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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

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

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 who can have a real impact at the London 2012 Olympic Games. In the second of this four part series, we examine the Light (60kg), Light Welter (64kg) and Welterweight (69kg) men.

Men Lightweight (60kg)

2008 Olympic Title holder: Alexey Tishchenko (RUS)
2011 AIBA World Champion: Vasyl Lomachenko (UKR)

It is hard to look beyond arguably the world's best Olympic pound for pound boxer, Ukrainian superstar Vasyl Lomachenko (photo), for this one. After taking the Featherweight (57kg) gold in 2008, the last four years have geared up towards the London 2012 Olympic Games for the powerful 24-year-old. He was the leading light in Beijing where he took the Val Barker Trophy, awarded to the outstanding fighter in the whole tournament. Last year, he was crowned AIBA World Champion for a second time so many expect him to once again take centre stage. Cuba's Yasnier Toledo Lopez will be the main challenger, along with Italy's 2009 AIBA World Champion Domenico Valentino and Brazilian Robson Conceicao, who pushed Lomachenko all the way in the Round of 16 in Baku. Road to London II participant Evaldas Petrauskas from Lithuania created the sensation in 2011 when he took bronze in the Azeri capital and could have a major say in what happens in this weight category. Belarus's elegant southpaw Vazgen Safaryants is a clever operator and can surprise a fair few. So if Lomachenko wants to take gold, he will not have it easy, guaranteed.

Men Light Welterweight (64kg)
2008 Olympic Title holder: Félix Diaz (DOM)
2011 AIBA World Champion: Everton Dos Santos Lopes (BRA)

22-year-old Everton Dos Santos Lopez made history at the AIBA World Boxing Championships Baku 2011 by becoming the first ever Brazilian to claim a boxing gold medal. The lightening-quick southpaw's array of combination punches make him a fearsome opponent so he will be the one to look out for in London. Ukraine's Denys Berinchyk made his big breakthrough last year and will be hungry for more success; he is also backed by the formidable national team coaching set-up so expect him to come out all guns blazing when the action gets underway. The experienced Cuban Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo took bronze in Beijing so will now be targeting the top of the podium this time around. Thomas Lee Stalker from Great Britain has always been a promising talent and there is no better time than to turn potential into medals when the Olympic Games are on your home soil. Kazak star Daniyar Yeleussinov looked calm and composed after taking first place at the AIBA Asian Olympic Qualifying Event in Astana and could come of age in London. Puerto Rican 18-year-old Francisco Vargas Ramirez is one of the rising stars in this category and his style will cause a lot of problems for his rivals. Finally Sweden's Anthony Yigit is also another who cannot be taken for granted.

Men Welterweight (69kg)
2008 Olympic Title holder: Bakhyt Sarsekbayev (KAZ)
2011 AIBA World Champion: Taras Shelestyuk (UKR)

The AIBA World Champion will be the man to beat in this category, the 26-year-old was part of the fearsome Ukraine team that topped the rankings in Baku and he will once again be one of the favourites for gold in London. But with so much talent set to take to the ring at the ExCeL, it promises to be completely unpredictable. Bronze medallist at the Beijing Olympic Games, Alexis Vastine knows that the XXX Olympiad in London is his last opportunity to take the top prize, he will have high hopes however after having built-up to these Games with the French team. Germany's Patrick Wojcicki is an emerging talent with an extremely calm demeanour that could surprise a few. European Champion Freddie Evans is also primed to go all the way in London. AIBA Road to Dream program active participant Egidijus Kavaliauskas from Lithuania's looks better and better every time he steps onto the canvas and his thunderous right hook could spell danger for his rivals. Ireland's Adam Nolan announced his arrival on the international stage by taking first place at the AIBA European Olympic Qualifying Event Trabzon 2012 and looked classy throughout so could be a dark horse in the British capital. One man who will certainly want to make an impact is 28-year-old Brazilian Myke Ribeiro De Carvalho who looked in tremendous form at the AIBA American Olympic Qualifying Event Rio 2012 where he won all his five fights to take the title. All eyes will be on fleet footed counterpuncher Serik Sapiyev of Kazakhstan, also recently signed up to APB, a double AIBA World Champion at Light Welterweight and silver medallist at the last edition in Baku, who has the know-how to go all the way.

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ANTHONY “JUICE” YOUNG SET TO FACE RICHARD ANDREWS THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT RESORTS IN ATLANTIC CITY‏

This Friday night, native son Anthony “Juice” Young will put his perfect on the line when he takes

on once-beaten Richard Andrews in a four round Welterweight bout at Resorts in Atlantic City.

The bout will be part of an ESPN 2 Televised card promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing.

In the main event, world ranked Lightweight, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy takes on Ray Beltran.

Young of Atlantic City has a record of 5-0 with two knockouts and is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Christian Steele on June 13^th in Newark, NJ.

Andrews of Stuarts Draft, Virginia has a record of 3-1-3 with one knockout and will be facing his fourth undefeated fighter.

Andrews his wins over Mischa Christensen (3-1) and previously undefeated Juan Rodriguez (4-0-1).

In his last bout, Andrews dropped a four round majority decision to undefeated Kevin Womack Jr. on Februry 11^th”

“It’s a big night for “Juice” to be fighting at home”, said Young’s manager Rich Masini.

“We have a lot of respect for Andrews as we know he is a tough guy who is coming to win. We haven’t given Anthony any easy fights and this is another tough fight”

“Anthony has such a good work ethic that we believe that we can get four more fights and make it 10-0 before the year is out. Juice is already looking for big fights and its my job to know when it is time for that”

Because of his success, Young already has acquired many sponsors such as Hard Energy Drink (Greg Posella & Jason Frankovich), Sticky Entertainment Group (Robert Henricks & Cody Masino), A-One (Anthony Priester) who is a rapper who will be walking “Juice” to the ring.

“It helps a lot that “Juice” has tremendous family support from his mother Rosa, father Teany and Uncle Bucky”

“We have a great team in place with trainer Ray McCline, Joe Alvarano and my partner Paul Pape as well as our Heavyweight John Lennox who we expect back in action in August”

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.

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.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Prescott: I Need a New Claim to Fame!

Miami (via Colombia) power puncher Breidis Prescott (25-4, 18 KOs) says he has mixed emotions about no longer being the only fighter to ever put Amir Khan to sleep.

While Prescott did it to Khan in 2008 in less than one round, Danny Garcia was able to join the exclusive club last Saturday when he laid out the now-former champion in four rounds.

Prescott is currently in hard training for his upcoming junior-welterweight battle against Francisco "Gato" Figueroa (20-4-1, 13 KOs) of Bronx, New York in the main event of Warriors Boxing's "Miami Warfare II" event at the MACC at the Doubletree Hotel in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, August 18.

"In a way, I enjoyed the notoriety of being the only fighter to ever knock him out," explained Prescott, "but it was also pretty clear he was never going to face me again. I chased him for years offering him the chance to redeem himself and he was always too frightened to take it. Now that there's a new guy at the top of the division, maybe he'll have a little more courage to take the tough fights against guys like me."

Before actively pursuing a match between the two "Khanquerors", himself and Garcia, Prescott must first get by a very talented Figueroa in a fight that is not a mere tune-up.

"He's a good fighter," said Prescott of Figueroa, "but he can't take my power. No one can when I'm feeling as good as I am now."

Prescott says seeing Khan again get stretched in a fight has given him new motivation: "I need a new claim to fame! I'm going to have to knock out somebody else at the top of the division. I like being the first to knock someone out. I'm the power punching pioneer!"

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

Also scheduled for action will be a host of local and international prospects and contenders including super middleweight Roberto J. Acevedo 5-0 (4 KOs) of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, who will fight a four-rounder vs. TBA; Zenica, Bosnia's light heavyweight up-and-comer Radivoje Kalajdzic (6-0, 4 KOs), who will fight a six-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.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHTS COLLIDE ON AUGUST 4 WHEN DEONTAY WILDER AND KELVIN PRICE MEET; SHOWDOWN TO AIR LIVE ON FOX SPORTS NET, FOX DEPORTES & FUEL TV

With 23 wins and no losses and all of his victories coming by way of knockout, 2008 United States Olympic Bronze Medalist Deontay "Bronze Bomber" Wilder is seen by many as the spark that can ignite the heavyweight division once again. On Saturday, August 4 "The Bronze Bomber" will step into the ring in front of his home state fans at the Mobile Civic Center Arena Expo Hall in Mobile, Alabama to face fellow unbeaten heavyweight Kelvin "Price Is Right" Price, who hails from just down the road in Pensacola, Florida, in a showdown that will be televised live on FOX Sports Net and FOX Deportes and FUEL TV.

The fight is Wilder's first since his biggest win to date, a third round technical knockout over longtime heavyweight contender Owen Beck on June 23. Now Price is next in line to try and chop down the 6-foot-7 rising star.

Wilder vs. Price is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and the Mobile Sports Authority. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. CT. The FOX Sports Net, FOX Deportes and FUEL TV bilingual simulcast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $77, $42 and $22, go on sale on Saturday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. CT and will be available for purchase at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office and by calling (251) 208-7906 or via Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or at.

26-year-old Deontay Wilder (23-0, 23 KO's) put his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama on the boxing map in 2008 when he earned a Bronze Medal at the Beijing Olympics as the only United States boxer to medal at the games. Later that year, he turned professional with a second round technical knockout over Ethan Cox. Since then, no one has gotten out of the fourth round against the exciting knockout artist. He has gone 3-0 in 2012 thus far, with the big win over Beck proving that he's ready for prime time. Wilder is not about to let his fans in Alabama down on August 4 or in the future.

One of the few heavyweights that match Wilder with not only an unbeaten record, but in size, Pensacola's 6-foot-7 Kelvin Price (13-0, 6 KO's) will present some difficulties for the Olympian that has yet to see in his professional career. A six-year veteran who got a late start in the sport, the 37-year-old is perhaps best known for spoiling the perfect record of hot prospect Tor Hamer in 2010. He's ready to play that spoiler role again next month in Wilder's back yard.

A co-featured bout and a full undercard will be announced shortly.

Tomasz Adamek vs Travis Walker Official for September 8

Tomasz Adamek returns to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on the afternoon of Saturday, September 8th when he takes on Travis Walker of Houston, the #12 contender, for the IBF's North American Heavyweight Title.

Standing nearly 6'5", Walker (39-7-1, 31 KO's) is coming off a big TKO win over Kali Meehan in Australia. A true road warrior known for his size and punching power, Walker has gone the distance with #3 contender Kubrat Pulev and Ruslan Chagaev in Germany. In addition to Meehan, Walker defeated Alonzo Butler, who was 28-1 at the time.

The bout will be promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions and televised in Poland via PPV. Arrangements to televise the fight in the US have not yet been made. Doors open at 1:30 PM. First bout will be at 2 pm.

"Tomasz has expressed his desire to face tall opponents in order to better prepare for inevitable future fights with the many super-sized heavyweights who are in the division," said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. "Travis Walker is a top 12 contender coming off a big win who is eager to face Adamek's challenge. We expect another great event at Pru Center. The only difference will be that this show will take place in the afternoon to accommodate Polish television."

Walker expressed his confidence in winning this fight, "Adamek thinks that I will be an easy win for him, but he will be greatly surprised at the combination of finesse, strength and power that I will utilize in this fight. I'm going to stop him, period."

Walker's promoter, Adrian L. Patrick, CEO of KO KINGS PROMOTIONS, added, "I predict that Travis will stop Adamek. At some point in the 12 rounds, Adamek will slip and Travis will destroy him."

In his most recent bout, Adamek (46-2, 28 KO's) captured the IBF North American heavyweight championship title when he defeated Eddie Chambers of Philadelphia, who suffered a bicep tear early in the fight.

Adamek said, "I like Travis as an opponent because he is a tough fighter and all his fights are interesting. Every fight he fights is for the fans, like me." He added, "I have fought at Prudential Center eight times and I am excited to come back to give my fans a good fight and another exciting win."

The undercard bouts will be announced in the coming weeks. It is expected that Philadelphia's fast rising star, Heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings (IBF #8) will appear.

“Knockout Kings” to be Headlined by Canelo Alvarez Facing Josesito Lopez for theWBC Super Welterweight World Championship onSeptember 15 at MGM Grand

“Knockout Kings” to be Headlined by Canelo Alvarez Facing Josesito Lopez for theWBC Super Welterweight World Championship onSeptember 15 at MGM Grand Live on Showtime®

WBC Featherweight World Champion Jhonny Gonzalez To

Take on Former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon

Mexican Independence Day weekend will come alive in one-of-a-kind fashion on Saturday, September 15 when “Knockout Kings” featuring undefeated Mexican sensation Canelo Alvarez taking on boxing’s breakout star and upset-minded Josesito Lopez for Canelo’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Welterweight World Championship, takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME. Fans can expect fireworks all night long with the unparalleled quadruple-header, which also features WBC Featherweight World Champion Jhonny Gonzalez defending his title against former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon.

“Knockout Kings,” a tremendous evening of pure Mexican power and pride, is promoted 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. The quadruple-header will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME. Additional co-featured fights will be announced soon.

SHOWTIME Sports will also 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 will be announced shortly.

“We know the exceptional talent we have in Mexican superstar Canelo, and certainly Josesito Lopez deserves the opportunity to face him after his stunning upset victory over Victor Ortiz on June 23,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “It is going to be another prideful Mexican Independence Day weekend for Mexican and Mexican-American fans having their most celebrated fighter, Canelo, fighting that night along with Jhonny Gonzalez and Daniel Ponce De Leon, who are going to deliver their own electrifying championship battle.”

“It is a great pleasure for Golden Boy Promotions to be working with MGM Resorts International and SHOWTIME Sports on this exciting night of boxing,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions. “To be able to showcase top-caliber boxing talent in Canelo, Josesito Lopez, Jhonny Gonzalez and Ponce De Leon on the same show packs a lot of power and pride into a tremendous evening for attendees and viewers watching at home. It’s also a special gift for Mexican and Mexican American fans who have supported the sport for so long to have Canelo appear once again on Mexican Independence Day weekend. If there is anyone who deserves a shot at Canelo, it’s Josesito because he showed that heart and will can determine the outcome of any fight. I’ve never seen a fighter show that.”

“SHOWTIME has fully committed to promoting this tremendous night of boxing as if it were a pay-per-view, but instead is offering this quadruple-header to all boxing fans across the country,” continued Schaefer. “We are very pleased that CBS will also be committed to promoting this event on various platforms.”

“We are excited to be able to offer SHOWTIME subscribers a chance to see boxing’s newest star, Canelo Alvarez, in what promises to be a dramatic fight,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Canelo’s talent and charisma has re-energized boxing and drawn legions of casual fans to the sport. Josesito Lopez may not be as well-known as Canelo, but he has already shown that it would be a mistake for any opponent to overlook Josesito Lopez. Many counted him out in his last fight against Victor Ortiz, but he stunned the SHOWTIME audience and boxing fans worldwide with his gutsy performance and earned his shot at Canelo. This match-up, and this entire card as a whole, promises to be non-stop action and we are proud to deliver explosive fights to our viewers.”

Richard Sturm, president of sports and entertainment for MGM Resorts International, said, “We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend with one of the most exciting events of the summer. There is no doubt that Golden Boy Promotions will deliver a fight that has a major impact on boxing fans worldwide.”

Already a phenom in his home country of Mexico, Canelo turned professional at the age of 15 and has amassed a record of 40-0-1, with 29 knockouts. Since 2008, he has knocked out 14 of 18 opponents and is coming off of a dominant unanimous decision win over future Hall of Famer and former Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley in May. Now, the 21-year-old considered to be one of boxing’s fastest-rising stars will make his SHOWTIME debut on Mexico’s biggest holiday weekend of the year, Mexican Independence Day weekend. Canelo will look to continue his meteoric rise to international superstardom as he follows in the footsteps of De La Hoya, his childhood idol and current promoter.

“I am happy to be fighting Josesito Lopez on Mexican Independence Day weekend and to give all of our fans a tremendous battle,” said Canelo. “I was ringside for his fight against Victor Ortiz and saw the talent he possesses. It will be very competitive, but nothing can take away my desire to be the best in the sport. I am also excited to be fighting for the Mexican people and Mexican American fans on Mexican Independence Day weekend. I look forward to showing so many people who will be watching me across the United States that I love being a champion. I want them to think of me as one of the greatest fighters ever.”

In June, Lopez emerged from relative obscurity and scored the biggest win of his career over the heavily favored Ortiz in the main event of a SHOWTIME Championship Boxing. Lopez shocked the boxing world by stopping Ortiz, one of today’s most popular and talented fighters. Lopez (30-4, 18 KO’s) of Riverside, Calif., has the opportunity to recreate his “Rocky moment” on Sept. 15, when he challenges for his first world title against a man that many believe to be boxing’s next superstar.

“I am so happy to have the chance to continue my career fighting another great champion in Canelo Alvarez especially on such a big weekend like Mexican Independence Day,” said Lopez. “I know they put me in the ring with Victor Ortiz to have me beat and now they are doing the same thing with Canelo. I was a big underdog with Ortiz and now I’m a bigger underdog with Canelo, but I’m up for the challenge.”

Also featured on the SHOWTIME telecast will be reigning Mexico City’s Jhonny Gonzalez (52-7, 45 KO’s) who once ruled the bantamweight division with his iron fists, winning two world titles and defeating the likes of Fernando Montiel, Irene Pacheco and recently inducted Hall of Famer Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson. Reinventing himself at featherweight, where he has gone 12-0 with 11 knockouts, he won the WBC 126-pound title by stopping Hozumi Hasegawa in the fourth round in April 2011. Four title defenses, including an April 2012 decision over Elio Rojas, have followed, and on September 15, the 30-year old will seek a fifth successful defense against De Leon.

“This is a fight I have been wanting for a long time and now to have the opportunity to do it for my Mexican people is so great,” said Gonzalez. “That is a big weekend for everyone and I am going to show the world why I am still the best in the division.”

Power puncher Daniel Ponce De Leon (43-4, 35 KO’s) has long been one of boxing’s most dependable warriors. Former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion De Leon defended his crown six times during his 2005-08 reign. After losing the title to Juan Manuel Lopez in 2008, he began the next chapter of his career, winning nine of his next 11 fights following that defeat. In 2012, wins over Omar Estrella (KO6) and Eduardo Lazcano (W10) at featherweight have put him in line for a shot at 126-pound gold, but to get it, he will have to beat countryman Gonzalez on the 15th of September.

“Gonzalez is a very good fighter, but I have the experience and ability to beat him and take his title from him,” said De Leon. “The Mexican fans will all be watching and there is going to be tremendous pressure on all of us to win our bouts and look great doing it. I will become the new champion that night and my career will move up to a new level.”

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

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

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

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Sunday, July 22, 2012