Mightygloves - Boxing News, Women's Boxing

Irish flyweight Tyrone McCullough bowed out of the World Cadet Championships in Azerbaijan tonight following a last 16 reversal to Nadirov Bakhtiyar.

McCullough,from the Illies Golden Gloves club, was beaten 19-6 by the Azerbaijani puncher in sweltering hot conditions in Baku.

Lightweight Paddy Harkin will be in the ring tomorrow against an opponent to be announced.

Bernard Roe, Jason Quigley and Conrad Cummins, who make up the five strong Irish squad in Baku, will see last 16 action on Monday.


World Cadet Championships Results: August 31st (last sixteen)

Tyrone McCullough (Ireland) lost to Nadirov Bakhtiyar (Azerbaijan) 6-19


Irish Squad and Management for 2007 World Cadet Championships:

50Kg: Tyrone McCullough (Illies Golden Gloves)
60Kg: Paddy Harkin (St Brigids Clonmany)
63Kg: Jason Quigley (Finn Valley Donegal)
66Kg: Conrad Cummins (Clonoe)
70Kg: Bernard Roe (Dublin Docklands)

Team Manager: Sean Canavan
Coaches: Jim Moore and Jim Payne
R&J: Sadie Duffy
Physio: Mark Adams

Posted by mightygloves.com at 7:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

McBride: “It’s great having a manager like Jerry Quinn, who has been very good to me, putting together my new team. Talk is cheap; seeing is believing. It’s going to be an exciting fight with two big men in the ring. Fighting has been a dream for me and it wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for Jerry Quinn. You’re only as good as your last fight, but it was ill advised for me to fight, and now I’m focused and hungry.

“Boxing is the toughest sport in the world. One punch can change a chapter. When I land my big punch on Golota’s chin it’s going to be the next chapter for me as I continue my dream of winning the biggest prize – the world heavyweight title. I will be the first Ireland-born heavyweight champion of the world. I accomplished my other two dreams in boxing: fighting in the Olympics and fighting Mike Tyson. My father told me if I believed in myself and worked hard I’d beat Tyson and I did. It was the greatest night of my life. I beat one legend, Tyson, and met the biggest of all, Muhammad Ali, who told me I was the latest and he was the greatest.

“I’m excited to be fighting in Madison Square Garden where all of the great heavyweights have fought like Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano. This is going to be like a modern day Cinderella Man story. I know I have what it takes to be champion of the world ad I’m going to make it there with the team ‘Mighty’ Quinn has put together. It’s going to be a great night, more exciting than the Tyson fight. Golota’s a big name, too. I’m stronger than I was in the Tyson fight, lifting 260 pounds back then and 460 now. You can see the difference.

“There will be a lot of Polish there for Golota, but I’m going to have a lot of Irish supporting me, waving the Irish flag high when I win. On October 6th I’m going to win and retire Andrew Golota the same way I retired Mike Tyson.”

Posted by mightygloves.com at 7:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Story by Jim Amato

In the early 1970's he was the hottest light heavyweight in the world. He would eventually garner three shots at recognition as champion. All three would travel the true champiomship distance of fifteen rounds. In all three Jorge would come up short.

Jorge turned pro in 1968 in his native Argentina. In his home country he would meet future champion Victor Galindez four times. Jorge would win one by decision. On three occasions he was stopped by the great Galindez. They would meet again.
He split a pair of fights with the highly respected Avenamer Peralta. He also drew with the highly regarded Raul Loyola. When he decided to invade the US in the summer of 1973 he sported a 31-5-1 record. Little did he know the impact he would make when he hit New York City.
He made his his N.Y.C. debut in July when he halted the rugged Hal "TNT" Carroll in eight rounds. He followed that by stopping Ohio's smooth boxing Ray Anderson in eight. In September he outscored the always game and clever Jose Gonzalez. He ended 1973 by battering another tough Ohio battler, Billy "Kelly" Wagner in seven.
Jorge opened 1974 with an impressive stoppage of the highly regarded Bobby Cassidy. In the next three months Jorge defeated Vern McIntosh, Terry Lee and Angel Oquendo.
In June in Alberquerque, New Mexico Ahumada received his first crack at the crown facing the feared champion Bob Foster. It turned out to be a sloppy fight marred by low blows. The great Foster aged this night and many felt Jorge outhussled Foster. The bout was called a draw and Foster retained his crown.
Foster decided to retire and in of October of 1974 Ahumada was matched with John Conteh for the vacant W.B.C. version of the title.
John Conteh could have been an all time great. He was an outstanding boxer and a sharp hitter. He was also game to the core. His drawbacks, he was injury prone and he was no LaMotta in the whisker department. Against Ahumada he was at the top of his game and won the title with a well deserved decision.
In the hot summer of 1975 in N.Y.C. Jorge would get one more chance as he faced his nemisis Victor Galindez who had captured the W.B.A. version of the title.
Jorge hung tough but again Victor was the master and Galindez would retain his crown.
That was Jorge's swan song. In November he would travel to Hamburg, Germany and lose to a fighter he had once defeated, Ray Anderson. That was it.
Jorge retired with a 42-8-2 ledger. He scored 22 KO's. He received a lot of ink in the early 70's but came up a bit short. He truly falls into the catagory of "Almost A Champion" !

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Images Courtesy of Y Nathirah Beshier of 1Life Boxing

Posted by mightygloves.com at 3:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

LOS ANGELES (August 30, 2007) — To kick-off the exciting promotion of the highly anticipated Miguel Cotto and Sugar Shane Mosley Welterweight World Championship fight on November 10 at the "Mecca of Boxing", New York City's Madison Square Garden, the fighters will engage in a three-city media tour starting Wednesday, September 5 in San Juan, Puerto Rico followed by stops in New York City on Thursday, September 6 and Los Angeles on Monday, September 10.

In addition, and as part of the promotional efforts, the fighters will travel from New York to Bristol, Connecticut on Friday, September 7 to be the live, in-studio guest analysts on the season ending edition of ESPN's Friday Night Fights, marking the first time the show has ever hosted opponents from the same fight. Miguel Cotto will then travel to Miami for a weekend of press activities that will include a live appearance on Univision's national sports show Republic Deportiva. The fighters will meet up again in Los Angeles on November 10 for the final press conference before heading to their respective training camps to begin preparations for their extremely competitive battle.

"Fast & Furious", the 12-round World Welterweight Championship will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden.

The Cotto vs. Mosley pay-per-view telecast, airing at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 61 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your Cotto vs. Mosley fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.
COTTO VS. MOSLEY TOUR DATES AND CITIES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5—PUERTO RICO, Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6— NEW YORK, Madison Square Garden (WaMu Theater)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7—BRISTOL, CT, ESPN's Friday Night Fights

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10—LOS ANGELES, House of Blues (Sunset Blvd.)

Posted by mightygloves.com at 9:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Story by Jim Amato

I like Rocky Juarez but I think Marquez is the better fighter. Never count Rocky out though because of his power. I didn't know that Ouma-Mora was made. Good strong test for Sergio who I have always felt was a bit over rated. Ouma's a former champ and a world class boxer. If Mora can beat him it will silence a lot of his critics. I'm sticking with Ouma. Bojado-Forbes really gets my interest. I always felt Bojado was a can't miss prospect but up to now I was wrong. Forbes is a stern test for him . Bojado is strong and he hits hard but Forbes is about as slick as they come. A real pro. I'm on the fence on this one.

Vitali should win but has the layoff hurt him ? McCline is no chump. If Jameel is right it could be a very long night for Vitali. This has the makings of an upset.

Taylor-Pavlik ? This has Fight Of The Year written all over it. Who's going to win ? I'm pulling for Kelly but this is a very difficult fight for both men. I can't wait to see this one. Berto and David Estrada on the undercard should be a competitive match. Berto's a great prospect but Estrada has faced tougher opposition. I'll go with Berto who is a rising star but Estrada is a very formidable foe.

Chad Dawson...Need I say more. He may be the best light heavyweight out there.

I'm picking Sam Peter over Maskaev in what should be a slugfest. Golota-McBride ...Who cares ?

I'm sorry but I just think Manny's got Barrera's number. Bad style match up for Barrera. I'm not a fan of Sultan but he is a fast starter and Evander seems to take a couple of rounds to warm up. I'm rooting for Holyfield and if he can take the fight into the later rounds, he's got a shot.

Juan vs Julio. Put your money on Diaz...Just kidding. I like Juan in this fight but Julio is a decent boxer who can bang a bit. This is no walk in the park for either guy. I don't think Alan Green is as good as everyone else does but I believe he's a notch above Manfredo.

Calzaghe-Kessler. I gotta go with Joe but Kessler is to be taken VERY seriously. I think Joe will just outwork him in a very entertaining fight.

Mosley-Cotto...Good God what a great match up. I look for Cotto to come from behind to pull out an exciting victory. I like both of these guys and I hate to see either one lose.

Mormeck-Haye. I want to see it. I can't make a call on this one because I'm not that familiar with Haye. A lot of people whose opinion I respect are very high on Haye.

Guzman-Soto ? Should be a good fight. Guzman impressed me when I watched him.

I like Ricky Hatton but I can't see him beating Floyd. Just for the record though, I hope Hatton wins.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

McBride: “I’m coming here (NYC) to win. I’m a big heavyweight and I proved myself against (Mike) Tyson. A lot of people said Kevin McBride wouldn’t beat him and I did. Talk is cheap and I have to do it October 6. You’re supposed to be as good as your last fight, but I’ve changed my whole team, totally. Before the Tyson fight I benched 260-pounds; now I can do 460, and I feel strong. But I have to prove it in the ring October 6, on my own. I have a great team behind me now.

“I wanted to fight in the Olympics and I accomplished that. I fought my idol, Mike Tyson, and it was a great night beating a legend. Years before in my first pro fight I fought a draw – it should have been a win – and afterwards I told my father I wanted to fight Tyson someday. He said if I believed in myself and worked hard I would. It was the greatest night of my life. And I met Muhammad Ali, who shook my hand and said, ‘I’m the greatest, you’re the latest.’ I was supposed to get a world title fight but I didn’t get good advice or have structure. I took one fight that I barely won and I lost my last fight. Mike Mollo didn’t beat me; I beat me. Now, Jerry Quinn is 100-percent behind me with our new team.

“I’m looking forward to October 6th. I’m a man of action more than words. This is the toughest game in the world; unforgiving but it’s going to be an explosion. Andrew Golota is going to need all the Polish there; I’m going to have a lot of Irish there for me. I appreciate all of the Irish supporting me and they’ll witness a fairytale story that’s real. I’ve dreamed of fighting in Madison Square Garden and on October 6th I’m going to knockout Andrew Golota. It ain’t going the distance.”

Posted by mightygloves.com at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEW YORK (Aug. 28, 2007) – In less than seven months, ProElite's respected live fight division, EliteXC, has gained the reputation for delivering consistently competitive, thrilling and memorable live Mixed Martial Arts events that showcase the world's top fighters.

Under the watchful eye of Live Events President, Gary Shaw, EliteXC and SHOWTIME already have produced many significant accomplishments and has made MMA history on a couple of occasions; the most noteworthy of which: EliteXC is the first and only MMA organization on premium television.

On Saturday, Sept. 15, at Oahu, Hawaii, EliteXC will establish another first when it presents the most significant MMA event in Hawaiian history and the initial collaboration between EliteXC and Hawaii-based promoters and former rivals, ICON Sport and ROTR (Rumble On The Rock). The remarkable event will feature an explosive five-fight telecast airing live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) followed by four fights streaming live at the premier mixed martial arts social networking and entertainment site, ProElite.com.

In an excellent championship main event, Murilo “Ninja” Rua will make his initial EliteXC title defense against always-dangerous ICON Sport titleholder, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler.

One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in MMA, the well-regarded Nick Diaz will make his anxiously awaited EliteXC debut and first start in six months when he faces Hawaiian star Mike Aina in the “Uprising” semi-main event at Blaisdell Arena.
Diaz trains with Cesar Gracie’s camp in California. Aina is a member of BJ “The Prodigy’’ Penn’s camp in Hawaii. Their clash will be the second of two gripping Team Gracie vs. Team Penn matchups.
The other Gracie vs. Penn matchup will pit Gracie’s talented, streaking top-10 welterweight, Jake Shields, against Penn’s Renato “Charuto” Verissimo.
The Golden Girl of MMA, sexy Gina Carano will face tough-taking Tonya Evinger in a 140- pound fight while Joey Villasenor and fellow tough guy Riki Fukuda will collide at 185 pounds in the telecast’s other bouts.

With the exception of the championship bout, “Ninja” vs. Lawler, all of the televised bouts are slated for three, 5-minute rounds.
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007

The popular Ninja (14-7-1), who’s aggressive style makes for scintillating scraps, rallied from a first-round knockdown to capture the first EliteXC 185-pound crown with a second-round TKO over Villasenor on June 22, 2007, at San Jose, Calif.

After getting dropped in the opening round, Ninja landed a flurry of punches early in the second before decking Villasenor with a right hand counter. Rua rushed in on the downed opponent and landed several more unanswered blows before the referee halted matters at the 1:05 mark.

“I am really looking forward to fighting again and fighting for the second time with EliteXC,’’ said the crowd-pleasing ‘Ninja,’ whose strategy will be take the fight to the ground. Ninja possesses power and a good all around game, but he is weakest at standup, which is Lawler’s strength.

“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,’’ said ‘Ninja.’ “This will be a great fight.’’

Ninja is a jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai black belt. He and his brother, Mauricio (“Shogun’’), are members of the Brazilian Hall of Fame.

Long regarded as one of the world’s top middleweights, Lawler (14-4, 3-1 in ICON sport) is known for utterly destroying opponents with an aggressive, almost reckless style. Of his 14 victories, Lawler has recorded 11 knockouts with his machine-like power punches,

In an excellent performance, Lawler, of Davenport, Iowa, registered a fourth-round knockout over UFC and Pride veteran Frank Trigg to earn the ICON Sport middleweight belt on March 31, 2007.
A fan favorite who puts as much heart and bad intentions behind his punches and lethal flying knee attacks as anyone could expect, Lawler was supposed to defend on June 30, 2007, but he separated his shoulder and the fight was cancelled. This is his first fight since. “I am ready now,’’ he said. “Let’s go.’’
Highly revered by MMA fans, Diaz owns a win over Lawler and has challenged Frank Shamrock. “I watched his last fight and no disrespect intended, but I think I would whoop his butt,” Diaz said.

Diaz, of Stockton, Calif., will be making his EliteXC debut after fighting some of the sport's biggest names during a three-year stretch (2003-2006).

“We've kept our word about signing fighters and letting them fight in other organizations,’’ Shaw said. “I think this a great move for Nick. He wasn’t happy or doing well in the UFC; now he can be one of the top dogs.

“As everyone knows, EliteXC is getting better and better. Nick’s still young and a great fighter.’’

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Diaz will be entering the cage for the first time since an impressive gogoplata submission victory over Takanori Gomi in a Fight of the Year candidate that wound up going into the books as a no contest.

For his return, Diaz will compete as a lightweight. When he submitted Gomi in February 2007, he fought as a welterweight.
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007

Aina (8-5-1) specializes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. He may not have a lot of name recognition, but he is better than his record indicates and owns victories over Rick Screeton, Rosco McClellan, Albert Rios and Kaleo Kwan.

Like Diaz, Aina has never turned down a fight and wants to brawl. “I’m tough," Aina said. “Standup is my strength, but over the years, I've become pretty well-rounded. I can do pretty much everything well, so I'm comfortable anywhere.’’

The Hawaiian trains at Penn's gym in the former oven room of a cracker factory, which has produced a multitude of up-and-coming fighters hoping to emulate the proprietor.

“It's opened things up for me,’’ said Aina, a mechanical technician by trade. “My skills have improved by leaps and bounds. I came here a few years ago, and I'm continuing to learn. Over the years, I've stayed pretty consistent and I'm looking to just keep going.’’

Shields, of San Francisco, is undefeated since December 2004. If triumphant against “Charuto,’’ Shields may get a shot at the first EliteXC welterweight championship in his next outing. In a division that worldwide is top-heavy in talent, Shields is considered one of the best at 170 pounds.

“Charuto is a tough veteran I've been looking forward to fighting,’’ said Shields, who has upended Yushin Okami, Hayato “Mach’’ Sakurai and WEC welterweight champ Carlos Condit and recently called out Frank Twigg. “I was supposed to fight Charuto about a year ago so I'm happy it's finally going to happen.

“This is the kind of fight true fans of ground fighting should really appreciate. We are two good grapplers. But I have been working on my stand up and I’m sure he’s been doing the same.”
Verissimo, a jiu-jitsu black belt, is considered one of the top Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors in the world. Charuto, which means cigar in Portuguese, is hoping to smoke Shields.
A former world title contender, Verissimo has been in against the best, including Carlos Newton, Matt Hughes and Trigg. This will be his first start since March 2007 when he defeated Lars Haven by TKO. That fight was his first since returning from a self-imposed nine-month retirement.
“It was too important to me to stay away from fighting, especially in Hawaii,” said Verissimo, who is known for accepting bouts only against top-ranked opponents. “I wanted to come back in a good way and show everybody that I could still compete.’’
“Charuto’’ was raised in Rio de Janiero, but moved to Hawaii 10 years ago to become a blackbelt instructor. One of his students was BJ Penn. When Penn started competing in the Octagon, Renato also became involved in MMA. Ironically, Penn trained Verissimo during the latter stages of his retirement.
“I just kept training hard with BJ and then I felt like I wanted to compete again,’’ he said.
One would be hard pressed to find an athlete in any sport whose star has risen as far and as fast as the incredibly popular, personable Carano (4-0), who is signed to a multi-year contact with EliteXC.
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007
Since a breakthrough performance during EliteXC’s debut event on SHOWTIME in February--her epic victory over Julie Kedzie came in the first nationally televised women’s bout—Carano spent the following months pursuing various outside the ring ventures, including doing fight commentary, interviews, photo shoots and starring in Oxygen’s “Fight Girls” reality television series.
It’s apparent the moment you meet Gina that she’s the epitome of strength; a strong woman by any measure you elect to use: mentally, spiritually and physically. Yes, she is more than a pretty face.
Carano, 24, of Las Vegas, was slated to fight June 2 but contracted an intestinal virus while shooting the Oxygen show in Thailand. She was hospitalized a week for dehydration.
“I’m healthy now and feeling great,’’ said Carano, who trains at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. “I was feeling better a week before the June 2 fight, but that wasn’t enough time so I had to withdraw.’’
Carano, who got national notoriety for her quote -- “We're not hitting tennis balls. We're hitting people. Isn't that more exciting?” -- knows better than to underestimate the rugged Evinger.
“I don’t take anyone lightly,’’ Gina said. “I know I’ve got a big target on me, so I don’t care what a person’s record is, I’m going to train hard and be completely healthy for it.’’
Gina had better be fit.
Evinger (4-2, 4 KOs), of Oak Grove, Mo., is regarded as one of the meanest, roughest, toughest athletes in MMA. Her family owns a racetrack, but she doesn’t horse around in a cage.
The confident, fast-taking Evinger, a slammer and banger in the truest sense, doesn’t come to merely win, but to dominate and destroy. A nationally recognized former grappling champion who participated in the Pan American Games, she has been wrestling 13 years, training in jiu-jitsu for four years and kick-boxing for three.

“This fight could make my career, so I want to win bad.’’ said Evinger, who moonlights as a construction worker at a cement factory. “I can't tell you yet how she’ll take a loss because I don't know exactly how tough she is. I guess I will find out soon enough.

“Hopefully this will be an exciting fight all around with me winning. My wrestling is the stuff so all I have to worry about is beating my opponent’s standup. I can take her game away and I think that is the most important part. I want to throw and I know Gina will, so we'll see who has the heavier hands.

“I love to knock opponents out and that's what I'm going to do, but I will never risk a fight on a KO if I have a submission available. Either way, Carano had better take a good look in the mirror before the fight because she won’t be able to recognize her face when I am done with her.’’

A dedicated athlete, Villasenor lives, breathes and eats MMA. He is never in a dull fight, and will be looking to regain his winning ways against the often-avoided Fukuda.

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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007

“Fukuda is a guy nobody wants to fight, but this is a fight I want and I am looking forward to,’’ said Villasenor, of Albuquerque, N.M., who impressively defeated David Loiseau on Feb. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME, but lost to “Ninja” by TKO in his last start. “I am ready to prove that the result of my last EliteXC battle was a fluke.’’

A five-time King of the Cage champion and former IFC light heavyweight champion, Villasenor established a record for fastest knockout in an MMA fight, a four-second victory over Hank Weis in 2004. “On Sept. 15, I will prove I am back and show what I am really all about,’’ Villasenor said.

Fukuda does not speak English but his talent and skills speak volumes. Some feel, while still untested, he is legitimate championship material.

Up to now, a guy with a solid wrestling background has been his own worst enemy. Fukuda may be too good for his own good. The talented yet still unknown is too strong for the up and comers, and too risky a proposition for the established guys.

“All I can do is wait for the fights and beat the guys they put in front of me,’’ said Fukuda, who trains at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose. “Eventually, my time will come and the top guys will have to fight me.’’

In his EliteXC and SHOWTIME debut last Feb. 10, Fukuda looked like a future star en route to dominating Chris Gates en route to a first-round submission due to strikes.

“We are very excited about EliteXC working together with ICON and Rumble On The Rock to bring this type of tremendous fight card to the islands on Sept. 15,” Shaw said. “Working together is works and we are going to prove that with a card aptly titled ‘Uprising.’

“This cage fight card from top to bottom could easily be a pay-per-view event. But EliteXC was committed to bringing its first fight card to the islands at no additional cost.”

“ICON was the originator of this sport in Hawaii, but there is no question that ROTR were the innovators,’’ ICON president Patrick Freitas said. “ROTR came in and definitely raised the bar. Now the two of us, Hawaii’s two largest arena organizations by far, are coming together for the first time.

“The collaboration of these two juggernauts has been a long time coming. At one point, for the longest time, we were our biggest rivals. But now, we are working together with EliteXC to put on what will be Hawaii’s biggest MMA extravaganza. Fans are in for a great night of fights on Sept. 15.’’

Offered JD Penn, who heads up ROTR: “This is a natural step up in the process of ROTR. We always had our eyes on the biggest prize. And, for now, this is it. With the expertise from both our groups, ROTR and ICON Sport, and EliteXC, we have the makings of becoming an unstoppable force in MMA.

“I am really looking forward to the first of our many collaborations, and I know fans on the island and viewers on SHOWTIME are, too.’’

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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007
EliteXC announcer Mauro Ranallo will call the play-by-play with Stephen Quadros and Bill Goldberg serving as color analysts. The executive producer of the telecasts will be David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
Immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast, ProElite.com, the premier mixed martial arts social networking and entertainment internet site, will once again be streaming additional live fights.
Immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast, ProElite.com, the premier mixed martial arts social networking and entertainment internet site, will once again be streaming additional live fights.
ProElite.com Live Streaming Fights
(Card Subject To Change)

Middleweight (185 pounds)
Kala Kolohe Hose vs. Jeff “Pee Wee” Cox

Middleweight (185 pounds)
Mark Kurano vs. Jose “Bomber” Diaz

Bantamweight (135 pounds)
Mark Oshiro vs. Nui Wheeler

Welterweight (170 pounds)
Brandon Wolfe vs. Chad Klingensmith

For more information on EliteXC, ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series and other MMA-related stories, including bios, videos, photos, stats and more, please visit www.SHO.com/Sports, ProElite.com, and EliteXC.com.
About Pro Elite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 9:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don King hosted a press conference today in Chicago attended by Juan Diaz and Julio Diaz formally announcing their lightweight world championship unification match (WBA, WBO, IBF) at Sears Centre in nearby Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Oct. 13. Both proud Mexicans were respectful of one another, but said and reiterated the fight is of tremedous personal importance to each of them.

Juan Diaz: “I think this will turn out to be the fight of the year and maybe the fight of the century because both Julio Diaz and I want to win so bad. They will have to take me out of the ring on a stretcher for me to lose this fight.

“This is going to be a great, action fight. I’ve got a bull’s-eye on my head. Everybody wants what I have. Many consider me to be the best lightweight boxer out there so everybody wants to fight me.

“Both of us have the first name of Diaz. We had no choice when we were born. It’s just the name our parents gave us, no matter how much people want to make of all that.

“In February, Julio asked me to put my books down to fight after he became the IBF champion. In April, I picked up the WBO lightweight belt by defeating Acelino Freitas to go with the WBA championship I have held for a long time. Now is the time for a unification fight.

“We are getting very close to having an undisputed lightweight world champion. I give all my respect to Julio Diaz but on October 13, I will be the one leaving the ring with three of those world titles.

Julio Diaz: “I’ve been asking for Juan Diaz for a long time. This is something that has been important to me and I didn’t want to let it go. He is the biggest star in the lightweight division today. He’s undefeated, a unified world champion with the WBA and WBO belts.

“I’ve won some big fights. I am a two-time world champion and the current IBF champion but I haven’t gotten the attention that Juan has. I want what he has and I’m coming to get it. I want to be a unified world champion.

“Juan and I have a lot in common. We have the same last name and I see his parents cry when he goes in the ring just like mine do. We’re also both Mexican warriors. We will put on a great fight and the best man will win.”

Posted by mightygloves.com at 9:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.—One of the most exciting prizefighters in the sport of boxing today, undefeated World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization lightweight champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz, and the reigning International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz will meet in a compelling lightweight world-title unification match at Chicagoland’s new Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $75 and $35 go on sale today (Wednesday, Aug. 29) at 10 a.m. at the Sears Centre Box Office, select AMCORE Bank Outlets, by phone at 1-888-SEARSTIX, or on-line at www.searscentre.com.

“El Dia de Los Diaz” (“Day of the Diaz”) will also feature a full undercard of domestically non-televised attractions headlined by Chicago’s emerging heavyweight contender “Merciless” Mike Mollo (18-1, 11 KOs), taking on another Chicago fight-fan favorite Art “The Polish Warrior” Binkowski (16-1-3, 11 KOs). Mollo stunned Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride with a second-round stoppage in Chicago on Oct. 7.

The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Sears Centre. The main event will be telecast on HBO’s Boxing After Dark series beginning at
11 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT (tape delayed on the West Coast).

“This Diaz vs. Diaz showdown is going to be one of the top fights of the year,” promoter Don King said. “Juan and Julio epitomize the spirit of the great Mexican warriors.”

Juan Diaz (32-0, 16, KOs), from Houston, earned his “Baby Bull” moniker by deploying a relentless, attacking, crowd-pleasing style reminiscent of the best Mexican champions that have come before him. He became the second-youngest boxer in history to become a world champion in 2004 when he defeated Lakva Sim in Houston to win the WBA lightweight title at the tender age of 20.

(More…)

El Dia de los Diaz lead press release – Page 2

He successfully defended that crown six times before stepping into the ring on April 28 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut to take on Brazilian legend and WBO lightweight champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas. Juan pursued the only-once-beaten Freitas with a dogged zeal that led the Brazilian knockout artist to remain on his stool after the eighth round rather than continue.

Being one of the top boxers in the sport is apparently not enough of a challenge for Diaz. He is a junior pre-law major at the University of Houston-Downtown. He was also recently deputized as Volunteer Voter Registrar in Houston. The first voter he registered was his mother.

Standing in the 23-year-old’s way of becoming boxing’s next great superstar is Julio Diaz (34-3, 25 KOs), 27, born in Huiquilpan, Mexico, now living in Coachella, Calif. A two-time world champion, Julio became the IBF lightweight champion in 2004 by defeating Javier Jauregui.

Rather than face his IBF mandatory challenger, Julio vacated that title to pursue the WBC lightweight crown by facing then-champion Jose Luis Castillo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Feb. 5, 2005. Julio put up a spirited challenge before being stopped by the more experienced Castillo in round 10.

He rebounded quickly and won the IBF interim title by scoring a unanimous decision over Ricky Quiles at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., on May 18, 2006. This set up a Feb. 3 showdown in Kissimmmee, Fla. for the outright IBF belt against defending champion Jesus Chavez.

Many thought this fight would be an epic brawl, but Julio dominated Chavez from the outset, winning the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards before Chavez crumpled to the mat in round three with a knee injury that left him unable to continue.
● ● ●
The Sears Centre is an 11,000-seat multi-purpose arena that is home to the Chicago Storm (MISL Soccer), Chicago Shamrox (NLL Lacrosse), and Chicago Slaughter (CIFL Football) located just off I-90 and Rte. 59 in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Since opening in October of 2006, the Sears Centre has hosted concerts featuring The Who, Billy Joel, George Strait and others. For a list of upcoming events, please visit our website at www.searscentre.com.

Juan Diaz promoter Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995. DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.

Julio Diaz promoter Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego is more than living up to its reputation as the fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional force in boxing; it’s redefining the boxing industry. Since making its promotional debut during 2004, Sycuan Ringside Promotions--the first Native American-owned boxing promotional company--already has three current world champions, two former world champs and promoted and presented world title bouts across the country on premium cable networks.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Irish coach Jim Moore is quietly confident that they can do well at the 2007 World Cadet Championships which begin in Azerbaijan this Friday (August 31st).

The five man Irish squad arrived in Baku on Monday last and are putting the finishing touches to their preparations ahead of the ten day tournament at the Heydar Aliyev Sports Hall by the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Russia will be strong favourites in Baku having already collected 46 medals from the five previous World Cadet Championships, including 23 gold.

The Ukraine are traditionally strong at this level also having claimed 29 medals up to this point, while Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have 26 medals each to their name.

The draw for the 2007 World Cadet Championships will be held this Friday, and Moore, speaking from Azerbaijan, is looking ahead to a tournament which will feature two hundred and thirty boxers representing thirty nine nations.

He said: "We will be keeping our fingers cross for a favourable draw on Friday as there are some very strong nations out here. It is also extremely warm and humid in Baku at the moment so that is something we will have to cope with also.

"The squad have prepared well for this tournament and we are quietly confident that we will do well"

The opening ceremony for the 2007 World Cadet Championships, which is reserved for boxers of fifteen and sixteen years of age, will be held in Baku this Friday.

The 2007 World Cadet Championships conclude on September 9th.



Irish Squad and Management for 2007 World Cadet Championships:

50Kg: Tyrone McCullagah (Illies Golden Gloves)
60Kg: Paddy Harkin (St Brigids Clonmany)
63Kg: Jason Quigley (Finn Valley Donegal)
66Kg: Conrad Cummins (Clonoe)
70Kg: Bernard Roe (Dublin Docklands)

Team Manager: Sean Canavan
Coaches: Jim Moore and Jim Payne
R&J: Sadie Duffy
Physio: Mark Adams

Bernard O'Neill
Public Relations Officer
Irish Amateur Boxing Association
Ph: 086 057 9558
Fax: 061 408627
bernard.oneill@oceanfree.net
www.iaba.ie

Posted by mightygloves.com at 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

See List Of Events in Extended Entry

Scheduled fights include:

UFC Veteran Dan Lauzon vs. Wayne Harnois Ronnie Wuest vs. Jesse Peterson

Mike Varner vs. Randy Rowe Bobby Dias vs. JP Christini

Woody Weatherby vs. Chandler Holderness Mike Deleo vs. Greg Sterns

Phil Gizzi vs. Jarod Tirrel Sean Ratcliffe vs. Nick Tzimas

Seth Davis vs. Mike Curtis Jason Doloff vs Charlie Thomas

Jim Gonzales vs. Greg Croteau Jamie Campbell vs. Bobby Gallant

Jonas Fernandez vs. Adrian Fulk Aguilano Brandao vs. Joe Cushman

Belleton Frederic vs. Jerry Spiegel Dan Bonnell vs. Geo Sontay

*Fight card subject to change.*

Special Guests expected in Attendance: UFC Fighters
Marcus"The Irish Handgrenade"Davis; Kenny "KenFlo" Florian; Drew "The Master" Fickett; Sean "The Gladiator" Gannon; Jorge "El Conquistador" Rivera; Mark DellaGrotte"The Ultimate Fighter 4" Muay Thai Coach; Peter Welsh "The Ultimate Fighter 2" Boxing Coach

Posted by mightygloves.com at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Knockout Publicity

Recently, a press release was issued in which Glen Johnson called out the likes of Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson and Clinton Woods. Johnson claimed to be feared and ducked by the division's best. In that piece, Johnson failed to mention one fighter, a boxer whose name he avoids repeating as if it invoked The Candyman: Shaun George.

"Those guys are preocuppied," says George, 15-2 (7 KO), of Johnson's choice of opponents. "They're doing their own thing right now. It's clear they don't want to fight you. I'm willing and able. You're calling them out, well I'm calling you out. Let's make it happen. Stop ducking and dodging. You have a date coming up, I want in."

"He knows fighting me is a mistake," continues George, who is promoted by Hall of Fame Promotions. "When it all comes down to it, he's fighting for the money. Why would you want to fight a guy like Roy Jones Jr, somebody you already knocked out? If I beat somebody, I'm never thinking twice about that guy. You think you're one of the best, you think you're the toughest, your presser says you're aging like fine wine, well then step up to the plate."

Shaun George hoped to fight Glen Johnson on ESPN2 in July, only to see Johnson select Fred Moore. Hall of Fame Promotions' phone calls were repeatedly ignored by Team Johnson, depriving the fans' of an exciting main event.

"I respect him as a fighter, but I would put him down. Glen Johnson wouldn't last the whole distance. There are certain intangibles in his style, certain things that I've noticed. Everybody thinks he's aging like fine wine, but the dude is slipping. I want to expose that. If he steps in the ring with me, I would end his career."

Shaun George also mentioned undefeated Chris Henry, 21-0 (17 KO). "I heard Chris Henry is calling out everyone, well Daddy's home. He opened up his mouth, so I want him. He's a decent fighter, he can box and punch a little, but I'm willing to step in there with him. My motivation is that he has the NABF and NABA belts, and I want them."

Shaun George had words for Antonio Tarver too, a man he holds open disdain for.

"He has no heart. He lacks character. I don't like the way he acted after the fight with Elvir Muriqi when he tried to kick somebody out of the ring. He has no respect. He doesn't want to be a fighter anymore, he wants to be an actor. I don't consider him a fighter anymore. If he has a problem with what I'm saying, tell him to get in the ring, too."

While Glen Johnson and Chris Henry wait for the division's elder statesmen to give them money fights, remember Shaun George is here and ready.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.¡ªTickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. (Wednesday, Aug. 29) to see the highly anticipated lightweight world championship unification match pitting undefeated World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization lightweight champion Juan ¡°Baby Bull¡± Diaz against International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio ¡°The Kidd¡± Diaz in the first major boxing event ever staged at the new Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $75 and $35 can be purchased beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Sears Centre Box Office, select AMCORE Bank Outlets, by phone at 1-888-SEARSTIX, or on-line at www.searscentre.com.

¡°El Dia de Los Diaz¡± (¡°Day of the Diaz¡±) will also feature a full undercard headlined by Chicago¡¯s emerging heavyweight contender ¡°Merciless¡± Mike Mollo (18-1, 11 KOs). Mollo stunned Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride with a second-round stoppage in Chicago on Oct. 7.

The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Sears Centre.
¡ñ ¡ñ ¡ñ
The Sears Centre is an 11,000-seat multi-purpose arena that is home to the Chicago Storm (MISL Soccer), Chicago Shamrox (NLL Lacrosse), and Chicago Slaughter (CIFL Football) located just off I-90 and Rte. 59 in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Since opening in October of 2006, the Sears Centre has hosted concerts featuring The Who, Billy Joel, George Strait and others. For a list of upcoming events, please visit our website at www.searscentre.com.

Juan Diaz promoter Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995. DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.

Julio Diaz promoter Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego is more than living up to its reputation as the fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional force in boxing; it¡¯s redefining the boxing industry. Since making its promotional debut during 2004, Sycuan Ringside Promotions--the first Native American-owned boxing promotional company--already has three current world champions, two former world champs and promoted and presented world title bouts across the country on premium cable networks.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Jim Amato

Nino Benvenuti may be considered among the best amateur boxers of all time. He had a great professional career too. His first loss was on a highly disputed decision to Ki Soo Kim. He would win two out of three in a legendary middleweight trilogy with the highly respected Emile Griffith. Eventually though his star would diminish.

There was a non title draw in 1968 against Akron, Ohio's rugged Doyle Baird. It was a fight many thought Doyle won. Then came a loss to the terrific Dick Tiger. Then a life and death DQ win over Fraser Scott. Nino was then cut and on the verge of losing before he landed a left hook on slick Luis Rodriguez to retain his title. In Nino's next bout he was halted by Tom " The Bomb " Bethea. Benvenuti had obviously under rated Bethea the first time around as he whipped Tom good in a rematch. Still you could see Nino was not the fighter of days gone by.

In November of 1970 enter Argentina's Carlos Monzon. A disputed draw against the feared Bennie Briscoe earned Carlos a rating. Still Carlos was not considered a serious challenge to Nino's crown. WRONG !!! Maybe Nino was on the downside of his fabulous career. Maybe a prime Benvenuti would have fared better against Monzon In my opinion Nino is lucky he met Monzon when he did. Any sooner would have resulted in the end of Nino' s title reign. Make no mistake about it folks, Carlos owned Nino.

Benvenuti could not intimidate Monzon. Carlos could have cared less about Nino's complaints to the referee. To Monzon it was a street fight with a few rules. He mugged Nino. Along the eighth, ninth and tenth rounds Nino realized his dilemma. He could not hurt Carlos and he could not deter his aggressiveness. He knew he was doomed. Give Nino his due. He was a proud champion and he would go out on his shield. That is just what he did in round twelve as a Monzon right left him in a heap. Nino's title was gone.

Again a case can be made that Nino was past his prime. In his next fight he lost a decision to Monzon's countryman Jose Chirino. Still Monzon-Benvenuti II took place. This was child's play for Carlos as he dominated Nino until the fight was stopped in the third round. There is no doubt in my mind that Nino would have lost to Carlos anytime they fought.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Jim Amato

This is a series on fights where one fighter seemed to " own " the opponent.

What better series to start with then George Foreman and Joe Frazier. If there was ever a better example of styles make fights, I missed it. As great as Joe was and believe me he was great...He could have fought George a hundred times and never beat him. Joe was able to bull and back up the likes of good fighters like Oscar Bonavena, Buster Mathis Sr., Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis and a great one named Ali but he could not budge Big George. Against Foreman he ran into a brick wall. He could not move George but boy could George move him ! It was simple arithmetic...Power versus power divided by size equals KO to the Big Guy. A case of pure and simple OUCH ! In their dramatic first fight in Kingston, Jamaica in 1973 the astute, revered and sometimes hated Howard Cosell added to boxing lore with his famous " Down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier " call on the fight. Truth be told George bounced a game but over matched Frazier around the ring like a rubber ball. It was a shocking sight for those of us growing up at that time.

Well as history shows us George lost the title to Muhammad Ali. As he attempted to come back he met Frazier again. Joe looked different ( Shaved head ) and he fought different ( he tried to box and move ). It did not help. It only prolonged the inevitable. George caught up to Joe in round five and destroyed him.

George proved then and forever that he was the superior fighter when facing Frazier.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 11:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Andy Lee, Irish middleweight prospect boxing out of the Detroit Kronk Boxing Gym, USA chalked up his 11th straight victory of his 18 month career as a professional last night at the Point Depot, Dublin, Ireland.

Lee also making his Irish professional debut received a rapturous welcome from 7,000 Irish boxing fans as he entered the ring to trade punches with the strong and durable Ciaran Healy from Belfast.

The Kronk fighter demonstrated his mature attitude in the ring by carefully picking his opponent off with crisp punches to the body and head. In control at all times throughout the fight Andy unleashed some powerful body shots at the end of the forth round to hurt Healy.

To stop Healy enduring further punishment in the fifth round his corner wisely retired their boxer from going out for the fifth round.

Andy commented ' I'm delighted to be home on Irish soil again and fighting as a professional this time, the crowd gave me a terrific reception which I appreciate and it made me feel very good. I put in a measured performance and was patient during the fight with my punches to importantly get the result I wanted and win the fight. I will now be spending some quality time with my family in Limerick before returning to America next week.'

Emanuel Steward commented ' I was delighted with Andy's performance, he is a true professional athlete and takes the job at hand very seriously. To be in Ireland with Andy gave me a real buzz, he is a rising star in America but I feel that it is important his Irish fan base get to see him as well.'

' My old friend, Brian Peters did a terrific job with the promotion and getting Andy the right exposure on RTE television, I believe an estimated 600,000 people from a population of 6 million in Ireland tuned in for the fight. That's a real good result for the sport of boxing.'

Scheduled fights in October for Andy Lee in Chicago and Detroit are presently being arranged.


Damian McCann
Andy Lee Boxing Team

Posted by mightygloves.com at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

LOS ANGELES--Fans that have already purchased nearly $1 million worth of tickets to see a boxing match destined to be sold out featuring ¡°Ferocious¡± Fernando Vargas vs. Ricardo ¡°El Matador¡± Mayorga at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sept. 8 will have to wait for the bout to be rescheduled after a routine blood test by Vargas on Friday revealed a severe iron deficiency.

Vargas's doctor ordered him to not participate in the highly anticipated match and to take the necessary weeks of treatment to correct the problem.

Promoters of the event Don King Productions and Main Events in association with STAPLES Center will notify the public as soon as a rescheduled date can be confirmed.

Vargas (26-4, 22 KOs) is a two-time world champion and Mayorga (27-6-1, 22 KOs) is a three-time world champion. Their upcoming bout had been aptly dubbed ¡°The Brawl¡± after a highly contentious confrontation between the fighters erupted at the initial press conference announcing the event in Los Angeles and again at a subsequent press conference in New York.

Further information on the rescheduled date and refund policy will be made available in the coming days.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Andy Lee (11-0, 8 KOs) defeated Ciaran Healy (6-6-1, 1 KO) by TKO in Dublin, Ireland Saturday night in his first professional fight in his homeland.

Lee is trained and managed by Hall of Fame Trainer, Emanuel Steward and will be returning to the Poconos to train at Jermain Taylor's training camp. Taylor is also trained by Steward and will be fighting Kelly Pavlik on September 29 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Story by Jim Amato

He may have been one of the best pound for pound boxers of the 1960's but he was over shadowed by the antics of one Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali. He may have been the best fighter in the welterweight division during the decade but he never had a chance to prove it against Emile Griffith. Instead he labored in the back round, fighting and beating all comers. Only after Griffith moved up to middleweight and allowed him to capture the vacated title did Curtis Cokes gain some long over due recognition.

Curtis who never had an amateur fight began his professional career in Midland, Texas on March 24, 1958 outscoring Manuel Gonzalez over six rounds. Curtis and Manuel would get to know each other a lot better in years to come.Curtis was born on June 15, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. He would go on to win his next ten fights including an eight rounder over Gonzalez. Finally in April of 1959, one year after turning pro Curtis suffered his first career loss to none other then Manuel Gonzalez. A no contest in a match with the talented Rip Randall set up a rematch. Curtis took out Randall in the first round. Later in the year Curtis would drop a six round duke to Frankie Davis.

Cokes won four fights in 1960. In 1961 he moved up the ladder with big wins over Joe Miceli and Charley " Tombstone " Smith. Cokes then dropped a decision in Mexico to Hilario Morales.He then fought a draw with the clever Kenny Lane in Dallas. Back in Dallas two months later Curtis scored a huge win with a split decision over the highly respected Luis Rodriguez. Cokes would then meet and again decision Manny Gonzalez but would lose a points call to Rodriguez in a return match.

Curtis would bounce back in 1962 with five straight wins including knockouts over Hilario Morales and the rugged Rudolph Bent. Another trip to Mexico cost him another defeat. This time a decision to Manuel Sixto Alvarez. Four more wins led to a 1963 clash at the Sunnyside Garden in New York against contender Jose Stable. Curtis lost a very close decision. Cokes would then outpoint the very tough Stan Harrington. On May 1, 1964 Curtis travelled to the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia to meet the dangerous Stan " Kitten " Hayward. He would suffer a major set back as Hayward stopped Cokes in round four.

It was back to the drawing board for Curtis. Two decision wins over Al Andrews got him back on track but he dropped a ten rounder to the slick Eddie Pace. On December 13, 1965 Curtis won the Southern Welterweight title with a twelve round decision over Billy Collins. On July 6, 1966 Cokes stopped Luis Rodriguez one minute in to the fifteenth and final round of an eliminination bout for the welterweight title vacated by Emile Griffith.

Seven weeks after his win over Rodriguez, Cokes met old rival Manuel Gonzalez for the WBA version of the welterweight title. The battle took place in New Orleans. Curtis floored Gonzalez on his way to a lopsided decision and a world's championship. In November Cokes outclassed Frenchman Jean Josselin to win universal recognition as welterweight champion. Still many felt that Cokes was the champ only because Griffith had vacated the division. Curtis would go on to prove himself a worthy champion.

In early 1967 Curtis would have three non title affairs. First he drew with Francious Pavilla. He knocked out Ted Whitfield but then Curtis was outpointed by the wily Gypsy Joe Harris. Finally Cokes defended his title halting Pavilla in a return bout. Next came a very impressive stoppage of sharp contender Charlie Shipes. Two non title wins in early 1968 over Josselin and Jimmy Lester led to a defense in Dallas against South African contender Willie Ludick. An inspired Cokes flattened Ludick in the fifth round. Three non title knockouts in South Africa followed including a repeat performance over Ludick. Then came a one sided title retaining verdict over Ramon La Cruz.

Jose Napoles, a Cuban who had migrated to Mexico years before had long been considered one of the best fighters in the business. Still he had never received a shot at a world title. Curtis Cokes was a proud man and a proud champion. He felt he was the best welterweight in the world. He also knew that Napoles was a very worthy contender and that he deserved a shot at the title. They met at the Forum in Inglewood, California on April 18, 1969. On that day Napoles proved to the world that he was a special fighter. Jose out fought and battered the game Cokes throughout using a remarkable jab and bone jarring combinations. Hopelessly behind on points Curtis did not answer the bell for round fourteen and his belt was awarded to Napoles.

Maybe it was just a bad night but Curtis had to know so he went down to Mexico two months later to attempt to reclaim his championship. Again Napoles proved to be too much for the game Cokes and the bout was ended after ten rounds. Curtis would return seven months later as a full fledged middleweight. Cokes had hoped that old rival Luis Rodriguez would defeat middleweight king Nino Benvenuti when they met on November 22, 1969. Curtis was confident that Rodriguez would give him a crack at the middleweight title. After ten rounds Rodriguez had Benvenuti bleeding and bewildered and it looked like Luis was going to take the crown and then just like that, it was over. A crashing left hook put Rodriguez flat on his back for the count as the bleeding Benvenuti retained his crown.

With little hope of a title shot Curtis still campaigned as a middleweight. He won four bouts but then drew with Akron's Fate Davis, a fighter he he defeated seven months earlier. Cokes then lost decisions to Rafael Gutierrez and Carlos Salinas on the West Coast. Then he lost to Elijah Makathini in South Africa. By now it was 1972 and Carlos Monzon was firmly entrenched as middleweight king. There would be little interest in a bout between the great Monzon and the aging Cokes. Curtis returned to South Africa and won decisions over Joseph Hali and Ezra Mzinyane and then retired.

In 80 bouts Curtis put together a fine 62-14-3 record with one no contest. He won thirty fights by knockout. He was stopped only three times. He met the best welterweights of his era other then Emile Griffith.Curtis was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2003 With the help of mutual friend Steve Canton, I was able to reach Mr. Cokes and have a very nice conversation with him. I contacted him at his gym where he trains boxers. Curtis once trained highly regarded heavyweights Ike Ibeabuchi and Kirk Johnson. He also guided Quincy Taylor to the middleweight title. He also appeared in the boxing movie classic " Fat City ".

Curtis was extremely courteous and giving with his time. He said even though he and Manny Gonzalez met in the ring numerous times, they were very good friends. Curtis had a tremendous amount of respect for Luis Rodriguez and despite their battles they always maintained a friendly relationship. I asked him if he regretted never meeting Emile Griffith in the ring. Curtis more or less said that he had no control on Emile's decision to move up in weight. Did he feel he could have defeated Emile ? In his low key, respectful manner Mr.Cokes just stated he felt that he was capable of beating any welterweight in the world during his prime but he had a great respect for Emile's talent and that they are friends. He said the knockout loss to Stan Hayward in 1964 took him by surprise but he just put it behind him and moved on. He called Napoles a great fighter who he was just unable to overcome. Curtis really felt that if Rodriguez would have defeated Benvenuti, they would have met again. This time for the middleweight championship of the world.

I would like to thank Curtis Cokes for taking the time to speak to me one on one. I'd also like to thank promoter, trainer, gym owner and jack of all trades Steve Canton for helping me to contact Curtis.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

NEW YORK, Friday, August 24 - Unbeaten welterweight Andre Berto (19-0, 16 KOs) will get a chance to prove why the critics are raving about him when he faces world title challenger David Estrada on September 29 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Berto has been rated by nearly every major boxing publication and web site as one of the game's top talents under 25 years old.
Berto, 23, is that rare combination of speed and power, of finesse and brute strength. A member of the 2004 Haitian Olympic boxing team, Berto has been so dominant that 12 of his 16 knockouts have been in three rounds or less.

The Florida resident is thrilled to appear in his biggest fight in the co-featured bout to the middleweight championship between Jermain Taylor (27-0-1, 17 KOs) and Kelly Pavlik (31-0, 28 KOs), which is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Top Rank Inc.

"It's going to be an action packed, throwback night of boxing. I am honored to be the co-feature on the Taylor/Pavlik fight card. As always, I will train my hardest and put on the best possible performance for my fans," said Andre Berto. Berto is coming off a unanimous 10-round decision over durable veteran Cosme Rivera on July 27. It was the first time he had gone the distance in 15 bouts, since a Feb. 24, 2005 four-round decision over David Neal. He had 14 consecutive knockouts after the Neal bout.

"Andre Berto has made the transition from prospect to contender. On September 29th he will be tested by one of the very best welterweights in the division, David Estrada. This is a sensational television opener to a sensational main event," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

Berto's rise to the top will be challenged, though, by Estrada (21-3, 12 KOs), who has been in the ring with the likes of Sugar Shane Mosley and Kermit Cintron, the current IBF welterweight champion.
Estrada, who was a PAL national champion in 1997, was 50-10 as an amateur. "I'm excited about being the co-feature on the Taylor vs Pavlik fight, but what I'm very excited about doing is beating Andre Berto and getting my rematch with Cintron," said Estrada..

Tickets, priced at $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, are now on sale and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or by visiting
www.ticketmaster.com .

Posted by mightygloves.com at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEW YORK (Sept. 23, 2007) — SHOWTIME will premiere “Vargas vs. Mayorga: Countdown To The Brawl”—profiling two of boxing’s most colorful and explosive personalities—on Saturday night, August 25, at 1 a.m. ET/PT (immediately following the ShoXC, live MMA event). The 30-minute documentary program will air at various times on the premium network until Sept. 8, when “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas and Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga will meet in the ring to settle a personal score for machismo and pride. (See next page for complete schedule)

The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for 12 rounds at a catch weight of 162 pounds and will air live on Sept. 8 on pay-per-view (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

“Countdown To The Brawl” takes viewers inside the training camps and into the homes of both men to reveal their motivation, strategies of intimidation and the root of their volatile and now infamous first fight—at the announcement press conference in Los Angeles on July 11.

In addition, in depth interviews with Vargas, Mayorga and members of their training camps uncover a never-before-seen duality in each. These former world champions always have been known for toughness, bravado and street mentality, but that is only half of their personality; half of their motivation. Countdown To The Brawl shows the people behind the boxers, and the tremendous impact they have had on these competitors—both in their formative years and still today.

Vargas reflects on his childhood, growing up without his father and why it is important for him to be a good father to his children. “I am lucky I found boxing,” said Vargas. “I was going nowhere quickly. I wanted so much to belong to something. If I was asked to join a gang, I probably would have.”

Mayorga, on the other hand, is looking to re-claim his ring status and shed his disappointment after a personally devastating knockout loss to Oscar De La Hoya. “I need to fight somebody and beat him,” said Mayorga. “I am going to hit Vargas as hard as I can, because I just want to let this out, to get this out of my system.”

Featuring expert analysts Al Bernstein and Steve Farhood, journalists Steve Kim and Doug Fischer and boxing historian Bert Sugar, “Countdown To The Brawl” breaks down how this fight got personal and why this match up will be, quite simply, a brawl.

"VARGAS vs. MAYORGA: COUNTDOWN TO THE BRAWL"

DAY DATE TIME CHANNEL
Saturday Aug. 25 1 a.m. SHO (premiere)
Sunday Aug. 26 1: 20 a.m. SHO
Monday Aug. 27 6:10 p.m. SHO
Weds. Aug. 29 3:10 p.m. SHO
11 p.m. SHO
Thursday Aug. 30 Midnight SHO
Friday Aug. 31 11:30 p.m. SHO
Saturday Sept. 1 11:45 a.m. SHO
Midnight SHO
Sunday Sept. 2 5:40 p.m. SHO
Monday Sept. 3 1:35 a.m. SHO
Tuesday Sept. 4 12:30 a.m. SHO
Weds. Sept. 5 11:35 p.m. SHO
Thursday Sept. 6 7:35 p.m. SHO
Friday Sept. 7 2 a.m. SHO
Saturday Sept 8 12:15 p.m. SHO

The Sept. 8 fight card at STAPLES Center is a joint promotion between Don King Productions and Main Events in association with AEG and STAPLES Center.

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50 are on sale now online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000 and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers including Wherehouse Music, Robinsons-May, Tower Records and Ritmo Latino locations. Tickets are also available at the STAPLES Center box office and the box office at TEAM LA at Universal CityWalk.

The event will also be televised live domestically beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, at a suggested retail price of $44.95, distributed by SHOWTIME® PPV.

The Sports & Entertainment Center of the World, STAPLES Center is the downtown Los Angeles home of the most popular concerts, special events and five professional sports franchises: The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers; the NHL's Los Angeles Kings; the AFL's Los Angeles Avengers; and the WNBA's Los Angeles Clippers as well as championship boxing, tennis, family shows and special events. Since its October 17, 1999, grand opening, STAPLES Center, twice named Arena of the Year, has welcomed over 25 million guests.

Main Events was founded in 1978 by Kathy Duva's late husband Dan Duva. In addition to the hundreds of world title bouts it has promoted, Main Events has promoted some of the biggest PPV events in history, such as "Showdown" the 1981 undisputed welterweight unification bout between “Sugar” Ray Leonard and Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns; “The Battle of the Ages” 1991 undisputed heavyweight championship between Evander Holyfield and George Foreman; the “Miss Howard Stern New Year's Eve” pageant, and the 2002 Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson heavyweight showdown which at the time set the record for the highest grossing PPV event of all-time.

Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.

DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 9:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Berlin, Germany - IBF Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham retained his title with a devastating 11th round knockout. Brave Challenger Khoren Gevor was staggered in the 11th round by a left hook, blocked a right hook and went down to a following left hook.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Story by Jim Amato

The Last Of The Best

Category: Books
Genre: Sports
Author: Jim Murray
I've had the great opportunity to read many books. Most of which were
related to boxing, baseball and football. One of my favorite books is Jimmy
Cannon's "Nobody Asked Me, But...". Although less then half the book is
devoted to my three sports, the 90 or so pages that were are to me,
priceless. I still have the worn paperback edition and it will not leave my
collection until I find a nice hard back copy somewhere. They didn't make
writers like Jimmy Cannon any more, or so I thought.

Over the years the name of sportswriter Jim Murray kept coming to my
attention. He was basically a west coast writer so I was very unfamiliar
with his work. Then I saw his book "The Last Of The Best" and decided to
take a chance. Realizing that Mr. Murray had passed away I found this book
to be a compilation of his articles and essays.Guess what I found out ? They
did still make writers like that up until Murray's death. Again I read only
the subjects that interested me.

Jim Murray was old school. He traveled with the players. He played golf
with owners . He had a terrific understanding of what he was writing about.
He had a great gift of putting his words together like painting a picture.
He made you feel like you were right there with him as he covered an event.
He enlightened and educated his readers and he had a knack for humoring them
too.

Since I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio I was not really aware of Jim Murray's
work. I am now and I'm a much more knowledgeable person for reading it.
Jimmy Cannon and Jim Murray. I tip my hat to two of the best writers that
ever lived.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Jim Amato

The "Explosive Thin Man" Arguello, a champion in three weight classes
versus the highly underrated "other" lightweight champion from Panama,
Ismael Laguna. For all intents and purposes Alexis was at his best boxing at
130 pounds. When he was champion of that division he defeated Bobby Chacon,
Boza Edwards, Rolando Navarette, and Bazooka Limon. All of who won the title
AFTER Alexis moved to 135 pounds. Arguello won the lightweight title from
Jim Watt. His highest profile defense at this weight was his highly
competitive knockout of future champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini. Alexis
never lost any of his titles in the ring.

Ismael Laguna was one of the best pure boxers the lightweight division
has seen in the last forty years. Only Pernell Whitaker, Howard Davis, and
Hall of Famer Ken Buchanan can compare. To win his first title Ismael out
boxed another Hall of Famer, Carlos Ortiz. Ortiz would then outmuscle Laguna
in winning two subsequent rematches. Five years later Ismael would regain
the title by beating the talented Mando Ramos. He would then lose twice to
Buchanan ending his long career. In 75 bouts against many of the worlds best
including Vincente Saldivar and Guts Suzuki, Ismael was never stopped. His
final record was 65-9-1 with 37 knockouts.

It is no secret the Alexis always had trouble with mobile boxers. Clever
but light hitting Vilomar Fernandez gave him fits. Laguna would give Alexis
a lot of angles. Arguello was usually a slow starter and Ismael was a very
good counter puncher. Laguna was not a hard hitter but he was a sharp and
accurate puncher. It is highly conceivable that Laguna would jump out to an
early lead. Laguna's jab would get in more often but Arguello's would carry
much more sting. Whenever possible Alexis would try to work the body. This
would probably be the key for an Arguello victory. As the bout progressed
Arguello's body attack would slow Laguna down. Remember this would be a
fifteen round fight. By the later rounds Alexis would begin to land some
telling head shots. Laguna would be hurt but he would smartly evade Arguello's
attempts to finish him. Occasionally Ismael would score with light but
flashy combinations but mostly he would be forced to box defensively. The
decision would be close but Arguello's power and his late surge would carry
him to a unanimous decision. Now I wonder how Alexis would have done against
the "other" champ from Panama, Roberto Duran.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 9:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Story by Jim Amato

He was my first boxing idol in the late 60's. He was only a few years older then me and he was the LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD !!! This wasn't a version of a split title. This was the UNDISPUTED title. In his first title shot as a mere teenager he lost a close decision to Carlos Teo Cruz. The man who had dethroned the great Carlos Ortiz. Mando met Cruz in a return bout and he captured the crown on an eleventh round stoppage. He later lost the title on cuts to Hall Of Famer Ismael Laguna. Mando bounced back beating the likes of Raul Rojas and Sugar Ramos. Mando met Pedro Carrasco for the W.B.C. title and was blatantly disqualified. He then beat Carrasco in a rematch to claim that title. He also defended successfully against Carrasco in their rubber match.
The fast life finally caught up to Ramos and he lost his crown to unheralded Chango Carmona. He was then stopped by Tury "The Fury" Pineda and after a few ill fated comeback attempts, Mando retired.
Roberto Duran is my favorite fighter of all time. At 135 lbs. Roberto may have been the best, EVER... Still I would have loved to see Duran in his prime-vs-Ramos in his prime. It would have been a very interesting battle.

Posted by Kathleen Holland at 9:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEW JERSEY – Boxing champ, BOBBY CZYZ, is a fighter down to the last cell in his body. He’s a prize-fighter, but on a molecular level as well as in the ring. After having survived a horrific car crash – where CZYZ and his bodyguard/friend of 30-years were passengers in the latter’s Mercedes-Benz in April of 2007, driven by an associate of the bodyguard, a crash more devastating than suffered in any professional bout – CZYZ cheated death and lived not only to walk-away from his near-death injuries, but to triumph over them as stunned physicians had never before witnessed.

To celebrate the life of BOBBY CZYZ and to help raise funds for his ongoing and enormous medical expenses, BLISS LOUNGE in Clifton, New Jersey, is hosting “Bobby Czyz Night” on Friday, September 7th and will be donating 100% of its door and net-bar proceeds to CZYZ. This benefit is open-to-the-public (21-and-over) and will run from 8:00PM to 2:00AM. Admission: $20/person. The evening, dubbed “a celebration of life,” will be hosted by boxing legends: former Heavyweight Champion, LARRY HOLMES, and former Heavyweight Contender and inductee into the New Jersey Boxing Hall Of Fame, CHUCK WEPNER. New Jersey restaurant and nightclub impresario, JOEY HARRISON, will also co-host the evening. As part of the night’s festivities, WKTU Radio’s on-air personality, GOUMBA JOHNNY, will be master of ceremonies, and a sports memorabilia auction will cap-off the event. Boxing fans and sports fans of all stripes will be treated to a special video montage of CZYZ’s career, with highlights shown throughout the evening on oversized projection screens.

BOBBY CZYZ is a former IBF Light Heavyweight Champion (1986-87), a WBA Cruiserweight Champion (1991-93), and a WBU Supercruiserweight World Title-holder (1995-96). Of the many traits that set CZYZ apart, one of the most notable is that he’s a member of Mensa and boasts an exceptionally high I.Q. Of his life now, CZYZ says, “Nobody loves to live and party more than I do, and now that I’ve got a second-chance, I’m never going to quit!”

BLISS Lounge is located at 955 Allwood Road in Clifton, New Jersey, (973) 773-2110. For more information, contact Emily Tan by phone (917) 318-3758, e-fax (646) 619-4907, email EmilyEmilyTan@aol.com, or visit www.blisslounge.net.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reigning European Union welterweight champion Roy Sheahan has been withdrawn from the Irish senior squad for this weeks
round robin tournament in Germany as a precaution because of a hand injury.

Sheahan, from the St Michael's Athy club, picked up an injury to a knuckle on his left hand in training and it was decided that with the World Championships under over months away that he would not travel to Germany.

The Irish squad will fly out to Heidelberg in Germany today (August 22nd) to compete against Germany and France in what will be their last competitive tournament before the 2007 World Championships in Chicago.

The Irish Amateur Boxing Association will name at least a six man squad for Chicago although there is a possibility there
could be one extra boxer included on the panel for the tournament.

Four of the places on the Irish squad for Chicago have already been filled meaning that at least two further berths are still up for grabs for the World Championships which also act as the first qualifying tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.


The International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) announced yesterday that the 2007 World Championships would be the
biggest in world amateur boxing history.

A total of 114 nations and 623 boxers will be competing in Chicago between October 23rd and November 3rd.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 8:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOSTON (August 21, 2007) – For now, at least, Irish heavyweight champion Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride is best known as the fighter who knocked “Iron” Mike Tyson into retirement. McBride, however, can change his legacy if he defeats Andrew Golota on October 6, and then eventually attains his nearly lifelong dream of becoming the first Irish-born heavyweight champion of the world.

McBride (34-5-1, 29 KOs), now 34 and living in Boston, believed he’d get his world title shot after stopping 20-1 favorite Tyson in the sixth round of their June 11, 2005 fight. The 6-6, 280-pound Irishman thought he had fights lined-up against then world heavyweight champions John Ruiz and Lamon Brewster, but promotional problems and a series of questionable business decisions by his advisors cost McBride a chance to cash-in on the worldwide fame he had gained after beating Tyson.

Ten months after the Tyson fight, the now Don King-promoted McBride defeated Byron Polley and then, tapped out and desperate to get back in the ring, he took an ill advised fight against Mike Mollo, who knocked out McBride on national television in the second round, and Kevin’s once promising career suddenly was on the ropes.

“I beat my idol, Tyson, and by beating a name fighter like him, it got me in the picture,” McBride said. “I was supposed to get title fights but nothing materialized. I won my first fight (after the Tyson fight) but didn’t look good and then lost my last fight which I never really should have taken. Now, I have a new team and my manager, Jerry Quinn, is pulling no punches to get me my world title shot. I’m back with the strength-and-conditioning coach I had when I fought Tyson, Radovan Serbula. Jerry also hired a coach in the Boston area to work with me (Arsen Sarkisov), and then he brought in a world-class trainer to handle me, Buddy McGirt. I’m delighted with our whole new team that Jerry has put together.

“I have the ability to be world champion. I’m going to beat Golota and redeem myself. It will get me back in the picture for a world title fight. I’m not looking past Golota. I’m going in against him with one thing in mind – win at all cost. October 6th is going to open the door or shut it. One way or the other it’s going to be exciting. I started boxing at nine and that’s when I first dreamed of becoming the first Irish-born heavyweight champion
of the world. Now, thanks to Jerry, I have another chance to fulfill my dream.”

Quinn, a well known national philanthropist and successful businessman, who owns the Kells of Boston restaurant/bar, has been a good friend and sponsor of McBride’s for the past six years. Born and raised in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland, Jerry immigrated to the United States in 1972.
After his devastating loss to Mollo, McBride was left for dead, boxing wise, but Quinn put his money where his mouth is, becoming Kevin’s manager and undisputed leader of the New Team McBride.

“I always saw great potential in Kevin and believed he would be world champion after he defeated Tyson,” Quinn explained. “I still do. I made a proposal to him, a package that included a weekly salary, car, paying for his training, etc. But I wanted total control because it’s the only wait it could work. I knew that he wasn’t getting the proper training and guidance after the Tyson fight. I had a vision. I wanted to change his whole team, but Kevin wouldn’t accept it at the time, and he shot me down. He was committed to his old team and persuaded by them.

“Three weeks after his last fight, I made a similar presentation to Kevin, and he accepted. I make all of the business decisions now, working with my associate, Bob O’Guin. I sent Kevin back to Radovan and he works out with him six days a week. I hired a Russian trainer, Arsen Sarkisov, whose family has been in boxing for years. Kevin trains with him five nights a week in the Boston area. Back in April, I contacted Buddy McGirt and we went to his gym in Vero Beach (FL) for a week. Buddy was a great champion and he’s one of the best trainers in boxing today. There was immediate chemistry between Kevin and Buddy. He agreed to train Kevin, who heads back to Vero Beach around September 1 for a month of training camp. My job is to give Kevin the tools to become world champion; his is to train hard and fight. I still believe that he will be the heavyweight champion of the world.”

McBride represented Ireland in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona as the youngest super heavyweight ever. He was eliminated in what was only his sixth match and he then turned pro. Kevin fought a six-round draw in his pro debut against Gary Charlton in London, and then won his next 19 fights. In 1999, he relocated in Boston and his roller coaster like career has taken him to the heights of slaying Tyson to the depths of despair in his last bout.

With a new team in his corner, McBride continues his journey to become the first Irish-born heavyweight champion of the world. To get there, though, “The Clones Colossus” needs to get past Golota on Oct. 6 in a must win situation at the famed Madison Square Garden.

The green dream continues for Kevin McBride, thanks in large part to his new manager, Jerry Quinn. Winning the world title may be longshot for the likeable McBride but, then again, how many people honestly thought he’d beat Tyson?

Posted by mightygloves.com at 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

LOS ANGELES, August 20 – Two-division World Champion Joel Casamayor has fought and beaten the best from his days as one of the greatest amateur boxers to his stellar stay in the professional ranks. Now, the current WBC Lightweight Champion wants the big fights to cement his legacy and has enlisted Golden Boy Promotions to help him reach those heights in the coming years.

“Joel Casamayor is a brilliant boxer and one of the most underrated champions of the last 25 years,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “We are honored to have him on our team and with his talent and our promotional ability, we will get Joel the big fights he deserves and let the world see just how good he is.”

“Oscar and his company know what I can do in the ring and I know what they can do for me outside of it to get me to where I want to be in this sport,” said Casamayor. “I want to fight the best and be in the biggest events possible and I trust Golden Boy to get me there.”

A date and opponent for Casamayor’s return to the ring will be announced shortly.

A native of Guantanamo, Cuba and now resides in Miami, Florida, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor (34-3-1, 21 KO’s) was one of the greatest amateur fighters to ever lace up his gloves, claiming numerous titles and accolades to his name, including a Gold Medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

On the eve of the 1996 Olympic Games, Casamayor defected to the United States and as a professional, continued his commitment to excellence, compiling a record of (34-3-1, 21 KO’s), and winning world titles at 130 and 135 pounds while defeating the likes of the late Diego Corrales, Nate Campbell and Roberto Garcia. Although he has three losses (Jose Luis Castillo, Diego Corrales and Acelino Freitas) and a draw on an otherwise stellar record, ask any true boxing observer about those fights and many will admit that the controversial decisions in each bout should have gone the Cuban’s way.

Now, the 36-year-old Casamayor is not focusing on the past, but instead concerned with his future and putting together the biggest fights possible as he looks to further solidify his Hall of Fame credentials.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 9:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pennsylvania based veteran Dhafir Smith 17-16-5 {4 KO’s} has stepped in to challenge Contender season 1 star Jonathan “Reid Dawg” Reid 34-6 {19 KO’s}. The fight which will be the co-main event at the New Alhambra in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will be fought at catch weight of 165 lbs. Smith is stepping in for Rasheem Brown who pulled out for undisclosed reasons and will be looking for his second straight victory after scoring a shocking knockout over Brandon Mitchem on July 27th. Reid will attempt to impress the crowd in his first trip to Philadelphia as well as new promoter Diane Lee Fischer of Dee Lee Promotions.

Pennsylvania based veteran Dhafir Smith 17-16-5 {4 KO’s} has stepped in to challenge Contender season 1 star Jonathan “Reid Dawg” Reid 34-6 {19 KO’s}. The fight which will be the co-main event at the New Alhambra in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will be fought at catch weight of 165 lbs. Smith is stepping in for Rasheem Brown who pulled out for undisclosed reasons and will be looking for his second straight victory after scoring a shocking knockout over Brandon Mitchem on July 27th. Reid will attempt to impress the crowd in his first trip to Philadelphia as well as new promoter Diane Lee Fischer of Dee Lee Promotions.

Posted by mightygloves.com at 8:54 PM