Ruiz-Valuev rematch for WBA championship

LAS VEGAS (June 27, 2008) – Soon after it was announced that WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev had pulled out of his July 5 mandatory title defense against former WBA title-holder and No. 1 contender, Nikolai Valuev, due to another injury, John Ruiz, through his advisor and attorney, Tony Cardinale, contacted World Boxing Association officials demanding that, in accordance with WBA rules and regulations, the championship be vacated and negotiations ordered to begin for a title fight between Valuev and former 2-time world heavyweight champion, WBA No. 2-rated John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs).

Chagaev, who won the WBA belt on April 4, 2007 by winning a 12-round majority decision against Valuev, hasn’t made a mandatory title defense (due by April 4, 2008) because of a series of injuries, fighting one voluntary defense (WDEC12 vs. Matt Skelton, Jan. 19, 2008).

“We know that the WBA will follow its rules and regulations,” Ruiz said. “It’s already well past the time he’s had to make a mandatory defense and the WBA heavyweight title belt is being held hostage. We don’t need a hostage negotiator to take politics out of the heavyweight division. The WBA just has to do the right thing to move forward and give boxing fans what they deserve. The heavyweight division has been at a standstill in the WBA and it should follow its rules and order the top two rated contenders to fight for the title.”

In its last correspondence to the WBA, Team Ruiz anticipated Chagev being physically unable to defend his title against Valuev and informed the WBA that it would demand that the WBA follow its regulations if Chagaev sought a second postponement of his mandatory title defense.

Team Ruiz’ demand is pursuant to the following WBA Championship Regulations:

5.- DEFENSE OF THE TITLE
5.1 WBA TITLE DEFENSE
5.1.12 If a World Champion recognized by the World Boxing Association fails to comply with his obligation to defend the title on the date indicated by the Regulations, or fails to comply with his obligation for a World Championship fight, duly approved by the World Championships Committee, or fails to comply with any rule of the World Boxing Association, the Committee shall recommend the President and the Directory of the Association that his title be declared vacant.

8.- PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN A TITLE IS DECLARED VACANT

8.1 A World Championship may be lost because a of breach of the contract for a World Championship fight, or because of inability to fight, or because the period given by the World Championships Committee is over, or by failure to comply with the required weight at the weighting time, according to what is established in article 12.1 of the Regulations that Govern the World Championship Matches, however a World Championship can only be obtained as a result of a fight duly authorized by the World Championships Committee.

8.2 In the event that a World Championship is declared vacant, the two (2) Official Contenders shall fight for the vacant title, and for this, they shall be granted a period of no more that THIRTY (30) days to negotiate an agreement under the best possible conditions, with a duly qualified promoter. If they fail to negotiate the agreement within the time indicated, the Director of the World Championships Committee shall call a Purse bid. The World Championships Committee can open the fight to Purse Bid before the period given is over, as long as the parties (Champion or Challenger) state his unwillingness to negotiate an agreement for a world title fight.

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

Russia’s Last Emperor vs. The American Maine-iac
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia in “Affliction Banned”

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 26, 2008) – The Cold War might be over, but old rivalries die hard. On July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, two of the world’s greatest MMA super powers will collide when Russia’s Fedor Emelianenko faces off with America’s Tim Sylvia for the WAMMA heavyweight championship.

These two formidable heavyweight champions finally make it into the ring together, in an event as impressive as the two athletes heading the bill — “Affliction Banned.” These two heavy hitters are so accomplished it’s a challenge for them to find competitive opponents. The two are almost perfectly matched in number of professional bouts they’ve fought in, with Sylvia compiling 24 wins and only 4 losses, and Fedor recording 28 wins and 1 loss. It’s hard to imagine what it will be like in the ring with these two monsters of MMA go head-to-head.

Fedor is a powerful, intelligent fighter and technician who doesn’t outwardly show much emotion, but fights (and trains) with a lot of heart. This astounding fighter never retreats, has great takedown and ground control skills, and is the most devastating fighter that MMA has ever seen when he’s on the inside. And Fedor hits very hard, with amazing knockout power in both hands. Unlike most fighters, Fedor is also a master game planner who follows through on the plan, and simply doesn’t wilt under pressure, no matter what the circumstances. Fedor’s record is impeccable, losing only once when a referee decided to end a fight early when he sustained a bad cut from an elbow. All in all, Fedor seems virtually unbeatable.

Although Fedor is the top-ranking heavyweight in the world, there’s no doubt that Tim Sylvia is a force to be reckoned with. With a full 8 inches and 30 pounds over Fedor, Sylvia is a monster with an impressive record, surprisingly quick hands and a long reach that many opponents find hard to escape. His size and striking power, coupled with a rock-em sock-em attitude and stamina are a dangerous combination every time he steps in front of an opponent. Trying to regain the championship title in a fight in 2004, Sylvia wouldn’t tap out when Frank Mir
locked him in an armbar, even after his arm was snapped. The ref had to put an end the fight, because Sylvia, broken arm and all wouldn’t give up.

Fedor, who has already proved himself in the ring, is looking to earn a different kind of reputation with the American people. “As far as American fans, I’d like them to get to know me personally…not just as a fighter — as a human being as well.’ And Sylvia, who has suffered from some criticism and controversy, has a personal, as well as professional, agenda as well — he’s just looking for a little respect. A win against the current world heavyweight champion just might quiet the chatter and earn him the respect he yearns for. In Sylvia’s own words, “It’s time to see if Fedor still has what it takes to be #1.”

On the evening of July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, the MMA mega-event of all times —“Affliction Banned”— promises to bear this out.

“Affliction Banned” is stacked with so much world-class talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with “Affliction Live,” a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN (Fox Sports Net) starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET) and setting the stage for “Affliction Banned” – five super fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

The heavy metal band Megadeth, led by frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine, will be performing live at the event.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at Honda Center’s Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

If it weren’t for bad luck, Ruslan Chagaev wouldn’t have any at all. The WBA heavyweight champ was supposed to tangle with Nicolay Valuev on Saturday, July 5, but in sparring he suffered a complete tear of the Achilles tendon in his left ankle.

He’s scheduled to have an operation on Monday, and is expected to be back by the end of the year. The July 5th card will go on with WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm’s rematch against Randy Griffin as the topper.

Chagaev was bitten before by the bad luck/injury/illness bug; he was set to meet WBO titlist Sultan Ibragimov in a unification match on October 13, 2007 but cancelled, saying he’d contracted hepatitis B.

Chagaev defended his title against Matt Skelton on January 19, 2008, winning by unanimous decision.

THE NEXT “CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS”
TO BE BROADCAST JULY 26 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

In a Rematch of their Recent Controversial Title Fight on CBS,
EliteXC Middleweight Champion Robbie Lawler Will Defend Against Scott Smith, While Jake Shields Squares off Against Nick Thompson For the Vacant EliteXC Welterweight Belt

CBS to Broadcast Four Live Fights (Including Two Title Fights) From 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT; SHOWTIME to Televise Three Live Fights (Including EliteXC Heavyweight Title Fight) from 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT

LOS ANGELES, June 25 — CBS and EliteXC announced today that the next CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be broadcast live from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif. on Saturday, July 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The four-fight broadcast will be highlighted by the highly anticipated rematch between “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler and Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith for the EliteXC Middleweight Title.

The night of mixed martial action will begin with three live fights on SHOWTIME (8:00-9:00 PT, ET/PT) including an EliteXC Heavyweight Championship match featuring Antonio “Big Foot” Silva.

“One venue, two networks and seven exciting world class fights adds up to an entertaining and memorable mixed martial arts event in prime time,” said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.

In a rematch of their exciting, controversial first fight on May 31 on CBS, Lawler, the EliteXC middleweight champion from St. Louis by way of Davenport, Iowa, will put his title on the line once again against hard-hitting challenger Smith of Elk Grove, Calif. Their last meeting, a fight that many called the fight of the night, ended in controversy when doctors called the fight after Smith caught an unintentional finger in the eye late in the third round. Smith claimed he was ready to continue, but the fight was stopped and declared a no contest.

In a second world title fight on CBS, two of the sports’ most talented welterweights will collide when San Francisco’s Jake Shields, who has won nine in a row, gets his long awaited shot at a world title when he squares off against Nick Thompson of Minneapolis, Minn., who has won 12 straight and 20 of his last 21 fights, for the vacant EliteXC 170-pound belt.

The world title fights are scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.

Also on CBS, hometown favorite Nick Diaz of Stockton, Calif. will face Thomas “Wildman” Denny of Hesperia, Calif. The talented Diaz, who will be seeking his third victory in three months, needs a win to stay in the hunt for a potential rematch with ElliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons. Denny, a winner in four of his last five fights, is coming off a first-round disqualification victory over the highly regarded Malaipet on March 21, 2008.

Flores rejects CES offer to fight Godfrey on ESPN show

PROVIDENCE (June 25, 2008) – Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) president Jimmy Burchfield has expressed his disappointed that USBA cruiserweight champion BJ Flores (21-0-1, 12 KOs) has rejected an offer to fight NABF cruiserweight title-holder Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) in an ESPN2 main event next month.

Flores is rated No. 2 by the IBF, as well as No. 7 and No. 8, respectively, by the WBO and WBA. Godfrey, ranked No. 5 by the WBC, was dropped from the WBA and IBF rankings when he fought Rudy Kraj (LDEC12) this past February in an WBC title eliminator.

The cruiserweight division has been left wide open with David Haye’s recent move up to the heavyweight ranks. Flores and Godfrey are two of the top American cruiserweights in a division now primarily ruled by Europeans, excluding IBF title-holder Steve Cunningham.

“Flores and his people refused the challenge to fight Godfrey on ESPN2,” Burchfield said. “They’ve been shooting their mouths off in the media about wanting to fight a top cruiserweight, but they claim that there isn’t enough money in a fight against Godfrey, that it belongs on HBO or Showtime. Well, HBO and Showtime aren’t interested in that fight. Flores hasn’t had a fight since he beat Darnell Wilson (WDEC12) last December on ESPN2. I think they’re being shortsighted. The winner of a fight between BJ and Matt would be the top American challenger at 200-pounds and then HBO and Showtime would have to be interested. Both BJ and Matt need a big win to get to that level.

“Look, BJ, I can have a contract to you within 24 hours. You’ve talked a lot, now it’s time to put your name on the dotted line. It was time to put up or shut up and I guess BJ shut up. Reconsider and take the fight. This is the second time I’ve offered you a fight against Godfrey.

The last time you were promoted by Silverhawk and I don’t know if you ever knew about it. You do now. We believe Matt Godfrey is the top American cruiserweight contender. Here’s you’re opportunity to prove you’re the real No. 1.”

For information about CES, its shows or fighters, call 401.724.2253/2254 or go on line and visit www.cesboxing.com.

NEW YORK (June 25, 2008) – The return of unbeaten world middleweight title contender “Ireland’s” John Duddy to Boston highlights Saturday night’s (June 28) “Hassle In The Castle,” presented by Irish Ropes Promotions, at The Castle.

Duddy (24-0, 17 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBC and WBO, faces Charles Howe (17-4-2, 9 KOs), in the 10-round main event. The popular Irishman has a growing fan base in Boston, where he has fought and served as a television color analyst in the past.

The 8-round co-feature pits a pair of middleweights, 2000 Canadian Olympian Donald Orr (12-0, 5 KOs), now fighting out of South Boston, against former Mexican Pacific Coast champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (44-37-2, 37 KOs)

Two-time U.S. National amateur champion Edwin Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs), of Worcester (MA), takes on dangerous Hector Hernandez (10-2-2, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Also on the undercard in a pair of 6-rounders, Boston by way of Ireland cruiserweight Mark Clancy (7-0-1, 1 KO), 4-time Irish National amateur finalist, meets Salah Zabian (6-10, 4 KOs), of Lee (MA), while Lynn (MA) junior welterweight Simeon Dunwell (7-0, 2 KOs) squares off against Aaron Drake (13-6, 9 KOs). Anthony Accardo (1-0, 1 KO) fights Broderick Antoine (2-5-1, 1 KO) in a 4-round match. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Limited tickets are priced at $50.00 $75.00 and $100.00 and are available up until Friday, 4 PM at The Kells (Jerry Quinn – 617.733.4535) in Allston, Porter Belly’s (Sean McCormack and Pat O’Sullivan – 617.254.3300) in Brighton, Shenanigans Bar & Grill (Shay Harris – 617.269.9509) in South Boston, and The Banshee Pub (617.436.9747). Tickets will also be on sale until midnight Friday through www.irishropes and at the door Saturday night at the fights. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.

By popular demand, we have added a new feature to TSS to make it more user friendly, with a nod to the superlative residents of TSS Universe who add so much to the site with their insight and commentary.

As of now, TSS All-Star Commentators will have their comments posted IMMEDIATELY.

To become an All-Star, keep posting, and you will get there!

I am so proud of the comments section on our site, and how we give a voice to the most well-informed, passionate fightwatchers on the Web! I use that phrase, “our site,” deliberately, because I feel like we have an immense staff, far larger than our roster states, because you guys throw in your two, and three cents, with such regularity.You all who comment are truly part of the team.

–Editor Mike

PS A big thanks goes out to the webmaster for implementing the system!

Bay Area Ca. June 23, 2008
Two-time world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (22-1-1, 15 KO’s) has made the decision to vacate his IBF Featherweight title and move up to Jr. Lightweight. The decision came about as Guerrero, who stands at 5′8 ½, struggled to make weight in his last two championship bouts.

Since he was eighteen years old, Guerrero has been fighting in the Featherweight (126 lbs) division. Now twenty five, “The Ghost” feels he’ll be physically more powerful at Jr. Lightweight (130 lbs) as he stated, “It’s been my childhood dream to become a world champion and I’ve accomplished that goal at Featherweight. I’m truly appreciative to the IBF for giving me the opportunity to fight for their title. I’ve been at this weight since the amateurs. I’ve come to realize that I can no longer make Featherweight and feel strong. I’m older now, my body has matured, so its time for me to move up in weight. The extra four pounds will only make me stronger. At Jr. Lightweight I believe I’ll be more effective.”

Guerrero won his first world title on November 9, 2006 when he stopped Eric Aiken at the Staples Center due to a vicious body attack. Aiken could no longer continue after the eighth round, giving The Ghost a TKO vicory.

On February 23, 2007, “The Ghost” became two-time world champion when he traveled overseas and defeated home town hero, Spend Abazi, via ninth round TKO. Robert was put in the difficult situation to cross continents, when Orlando Salido, who out pointed him on November 4, 2006, tested positive with the powerful steroid nandrolone. Salido was stripped of the title giving Guerrero the opportunity to regain his championship belt. The bout was later ruled a no decision.

In his first title defense Guerrero knocked out Martin Honorio in the first 56 seconds of the opening round. The fight took place at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson AZ, on November 3, 2007.

February 29, 2008 at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore CA, Robert knocked out Jason Litzau in the eighth round. A perfectly timed uppercut sent Litzu to the canvas, ending the contest at the 2:25 mark, as Guerrero defended his title for the second time.

“My goal now is to become a world champion at the Jr. Lightweight and Lightweight divisions.” said Guerrero, “I want to challenge all the big names, guys like Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. I feel confident in my ability to accomplish my new goals.”

Day three, Cayman diary. Toonoy version. I have to say I’m eating humble pie right
now, I thought the promotion would be a flop, ticket sales were not good, and I had
a few of the fights down as being potential mismatches. How wrong I was. In true
Caymanian tradition everyone left it until they arrived at the gate to buy their
tickets, and it was a virtual sellout of around 2,500, though as you could wander
and stand where you liked, that may have gave the impression of 5000 - plus we were
bloody noisy (I gave a few ‘big up’s to Radam, Smiley and the don, don’t know if you
heard me fellas?). The promotion was hyper professional, with no more than ten mins
between each bout, and one of our local steel pan bands playing not just between
bouts, but between rounds. Clifford had funded a great firework display over the
caribbean sea to start the televised part of the evening off, I was surprised
Showtime didn’t use it. Every fight was explosive, it was just a shame that Charles
Whittaker didn’t get a little air time. I woke my son Joe up to see Tommy Hearns, he
may only be six, but he’ll appreciate it when he’s sixteen. I may be rambling here
to you city boys, but to be at an event like this in our little island, is quite
something. Would you be standing in the bogs in some big Vegas casino, peeing next
to, and talking to Dan Goosen about what a great show he put on? By the way, he said
it was Wayne, not Cheryl, that called it quits. And Mr.Avila. Pleasure to meet you
sir, sorry I couldn’t make it to the Weston before your flight, but you’ll be
pleased to hear Joe’s hockey team won their game. I hope you enjoyed your stay and
will join us again if and when they run Cayman Knockout II. Pathetic fanboy that I
may be (and I’m sure I’ll get some stick for it), it made my day that you seemed to
know who I was, and sod Facebook, TSS is my second home. Fo’sure, holla back ladies,
pinoy power, and Toonoy to you all my brothers. Andy from Newcastle, and Wee Joe.

Will WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz defeat boxing mega star Manny Pacquiao? Can a tough champion with a good motor overwhelm an icon with devastating power? Is gritty determination enough or does speed kill? The world will know on Saturday, June 28, when David Diaz puts his belt on the line against WBC Super Featherweight Champion Manny Pacquiao.

Making a case for a Diaz win is not too daunting a task. Diaz has fought big names on big stages and no fighter earns 34 victories by chance. Diaz is a strong lightweight with a superior work rate and a durable chin. He had a stellar amateur career topped off by out pointing Zab Judah twice to advance to the 1996 Olympic games. As a professional Diaz has wins against title contenders Ener Julio, Jaime Rangel and Jose Armando Santa Cruz. In the biggest fight of his life Diaz charged from behind to defeat legendary brawler Erik Morales. In his typical, aggressive style Diaz out worked Morales eventually breaking him down. The unceremonious beating sent Morales into retirement. Diaz is a career lightweight or heavier who has victories over true welterweights (Pacquiao first campaigned at the light flyweight limit of 108 lbs).

Manny Pacquiao is ranked #1 pound-for-pound by The Ring magazine. He possesses a lethal combination of speed and power that overwhelms his foes and covers his flaws. Pacquiao has 35 KOs in 51 fights for a knock out rate of 68%. In his last dozen fights Pacquiao is an outstanding 10-1-1. His record is all the more impressive when you consider whom he has faced. During this span Pacquiao twice defeated Marco Antonio Barrera. Juan Manuel Marquez is 0-1-1 against him. Morales defeated Pacquiao the first time they met and then lost the rematch and the rubber match. Throw in victories over Mexican warriors Emmanuel Lucero, Hector Velazquez, Oscar Larios and Jorge Solis and it is no wonder some call him the Mexican Assassin (David Diaz’ family is from Guerrero, Mexico).

TSS Nation, log in for round by round coverage of the Pacquiao v. Diaz lightweight championship tilt on Saturday June 28, starting at 9 pm EDT / 6 pm PDT. TSS will be ringside to bring you the action as it unfolds.