★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™: Jul 24, 2012

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Andy Murray looking to bounce back on August 17‏

Cavan's Andy Murray returns to action in County Mayo next month as he bids to return to winning ways following the first defeat of his 25 fight career last time out in a European Lightweight title challenge to Gavin Rees. Murray will look to rebound against Argentina's Sergio Priotti at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Friday, August 17th on the card headlined by Henry Coyle's defence of his WBF Light Middleweight title against Marcelo Rodriquez.

Castlebar has been a happy hunting ground for the 29-year-old in the past having beaten South American opposition there on his two previous bouts in the town and he's looking to make it a hat trick next month. "I've always had good support in Castlebar so I'm looking forward to fighting there again," said Murray. "I've watched Priotti in action and he comes to fight. He's been in there with some good lads and he has plenty of experience so it should be a good fight."

Murray admits that he will be looking forward to putting last years European title defeat behind him with a good performance in Castlebar. "I was very disappointed with my performance against Gavin Rees. I don't want to take anything away from Rees as he's a great champion but I started too slowly and I was always playing catch up after that. It was a great chance to win the European title but I threw it away so that hurt."

Murray lost out on points to Rees and the Welsh dynamo has since gone on to stop the highly regarded Anthony Mezaache and Derry Matthew inside the distance in European title defences. The former WBA Light Welterweight World Champion looks to be on the verge of sealing another World title fight in the Autumn giving him an opportunity to become a two weight World Champion but Murray says he's takes little comfort from pushing Rees close over the 12 rounds.

"There was never going to be too much in it at the finish but that wasn't really any consolation," revealed Murray. "I know myself that the fight was there for the taking on the night. Obviously he's a very good champion but I didn't perform to my best on the night so you have to try and learn from it and move on.

"I'm working hard in the gym and getting back in fighting shape so I'm enjoying it. I just want to get a good performance and a good win under my belt and then I'll take it from there and see what's next."

Murray who splits his training between Cavan Boxing Club and John Breen's pro gym in Belfast revealed that it will be a busy time for his old amateur club over the next few weeks. "The club's just moved premises and there is a team going out from Cavan to the Ringside World Championships in Kansas this week. Obviously you have John Joe Nevin boxing in the Olympics as well so there's a great buzz around the club at the minute."

The Irish – Argentina double header between Coyle - Rodriquez and Murray - Priotti is part of an action packed card at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on August 17th. Cork based Cuban Alexei Collado will also be out to impress as he aims to take a step closer to a world title challenge with his impressive undefeated record currently standing at 15 wins and all but one of those wins coming via stoppage.

The undercard will have plenty to interest local fight fans as well with an intriguing all Connaught middleweight clash between Galway's Alan Donnellan and Roscommon's Darren Cruise. At the age of 39 Sligo's long time Irish amateur stalwart Stephen "Block" Reynolds is something of a late comer to the pro ranks but having enjoyed a debut win on Belfast at the weekend the heavy hitting cruiserweight is set for his second pro outing on the Castlebar card. Also in a local derby two Ballyhaunis boxers will punch for pay for the first time on the card - against each other welterweights Michael Waldron and Brandon Peake face each other on their professional debuts in an all Mayo affair.

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Quotes from Miami Warfare II Press Conference

A press conference was held at Mojitos Restaurant in Miami for Warriors Boxing Promotions' Saturday, August 18, boxing event entitled "Miami Warfare II" at the MACC at the Doubletree Hotel.

The explosive night of professional boxing will feature a high-impact eight-round junior-welterweight main event between Miami, Florida's (via Colombia) Breidis "The Khanqueror" Prescott (25-4, 18 KOs) and Francisco "Gato" Figueroa (20-4-1, 13 KOs) of Bronx, New York.

In the eight-round super featherweight co-main event will be Miami (via Cuba) power puncher Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (16-0, 11 KOs) facing Guadalajara, Mexico's Alejandro "Soma" Rodriguez (14-6, 7 KOs).

Rances Barthelemy (16-0, 11 KOs)

I'm ready and very excited to be fighting in Miami, the city of the Cubans. I am blessed with great promoters Warriors and Bad Dog and have an amazing team behind me. I am working my way up to ultimately becoming a world champion.

Breidis Prescott (25-4, 18 KOs)

I am grateful for another opportunity to showcase my talent. I am training hard to use my power in a smarter style. I am working myself back into the mix and back into a big fight.

Leon Margules, Warriors Boxing

We have eight undefeated kids on this card and they represent much of the talent in this area. It will be an amazing night of boxing and will even surpass the fantastic success of the first Miami Warfare. We have a great main event between two very solid top guys and an undercard packed with the potential for fireworks.

Michael Luzbet of Winner Sports

We are bringing a real boxing event back to Miami. Miami Warfare II will be bigger and better than the last event.

Richard Dobal of Bad Dog Productions

We are pleased to announce this event early because it will be a great event for Miami. I am proud to be part of this event and the co-promoter of the rising star Rances Barthelemy.

Also scheduled for action that night will be a host of local and international prospects and contenders including super middleweight Roberto J. Acevedo 5-0 (3 KOs) of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, in a four-rounder vs. TBA; light heavyweight bomber Vilier Quinonez 3-0 (2 KOs) of Cienfuegos, Cuba, who will fight a six-rounder vs. TBA; undefeated light heavyweight Yunieski Gonzalez (8-0, 5 KOs) of Havana, Cuba, who will fight a six-rounder vs. TBA; and middleweight Leosvy Mayedo (2-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, who will fight a four-rounder vs. TBA.

UNDEFEATED JOEL DIAZ TAKES ON GUILLERMO SANCHEZ ON AUGUST 18TH AT BALLYS IN ATLANTIC CITY

UNDEFEATED JOEL DIAZ TAKES ON GUILLERMO SANCHEZ ON AUGUST 18^TH AT BALLYS IN ATLANTIC CITY
Plus appearances from Glen Tapia, Patrick Farrell, Joey Dawejko, Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell as well as the pro debuts of Tyrone McKenna, Anthony Gangemi and Tyrell Wright

On Saturday night August 18^th, John Lynch’s Pound For Pound Promotions presents an outstanding night of world class boxing that will be headlined a ten round Super Featherweight bout between Joel Diaz and Guillermo Sanchez.

Diaz of Palmdale, California has a record of 10-0 with nine knockouts and has been impressive in his two year professional career.

The twenty year old already has signature wins over Guy Robb (7-0) via seventh round stoppage and in his last bout when scored a fifth round stoppage over former world title challenger Emanuel Lucero (26-10-1) on June 2^nd in Tacoma, Washington.

Sanchez of Buffalo, New York has a record of 13-5-1 with six knockouts.

Sanchez won his first eleven bouts and he has victories over four undefeated fighters in Harvey Murray (2-0-2), Eddie Irizarry (5-0), Miguel Rodriguez (6-0) and Rod Salka (12-0).

The twenty-four year old has been matched extremely tough as evidenced by his fights with Dominic Salcido (17-2), Future world champion Adrien Broner (16-0), Mark Davis (15-0), former world title challenger Edner Cherry (28-7). In that bout he had Cherry on the canvas in the first round. In his last bout, Sanchez dropped an eight round unanimous decision to undefeated Ronny Rios (17-0) on April 7^th.

A packed undercard is being put together that will feature some of the most popular and up and coming talent in the Tri-State Area.

In an eight round Jr. Middleweight bout, top prospect Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia will take on an opponent to be named.

Tapia (14-0, 8 KO’s) of Passaic, New Jersey has been climbing up the ranks with steady performances. He has stopped his previous three opponents which includes first round stoppage over Carlos Garcia on July 7^th.

In a six round Heavyweight bout Patrick Farrell (7-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ takes on Mario Munoz (7-3, 3 KO’s)

In an intriguing six round Heavyweight bout, former world amateur champion Joey Dawejko (7-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA takes on Dorsett Barnwell (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Norfolk, VA.

Rising Light Heavyweight prospect, Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (12-0, 7 KO’s) will see action in a six round bout against an opponent to be announced.

Harvell of Atlantic City has scored four consecutive explosive knockouts for which three have come in the first round.

Three highly regarded amateur standouts will be making their pro debuts in four round bouts:

Former three-time Irish champion Tyrone McKenna will take part in a Welterweight bout. Three-time New Jersey champion Anthony Gangemi of Dover, New Jersey will fight in a Welterweight bout. Three-time open class champion Tyrell Wright will fight in a Heavyweight bout. Wright was ranked as the number-five national Heavyweight before turning pro.

Maidana vs. Soto Karass Added To September 15 Knockout Kings‏

The stacked September 15 "Knockout Kings"quadruple-header at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. just got another shot of pugilistic adrenaline, with the addition of former Super Lightweight World Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana. The champion continues his quest for a second world title at 147 pounds in what promises to be an action-packed showdown against Mexico's Jesus Soto Karass.
This 12-round special attraction is the third fight announced for what is shaping up to be the most exciting boxing event of 2012, with the fourth fight scheduled to be announced in the near future.
"Knockout Kings," headlined by Canelo Alvarez defending his WBC Super Welterweight World Championship against Josesito Lopez, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. In the co-featured attractions, WBC Featherweight World Champion Jhonny Gonzalez defends his crown against former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon in fight presented in association with Promociones Del Pueblo and former World Champion Marcos Maidana faces perennial contender Jesus Soto Karass in a fight presented in association with Universum Box-Promotion. The Saturday, Sept. 15 quadruple-header, packed with Mexican pride and power, will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME.
SHOWTIME Sports will produce a new edition of its ALL ACESS sports documentary series. ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Lopez will premiere on SHOWTIME with multiple replays on additional SHOWTIME and CBS platforms. The exhibition schedule also will be announced shortly.
"This fight is a great match-up which has 'Fight of the Year' written all over it," said Oscar de la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. "Both of these fighters hit with power, have great chins and fight one way...coming forward. Mix in the fact that it's a must win fight for each of them and you have the recipe for a classic."
"I always appreciate the opportunity to fight on the big time boxing event like this one," said Maidana. "Throughout my career I have always heard I fight like the great Mexican fighters and that Mexican fans love to watch me fight. I will give them something to cheer about on September 15 when I win the fight and move one step closer to getting another world title."
"I am very fortunate to be fighting on this card alongside my fellow countrymen Canelo, Daniel and Jhonny," said Soto Karass. "We are going to represent Mexico well that night and I plan to be victorious against Maidana. I have worked hard my whole career to have my dream of being a world champion come true and I feel that with each fight, I get closer to it."
Buenos Aires, Argentina's Marcos "El Chino" Maidana (31-3, 28 KOs) has been a worthy member of his country's fighting fraternity, but one look at his style in the ring will make it evident that he is not satisfied with one world championship. Maidana held the WBA Interim Super Lightweight and WBA Super Lightweight World Championships from 2009 to 2010, a span during which he stopped "Vicious" Victor Ortiz and defended the belt three times before losing it to Amir "King" Khan in 2010's Fight of the Year. Maidana reclaimed the belt in 2011 with another classic against Erik "El Terrible" Morales, but after one defense, he moved up in weight to 147 pounds. After a loss to Devon Alexander "The Great" in February, the 29-year-old will seek his first welterweight victory on September 15.
Coming off one of his career-best performances on July 7, a blistering fifth round stoppage of Euri Gonzalez, 29-year-old Jesus Soto Karass (26-7-3, 17 KOs) looks like he has started the march to his well-deserved first world title shot. An 11-year professional who has collected an overflowing pile of regional titles, the native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico has bounced back from a recent cold spell to defeat hot prospect Said El Harrak and Gonzalez in consecutive 2012 fights. The next mountain to climb is taking on former World Champion Maidana and Soto Karass has every intention of keeping "El Chino" winless at 147 pounds.

Antonio Demarco vs John Molina Jr. WBC Title fight on HBO‏

On September 8, 2012, Tijuana, Mexico's WBC Lightweight Champion, Antonio DeMarco (27-2-1, 20 KOs), will put his title on the line when he faces Covina, California's, John Molina, Jr. (24-1, 19 KOs). The 12-round championship bout will take place at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., as the co-feature to Andre "SOG'' Ward (25-0, 13 KOs) vs. "Bad" Chad Dawson (31-1, 17 KOs) promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, televised live on HBO® World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:15 PM ET/PT.

After DeMarco dazzled the boxing world with his damaging triumph against Venezuela's Jorge Linares (31-3, 20 KOs), where he captured the vacant WBC lightweight title, Antonio came right back successfully defending his title against Mexico's Miguel Roman (37-10, 28 KOs).

Looking to keep his World Championship belt in his next defense, DeMarco will face the hard punching and highly respected Molina in a bout that is guaranteed to be explosive.

"I will represent my country of Mexico with courage and honor when I step in the ring with Molina," said DeMarco. "I accomplished my dream of becoming a world champion and now I will die in the ring to keep it. Molina is fighting for his first world title so he's going to bring a lot of heart into the ring, but my heart and desire to keep my belt will take me to victory. I will remain champion!"

"DeMarco is a Mexican warrior who has shown great resilience in the ring," said promoter Gary Shaw. "His hunger to stay on top will be evident in this fight. Both DeMarco and Molina like to come forward so I expect to see some fireworks on fight night. The fans will witness one of the best fights in 2012."

Goossen Tutor's Molina is riding a 5-fight knockout streak in his last 6-wins and is keen to show the boxing world why he belongs on the championship level. This will be his first opportunity to win a world title and he promises to leave it all in the ring when he challenges Demarco for his WBC belt.

Said Molina, "I'm glad to hear DeMarco will have courage and honor in the ring. I will leave it all in the ring that night and I will realize my dream of becoming a world champion. I promise you, when we're done, it will be considered a fight of the year candidate. I do not anticipate this fight going 12-rounds."

"These are the type of fights that gets everybody's heart beating faster," said promoter Dan Goossen. "You certainly won't see any hugging or high-fiving between these two punchers."

Other undercard bouts will be announced shortly

Boxers to look out for at the London 2012 Olympic Games - Part I

With just a few days to go until the biggest show on Earth gets underway in the British capital, we look at the men and women in each of the weight categories. Throughout history, the Olympic Games has brought the best of the best of our sport to the wider public, showcasing boxing in all its glory. This year, with women's boxing making its debut, the spectacle will be even more phenomenal. We will be here to give you continued and in-depth coverage of all things boxing in the build-up and when the competition begins on 28 July at the ExCeL London.

Men Light Flyweight (46-49kg)

2008 Olympic Title holder: Zou Shiming (CHN)

2011 AIBA World Champion: Zou Shiming (CHN)

Since bursting onto the scene as a precocious talent at the 2003 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Bangkok where he took a sensational silver medal as a 22-year-old, Zou Shiming from the People's Republic of China has come to dominate the Light Flyweight category for the best part of the last decade, becoming in the process a triple World Champion and taking gold at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on his home soil. Now 30, there is a long queue of talented fighters ready to challenge him. The big pretender to his throne is newly signed to the AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) program, 23-year-old South Korean Jonghun Shin, whom Shiming defeated in the AIBA World Boxing Championships Baku 2011 final, but is now a year older and wiser as he travels to London. Russian team

captain David Ayrapetyan will also be one challenging for honours this summer; the 28-year-old has the know-how to go all the way. Puerto Rico's Jantony Ortiz Marcano looked hungry for success at the AIBA American Olympic Qualifying Event in Rio in May. Patrick Barnes from Ireland could go deep into the competition whilst Italian rising star Manuel Fabrizio Cappai is maturing fast at this level. Last but not least, do not underestimate the class of Cuba's Yosbany Veitia Soto.

Men Flyweight (52kg)
2008 Olympic Title holder: Somjit Jongjohor (THA)
2011 AIBA World Champion: Misha Aloian (RUS)

There will be no defending champion so there will be the crowning of a brand new Olympic Champion in London. 23-year-old Russian Misha Aloian took gold in Baku and will be the man to beat in the British capital. The biggest threats to his crown will be the sublime and technically gifted Welshman Andrew Selby, who loves to continually switch stance, and the experience US veteran Raushee Warren, one of the stars of the World Series of Boxing. France's Nordine Oubaali is another who on his day can defeat anyone so if he hits form during the Olympic Games, he could go all the way. Uzbek teenager Jasurbek Latipov's development has really accelerated of late and he will definitely influence who is crowned champion. Irishman Michael Conlan has also big credentials at this level. One boxer in some form is Italy's Vicenzo Picardi who, after taking a bronze medal in 2008 in Beijing, will now seek to go all the way to the final in London.

Men Bantamweight (56kg)

2008 Olympic Title holder: Badar-Uugan Enkhbat (MGL)

2011 AIBA World Champion: Lazaro Alvarez Estrada (CUB)

With 28 boxers battling it out in the category, there promises to be a few surprises along the way and without the defending Olympic Champion competing, it is an opportunity for someone to imprint his name in the pages of history. 21-year-old Cuban Lazaro Alvarez Estrada (photo) is the overwhelming favourite after his sensational run in Baku saw him take the gold medal, however this year the fledgling talented southpaw will not have the element of surprise. One man who will look to stop the agile Cuban is Great Britain's Luke Campbell, a compact fighter with a stinging jab. Add Algeria's combative Mohamed Ouadahi, classy Shiva Thapa of India and Irish record-breaker John Joe Nevin to the mix, there promises to be fireworks. Kazakhstan's Kanat Abutalipov, who qualified by winning the WSB Individual Championships in 2011, and the impressive Tajik Anvar Yunusov have the armoury to do some serious damage in what will be another hotly contested category.

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