Mightygloves - Boxing News, Women's Boxing

No horsing around for McGirt in Saratoga

2008-07-25T01:17:30Z

Courtesy of Bob Trieger
VERO BEACH, Florida (July 24, 2008) – Don’t expect to see middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-1, 9 KOs) betting horses at The Spa, beautiful Saratoga Race Track, at least not until Saturday despite him spending several days this week in Saratoga Springs.

]]> McGirt, coming off his first pro loss in April to Carlos DeLeon, Jr., broke camp Wednesday in Vero Beach (FL) and headed north to upstate New York strictly on a business trip to get his career back on the right track -- headlining tomorrow’s ESPN Friday Night Fights show in the 10-round main event against former IBO and WBU middleweight champion Raymond “Hallelujah” Joval (37-4, 16 KOs).

McGirt learned a valuable lesson against DeLeon, who James had floored at the end of the sixth round, only to get careless going for a knockout in the seventh and consequently getting stopped himself.

“Training camp went very well,” James said. “We pushed everything to the limited. I’m very excited to be fighting in my first ESPN main event and I can’t wait for it to happen. Everything is cool, baby.”

Joval, who fought in the 1992 Olympics representing The Neatherlands, has beaten the likes of Sam Soliman, Willie Gibbs, and Shannon Taylor. He’s won four in a row since losing a 10-round decision to Fernando Vargas in 2005.

“Raymond’s coming to win,” James remarked. “I know that he’s going to try and use his experience. He’s going to try and take it to me and I’ve gotta knock him on his butt. He may be looking past me. After my last fight, I learned that I need to be 100-percent focused on my opponent, not looking ahead to anybody else, especially against a fighter like Raymond.”

McGirt’s head trainer and father, 2-time world champion “Buddy,” agreed 100-percent with the decision for James to fight Joval instead of a walk-over type opponent. “Everything’s been great,” Buddy added. “Now it’s all up to James to put it all together Friday night.”

Freddie Roach's Filipina fights for Title!!

2008-07-24T03:34:16Z

History in the making on August 21st at the Tachi Palace Casino and Hotel in Lemoore, California. Freddie Roach's Filipina fighting phenom in only her sixth fight, Bay Area's own Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton (4 wins 1KO-0 lost-1 draw) will be fighting knockout specialist Donna "The Nature Girl" Biggers (19 wins 16 KO's-8 lost-1draw) in an 8 round battle for the W.B.C. International SuperBantamweight Title Belt.

]]> In her last fight at the Tachi Palace Casino (fight video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrm2FWS3Rb4 ) Julaton gave all her fans a treat by putting on a "Tyson-esque" performance knocking out the opponent Mexican-American Salina Jordan in :37 seconds. Ana is having a "Danica Patrick" like rookie season, currently undefeated she began her Pro career 8 months ago and is alread y Ranked #12 in the World by the W.B.C. (World Boxing Council) at SuperBantamweight/Jr. Featherweight division, arguably Female boxing's most competitive division. If she can be successful August 21st Ana Julaton will become the 1st Filipino-American ever to win this belt and be the 1st Female American to become the WBC International Champion. Despite her lack of experience in the pro ranks one reason why Ana is willing to take these risks so early in her career is to help promote Women's boxing to have a slot in the 2012 Olympics. Currently it is the only Olympic sport to not have a female division. Ana's original goal was to be a part of the 2008 Olympic team, but the Olympic committee denied inclusion of the sport, now she is making a difference in the professional ranks by trying to become the 1st Female to win the World Championship in her rooki e year. Julaton feels that by going through the ranks quickly, her actions will help prove the quality of women's boxing and be an example why women's boxing should have been included in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Being that she is Freddie Roach's only female fighter everyone believes Ana will win the World title this year. Help support the "Hurricane" in her quest to become a part of history August 21st at the Tachi Palace Casino and Hotel www.thepalace.net For more details on the Ana Julaton log on to www.myspace.com/ajthehurricane

Ruiz plans to slay Giant for 3rd world title

2008-07-24T03:17:59Z

Courtesy of Bob Trieger
LAS VEGAS (July 22, 2008) – Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, travels to Germany once again to fight the 7-0, 320-pound giant who took his title belt 2 ½ years ago, No. 1 contender Nikolai Valuev (48-1, 34 KOs), on August 30 in Berlin.

]]> The WBA vacated the title due to an injury to Ruslan Chagaev, declared him “champion in recess” and ruled that the top two rated contenders had to fight for the title. Valuev’s co-promoter, Sauerland Event, won the Valuev-Ruiz II purse bid ($2,006,500 – 50/50 split between the two fighters; beating rival Universum by a mere $94,000) and the title fight will take place in the same arena they originally fought, Max Schmeling Halle, where Valuev won a controversial 12-round majority decision (116-114, 116-114, 114-114). The Valuev-Ruiz II winner will be obliged to fight Chagaev, if available, by June 26, 2009.

“It was more like a robbery than hometown decision,” Ruiz remembered the night Valuev defeated him. “Boxing is the only sport you can get robbed without a gun. I really enjoy the German people. They’ve been very hospitable to me. I love going back, just not for a fight, but I’m happy to have an opportunity to fight for my third world title.

“I’m going over there to slay the giant, really re-slay him because I definitely won the first fight. They just gave him the decision. After that fight I realized I needed a real trainer and I’ve learned so much working with Manny Siaca, Sr. in my last three fights. He’s taught me a lot and we’ve continued working on the fundamentals.”

Ruiz spots Valuev 10-inches in height and around 100 pounds. “It seemed like I went over there the first time as the opponent instead of the 2-time champion,” Ruiz noted. “I beat Valuev to the punch all night. There’s no way he won a decision. I just have to do the same thing only this time make a statement each round, not let there be any close rounds. I outworked him the last time and will do that again. Only no close rounds that they can give him, just clear rounds scored for me. But I’m not sure if I knock him down 10 times that I’ll get a decision. You know that old saying, if a tree falls in the forest and nobody is there, does it make a sound? Well, we’re going to put that saying to a test. The fight won’t be televised in the United States but, when I knockout Valuev, he’ll be heard crashing to the canvas all over the United States and Puerto Rico. Timber!”

“Valuev’s people are talking about him fighting at home,” Ruiz’ attorney and legal advisor Tony Cardinale said. “They must have forgotten how there was a near riot when they announced the scores at their first fight. The booing and whistling was beyond belief. Max Schmeling Halle became John’s house. We can’t wait to fight there again.”

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz, living in Las Vegas, 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.

PHOTO GALLERY - Wladimir Klitschko Weigh in, Press Conference, Fight

2008-07-21T16:35:25Z

Images by Sylvana Ambrosanio & Katschiri Schwalm

Click Image To Launch Gallery

Andy Lee Defeats Willie Gibbs with 10th Round TKO

2008-07-20T02:25:22Z

Irish Middleweight Andy Lee (16-1, 13 KOs), scored a TKO over Willie Gibbs (20-3, 16 KOs) at 2:46 of the tenth round Saturday at the University Arena in Limerick, Ireland. Lee, of the Kronk Gym in Detroit is trained and managed by Hall of Fame Trainer, Emanuel Steward.

Pillar to Post

2008-07-19T06:28:47Z

By Brett Mauren

Today marks an important day in not only the history of boxing, but in the history of journalism as well. This is the first of many weekly pieces that feature me bringing you the need to know facts from the week in boxing.

]]> First off I think that it would be noteworthy that we may have finally come across the heir to Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, and his name is Edgar Santana. Santana was arrested Friday morning for his involvement in an international cocaine distribution ring. Santana was scheduled to appear on ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights on August 6th, no word however on whether or not the New York state athletic commission has struck a deal with a replacement venue, although Rikers Island, and the Metopolitan correctional center are heavily rumored to be placing bids.
On a lighter note fight fans were treated to a match-up reminiscent of a classic Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior loser must retire match. Hasim Rahman attempted to put to rest any questions regarding his heart, chin, condition, or desire against James Toney, it didn’t go so well. James Toney apparently rolled with my WWE analogy, claiming a TKO3 victory on an accidental head butt, then proceeding to declare himself as the best heavyweight in the world. Toney also called out Sam Peter, and both Klitschko brothers, who in his mind are “sissies”, which is fair. That jab(yes, jab) that Peter put you down with was a lucky punch, and your right about the Klitschkos, I mean you beat Danny Batchelder, and Dominic Guinn, I don’t believe the Klitschko’s combined resume’ lives up to what you’ve done in the heavyweight division.
All sarcasm aside however, hats off to both of these fighters. James Toney will go down as a gutsy fighter, a natural middleweight fighting in the heavies, but despite his claims he will not go down as the best heavyweight of his era. Hasim Rahman, although never living up to the magic of his knockout win over Lennox Lewis, is still a two time heavyweight champion, which puts him in a very select group. I was of course, joking about the loser must retire notion, but seriously…
One of the biggest stories of the week is the rumbling that we may be treated to a Kelly Pavlik vs. Bernard Hopkins match up at light heavyweight on October 18. This might seem like a risky fight for B-Hop, but rest assured Hopkins has made it clear he will never lose to a white boy… except Joe Calzaghe, but seriously never again.
Throughout our journey together, you’ll come to know me as a light hearted boxing enthusiast, but there are times in this sport where jokes have to be pushed aside for a moment. Oscar Diaz remains in a coma after having a part of his cranium removed to relive swelling endured in a TKO loss to Delvin Rodriguez. Diaz collapsed before the 11th round and has not regained consciousness. I speak for everyone at Mightygloves in wishing Oscar a speedy recovery.
Until next week, God Bless

Andy Lee vs. Willie Gibbs weighin

2008-07-18T18:25:39Z

Photos by Aidan Walsh
Limerick, Ireland - Saturday's Landbrokes.com Fight Night at the University Arena will be headlined by the 10 round clash between local hero Andy Lee and his opponent Willie Gibbs.

]]> Both Lee (160.5 pounds) and Gibbs (160.5 pounds) weighed in at the first time ahead of tomorrow night's bout. In the chief support bout Paul McCloskey (142 pounds) puts his unbeaten record on the line against current English Light Welterweight Champion, Nigel Wright (141.25 pounds) in an all southpaw battle.

The full line up for this weekend's Ladbrokes.com Fight Night is as follows:

- Andy Lee V Willie Gibbs (Middleweight - 10 Rounds)
- Paul McCloskey V Nigel Wright (Light Welterweight - 10 Rounds)
- Stephen Haughian V Giuseppe Langella (Welterweight - 8 Rounds)
- John O’Donnell V Sergey Volodin (Welterweight - 6 Rounds)
- Jason McKay V Marcin Piatkowski (Super Middleweight - 6 Rounds)
- Keith Cresham V Georgi Iliev (Light Heavyweight - 6 Rounds)
- Jamie Power V Sandris Tomson (Light Heavyweight - 4 Rounds)
- Logan McGuinness V Juris Ivanovs (Lightweight - 4 Rounds)

Tickets for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie, Empire Music in Limerick and all usual outlets.

RTÉ TWO’s live coverage begins at 9.30 with the broadcast also streamed online at RTE.ie and on RTÉ Radio 1.

Doors open at 6pm with the first bout of the evening at 7pm.

2008-07-16T23:37:35Z

2008-07-16T23:34:44Z

2008-07-16T23:30:33Z

RODRIGUEZ-DIAZ: THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER

2008-07-16T21:31:37Z

Courtesy of Star Boxing
Bronx, NY - Jul 15, 2008 Delvin Rodriguez and Oscar Diaz officially weighed in today for their much anticipated welterweight showdown for the USBA championship. The fight, which is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, will take place tomorrow at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, TX and will be aired on ESPN2's "Wednesday Night Fights".

]]> Both Rodriguez and Diaz intially came in over weight, Rodriguez weighed 148 and Diaz was 147 3/4. Both fighters were given an hour to lose the additional weight. After only about 30 minutes both fighters came back and stepped on the scale and were exactly 147 pounds. Both fighters seem to be in great physical condition and look ready to go. Below is a complete list of the entire card:

Delvin Rodriguez - 147 vs. Oscar Diaz - 147
USBA Welterweight Championship 12 rounds.

Terrance Cauthen - 147 vs. Alexis Camacho - 147
8 rounds

Felix Cora Jr. - 199 vs. Zack Page - 201 3/4
6 rounds

Raul Tovar - 141 vs. Marcus Brashears - 141
6 rounds

Eric Morin - 116 1/2 vs. Julio Valadez - 118
4 rounds

Rudy DeLaCruz - 112 vs. Joseph Rios - 112
4 rounds

Doors open tomorrow at 6:30 PM with the first fight going on at 7:30. Tickes are still on sale and can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Alamodome box office or by going to TicketMaster.com or charge by phone at (210) 224- 9600. Reserved tickets can be purchased for $65, $35, or $20.

CASAMAYOR-MARQUEZ PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES:

2008-07-16T16:24:22Z

Photo: Tom Hogan/GBP
Tony Walker – Director of Affiliate Relations of HBOPPV & HBO Sports

“Golden Boy is bringing us elite fighters, some of the best fighters in the world. It is going to be a great show on September 13th.”

Bob Halloran – Vice President of Sports of MGM/MIRAGE

“We are proud to have great fighters and great partners with Golden Boy and HBO working on this show. We at MGM want to welcome Juan back and hope he has an exciting fight like he always bring, and welcome Joel back as he hasn’t been to MGM in almost 8 years. The opening odds just came out and the favorite is Juan -340 and Joel +280.”

]]> Oscar de la Hoya – President of Golden Boy Promotions

“September 16 is always a special weekend for Mexican fighters, fans and the public watching at home. It started with the days of Julio Cesar Chavez and then I fought seven times on this weekend during my career.”

“Now we have a great show and we expect these fighters to give us that same kind of action and excitement. There is an extra pressure to perform on this weekend but it will be memorable and historic for both guys.”

“For Juan Manuel Marquez, there is an extra pressure that you want to prove you are the best and for him being the Mexican fighter. I know he is going to come out strong and show he is tough like Chavez did, like I did when we fought on these weekends.”

“As for Joel Casamayor, his fight with Michael Katsidis is a candidate for Fight of the Year. He showed power, speed. Throughout his career people saw him boxing and now he is sitting down more, planting his feet and throwing a lot more punches and being very aggressive.”

Juan Manuel Marquez – Former Two Time World Champion

“This is a dangerous and very difficult fight for me. I will prepare very hard for this important date.”

“Joel is a good boxer, fighter and a champion.

“This fight at 135 pounds will be difficult for me, but not impossible. I want victory for my country and my people.”

Joel Casamayor – Current Ring Magazine World Lightweight Champion

“Juan Manuel is a great champion and I want to thank him for the opportunity to fight him. But, there will only be one winner on September 13th and its going to be me.”

“I respect Juan Manuel and also his trainer, Nacho Beristain, a lot, and I know it will be a great fight on September 13th.”

Casamayor vs. Marquez – “The Challenge”, a 12-round bout for Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, will headline a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Cazadores Tequila and Southwest Airlines. The world title bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $125 and $75 are on sale and may be purchased at any MGM Grand box office outlet and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Casamayor vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Casamayor vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced in the near future. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

Ready or not, Here I come.Interview with Jaffa Ballogou

2008-07-16T15:54:54Z

By Judi Abate
Boxing DIva

Jaffa " The African Assassin" Ballogou is a fighter on a mission. His mission is to make some serious noise in the light heavyweight division. He possesses the drive and determination to do so. Who, you might ask is Jaffa Ballogou? Jaffa is a heavy handed southpaw living in NYC boxing out of the Church Street Boxing gym via Togo, Africa. He is also a former WBC Super Middleweight International Champion and WBA title challenger. With a record of 45-6-0 ( 39 ko's) you have to wonder why we haven't heard his name within the boxing community. Well, I decided to find out the answer to that very simple question.
Speaking to Jaffa by phone was an extraordinary pleasure. He is well-spoken, enthusiastic and exhibits a genuine love for the sport of boxing. He is extremely focused with only one goal in mind which is to make his over due comeback ( through no fault of his own) into the elite ranks of the light heavyweights. He understands what he is up against and is prepared to rise to any challenge set in front of him. "I am ready. I will fight anyone. Bring them to me." said Jaffa with authority.
He knows he has the goods-his knockout record speaks for itself. So, once again we come to the question of why don't more opponents, promoters, fans and big wigs know about the "mystery" that is Jaffa?
Could it be that maybe they are intimidated by his raw power and choose to look the other way? That deduction is probably on the money and yet it is also a bit sad because in my opinion, Jaffa has the combined talent of an Ali and a Tyson just waiting to explode on the boxing stage but no one wants to take a risk and get in the ring with him.
Let's talk to Jaffa and see what he has to say about his past, present and future in boxing:

]]> BD Hello Jaffa, nice to meet you.
Can you address the question of your not being active for 2 years?
JB People seem to be ducking me. I don't know why. I am still sparing and training. Keeping in shape.

BD Your record is very impressive especially the amount of KO's.
JB Thank You.

BD Are you a natural southpaw?
JB Yes. I was born left handed but when I was younger my trainer changed me to a right handed fighter. Later on in my training someone noticed I boxed better from the left and I went back to what felt comfortable.

BD Is it harder to get bouts because of being a southpaw?
JB I don't think so.

BD Do you train differently because you're a lefty?
JB No. I train regularly.

BD At what age did you realize your fists were loaded?
JB I wanted to box ever since I was very young.

BD Who were your inspirations in the sport of boxing?
JB ALi and Tyson. Especially Tyson, my friends told me I have to be like Tyson so I started to KO people.

BD How did you get your nickname?
JB I come from Africa and I'm mean in the ring but nice outside of it.

BD Are you training presently?
JB Yes. I train 5 days a week and I also help young boxers with their training.

BD How many times have your fights gone the distance?
JB Not to many I like to get it over quickly. If it goes the distance I usually don't get the decision.

BD Who would you like to fight in the light heavyweight division?
JB Anyone. I would also fight at cruiserweight.

BD Why boxing?
JB Because I love it. I really love it. If I didn't love it I wouldn't do it.

BD There's some controversy over your last fight. You believe it should have been a KO and instead it was a UD. What happened?
JB I dropped the guy 5 times and the final knockdown resulted in a ko but the ref improperly sent it to the cards.

BD So what is your strategy now?
JB I'm coming back. I will call them out. I'm ready for it. They can duck me all they want but I'm still here.

BD Let's get to know you a little better. What are your hobbies?
JB I like watching and going to the movies.

BD Your best punch?
JB Both hands. My right hook, Oh Lord Have Mercy.

BD Your boxing style?
JB Boxer/Brawler All styles.

BD What comes easiest to you in boxing?
JB Everything comes easy to me because I work hard in the gym.

BD Do you think boxing is violent?
JB No. It's a sport.

Bd How is your team doing?
JB Everything is going quite well.

BD You've been fighting a long time-why do you still want to fight?
JB Because I'm still full of competition, I have the desire and I want recognition.

BD Being 40, do you feel that is part of the problem you can't get fights?
JB As long a I have the skills my age doesn't matter. It's not a factor since I have never taken a beating.

BD What do you do to relax?
JB I'm going to school for sport's management but right now I have the summer off.

BD What do love about boxing?
JB Knocking out people.

BD What do you dislike about it?
JB The boxing business.

BD What makes you "special"?
JB I'm a good guy. I treat people like the want to be treated and I'm respectful.

BD What's the best part of your body?
JB See for yourself. I'm in good condition, my whole body.

BD What are you afraid of?
JB Nothing

Bd How about your favorite food?
JB Chicken. I love chicken.
BD So now I know to bribe you with chicken if ever I need too.
JB LOL

BD Favorite color?
JB Green and white

Bd Whose your hero?
JB Ali. I love him to death. Tyson.

BD What was your best fight?
JB My last fight. When I do my best performance the fight ends quickly.

BD What are you doing to help your team get you a fight offer?
JB Interviews and keep training so I'm ready to rumble.

BD Before we wrap this up- How can we keep boxing strong?
JB To have one organization not all these different ones.

BD In closing, what would you like to say?
JB I'm not done yet. Jaffa is coming back again. I love the game of boxing.There are still big, big, things I want to do. I will fight anyone: Light heavyweights, cruiserweights and if the money was right and with 2 months to gain weight I will fight at heavyweight. Any fighte that reads this I am calling you out. Call me anytime you want. I'm ready willing and able. They are running from me not the other way way around.

BD Thank you for the visit Jaffa. Good Luck ALways.
JB Thank you Judi.

Foot note: After this interview, I asked Matt Yanofsky(Jaffa's manager) for a few words on his boxer. Matt said, " He is a very dangerous fighter. People have avoided him. We have tried getting light heavyweights and cruiserweights for him to fight. Because he's a southpaw and has alot of knockouts and experience no-one wants to go in the ring with him. But we will continue to try and set up a fight for him in he near future."

Americas Cruiserweight Titles!

2008-07-16T15:43:42Z

Courtesy of Matt Yanofsky
Behind a loud and energetic hometown crowd, Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn improved to 19-3-1 (16 KO’s) after stopping game veteran James Morrow 11-11-1 (7 KO’s) in the fifth round at the Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Gunn blitzed Morrow with powerful jabs, as well as an arsenal of heavy shots, dropping him in the second round following a vicious left hook to the body. After the knockdown, Gunn proceeded to land powerful blows on Morrow while avoiding most of his return shots.

]]> After Gunn continually tagged, as well as backed up his opponent, Morrow’s corner threw in the towel at 1:17 of the fifth round, as their fighter had taken too many clean punches. With the victory, Gunn earns the IBC International and WBF Americas cruiserweight titles as well as hope for a big fight in the near future.

“I am happy with my performance and was having fun in there”, said Gunn, who was a former IBA world cruiserweight champion.

“I was working on things that my new trainer (Joe Rivera) and I have been going over in the gym. Even though James Morrow wasn’t my original opponent, I still respected him because he is a veteran, as I take no one lightly. James is a nice, gutsy kid and I wish him the best”, said the new IBC International and WBF Americas cruiserweight kingpin.

“I owe special thanks my Attorney George Kokkalenios, as he worked extremely hard to keep this fight together. I am happy to have a great new team together, as many of my past associates turned out to be unfaithful. I must also thank the Feldman brothers for giving me the opportunity to headline their show. They treated me very well and I look forward to working with them in the future. Finally, I want to congratulate my friend Vai Sikahema on his great performance.” said The Celtic Warrior.

Gunn’s next fight will be announced shortly and all media inquires can be sent to Knockoutpublcity@Aol.com. Bobby’s fans can contact him at Myspace.com/TeamGunn.

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS AND MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA AGREE TO END THEIR ASSOCIATION

2008-07-15T15:54:09Z

LOS ANGELES (July 14) – After a successful five year relationship, Golden Boy Promotions and former World Champion Marco Antonio Barrera have amicably agreed to end their association with each other with Barrera having been released from his promotional contract and agreeing to give up his position as a partner in Golden Boy Promotions.

]]> “Marco is ready to move in new direction with respect to his boxing career,” said President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya. “We respect him and want to honor his decision to make a change. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to the prospects of working with him again in the future.”

“While I have a great respect for Oscar de la Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions, I have decided that I wanted to take a new path with respect to my boxing career,” stated Barrera. “I am pleased that we will move forward as friends.”

Golden Boy Promotions wishes Marco the best with the rest of his Hall of Fame career and is proud to have been a part of it.