★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Veteran Rehm expecting difficult challenge next month against ‘Doomsday’ Howard

Scott Rehm knows what he’s up against.

He knows he’ll be a heavy underdog when he faces former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) veteran John “Doomsday” Howard on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012 at Twin River Casino. He also knows he’s got the sport’s greatest equalizer, a secret weapon tucked away behind two explosive fists.

“Anything can happen if you put your hands on somebody in the right spot,” Rehm said. “On any given night, right?”

At 44 years old, Rehm (6-6, 6 KOs) has a puncher’s chance, a chance few thought he had in September when he knocked out 30-year-old challenger Steve Skrzat in just 29 seconds. Years of training in both law enforcement and martial arts, including the Israeli self-defense technique Krav Maga, have given Rehm the “heavy hands” Howard (16-7, 5 KOs) will fear most when the two Boston natives face one another next week in the three-round main event of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Far Beyond Driven” card.

“He has a lot of balls,” said Howard, who recently defeated Rhode Island native Todd Chattelle in April to win CES MMA’s inaugural middleweight title.

“He comes to bang, and he knocks a lot of people out. He’s a little unorthodox, and he will hit you and put you out if you give him the chance, but I think me being younger and more experienced will work against him.”

Rehm is as relaxed as ever entering next week’s fight; facing Howard is an opportunity of a lifetime. A win would be the signature moment of his career, and, perhaps, the perfect sendoff if he decides to walk away once the fight ends.

“There’s no difference in this camp,” Rehm said. “There are bumps and bruises like there are in every camp, but they seem to be piling up more this time around. It’s not that I’m necessarily training harder. Like my doctor says, the engine looks good, the transmission is in great shape, and there’s not a scratch on it, but I’m still 44 years old. These things will happen.”

For “Doomsday,” the stakes are much higher; a loss could be the death sentence – or, at best, a temporary derailment – in his quest to return to the UFC, a goal he’s worked toward feverishly since the promotion released him in July of 2011 following three consecutive losses. Having been there before, Howard feels more internal pressure to beat Rehm than he does to get back to the sport’s biggest stage.

“Honestly, I’m not in a rush,” he said, “because I’ve already proven I belong there. I went to Miami [in October] and beat Dennis Olson, who was one of the top-ranked welterweights. I came [to Rhode Island] and beat Todd Chattelle, who was No. 1 in New England. Part of me not being in the UFC is a case of bad luck. Everyone goes through it. Marcus Davis [released from the UFC in January of 2011] went through it – we’ve all gone through it.

“With this fight, I’m once again in a lose-lose situation because if I beat him, then I was supposed to beat him, but if I lose … He has nothing to lose and everything to gain, whereas I have everything to lose and nothing to gain.”

The only hiccup in putting this fight together was the fact Rehm and Howard are close friends who’ve trained and worked with one another through the years, so Rehm sent Howard a text message shortly after the fight was proposed.

Howard’s response?

“Let’s go have some fun,” he said.

At heart, Rehm is a realist who knows he’s not competing for a spot in the UFC, nor would he dodge anyone to avoid putting an unnecessary blemish on his record.

“I’ve never looked at those things,” he said. “I didn’t get into this sport expecting to go to the UFC, but I’m still going to challenge myself, and John is a phenomenal challenge.

“I guess we all want to see where we stand. The type of fighter I am is someone who goes out and challenges himself. I’m fighting for the love of it and to see where I stand in the grand scheme. This is clearly the biggest challenge ever put in front of me.

“I bet no one has me at even money.”

Howard isn’t nearly as quick to dismiss his opponent. He respects Rehm’s power and is entering this fight unsure of what to expect, similar to his last bout against Chattelle in which he needed at least one round to figure out the game plan.

“I think Scott will take his time,” Howard said. “He’s a smart man, but I honestly don’t know how he’ll fight me. He might try to throw a curveball and take me down.

“I don’t go into a fight expecting it to be a certain way. If he just comes at me with his hands, then so be it, but if he wants to take me down, I’ll be prepared for that, too. It depends on how he comes at me. I’ve got a Plan A, B, C, D and E.”

Aside from his own punching power, which he used to dispose of Chattelle shortly before the end of the second round in their five-round title bout in April, Howard is also relying on his experience in big fights to push him over the top.

“Fighting Top 10 guys and training with Top 10 guys, you know what to expect when you get on that big stage,” Howard said. “It’s a totally different mindset. I’ve fought some of the best guys in the world, so I know what it takes to be there.

“You could see the difference in experience against [Chattelle]. I knew what to do, and how to pace myself. Everyone thought I’d take him down immediately, but people forget I’m a striker. I took my time to see what he would do. All he was thinking of doing was knocking me out. Knowing his game plan made it easier for me.”

Though he tries to eliminate any thoughts of a potential return to the UFC should he win this fight, Howard admits there’s been some “buzz” recently about what the future holds. The only question is whether or not he’d continue fighting at 185 pounds, or if he’ll return to welterweight, where he spent the bulk of his UFC career.

“I want to make sure I’m really ready,” Howard said. “Most guys who get kicked out and come back only come back once. I don’t want to have to go through that again.”

Until then, Howard’s main focus is on facing Rehm, who could be the roadblock in his path back to the top. Rehm, after all, has nothing to lose on Aug. 3, a stark contrast to the pressure Howard will face next Friday at Twin River.

“No one is ever going to turn around when I’m done and say I wasn’t legit,” Rehm said. “I didn’t just get in on some small level to see if I could do it; I’ve only fought one fighter who had a losing record going into the fight and he beat me [Elias Rivera in 2009].

“In my mind, I’m constantly looking to see who’s out there and where I stand. I know my hands are full. I know I’m swimming in the deep end of the water. Look, John is the real deal. He’s 29 years old. He’s been to the UFC, and he’s fought nothing but animals there. I know what I’m getting into, but when it’s all said and done, regardless of the outcome, I know I’ll have fought the tough fights.”

Tickets for “Far Beyond Driven” are $35.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or through any TicketMaster location. Doors open 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.

The undercard features a lightweight showdown between Providence’s Mike “The Beast” Campbell (10-4, 7 KOs) and Bombsquad veteran Don Carlo-Clauss (9-6, 3 KOs) of Ithaca, N.Y., in addition to a light heavyweight battle between Greg Rebello (13-4, 7 KOs), also of Providence, and Carlos Cline (3-3, 1 KO) of Queens.

Lightweight Ruben Rey (5-3, 5 KOs) of Providence will face Sergio Moran Cabrera (1-0) of Boston; Hector Sanchez (0-3) of Woonsocket, R.I., will battle newcomer Dave Maggiore of Framingham, Mass., in a welterweight bout; and Johnston, R.I., light heavyweight Joe Pingitore(1-0, 1 KO) will face newcomer Ahsan Abdullah of Cortland, N.Y. Also on the undercard, Tyson Chartier (2-2) of Waltham, Mass., will face Wakefield, R.I., welterweight Tim O’Connell (4-4); welterweight Chris Cole (2-1) of Attleboro, Mass., will battle Robbie Leroux (3-1, 1 KO) of Fall River, Mass.; and Dinis Paiva Jr. (1-3) of East Providence, R.I., will face Framingham’s Gilvan Santos (1-3) in a welterweight bout. Providence middleweight Brennan Ward (2-0, 1 KO) will also be featured in a separate three-round bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

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“Title Wave”; The undercard Friday, July 27th, 2012 on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights in Atlantic City, N.J.

The undercard also features a six-round light middleweight bout between Thomas Lamanna (8-0, 5 KOs) of Millville, N.J., and William Brown (5-3) of Akron, Ohio, in addition to a four-round welterweight bout between Anthony Young (4-0, 2 KOs) of Atlantic City and Richie Andrews (3-1-3, 1 KO) of Stuarts Draft, Va. Josh Mercado (5-1, 2 KOs) of Cape May, N.J., will battleKorey Sloane (2-4-1) of Philadelphia in a four-round bout and Atlantic City’s Antowyan Aikens (5-0, 1 KO) will face Jimmy Ellis (3-5-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round super middleweight bout.

Also on the undercard, Kenneth Moody (2-3-2, 1 KO) of Virginia Beach, Va., will face Ismael Garcia (3-0) of Millville, N.J., in a four-round middleweight bout and super middleweight Isaiah Seldon of Somers Point, N.J., will face Steven Tyner (3-5-2, 2 KOs) of Akron in a four-round bout. All fights and fighters subject to change.

Philadelphia's brightest ready to shine‏; Takin’ over the city Philadelphia’s hottest prospects featured on Fridays ESPN telecast in Atlantic City

For years, it was Joe Frazier and Sonny Liston. Then along came Bernard Hopkins and Steve Cunningham.

Now there’s a new breed of young, up-and-comers in Philadelphia, and three of the city’s brightest will be on display Friday, July 27th, 2012 on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights in Atlantic City, N.J., when Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports presents, “Title Wave,” live professional boxing from Resorts Casino Hotel.

The headliner of Friday’s card is “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (22-1-1, 11 KOs), the reigning North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion, the world’s No. 1-ranked 135-pounder, and, perhaps most fittingly, the heir apparent to Hopkins’ throne in the City of Brotherly Love as Philadelphia’s next world champion. He’ll face Mexican challenger Raymundo Beltran in ESPN’s 10-round main event.

Lundy will be joined by 29-year-old super middleweight prospect Farah Ennis (19-1, 12 KOs), who will star in Friday’s nationally-televised 10-round co-feature against Richard Pierson, and bantamweight Miguel Cartagena (5-0, 3 KOs), who will put his unbeaten record on the line against Jose Rivera in a six-round bout.

With fellow Philadelphian Danny Garcia pulling off the upset two weeks against the heavily-favored Amir Kahn to capture the light welterweight world title and two fighters from the same city being featured this weekend on the worldwide leader in sports, there’s a boxing renaissance brewing in the heart of Philadelphia.

“Philly is hot right now!” Lundy said. “There are a lot of other Philadelphia fighters that could’ve been on this card, but we’re holding Philly down right now. We’re bringing that Philadelphia fight back to the city. It’s been a while. For a long time, it was just Bernard, but now we’re all coming out at one time. Don’t be surprised if we have a champion in every weight class real soon.”

Perhaps the most unique angle with three Philadelphia fighters on Friday’s card is the fact each one is from a different neighborhood. Lundy was raised in South Philadelphia, where he got his start in boxing by knocking out a would-be bully in the streets. Ennis grew up in Germantown, a small neighborhood in the northwest section, and Cartagena was raised in North Philadelphia – the birthplace of Frazier – where roughly half the population lives below the poverty line.

“We didn’t have the best living conditions,” Cartagena said, “but we always had food on the table and clothes on our back.”

Similar to Lundy, who passed up a football scholarship so his sister could attend college, Cartagena took up boxing as a way to stay off the streets and out of trouble.

“My dad put me in the gym at 7 years old and I’ve never left,” Cartagena said. “I’m glad I started early.”

Ennis’ introduction to boxing began at an even earlier age; his father and current trainer, Derrick Ennis, boxed briefly as a professional in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, and his older brother, Derek “Pooh” Ennis, is a former United States Boxing Association (USBA) light middleweight champion, so, suffice to say, the younger Ennis has been in the gym his whole life.

“I’ve got videos of my brother and I sparring in the gym from 1989,” Ennis said. “Once I got older, I realized this was what I wanted to do, and I wanted to pursue it before I got too old and reached the point where I was talking about what I could’ve been. I want to do it now and put my all into it before it’s too late.”

Nicknamed “The Quiet Storm,” Ennis is on the right path; he won his first 17 pro fights and captured the NABF super middleweight title before losing a close, majority decision to unbeaten prospect Alexander Johnson in April of 2011. Since then, he’s won his last two and will now make his national television debut Friday night.

“I’m treating it like just another fight,” Ennis said. “I can’t afford to think about the TV aspect.”

“He can punch,” Lundy said of Ennis, “and he’s a humble guy. That’s why they call him ‘The Quiet Storm,’ but don’t mistake that quietness for weakness.”

That quiet, yet destructive, nature, Lundy said, is part of what sets Philadelphia fighters apart from others. The city gained fame through the popularity of the Rocky movie series, but the reality is Philadelphia has always been home to some of boxing’s toughest warriors, whether it was Liston – who fought out of Philadelphia in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s – Frazier, Tim Witherspoon, Harold Johnson, Bob Montgomery or Hopkins, who recently became the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title.

“We always come ready to fight,” Ennis said. “There’s a lot of heart in this city.”

“I think we’ve got more heart than others,” Cartagena added. “We bring a little more attraction to each fight.”

The world will find out what that Philadelphia spirit is all about when Lundy and Ennis invade homes across the world Friday night on ESPN. Pay attention, because this might be the start of a new boxing renaissance in the City of Brotherly Love.

“We’ll show what we’re all about,” Lundy said. “It’s great to see Philadelphia back on top.”

AIBA Road to London II boxers ready for the Games after training camp comes to an end‏

After three weeks of intense training at Cardiff University in the Welsh capital, 44 boxers from underprivileged countries are now all set to take to the ring at the ExCeL London and compete for Olympic medals. As part of the Road to Dream program which aims to provide athletes with the best possible preparations before major international competitions, the AIBA Road to London II was overseen by Thomas Coulter, a former Olympic Head Coach of Team USA, and his Italian Assistant Carmine 'Nino' Fracasso. All costs were covered by AIBA.

The gruelling three-week program ended on Monday 23 July with a Farewell Dinner at the Welsh National Cricket Centre organised by the Welsh Boxing Association (WABA). This morning, the athletes departed from Cardiff and travelled to the Olympic Village where they will be based for the entirety of the London 2012 Olympic Games. For all the boxers that participated, the memories of this tough but extremely beneficial training camp will live long.

Great friendships developed during the period in which the boxers were together and the opportunity to train with so many fighters from all over the world is one they will never forget.

Lots of sweat and hard work went into the first two weeks of training, with the focus on getting the participants' fitness levels to their peak and eradicating any bad habits in their techniques, before priming them to be able to challenge the best of the best in the ring. Once Head Coach Coulter had put the boxers through days of some of the hardest exercises known in the sport, the progress made by all the athletes was huge and very satisfying for all involved. Throughout their stay, the boxers also had constant access to top physiotherapists as well as any medical services they required.

The final two days of the camp were dedicated to light sessions where the boxers were free to choose their training program. The idea was to give a bit of down time to the athletes before they take part in the most important competition of their lives.

The Road to London II boxers as well as their coaches (37) were said to have been delighted with the training camp and believed that they had learnt a great deal and were now ready, raring to go and fully prepared to make their mark on the biggest stage of all, the Olympic Games. AIBA has worked tremendously hard with the Road to Dream program and there are high hopes now that the London 2012 Olympic Games will see participants of the program claim several medals.

"Thank you AIBA for the opportunity to attend another great 'Road to Dream' camp. I am very grateful for what you are doing to develop boxers from all over the globe, including me. London, here I come", declared Alexis Pritchard (60kg) from New Zealand.

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.

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.

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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