We were very fortunate in signing Oquendo that Mormeck and his promotional company, J3M Promotions, who we’ve been collaborating with, were interested in fighting Oquendo in his next heavyweight bout,” said John Wirt, CEO of Roy Jones, Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions. “I see it as a crossroads fight between two outstanding veterans with the winner being in line for a world title opportunity.”

“When Mormeck agreed to meet me, he made a big mistake,” said Puerto Rican born Oquendo who lives in Chicago. “I am grateful for the opportunity he gave me, and I respect him as a former two-time cruiserweight champion, but now he is dancing with the big boys and this is a totally different ballgame up here.”

Mormeck won his first heavyweight outing against tough Vinny Maddalone in Paris on December 17, 2009 with an 8th round decision. This will be his second bout as a heavyweight in Europe, since the champions are all Europeans.

The fight will be seen live on the Orange Television Network in France.

Three-time World Champion ISRAEL “MAGNIFICO” VAZQUEZ and two-division World Champion RAFAEL MARQUEZ are announcing the fourth chapter of their storied rivalry. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Espinoza Boxing Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, Vazquez-Marquez IV: “Once And Four All” will take place Saturday, May 22, at STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, Calif. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will televise the 12-round featherweight rumble live nationally at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®.

Russian middleweight Matt Korobov today was added to the Kelly Pavlik vs. Sergio Martinez fight card April 17 in Atlantic City, N.J.

Korobov, 10-0, is coming off his best win, a blast of hard punches and a first-round stoppage over Lamar Harris on Feb. 13.

“Korobov took out a pretty strong fighter real quick in that one,” said Brad Goodman, matchmaker for Top Rank.

Korobov is training in Las Vegas with former U.S. Olympic coach Kenny Adams.

Pavlik will defend his world middleweight title against Martinez at the historic Boardwalk Hall.

Adamek Builds His Power Team – Training Camp Update

In preparation for his April 24th fight against Chris Arreola, (28-1, 25 KOs). Tomasz Adamek, (40-1, 27 KO’s), is in Houston, training with Ronnie Shields. Shields, no stranger to making cruiserweights into heavyweight champions, was a key part of the training staff that guided Evander Holyfield to his heavyweight titles.

Shields had this to say about his first weeks of training Tomasz, “I like Tomasz. I am very impressed with his work ethic. When it comes to training Tomasz is determined to give you his all, 100% of the time.” When asked if he could compare Adamek to Holyfield in any way, Shields said the similarity was not in boxing style, but in the way they both like to work hard.

“Right now we are working with mitts, shadow boxing, and heavy bag. I have watched him shadowbox and have learned a lot, now we know what we have to tweak. It’s already working and I am really pleased. Having all these weeks to train will make a big difference.” Shields added “Adamek is a believer of winning fights first in his head, then with his fists. Exactly my way of thinking, my kind of fighter. What Arreola expects and what he will actually get are two very different things. I think we are going to surprise him a lot. If he thinks this is going to be an easy fight he is wrong!”

Adamek spoke highly of Shields, “I like Ronnie, he has become my friend. He’s a quiet man. He is always watching, watching. I can tell he is focused only on me. Everyday he teaches me more. I was used to fighting European style, now I am learning more US style. More movement, more combinations.” Adamek summed it up by saying, “It is very hot in Houston, but I feel coming to training camp with Ronnie was the right choice for me. Each day I feel better, stronger. I feel a difference.”

Shields is laying the groundwork. Roger Bloodworth, who helped train Adamek in his last fight, is currently in camp with David Tua. He will join the Adamek camp after the Tua fight. Shields and Bloodworth have worked together close to 20 years. They have co-trained Eddie Hopson, Andrew Golota, David Tua and Pernell Whitaker. They have set up an intense training schedule with the help of conditioning coach, Brian Caldwell.

Adamek’s former trainer, Andrew Gmitruk, was advised by his doctor to give up training because of a health concern. Adamek spoke of Gmitruk, “I have a long relationship with Andrej. He taught me so much about boxing. I am sad that he had to stop training me, but his health is the most important thing.”

Kathy Duva is ecstatic about the new training team, “We are so pleased to have assembled this incredible team to train Tomasz. I feel this is a winning combination. I am happy to reunite with old friends like Ronnie, Brian and Roger. Each is a top notch professional and all of their records speak for themselves.” Duva added, “Main Events has had a lot of success over the past 25 years with all of three of them. Either working alone or in various combinations, with a number of our fighters, going all the way back to former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield.” Duva said, “I have no doubt that Tomasz will follow in Evander’s footsteps to become only the third cruiserweight champion to move up and win the heavyweight crown. This achievement would make him a three time world champion by the way, and the first man ever to achieve a Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Crown Trifecta.”

But first this team will work together to ensure that Adamek will be successful as he entertains the fans in his first HBO appearance. The fight will take place on April 24 when Goossen Tutor Promotions and Main Events in association with Ziggy Promotions present “RING OF FIRE” on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (11:15 PM ET/PT) at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. The scheduled 12-round main event will be for the NABO and IBF Heavyweight International Championship.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 14, 2010) – “Irish” Joey McCreedy is back being trained by “Irish” Micky Ward and Ward’s brother, Dicky Eklund, who worked with fellow Lowell (MA) resident McCreedy back when McCreedy was an amateur boxer and for McCreedy’s first six pro fights.

McCreedy (11-4-1, 6 KOs), the reigning EBA and New England super middleweight champion, made the switch back to Ward and Eklund after the Rivera Brothers Gym in Lynn (MA) was recently closed. The commute is much closer because Chelmsford is much closer to Lowell than Lynn.

Joey’s “new” corner will be with him March 19 when McCreedy faces veteran Dhafir “No Fear” Smith (22-19-6, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout on the “ShamRock’d” pro card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

“When the Rivera Brothers Gym closed, I went back with Micky and Dicky at Gold’s Gym,” McCreedy explained. “Nothing against the Rivera brothers. They were great and I’d still be with them if their gym hadn’t closed. Dicky is the best conditioning coach around. He’s unbelievable. Micky really pushed you in the gym. He’s not just some guy – he’s Micky Ward and nobody wants to let him down. Dicky trained Micky and both have been around. It’s great having them back in my corner”

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McCreedy was prepared to drop down to middleweight for an opponent who fell out, but he’ll fight Smith at super middleweight for their 6-round bout. “I’m definitely going down to 160,” Joey said. “When I fought Bobo Starnino at super middleweight, we were both the same height, so it didn’t matter. My last few fights I weighed in at 164 and my opponents were much heavier than me. I’m only (5-foot-8) and I’ve been fighting guys 6-1, 6-2 as a super middleweight and light heavyweight before that. In my last fight against (Otis) Griffin, I was around 174 (in the ring) and he must have been 190. My body has gotten used to losing weight. I walked around at 200 when I fought at light heavyweight, 185 as a super middleweight. I’m eating much better and after this fight I’ll stay in the gym and won’t weigh more than 180. I’m going to bring my power down to middleweight.”

Undefeated junior welterweight prospect Danny O’Connor (10-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Framingham (MA), puts his perfect pro record on the line in the 8-round main event against

Franklin Gonzalez (13-3, 9 KOs).

Four-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt (20-4-1, 7 KOs) faces former world title-holder Belinda “Brown Sugar” Laracuente (24-25-3, 9 KOs) in a 6-round bout. Two years ago, Clampitt defeated Laracuente by 10-round decision for the IWBF lightweight belt.

A 6-round rematch between EBA New England lightweight champion Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (12-0, 4 KOs) and McCreedy’s stablemate and Lowell neighbor, Sean Eklund (6-4, 1 KO), is on tap for the vacant EBA New England super lightweight crown. This inter-state rivalry matches Pawtucket’s (RI) Soto against Eklund, who is trained by his uncle, “Irish” Micky Ward, in a rematch of Soto’s controversial, split-decision victory last February at Twin River.

New Bedford (MA) welterweight Jason “School Boy” Pires (22-3, 9 KOs), the former USBA super bantamweight champion and active New Bedford police officer, faces an opponent to be determined in a 6-round bout.

Also fighting on the undercard in a 4-rounder is Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (4-0, 2 KOs) versus Roberto Burgess (4-2, 2 KOs), while Philadelphia lightweight Frankie Trader (6-0, 2 KOs) will fight an opponent to be determined. All bouts and boxers are subject to change.

Rollback ticket prices for “Shamrock’d” are $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00 and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (March 12, 2010) – Fan favorite Tony “TNT” Grano gained revenge for his only loss as a pro, winning a unanimous 10-round decision last night against Mark “Oak Tree” Brown in the main event on the “Brace For Impact” card, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES), in a sold-out Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Grano (17-1-1, 13 KOs) was cruising along through a rough fight until early in the final round, when lightning nearly struck again as Brown (15-3, 7 KOs), who knocked out Tony in the 8th round of their first fight, dropped Grano with an overhand right early in the 10th round. Grano, however, kept his composure and remained out of trouble to win on the judges’ scorecards (98-91, 97-92, 97-92).

“I didn’t want to overextend myself and rush in,” Grano commented. “This (revenge) was sweet. He’s a tough guy. He comes to fight. I give him credit for giving me a rematch.”

In the third round of the co-feature, super bantamweight Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver (23-2, 8 KOs) unloaded a right uppercut that dropped former 2-time world champion Kermin Guardia (37-12) for the 10-count in the third round.

“I did everything I had to do, everything that (head coach John) Scully told me,” Oliver explained after the fight. “I was relaxed and focused, instead of getting crazy in the ring. I felt real good. I cracked him to the body. It was a good shot and then he went down. I’m building everything back up (after suffering his only two losses, two years ago).”

Living legend and Hall of Fame trainer, Angelo Dundee, was inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony that included promoter Jimmy Burchfield and 5-time world champion Vinny Paz, who is a charter member of this exclusive club.

2008 U.S. Olympian Sadam “World Kid” Ali (6-0, 3 KOs) turned in an impressive performance, highlighted by the Knockout of the Night, in the third round against Jose “Hands of Steel” Duran. Ali hurt Duran early in the third with a left hook to the temple area and a finished him off with a right, followed by a vicious left hook that sent Duran to the mat for the 10 count, and his mouthpiece flying into his corner. “In the amateurs I used a lot of speed,” Ali said after the fight. My power has kicked in on by itself. In the pros you have to have power.”

Undefeated, power-punching Puerto Rican middleweight David Bauza (4-0) went the distance for the first time, out-pointing Erix Quintros in a 4-round bout for a majority decision that saw Quintros staggered a few times but never down.

Super middleweights Manuel Antonio Lopes (5-0-2) and Greg McCoy (0-1-1) fought to an entertaining 4-round majority draw.

New York light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) registered his third straight knockout victory, stopping Carlos Adams only 43-seconds into the opening round.

New Haven super lightweight Edwin Soto (3-0) kept his unbeaten record intact, out-classing veteran Joey Ortega by way of a second-round technical knockout.

CES moves over to Twin River (Lincoln, RI) next Friday night (Mar. 19), featuring unbeaten junior welterweight Danny O’Connor, in “ShamRock’d.”

“Brace For Impact” Results

HEAVYWEIGHTS:

Tony Grano (17-1-1, 13 KOs), Hartford, CT WDEC10 (98-91, 97-92, 97-92) Mark Brown (15-2, 7 KOs), Salem, NJ

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS:

Joe Smith, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs), Long Island, NY WTKO1 (0:43) Carlos Adams (2-8, 0 KOs), Memphis, TN

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS:

Manuel Antonio Lopes (5-0-2, 1 KO), Marshfield, MA MD4 (39-37, 38-38, 38-38) Greg McCoy (0-1-1), New Haven, CT

MIDDLEWEIGHTS:

David Bauza (4-0, 3 KOs), Hartford, CT WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 38-38) Erix Quintros (2-4, 1 KO), Atlanta, GA

WELTERWEIGHTS:

Sadam Ali (6-0, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY WKO3 (1:37) Jose Duran (6-5-2, 3 KOs), Sarasota, NY

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS:

Edwin Soto (3-0, 2 KOs), New Haven, CT WTKO2 (2:31) Joey Ortega (3-17, 1 KO), Lowell, MA

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS:

Mike Oliver (23-2, 8KOs), Hartford, CT WKO3 (2:19) Kermin Guardia (37-11, 21 KOs), Miami, FL

Top Rank Boxing and Cowboys Stadium announced Friday the release of Party Pass tickets to this Saturday’s welterweight championship fight between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey. These general admission tickets offer an excellent view and will be priced at $35 each. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster by visiting online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling toll free, 800-755-3000.

Party pass tickets give fans a chance to enjoy pre-fight festivities in the plazas outside Cowboys Stadium and access to six party decks located in the end zones of the stadium. Standing room viewing along the party deck rails is on a first come, first served basis. Large video screens with live broadcasts of the fight are on the plazas just outside the party decks.

Party pass tickets do not provide fans with a seat but do allow fans to move about the party decks and open spaces in the main concourses.

The title match pits boxing’s No. 1 pound for pound attraction and only seven-division world champion MANNY “PacMan” PACQUIAO and former world welterweight champion and current No. 1 contender JOSHUA CLOTTEY.

THE EVENT: PACQUIAO vs. CLOTTEY is promoted by Top Rank, and will take place Saturday, March 13 in Cowboys Stadium. The $1.2 billion stadium is the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venue in the world. Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, will be defending the World Boxing Organization welterweight title against No. 1 contender Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs), of Accra, Ghana.

On Friday April 2nd, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returns to the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT with what promises to be yet another action packed night of boxing. The card, broadcast live on ESPN’s ever popular “Friday Night Fight” series, is headlined by an exciting and meaningful welterweight crossroads battle between current USBA welterweight champion (IBF #5 world rated) Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) and former USBA light welterweight champion, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO). The bout is scheduled for twelve rounds and will be for Rodriguez’s USBA championship.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this sensational card to the Mohegan Sun,” stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing. “We had great success with our shows at Mohegan Sun in 2009 and we are looking to build off that and continue to provide boxing fans throughout the whole northeast area with exciting world class fights and entertainment.”

“Rodriguez vs. Arnaoutis is a very intriguing fight. You have two guys who are very familiar with one another and who have both been in very big fights throughout their respective careers. This is a huge fight for both guys. If Delvin wins, he reestablishes himself as one of the top welterweight contenders in the world. If Mike wins, he will show everyone that he is a true force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. Both guys are going to leave it all in the ring come April 2nd, which promises to produce an event you won’t want to miss.”

“Mohegan Sun is thrilled to bring back Star Boxing and Connecticut’s own Delvin Rodriguez for the main event. Star Boxing delivers great bouts each and every time they come to our arena, and April 2nd is shaping up to be a very exciting night of live boxing,” stated Bob Yalen, Director of Sports and Entertainment at Mohegan Sun.

The Danbury resident Rodriguez is coming off a high profile 2009. After an impressive win at Mohegan Sun in March in an Official IBF Title Eliminator, Rodriguez lost a heart breaking razor thin decision to Isaac Hlatshwayo for the IBF Welterweight Championship of the World in August (also at Mohegan Sun). In Rodriguez’s next fight in November, he traveled to Poland to square off against the countries native son, Rafal Jackiewicz, in yet another IBF Title Eliminator. In a bout that saw Rodriguez throw 700 more punches than his opponent and seemingly dominate for the entire twelve rounds, Jackiewicz was surprisingly awarded the decision.

“I had some real tough luck in 2009, but I’m done looking in the past, I’m looking forward to a fresh start with my career in 2010, and to repositioning myself for another world title opportunity,” stated Rodriguez. “This is a must win fight for me, and I plan on leaving it all in the ring come April 2nd. I respect Arnaoutis as a fighter, but there is no way he is going to come into my backyard and take my USBA belt away from me.”

Arnaoutis is no stranger to the controversy Rodriguez experienced in 09. In 2006 Arnaoutis lost a highly controversial split decision to Ricardo Torres for the Vacant WBO Light Welterweight World Title. In his last fight for the Vacant USBA Light Welterweight Title, Arnaoutis once again came up on the wrong end of a questionable split decision, losing to Tim Coleman in a fight that ringside announcers had Arnaoutis comfortably ahead in.

“The only thing on my mind right now is Delvin Rodriguez and my fight with him on April 2nd,” said Arnaoutis. “I’m looking at this fight like there is no tomorrow if I lose. I want that belt and I want to show everyone that I am going to be a force in the welterweight division, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

A complete list of the amazing and talent loaded undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. Star is currently holding choice seats for prime customers. To find out more information about this terrific offer or to purchase these exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000.

NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE TO OFFICIALLY

ANNOUNCE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT SET FOR

THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK CITY

TUESDAY, MARCH 16 AT 12:00 P.M. ET
WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Amir Khan and former Super Lightweight World Champion Paulie Malignaggi will hold a press conference in New York City to announce their world title bout set for Saturday, May 15 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York which will be televised live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark in the United States. The fight marks Khan’s United States debut which will take place in the backyard of New York’s Malignaggi.